Commission News

Commission Meeting - September 18, 2023

Employee Swearing In Ceremony

At the September 18, 2023, City Commission meeting, new employees were sworn into service. Congratulations to all, and welcome to Team Safety Harbor.

Arbor Day Recognition

At the September 18, 2023, City Commission Meeting the Mayor and Commission recognized Arbor Day by proclamation. In recognition, the City will be giving away free trees at the Public Works Complex located at 1200 Railroad Avenue on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 8am-11am, or until all trees are gone.

National Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month

At the September 18, 2023, City Commission meeting, the Diversity Advisory Board City Liaison Terri Kearnes accepted a proclamation from the City Commission recognizing September 15 - October 15, 2023, as National Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month to celebrate the rich cultural traditions and to honor the significant achievements of our Hispanic and Latino American Communities in Safety Harbor.

Commission Meeting - September 6, 2023

20 Years of Service Recognition for Joe Cooper

At last night’s City Commission meeting, the Mayor and Commission recognized Special Events Supervisor Joe Cooper for 20 years of service with the City!

Joe began his career with the City as the inaugural Special Events Coordinator. At that time, there were 21 citywide special events held on Main Street and at the Marina. As Downtown continued to redevelop and special event applicants increased, Joe’s position was reclassified to a Special Events Supervisor.

Fast forward to 2023, Joe’s citywide special events have raised over $750,000 for various local charities and make the City a destination place to be with over 100 event happenings throughout the year. Many other local municipalities look to Joe’s event structure as a model for success. Residents and visitors plan outings around the citywide events, and that's all a tribute to Joe. All the hard work behind the scenes by him and his team creates a strong sense of community and many memorable experiences.

Joe, thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the City and Leisure Services team. Congratulations on 20 years of service!

Commission Meeting - August 21, 2023

Recreation Summer Re-Cap Presentation

At the August 21, 2023, City Commission meeting, the Recreation Division management team, summer intern, and teen leaders came out to talk about the great summer we had!

From summer camps to swim lessons to new summer events and the garden at Elm Street, staff and participants had a successful summer serving the community with opportunities for education, safe childcare, leadership development, and of course, just having fun making new friends and memories!

15 Years of Service Recognition for Lyall Heishman

At the August 21, 2023, City Commission meeting, the Mayor and Commissioners recognized Fire Captain Lyall Heishman on 15 years of service with the City of Safety Harbor.

Captain Heishman started as a fire explorer with Safety Harbor in 2005. In 2008, he was hired as a full-time firefighter. During his first few years, he worked to become a paramedic and driver. Captain Heishman continued his education was promoted to Captain in 2016.

Captain Heishman assists the Training Division with training our new hires, monthly training for all our employees, and training with the other North County departments.

Safety Harbor appreciates his dedication to the public safety service for the past 15 years and continuing the mission of Safety Harbor Fire Department to protect lives and property.

Commission Meeting - August 7, 2023

Finance Director June Solanes Retirement Recognition

At last the August 7th City Commission meeting, the Mayor and Commission recognized Finance Director June Solanes on her retirement from the City after 15 years of service.

When June started with the City of Safety Harbor in 2008, her focus was to transform the Finance Department into a thriving team, and she has certainly accomplished that vision. During her tenure, she and her team have earned multiple awards that have been maintained for multiple years. These awards include the prestigious Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for years 2010-2017 and 2019-2021, in addition to the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award in 2011, and each year since 2016. What an accomplishment!

June is a proud and dedicated mother to her two sons and a doting grandmother to her two beautiful granddaughters. As June moves on to the next chapter in her life, we wish her the very best retirement full of health, happiness, and all the wonderful joys her heart desires.

Commission Meeting - July 17, 2023

20 Years of Service Recognition for Donna Mack

On Monday night, the City of Safety Harbor Commission recognized Program Coordinator Donna Mack for 20 years of service with the City!

Donna started her career with the City of Safety Harbor in October 1998, as a seasonal On-Call Recreation Leader assisting with special events, summer camps, and the supervised playground program. Through the years, she’s been promoted to different positions and now serves as a Recreation Program Coordinator running a successful volunteer program in addition to teaching fitness classes, and coordinating a variety of programs and events.

Donna, thank you for you dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the City and Leisure Services team. Congratulations on over 20 years of service!