Invasive Plant Removal

This week, beginning on Thursday, April 7, the City’s contractor will begin removal of invasive Brazilian Pepper Trees from street-end rights-of-way along N. Bayshore Dr.

The species was brought into Florida in mid-1800 for use as an ornamental plant. The plant is known for its bright red berries and brilliant green foliage. As per the National Park Service, this species is actually an aggressive woody weed.

Brazilian Peppers often displace native vegetation. In Florida, the Brazilian Pepper Tree species is listed as a noxious weed and a Class 1 prohibited aquatic plant. In addition to the Brazilian Pepper Trees, the contractor will be removing one (1) Chinaberry tree which is also a non-native, invasive Class 2 prohibited plant.

Move on Over, Safety Harbor

Picture this: you’re cruising down McMullen Booth Road on a spring day with the windows down when you encounter emergency vehicles on the shoulder. How do you appropriately handle this situation so that the first responders can safely make it home to their families? Fortunately, your friends at the Safety Harbor Fire Department are prepared to share a few national safety standards and state statutes to prevent an irreversible mistake.

Did you know that all 50 states have passed “Move Over” laws that mandate drivers reduce their speed or move over one lane for emergency workers? When encountering emergency vehicles with their lights on, Florida state law requires you to move over (if possible) or reduce your speed to 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit. Another way to protect yourself and others from an avoidable accident is to remain alert and avoid distractions while driving.

We look forward to our future safe encounters out in the community.

Feb/Mar 22 Junior Mayor with Mayor Ayoub

Junior Mayor of Safety Harbor

Emilia V. is a Safety Harbor resident whose philanthropic nature and volunteer efforts earned her rcognition as part of the Junior Mayor Challenge.

Safety Harbor’s youth, teens, and senior citizens benefit from her efforts promoting businesses and supporting a healthy economy that helps Safety Harbor thrive and raising awareness that children and teen residents wish to be heard on topics and concerns they feel their community would benefit from by being addressed.

Emilia helps advertise, and frequently visits, downtown businesses, volunteers at local restaurants for various events, and offers dog-walking services in her community through her own private business.

Emilia is passionate about being involved in her community and helps target areas of focus that provide a better place to live and play for all Safety Harbor residents. As a model volunteer, student, entrepreneur, and citizen of Safety Harbor, Emilia has a bright future ahead of her.

Safety Harbor Garden Club at Folly Farm Gazebo

Folly Magic

Native plants, butterflies, and cheer galore at Folly Farm and Mullet Creek Park, the homes of the Safety Harbor Garden Club!

The Club is a group of plant-loving people with the intention of learning about, educating others on, and fostering the growth of local flora. With help from the talented and dedicated city team, the Club is underway making Folly Farm the best butterfly garden in the state.

Efforts include the planting and care of a rainbow-like display of nectar and host plants that keep our winged lovelies plenty happy stopping in town! With such a noble task at hand, the Safety Harbor Garden Club is always welcoming new members and extra hands. All are welcome to volunteer, and those seeking to become new members of the Club should visit safetyharborgardenclubsafetyharborflorida.com and click on “Application Form New Members” under the “Membership” tab.

Yearly dues are $20 per person or $35 per couple, and you may email any additional questions to MembershipSHGC@Gmail.com. Or you might want to simply come out to Folly Farm Monday and Tuesday mornings to meet the family and volunteer! Tasks include weeding, pruning, having a blast, transplanting plants, eating desserts, sunbathing (while filling buckets with weeds), learning the names and ways of plants and their butterfly friends, and of course, the beautification and enhancement of Folly Farm, for which the Safety Harbor Garden Club is famous. Hope to see you soon, cheers!

Board & Committee Applicants Wanted

Have you ever wanted to help make the City a better place to live, work, and play? The Clerk’s office is seeking applicants for various Boards and Committees, all of which greatly benefit from your contribution as a Board Member.

Available Boards and Committees include:

• Board of Appeals
• Code Enforcement Board
• Diversity Advisory Board
• Finance Advisory Committee
• Library Advisory Committee
• Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
• Planning & Zoning Board
• Public Art Committee

If you’d like more information on each Board or Committee and how you can apply to help serve your City, please visit www.cityofsafetyharbor.com/52/boards

City Meetings & Events

City Commission 4/4 7pm
Library Advisory Committee 4/12 7pm
Board of Appeals/Planning & Zoning Board 4/13, 6:30pm
Finance Advisory Committee 4/14, 6:30pm
All City Facilities Closed - Spring Holiday 4/15
City Commission 4/18 7pm
Code Enforcement Board 4/20, 7pm

3rd Friday Street Celebration (Main Street) 4/15, 6-10pm