Commission News

City Commission Meeting - October 3, 2022

Safety Harbor Fire Department Swearing In Ceremony

Please join us in congratulating Safety Harbor Fire Department employee, Gavin Latour who was officially sworn in to service at last night’s City Commission Meeting.

Mayor Ayoub facilitated the Oath of Office, and Firefighter/Paramedic Latour was pinned with a Safety Harbor Fire Badge by his wife, Layne.

Congratulations, Gavin and welcome to the Safety Harbor Family!

Pictured L to R: Fire Chief Stefancic, Daughter Mila, Wife Layne, Firefighter/Paramedic Gavin Latour, and Mayor Ayoub

Ritchie Family Recognized Through Proclamation

At last night’s City Commission meeting, the City recognized the Ritchie family with a proclamation declaring October 3, 2022, as The Ritchie Family Day, recognizing their dedication to Safety Harbor and in operating the Safety Harbor Motel since 1998.

Pictured L to R: Douglas Ritchie, Wife Ann-Katrin, and Mayor Ayoub

City Commission Meeting - September 19, 2022

Arbor Day Proclamation

At the September 19, 2022, City Commission Meeting the Mayor and Commission recognized Arbor Day by proclamation.

In recognition, the City will be giving away 450 trees at the Public Works Complex located at 1200 Railroad Avenue from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., or until all trees are gone on Saturday, October 8, 2022.

Pictured L to R: Community Development Director Marcie Stenmark and Mayor Ayoub

City Employee Kathy Howell Retirement Recognition

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Kathy Howell (Finance Department) on her retirement after 10 years of service to City of Safety Harbor. Kathy was recognized at the September 19th City Commission meeting. Congrats to Kathy, we wish her all the best!

Pictured L to R: Kathy Howell, Mayor Ayoub, and John (Kathy’s husband)

City Commission Meeting - September 6, 2022

City Recognizes Janet Hooper – Mattie Williams Neighborhood Family Center

The City recognized retired Executive Director of the Mattie Williams Neighborhood Center, Janet Hooper for her many accomplishments and philanthropic efforts over the years, which touched the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of people throughout her career and time spent volunteering in various capacities.

Pictured: Janet Hooper and Mayor Ayoub

Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month Recognized by City Proclamation

At the City Commission Meeting, Mayor Ayoub and the Commissioners recognized September 15, 2022, to October 15, 2022, as National Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month to celebrate the rich cultural traditions and honor the significant achievements of our Hispanic and Latino American Communities in Safety Harbor.

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic-Latino Heritage month from September 15th to October 15th by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens who came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The September 15th date is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16th and September 18th , respectively. Columbus Day or Dia de la Raza, which is October 12th also falls within this 30 day period.

Pictured L to R: Robert Dooley (Diversity Advisory Board Member), Mayor Ayoub, and Priscilla Velez (Diversity Advisory Board Member)

City Commission Meeting - August 1, 2022

Christopher Palmieri Employee of the Second Quarter 2022

Congratulations to Jillian Cook (Recreation) for being named the Christopher Palmieri Employee of the Quarter, 2nd Quarter 2022. Jillian was recognized at the City Commission Meeting and was nominated by her co-workers for exemplifying the saying – “let what you love be what you do.” Way to go, Jillian!

The Christopher Palmieri Employee of the Quarter Program was established in June of 2018 in memory of City Employee, District Chief Chris Palmieri. Throughout the year, we remember our friend and co-worker, and the example he set as a positive and committed employee of the City of Safety Harbor, which is the true meaning behind our Employee of the Quarter Program.

Pictured L to R: Taylor (Jillian’s husband), Jillian Cook (Recreation Program Supervisor), and Mayor Ayoub

Lift Station Mechanic Jon Byrd Retirement Recognition

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Jon Byrd (Life Station Mechanic), on his retirement after 31 ½ of service to City of Safety Harbor. Jon was recognized at last night’s City Commission meeting. Congrats to Jon, we wish him all the best!

Pictured: center Jon Byrd with Mayor Ayoub and Public Works staff