Commission News

City Commission Meeting - May 2, 2022


Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month ProclamationAsian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Proclamation

At the May 2, 2022, City Commission meeting, the Mayor and Commissioners recognized May 2022 as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate the many contributions of Americans who are of Asian and Pacific Islander descent representing more than 20 million Americans across the United States.

Pictured L to R – Diversity Advisory Board Chair Lewis Ponds, Jr. and Mayor Ayoub






Mental Health Awareness Month ProclamationMental Health Awareness Month Proclamation

The Mayor and City Commission recognized May 2022 as Mental Health Awareness month in an effort to call upon the citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, and schools in Safety harbor to recommit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health and the steps our citizens can take to shine a light on mental illness, fight stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for equal care. 

Pictured L to R – Recreation Superintendent and Strategic Planning Health Committee Member – FRPA Shannon Schafer and Mayor Ayoub




Sri Chinmoy Oneness–Home Peace Run DayRecognition of Sri Chinmoy Oneness–Home Peace Run Day

At the May 2, 2022, City Commission Meeting, the Mayor and Commissioners recognized May 4, 2022, as Sri Chinmoy Oneness–Home Peace Run Day to help promote international friendship, understanding, and world harmony through support of the global Peace Run and participation in the holding of the Peace Torch.







Mayor Ayoub Appointed VP/Treasurer of the Mayor's Council of Pinellas CountyMayor Ayoub Appointed VP/Treasurer

of the Mayor's Council of Pinellas County

Congratulations to Mayor Ayoub on his appointment to VP/Treasurer of the Mayor’s Council of Pinellas County on May 4, 2022!

Pictured L to R – St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, Largo Mayor Woody Brown, Mayor Joe Ayoub, County Commissioner Renee Flowers, and South Pasadena Mayor Arthur Penny





Professional Municipal Clerks Week Professional Municipal Clerks Week

The Mayor and City Commission recognized May 1 through May 7, 2022 as Professional Municipal Clerks Week, sponsored by the Internal Institute of Municipal Clerks to recognize the vital role and contributions City Clerks provide in serving local government and their communities.  

Pictured – The City Clerks of Pinellas County at the Mayor’s Luncheon on May 4, 2022. Safety Harbor City Clerk Rachael Telesca pictured center right.

City Commission Meeting - April 18, 2022


Paul Henderson with Mayor Ayoub for Years of Service AwardPaul Henderson, Fleet Mechanic - Years of Service Award

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Paul Henderson who was recognized at last night’s City Commission meeting for completing 5 years of service at City of Safety Harbor! 

Congrats, Paul, and thank you for your years of dedication, devotion, and service to the City, to your co-workers, and the citizens!  

Pictured L to R – Paul Henderson, Public Works, and Mayor Ayoub





Commissioner Diaz with Mayor Ayoub for Tampa Bay Planning Council Proclamation Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council Recognition

At the April 18, 2022, City Commission Meeting, the Mayor and Commissioners recognized by proclamation the 60th anniversary of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and their significant contributions over the last six decades to the quality of life for Tampa Bay region residents by providing a forum to foster communication, coordination, and collaboration in identifying and addressing issues and needs regionally.  

Pictured L to R – Commissioner Diaz, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council Board Member, and Mayor Ayoub





Junior Mayor Macey T with Mayor AyoubJunior Mayor Macey T.

At the April 18, 2022, City Commission meeting, Macey T. was sworn in by Mayor Ayoub as Junior Mayor for the months of April and May 2022.

The City of Safety Harbor recognized Macey for her volunteer efforts in cleaning up Safety Harbor and creating a safer and healthier environment for residents, visitors, animal and marine life in their community.   

Way to go, Junior Mayor T!





Safe Streets by Forward PinellasSafety Harbor Supports Safe Streets Pinellas

At the April 18, 2022, City Commission Meeting, the Mayor and Commissioners adopted a resolution supporting Safe Streets Pinellas, a vison zero effort to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries on the Pinellas Transportation Network. The City is committed to working with Forward Pinellas and partner agencies to identify and implement projects and programs that reduce the potential for serious traffic injuries and fatalities by taking a safe systems approach where feasible and appropriate.

Pictured L to R – Safety Harbor Commissioner Merz, Forward Pinellas Board Member; Whit Blanton, Executive Director of Forward Pinellas; Joanne “Cookie” Kennedy, Indian Rocks Beach Mayor and Forward Pinellas Chair; and Mayor Ayoub.

City Commission Meeting - April 4, 2022

First Presbyterian Church CentennialFirst Presbyterian Church of Safety Harbor Celebrates Centennial Anniversary

At the April 4, 2022, City Commission Meeting, the Mayor and City Commission presented First Presbyterian Church of Safety Harbor staff with a proclamation declaring April 1, 2022, as First Presbyterian Church of Safety Harbor Day and congratulated them on celebrating 100 years of serving our community.  

Thank you for your service to the Safety Harbor Community!










National Library Week ProclamationNational Library Week Proclamation

At the April 4, 2022, City Commission Meeting, the Mayor and Commission recognized the week of April 3rd through April 9th 2022 as National Library Week to encourage all residents to obtain a library card and to connect with their local Library.  

Pictured are members of the Library Advisory Committee, Library Foundation, Friends of the Library, and Library Staff along with Mayor Ayoub.  








North Pinellas Women's Club Supports Prevent Child Abuse MonthNorth Pinellas Women's Club Day Support National Prevent Child Abuse Month

The City of Safety Harbor City Commission recognized April 4, 2022, as North Pinellas Women’s Club Day to recognize their support of National Prevent Child Abuse Month and to express gratitude for their continued effort in making Safety Harbor and Pinellas County better for all citizens.  

Pictured are members of the General Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC), Junior GFWC, Members of Rotary and Kiwanis, and Mayor Ayoub.






Gary Marshall Years of Service RecognitionGary Marshall, Assistant Finance Director - Years of Service Award

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Gary Marshall who was recognized at last night’s City Commission meeting for completing 10 years of service at City of Safety Harbor! 

Congrats, Gary, and thank you for your years of dedication, devotion, and service to the City, your co-workers, and the citizens!  

Pictured left to right are Stacey Marshall (Gary’s wife), Gary Marshall (Finance), and Mayor Ayoub







Kathy Howell Years of Service RecognitionKathy Howell, Accounting Assistant - Years of Service Award

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Kathy Howell who was recognized at last night’s City Commission meeting for completing 10 years of service at City of Safety Harbor! 

Congrats, Kathy, and thank you for your years of dedication, devotion, and service to the City, your co-workers, and the citizens!  

Pictured left to right are John Howell (Kathy’s Husband), Kathy Howell (Finance), and Mayor Ayoub






Home Rule Hero AwardCity Manager Spoor Receives 2022 Home Rule Hero Award

Please join us in congratulating Safety Harbor City Manager Matthew Spoor for receiving the Florida League of Cities 2022 Home Rule Hero Award. City Manager Spoor was recognized for his hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2022 Legislative Session. City Manager Spoor worked tirelessly throughout the session to promote local voices making local choices, protecting the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities, and advancing the League’s legislative agenda.

Congratulations, CM Spoor, and thank you for being Safety Harbor’s Home Rule Hero!  

Pictured left to right are Commissioner Steingold, Vice Mayor Besore, City Manager Spoor, Mayor Ayoub, Commissioner Diaz, and Commissioner Merz.

City Commission Meeting - March 7, 2022

95th Anniversary of Commission-Manager form of Government PresentationSafety Harbor Celebrates 95th Anniversary as a Commission-Manager Form of Government

City of Clearwater’s Assistant City Manager and past Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) Past President, Micah Maxwell, presented the City of Safety Harbor with a certificate celebrating 2022 as our 95th year as a Commission-Manager form of government.

Congratulations, Safety Harbor!

Pictured L to R – City Manager Matthew Spoor, Clearwater Assistant Manager Micah Maxwell, and Mayor Ayoub



Andrew Portale named Firefighter of the Year 20212021 Firefighter of the Year – City of Safety Harbor

Congratulations to Firefighter/Paramedic Andrew Portale on being chosen City of Safety Harbor’s 2021 Firefighter of the Year.

Well deserved, FF/PM Portale and thank you for your service to the Safety Harbor Community.  

Pictured – FF/PM Andrew Portale (center) with Family and Mayor Ayoub.





Love My City Photo Contest Winners with Mayor Joe AyoubLove My City Photo Contest Winner Recognition

The City Commission recognized and awarded the 2021 Love My City Photo Contest winners at the March 7, 2022, Commission meeting. From the 6 First Place photos, the Commission chose the First Place Sunrise/Sunset photo by Kevin Moore as the Best in Show winner.

Thank you to the Safety Harbor Public Art Committee for your time and careful consideration in choosing the First-Place winners.

Congratulations to:

Fred Brisard – First Place in 2 categories: Thriving Downtown and Special Events & Programs

Kevin Moore – First Place in 2 categories: Sunrise/Sunset and Parks & Landmarks

Holly Apperson – First Place in Nature & Wildlife 

Jacqueline Faust – First Place in Love My City


Women's History Month Proclamation PresentationNational Women's History Month

At the March 7th City Commission Meeting, the Mayor and Commissioners recognized March, 2022 as National Women’s History Month to celebrate the countless women who have contributed to the growth and development of Safety Harbor, individual communities, the broader region, and our world.

Pictured L to R – Diversity Advisory Board Vice-Chair Sandra Mejicano, Mayor Ayoub, and Recreation Program Coordinator Donna Mack 





Irish-American Month Proclamation PresentationIrish American Heritage Month

At the March 7th City Commission meeting, the Mayor and Commissioners presented the Florida Irish American Heritage Association with a proclamation declaring March, 2022 as Irish American Heritage Month.

Pictured L to R – Florida Irish American Heritage Chair Sean Denny, Division President Diego Pestana, and Mayor Ayoub

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The Safety Harbor City Commission meets the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 PM in the Commission Chambers located at 750 Main Street.