Commission News

Commission Meeting - November 6, 2023

Native American Heritage Month Proclamation

At last night’s Commission meeting, Diversity Advisory Board City Liaison Terri Kearnes accepted the Native American Heritage Month Proclamation from Mayor Joe Ayoub on behalf of the City Commission.

During the month of November, we honor our Native American people and recognize their continued contributions in strengthening the diversity of our society.

Native Americans have enriched our heritage and continue to add to all aspects of our society through their generosity of culture and the continued practice of teaching economic, environmental, and cultural sustainability.

Commission Meeting - October 16, 2023

25 Years of Service Recognition - Tim Sattinger

On Monday night, the City of Safety Harbor Commission recognized Recreation Supervisor Tim Sattinger for 25 years of service with the City! Tim started his career with the City of Safety Harbor in 1992, as a Recreation Leader II. After a brief stint in the private sector, Tim came back to the City in 1998. Now, as Recreation Supervisor, Tim's primary focus is athletic, fitness, and pickleball programs.

Tim, thank you for you dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the City and Leisure Services team. Congratulations on over 25 years of service!

Chris Palmieri Employee of the Quarter - Jensen Perry

At Monday night’s City Commission meeting, the Mayor and Commission recognized Utility Billing Coordinator Jensen Perry on being selected as the Chris Palmieri Employee of the Quarter.

She is always ready to assist and help any of her colleagues as well as Safety Harbor residents. She has a special talent for jumping in wherever needed and making sure business gets done properly and on time. Over the summer, she not only performed her own job duties with precision, but she went in the field reading water meters for four months while the department was short one meter reader.

Jensen, thank you for your hard work and dedication to the City of Safety Harbor!

National Friends of the Library Week

October 15-21, 2023, is National Friends of the Library Week! Library staff and members of the Safety Harbor Friends of the Library attended Monday’s Commission meeting and received a proclamation from the Mayor.

The Safety Harbor Friends of the Library raise money to help our library move from good to great – providing additional funding resources for programming, support for reading programs, and special events throughout the year. The work of the Friends emphasizes our library as a cornerstone of the community providing opportunities for life-long learning, cultural events, and literacy.

Love My City Photo Contest Winners

The City Commission recognized and awarded the 2023 Love My City Photo Contest winners at the October 16, 2023, Commission meeting. From the 6 First Place photos, the Commission chose the Parks & Landmarks photo by Butch Knudsen as the Best in Show winner.

Thank you to the Safety Harbor Museum Board for your time and careful consideration in choosing the First Place winners.

Congratulations to:
Dave Hutchinson - Love My City
Joanne Clement - Nature & Wildlife
Butch Knudsen - Parks & Landmarks
Stephanie Wignall - Special Events & Programs
Fred Brisard - Sunrise/Sunset
Francie Rogal - Safety Harbor’s Thriving Downtown

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Staff from Hope Villages of America attended the City Commission meeting on Monday and accepted a proclamation from the Mayor on behalf of the Commission.

Hope Villages has provided support, safety, and advocacy to domestic violence survivors and their children throughout Pinellas County for more than 50 years.

The problems of domestic abuse are not confined to any one group of people but affect people across all economic statuses, races and ethnicities, sexual orientations, cultures, and societies. The impact of domestic violence is wide-ranging, directly affecting women, children, men, and society as a whole.

Learn more about Hope Villages of America and how they can help: https://hopevillagesofamerica.org/

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!