What Safety Harbor needs most in 2013 is to open up the new Waterfront Park and start programming events that will bring people together on the waterfront. This new park is certain to become a great gathering space for all Harborites to get together. and enjoy the Bay along with some good entertainment.

Terrific suggestion, Harborite. You will be happy to know that issue is at the top of the agenda of things to do for incoming mayor Joe Ayoub.

Considering the water-front park I think making a parking space specifically for a food truck would be a great idea . Minimal cost to the city, and if the city wanted certain items to be sold, like bait and tackle, that could be made a precondition of the vendor

This is not commercialism, it is pragmatism. In the early 90's Chattanooga TN turned around a failing city. Some Improvements were well thought out and some were serendipitous. But they took note of what worked and what didn't and expanded on what worked. Two of the lessons they learned were: public/private partnerships are usually effective and synergistic, and parks that have food and drink readily accessible within it's bounds do best.

This is not commercialism, it is pragmatism. In the early 90's Chattanooga TN turned around a failing city. Some Improvements were well thought out and some were serendipitous. But they took note of what worked and what didn't and expanded on what worked. Two of the lessons they learned were: public/private partnerships are usually effective and synergistic, and parks that have food and drink readily accessible within it's bounds do best. 

I definitely agree with Gary. I have the luxury of traveling a lot. Downtown areas are the first thing I try to explore and enjoy. A lot can be learned of what to do and not to do. So my suggestion would be a volunteer based group to contact other great small cities and towns. See what has worked and not worked. Then same said group could do surveys right here on Patch. Then suggestions could be made from true educated ideas. I personally would love guided nature, photo, and historical tours, but not at a cost of taxpayers. It would be cool to have a HARBORITE KREW to have floats in other cities parades nearby. All just suggestions.

Great suggestions Christine. Love the Harborite Krew idea, and the survey of other downtowns.

We are a small city, but one with progressive ideas, abundant citizen creativity, and the wherewithal to see our ideas become realitiy. I would love to see us go as green as possible. Not haphazardly, but look into technologies that are cost effective for our climate and weather conditions. Passive solar hot water heaters for city buildings comes to mind. But I would imagine there are other green technologies that would as well.

I was at Phillippe Park yesterday looking out over Safety Harbor. What a great place it would be for Chistmas Boat Parade. The Sail Boats would have to stay out in the lane it is shallow at the bulk head. But it still would be a marvelous sight. I'll post the pic I took on pics & clips.