Danny Donovan Dedication Ceremony This Saturday

Shortly after Safety Harbor Little League volunteer Danny Donovan passed away in a City Park dugout on March 11, there was a discussion as to how to honor the longtime fixture of the organization.

On April 1st, at the urging of the league, the Safety Harbor City Commission agreed to dedicate the park and also rename a stretch of South Railroad Avenue in Donovan's name.

This Saturday the dedication ceremony is scheduled to take place at around noon, coinciding with the closing ceremonies for the 2013 spring season.

"I like honoring people who don't look for the spotlight...and really kind of shy away from attention," Mayor Joe Ayoub said during the April 1st city commission meeting.

"So I think this is very appropriate given how hard he has worked and given how much he's contributed to the ball fields," he added. "This is the kind of example of people I like to recognize, so I'm in favor of the Little League's request."

According to the request, the city will rename a section of South Railroad Avenue from 7th Street South to Alligator Lake 'Danny Donovan Drive' and dedicate City Park "to the memory and service of Danny Donovan."

The outpouring of support for Donovan following his passing came from all areas of the community, including city officials, league officials, parents and residents.

"Danny Donovan did it all down at the ball fields...and then he would stand back in the shadows and let the kids have fun," City Manager Matt Spoor said at the time.

"Danny was a vital member of this community," local attorney Mike Brundage wrote on Patch. "He was the essence of great volunteer--all work and no glory. He will be greatly missed."

Related:

• Safety Harbor Mourns Sudden Passing of Valued Volunteer

• Danny Donovan Tribute Tonight at City Park

• Danny Donovan To Have Street Named In His Honor

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