Palm Harbor, Florida

The revitalization of Downtown Historic Palm Harbor has made great strides in the last decade. Residents, business owners, civic leaders and the Pinellas County Government have joined forces to plan and implement this rebirth. Major milestones and accomplishments have been:

• 1994 Historic District Designated
• 1996 Local Leadership Committee Organized
• 1997 Penny for Pinellas Extended-Included Streetscape for Downtown Palm Harbor
• 1998 Old Palm Harbor Vision Statement
• 1999 Main Street Designation Awarded
• 2000-01 Master Plan Developed

The Historic District designation of Old Palm Harbor set the stage and character for downtown and attracted attention to the area. The Historic District is known for its small town atmosphere and strong sense of community. Eight contributing historic structures make up the Historic District: the Rheba Sutton Smith White Chapel, the Masonic Lodge, the Palm Harbor Barber Shop, Iris & Ivy Florist, the Ed LaBreque building, Sutherland Town Center, Oak Trail Books and Geographic Solutions.

In 2006, the district completed a major streetscape renovation resulting in new sidewalks, paving, trees, lighting and landscaping. The street intersections are accented with beautiful historic bricks that also line the wide sidewalks making the area very attractive and pedestrian friendly.

Old Palm Harbor Main Street (OPHMS) values the community heritage and has built upon previous successes to accomplish much to enliven and improve the physical image of downtown.

The mission of OPHMS is to preserve and enhance the quality of life and business in Palm Harbor by revitalizing the community’s historic town center. The businesses in Old Palm Harbor offer a mixture of retail, service and professional offices and work together with Main Street to attract customers and visitors. The Main Street program sponsors various annual festivals and events such as: Palm Harbor Parrot Head Party, the Hocus Pocus Ball, the Palm Harbor Bike Fest, the Holiday Parade, three seasonal craft shows and other community activities for families, youth and seniors. OPHMS operates the Rheba Sutton Smith White Chapel and Harbor Hall as a community resource and meeting place for various local groups.

Adoption of the Master Plan in 2001 ensures that the community’s vision will be recognized and enable the County to direct future improvements within the district.

Palm Harbor Library 2330 Nebraska, 34683 784-3332 www.palmharborlibrary.org
Old Palm Harbor Main Street 1190 Georgia Ave, 34683 787-4700
Palm Harbor Community Activity Center / Parks & Recreation 1500 16th Street, 34683 771-6000 www.phrec.org
Rheba Sutton Smith Palm Harbor White Chapel/Harbor Hall 1190 Georgia Avenue, 34683 787-4700 www.thepalmharborwhitechapel.com
Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce 1151 Nebraska Avenue, 34683 784-4287 www.palmharborcc.org
Greater Palm Harbor Branch YMCA 1600 16th Street, 34683 451-7220 www.suncoastymca.org/palm.asp
North Pinellas Historical Museum 2043 Curlew Road, 34683 724-3054 www.pinellascounty.org/Heritage/ north_historical_museum.htm
Downtown Palm Harbor Merchant’s Association 1219 Florida Avenue, 34683 785-1960 info@oaktrailbooks.com