February 18, 2022

Dear Safety Harbor Residents,

There has been something that has been bothering me for some time that I need to share with everyone.

As many of you know, I grew up in Safety Harbor and have lived here for 42 years.  I tell people all the time that Lower Matecumbe is the best island in the Keys and Safety Harbor is the best neighborhood in the Keys.

As your SHPOA president for approximately 10 years, I made it my top priority to insure our neighborhoods appearance was maintained.  With the help of my officers, members of the board and the residents, we made it happen.

Sadly this is not the case anymore.  Appearance doesn’t seem to be priority.  This is evident when I walk and bike around our neighborhood.  The most obvious is the unwillingness to pull garbage cans off the road and out of sight in a reasonable time after they are emptied.  Not only is it an eye sore, but it can also be a hazard for vehicles traveling on our narrow roads.  If you are a full timer, there is no excuse to not bring your cans in off the road.  If your neighbors are part timers or full timers and out of town, then be a good neighbor and pull in their cans.  They might do the same for you one day.

Another issue I have, is the lack of respect for other peoples property when it comes to cleaning up after dogs.  I realize that sometimes it’s not a resident that is guilty, as we have visitors and residents from other neighborhoods that walk with their dogs in Safety Harbor.  Just because no one is home or it’s a vacant lot or even the common area entering Safety Harbor, it’s inconsiderate to not pick up after your dog.  Let your visitors or renters know that they need to pick up after their dog.  If you see someone that is disregarding that simple request, say something to them.  I know I will.

Take pride in Safety Harbor.  Let’s work together in keeping up the appearance, as we have in the past.

Best Regards, 

David Turner