Aloha to Florida - Safety Harbor

Safety Harbor is a vibrant small town on the Northwest side of Tampa Bay.   From this link,

For years, Safety Harbor has been known as a special place in Florida: a haven where “healing waters flow.” But long before modern man came to this popular site on Tampa Bay, Indian shell mound builders inhabited the area almost 2,000 years ago, followed by the Tocobaga Indians and then the Seminoles. These early residents believed the mineral springs held mystical powers; they were the first to see the springs as the answer to perpetuating youth and healing the sick.

In 1539, Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto reached the shores of what is now Old Tampa Bay and discovered the natural springs. Believing he had found the legendary “Fountain of Youth,” missed by Ponce de Leon, De Soto established a camp here, naming the mineral springs “Espiritu Santo Springs” (or “Springs of the Holy Spirit”).

My favorite refuge from the Florida heat is the public library ...

... with its unique benches!

The library is shaded by several "grand" oak trees.

This one being named "the elf tree".

Even the library embraces the tropical scene with this wall mural.

This mermaid is ready for the mail!

The frogs welcome diners to a French cafe crafted from a vintage house.

Natually Safety Harbor hosts a marina,

with many pleasure craft in the harbor.

I like this name!

The harbor is home to endangered manatee which often flirt with tourists on the pier.

What would you name your fictional boat?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.   Comments are open through Saturday, August 23, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 24.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Strumming in front of the barber shop.