Commission clears Best Dam Race and Third Friday events for 2026; Chamber seeks $36,000 support

The commission approved two event calendars and related permits for 2026 on Nov. 3: the Best Dam Race on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, and the monthly Third Friday street celebrations organized by the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

For the Best Dam Race, staff described the 5K, 10K and half-marathon routes and logistics, noting the races will start in front of the Safety Harbor Spa and Resort and will use the pedestrian bridge and Clearwater East-West Trail to minimize impacts on Phillippi Parkway. Organizers said they worked with the spa to identify staging and truck space because the marina area is under construction; they said the spa's site and contingency plans should accommodate the finish area even if construction persists. The commission approved the event permit 5-0.

For Third Friday, the Chamber asked the commission to waive Main Street fees and to continue sponsorship at a $36,000 support level to cover deputy costs and in-kind city staffing (public works, special events, fire, building maintenance). Staff noted FY24 Third Friday costs totaled $32,061 and FY25 costs were $39,862.77 (the FY25 number included a previously uncounted fire department staffing cost). The commission approved the Third Friday events and the requested sponsorship/support level on a 5-0 vote.

Sources: Presentations by Recreation Director Julianne Min and event organizers (Nov. 3, 2025).