Safety Harbor
citySafety Harbor is a city located on the west shore of Tampa Bay in Pinellas County, Florida. As of 2020, the population was 17,072. Safety Harbor is known for its natural beauty, historic sites, and vibrant downtown area. The city offers a blend of small-town charm and access to the amenities of larger metropolitan areas. The economy of Safety Harbor is diverse, with thriving industries in healthcare and professional services. The city's Main Street is home to many small and mid-sized local businesses. Safety Harbor also benefits from its proximity to major employment centers in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Safety Harbor is distinctive for its historical Espiritu Santo Springs, believed by some to be the mythical Fountain of Youth sought by Hernando de Soto. The Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, built around these springs, has been a landmark in the community for many years. The city also boasts a rich Native American history, with evidence of habitation dating back to the Stone Age.
Safety Harbor, Florida
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 12-62425
- Country
- United States
- County
- Pinellas
- Region
- West shore of Tampa Bay
- Elevation
- 20 ft
- Total Area
- 5.1 sq mi
- Land Area
- 4.9 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.1 sq mi
- Latitude
- 28.005
- Longitude
- -82.695
- Climate
- Warm weather year-round
- Notable Features
- Espiritu Santo Springs · Safety Harbor (waterway connected to Tampa Bay)
- Neighboring Areas
- Clearwater · Tampa
- Population (2020)
- 17,072
- Est. Population (2026)
- 16,928
- Median Age
- 49.8
- Median Income
- $106,830
- Poverty Rate
- 6.1%
- Family Households
- 63.1%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Safety Harbor includes 75.45% White, 7.56% Black or African American, 4.64% other race, and smaller percentages for Asian, Native American and multiracial populations.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Commission
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Pinellas County Schools
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Parks & Recreation · Public Works
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.4%
- Economic Profile
- Residential · Suburban · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Healthcare · Professional Services
- Major Employers
- At Home Healthcare Solutions · BayCare Health System · Bright House Networks/Spectrum Enterprise Solutions · Community Home Health Care Services, LLC. · CRESCO Integrated Systems Inc. · PHR Plus Human Resource Solutions Corp. · United Surgical Partners International Inc. · Seal Analytical Inc. · Creative Sign Designs
- Schools
- 10
- School Districts
- Pinellas County Schools
- Transportation
- State Road 580 · U.S. Route 19 (nearby)
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Municipal sewer
- Major Facilities
- Safety Harbor Resort & Spa
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Philippe Park · Waterfront Park
- Parks & Trails
- Philippe Park · Waterfront Park · City Park · Rigsby Recreation Center · Safety Harbor Community Center
- Founded
- 1823
- Incorporated
- 1917
- Named After
- Early 18th century, ships were safe from pirate attacks in this area of the bay, so it was commonly referred to as a 'Safe Harbor'.
- Historical Significance
- Safety Harbor has been inhabited since the Stone Age and is the location of the Espiritu Santo Springs, believed to be the mythical Fountain of Youth. It was an early settlement in Pinellas County and has a long history as a resort destination.
- Key Events
- Settled in 1823 by Count Odet Philippe · Espiritu Santo Springs named in 1539 by Hernando de Soto · Incorporated as a city in 1917 · Safety Harbor Resort and Spa opened in 1925