FLORIDA – Palm Harbor Main Street is the August 2023 Florida Main Street Program of the Month.
“Based on the activity that has occurred since their reorganization earlier this year, I have no doubt that the best is yet to come for Palm Harbor,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd.
“We look forward to their continued success as they work with community partners to shape the downtown’s future.”
Located in northern Pinellas County, Palm Harbor was originally established in 1888 as the community of Sutherland. The Sutherland Post Office opened in the same year, followed by a new train depot for the Orange Belt Railway in 1890.
Sutherland boasted two hotels, the Gulf View Hotel and the San Marino Hotel, the latter built by Henry B. Plant. In 1902, the San Marino Hotel was converted into the new home for Southern College. The college operated in Palm Harbor until it was relocated to Lakeland in 1922, becoming Florida Southern College in 1935.
Sutherland officially became Palm Harbor in 1925. Although it remained a small community throughout most of its history, Palm Harbor experienced a population boom in the late 20th century, growing from 5,215 residents in 1980 to 50,256 residents in 1990.
Originally organized in 1999, Palm Harbor Main Street re-joined the Florida Main Street Program on March 15, 2023, to engage the entire community in revitalizing the historic downtown. The Pinellas County Historic Preservation Board, chaired by Commissioner Brian Scott, voted unanimously to renew the Main Street program.
Palm Harbor is been known for large street festivals like Parrothead, a Jimmy Buffet-themed concert event, art shows, and St. Patrick’s Day and Oktoberfest street parties that attract tens of thousands of guests.
Palm Harbor boasts miles of coastline, beautiful parks, and a section of the Pinellas Trail system, which was once the Orange Belt Railway. Palm Harbor is also home to Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club and hosts an annual stop on the PGA Tour.
“We have seen a resurgence in Palm Harbor of business owners, residents, schools, and nonprofits wanting to work together to make our downtown a vibrant area,” said Palm Harbor Main Street President Louise Goetz.
“This offers great opportunities for the entire Palm Harbor community.”
For more information on Palm Harbor Main Street, visit www.phmainstreet.com.
To learn more about the Florida Main Street program, visit FloridaMainStreet.com.
