If April showers bring May flowers,

then August brings a new school year…

 

…You know what that means, Safety Harbor!

IT’S BACK TO SCHOOL TIME!

And back to school time brings quite a few changes to Safety Harbor!

So, whether you are preparing little ones for the school year ahead or readying yourself for the increase in traffic near schools, this edition of Advice from the Past is for you!

Although this advice continues the seemingly endless scolding of Safety Harbor’s drivers, it is a good reminder to keep an eye out for pedestrians both big and small…especially those with backpacks and lunchboxes…

So keep our FUTURE CITIZENS in mind as you speed off to work or pop out around town. And make sure to smile and wave to our local crossing guards!

This Advice from the Past was brought to you by the August 30th, 1963 edition of the Safety Harbor Herald.

Continuing our theme of Centennial Celebration exhibits, July and early August have been dedicated to the Civil War in Florida. Although most people are familiar with the Civil War, few are aware of how close it came to home for the early residents of Pinellas County.

From the Cow Cavalry to the some of Florida’s most famous battles, our Civil War exhibit put history on display!

For those of you who couldn’t make it, here are some fun facts to get you excited about our local history!

Even though Confederate General Robert E. Lee. surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant on April 4th 1865, Florida didn’t officially surrender until 22 DAYS LATER (April 26th 1865) when Union troops took over Tallahassee and immediately raised the U.S. flag!

An estimated 16,000 Floridians fought in the Civil War. Most were in the Confederacy, but roughly 2,000 joined the Union Army. Out of Florida’s 16,000 soldiers, almost 5,000 were killed during the war!

The Battle of Olustee lasted for 6 HOURS! It has been described as one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War. Almost 3,000 out of the 11,000 who fought were killed!