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Florida Avenue's Phase 1 is done

Completion of the first part of the overhaul of downtown Palm Harbor offers some business owners relief.

By NICOLE JOHNSON
Published October 12, 2005

PALM HARBOR - The first phase of an intensive project to rebuild Florida Avenue is complete, giving construction-weary business owners a glimmer of hope for a better downtown.

The portion of Florida Avenue between Alt. U.S. 19 and 11th Street was reopened last week, nearly two weeks ahead of schedule, Pinellas County officials said. The area had been under construction since June.

The newly paved section of road is the first in a three-phase overhaul of Florida Avenue and surrounding streets, which function as downtown Palm Harbor's main arteries.

The new roads promise to have better drainage, curbs, landscaping, utility lines and wider sidewalks. The goal is to make the area a pedestrian-friendly shopping and service destination.

But to get there, business owners are experiencing growing pains, big and small.

Business at the Thirsty Marlin, one of the area's most popular restaurants, dropped 40 percent this summer, said co-owner Mike Flowers. The restaurant is at 1023 Florida Ave., where the first phase of construction occurred.

"You have dust, dirt - there were barricades - so most people probably thought we weren't open," Flowers said. "It's going to look pretty nice when it's done, but 40 percent - that's pretty scary."

Businesses like Dr. Lisa's Family Chiropractic & Natural Health Care also are starting to feel the brunt of the road work as bulldozers and jackhammers creep into the second phase of construction on Florida Avenue.

The road closure has made it hard for disabled patients, said health care wellness coach Priscilla Friscia.

"But we make it work for them," said Friscia, adding the staff escorts patients from their cars.

The office, at 1114 Florida Ave., placed a large white banner on the side of the building facing 11th Street alerting passers-by that, yes, the practice is open.

"We're positive," Friscia said, "because we know it will be better for the community."

The $2.5-million road project is a key part of an overall redevelopment plan for Palm Harbor's historic downtown. In the late 1990s, members of the Old Palm Harbor Main Street Association and county officials collaborated on just what they wanted to see the area become.

The county changed zoning to reflect a more urban landscape. Association members emphasized maintaining the area's old-fashioned, distinctive character.

Now, in addition to practical things like better drainage, Florida Avenue will include intersections with historic brick accents reminiscent of the community's early days as a citrus outpost and fishing village.

Previously, "the infrastructure was outdated and not sufficient to handle the capacity of downtown redevelopment," said Joe DeMoss, county engineering supervisor. "The whole concept was to have a nice beautiful area that had things like defined parking, because people were parking wherever they wanted to park, up in the grass destroying the vegetation."

The second phase of the road project got under way this week.

That phase includes 11th Street from Florida Avenue to Georgia and Florida Avenue from 11th Street to 12th Street.

The third and final phase will be Florida Avenue from 12th Street to Omaha Circle and 12th Street from Georgia Avenue to Nebraska Avenue.

The entire project is scheduled to be completed around June 2006, DeMoss said. Just how much landscaping will be done along the sidewalk is still being decided, DeMoss said. The county is considering doing a $200,000 landscaping project that would include palm trees, cypress, crape myrtle and jasmine shrubs. But the Old Palm Harbor Main Street Association would have to maintain the greenery once it's planted.

That's an $18,000-per-year expense, said Lesley Klein, association president and owner of Oak Trail Books at 1219 Florida Ave. The association has yet to finalize that deal with the county.

For now, business owners and the county alike are creating ways to mitigate the construction impact. For example, the parking lot of the White Chapel, at 1190 Georgia Ave., is available most days for downtown customers.

On a fun note, Brenda Brown, owner of the Iris and Ivy florist shop, said construction won't stop her from putting out a Christmas tree. She plans to hand out little hard hats to customers during the holidays.

"It's something we've all known was coming, so why not try to work with it?" Brown said.

Last week, Peggy O'Neill's Irish Pub and Eatery placed bistro tables with umbrellas out front on the newly widened sidewalk.

"We took pictures" of the tables, Friscia said, "because it means it's going to be over soon and (be) worthwhile."

Three phases, starting in June and ending in June 2006.

Cost: $2.5-million.

Amenities include wider sidewalks, better drainage and brick accents at intersections.

[Last modified October 12, 2005, 00:19:18]