Another day in paradise

[Times photo: Krystal Kinnunen] Christina Hunter and CarolAnn Harris visit Crystal Beach on Friday.

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 5, 2001

Social critics sometimes complain about the sameness of suburban life. When the Times asked readers what they thought of Palm Harbor, many said similar things, but few complained. For example, virtually no one mentioned driving on U.S. 19, while many praised the quiet ambience of the place:

Our home overlooks Boggy Bayou and Wall Springs Park. Most mornings an osprey clings to the top of our flagpole watching the water. Pelicans fly past and dive to catch a meal. At low tide wading birds patrol the flats. An eagle feeds on his catch on a nearby oyster bar. Schools of mullet jump. Dolphin work together to herd fish. Our back yard and waterfront is nature's sanctuary. Spectacular sunsets! Visiting exotic destinations is exciting, but our Palm Harbor back yard is paradise.

-- Patricia Pochurek, 61, Palm Harbor

Mid 1950s, the Palm Harbor I knew. . . . Bounded on the south by Big Jim Jenkins' home (and I wonder how many times I cut his grass), on the north by Mr. Harvey's fruit stand, on the west by Sutherland Bayou and on the east by "the hill" at the top of Florida Avenue. And in between there was the fruit packin' plant (great place to explore and eat all the fresh oranges you could hold); Stansell's Truck Service, where my father worked; Phil Zimmerman's lumberyard (with a three-story high pile of sawdust); Marvin's Texaco (we all knew him as Cooter); Adair's general store; Walker's grocery store; my Uncle Elmer's barber shop; the Masonic Hall (where in addition to being a meeting place for the Masons, the Eastern Star and the Rainbow Girls, countless pounds of mullet, hush puppies, grits and cole slaw were served up in Saturday night community fish fries); and next to it, Jimmy Van's hardware store (if he didn't have it or couldn't make it, you didn't need it). Easter Sunrise services acted out each year on "the hill" drew huge crowds (at least in the mind of a young boy). And if you ventured just slightly away from "main street," you could find the Scout Hut (where Roy Troutman helped to build many fine men); the Hi-Hat (by the time I got old enough to legally go in, it was history); and John Nicholson's Orange Stick factory. Palm Harbor was the Agners, the Fowlers, the Walters, the Scoggins, the Delks, the Suttons, the Williamsons, the Ulmers, the Porters and the Stansells. Palm Harbor was people . . . me, my brother and sister, my momma and my daddy, we were just some of them. (Actually we were from "across the tracks" in Ozona, but that's a whole nother story).

-- Robert E. Hogue, 58, Ozona

An area with great potential. The Main Street program is certainly a step in the right direction, but I don't think area residents understand recent changes. Another area with potential is the beautiful tract behind the Senior Activity Center. This could be developed into a wonderful recreation area.

-- Jerry Hooker, 80, Palm Harbor

My husband made a wonderfully wise decision some 40 years ago when he built our house on an acre next to a 140-year-old cemetery. It has many quiet souls, mostly Florida Crackers, as I am. They don't complain about my chickens and other critters. My other neighbors are also congenial and share the same farmlike interests, so we are compatible in our woodsy setting. God has truly smiled on us.

-- Gloria Bruckart, 68, Palm Harbor

I remember exploring the woods in the area when they were full of wildlife. Deer, fox, bobcat, wild hogs, snakes and alligators could all be observed if you were patient. It wasn't unusual to see an eagle or a family of great blue heron soar overhead.

When we were teenagers we would drive out to the intersection of Tampa Road and McMullen-Booth (four-way stop sign controlled what little traffic there was next to the concrete boot Old Man Boyd used to shoot at cattle rustlers from) and jump off the water pipe crossing the Lake Tarpon canal.

The other freshwater swimming option was the Blue Sink, then surrounded by citrus groves, now in the Hidden Lakes subdivision.

Palm Harbor has evolved into a fine community with schools, fire departments and law enforcement all employing highly trained and well-equipped professionals.

-- Tony Mercer, 43, Palm Harbor

Palm Harbor -- quaint and rustic and also modern. That is why we settled here 18 years ago after retiring.

Now with the new high school and campus, and the new Senior Activities Center and the proposed new YMCA all close to each other, and the refurbishing of old downtown Palm Harbor, making this a community for young and old alike. How much better can it get?

Let's not make any changes to the original plans for the Main Street project.

-- John M. Pinckney, 83, Palm Harbor

Palm Harbor has something for everyone: new city on the east side and historic town to the west. Most of all, I think of the traditional annual Art Festival, brainchild of Bill Hoskins who loved the place long before others discovered its charm. Don't tell too many . . . they'll all want to move here!

-- Sallie Parks, 64, former county commissioner, Palm Harbor

I think of a community that embodies the warmth and friendliness of a small town while embracing the expected growth and improvements of the future. Unincorporated, with no city government, Palm Harbor gets leadership from the Chamber of Commerce, the downtown merchants, the Main Street Association and the Historical Society, and many other groups and individuals, all working together to make sure that Palm Harbor remains a wonderful place to call home.

-- Sharon Lamm, 56, Palm Harbor, chairman of the board of theGreater Palm Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce

I think of how lucky I was to find this wonderful community. In the seven years we've lived here, I've never regretted choosing Palm Harbor or my beautiful Sever's Landing neighborhood. Palm Harbor's location provides quick access to innumerable stores, entertainment venues and natural treasures. I just love living here!

-- Susan Maguire, 43, Palm Harbor

Palm Harbor, Florida, the perfect slice of America. A wonderful place to grow up, grow old, or just visit. With offerings of quaint palm-lined neighborhoods, recreational areas galore, and town activities such as fairs and festivals, this has become the ideal place to settle down and enjoy life.

-- Mickey Mantle Fortin, 48, Dunedin

The very best place to live and raise children. I love the sense of community with arts and crafts fairs, a wonderful library, a superior recreation complex, good restaurants and service businesses. Since my family and I moved to here in 1981, Palm Harbor has grown, but for the best. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else!

-- Marilyn Satinoff, 54, Palm Harbor

Home. Since moving from New Jersey 10 months ago, I find Palm Harbor our home away from home. I have met the most wonderful people here and feel very safe and secure. It is also wonderful that Palm Harbor has great shops and many amenities yet still has the qualities of a sleepy town. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else.

-- Diane Rancan, 36, Palm Harbor

From Old Palm Harbor to "new" Palm Harbor, you will find caring neighbors, quiet neighborhoods and outstanding schools. It's a great place to live. It's home.

-- Doris Watters, 60, Palm Harbor

Ah, Palm Harbor. The name itself instills a feeling of warm tropical nights with cool breezes and beautiful sunsets. My wife and I moved here from northern Pennsylvania in 1992. We were looking for the convenience of the city with the atmosphere of a small town. We found it in Palm Harbor. When we told family and friends what our new hometown was they too uttered oohs and aahs. Think of it, Palm Harbor, it almost sounds like a scene from a Hemingway novel. Old Palm Harbor is the true essence of the Old South with its tree-lined streets and quaint buildings. We spend quality time together as a family in Old Palm Harbor. It gives us the opportunity to show our children what life in a small town can be like. We have found our retirement village and love every moment of every day here. Ah, Palm Harbor.

-- Jeffrey Roberts, 46, Palm Harbor

I think of the terrific schools my daughter attended. Palm Harbor Elementary, Palm Harbor Middle and East Lake High prepared my daughter for college and her career. The schools in and around Palm Harbor employ dedicated, caring teachers. I'm thankful that I moved to Palm Harbor 23 years ago.

-- Sherry Stang, 52, Palm Harbor

During a two-week "working vacation" to Florida in 1985, looking for a retirement dream spot, our last stop was to say hello to friends in Palm Harbor. That's when we discovered Highland Lakes, "Florida's best kept secret!" Now we've lived here 16 years, and still think it's a great place to live. I always feel sorry for people who, for some reason or other, move away.

-- Claire Schelle, 83, Palm Harbor

Peaceful place to walk through

Always great places to eat at

Lovely birds chirping loudly

Many volunteers at library.

Highly rated high school

A house becomes a home in Palm Harbor

Recreation center for sports

Beautiful sunsets at Crystal Beach

Old-fashioned ice cream at Strachan's

Riding the Pinellas Trail

-- Jessalyn Berger, 12, Crystal Beach

I think of home -- where I expect to enjoy the rest of my life after 60 years in China and Japan -- near Florida Avenue, stretching west to the gulf, which, like its live oaks that have become my mountains, has roots in colorful history and branches in an invigorated future. I think of community and the opportunity to be a part of the reinvention of Old Palm Harbor Main Street, shaping the future while preserving the past.

-- Alden E. Matthews, 79, Palm Harbor

I think of coming here 30 years ago to visit my retired parents. Then there were plenty of orange groves on Alt. U.S. 19, not too many businesses and lots of open space. In fact we almost missed the turn into their mobile home park. Now we live in the same home.

Palm Harbor has grown but not all that fast. It is still a quiet, sleepy looking little town at the edge of the water, with narrow tree-lined roads, interesting buildings and peace. The fact that there are many free, or not expensive, attractions make it unique. You have Lake Tarpon and its parks, Howard Park, Sunset Beach, Crystal Beach and its sunsets, older homes, the new "old" Wall Springs park, ball fields, Dunedin Causeway and Honeymoon Island, all within a short distance. Yet it is conveniently close to get to Tampa and its attractions, and "big city" life.

It is a good place for retirees, working people and families raising children. With the new plans to make "old downtown" more attractive in the works, it should give us more of the flavor of the old village of "Sutherland" that was once on this spot of heaven. It is just too bad the hotel is gone, like many of the older structures, but a lot still remains. Come and take the time to look, and explore. I know why my parents retired here and why we did!

-- C. Audrey Doyle, 68, Palm Harbor

The historic downtown. Working in the restored Geographic Solutions building, formerly the general store, I have a view of Florida Avenue. Friendly people working in nearby shops and restaurants provide a small-town flavor.

-- Suzanne Norman, 45, Dunedin

I think of the TV series Seinfeld, because living in this great town has all the conveniences of living in a major urban area without much of the downside of living in that atmosphere. Shops and restaurants are within easy walking or driving distance and yet it is possible to live in an almost a pastoral setting just a short walk away from busy U.S. 19. With a Mayberry-like downtown, Palm Harbor mixes a perfect blend of old and new, bustle and mellow, and comes out on top in anyone's wish list of what a city should be.

-- Douglas Spangler, 55, Palm Harbor

I think of some exotic beaches and tranquil life. A little-known secret of Palm Harbor is the beautiful John Chesnut Park. Adjacent to the park is a gorgeous lake called Lake Tarpon. This is a beautiful area for boating, fishing and family recreation and a natural habitat for animals -- right in the middle of bustling suburbia. Another thing about Palm Harbor is, from its condominiums to its lovely houses, a wonderful place for all. Let us not forget East Lake; a booming community. East Lake is one of the fastest growing regions of Florida. It is diverse. It has the highest income per family in Tampa Bay, brand new roads and schools. It is a city within the country.

I am grateful to live in East Lake-Palm Harbor.

The civic leaders ought to consider making East Lake a city with its own name, mayor and city assembly!

-- Maryann Touliatos, 12, East Lake

I think of back when I was moving to Palm Harbor almost seven years ago, carrying my twins, to live close to my parents. It changed my life. I learned each day and most of the time I grew by learning about Palm Harbor history. And since my boys go to Ozona Elementary and it is old school, history and I will never give that up because my boys love the school they have been going to. They will start second grade in the fall. The reason I sent my boys to Ozona is because the principal there can sign for me and my husband, because we are deaf. Palm Harbor has the fastest growing and improving soccer league and my boys haven't stopped playing soccer since they were 3 years old. Palm Harbor is the best living place and I never think of moving to any other city. I wish there were other deaf families nearby. I know the library has been the biggest change in my life, and for others too. My first nephew, Anthony Douglas Cooper, will graduate from Palm Harbor University High School in June 2002 and I can't wait. I am excited for this place. Please keep it growing as we come together as a Palm Harbor family.

-- Elizabeth V. Gray, 38, Palm Harbor

Palm Harbor has been trying to reach down into my heart for the past 16 years, but I just would not let it in because of my love for Chicago, the city of my birth. Little by little my Palm Harbor memories are starting to push their way into my heart.

Running all year round through Westlake Village with my husband, never worrying about freezing wind chills makes me think of Palm Harbor.

Playing tennis after a busy day teaching with friends from all over the United States and the world makes me think of Palm Harbor.

Going to a special library just minutes from my home, never forgetting all the hard work of library volunteers, makes me think of Palm Harbor.

Planting a butterfly garden and feeling a sense of wonder when I see my first monarch butterfly on a milkweed flower makes me think of Palm Harbor.

Hearing rain on the roof and smiling, makes me think of Palm Harbor.

Day by day, I have felt it happen, Palm Harbor has become my home.

-- Margaret Modjeski, 56, Palm Harbor

I think of the "good ol' days." I think of orange groves and small country stores. I think of the old Palm Harbor Middle School and how we went to school with no air conditioning. I think of the "Blue Sink" (a spring off of Alt. U.S. 19 -- not Wall Springs) where everyone would sneak and go swimming.

-- Sherri Howard, 33, Ozona

I think of how glad we are to live here. My husband and I moved to Florida from Tennessee three years ago. I had lived in Tennessee my entire life. We searched for months to find a wonderful place to live. We were attracted to historic downtown Palm Harbor with its quaint shops and fine restaurants. The Sutherland Cafe is like no other. The building where it resides was built in the 1800s and was once the post office. It is a good reminder of earlier times. The food and friendliness of the staff are unforgettable.

We found a perfect home in Palm Harbor with many trees and a lake to keep Tennessee in our thoughts. The sound of birds singing during the day and crickets chirping at night makes us feel like we're in the country when we really are not.

We are so glad we found Palm Harbor and made it our place to live. The gulf waters are at our fingertips and anything else we need is right here. It is like the best of both worlds wrapped into one.

-- Amy Schmid, 40, Palm Harbor

I think of arriving in Ozona, late summer of 1946 with my wife, Jeanne, and two boys, working 30 years in Dunedin and living in Dunedin, Safety Harbor and Clearwater. There are now three boys, the youngest still lives in Dunedin. I retired to a rural area of Palm Harbor near the lake. Lost Jeanne in 1997. I find Pinellas County, Palm Harbor home to wonderful loving people.

-- Raymond L. Hair, 88, Palm Harbor

When you take each opportunity to spend time with friends. And you help your friends out when things are not going right. When you give encouragement and praise on the golfgold course often. Then we have learned about our special living and friendship in Highland Lakes, Palm Harbor.

-- Edward Idell, 77, Palm Harbor

I think of how the big boot affected Tampa Road and East Lake/McMullen-Booth roads. So much rapid change and growth has occurred in this town, from being a former cattle ranch to a wealthy commercial and residential suburban place. I came here in 1989 and on several occasions had planned on moving out, but eventually I stuck it out and I was glad I did. I remember my first two years here when Tampa Road used to be a two-lane street and I was moving from one apartment complex to another. I remember how I used to hate driving my car when the overpass was being built and then, when the roads were widened. And then, there was also the construction of the different offices/buildings and plaza. Now everything is different. I am glad these things occurred since my property and house values have most likely improved. Thank goodness for the boot, the past of which has reminded us, the present for the stability of its footing, and the future for the direction that it shows.

-- Reynaldo Candolea, 36, Palm Harbor

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