Home Care In Safety Harbor, FL

SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. — Sunday concluded the third annual Watermelon Weeks in Safety Harbor. For the past 10 days, restaurants and bars have added special watermelon-themed treats to their menus to raise money for the Safety Harbor Library Foundation.

“Instead of maple syrup, what we use is a watermelon-infused syrup,” said Chris Wicks, owner of Daydreamers. They were one of 20 businesses to participate.

From waffles to smoothies, cocktails, soup, and sandwiches, you could say Safety Harbor was losing its rind.

“As a restauranteur and my fellow restauranteurs, we really pull together this time of year for this event,” said Wicks.

Scott Long started the phenomenon back in 2018 in an effort to set a world record for the largest watermelon-eating event, which they accomplished. The record has since been broken.

“It's driving business to these establishments in what is traditionally a slow time of year, particularly this year with how hot it is out,” said Long.

The Whistle Stop said they couldn’t think of a better option when it comes to staying refreshed. They are offering a special watermelon-infused cocktail.

Each of these businesses donates a portion of every sale back to the Safety Harbor Library Foundation. The goal is to start construction on the second floor by the end of the year.

“Our library is bursting at the seams. We just need more space for programming and all kinds of things,” said Long.

“They do a lot for the community, and the community loves the library,” said Dawn Pendola with the Whistle Stop.

“It's a very small town, and everybody pitches in when things like this are happening,” said Steve Wright, owner of Joe Biscotti.

Wright is proud to present their Watermelon Pound Cake.

“Every year, my partner loves coming up with a different dessert,” said Wright.

It’s the one occasion when businesses want to be in the red.

“Nice to be able to do something with part of the community that people are coming in every day and asking about,” said Maggie Bartran, owner of Maggie’s.

She said it's awesome to promote a food that not only tastes good but is good for you.

“It has such a high concentrate of water in it, to begin with, and it adds sweetness without dehydrating you,” said Bartran.

While customer Katie Smith is on the fourth stop of her watermelon tour, she said it’s the juiciest time of the year.

“We have had watermelon salad and watermelon drinks and watermelon on your sandwiches, and it's delicious, and it's summer,” said Smith.

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The Amazon Fresh grocery stores are not Whole Foods and operate independently, according to Amazon.

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Florida's first Amazon Fresh store could be coming soon to northern Pinellas County — at least it looks like it.

The site is located at the corner of Enterprise and McMullen Booth roads in Safety Harbor in what used to be a Winn-Dixie that closed in 2021. The 35,000-square-foot storefront has been vacant since, but more development has been seen outside the building, including a fresh coat of paint and other green features.

The look is similar to a design used by other existing Amazon Fresh stores elsewhere in the United States. 10 Tampa Bay reached out to Amazon for confirmation of the store and in response, the company said, in part: "We don’t comment on our future roadmap."

If an Amazon Fresh is opened in the area, it will not only be the first store in the Tampa Bay area but the first in Florida.

Credit: 10 Tampa Bay; AP Photo/Matt Rourke

You might already be familiar with the online application of Amazon Fresh — a service that allows Prime members to order same-day groceries right to their home, including fresh produce and meats, or shop in-store with an option to pay through the physical cart and not a traditional checkout. Since 2020, Amazon says it has opened about 44 brick-and-mortar Amazon Fresh stores in states including California, Illinois, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, Maryland and Washington D.C.

However, plans for additional Amazon Fresh locations, including here in Florida, may have recently been put on the back burner, according to a report from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. The Sentinel explains Amazon stopped opening new Fresh-branded grocery stores in September 2022 due, in part, to sluggish sales within the company. Then, in January, more than 18,000 Amazon employees were laid off, including some Amazon Fresh staff.

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"While new South Florida stores were never officially announced by Amazon, telltale design elements at the locations in Boca Raton and Plantation fueled speculation that they would house Amazon Fresh stores," the Sentinel said in its July report.

The Amazon Fresh grocery stores are not Whole Foods and operate independently, according to Amazon. Within these stores, shoppers are reportedly able to have a "seamless" grocery shopping experience.

Shoppers have access to national brands and Amazon-owned ones offering "high-quality produce, meat and seafood." Amazon says their stores also have a "culinary team" offering a "range of delicious prepared foods made fresh in-store every day."

Floyd’s 99 Barbershop (Floyd’s), a unique, full-service haircare franchise specializing in expert services in an amplified environment, has debuted its newest franchisee-owned and operated store in Safety Harbor on Oct. 27. Located at 2519 McMullen Booth Rd #202, Clearwater, FL 33761, Floyd’s provides the community with expert-quality haircare services at affordable prices. This is the first location for owners Stephanie, Adam & son Josh Noyes, who are natives of Tampa Bay.

To celebrate the opening of the new shop, Floyd’s 99 Barbershop will be offering a promotion of Half Off Haircuts through Nov. 30, 2023.

The opening of the Noyes’ first location is truly a family business. Stephanie and son Josh, who are the Franchise owners, will work closely with niece Angelina Thomas, as Director of Marketing & Education, and nephew Rich Thomas as Operating Partner in growing the business with at least 3 locations planned in the Tampa Bay area by the end of 2024.

Adam Noyes has been in the Franchising business for over 30 years, where he is currently Chief Operating Officer for the growing Potbelly Sandwich Works franchise. “It has always been a dream of ours to open our own Franchise. Our family has many great friendships with very successful Franchisees, and Floyd’s 99 Barbershop was the right opportunity for us”, says Stephanie Noyes, Franchise Owner.

Franchise Owner Josh says “I grew up in Clearwater, so our first location is suited perfectly to begin our Franchise journey. I have a passion for music along with elevated barbershop experiences, so Floyd’s was the excellent fit for us!”

The Noyes family has exclusive development rights for the Tampa Bay market. They have already signed their lease on a second shop in the Edge District of St. Pete on Central Avenue planning to open in May ’24. They are also identifying their next shops for South Tampa, Carrollwood, and the SR 54 Corridor.

“We are thrilled to bring Floyd’s 99 Barbershop across Tampa Bay. It starts with one in Clearwater, providing great client experiences that keep them coming back! Our family believes that we could expand Floyd’s Barbershop to 15 or more locations across the market – so it’s just the beginning!”, says Adam Noyes.

Floyd’s 99 Barbershop in Safety Harbor will bring an energetic vibe to the area, with its signature, hand-curated poster wall of musical greats throughout the decades, and its custom radio station featuring upbeat music with a special emphasis on local artists. Floyd’s provides clients with a full range of services including haircuts, shaving, color, waxing, deep conditioning treatments and styling. As well as providing traditional hair services, Floyd’s is known for its iconic barbershop straight-razor neck shave with hot lather and steamed towels and a complimentary shoulder massage after each service.

“The new Floyd’s location in Clearwater/Safety Harbor is an excellent addition to Floyd’s family,” said Paul O’brien co-owner of Floyd’s 99 Barbershop. “We are excited for Stephanie, Adam and Josh for their new location and look forward to the work they will do in their local community to help empower their clients to look and feel their best.”

Floyd’s 99 Barbershop was established in 1999 by brothers Paul, Rob, and Bill O’Brien, opening the first shop just outside of Denver, Colorado in 2001. Since then, Floyd’s has expanded to 135 shops spanning across 15 states and remains a family-owned company to this day, as well as the segment leader in the industry.

To find out more information about the new Clearwater/Safety Harbor location, please visit https://www.floydsbarbershop.com/ or call them at (727) 428-6970.

SAFETY HARBOR — Florida bluesman Selwyn Birchwood will perform Saturday, Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m., at the Safety Harbor Art & Music Center, 706 Second St. N., Safety Harbor.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the show. Visit www.safetyharborartandmusiccenter.com.

Birchwood, currently celebrating the release of his fourth Alligator Records album, “Exorcist.”

On “Exorcist,” Birchwood delivers the most far-reaching, musically adventurous album of his career. Recorded in Florida and produced by Grammy Award-winner Tom Hambridge, each of the 13 vividly detailed songs was written and arranged by Birchwood.

The soul-baring tracks all hit with lasting rhymes and unexpected rhythms. Each twists its own tale, ranging from the love-gone-wrong “Horns Below Her Halo” to the love-gone-terrifying “Exorcist” to the autobiographical “Underdog.”

Birchwood first hit the blues scene in 2011 with the self-released, self-produced “FL Boy.” After winning the 2013 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, beating 150 other bands, Birchwood found doors swinging open.

He took a giant step forward in 2014 with his Alligator Records debut album, “Don’t Call No Ambulance.” The album earned rave reviews from critics and won both the Living Blues Award and the Blues Music Award for Best New Artist Debut. He followed in 2016 with fan-favorite “Pick Your Poison” and, in 2021, with the groundbreaking “Living in a Burning House.” He won the BMA Song of the Year Award for that album’s “I’d Climb Mountains.”

Now, with “Exorcist,” Birchwood and his band are ready to deliver the new songs live to audiences around the world.

“My goal is to be sure you cannot listen passively,” Birchwood said. “We’re going to make you dance, and we’re going to make you think.”

The young guitarist, lap steel player, songwriter and vocalist continues to chart a course for the future of the blues with his original music. He has developed a sound he calls “Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues” — part deep blues, part psychedelic rock, part booty-shaking funk and part Southern soul.

CLEARWATER – The Rockapella Christmas show will roll into town a few days before Santa Claus.

The performance will be presented Friday, Dec. 22, 8 p.m., at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater.

Tickets start at $30. Visit www.rutheckerdhall.com or call 727-791-7400.

A capella singers will perform holiday classics such as “Silver Bells,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and “White Christmas” with their original holiday hits “The Hope We Hold,” “Christmas Without You” and more.

Rockapella is an influential group in the new era of network television a cappella shows such as NBC’s “The Sing-Off,” movies like “Pitch Perfect,” and innumerable college vocal groups that own the corner of cool on campuses everywhere.

Since the early ’90s when they first achieved TV fame on PBS’s “Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?,” they’ve toured the globe and provided a funky powerful soundtrack to several generations of vocal music fans.

The current Rockapella lineup features Scott Leonard (high tenor), Jeff Thacher (vocal percussionist), Calvin Jones (tenor), Manny Houston (tenor) and George Baldi (bass). The lineup marks a new generation of Rockapella, who remain keenly focused on musical excellence.

“People have a hard time believing it’s just us making all of that music. It’s still those same elements that make modern band music: percussion, bass, melody and harmonies,” said Leonard, the group’s chief songwriter and arranger.

Leonard grew up in Indianapolis and attended the University of Tampa on a baseball scholarship. Somewhere along the way, he ended up a voice major. He sang in rock groups for Disney in both Orlando and Tokyo for two years, releasing solo albums while in Japan. Leonard’s soaring vocals, songwriting skills and gift for arranging music helped shape Rockapella’s characteristic sound.

Thacher is responsible for the astonishing percussion sounds in each Rockapella show. He was born into a musical family and began piano lessons at an early age. Later on, he amassed vocal and choral experience. He earned a degree in music and recording from Boston’s renowned Berklee College of Music.

Since joining Rockapella in 1993, Thacher been known as a pioneering giant among professional mouth drummers (a select group of beatboxers) who, as he likes to put it, “spit for a living.” His powerful virtuosity forms the funky rhythmic heartbeat of Rockapella.

Jones was born and raised in East St. Louis, Illilnois. He started singing at an early age, idolizing Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. He previously performed with the vocal group Men of Note and was featured in such theater productions as “Dreamgirls,” “Fabulous ’50s” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” Rockapella found Jones performing as a featured singer at Busch Gardens in Tampa.

Houston and Baldi are the two newest members of Rockapella.

“There’s nothing between us and the audience – it’s very human music – with nothing missing,” Thacher said.

“We make it rock and make it interesting,” said Leonard.

ST. PETERSBURG — The Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art recently announced its latest exhibition opening at the United Nations headquarters in New York, New York.

Showcasing a curated collection of glass artworks, the St. Petersburg cultural pillar presents a compelling exhibit that gives emphasis to the social responsibility of art coinciding with the importance of human rights. This momentous occasion aligns with the 2022 International Year of Glass declared by the UN General Assembly and commemorates the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 2023.

In partnership with glass artists from around the world and the UN Human Rights Office, Imagine Museum has developed an exhibition that seeks to unite mankind and educate on human rights. The exhibit reflects the values and principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, using the universal language of art to convey messages of unity, diversity, and inclusion.

Trish Duggan, the founder of Imagine Museum, played a pivotal role in securing this opportunity to showcase the intersection of contemporary glass art and human rights at the United Nations. Her dedication has not only elevated the museum but has also contributed significantly to the global dialogue on the importance of artistic expression in promoting understanding and unity.

Imagine Museum invites the public, dignitaries, and art enthusiasts to witness this exhibition at the United Nations, at 46th Street and First Avenue, New York, New York. The exhibition opened on Dec. 6 and will continue through Jan. 15.

For information about this exhibit, visit www.un.org/en/exhibits/page/now-view.

Since 2018, Imagine Museum has been a cultural pillar of the city of St. Petersburg. With a collection of contemporary glass art from around the globe, Imagine Museum delivers exhibitions, programming, and events that seek to inspire, uplift and educate. For more information, visit www.imaginemuseum.com.

ST. PETERSBURG — Eem Triplin will take the stage Wednesday, Dec. 20, at Jannus Live, 200 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg.

Gates open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Visit www.jannuslive.com or call 727-565-0550.

Naeem “Eem Triplin” Muhammad is a 21-year-old artist from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, with a natural ear for melody, a sharp wit, and knack for going viral. He’s been releasing music since 2017, first earning notice as a producer on $NOT songs like “Revenge,” “Stranded” and “Benzo.”

Eem’s fanbase rapidly expanded in 2022, following the success of his track “Awkward Freestyle” from last year, which samples Tyler, the Creator’s 2013 song “Awkward” and has garnered over 30 million streams. After several weeks of virality on TikTok, the song caught the attention of Tyler himself who gave his cosign.

He’s since dropped eight more singles, including “Just Friends ?” featured on Spotify’s RapCaviar playlist, as well as “Louie V” and “Let You Know” featuring $NOT. He was featured as the cover artist for Spotify’s Most Necessary playlist. He performed at Rolling Loud New York, and joined Lucki’s “Flawless Like Me Tour” as the primary supporting act.

With his catalog currently streaming over 5 million per week in the United States, Eem Triplin has established himself as one of rap music’s most exciting rising stars.

CLEARWATER — Grammy nominated solo pianist Jim Brickman will perform Thursday, Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m., at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Tickets start at $35. Visit www.rutheckerdhall.com or call 727-791-7400.

Brickman will present “A Joyful Christmas,” a live holiday concert event. His captivating Christmas concert experience dazzles audiences with his signature piano style and soothing vocals. A heartwarming evening of music and laughter fill the air with the sounds of yuletide carols, classics and all of Brickman’s biggest hits.

He has written three best-selling books, starred in five TV concert specials, and is in the 22nd season of hosting the popular syndicated radio show: “The Jim Brickman Show.” He strikes the perfect chord of musical intimacy, compelling storytelling and audience interaction.

Concertgoers will celebrate the spirit of the season with faith, love and togetherness, and be part of the fun with Jim Brickman’s “A Joyful Christmas.”

PALM HARBOR, FL — Veterans seeking new careers might want to look into this Palm Harbor-based company.

Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services has again ranked among the nation’s best franchises for military veterans by Entrepreneur magazine.

About 10 percent of Office Pride franchisees and corporate headquarters team members are veterans.

“Veterans make up a significant part of our franchise owners and team members, which makes this ranking that more meaningful,” said Office Pride CEO Josh Weis. “Office Pride’s inclusion on Entrepreneur’s prestigious list makes us proud to be included among the nation’s top franchise opportunities for veterans.”

Veterans franchises are highly sought-after. Office Pride offers a 25 percent discount off the franchise fee to those who have been honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces.

Office Pride is a five-star participant in the International Franchise Association’s VetFran program, a strategic initiative designed to offer incentives and support to veterans who are interested in franchise ownership.

Annually, Entrepreneur magazine ranks the 150 best franchise opportunities for veterans based on factors such as incentives, support and other programs offered to veterans by franchisors.

Consistently ranked among the nation’s top franchises, Office Pride is also perennially featured on Entrepreneur magazine’s prestigious Franchise 500 list, Top Low-Cost Franchises and Top Home-Based & Mobile Franchises; and Franchise Times’ Top 400 ranking.

The corporate offices for Office Pride are located at 3450 East Lake Road, Suite 200, Palm Harbor.

Office Pride offers commercial cleaning and janitorial services to offices, commercial properties and industrial facilities, and customizes services to fit the needs of every industry, providing health facility cleaning, warehouse cleaning and industrial cleaning, providing both janitorial and disinfection services.

Clients include restaurants and hotels, retail shopping malls and strip centers, event centers, health clubs, golf facilities and sports complexes, churches, temples and other worship centers, courthouses, post offices and government buildings, banks and other financial institutions. preschools, private schools, K-12 schools, youth centers and universities, retail showrooms, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, industrial complexes and factories, hospitals, nursing homes, veterinarian clinics, dental offices, surgery centers, urgent care centers, and medical centers and offices, office buildings and commercial complexes.

Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services, based in Palm Harbor, Fla., is one of the most respected full-service commercial cleaning companies in the nation. It has 13 franchises in Florida as well as franchises throughout the Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, and 12 in California, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota. Those interested in opening a franchise can click here.