Politics & Government

Harbor Bar to Use City Land for Addition

The $25,000 deck would be open to public use during certain daytime hours but limited late afternoon and night to paying customers.

A public-private deal between the city of Safety Harbor and Harbor Bar is drawing extra scrutiny and some questions, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Harbor Bar, at 844 Main St., plans to build a $25,000 deck on city-owned land. The deck, shaded by trees, would have a mini-bar, tables and a big screen TV.

The city is allowing Harbor Bar to use the land in exchange for keeping it open as a public space until 3 p.m. weekdays and 1 p.m. weekends.

Find out what's happening in Safety Harborfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Although the city commission approved the deal in March, it may revisit the plan tonight during its regular meeting, the Tampa Bay Times reports. One of the questions is whether the city should allow its agreement with the bar to extend for 10 years, or revisit it every five years.

The Safety Harbor City Commission will meet at 7:30 p.m.

According to the Tampa Bay Times:

"Liability, maintenance, landscaping and insurance would all be Harbor Bar's responsibility, according to the contract provided by the city. If Harbor Bar goes out of business or otherwise breaks obligations, the city can maintain the deck as a public space."

Find out what's happening in Safety Harborfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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