It's Time to Honor Safety Harbor's Hidden Treasures

Safety Harbor is widely recognized as the hidden gem of Tampa Bay. 

So it's only fitting that exceptional volunteers who stand out amongst the vast collection of civic jewels are honored for their service to the community.

The Treasures of the Harbor awards recognize those whose civic contributions go above and beyond the normal expectations of community leaders.

"You always hear that we're the best kept secret in Tampa Bay," Nadine Nickeson, a community gem in her own right, said of her town. "I came up with this idea five years ago as a way to name the treasures of the Harbor."

Each category is named after a gem, and they are broken up by age: Pearl (30 years of age and younger), Ruby (31 to 60 years), and Diamond (61 years and older).

Nominees must be residents of Safety Harbor, cannot currently hold an elected office, and "are chosen by a panel of judges with consideration of all volunteer activities including civic, non-profit and religious, not pertaining to his/her business or profession," according to Nickeson.

People can nominate their candidates by visiting the Safety Harbor Public Library Foundation website; the foundation is sponsoring the awards, and the winners will be announced at the grand opening ceremony for the new Museum and Cultural Center on Dec. 7.

"I love it here, it's my life," Nickeson, who has been involved in many organizations in the community over the years, said. "This was something we could do every year to recognize the citizens here in town."

Past recipients of the Treasures of the Harbor awards include renowned local artist Stacy Roth; tireless civic leader and businesswoman Darlene Trieste; and the beloved late community activist, Mattie Williams.

For more information on the awards, visit the Library Foundation website, or contact Nadine Nickerson at 727-725-0660 or nspring@tampabay.rr.com.

Know someone in Safety Harbor who's deserving of an award? Post a comment below and give them a shout out!