Longtime Residents Become New Business Owners

For years, Martha Morrison and Alex Sabo have travelled from downtown Safety Harbor to their places of work, which included Tarpon Springs and the Ozona section of Palm Harbor. 

But now their commute has been cut to about two minutes; they could even walk to work if they wanted to.

Morrison and Sabo recently opened Antiques to Aardvarks on Main Street, and the couple is thrilled to be doing what they love to do in the place they’ve called home for over 10 years. 

“We rented space in stores in Tarpon Springs and Ozona for two years,” Morrison relates. “But when this prime location became available, we couldn’t not do it.” 

“We had been looking for a place around here for about three months,” Sabo adds. “A week before we moved in there was nothing in here. But we have enough stuff at home to fill this store.” 

The shop, located directly across from the post office, sells a mixture of fine antiques and kitschy collectibles, hence the name. 

On one shelf you might find crystal serving ware or fine vases; nearby there are rabbit fur-covered animal figurines and hand-painted leaves created by a local artist. 

“We called it Antiques to Aardvarks because we have a mix of traditional antiques and odd, eclectic stuff,” Morrison explains. “It’s safe to say we have something for everyone.” 

The couple has had little time to get acclimated to being new business owners. On top of opening on 3rd Friday, this has been one of busiest weeks in the history of Safety Harbor. 

“We opened at a great time, with 3^rd Friday, and ,” Sabo says. “Business has been great so far.” 

Whether the shop continues to thrive or not in a downtown area chock full of similar stores remains to be seen. 

But right now the owners are happy to be here, and they hope to remain in town for a long time. 

“I’d like to expand," Morrison says of the cramped shop. “And I'd love to retire here. This is all happening so fast.” 

“It blows our mind every night,” adds Sabo. “I believe in karma, and I think karma is coming back to bless us.”

Antiques to Aardvarks

Address: 310 Main Street

Phone: 727-400-6871

Hours: Mon, 10am - 6pm; Tue, Thu- Sun, 10am - 8pm; Wed, 10:30am - 8pm