Guests Rachel & Pippa Safety Harbor was first settled by a
French nobleman, Count Odette Philippe – known for introducing the first grapefruit to Florida in 1823. Dog friendly Philippe Park was named after him, and there is a plaque inside the park marking where his home was once located. Just off Main Street is another gem.
Seadog Cottages – Tampa Bay’s premier Bed and Get Your Own Damn Breakfast, offering accommodations that are very dog friendly. “Of course, we love dogs,” said Mick Elliott, co-owner of Seadog Cottages. “You’ll probably see one of our own dogs on the property,” added Desanya Daly, Mick’s partner in business and life.
Completely renovated with all the
accoutrements of a luxury hotel and the comforts of home, the main house of Seadog Cottages has recently been des- ignated a historic site by the Safety Harbor Historical Society. The historic designation is particularly fulfilling to Elliott and Daly, who purchased the property in the summer of 2011. Multiple contractors told the couple their best course of action would be to tear the circa 1920 structure down, bull- doze the property and start over. When Mick found himself out of
Follow Your Bliss.
Just be sure to take the dogs along. Story and Pictures by Anna Cooke
Covered porches, awnings or umbrellas grace many of the restaurants in Safety Harbor – the perfect welcome mat for dining with dogs in Florida. Businesses along Main Street offer bowls of fresh water just outside their doors for the dogs strolling along with their humans. The small town is big on being dog friendly. It is also the home of the historic
56 THE NEW BARKER
Espiritu Santo Springs, springs of the Holy Spirit, given its name in 1539 by Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto. Incorporated in 1917, Safety Harbor became home of the world famous Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, built over the springs nine years later. In 1964, the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the site a Historical Landmark.
work after 37 years in sports journalism, he and Desanya moved from their South Tampa home to Safety Harbor with a brand new vision. They brought with them their adopted Border Collies Truman, Mallory and Fausto and their Goldendoodle Louie. Then, they set about lovingly restoring and renovating every inch of the property, now known as Seadog Cottages. No attention to detail has been spared. “The initial advice we received was
correct; it would have been cheaper and much quicker to have razed the whole complex,” said Mick. “But, it was not the right thing to do. We always knew this was a special property.” Seadog Cottages offers extended-
stays for vacations, and is the perfect spot for job relocations, corporate housing, and anyone misplaced by home renovations or construction projects. Mick and Desanya are always on-property, so the needs of their guests always come first.
www.TheNewBarker.com
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