County to Take Over Operation of Harbor Hall and White Chapel

Old Palm Harbor Main Street (OPHMS), the non-profit group that maintains the historic White Chapel and Harbor Hall in Palm Harbor, has decided to give the responsibility back to Pinellas County, the owner of the buildings.

The OPHMS Board of Directors voted to make the change during a meeting on Tuesday, June 18, 2013, according to OPHMS President Bill Gallant.

"Old Palm Harbor Main Street has decided to focus more on promoting the Old Palm Harbor Historic District, which happens to be the mission of the board. The two buildings will be going back to the county, not today, but in the next couple of months. They're working on winding down the agreement with Old Palm Harbor Main Street," said Erica Lynford who is Director of CSA Palm Harbor.

"We've been sinking a lot of money into the buildings," said OPHMS Executive Director Debbie Thomas, who was one of three employees whose job was eliminated when OPHMS voted to give maintenance of the buildings back to the county.

Old Palm Harbor Main Street, is a self-funded non-profit whose mission is to preserve and enhance the quality of life and business in Palm Harbor. The organization had employed three people who maintained the buildings and raised money for OPHMS by booking and planning special events like weddings and funerals at the historic buildings.

"Everybody there has always done a good job," said Gallant.

"I loved my job," said Thomas, adding that the recent Parrot Head Party exceeded its goals. The annual event was organized by OPHMS and was held in Old Downtown Palm Harbor.

Thomas was instrumental in creating the "First Friday" food truck rallies, which are popular family-friendly events held in the Harbor Hall parking lot.

The staff behind the scenes will change, but the public is unlikely to notice anything different. 

CSA Palm Harbor staff will be   mowing the lawn and setting up and tearing down events at the historic buildings according to Lynford.

"Everything's basically going to be the same," said Gallant.

If you have booked an event at either of the facilities, there is no need to worry. All contracts will be honored and people will still be able to book future events.

For information about booking an event at Harbor Hall or the Reba White Chapel call (727) 786-5051.

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