Weddings and Events to Continue at White Chapel and Harbor Hall

Earlier this week, we posted an article about how Pinellas County will be taking over the operation of Palm Harbor's Harbor Hall and the White Chapel, which are popular venues for weddings and other events.

In that article, we mentioned that if you have booked an event at the facility, there is no need to worry. 

We would like to remind readers of this important information.  

All contracts will be honored and people will still be able to book future events at these facilities. White Chapel and Harbor Hall will still be available for weddings and other events.

"Absolutely nothing changes for all the brides who have their weddings scheduled there," said Ted Friedinger, who is an Old Palm Harbor Main Street (OPHMS) board member and serves as accountant for OPHMS, which has been operating the White Chapel and Harbor Hall.

The staff behind the scenes will be changing, but the public is unlikely to notice anything different at the buildings, which are owned by Pinellas County. 

"The buildings are community assets which will continued to be made available to the public," said Pinellas County Commissioner Susan Latvala, who is also a resident of Palm Harbor.

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. 

"It did not make financial sense for Old Palm Harbor Main Street on a regular basis to be operating these businesses," said Friedinger about the organization's decision to give the responsibility of operating White Chapel and Harbor Hall back to the county.

Even though OPHMS does not plan on overseeing the facilities after September 1, the organization will continue to present popular events like First Friday and the Parrot Head Party, according to OPHMS President Bill Gallant.

The next First Friday celebration is scheduled for August 2, 2013. There will not be a First Friday celebration in July because of the Fourth of July holiday. 

• If you are interested in becoming a vendor for First Friday, email ophmsdirector@live.com.

• For information about booking an event at Harbor Hall or the Reba White Chapel call (727) 787-4700.

Related-

• County to Take Over Operation of Reba Sutton White Chapel and Harbor Hall

• 1st Food Truck Rally a Hit with Families

• Local Group Working to Light Up Old Downtown Palm Harbor