Harbor Bar Deck Will Open in July

The old saying goes if at first you don't succeed, try try again.

In the case of the Harbor Bar deck, the adage could be paraphrased to read, 'try, try again - on your own property'.

After being foiled in an attempt to partner with the city to build a deck on a slice of city property adjacent to his Main Street bar, manager Johnny Zemzicki said they are proceeding with the plan to build the deck, but on their own land this time.

"What was missed in all this is the city approached us," Zemzicki said. "It seemed like a good idea, but if this is how it has to get done, this is how it will get done."

"This is exactly what they (residents) asked for - they said put it on your own property, so we are."

Zemzicki pointed out that while he was disappointed the deal with the city didn't work out, this new arrangement is actually better for the bar.

Instead of having to lease the land from the city, adhere to stricter codes and regulations and allow the entire community to use the deck during certain hours, the 1,600-square-foot patio will be all theirs.

"This works out better for us because we're not going to be bound by all the restrictions that were going to be placed on us regarding the TV, the hours of operation, and so forth," he said.

He said they still plan to take the community into consideration when it comes to operating the Margaritaville-themed deck, including having no loud music outside and placing the TV in an existing window of the bar.

And Zemzicki wants people to know that despite what happened with this proposed deal and people's preconceived notions about the bar, he still wants it to be an integral part of downtown Safety Harbor.

In fact, in addition to the grand opening of the deck on July 6, they are also organizing a Safety Harbor bar softball tournament on July 14, with the proceeds going to the local Boys and Girls Club.

"People call us a dive bar. We're not a dive bar. We're your typical local neighborhood bar," he said.
 
Asked if he thinks the addition of the deck will help change the perception of the place, Zemzicki was optimistic.

"I believe so, yes," he said. "I advise people to come in and check us out and see what we're about."