Safety Harbor. Community officials have decided it's time to tout the praises of one of their founding fathers, Odet Philippe. Philippe is credited with introducing the first grapefruit into Florida back in the early 1800's, beginning what has led to Florida's billion-dollar grapefruit industry. Odet Philippe has been inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame for his contributions to the citrus industry.
The Board of Directors of the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce endorsed this project and will work with the City of Safety Harbor and other area businesses and organizations to launch this program. The Safety Harbor Grapefruit Legacy project will be an ongoing effort to entertain and educate locals and visitors on this historic significance.
On April 16, 2011, the first ever Safety Harbor Grapefruit Legacy Fest will take place. The day's events will include a ceremonial tribute at the site of Odet Philippe's grave, now located in Philippe Park, a 5K run, arts and crafts booths featuring grapefruit-related items, music, children's games and other family activities.
The restaurant community will be invited to develop signature dishes and beverages which include grapefruit, and the public can enjoy a "taste of" and maybe even a grapefruit "throw down" with celebrity judges. A list of participating merchants selling grapefruit-related items will be available at the Chamber office.
This will be an ongoing public relations campaign for the City of Safety Harbor and the Safety Harbor Chamber in an effort to increase tourism.
For further information, contact the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce at 727-726-2890 or email GrapefruitLegacy@verizon.net.
For those interested in the life of Odet Philippe, a book has been published by J. Allison DeFoor, II titled "Odet Philippe: Peninsular Pioneer." It is available for purchase at the Safety Harbor Regional Museum of History.
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