The Spaniards brought disease that decimated the native American population. In the mid 1800s, French surgeon Odet Philippe became the first known permanent settler in the area. The site also contains a huge ceremonial Indian mound and is now known as Philippe Park, a lovely place for picnics and pondering the secrets of its past on the north western shores of Tampa Bay. Safety Harbor is now a relatively small, sleepy town, mostly taken over as suburban sprawl, yet still yielding an old-town atmosphere with a little Tampa Bay marina and fishing pier. Old Harbor Place is a community of 75 homesites on the south face of a wooded knoll a half-mile west of downtown Safety Harbor.
Residents feel a sense of peace and home-coming, and find it a delightful place to live.
The old downtown area of Safety Harbor has newly remodeled streets and sidewalks which are perfect for the numerous street fairs, craft shows, and eating events that take place throughout the year. Old Harbor Place is a brisk 5-minute walk away to the west. Philippe Park 2525 Philippe Parkway, Safety Harbor, FL 34695. This historical site overlooks Old Tampa Bay. The park is named for Count Odet Philippe , a surgeon for Napoleon who settled at this site in the 1830's, introduced the first grapefruit trees to the New World, and is buried at the site of his original plantation home in the park.