Philippe Park Improvements

Project Background

The projects are planned inside Philippe Park, next to the Safety Harbor Tocobaga Mounds. This area is a National Historic Landmark and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mounds are known to contain human remains, shell piles and physical places where people once lived that contribute to our understanding of the prehistoric Safety Harbor culture, dating to between A.D. 1000 and 1500.

All projects had archaeologists perform investigations prior to the construction of improvements. These investigations met the guidelines set forth by the Historic Preservation Program of the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources and requirements of Pinellas County. Additionally, all archaeologists will meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards (48 FR 44716).

Projects Overview

Note: This page consolidates multiple projects within Philippe Park that will be completed in a similar timeframe.

Philippe Park Seawall Repairs & Enhancements (PID# 004178A)

This project will repair the concrete cap atop the seawall at various locations and includes resetting some of the tiebacks that support the seawall. The project will also repair areas behind the seawall that have eroded.

Living shoreline elements will be installed in front of the seawall to increase wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and enhance the seawall protection.

Anticipated Seawall Project Timeline

• Design Completion: September 2024
• Construction: Spring 2026 – Fall 2026

Philippe Park Sidewalk and Erosion Improvements (PID# 004178A)

This project includes the installation of a new sidewalk along the existing seawall adjacent to the shore of Philippe Park. The project will also install an erosion control structure.

Anticipated Sidewalk Project Timeline

• Design Completion: Winter 2026
• Construction: Fall 2026 – To be determined

Philippe Park Wastewater Collection System Improvements (PID# 000341GA)

This project will provide a new wastewater collection system to eliminate four onsite septic treatment systems and connect the facilities to the City of Safety Harbor’s wastewater system. Also included is the rehabilitation of the park’s master pump station. An archaeological assessment of the sanitary sewer line alignment and new pump stations locations was conducted to eliminate potential conflicts with buried archaeological artifacts.

Anticipated Wastewater Project Timeline

• Design Completion: Spring 2025
• Construction: Early 2026 – Fall 2026

Project Funding

The seawall repair, sidewalk/erosion control, and wastewater/restroom projects are supported by the Penny for Pinellas. A grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will fund a portion of the wastewater project, too. Funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund and Resilient Florida helped support the living shoreline seawall enhancements.

Contact Us

Jorge Hernandez, P.E.
Project Manager
Public Works / Capital Improvements
14 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 464-5209
jahernandez@pinellas.gov