Hauntings of resort seem to focus on two sources: a dog statue and Dr.Baranoff, one of the original resort founders.
Rumors from staff:
a) dog statue
-- it was originally forged with it's head facing the other way
-- it moves on its own through the hotel (ending up in new locations)
--one person claims to have been bitten by it (2 sources on that)
--if you pet it you will be haunted
--people are drawn to the statue, particularly kids
b) Founder, Dr. Baranoff
--anti-drinker; one story says that a guest coming with bottles of liquor had each top (cork) popped off
--anti-salt; salt shakers allegedly go missing
--one person "felt his presence" in a massage room
--one person reported that she felt him a lot and that he would tap her on the shoulder (older area of resort)
--most often reported on the top floors
--3rd floor ("creepy hallway")
Safety Harbor Spa
July 17, 2008; Jan. 19, 2009; August 9, 2013
Update: 12/23/14
In preparation for comprehensive exams, a small group of Barry PhD students (and 1 professor) went to the Safety Harbor Spa to unwind before the "final class exercise" (comps). As I am also a paranormal investigator, and I know of the spa's rumored haunting, I went ahead and looked around. --Brandy
HISTORY: Native Americans originally inhabited this area at least 2,000 years ago (though a recent discovery of a spear fragment may push that date back to 6,000 years ago). This tribe was followed by the Tocobaga Indians and then the Seminoles (for more on these, please see the SPIRITS of St. Petersburg "Native American History Hub".
1539: Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto (for whom Fort de Soto is named) discovered the Springs. He believed that he had discovered the "fountain of youth".
1850s: Colonel William J. Baily purchased the springs and the land from the government. He named the airea "Baily by the Sea". Most referred to the area for its natural springs, including "Green Springs". This relates to a story (folklore) about a farmer named Jesse Green who was able to throw away his crutches and walk again after drinking the water for one year.
1900s: The fame of the springs grew. Five springs were identified and Safety Harbor was known as a "Health Giving City". The springs were named for the ailments that they cured. Beauty Spring cured psoriasis, skin problems, and provided cosmetic benefits. Stomach Spring cured general health problems and tasted good, Kidney Spring cured kidney disorders, Liver springs did the same for liver ailments and Pure Water was bottled up and sold for drinking purposes. Safety Harbor created an international business based on water, long before Coca-cola put out Dansai!
1920s: The land was sold during the "Great Florida Land Boom" to Captain James F. Tucker and his wife, Virginia. They formed the Espiritu Santo Springs Corp. and built the Safety Harbor Sanitorium. (There were initialy two pavilion buildings there but these were destroyed by a 1921 hurricane). They also built the Espiritu Sancto Springs Hotel (a.k.a. St. James, Harbor House).
1930s: The Florida Land Bust set in. The Tuckers sold the spring for back taxes to Dr. and Mrs. Alben Jansik who restored the resort and added a pool filled with spring water. Houdini, F.W. Grant, and Russ Kresge came to visit. During this time, Dr. Salem Baranoff, Naturopathic Medicine Pioneer, was attributed with revolutionizing and establishing Florida's first health spa.
1945: Dr. Baranoff bought the springs and sanitorium.He revolutionized it further into his vision of a resort spa and the "Safety Harbor Spa" was born.
1950s: The spa served as a wellness retreat and reached a global audience. He also treated snowbirds, athletes (boxers and athelets coming in for spring training).
1960s: The spa was recognized as a historic site (1964).
The 1970s and 80s were not a good time for the Spa. Florida hit an economic dip. Word of mouth said that the spa was open only in the winter. Only since 1985, with the advent of a stronger permenant Florida based population interested in using the spa has the organization remained open year round.
Source: Otto, Steve. (d.u.) "The Spirit of the Bay: Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater" Safety Harbor Resort and Spa.
This is the area where the doctor is sometimes reported.
This is the haunted dog statue. Note that the image to the right has a very light orb to the tip of the dog's nose.
To see some artistic renderings of this work (I turned the dog statue into a ghost dog utilizng the image at left), go to:
I had two peices of equipment with me -- my camera and my trifield meter. This is the only place where I got an EMF spike that I could not explain. I asked "Is there someone in the room with me?" and the EM spiked. I asked "Are you Native American?" (I did not know the story of the haunts at the time). No response. "Are you male?" "Are you female?" No response. I couldn't ask any more as people came into the room and I'm not sure that they would understand my asking questions to the air. I sat in an area of no electronics and the meter was pretty well explained for the rest of the day.
Jan. 19, 2009, A Taste of Safety Harbor, TESA Art Presentation
After years of waiting, I finally was able to show my art at Safety Harbor Spa. In addition, I took a bit of time to nose around to find out if anything new had developed since last I visited.
I did discover that one of the desk clerks was an acquaintance. I asked her about any happenings in the spa and she said that none were reported. I asked about the dog and if she had heard the story that it moved. Her response was that the staff sometimes moved it, but that was it.
The SPIRITS card is back in the manager's office but so far we have not been contacted for an investigation. I left a second card with her and got a manager's card. I emailed the manager and there was no response.
That night I tried the Ovilus to see if there would be any unique responses. The Ovilus was too low on batteries to be of any use.
I also talked to a few people, one of whom I knew from a paranormal investigation project a while back. He introduced me to a cameraman who was taking pictures of the area. The camera was professional and this man did professional media work. He had been a hobbiest photographer for 3 years and wanted to take it to the next level; he was a storm chaser and had pictures of lightning. He showed me a few of the images he had taken that night. One image, taken of the stage, had and orb in it. I mentioned the possibility of dust. He did say that, apparently, orbs were rare for his camera. It was the "appropriate" type of camera, with the flash well away from the lense. I did tell him the story of the doctor who haunts the spa, and he pointed out that the stage area is where they had put the alcoholic beverages. (The good doctor did not like salt or "spirits," so to speak).
I asked if he would send images to me and he said that he would. I gave him a card but as of 2-1, there has been nothing from him.
I did take some pictures of the stage area myself. In all of my pictures I had bright orbs -- likley due to the movement and activity of the event. Every shot but one had orbs in it and all but two of those shots had the same bright orbs that he captures. I took pictures of other parts of the spa, and the art, and had no other orbs in them. However, I do believe that the orbs are explainable and that the one he captured was simply a fluke. I am hoping that the doctor would not become so upset as to manifest as such!
This trip to the spa was, to say the least, disappointing. It did reveal that much of the lore may be exaggeration and that the spa remains in its wish to be uninvestigated. I tried to contact them in 2001 and 2002, and then each time I travel to the spa I bring up the possibility of an investigation with no results. The failure of the Ovilus and the lack of follow through from others on this venture has not aided me in determining more on the case.
However, as always, the spa was beautiful. The "Taste" event sold out and was a huge success. And, I did get to show my art in a wonderful venue that I have always wanted to present in.
Visit August 9, 2013
Inquiries into ghostly lore...
First hand account -- Registration. Has had the sensation of being watched. Had the experience with the elevator, which was an older one. Also heard footsteps walking in her area, but she was the only one there. May report some sensitivity but seems quite in control.
First hand account -- Massage: The massage area has a man who is seen walking out of the room. Reports seeing shadowy figures (more than one ghost?) She did say that activity slowed down after they remodeled the massage area, but until that time she had two direct contacts. In one, she was massaging a client when she felt someone grab her shoulders. She jumped so hard she hit the massage table. No one was there. She had to dismiss the event in order to not spook the client. A second event included hearing footsteps above them. She and the client then watched as a ceiling tile lifted itself up a little then drop down. She told me about the "haunted picture" in which four men had their photograph taken in the 1920s. In the image is a fifth figure of a female form. No one knows who she is as no women were supposed to be there or were documented that day.
First hand account, Nail Tech: No interactions or ghosts. She had been at the spa 2 years. She told me about the haunted picture and about the dog statue (that it moves at night and if a small child touches it, the child disappears). She did report that a man and woman came in and told her the place was haunted and inquired into it (story sounded like amateur ghost investigators looking for something to do).
My observations: No anomalies in photographs. Used Ovilus only briefly -- no real results. Still fun and would love to do a full investigation there someday.
(Left): Ghost dog that I created via Photoshop from the SHSR dog statue. [http://metalpug.deviantart.com/art/Ghostly-Dog-92247243] (Right): My art on display at SHSR. That was a LOOONG time ago.
The photo to left is the so-called "Haunted Picture". It details four men who were supposed to be there. The question is about the fifth image (right) of a woman. No women were supposed to be there or documented as there that day.
Below: The replica room that harkens back to the Spa's opening in the 1930s. One person has a potential sense of presence in this area (and the elevator leading to it).
Research submitted by Donna.:
A. Names the Spa has gone by (or been believed to be)
Espiritu Santo Springs Hernando DeSoto named it and it remains part of the legal description [1] [3] [4] [16]
Springs of the Holy Spirit (translation of Espiritu Santo Springs)
Fountain of Youth (believed to be)
Bailey by the Sea (B)
Green Springs (C)
Safety Harbor Sanitorium (B)
The Safety Harbor Spa (B)
Safety Harbor Resort and Spa (B)
Multiple structures (eleven) on property. [16]
B. Date/Remark
Of note by researcher: The building numbers are chronologically out of order as they are kept consistent with the numbering assigned by reference source.
10,000-year long Tocobaga era, the early Safety Harbor culture of hunter-gatherers in a village-based lifestyle since the last Ice Age [2]
2000 years ago, Indian shell mound builders inhabited the area, followed by the Tocobaga Indians and then the Seminoles. These early residents believed the mineral springs held mystical powers; they were the first to see the springs as the answer to perpetuating youth and healing the sick. [4]
1527-8............. Panfilo de Narvaez, a Spanish explorer, landed in the area [22]
1530s............. Five large native villages were located around Tampa Bay, and Tocobaga village was located where Safety Harbor is today [2]
1539............. Hernando Desoto reached the shores of Old Tampa Bay and discovered the natural springs (later named Espiritu Santo Springs" meaning Springs of the Holy Spirit) believing he had found the legendary Fountain of Youth missed by Ponce De Leon. [1] [3] [4]
>1861............. Before the Civil War tourists discovered the areas healing water of the mineral springs [2]
1850s............. Colonel William J. Bailey and his wife Eliza Ann Williams Bailey, previously stationed in the area during the Second Seminole War, became the first owner of the springs and the surrounding land from the government, after the U.S. bought Florida from Spain. He called the land Bailey by the Sea. [3] [4] [18]
1860............. The census for Jefferson County Florida shows Captain James F. Tucker was living next to the Col. William J. Bailey Family [19] Significant as Tucker later purchased the property from Bailey Bailey is Tuckers wife Virginias father.
1900s............. Safety Harbor became known as the Health Giving City, with five springs identified for specific healing properties.
Beauty Springs said to cure psoriasis, skin problems and provide cosmetic benefits
Stomach Springs believed to sure general health problems and had a delicious taste
Kidney Springs promoted as a cure for kidney disorders
Liver Springs said to cure liver ailments
Pure Waters Springs the water was bottled and sold for bottled drinking purposes [3] [4]
1920............. The Great Florida Land Bloom found Captain James F. Tucker and his wife, Virginia, taking ownership of the mineral springs and surrounding yet undeveloped lands and soon after their purchase, they formed the Espiritu Santo Springs Corporation and began developing the springs area in the eastern section of town. [3] [4]
1921............. Hurricane destroyed the wooden structures on the property [4] Details: Event date: October 20-30, 1921; peak winds 140 mph; death toll 10 [15]
1922............. Captain James F. Tucker and his wife, Virginia, erected the Safety Harbor Sanitorium. They constructed two pavilion buildings to replace the wooden structures destroyed by a 1921 hurricane. Across the street, they built the Espiritu Santo Springs Hotel (later known as the St. James and today as the Harbor House), providing overnight lodging for those traveling to take the waters at the sanitorium. [3] [4]
1924............. Building 1 constructed [16]
1925............. Founded [1]
1936............. The Tuckers sold the springs and sanitorium for back taxes to Dr. and Mrs. Alben Jansik, who restored the resort and built a 45 ft. by 95 ft. swimming pool through which 8,000 gallons of spring water flowed daily. [3] [4]
1945...... Dr. Salem H. Baranoff purchased the five mineral springs and sanitorium on 18 acres for $190,000. At that time, it was a rehabilitation sanitarium for alcoholics. His vision to create a true resort health spa, with on site accommodations to house overnight visitors was at the forefront of the health spa movement, and The Safety Harbor Spa was born. [3] [4] [5]
1950...... Dr. Salem H. Baranoffs partnership with two other physicians turned the resort into a modern-day wellness retreat, offering massages, mineral and steam baths, health foods and hot packs. [4]
1961............. Building 5 constructed [16]
1962............. Building 7 constructed [16]
1964............. U.S. Department of the Interior recognized and designated the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa a Historical Landmark [1] [4]
1965............. Building 4 constructed [16]
1967............. Building 2 and Building 8 constructed [16]
1969............. Building 3 constructed [16]
1972............. Building 11 constructed [16]
1977............. Building 10 constructed [16]
1981............. Building 6 constructed [16]
1984............. Building 9 constructed [16]
1997............. Became a Florida Heritage Landmark [1] [3] [4]
2004............. December 22, 2004 Safety Harbor Resort and Spa was purchased by the S.H.S. Resort, LLC, an affiliate of Olympia Development Group Inc. of Dunedin, Florida from MeriStar Hospitality Corporation (NYSE: MHX) [4] [21]
2010............. Parent company S.H.S. Resort LLC, files for protection under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code.[23]
C. Folklore & Legends
Visitors and locals had other names for the natural springs. One such reference to Green Springs can be traced to local folklore about a crippled farmer Jesse Green, who was able to throw away his crutches and resume plowing his fields after a year spent taking the waters. [4]
D. Famous Visitors
The Great Houdini, Harry Houdini (born Erik Weisz, later Ehrich Weiss or Harry Weiss) [4]
Department store founder F. W. Grant [4] *
Department store founder Russ Kresge [4] *
* Researcher unable to verify the identity/existence of Grant or Kresge; while surnames common to stores and business, first names not validated.
E. Deaths in/on/around/related to property
(numerous details provided for ease in referencing for EVP/other)
Panfilo de Narvaez
(14781528) was a Spanish conqueror and soldier in the Americas. He is most remembered as the leader of two expeditions, one to Mexico
and the disastrous Narváez expedition to Florida in 1527. The Narváez expedition was a Spanish attempt during the years 15271528 to colonize Spanish Florida.
The crew initially numbered about 600, including men from Spain, Portugal and Italy. Making stops along the way to Florida at Hispaniola and Cuba, the expedition suffered a hurricane, among other storms. After landing near Tampa Bay, they were subject to attacks by American Indians, and suffered the effects of poor food and disease. By September 1528, following an attempt to sail from Florida to Mexico, only 80 men survived after being swept onto Galveston Island, Texas. Over the next few years, more men died, and only four of the original party survived. [17]
Hernando Desoto (c.1496/14971542) was a Spanish explorer and conquistador who, while leading the first European expedition deep into the territory of the modern-day United States, was the first European documented to have crossed the Mississippi River. [17]
Colonel William J. Bailey
Birth: Oct. 2, 1807 Georgia, USA
Death: Dec. 17, 1872 Jefferson County Florida, USA
William J. Bailey served as captain of a company of Florida Mounted volunteers in the Seminole War and won distinction for his bravery.
Spouse: Eliza Ann Williams Bailey [18]
Eliza Ann Williams Bailey
Birth: May 21, 1807 Saint Augustine St. Johns County Florida, USA
Death: Mar. 25, 1871 Jefferson County Florida, USA
Widow of Abraham Bellamy (married Jan 2, 1826 in St. John's County, FL), she married William J. Bailey in Macon, Georgia in 1844. William and Eliza were the parents of four children: Virginia, Christine, Jack and Burton. Eliza and Abraham had seven children: Samuel, Sarah, Burton, Anita, Josephine, and twins Victoria and Theodosia. [18]
Captain James F. Tucker
Virginia Bailey Tucker
According to their marriage license it was on November 10th, 1864 Virginia H. Bailey and James F. Tucker were married at Presbyterian Church in Dioces, FL. Virginia is the daughter of Colonel William J. Bailey, neighbor of Captain James F. Tucker. Captain James F. Tucker passed away July 9, 1913 at his Safety Harbor home. [19]
Virginia Bailey Tucker and Christine Bailey Mays - Jefferson County, Florida [20]
Dr. and Mrs. Alben Jansik
Its like these folks did not exist before the spa purchase nor after the sale. Though it does seem Mrs. Jansik was the sole seller so perhaps Dr. Jansik passed away before sale.
Dr. Salem H. Baranoff, 90, founder of the Safety Harbor Spa,
•died at this home July 26, 1977
•He lived at 209 N Bayshore Drive, Safety Harbor.
•A native of Kiev, Russia,
•came to the United States in 1904
•taught in a Hebrew school in New York City while he studied English
•he was so successful with his plan for healthful living through diet and exercise
•he broadcast one of the first radio programs on health foods. The broadcast was in Yiddish.
•He came to Safety Harbor and purchased the building that is now the Safety Harbor Spa. At that time, it was a rehabilitation sanitarium for alcoholics.
•He
purchase the five mineral springs on 18 acres for $190,000 in 1945.
•described himself as a man in love with his work.
•Congregation Beth Shalom
•active in civic affairs in Safety Harbor
•He started several scholarships for young people, donated the land for the town's library and made the down payment and mortgage payments on the building for the American Legion of Safety Harbor. [5]
Jessie L. Brown, 66, a resident since 1964 of Safety Harbor, Florida,
•employed in housekeeping at Safety Harbor SPA in Safety Harbor
•died at Mease Countryside Hospital on Wednesday, August 30, 2000
•Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Safety Harbor [6]
Sandra McMullen Kane, 74, died April 28, 2013
•Sandra was born to Netta Mae and Robert McMullen of Clearwater in the late spring of 1938.
•She inherited her love of flowers, gardening and painting from her mother
•attended and graduated from Clearwater High School in June of 1957
•She married Donald Kane in 1967 and after his passing in 1984
•dedicated her life to her family and Clearwater,
•working for over 30 years at the landmark Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. Sandra worked as an Esthetician at the spa and watched as the spa and Safety Harbor's Main Street developed and changed.
•Sandy suffered a brain aneurysm in 1999 and with the help of family, fought her way back to health and the work that she loved. She had since retired and moved to Orlando to be closer to her son and grandsons before her passing.
•A gathering to remember and celebrate her life will be held immediately following the funeral service at Safety Harbor Resort and Spa for friends and family.
•In remembrance of Sandy, guests can wear a touch of her favorite color - purple. [7]
Alan A. Virgus, 81, passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2013
•the son of George and Mabel (Stillson) Virgus.
•veteran of the US Air Force serving during the Korean Conflict from 1950 until his honorable discharge in 1954.
•avid sports fan and enjoyed skiing, baseball and bowling. In later years he enjoyed playing tennis. was employed as a supervisor at the Safety Harbor Spa in Safety Harbor for several years.
•Hartland Four Corners Universalist Unitarian Church [8]
F. Haunting Reports & Claims
1. Bronze dog statue reported to move (jump) and bite (two claims) [9] [13] [14] Researcher needs additional information on statue to determine age/production; there are much smaller versions of a vintage nature for sale online and some modern variations (which from details appear to be same maker).
2. Salt and pepper shakers (dining room?) move on their own [9] [13] [14] Researcher is willing to go with the theory that Dr. Baranoff is moving them (away?) from use it certainly does beg the question why they are even offering salt since the diet basis of health generally prescribes less salt (and so many herbs are available for flavoring foods.)
3. Doors open by themselves [9] Refer to Section E Dependent on dates of claims, could the door opener be Alan A. Virgus who started as a desk clerk and worked up to supervisor at the spa? This would only be viable for claims after May 2013
4. Sensations of being nudged or waist grabbed in dining room at center table [9]
5. Room-service trays placed on floor that had just been clear moments before [9]
6. Phone calls to front desk from empty rooms during 1990s restoration; security would inspect only to find buildings completely empty [10] [11] [12]
7. Voices heard in empty parts of buildings [10]
8. Voices heard in the spa area when empty [12] Refer to Section E Dependent on dates of claims, could the caller be Sandra McMullen Kane who worked for over 30 years at the Spa as an Esthetician? This would only be viable for claims after April 2013
9. Womans voice in the spa area when empty [12]
10. Housekeepers hear someone yelling their name(s) from the womens bath area [10] [11] Refer to Section E is this housekeeper Jessie Brown? This would only be viable for claims after 2000
11. Dr. Baranoffs presence has been said to felt during a massage [13] [14]
Possible residual hauntings?
Surely the victims of the crimes could have left an emotional imprint.
St. Petersburg Times 1959: Safety Harbor Spa Robbery (pages 3-B and 11-B)
Eugene Thorne King alias James O. Jackson FBI arrested him previously plotted to kidnap Bing Crosbys wife; $200,000 safecracking robbery at Safety Harbor Spa. Three masked gunman who brandished revolvers at hotel employees cracked open the safe, scooped up jewels and cash, and fled in about 20 minutes. http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=888&dat=19590304&id=1jNSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=9nYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7184,2009961
St. Petersburg Times 2002: Sex crime disturbs peace
The woman told deputies said she met the man Oct. 17 by the spa's pool, where he offered her coupons for a massage. She and her husband were at dinner the next evening when she returned to her room to get cigarettes, according to sheriff's reports. It was then, between 8:50 and 9:20 p.m., that the man sexually battered her, she said.
Detectives are looking for a man described as white, about 6 feet 4 and 250 pounds. He had straight, dark hair and a patchy beard. He also has a black mole under his right eye and a scar on his chin.
http://www.sptimes.com/2002/10/31/NorthPinellas/Sex_crime_disturbs_pe.shtml
David Rutherford, LMT: Court Order, Emergency Suspension of License 2004-32668
Sexual battery on client of Safety Harbor Spa
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/FinalOrders/04-12-05/DOH-05-0501-ESO.pdf
Drive by shooting, 2012
http://grandrants.wordpress.com/2010/10/25/sadly-its-time-to-buy-a-gun/#more-15449
G. Property Development [16]
Bldg#
Year Built
ESPIRITU SANTO SPRINGS NO. 2 REPLAT BLK 1, PART OF LOTS A, B & C & PART OF VAC NORTH BLVD ALL DESC FROM SW COR OF NE 1/4 OF SEC 3-29-16 TH N00D29'59"E 64.40FT ALG W LINE OF NE 1/4 OF SEC TH S56D57'01"E 35.87FT FOR POB TH N00D33'42"E 235.14 FT ALG E R/W OF PHILLIPPE PKWY TH S89D48'01"E 62.2 FT TH N35D16'01"E 212.42FT TH N33D02'59"E 373.28FT TH N27D49'59"E 117.96FT TH S56D57'01"E 36.99FT TH S66D20'00"E 171.76FT TH S13D38'16"E 20.49FT TH S23DW 32FT TH S67DE 16FT TH S86D14'16"E 113.97FT TH S57DE 81.69FT TH S03D40'W 224.42FT TH S33DW 745.5FT TH N56D57'01"W 50FT TH S33DW 30FT TO NE'LY R/W OF SOUTH BLVD TH N56D57'01"W 401.53FT TO POB TOGETHER WITH THAT 10FT WIDE TRACT LABELED "RESERVED" S OF & ADJ TO SOUTH BLVD
03-29-16-26100-001-0010
1
1924
Square Footage: 49405.00
Foundation: Spread/Mono Footing
Floor System: Slab Above Grade
Exterior Wall: Concrete Blk/Stucco
Roof Frame: Bar Joint/Rigid Frame
Roof Cover: Blt Up Metal/Gypsum
Stories: 0
Living units: 0
Floor Finish: Carpet Combination
Interior Finish: Dry Wall
Fixtures: 45
Year Built: 1924
Effective Age: 25
Cooling: Heat & Cooling Pkg
2
1967
Square Footage: 21168.00
Foundation: Spread/Mono Footing
Floor System: Structrual Slab
Exterior Wall: Concrete Blk/Stucco
Roof Frame: Bar Joint/Rigid Frame
Roof Cover: Blt Up Metal/Gypsum
Stories: 3
Living units: 32
Floor Finish: Carpet Combination
Interior Finish: Dry Wall
Fixtures: 96
Year Built: 1967
Effective Age: 30
Cooling: Heat & Cooling Pkg
3
1969
Quality: Average
Traverse
Square Footage: 59714.00
Foundation: Spread/Mono Footing
Floor System: Structrual Slab
Exterior Wall: Concrete Blk/Stucco
Roof Frame: Reinforced Concrete
Roof Cover: Blt Up Metal/Gypsum
Stories: 4
Living units: 32
Floor Finish: Carpet Combination
Interior Finish: Dry Wall
Fixtures: 96
Year Built: 1969
Effective Age: 30
Cooling: Heat & Cooling Pkg
4
1965
Quality: Average
Traverse
Square Footage: 35220.00
Foundation: Continuous Footing
Floor System: Slab On Grade
Exterior Wall: Concrete Blk/Stucco
Roof Frame: Reinforced Concrete
Roof Cover: Blt Up Metal/Gypsum
Stories: 4
Living units: 40
Floor Finish: Carpet Combination
Interior Finish: Dry Wall
Fixtures: 120
Year Built: 1965
Effective Age: 25
Cooling: Heat & Cooling Pkg
5
1961
Quality: Average
Traverse
Square Footage: 27392.00
Foundation: Spread/Mono Footing
Floor System: Structrual Slab
Exterior Wall: Concrete Blk/Stucco
Roof Frame: Reinforced Concrete
Roof Cover: Blt Up Metal/Gypsum
Stories: 4
Living units: 37
Floor Finish: Carpet Combination
Interior Finish: Dry Wall
Fixtures: 111
Year Built: 1961
Effective Age: 30
Cooling: Heat & Cooling Pkg
6
1981
Quality: Average
Traverse
Square Footage: 49608.00
Foundation: Spread/Mono Footing
Floor System: Structrual Slab
Exterior Wall: Concrete Blk/Stucco
Roof Frame: Bar Joint/Rigid Frame
Roof Cover: Blt Up Metal/Gypsum
Stories: 6
Living units: 48
Floor Finish: Carpet Combination
Interior Finish: Dry Wall
Fixtures: 144
Year Built: 1981
Effective Age: 30
Cooling: Heat & Cooling Pkg
7
1962
Quality: Average
Traverse
Square Footage: 17928.00
Foundation: Continuous Footing
Floor System: Slab On Grade
Exterior Wall: Concrete Blk/Stucco
Roof Frame: Flat
Roof Cover: Built Up/Composition
Stories: 2
Living units: 0
Floor Finish: Carpet Combination
Interior Finish: Dry Wall
Fixtures: 6
Year Built: 1962
Effective Age: 30
Cooling: Heat & Cooling Pkg
8
1967
Quality: Average
Traverse
Square Footage: 21440.00
Foundation: Spread/Mono Footing
Floor System: Slab On Grade
Exterior Wall: Concrete Blk/Stucco
Roof Frame: Bar Joint/Rigid Frame
Roof Cover: Built Up/Composition
Stories: 1
Living units: 0
Floor Finish: Carpet Combination
Interior Finish: Dry Wall
Fixtures: 6
Year Built: 1967
Effective Age: 30
Cooling: Heat & Cooling Pkg
9
1984
Quality: Average
Traverse
Square Footage: 15961.00
Foundation: Spread/Mono Footing
Floor System: Slab On Grade
Exterior Wall: Concrete Blk/Stucco
Roof Frame: Bar Joint/Rigid Frame
Roof Cover: Built Up/Composition
Stories: 2
Living units: 0
Floor Finish: Carpet Combination
Interior Finish: Dry Wall
Fixtures: 15
Year Built: 1984
Effective Age: 25
Cooling: Heat & Cooling Pkg
10
1977
Quality: Average
Traverse
Open plot in New Window
Square Footage: 1250.00
Foundation: Continuous Footing
Floor System: Slab On Grade
Exterior Wall: Siding Average
Roof Frame: Gable Or Hip
Roof Cover: Composition Shingle
Stories: 2
Living units: 0
Floor Finish: Asphalt Tile
Interior Finish: Dry Wall
Fixtures: 5
Year Built: 1977
Effective Age: 30
Cooling: Heat & Cooling Pkg
11
1972
Quality: Average
Traverse
Square Footage: 610.00
Foundation: Continuous Footing
Floor System: Slab On Grade
Exterior Wall: Concrete Blk/Stucco
Roof Frame: Flat
Roof Cover: Built Up/Composition
Stories: 1
Living units: 0
Floor Finish: Concrete Finish
Interior Finish: Ceiling Fin Only (Min)
Fixtures: 4
Year Built: 1972
Effective Age: 30
Cooling: Heat & Cooling Pkg
REFERENCES
[1] http://www.safetyharborspa.com/
[2] http://www.ibisbb.com/html/area_history.html
[3] http://www.historichotels.org/hotels-resorts/safety-harbor-resort-spa/history.php
[4] http://www.safetyharborspa.com/history/history.html
[5] http://www.sptimes.com/2006/07/23/Northpinellas/Safety_Harbor_Spa_fou.shtml
[6] http://www.legacy.com/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=18148
[7] http://sylvan.tributes.com/our_obituaries/Sandra-McMullen-Kane-95716110
[8] http://www.vnews.com/obituaries/7139179-95/alan-a-virgus
[9] http://www.sptimes.com/News/103000/NorthPinellas/Workers__spooky_stori.shtml
[10] http://www.hauntedplaces.org/item/safety-harbor-resort-and-spa/
[11] http://amghg.tripod.com/amghg/id12.html
[12] http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/travel/extraday/tampa-st.pete/feature.htm
[13] http://starkimages.homestead.com/safetyharborspa.html
[14] http://spaaroundtheworld.wordpress.com/2010/11/01/haunted-spas/
[15] http://www.srh.noaa.gov/images/tbw/paig/PresAmHurricane1921.pdf
[16] http://www.pcpao.org/
[17] http://www.wikipedia.org/
[18] http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=100547458
[19] http://pascocemeteries.org/bio_tucker_james.html
[20] http://floridamemory.com/items/show/142675
[21] http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2004_4th/Dec04_SafetyHarbor.html
[22] http://hotelspatampaclearwater.com/stories-of-the-history-of-safety-harbor/
[23] http://tbo.com/news/business/safety-harbor-spa-will-file-for-chapter--bankruptcy-19917
Additional Reading:
Ghost Stories of St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Pinellas County: Tales from ... By Deborah Frethem Book excerpt, begin page 93: http://books.google.com/books?id=z_Gm7iQjsJ4C&pg=PA93&lpg=PA93&dq=ghost+safety+harbor+spa&source=bl&ots=7XdyfSV8Os&sig=cKEJiwuJFelZCfE16-sMQKhnFmU&hl=en&sa=X&ei=rH4FUr7jOumM2gWX2oCIDA&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=ghost%20safety%20harbor%20spa&f=false
Regarding Dr. Salem H. Baranoff: for picture and copy of actual newspaper article
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=888&dat=19770727&id=lGhQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=plkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6443,2665148
12/23/14
So, I am still reading the Kindle version of "A Brief History of Safety Harbor Florida" by Warren Firschein and Lara Kepner. They mention the Safety Harbor Spa and a lot of information on how it started and about Dr. Baranoff. The very last paragraph of this chapter is about the haunting of the spa (I am amazed at how much this is downplayed in this book!) Here is what they say:
"Adding to the city's lore are reports that the spa might be haunted. The ghost of Dr. Baranoff is said to move salt and pepper shakers, doors have been mysteriously opened throughout the facility an voices have been heard in empty parts of the building. IN the 1990s, telephone calls from empty rooms in the midst of renovations were allegedly placed to the front desk." (about 60% point of the Kindle ebook version).
