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The historic Safety Harbor Resort and Spa is one of the largest and best-known spa and fitness centers in the country. Lying beneath the spa and resort are natural mineral springs producing a liquid treasure sought after by countless visitors. The restorative and curative powers of the mineral waters, coupled with the spa's widely acclaimed fitness and relaxation programs, make Safety Harbor a haven for the mind, body and spirit. From workouts to wellness, the 50,000 square foot spa and fitness center offers an array of programs and pampering for toning the body and relaxing the mind. For more than 2,000 years, the Caloosa and Timucuan Indian tribes inhabited the Safety Harbor area, fishing and bathing in the springs. In 1539, the tribes spotted nine ships sailing into the harbor and fled before Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto's fleet made landfall. Although he never found gold or silver, de Soto believed he had discovered another valuable liquid asset, the Fountain of Youth. De Soto named his new discovery Espiritu Santo Springs, or Springs of the Holy Spirit. From de Soto's exploration until the present day, the springs and surrounding property were purchased and changed hands and names a number of times. In the 1850s, Colonel William J. Bailey purchased the springs from the government. Although he named the area Bailey by the Sea, visitors referred to the springs as Worth's Harbor or Green Springs. In the early 1900s, Safety Harbor became known as the Health Giving City and the five different springs were identified as Beauty, Stomach, Liver, Kidney and Pure Water Springs. The Pure Water Springs were bottled in five gallon jugs and shipped around the world to the health conscious. By 1936, the springs were becoming famous for their healing powers. Dr. and Mrs. Alben Jansik bought the springs and rebuilt the facilities. In 1945, the Jansiks sold the springs and sanatorium to Dr. Salem H. Baranoff who opened the area to overnight visitors and turned it into a health spa called Safety Harbor Spa. Recognized as a historical landmark by the U.S. Department of Interior in 1964 and a Florida Heritage Landmark in 1997, Safety Harbor Resort & Spa remains one of the most comprehensive spa and fitness centers in the country. In 1998, MeriStar Hotels & Resorts, Inc. took over management of the property.
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