Hands Across the Harbor was a community Day of Service in Safety Harbor, Florida where local businesses, organizations, and volunteers came together to complete service projects across the city, all sharing one goal: make Safety Harbor stronger. The event was coordinated by Scott Long, founder of Safety Harbor Strong, and his passion for this community shows in everything he does, including this event.
I came on to handle social media for the event. However, I ended up contributing much more than my social media services, and I was happy to do so. Some projects just find you. That is what Hands Across the Harbor was for me.
Scott was 14 years old when he witnessed Hands Across America in the 1980s. It took him 40 years, but he brought that same spirit home to Safety Harbor. When I heard that story, I was completely in. I fell in love with the idea, the mission, and the community behind it.
The Logo
I wanted to craft something that represented the different groups coming together to bring this vision to life, because without them, a day like this is not possible. The businesses, the organizations, the volunteers. This vision only comes to life when every group shows up.
The hand represents the community. The three stripes represent the organizations, businesses, and volunteers coming together to pour back into the community and people around them. Simple, meaningful, and built to last.
What I Handled
This project grew well beyond the original scope. Here is everything I contributed:
- Built and managed all social media leading up to and during the event
- Created sponsorship packages from scratch
- Secured Pinellas Technical College as the largest event sponsor
- Visited local businesses and captured video interviews
- Promoted every contributing business and organization
- Emceed the event
What It Meant
I have never seen a community show up for each other the way Safety Harbor did that day. Everyone needs help sometimes, and there is something really powerful about watching people look outside of themselves to lift their neighbors up.
This event changed things for me personally. It opened the door to the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce where I became a member and started building real roots in this community. Some of the best opportunities I have had since starting Sunstate Studio LLC came directly from saying yes to this project.
To Scott Long and everyone who showed up — thank you for letting me be part of something that was so impactful to our community.
“We can’t solve the world’s problems, but today we can come together and help make the place we live a little bit better. After today, can we all get up every day and pledge to do some act of kindness in some way. And if we do that every day, we’re not gonna need this event next year.”
— Scott Long, Founder of Safety Harbor Strong
Client Feedback
“If your business or side hustle is looking for web design, social media help, a new logo or more, I highly recommend Sunstate Studio! Kaylee volunteered a ton of her time and skills to make this event happen, and she’s ready to do great work for you!”
— Scott Long, Founder of Safety Harbor Strong
Visual Showcase
