In this week’s episode, we welcome back Ben Nichols, owner of DeBine Brewing, for an in-depth discussion about the current state of downtown Palm Harbor. Ben shares his observations on the changes in the area over the past eight years and his vision for its future.
We also dive into the collaborative efforts of the Downtown Palm Harbor Merchants Association, the Main Street program, and other local organizations to revitalize the community. Ben also emphasizes the importance of community involvement and how locals can contribute to these exciting developments. Tune in for a candid conversation about what’s next for downtown Palm Harbor.
Listen to the episode here
Downtown Palm Harbor is more than just a place—it’s the soul of our community, reflecting the vibrancy, challenges, and aspirations of those who call it home. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Ben Nichols, the owner of DeBine Brewing, to discuss the current state of downtown Palm Harbor, the changes he’s witnessed over the years, and what the future might hold. If you’ve been curious about what’s happening—or not happening—downtown, this post is for you.
Brewing in Changing Times
When Ben opened DeBine Brewing about eight years ago, he stepped into a brewing industry that was booming. Small, local breweries were popping up everywhere, fueled by a growing demand for craft beer. But as with all trends, the market eventually began to shift.
“The brewing industry is definitely changing,” Ben says, reflecting on the evolution he’s witnessed. “Everything’s tripled in price—grain, cans, even CO2. It’s tough out there.” This isn’t just a local issue; it’s happening across the country. Many small breweries are struggling to stay afloat, and even some of the bigger names in the industry are closing their doors.
Despite these challenges, DeBine Brewing remains a fixture in Palm Harbor, thanks to a loyal customer base and Ben’s strategic approach to business. “We’re lucky that we’ve been established for a while and that we own our building. That gives us a bit more stability,” he explains. “But it’s still a lot harder to make a dollar now than it was when we started.”
Ben’s story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required to succeed in today’s volatile business environment. And while the brewing industry continues to evolve, DeBine Brewing is determined to keep serving up great beer to the Palm Harbor community.
Downtown Palm Harbor: A Community in Transition
Ben’s insights extend beyond the brewing industry. As a longtime business owner in downtown Palm Harbor, he’s seen the area go through significant changes—some good, some not so much. When DeBine Brewing first opened, downtown Palm Harbor was already recognized as a place with potential, but it was also a place where progress was often stifled by disorganization and a lack of cooperation among key stakeholders.
“The Merchants Association, the Chamber, Parks and Rec—none of them got along,” Ben recalls. “It was just a mess.” This lack of cohesion made it difficult to get anything done, and the area suffered as a result.
But things are beginning to change. “For the first time, the merchants, the Chamber, everyone’s working together,” Ben says with a sense of optimism. This newfound collaboration is a big deal, and it’s starting to make a noticeable difference in the community. The Downtown Palm Harbor Merchants Association, the Main Street program, and other local organizations are now pulling together to bring new energy and ideas to the area.
One of the key areas of focus is beautification and infrastructure improvements. “We’ve been working with Pinellas County to get new lighting and landscaping,” Ben explains. “It’s going to cost nearly half a million dollars, but it’ll completely change the look and feel of downtown.” The goal is to create an inviting, vibrant space that attracts both locals and visitors, much like the transformations seen in nearby Dunedin and New Port Richey.
The Push and Pull of Progress
However, progress is rarely straightforward, and downtown Palm Harbor is no exception. While there’s a lot of enthusiasm for revitalization efforts, there’s also resistance—particularly from some property owners who are hesitant to invest in the improvements.
“We’re getting pushback from some property owners who don’t want to invest,” Ben says, clearly frustrated. “It’s ironic because these are often the same people who complain that nothing ever happens in Palm Harbor.”
This tension between the desire for progress and the reluctance to invest in it is a common theme in many communities. Change requires not just vision, but also a commitment of time, money, and effort—something that not everyone is willing or able to give.
Yet, the potential benefits are enormous. Improved lighting, better landscaping, and a more cohesive community identity could turn downtown Palm Harbor into a destination rather than just a pass-through area. It’s about creating a place where people want to spend time—whether it’s grabbing a coffee, shopping at local boutiques, or enjoying a night out.
How You Can Get Involved
If you’re passionate about seeing downtown Palm Harbor thrive, there are plenty of ways to get involved. One of the most important is simply showing up—whether it’s attending community meetings, participating in events, or supporting local businesses.
“Volunteering your time, attending events, spreading the word—these are all ways to get involved,” Ben emphasizes. The success of downtown revitalization efforts depends heavily on community involvement. It’s not just the responsibility of business owners or local officials; it’s something that everyone in the community can contribute to.
Communication is another key area where help is needed. “We’re trying to get a community calendar up and running, something that everyone can use,” Ben tells me. “But it’s been slow going. We need more people to step up and help make it happen.”
Creating a centralized hub for information would make it easier for residents to stay informed about what’s happening in the community and how they can participate. Whether you’re tech-savvy and can help with online tools, or you’re great at organizing and can assist with events, there’s a role for everyone.
Looking to the Future: A Vision for Downtown Palm Harbor
As we look ahead, the future of downtown Palm Harbor is filled with potential. Ben and other local leaders have big dreams for the area, and while they acknowledge that it will take time, they believe that real progress is possible.
One of the most exciting developments on the horizon is the potential for new businesses to move into the area. “There are a couple of vacant lots that have been approved for development,” Ben says. “Once those are built out, it’s going to change everything.”
But it’s not just about adding new buildings. The vision for downtown Palm Harbor is about creating a cohesive, inviting space that people are drawn to—a place where you can park your car and spend hours exploring, dining, and enjoying the local atmosphere.
“We’ve got to get the lighting and landscaping sorted, make it a place people want to walk around,” Ben explains. “Right now, it’s dark and kind of empty. But if we can change that, I think people will really start to see the potential.”
This transformation won’t happen overnight, but the pieces are beginning to fall into place. With continued collaboration among local organizations, support from the county, and increased community involvement, downtown Palm Harbor could very well become the vibrant, thriving hub that so many people envision.
Moving forward
Downtown Palm Harbor is at a crossroads, with the potential to become a true gem in the community. But to get there, it’s going to take all of us working together. Whether you’re a business owner, a resident, or just someone who loves this town, you have a role to play in its revitalization.
So, the next time there’s an event, show up. Next time you see an opportunity to volunteer, take it. And most importantly, keep supporting our local businesses—they’re the heart of this community. With a little effort from all of us, downtown Palm Harbor can be a place we’re all proud to call home.
CONNECT WITH BEN:
- Website: www.debinebrewingco.com
- Contact them: www.debinebrewingco.com/contact
- Instagram: @debinebrews
CONNECT WITH DONNIE:
- Follow Donnie: @donnie.hathaway
- Follow Palm Harbor Local: @PalmHarborLocal
- For more real estate information – https://palmharborlocal.com/search-for-homes/
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Stroll through the laid-back streets of the Palm Harbor community with this informative podcast, proudly brought to you by Donnie Hathaway with The Hathaway Group, your trusted guide and local expert in navigating the diverse and ever-changing property landscape of Palm Harbor.
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