Welcome to LARGO TODAY, News from the City Manager. You can find a copy of this edition and previous eNews at Largo.com/LargoToday. Stay up-to-date on the superior services Largo offers residents, businesses, and visitors to build the "Community of Choice in Tampa Bay."

-John Curp, City Manager

JOIN THE FIRST ANNUAL MAYORAL CHRISTMAS KETTLE CHALLENGE

The Salvation Army is hosting the inaugural Mayoral Christmas Kettle Challenge to unite communities in festive giving. 

Mayor Woody Brown, alongside City Commissioners and eager volunteers, have accepted the challenge and will be joining in the festive tradition of bell ringing for a noble cause. The Mayoral Challenge will take place on Wed, Dec 6, from 10am to 7pm. Mayor Brown will be in Downtown Largo at the Publix located at 857 West Bay Drive. 

This heartwarming event will see Mayors from across Pinellas County at designated Publix locations. The inaugural Challenge will also feature a virtual kettle for community members wanting to support Mayor Brown who may be unable to attend on Dec 6. 

The winner of the Mayoral Ring Day Challenge will be determined by the Mayor who raises the highest sum from both physical and virtual kettles, fostering a friendly yet competitive atmosphere among participating cities. All proceeds from this event will directly support the Salvation Army's iconic Christmas Kettle effort. 



Please join Mayor Woody Brown and the Largo community on Dec 6 as we ring in the holiday season with goodwill and generosity. For more information or to contribute to the cause, visit Largo.com or connect through the Mayor's office. 

LARGO RECEIVES $300,000 GRANT CHECK

Tuesday, November 28, was a celebration at Largo Central Park, where Largo received incredible support from our state leaders. Thank you to State Representative Berny Jacques and State Senator Nick DiCeglie for securing $300,000 in funding during the 2023 Florida Legislature session. This generous grant will pave the way for a vital addition to our park: a much-needed restroom facility! Our heartfelt gratitude goes to all city officials, team members, and park supporters who came together for this check presentation—a milestone that will enhance our park experience for everyone.

COMPLETE LARGO'S CITY-WIDE SURVEY FOR RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES

The City of Largo is launching the second year of a city-wide survey for residents and business owners. The purpose of the survey is to receive public input from community members across 10 key areas of community livability including the economy, education, workforce, utilities, health, recreation, etc. and identify where the city is doing well, and any challenges individuals are currently experiencing. Survey results will inform city planning and potential funding priorities. 

It takes only 15 minutes to make your voice heard! Complete the survey today, and please help spread the word to your neighbors. The survey is available in English and Spanish and closes on December 28, 2023. Individuals living in or operating a business within Largo’s city limits and unincorporated areas of Largo’s greater Planning Service Area are encouraged to participate. Reach out to [email protected] or 727-587-6740 Ext. 7630 with any questions or for any support needed to complete the survey. 

To ensure the city is hearing from residents across Largo, postcards were sent to a random sample of Largo households and businesses across the service area. If you received a postcard in the mail, please use the link or QR code included on that postcard to complete the survey.

TOMMY'S CAR WASH CONSTRUCTION APPROVED

On November 16, City of Largo Planning & Development Services approved a small-scale development review case number SPR223-006 for Tommy's Car Wash East Bay, located at 5315 East Bay Drive. The property is on the south side of East Bay Drive, just west of US Highway 19. This approval allows the applicant to construct two vacuum booms and three additional parking spaces.

PROJECT UPDATES

VENETIAN GARDENS DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

The construction of this project will take place in the Venetian Gardens neighborhood streets including Wateroak Drive, Wateroak Drive N, Waterside Drive, and Watergate Court. The intent of this project is to address settled concrete curb, driveway approaches, and sidewalks due to high ground water and the failing underdrain system. The repairs have been selected on an as needed basis. This project is not intended to be a full reconstruction project. The contractor is in the process of mobilizing to the project site. This work will continue over the next several months. Proper temporary traffic control devices will be in place. 

Local traffic will experience contractor activities in the roadway and sidewalk areas. For questions, please contact Largo Engineering at [email protected] or 727-587-6713 Ext. 4417. 

1st AVE NW AND 6th STREET NW ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE

Starting Monday, December 4, Biltmore Construction, the contractor for the Horizon Reclaimed Water Main Extension project, will shut down the 1st Ave NW and 6th Street NW intersection in Downtown Largo. The purpose of this closure is to set up a reclaimed water main at the intersection. This closure is scheduled to last through Friday, December 8. Drivers are asked to follow the posted detour route. For questions, please contact Largo Engineering at [email protected] or 727-587-6713 Ext. 4417.