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

TONIGHT: TRICK OR TREAT AT LARGO CITY HALL

Dress in your Halloween best tonight, Friday, October 27 to enjoy trick-or-treating around Largo City Hall. The free event begins at 5:30pm, with the line cut-off at 6:30pm. Patrons are asked to please park at the Highland Recreation Complex. Adults can also enjoy a Trick or Tree and take home a tree at the end of the trail. For more details or questions, call Largo Special Events at 727-587-6740 Ext. 5014.

CONGRATULATIONS LARGO FIRE RESCUE

Largo Fire Rescue's Extrication Team emerged victorious at the 2023 TERC North American Vehicle Rescue Challenge held in Long Island, NY, showcasing unparalleled expertise and dedication. Facing fierce competition, the team secured top honors, including the coveted 1st place overall title.

In rigorous preparation, each team member invested countless hours training, demonstrating relentless determination and commitment to excellence. The competition featured three challenges, testing skills under pressure. Notably, the team excelled in the Limited, Unlimited, and Rapid scenarios, showcasing their ingenuity and mastery in vehicle extrication.

Individual responsibilities were evaluated, resulting in remarkable achievements:

• 1st Place in Limited (20 min, no hydraulic tools)
• 1st Place in Unlimited (20 min, hydraulic tools)
• 2nd Place in Rapid (10 min with all tools)
• 1st Place Medic (Firefighter Spencer VanBuskirk)
• 1st Place Incident Commander (Firefighter Billy Stark)
• 1st Place Technical (Firefighters Kyle Parker, Jameson Kinsey, Dane Matta, and Nick LeBlanc)
• 1st Place Overall



The Largo Extrication Team's victory underscores their leadership in vehicle extrication, showcasing the exceptional training and professionalism of the Largo Fire Department. Join us in celebrating their success and the superior services they provide to the Largo community.

WASHINGTON ADVOCACY VISIT

Commissioner Eric Gerard and Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator Chris Hawks recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Florida’s federal delegation about issues impacting Largo and local governments across the state. Priority issues included affordable housing, the National Flood Insurance Program, beach renourishment, Community Project Funding, and federal grants. Gerard and Hawks were joined by other city officials from across Florida as part of the Florida League of Cities Federal Action Strike Team (FAST) semi-annual Washington Fly-In. 

PROJECT UPDATES

DATSKO PARK CLOSURE UPDATE

Datsko Park located at 3099 Whitney Road, is currently closed during the construction of the parking lot improvements. The improvements include ADA compliance improvements, parking lot asphalt pavement repairs and maintenance, concrete sidewalk improvements, and new parking lot pavement markings. This closure will be extended to Friday, November 3. The park will reopen Saturday, November 4, barring any additional unforeseen issues. 

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience during the construction of the park improvements. For questions, please contact Largo Public Works at vhoskavi@largo.com 

1st AVE NW & RIDGE ROAD INTERSECTION CLOSURE

On Monday, October 30, Biltmore Construction, the contractor for the Horizon Reclaimed Water Main Extension project, will be closing the intersection of 1st Ave NW and Ridge Road. This closure will be effective from Monday, October 30, through Friday, November 3. This closure aims to install the reclaimed water main through the intersection. Proper temporary traffic control devices will be in place. Please follow the posted detour route.   

For questions, please contact Largo Engineering at nshaw@largo.com or 727-587-6713 Ext. 4417. 

FARAGALLA DUPLEX SITE PLAN APPROVED

On October 20, the City issued a Development Order (DO) to authorize the development of the property located at 1047 11th Ave. NW, Unit A & B. The property is located on 11th Ave. NW and directly east of the Pinellas Trail. The property is developing from a vacant parcel of land to a duplex. The DO allows for the constructing of a 2,884-square-foot duplex and related infrastructure improvements.