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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
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THIS WEEK IN LARGO - JANUARY 5, 2024 | |
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The City of Largo will hold the next ShredFest on Saturday, January 13, at the Starkey Road Recycling Center (1551 Starkey Rd) from 9am-12pm or until the trucks are full. This easy, drive-through event allows residents to bring up to five boxes of documents for free and secure on-site shredding and recycling. All patrons are to remain in their cars during the event. ShredFest is part of the City of Largo’s sustainability initiatives and Largo Recycles. To learn more about ShredFest or other upcoming sustainability events, visit LargoRecycles.com.
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Kick off the New Year with a blast! Largo Recreation is pulling out all the stops during the third annual Rec Expo week from Jan 7-13! Dive into a week-long adventure of FREE fitness classes and wellness programs that will leave you energized and wanting more.
From karate kicks to groovy line dances and pickleball to chair exercise – we've got it all! And guess what? Every class you attend not only boosts your health but also earns you a golden ticket into our fantastic raffle. Amazing prizes include a FitBit, gift cards, fitness passes, and more.
But wait, there's more! For this week ONLY, new members can enjoy an incredible 50% OFF DISCOUNT on annual memberships for both residents and non-residents at our fantastic facilities – the Community Center, Highland Recreation Complex, and Southwest Recreation Complex. It's the perfect opportunity to commit to a healthier you, all while having an absolute blast.
Gather your friends and family, and head over to PlayLargo.com/RecExpo to snag the full schedule of classes and additional details. Let's make this New Year unforgettable, active, and oh-so-FUN!
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HORIZON WEST BAY MURAL FOCUS GROUP | |
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On December 18, 2023, the City of Largo hosted a select group of community members and local business leaders to shape the creative direction of the forthcoming murals for Horizon West Bay. This collaborative session aimed to inspire the selected artists, Vitale Bros., as they embarked on designing murals and indoor art installations throughout the mixed-use project.
The Vitale Bros. earned a 30-year legacy of artistic brilliance and were selected to lend their creative touch to Horizon by the Largo City Commission. The Vitale Bros. are based in Pinellas County and since 1992, they've painted walls throughout Tampa Bay. Their contributions have significantly elevated St. Petersburg, establishing it as a world-class arts destination.
The focus group engaged with key stakeholders, fostering a dialogue centered on capturing the essence of Largo’s identity through art. Participants passionately shared insights on imagery, artistic styles, and themes emblematic of both the present and future of Largo to ensure the murals enhance Downtown Largo as a destination for all residents and visitors.
The Vitale Bros. will work to translate our community’s vision into vibrant artwork and their concept designs will be presented at an upcoming City Commission Work Session. Stay tuned to updates by visiting HorizonWestBay.com and signing up for the Downtown Largo eNewsletter.
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GRANTS RELEASED & RESEARCHING
The following opportunities are currently open or upcoming, and staff are considering proposals for strategic needs in the city.
Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending:
- Provides Congressionally appropriated funds to local governments for disaster mitigation, energy efficiency/solar projects, transportation, water quality, etc.
Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Grant Program:
- Provides funds to assist local law enforcement agencies in preventing, protecting against, mitigating, responding to, and recovering from acts of terrorism and other threats.
APPLICATIONS IN PROCESS
The following applications have been or will be submitted for the outlined projects.
Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Grant Program:
- $322,923 for an electric street sweeper
Florida Legislature Appropriations Requests:
- $510,000 for the Largo Public Library flooring project
- $300,000 for the Largo Nature Preserve Stormwater Quality project
Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program:
- $553,385 for public electric vehicle charging stations throughout the city
AWARD NOTICES
The following proposals have been approved and awarded.
Tampa Bay Estuary Program Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Local Grant:
- $450,000 for the Deep Injection Well Project
Florida Recreational Trails Grant Program:
- $500,000 for the reconstruction of the McGough Nature Park Boardwalk
Safe Streets and Road for All Grant Program:
- $80,000 in planning funds for safety improvements on Seminole Boulevard
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ROAD CLOSURES & PROJECT UPDATES | |
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58TH STREET N ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE
On Monday, January 8, 58th Street N will be closed at Ulmerton Road due to an emergency sewer repair that will last several weeks. If there are any changes to this situation, an update will be provided.
During this closure, 58th Street N will be inaccessible to through traffic between Ulmerton Road and 142nd Ave N. Temporary traffic control measures will be implemented, and it's advised to adhere to the designated detour route.
For questions, please contact Largo Engineering at nshaw@largo.com or call 727-587-6713 Ext. 4417.
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VENETIAN GARDENS DRAINAGE
The construction of the roadway drainage improvements within the Venetian Gardens neighborhood is underway. This project intends to address settled concrete curbs, driveway approaches, and sidewalks due to high groundwater 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 actively working to complete the project on time. 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 nshaw@largo.com or 727-587-6713 Ext. 4417.
ESQUIRE MANOR ROADWAY AND DRAINAGE
The construction contract for roadway and drainage improvements for the Esquire Manor pavement group was approved by the City Commission on January 2, 2024. The work includes drainage and road reconstruction within Esquire Manor and drainage/roadway repairs in Whispering Pines Manor and Lake Breeze Estates. Pinellas County potable water mains will be replaced at the same time. Length of construction is estimated to be 360 days. Although construction is still months away, the Engineering Services Department staff has begun construction contracting with Keystone Excavators. Once they are known, It will update the community with construction-specific information and milestone dates (such as construction start date).
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Construction of Horizon West Bay which includes Largo City Hall is underway. As of January 3, 2024, work continues on the following tasks:
- Underground Utilities Interior/Exterior Garage and City Hall
- Garage Interior Plumbing
- Garage Fire Protection
- Architectural Facades at Parking Garage and City Hall
- Electrical Work at Garage
- City Hall Interior Walls
- City Hall Fireproofing
- Painting of Exposed Steel Structure
Road closures for the duration of the project include:
- 4th Street NW, between West Bay to 1st Ave NW
- 5th Street NW, between West Bay to 1st Ave NW
- 1st Avenue NW, between 4th Street to 5th Street
Largo’s new mixed-use complex, Horizon West Bay, sets a vision to attract new restaurants, cafes, and retailers to Downtown Largo. The facility will be located on the northern 400 block of West Bay Drive in Downtown. View more information and ways to stay informed on the latest updates at HorizonWestBay.com. Get the most up-to-date information on projects happening Downtown by signing up for the Downtown eNewsletter.
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