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."

-Maggie Paluch, Acting City Manager

RECREATION, PARKS, AND ARTS HOSTING SURVEY

The mission of Largo’s Recreation, Parks, and Arts Department is to provide programs and facilities that are enriching and inspire community pride. During the month of September, the department is hosting a public survey to learn more about the community’s perspective on the current use and satisfaction of recreation services in Largo. Resident feedback will help identify new opportunities and the community’s needs and interests to inform future programming and funding priorities. As a bonus, survey participants will be entered to win Apple AirPods. The survey will be open until September 30 and can be found by visiting PlayLargo.com/Survey. Please take a few minutes of your time to help inform future recreation services that will help build the Largo community.

HOUSING FOR ALL VIRTUAL COMMUNITY FORUM

Learn about the City's HOUSING FOR ALL initiative to expand housing options to serve Largo residents now and in the future. The City and its consultants will host a virtual workshop on October 25 at 6pm. 



At the workshop, attendees will be provided a summary of community feedback from July's HOUSING FOR ALL workshop and online community survey, learn more about the housing analysis report, and be able to view and provide feedback on some model concept designs for "Missing Middle" housing. The public is invited to attend and can register for the event to receive the Zoom link for the virtual workshop.

NEW FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAINING PORTABLE APPROVED

On August 31, City of Largo Planning & Development Services approved a small-scale review case number SPR223-018 for Largo Public Works for an additional training portable located at 1260 Donegan Road. The property is located on the north side of 16th Avenue SE, just west of Donegan Road. This approval allows the applicant to install an additional 864-square-foot portable on-site for Fire Department training. 

McGOUGH PARK GARDENING SERIES

With the fall harvest season approaching, now is the perfect time to explore gardening possibilities. Stop by McGough Park on select Fridays from 11am to 12pm this fall to learn various gardening techniques on various subjects from the experts. From vegetable gardening and composting to Right Plant, Right Place, there is something for everyone. Classes are $5 per person and provide the information you need to start your backyard garden. View the upcoming schedule below:



• Friday, Sep 29: Vegetable Gardening (Instructor: Linda Culhane)
• Friday, Oct 27: Container Gardening (Instructor: Linda Culhane)
• Friday, Nov 3: A Florida Winter Garden (Instructor: UF/IFAS Extension)
• Friday, Nov 17: Right Plant, Right Place (Instructor: Linda Culhane)

NATIONAL CLEANUP DAY

September 16 is National Cleanup Day! While our volunteer signup is closed for our Largo Central Park and the Largo Nature Preserve event, it doesn't mean you can't spruce up your neighborhood. If you are spending a part of your Saturday making Largo shine, tag @playlargo and thank you for making the Largo the community of choice in Tampa Bay.

HIGHLAND RECREATION CENTER'S 10TH BIRTHDAY

Highland Recreation Center celebrated the 10th year of the facility with a birthday party. Patrons were able to enjoy the following activities at no charge: Playworld, fitness center, walking track, cake, and bounce houses. The pool was available at the regular price, however, there was a DJ, games, and popsicles as an added birthday treat to enjoy. Captain Play visited to say hello and blow out the candles. The event was well attended, with over 500 patrons enjoying the activities.  

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION WEEK

The Recreation, Parks & Arts Department took the week of September 4 to recognize our customers. The customer engagement committee came up with a daily thank you to let our customers know how much we appreciate them. Each day, there was a different time that we handed out a small token of appreciation to the customers who came to the Community Center, Highland Recreation Center, Southwest Recreation Center, and the Southwest Pool. Some of the items given out were lanyards, koozies, or a small snack. The customers really enjoyed the week, and we look forward to hosting it again in the future. 

CO-SPONSORED EVENTS COMING TO LARGO CENTRAL PARK IN OCTOBER

There are three co-sponsored events coming to Largo Central Park this October. The Co-Sponsorship Committee, comprised of City of Largo team members from Recreation, Parks & Arts, Library, Community Development, Communications and Engagement, Police and Fire Departments, approved the following events:

• Saturday, Oct 14: Walk Like MADD Pinellas
• Thursday, Oct 19: NOPE Candlelight Vigil
• Sunday, Oct 22: Florida Flow Fest

A Co-Sponsored event is an event put on by a non-profit organization or an event benefitting a non-profit organization. All indirect costs of the event are waived. For more information on these events or how your non-profit organization can apply for a Co-Sponsored event, please visit LargoEvents.com or call 727-587-6740 x5014.

ROAD CLOSURE UPDATES

BOLESTA ROAD OPEN TO TRAFFIC

Bolesta Road has reopened to traffic between Roosevelt Blvd and Bay Isle Circle in both directions. The sewer manhole replacement and roadway surface repairs are complete. In approximately two weeks, a temporary road closure will occur to complete the permanent pavement markings. 

Thank you for your patience during this emergency repair project. For questions, please contact Largo Engineering at nshaw@largo.com or 727-587-6713 Ext. 4417. 

GLADYS STREET CLOSURE - PINELLAS COUNTY WATER MAIN PROJECT

Pinellas County is currently updating the water main along Gladys Street. The construction project is approximately 30% complete. The expected completion date for this endeavor is set for January 2024. This timeline is subject to change due to weather conditions and unforeseen events. Following the water main improvements project, the City of Largo has plans to enhance Gladys Street’s pavement condition and implement traffic calming measures. 

Please follow the posted detour route. For questions concerning the current project, please contact the Construction Administrator, Edward Ramous, at 727-464-8833. 

8th AVENUE SE CLOSURE AT CSX TRACKS

8th Avenue SE will be closed at the CSX tracks October 2-6 to replace the existing timber and asphalt crossing with a more durable, smoother tub crossing. During the crossing replacement, Lake Avenue and Donegan Road can be accessed from the north at Central Park Drive and the south at Ulmerton Road. Access to 8th Avenue SE, including Largo Middle School, will be from Seminole Blvd. Please plan for longer drive times the week of the crossing replacement. For questions, please contact Largo Engineering at bwestmar@largo.com or 727-587-6713 Ext. 4433 

COMING TO CPPAC