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

LAST CHANCE TO COMPLETE 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.

LARGO CENTRAL PARK RESTROOM PROJECT CHECK PRESENTATION

Senator Nick DiCeglie and Representative Berny Jacques will present the City of Largo with a check for $300,000 for the Largo Central Park Restroom Facility Project on October 5, 2023, at 3pm at Shelter 8 in Largo Central Park near the proposed location for the new restroom facility. Senator DiCeglie and Representative Jacques secured the state funds for the city during the 2023 session of the Florida Legislature. Largo Central Park is enjoyed by over 1 million people annually and hosts dozens of major events and celebrations.

This important project will alleviate long restroom waiting times and overcrowding during large events at the park. The additional restroom facility will also ensure that Largo Central Park events can continue to grow in the future. The check presentation ceremony is open to the public, and the city invites all local officials, Largo team members, residents, and park supporters to attend. The City of Largo parks system comprises nearly 500 acres of green space, including regional, neighborhood, and nature parks. 

LARGO SHREDFEST

Join the City of Largo on Saturday, October 14, for ShredFest, the free document shredding and recycling event. The event will be held 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.

The Starkey Road Recycling Center is also a 24-hour facility where residents can drop off their mixed recycling at no cost, recycle used cooking oil, and pick up free, recycled mulch all year round.

LARGO SENIORS OFFERED FREE FITNESS CLASSES

Looking for a senior gym discount? We have the ultimate discount for Largo seniors. Starting October 1, 2023, the Largo Recreation, Parks, and Arts Department will be offering all recreation fitness classes at Highland, Southwest, and the Community Center for free to individuals with eligible healthcare providers. Patrons who use one of the healthcare programs accepted will be able to attend fitness classes including Aquatic Exercise, Pickleball, Line Dancing, Tai Chi, Yoga and more. Patrons are limited to one activity a day using their healthcare program. Check your eligibility at one of our recreation centers by visiting or calling a facility below. 



• Largo Community Center | 400 Alt Keene Rd | (727)518-3131 
• Highland Recreation Center | 400 Highland Ave | (727)518-3016 
• Southwest Recreation Center | 13120 Vonn Rd | (727)518-3125 

REGISTER TODAY TO ATTEND THE OCTOBER (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 be hosting a virtual workshop on October 25, 2023 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.

FALL LARGO LIVE! KICKS OFF THIS OCTOBER

Join the City of Largo for this free community event with live entertainment, displays from City Departments, games from the Play Express, and more from 6-8pm. Don’t forget your blanket or chairs for an evening of meeting neighbors and enjoying an event in your neighborhood. 

The October Largo Live! event will be held on Friday, October 13 from 6-8pm at Ulmer Park, 301 West Bay Drive in Largo.

SPRUCE UP LARGO HELD

The City of Largo Recreation, Parks & Arts Department held its first Spruce Up Largo beautification event in Largo Central Park and the Largo Central Park Nature Preserve on Saturday, September 16. Seventy-five volunteers from organizations such as the Largo High School National Honor Society, Habitat for Humanity, Rotary Club of Largo, Largo Youth Leadership Council, Largo Ambassadors, the Mayor and some City Commissioners, City of Largo Recreation, Parks & Arts and IT Departments gave back to their community by planting a wildflower meadow, doing painting projects, building chimney swift boxes, trimming palmettos and bamboo and picking up trash. Thank you to Keep Pinellas Beautiful for donating the use of supplies for this beautification project. If you're interested in adding your name to the email list for future beautification projects, please email specialevents@largo.com.

UPCOMING CO-SPONSORED EVENTS

ROAD CLOSURE UPDATE

8th AVENUE SE CLOSURE AT CSX TRACKS

The CSX Railroad is planning to close 8th Avenue SE from October 2-6. During this time, Central Park Drive will be shut at the point where it meets Lake Alison Drive. Patrons looking to access Lake Avenue or Donegan Road can only do so from Ulmerton Road. For access to 8th Avenue SE, including Largo Middle School, patrons need to go through Seminole Blvd.

Please remember that no one on foot will be allowed to pass through the area closed off for the CSX Railroad work. Everyone in vehicles or on foot should follow the detour shown below. It's also important to note that students from Largo Middle School won't be allowed to cross the area where the CSX Railroad work is happening. For questions, please contact Largo Engineering at nshaw@largo.com or 727-587-6713 Ext. 4417

COMING TO CPPAC