This week's Citizens’ Academy Class of 2019 was back in session to get a behind-the-scenes look at Largo’s Community Development Department. The evening told the story of The Rosery, the new 224 unit, mixed-income apartment complex in the Clearwater Largo Road Redevelopment District. The story highlighted how the project, with its frontage on the Rosery Road Community Street project; connection to the Pinellas Trail; and architectural design features will contribute to the revitalization of the area. Each of the Department's divisions: Community Standards, Economic Development, Planning, Building, and Housing, explained their role in supporting development of this project. The Rosery is a great example of how the Community Development Department is helping to make Largo the Community of Choice in Tampa Bay. The evening also featured an inside look at the Building and Customer Service Center, where participants learned about "Permitting 101." Class participants will hit the road next week when they visit the Public Works Department.

- Brandon Graham

Multimedia Supervisor I 727-587-6740| bgraham@largo.com

On Saturday, October 12, members from the Largo Police Department participated in Mother's Against Drunk Driving Walk Like MADD at Albert Whitted Park in St. Petersburg, FL. This event is a walk to honor those we have lost from Drunk Driving related crashes. It also raises money for West Central Florida Mother's Against Drunk Driving which benefits many victims in our area. The event raised $40,298 and had 315 registered walkers from 29 teams. Local law enforcement agencies were there to show support for this cause. Team Largo PD was honored as the Top Law Enforcement Team raising $2,789! Our very own Chief Undestad was honored as the Top Overall Individual Fundraiser with a total of $2,442.

If you would still like to donate, please follow this link:

https://www.walklikemadd.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=15426

We would like to thank everyone who supported this event and hope to see you there next year!

- Amber Waters

Office Administrator 727-587-6730| awaters@largo.com

Congratulations to the final winners of the Sustainability Team's Kill-A-Watt Energy Challenge, Officer Anthony Citrano won the top prize for the Energy Pledge and Fire Station 40 showed an amazing 13% reduction in energy usage! The Sustainability Team got charged up for this year's project and is happy to announce a total savings of over $7,500 and tons of energy in just three months. Thanks to everyone who participated, the team looks forward to another innovative and engaging project next year.

Laura Thomas

Sustainability Administrator I 727-586-7424 | lthomas@largo.com

The Engineering Services Department and Pinellas County Traffic Management (PCTM) are proactively coordinating on traffic signal adjustment during West Bay Drive and Rosery Road Construction. PCTM has been monitoring and adjusting traffic signals to compensate as best they can.

PCTM proactively adjusted Rosery Road traffic signals at Clearwater-Largo Road and at Missouri Avenue at the start of construction. They also recently adjusted the signal at Clearwater-Largo Road and Wyatt St/Ponce de Leon Blvd at the request of community members who thought the Rosery Road detour route was affecting queues at that intersection.

Barry Westmark

Senior Engineer I 727-587- 6713 | bwestmar@largo.com

As an ongoing effort to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows in the City of Largo, the City has hired McKim & Creed Inc. to smoke test the sanitary sewer lines within an area south of Rosery Rd to just south of East Bay Rd between Missouri Ave and Keene Rd. All properties affected by this testing have been sent a letter from the City notifying them of the testing. Door hangers will also be placed at those properties prior to the testing. Testing is scheduled to start the week of November 4th. Weather depending, the test should be completed that week.

Occupants receiving notification should pour a gallon of water down each sink, shower, bathtub, toilet, floor drain or any other connection to the sanitary sewer to ensure there are no dry sewer traps in the plumbing.

The testing will help locate potential areas where stormwater or ground water might be entering the sanitary sewer system. The testing is performed by circulating smoke into the sewer lines and manholes to locate broken pipes and other defects, and may exit from vent pipes on home roofs. The smoke is non-toxic, leaves no residue and creates no fire hazard. The smoke will not enter the house unless there is defective plumbing present or the drain traps are dry. If potential problem are found on private property, owners will be notified of repairs that may need to be made.

For more information, residents should call Engineering Services at (727)587-6713 ext. 4416; or for Spanish translation services contact Myrna Anderson at (727)587-6173 ext. 440.

Joshua Carlsson

Asset Management Data Coordinator I 727-587- 6713 | jcarlsso@largo.com

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is scheduled for re-accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. on November 4-7. As part of the assessment, there will be three opportunities for members of the community to offer comments. On Wednesday, November 6 at 5 pm, there will be a public information session at the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Administration Building at 10750 Ulmerton Road, Largo. If you are unable to attend the public information session, comments may be offered on Wednesday, November 6 from 3-5 pm by calling (727)582-5989. Written comments may be sent to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., 13575 Heathcote Blvd., Suite 320, Gainesville, VA 20155.

Karen Catalioto

Executive Assistant to the City Manager I 727-586-7454| kcatalio@largo.com

Wizards of all ages unite for a magical evening celebrating all things Harry Potter! Dust off your best wizard's robes for a costume contest, throw your name into the Goblet of Fire to enter the Triwizard Tournament, and enjoy other food, crafts, and games inspired by the Harry Potter book series. Join the fun on Monday, October 28, 5:30-7:30 pm at the Largo Public Library.