Welcome to LARGO TODAY , News from the City Manager. Stay up-to-date on the superior services the City of Largo offers to our residents, businesses and visitors to build the "Community of Choice in Tampa Bay."
THIS WEEK IN LARGO AUGUST 9, 2019
RECREATION FACILITIES CLOSED AUGUST 16TH
The three recreation facilities (Highland, Southwest and Community Center) will be closed on Friday, August 16, all day, for a full day of heavy duty cleaning following ten weeks of summer camp.

The Highland Recreation Center and Southwest Recreation Center will both be open for before and after childcare only. All three of the recreation facilities will re-open on Saturday morning at the usual time.

- Joan Byrne
Recreation, Parks and Arts Department Director I 587-6720 I jbyrne@largo.com
DISTINGUISHED BUDGET PRESENTATION AWARD
The Office of Performance and Budget is pleased to announce that the Government Finance Officers Association has awarded the City of Largo with its Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The City's budget has been evaluated based on nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget communication, and reflects the commitment of staff and the City Commission to meeting the highest principles of government budgeting. The annual budget is a collaborative effort and reflects the dedication we all show to building the community of choice in Tampa Bay. Thank you for your dedication and for joining in the celebration of earning the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for over 30 years!

- Meridy Semones
Performance and Budget Director I 587-6700 I msemones@largo.com
2019 Videographer Awards
The City of Largo takes home the award again! Two videos highlighting the amazing work Team Largo is doing to make Largo the Community of Choice were recently recognized by the 2019 Videographer Awards. “ Largo Celebrates What We Do ” received an Award of Distinction and is now featured on the 2019 Winners Website .

“ Meet Largo Police Telecommunicator Tamika Greer ” also received an Honorable Mention. The videos were produced in house by our talented multimedia team and were the products of great collaboration with many other department representatives. Take a look back at these great videos below and celebrate with us.

The Videographer Awards are ad ministered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). The international organization consists of several thousand marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, media production and free-lance professionals who have entered AMCP programs.
- Kate Oyer
Communications and Marketing Manager | 727-586-7455 | koyer@largo.com
JORDAN'S LAW
On July 29th, State Rep. Chris Latvala hosted a press conference at the Largo Police Department to announce the refiling of “Jordan’s Law” in the upcoming Florida legislative session. The website  www.JordansLaw.com went live to encourage people across the state to sign a petition urging lawmakers to back reforms to protect kids in child welfare. State Sen. Darryl Rouson, Chief Jeff Undestad, State Sen. Ed Hooper, and Dr. Jim Lewis added their support by focusing on collaboration, communication and brain injury education. We are proud to be a part of the effort to better protect Florida's children.

- Randall Chaney
Major I 586-7462 I rchaney@largo.com
LARGO PD ROCKS
Largo PD painted rocks made appearances in our city parks again! Over the last week many families braved the rains to look high and low for these hand painted rocks that guarantee them admission to a Police Department VIP Meet & Greet. The competition was fierce but good natured, after all it's easy to be excited about spending time in our beautiful parks.

- Randall Chaney
Major I 586-7462 I rchaney@largo.com
ART IN THE PARK
The Recreation, Parks and Arts Department is seeking interactive and visual artists to exhibit their art in the 2 nd annual Art in the Park event in Largo Central Park on Saturday, November 16 th from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, October 1, 2019. For more information, please check out the website at www.largoevents.com.

- Kara Piehl
Special Events Coordinator I 587-6740 I kiehl@largo.com
LARGO SUSTAINABILITY SERIES
The Largo Sustainability Series hosted another amazing presentation by the Pinellas County Extension as they discussed Garden Diversity by Design. This course focused on what native plants can go in your yard that promote biodiversity including bees, butterflies, rabbits and more. Be sure to stop by next month's presentation, Ready for 100, by the Sierra Club as they talk about how our community can achieve 100% clean, renewable energy in Largo. The event will be at the Largo Public Library on Tue, Sept 3 from 6:30-7:30 pm.

- Laura Thomas
Sustainability Coordinator I 586-7424 I lthomas@largo.com

MEETING UPDATES
DOWNTOWN PLAZA ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

On August 6, 2019, the City Commission authorized the construction of the Downtown Plaza Enhancement project at the corner of West Bay Drive and Seminole Boulevard by BrightView Landscape Development, Inc. for $505,845. The project designed by Booth Design Group, Inc. includes a vertical landmark that incorporates landscaping, light features and a solar power-generating panel as a central focal point, a City of Largo sign, meandering sidewalks and benches integrated into a variety of new tree plantings. The Plaza anchors the eastern area of the West Bay Drive Community Redevelopment District and advances the City’s Strategic Plan principle to inspire community pride.

- Rick Perez
Planning Manager I 586-7350 I rperez@largo.com
DEVELOPMENT ORDERS ISSUED

Commercial Development at Ulmerton & 101st (SPR119-010) Development Order – 10125 Ulmerton Road

On August 1, 2019, a Development Order (DO) was issued to allow for the mixed use redevelopment of the property located at 10125 Ulmerton Road. The DO will allow for the construction of a 118 room hotel, two strip retail buildings with 7,385 sq. ft. and 7,350 sq. ft. (14,735 sq. ft. total), and associated landscaping improvements on 3.93 acres. The property is designated Commercial General on the City of Largo Future Land Use Map.

Golf Lakes Condominium Building 10 (SPR117-026) Development Order – 960 Starkey Road

On August 1, 2019, a Development Order (DO) was issued to allow for the construction of Building 10, a five-story building with 40 condominium units. The project is designated Residential Medium (RM) on the City of Largo Future Land Use Map and the development area covers 1.83 acres .

- Rick Perez
Planning Manager I 586-7350 I rperez@largo.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CAPITAL PROJECTS AND HOUSING JOINT REVIEW COMMITTEE
The Economic Development Capital Projects and Housing Joint Review Committee continues to meet to develop guidelines for use of Penny for Pinellas funds that have been designated for economic development capital projects and affordable housing. Pinellas County has retained a consultant to prepare a study and develop guidelines for review by the Committee. The guidelines will be presented to the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners in November 2019 for approval. Community Development Director Carol Stricklin sits as the City of Largo's representative to the Committee. The next meeting will be held on August 21, 2019 at the EpiCenter.

- Carol Stricklin
Community Development Department Director I 586-7490 I cstrickl@largo.com
JOIN OUR TEAM
Are you interested in helping to build the community of choice? There are great opportunities from interns to engineers. The City of Largo provides outstanding benefits and a modern wellness program. Join us as we serve the community by providing superior services that inspire community pride. The City of Largo is a great place to work, naturally!
MISSION: Provide Superior Services that Inspire Community Pride

VISION: To Be the Community of Choice in Tampa Bay

VALUES: INTEGRITY | COLLABORATION | PASSION | CREATIVITY