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

• Sat, Aug 5 & Sun, Aug 6 | Train Rides in the Park | Largo Central Park
• Tue, Aug 8 | Commission Work Session | Largo City Hall
• Thu, Aug 10 | ESOL Back-to-School | Largo Public Library



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VETERANS METAL GRAND OPENING

This week, Mayor Woody Brown and team members welcomed Veterans Metal to the City of Largo. Located at 9310 Ulmerton Road, Veterans Metal is a 100% veteran and minority-owned advanced metal finishing company that boasts over 300 customers who primarily serve the U.S. Department of Defense. The configuration and capabilities of this new 15,000-square-foot facility are unique to the Tampa Bay area and among the most technically advanced metal finishing operations in Florida, with the ability to process 3 million parts per month. The City of Largo is thrilled to welcome Veterans Metal to our community!

Largo Housing Programs Available

The City of Largo provides zero percent interest loans for home improvements such as a new roof, air conditioning units, wheelchair ramps, water heater replacement, and much more. There is no minimum credit score required, and after 15 years, if you stay in your home the loan is forgiven.

Largo’s Down Payment Assistance Program is available to help those interested in purchasing a single-family home, townhome, or condo within the city limits of Largo. The program provides a tiered approach based on Median Family Income to cover down payment and closing costs. To get pre-qualified, email Housing@largo.com.

GRANTS-AT-A-GLANCE

Grants Released & Researching: The following opportunities are recently released or open, and staff are considering proposals.

• Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Grant: Provides funds to replace diesel-powered public service vehicles with fully electric models.

• State Budget Appropriations Requests: Provides state funding towards local parks, water/wastewater, public safety, and other projects.

Applications in Process: The following applications have been or will be submitted for the outlined projects.

• Resilient Florida Grant Program: $3,500,000 for the relocation of Lift Stations 19 & 26

• Tampa Bay Estuary Program Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Local Grant: $450,000 for the Deep Injection Well Project

• FY23 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant: $27,500 for Phase 2 of the Largo Police Department Rifle Project

Award Notices: The following proposals have been approved and awarded.

• Resilient Florida Grant Program: $1,250,000 for the elevation of Lift Station 47

TAKE THE TAX RATE SURVEY

Each year, your priorities help determine how tax dollars are spent within the City of Largo's Annual Budget. For Fiscal Year 2024, City leaders are currently finalizing a proposed budget totaling nearly $234 million of investments in our community. Community feedback received throughout the year and during annual budget sessions informs city decision-making so that we can advance the vision to be the Community of Choice in Tampa Bay, Naturally! 

This brief poll focuses on the City of Largo's Property Tax / Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2024. A new property tax rate will be adopted on September 18. Property taxes help pay for City services including Police, Fire Rescue, Parks, Recreation, and Emergency Management. Share your perspective through a 5-minute survey. The survey closes on August 28.

CITIZEN CAMPERS 2023

On Tuesday evening, August 1, the Citizen Campers were recognized from the four full day camps during the summer of 2023. The campers were recognized for demonstrating respect, responsibility, good citizenship and safety in their actions and attitude. The campers who were recognized are Collin Followell from Kid City, Lyla Kohlbecker from Nature Camp, Hayden Turner from Athletic Adventures and Finley Artiaga from Cool Kids. The campers received a framed certificate and a gift card for their recognition.

ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE UPDATES

Bolesta Road

Bolesta Road is closed in both directions between Roosevelt Blvd and Bay Isle Circle due to a roadway failure. This closure will be extended for several more weeks. More extensive repairs to the sanitary sewer manhole will be required than what was originally anticipated. Closure and repair updates will be posted as the work progresses.   

• Please note both the northbound and southbound lanes of Bolesta Road are closed between Roosevelt Blvd and Bay Isle Circle.   
• Driveway access to the building will be maintained during repair work. 
• Please follow the posted Detour Route. 

For questions, please contact Largo Engineering Services at nshaw@largo.com or 727-587-6713 ext. 4417.

2nd Street Southeast

The City of Largo has received a long-awaited notice to proceed from CSX for road reconstruction in CSX right-of-way. 2nd St SE (the Public Works Entrance) will be closed from August 21 to September 30. Public Works staff and service vehicles will use the rear entrance at 16th Avenue SE during the closure. 

Largo Middle School bus circulation will be impacted by the road closure. City staff are working closely with Pinellas County School Board and Largo Middle School staff to minimize impacts to students, teachers, and parents to the extent possible. 8th Avenue SE will remain open during the 2nd St. SE work.

Mehlenbacher Road Sidewalk Improvements

The westbound lane of Mehlenbacher Road is closed between the intersection of Indian Rocks Road and Clearwater-Largo Road for construction of the Pinellas County Mehlenbacher Road Sidewalk Project. The eastbound lane will remain open to traffic. 

The temporary traffic control plan for the project includes a detour south down Clearwater-Largo Road to West Bay Drive and back to Mehlenbacher Road via Indian Rocks Road N. The intersection of Indian Rocks Road and Clearwater-Largo Road will remain open during construction. 

• Please follow the posted Detour Route. 
• For questions, please contact the Pinellas County Project Manager John Carpenter (727) 453-3350. 

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT APPROVALS

Dr. Campbell Dental Office Site Plan Approval

On July 27, 2023, the City issued a Development Order (DO) to authorize the development of the property located at 1601,1603,1605 S. Highland Avenue. The property is located on the East side of South Highland Ave and South of Belleair Road at the intersection of Belleair Road and South Highland Ave. The property is developing from a vacant parcel to two clinic/medical offices. The DO allows for the construction of two clinic/medical office buildings 2,750 sf each and associated infrastructure improvements.