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 the City of Largo offers to our residents, businesses, and visitors to build the "Community of Choice in Tampa Bay."

-Henry Schubert, City Manager
THIS WEEK IN LARGO - July 8, 2022
IMPORTANT DATES

NEWS AND UPDATES
LARGO'S PROPOSED CITY BUDGET FOR 2023 AND SHARING FEEDBACK
The City Manager's Fiscal Year 2023 Proposed Budget is now available. The proposed budget includes factors guiding the budget, strategic budget changes, details on next year's expected operating costs and capital projects as well as proposed pay, benefit, tax, and utility rate increases.

How do you want your community dollars spent? Each year, community priorities help to determine how tax dollars are spent within the City of Largo's Annual Budget totaling nearly $310 million of local investment. This year, community members can provide feedback on budget priorities in the following ways:

Take 10 minutes to prioritize specific initiatives within the City’s strategic focus areas of Sustainability, Public Health & Safety, and Community Pride.

Share In-Person Feedback
Visit the Largo Public Library on Saturday, July 16 anytime between 9am to 12pm and stop by the Budget Engagement Pop-up Table in the entryway to learn about how community dollars were spent in past years and share your priorities for current funds. City’s budget team will be available for questions.

For more information including past financial reports, upcoming Commission Meetings with public comment available, and other ways to learn more and share feedback visit Largo.com/Budget.
COMMUNITY CLIMATE SESSIONS
Interested in how climate change might be impacting the community? Join us for one of three Community Climate Sessions and help inform the City's Sustainability and Resilience Plan update. Sessions will be held in-person, both in English and Spanish, and virtually. Free childcare and food will be provided for in-person events (registration is required for childcare services). Visit Largo.com/Sustainability to learn more. 
  • Tuesday, July 19 5:30-7pm | Southwest Recreation Complex | 13120 Vonn Rd, Largo, FL
  • Viernes, Julio 29 3-4:30pm | Highpoint Neighborhood Family Center | 5812 150th Ave N, Clearwater, FL (En Español)
  • Thursday, July 21 6:30pm | Virtual Zoom Event
 
SAFETY NET GRANT COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
The City is excited to announce that a Safety Net Grant will be open this fall using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for Largo Nonprofits and Nonprofits that serve Largo residents. Nonprofit partners including faith-based organizations (501c3 and 501c19) are invited to a Community Conversation on July 15th from 8:30-10:30am at the Largo Public Library to learn more details about the grant application, program and process. We will be looking for feedback on how the process can be improved so it is as user-friendly as possible before the grant is finalized. 
CELEBRATE JULY PARK AND RECREATION MONTH
July is Park and Recreation Month and this year the National Recreation and Park Association is celebrating the professionals who build strong, vibrant, and resilient communities through parks and recreation. Visit PlayLargo.com/Celebrate to learn more and how to get involved.
1st AVENUE NE BRICK REPAIRS
City of Largo Engineering Services is coordinating with the City's contractor, APS Pavement Contractor, to schedule brick repairs along 1st Avenue NE beginning July 8 and to complete approximately early August. Due to material supply shortages, the active construction environment, and the need to complete the project before the upcoming school year, APS will complete the project in three phases. Visit Largo.com to learn more about the project.
GRANTS-AT-A-GLANCE
Grants Released & Researching: The following opportunities are currently open and staff are considering proposals for strategic needs in the city.
 
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Bridge Investment Program
  • Provides funding for reconstruction/rehabilitation of municipally-owned bridges for flood control and climate change resiliency

Safe Streets Pinellas
  • Provides planning and construction funds to increase safety and reduce collisions in the high injury network areas of Pinellas County

Stormwater Outreach & Education
  • Funds educational activities to improve stormwater runoff in the Tampa Bay region

Applications in Process: The following grant applications have been or will be submitted for the outlined projects.
 
FY22 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
  • $27,408 to replace rifles in the Largo Police Department

Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership
  • $16,483.50 to replace 33 bulletproof vests in the Largo Police Department

Florida Legislature Local Support Grant Program
  • $640,000 to replace the boardwalk at McGough Nature Park

United States House of Representatives Community Project Funding
  • $265,000 for solar panel installation at the Largo Public Library

Walmart Community Grant – Facility #3372
  • $2,500 for the 2022 Shop With A Cop Program

Award Notices: The following proposals have been approved and awarded.
 
United States House of Representatives Community Project Funding
  • $230,000 for body-worn cameras for the Largo Police Department

Walmart Community Grant – Facility #1712
  • $2,500 for the 2022 Shop With A Cop Program 
COMING SOON TO CPPAC
TONIGHT!
Friday, July 8, 8pm
Buckcherry is an American rock band from Anaheim, California, formed in 1995. The group gained popularity in the early 2000s after a run of opening shows for AC/DC and later became well known for monster hits like "Lit Up" and "Sorry." Despite having formed during an era of post-grunge, and alternative rock, the band maintained a heavy metal sound with profanity and attitude to match.
JOIN OUR TEAM
Are you looking for a great place to work? The City of Largo is seeking talented candidates in several of our departments. If you are looking for competitive compensation, professional and personal development, generous benefits, leave packages, and a flexible work-life balance, apply to join Team Largo today! Check out this video to learn why these team members chose Team Largo and apply now at Largo.com/Jobs.
MISSION: Provide Superior Services that Inspire Community Pride
VISION: To Be the Community of Choice in Tampa Bay
VALUES: INTEGRITY | COLLABORATION | PASSION | CREATIVITY