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 June 5, 2020
LARGO : A UNITED COMMUNITY
The City of Largo stands with our community in this trying time as we struggle with feelings of fear, frustration, and sadness since the inexcusable actions in Minneapolis that led to the death of Mr. George Floyd. We also recognize that this is one tragic incident that is part of a much larger systemic issue.

Our vision is to be the community of choice in Tampa Bay for all people; and as an organization, we firmly oppose hatred, racism, and intolerance of any kind. We strongly condemn the actions that led to Mr. Floyd's death. As a City team that strives to provide superior services to all residents, one of the key values that guides us is integrity, which we define as, “serving the public with honesty, transparency and according to ethical standards; respecting the worth of others, and doing what is right."

As a community, we must work together in collective responsibility to achieve change that truly reflects our values, understand each other's challenges and concerns, and most importantly move forward as a united society. We are truly in this together, Largo. We encourage all residents to continue to grow with us in our recognition, understanding, and celebration of diversity, build connections with one another, and live up to the ideals of freedom, equality, and justice.
NOW OPEN IN THE CITY OF LARGO
  • Largo City Hall
  • Largo Library
  • Summer Camps
  • Recreation Centers
  • Highland Family Aquatic Center
  • Narrows Environmental Center
  • Tennis Courts
  • Largo Golf Course
  • Southwest Pool
  • Largo Parks & Dog Parks
  • Skate Park at Bayhead Action Park
  • Basketball & Volleyball Courts
NEWS AND UPDATES
UPCOMING VIRTUAL MEETINGS
The City of Largo will temporarily host meetings virtually. Members of the public who wish to tune in or comment during the meeting will have several options. If you have any questions, please contact cityclerk@largo.com or call 727-587-6710 ext. 7003. To see all upcoming virtual meetings, visit Largo.com/CityMeeting .
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Tuesday, June 16 at 6pm
Meeting ID: 734-231-563

Call in: 1-914-614-3221
(Long distance fees may apply)
Access Code: 224-093-516
Audio Pin: (simply press #)
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION UPDATE
The Largo City Commission aligned with the direction of neighboring communities and agreed to postpone the 4th of July Celebration and fireworks display in Largo Central Park. This decision was made to preserve the health and safety of the community. The City of Largo understands that this event is important to our community. Staff is working to provide fun and memorable alternatives to celebrate our community and our nation, safely at home with your family. Stay tuned to LargoEvents.com for more information.
VIRTUAL SUSTAINABILITY SERIES TOUR
SATURDAY, JUNE 27 • 10AM • CITY OF LARGO FACEBOOK
On Saturday, June 27 at 10am, take a walk on the wild side and meet some of Largo’s most entertaining residents: our animals from McGough Nature Park. Join us virtually on the City of Largo Facebook page to see a variety of educational wildlife and learn about their habitats.
PINELLAS COUNTY'S COVID UPDATE
Following the Governor's Orders, Pinellas County bars, movie theaters and bowling allies can reopen with social distancing strongly encouraged.
CARES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE DEADLINE EXTENDED
Individuals and small businesses impacted by COVID-19 now have until June 30 to apply for financial help through the Pinellas CARES assistance programs. For individuals, text COVIDCARES to 898211 or visit the
Making sure you and your loved ones will survive a storm or other disaster is a year-round task that requires attention to your personal business, your family, your home and your vehicles. It is not a task that can be done in just 24 hours, so start your planning now. Be sure to sign up for Alert Pinellas to receive emergency text alerts and important information.
LARGO RESIDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OPENS
The City of Largo wants to help Largo individuals and families who have fallen behind on housing and utility bills due to impacts of COVID-19. Largo opened a Resident Assistance Program on Friday, June 5 at 9am. Largo’s program is available to residents as a second line of assistance behind Countywide programs. Its intent is to help Largo families who suffered a loss in income from COVID-19 furloughs, lay-offs, reduced hours, or company closings with mortgage or rent payments and utility costs.

To be eligible, applicants must first determine if they pre-qualify for the Pinellas CARES Financial Assistance or Juvenile Welfare Board Family Services Initiative (FSI) programs by visiting 211TampaBay.org, calling 2-1-1 or texting “COVIDCARES” to 898211.

If a Largo resident does not meet the requirements for these programs, or does qualify but needs additional help, residents can proceed with the Largo Resident Assistance Program. To do so, applicants can visit Largo.com/Housing and complete the Resident Assistance Program application via the online portal.

Applications are available in English, Spanish, French and Vietnamese by selecting the preferred language at the time of registration on the application portal. This program is funded through the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Program.
Arrow Woodard
Housing Grants Specialist | 727-586-7435 | awoodard@largo.com
150th AVENUE N TEMPORARY CLOSURE
Pinellas County is replacing stormwater pipe under 150th Ave N, approximately 1/8 mile east of US 19 beginning June 8. The road will be fully closed at this location for approximately 2 weeks. There will be no access to points east from the US 19 frontage road during this time. Following the 2 week full closure, 150 th Ave N will be partially opened with flagmen for an estimated 3 weeks until the conclusion of the project.

Barry Westmark
Senior Engineer | 727-587-6713 | bwestmar@largo.com
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FROM FLORIDA BLUE
Florida Blue is offering a free 24/7 bilingual helpline to provide emotional support surrounding the COVID-19 health crisis. Florida Blue, has partnered with New Directions Behavioral Health to assist all Floridians with the stress they may currently feel. If you would like more information, please call 1-833-848-1762 or visit FloridaBlue.com.
LEADERSHIP PINELLAS
Karisa Rojas-Norton represented the City of Largo in the most recent Leadership Pinellas class. The mission of Leadership Pinellas is to develop and enhance community leadership by providing a diverse group of emerging and existing leaders with the opportunity to increase their community knowledge, civic network, and perpetuate their service to the community. Last Thursday, May 28, 43 participants from the Leadership Pinellas 2020 class held their graduation ceremony. Congratulations to Karisa on her participation with Leadership Pinellas!

Teresa Brydon
Economic Development Manager | 727-586-7360 | tbrydon@largo.com
LARGO CELEBRATES PRIDE MONTH
City team members from several Departments joined together with Mayor Woody Brown, Vice Mayor Holk, and Commissioners Smith and Robinson on Wednesday, June 3 to celebrate Pride Month and raise the Pride Flag alongside the United States Flag and State of Florida flags. This followed a proclamation that was read at the June 2 Commission Meeting designating June as Pride Month. Many communities across the United States recognize Pride Month, to both acknowledge the history of prejudice and discrimination toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and non-binary individuals, and as an opportunity to celebrate the advancements of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. The City of Largo supports a community in which all residents are treated with dignity and respect.

Julianne Perez
Community Engagement Administrator | 727-587-6740 x7630 | jperez@largo.com
NEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATION MEETING
A virtual Neighborhood Information Meeting was held on May 28 to discuss a proposal to construct 39 fee simple town homes to be located at on the north side of 16th Avenue SE on a tract of land ½ mile east of Seminole Blvd. The property totals approximately 4.56 acres and is designated Residential Low Medium (RLM) on the City of Largo Future Land Use Map. All property owners and residents within 500 feet of the subject property were invited to participate in the meeting. Brandon Tones, Jennifer Holmes-Giotakis and Jeff Underwood of Sagamore Holdings, and Joesph Toph and Patricia Montecki of Arcturus Group were available to discuss the project. Planning Division staff were also present to answer questions from the public.

No residents of the City of Largo attended the meeting. Staff stated that the final site plan submittal will be available to be viewed by any interested parties. The proposed site plan, elevations, and a recording of the meeting are available online at www.Largo.com/NIM .
Rick Perez
Planning & Development Manager | 727-587-6749 | rperez@largo.com

VIRTUAL COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR
Join Largo Mayor Woody Brown for a Facebook Live Virtual Coffee Chat on Monday at 8:30am at Facebook.com/LargoWoody and Facebook.com/CityofLargo. Mayor Brown will talk Largo, COVID-19 and more as well as answer questions from viewers. Coffee is encouraged but not required.
CITY OF LARGO STAFF IS HERE TO HELP
KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY CONNECTED
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From Captain Play! coloring sheets to online fitness videos, Largo Recreation is here with ways to stay active and healthy while at home.
Access library eResources on your device, all free with your library card. eResource digital media includes: eBooks, eAudiobooks, downloadable and streaming music, TV shows, comics, movies, and eMagazines.
audio books ebranch database
MAKE LARGO COUNT IN THE 2020 CENSUS
Do you want more funding for schools, highways, and healthcare in our area? The census count determines billions of dollars in funding for federal and local programs in our state, Congressional representation, and election boundaries. The 2020 Census is now live online! You can fill out the Census at My2020Census.gov , simply confirm your address and complete the brief survey. Then tell your friends to take it, too!
MISSION: Provide Superior Services that Inspire Community Pride

VISION: To Be the Community of Choice in Tampa Bay

VALUES: INTEGRITY | COLLABORATION | PASSION | CREATIVITY