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 - August 26, 2022
IMPORTANT DATES

NEWS AND UPDATES
WHAT'S ON THE BALLOT: HORIZON LEASE TERMS

On July 19, 2022, the Largo City Commission voted to include on the November ballot a proposed amendment to the City Charter. If approved, this amendment will exclude the Horizon West Bay location (the new multi-purpose Downtown City Hall) from the requirement of a referendum to lease any city-owned property for more than five years. The exemption will allow the City to work with a leasing agent to fill retail spaces with Downtown businesses like coffee shops, restaurants, and more. To learn more about what is on the ballot in Largo visit LarGoVote.com.
GRANTS-AT-A-GLANCE
Grants Released & Researching: The following opportunities are currently open and staff are considering proposals for strategic needs in the city.
 
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant
  • Provides funding to police and fire departments for life-saving equipment and prevention education programs

Applications in Process: The following grant applications have been or will be submitted for the outlined projects.
 
Resilient Florida Grant Program – Lift Station 19 Relocation
  • $1,750,000.00 to relocate Lift Station 19 out of a floodplain and protect against sea level rise

Resilient Florida Grant Program – Lift Station 26 Relocation
  • $1,750,000.00 to relocate Lift Station 26 out of a floodplain and protect against sea level rise

Resilient Florida Grant Program – Lift Station 41 Elevation
  • $1,250,000.00 to elevate Lift Station 41 to protect against flooding events and sea level rise

Resilient Florida Grant Program – Lift Station 47 Elevation
  • $1,250,000.00 to elevate Lift Station 47 to protect against flooding events and sea level rise

Safe Streets Pinellas
  • $100,000.00 to fund planning activities to improve safety and reduce accidents on Seminole Boulevard (between 8th Ave SE & 16th Ave SE)

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

Stormwater Outreach & Education
  • $11,500.00 to purchase 100 rain barrels for participants of the Largo Rain Barrel Program 
NEW GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR NONPROFITS SERVING LARGO RESIDENTS
The City’s Safety Net Grant application is now open for nonprofits, including faith-based organizations, that provide a safety net service such as mentoring, food, abuse services, childcare, education, counseling, or other support services to Largo residents. Eligible nonprofits can receive between $10,000 - $25,000 to address lost revenue, increased programming costs, and other impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit Largo.com/ARPA to learn more about grant eligibility and apply. Applications will be accepted between August 15 through November 15, 2022. 
THINKING OF PURCHASING A HOME IN LARGO?
Hometown Heroes is a program for frontline community workers to assist with down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time, income-eligible homebuyers who serve and continue to serve their country. Borrowers can receive up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount ($25,000 max), as a 0%, 30 year deferred second mortgage. 
 
Hometown Heroes can also be leveraged with the City of Largo’s Down Payment Assistance Program! Clients would need to meet the requirements of the Down Payment Assistance Program and purchase price requirements to be eligible to receive assistance to both.
 
For questions about Hometown Heroes or to apply, call Suncoast Housing Connections at 727-442-7075.
COMING SOON TO CPPAC
THE DAILY SHOW WRITERS
COMEDY TOUR
Friday, September 16, 8pm
This international comedy tour features four brilliant, Emmy-nominated writers combining their comedic talents for a show you won’t soon forget. The lineup includes Kat Radley, Matt Koff, Randall Otis, and Joe Opio, The Daily Show is the longest-running program on Comedy Central and has already won 24 Primetime Emmy Awards. See how “The Writers” find laughs everywhere and bring it all to the stage in Largo!
MISSION: Provide Superior Services that Inspire Community Pride
VISION: To Be the Community of Choice in Tampa Bay
VALUES: INTEGRITY | COLLABORATION | PASSION | CREATIVITY