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 - APRIL 7, 2023
IMPORTANT DATES

NEWS AND UPDATES
CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT UPDATE
The City of Largo solicited competitive bids for an executive search firm to recruit a new City Manager. Proposals were opened on March 6, 2023, and six were received. Team members reviewed the proposals, and four did not meet the required minimum qualifications. Two firms were found to be the right fit for a comprehensive national search. GovHR USA and Strategic Government Resources (SGR) presented to the City Commission about their services and ability to complete a successful recruitment on March 28 at a Special Commission Meeting. City Commission approved the award of request for proposal (RFP) for City Manager recruitment services to Strategic Government Resources (SGR).  

SGR is a recognized thought leader in local government management and is actively engaged in local government operations, issues, and best management practices. Executive Vice President, Doug Thomas will handle the recruitment for the City of Largo. Doug is based in Florida and has nearly 35 years of senior local government executive management experience, including 12 years serving as Lakeland, Florida’s City Manager. SGR is a full-service firm specializing in executive recruitment, interim placements, online training, onsite training, leadership development, psychometric assessments, strategic visioning retreats, one-on-one employee coaching, and other consulting services. SGR has approximately 700 local government clients in 47 states for all of business lines combined.  

SGR is currently collaborating with City team members to develop a recruitment plan, including a timeline and marketing materials. They will be on-site, visiting with key stakeholders to learn more about what leadership looks like in Largo. After a position profile is designed, the opportunity will be advertised nationally. SGR will conduct initial screenings and reviews to ensure the City Commission is presented with candidates who will lead by the City’s mission, vision, and values. Please stay tuned to Largo.com and the Largo Today Newsletter for information as this important process progresses to identify a dynamic new leader for our organization.  

Join the City of Largo in celebrating Earth and Arbor Day in every corner of the community this April. From pledging to conserve water, reducing food waste, or hosting a neighborhood cleanup, Largo has several ways for you to get involved. Visit Largo.com/EarthMonth to learn more and follow the City on social media for tips, resources, and ways to show your support.
LITTLE PALS LEARN ABOUT RECYCLING

This week, Largo's Community Engagement and Public Works teams presented to the Highland Little Pals preschool about recycling. Students learned that no bags go in the recycling bin, all items need to be clean and dry, and items need to be larger than your fist to be recycled. The City offers a variety of presentations to community members of all ages. 
LARGO SHREDFEST

Stop by the next free ShredFest event on Saturday, April 15, at the Starkey Road Collection Center (1551 Starkey Rd) from 9am-12pm, or until full capacity has been reached. This easy, drive-through event allows residents to bring up to five boxes of documents for free and secure on-site shredding and recycling. All patrons are to remain in their cars during the event.
CELEBRATING NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATOR WEEK (APRIL 9-15)
Largo Police Department Emergency Communications Dispatchers were recognized at the April 4 City Commission meeting with a proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, which will be celebrated April 9-15.

Deputy Chief Loux and Emergency Communications Manager Beth Stephens spoke to commissioners about the important role dispatchers have in helping keep our community safe. LPD looks forward to highlighting our wonderful dispatchers next week and showcasing the vital work they do for the department and the City of Largo. 
Help prevent children from getting in your backyard pool unsupervised. Install fencing and use locks/alarms for windows and doors.

Join the City of Largo in spreading the word about drowning prevention in our community. For more swim safety tips and swim lessons around Largo, visit Largo.com/SwimSafety.
SOUTHWEST BLOCK PARTY
Celebrate our community and kick off the first night of Largo Live! with a block party at Southwest Recreation Complex on Friday, April 14, beginning at 6pm. Meet our friendly recreation team and enjoy a FREE outdoor concert, free hot dogs, vendors, outdoor games, and more. If you do not have a Largo Recreation Card, come to this event and, ONE NIGHT ONLY, receive a $10 discounted annual membership rate.
SAFE SITTER BABYSITTING COURSE
On Saturday, March 25, the Community Center hosted a 7-hour Safe Sitter Babysitting Course, concluding with a graduation for the 12 participants. Students between the ages of ​12 to 14 gained knowledge from the Safe Sitter Certified Staff Carisa Roush and Kathy Burk. Students learned First Aid, CPR skills, and caring for a choking child when babysitting. Students were educated on babysitting business skills and safety practices, growth and development stages in young children, did role-playing including proper feeding and diapering techniques. 

A skill examination was conducted at the end of the class, and staff felt confident with their skills. 
MISSOURI AVENUE SEWER INSPECTIONS
Engineering Services' consultant group has nighttime sewer inspections planned along Missouri Avenue from 9pm to 5am beginning Monday night, April 10, and concluding Friday morning, April 14, at 5am. Work is expected to take place as follows, working North to South: 

  • Monday, 9am to Tuesday, 5am: Missouri Ave (Jasper to one block south of Rosery Road
  • Tuesday, 9pm to Wednesday, 5am: Missouri Ave (one block south of Rosery Road to Commerce Drive S)
  • Wednesday, 9pm to Thursday, 5am: Missouri Ave (Commerce Dr. South to West Bay Drive)
  • Thursday, 9pm to Friday, 5am: As needed if earlier delays are encountered 
 
This work is the City’s ongoing effort to identify defects in the sewer system and prevent back-ups and sewer overflows. For questions, please contact Engineering Services Director, Jerry Woloszynski, at 727-587-6713 Ext. 4400. 
APPROVED DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE 500/600 BLOCKS ON WEST BAY DRIVE
On March 21, the City Commission approved a Development Agreement (DA21-002) for the site at the 500 and 600 blocks on West Bay Drive. The Development Agreement will allow for a mixed-use complex of 276 multifamily units and ground-floor commercial uses. The project will include two internal parking garages for residents and commercial tenants, enhanced public gathering spaces, and additional electric vehicle charging stations. The site will be required to go through a full-scale site plan review with the City, which includes the requirement for a Neighborhood Information Meeting. Any questions regarding the next steps can be directed to Askaplanner@largo.com.
PROJECT UPDATES
HORIZON WEST BAY CONSTRUCTION
Construction of Horizon West Bay which will include Largo City Hall is underway. As of March 29, 2023, work continues on the following tasks:

  • Sitework
  • Concrete Foundations
  • Underground Utilities
  • Concrete Elevator Shafts
  • Parking Garage Precast Concrete Beams and Panels 

Road closures for the duration of the project include:

  • 4th Street NW, between West Bay to 1st Ave NW 
  • 5th Street NW, between West Bay to 1st Ave NW 
  • 1st Avenue NW, between 4th Street to 5th Street

Largo’s new mixed-use complex, Horizon West Bay, sets a vision to attract new restaurants, cafes, and retailers to Downtown Largo. The facility will be located on the northern 400 block of West Bay Drive in Downtown. View more information and ways to stay informed on the latest updates at HorizonWestBay.com. Get the most up-to-date information on projects happening Downtown by signing up for the Downtown enewsletter.
COMING TO CPPAC
Iris DeMent
The SteelDrivers
Chris Duarte
MISSION: Provide Superior Services that Inspire Community Pride
VISION: To Be the Community of Choice in Tampa Bay
VALUES: INTEGRITY | COLLABORATION | PASSION | CREATIVITY