Spreading Holiday Cheer

   Last week, the Women's Leadership Committee presented its Annual Holiday Luncheon at the Holiday Inn-Harbourside! Thanks to our many gracious donations, we raffled 31 baskets and 4 silent auction to raise money for the Chamber's Education Fund.

    As always, the event could not go on without our generous Presenting and Marketing Sponsors: State Farm-Team Cocco, Regions Bank , Centratel Telephones, The DRIPBaR Largo, Threat Angler, The Palms of Largo, Ciarciaglino, Gell & Fiorentino, P.A., Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, and ArchWell Health.

    A big shout out to Advanced Video Systems for the photos, the Chamber Board of Directors for their help drawing tickets, and the Women's Leadership Committee for putting it all together.

Tale of the Gold Bag

The annual gift swap at the Chamber Leads Team at Village Inn last week featured plenty of laughs! The “gold bag” made it around several times until finally ending in the hands of Claudia Cometa of Peace Advocacy Group. And what riches did it hold? A blanket! If you’re interested in joining a Leads Team as we kick-off a new year, reach out to Tom at the Chamber.

City-wide Survey for Largo Business Owners and Residents

   The City of Largo is launching the second year of a city-wide survey for all residents and business owners within Largo's Planning Service Area (includes city limits and unincorporated areas). The purpose of the survey is to receive public input from community members across 10 key areas of community livability including the economy, education, workforce, utilities, and more. Survey results will inform city planning and potential funding priorities.

    The survey is available in English and Spanish. Complete the survey here.

Florida's wealth boom yields a windfall for the state's charities

From Tampa to Miami and Sarasota to Boca Raton, affluent young people and families rooted in Wall Street careers have helped drive a boom in giving.

Rising executives: Leaps and bounds

"Just imagine coming over here, not being able to speak English, with no money, with nothing," says Hong Potomski. "The community opened up their arms and took our family in. That's why I find it very important to give back."

Florida the only state to turn down millions to lessen emissions, feds say

Congress in 2021 provided $6.4 billion to states to curb tailpipe emissions and reduce the effects of climate change. Florida was set to receive $320 million, the third most of any state.

Disney World is suing over its property taxes, arguing they are ‘excessive’

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts filed about a dozen lawsuits last week against the Property Appraiser as it contests the 2023 tax assessments for its four theme parks, several hotels and other properties in Central Florida.

30 Florida counties sue, saying consumers at risk in expansion of a home loan program

As Florida’s insurance crisis makes hurricane hardening more important than ever, consumer advocates have pressed to reign in a popular — but controversial — loan program.

Bay Care/Morton Plant Hospital

Business & Family Insurors

Check Before Hire

Cloud Law Firm PA

Duke Energy

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital

HCA Florida Largo Hospital

Home Instead/Be a Santa

Jackson & Associates CPA

Melody Hunter Homes

National Aviation Academy

Pinellas Technical College

Piper Fire Protection

Platinum Information Services

Regions Bank

State Farm - Team Cocco

The Palms of Largo

Valley National Bank

Village Inn

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater

Wealth Builders