From Visitors With Love!

Oliver Kugler, Community Relations Manager at Visit St. Pete Clearwater, meets with the Chamber’s Business Development & Advocacy Committee to discuss the county tourism agency’s new campaign. Called “From Visitors With Love,” it’s aim is to educate Pinellas residents and businesses on the significant economic benefit visitors provide. According to Visit, tourism dollars have an annual economic impact exceeding $11 billion. That’s $353 every second. To learn more, check out www.FromVisitorsWithLove.com

D.O.D. Coffee Roastery

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.

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 utilities plan to lower customer bills in 2024

After high natural-gas costs helped push up electric bills over the past year, many Florida utility customers could get some relief in 2024.

Florida unlikely to seek $248 million in U.S. aid to feed hungry children

Time is running out for Florida to opt into a new federal program that would provide $248 million to help feed 2 million children next summer who might otherwise go hungry. But it isn’t likely to happen.

Florida courts split on discrimination lawsuit employer ‘notice’

A rift in Florida law cracked open this week with a state appellate court splitting from pro-business precedent that makes it easier for firms to dismiss poorly-organized discrimination suits.

Record number of rocket launches took off from Cape Canaveral in 2023

Sixty-nine vehicles were sent up to space from the Kennedy Space Center and the Cape Canaveral Space Force Base in 2023. That smashed 2022’s record of 57.

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