Largo was first incorporated in 1905. In 1913, Largo became the first municipality in Pinellas County to adopt a Council-Manager government. Largo switched back and forth from "town" to "city" a few times, and became a city again in 1974. Largo was an exporter of agricultural products until the 1960s when the influx of people began to transform Largo into a bedroom community. From 1905 to 2005, Largo grew in area from 9/16ths of a square mile to about 17 square miles, and in population from about 300 people to more than 70,000. Largo began as a rural farming community and became the third largest city in Florida's most densely populated county. Largo is also a sister city to Tosayamada, Kochi, Japan. In 2007, Largo had been named a National Arbor Day Tree City for the seventeenth year in a row.

The original inhabitants of the Largo area were the Tocobaga. They are also known as the Safety Harbor culture from their archeological remains near present day Safety Harbor. The Spanish came to Florida in the 16th century. In the 18th century, the Tocobaga had been virtually destroyed after years of exposure to European diseases, Spanish settlement efforts and warfare between Spain and England. The Largo area, like the rest of Pinellas County, was largely deserted. In 1763, Spain transferred sovereignty of Florida to England. In 1783, Florida fell to Spanish sovereignty once again until it was transferred to the United States in 1821. By 1845, a surveyor noted Lake Tolulu, apparently located south of East Bay Drive and roughly where the Largo Central Park Nature Preserve is today. Among the first homesteaders in the Largo area were the families of James and Daniel McMullen ca 1852.

History

The McMullens and other settlers raised cattle, grew citrus and vegetables and fished. During the American Civil War, many Largo area residents fought for the Confederate States of America. James and Daniel McMullen were members of the “Cow Cavalry” driving Florida cattle to Georgia and the Carolinas to help sustain the war effort. Other Largo area residents served on blockade runners. Still others left the Largo area to serve in the Confederacy’s armies. After the War, Largo area residents returned to farming, ranching and raising citrus. The Orange Blossom Railroad reached the area in 1888. By this time Lake Tolulu had been renamed Lake Largo, and residents of the community west of the lake adopted the name “Largo“.

The Town of Largo was incorporated in 1905. Lake Largo was drained in 1916 to make way for growth and development. Between 1910 and 1930, Largo's population increased about 500%. Then and for decades afterwards, Largo's economy was based on agriculture—citrus groves, cattle ranches, and hog farms as well as turpentine stills and sawmills. Largo is best remembered as "Citrus City," from the time Largo was a citrus packing, canning and shipping center.

The Great Depression was unkind to Largo. Largo lacked the financial resources to meet its obligations. Largo reverted to its 1913 boundaries and charter. The population dropped approximately 30%. The debt incurred by the issuance of bonds in the late 1920s was not paid off until after World War II.

The years after World War II saw rapid growth as people began moving into the area and Largo annexed surrounding lands. During the Nuclear Arms Race, electronics companies like General Electric andHoneywell boosted the economy. The population increased to about 5,000 in 1960, to about 20,000 in 1970, and to about 70,000 in 2005. Largo's original area was 9/16th of a square mile. By 1982, Largo had grown to about 13 square miles and covers about 17 square miles in 2005. The groves, farms, ranches and forests have mostly given way to homes and shopping centers and light industry. Largo's increased population resulted in a need for increased city services. All departments saw rapid growth and improvements in quality, especially under the leadership of the late Mayor Thom Feaster. In 1995,Largo Central Park opened on the site of the old Pinellas County Fairgrounds. It is the setting for the Largo Cultural Center and the Largo Public Library.

In the 2006 commission elections, Largo achieved two milestones furthering its motto of "City of Progress." Democrat Patricia Gerard became Largo's first female mayor. She narrowly defeated incumbent mayor Dr. Robert E. Jackson, Ph.D. in a bitterly contested race. (Dr. Jackson had been the longest serving elected Democrat in Pinellas County.) The voters' choice between these two candidates decided the major issue of the election: that Largo would not revert to a mayor-dominated process of governance in lieu of the continuing role for the seven member Commission acting as non-partisans that is, deliberating independently and equally with the Mayor and deciding democratically the political issues of the City.

Largo elected its first Commissioner of African-American descent, Rodney J. Woods, in a landslide against a former commissioner.

In February 2007, Largo made headline news when it was announced at a press conference that the City Manager, Steve Stanton was a transsexual and that he was to transition to living as a woman. After several weeks of public debate, copious citizen input and frenzied media coverage, the City Commission voted 5:2 to remove Mr. Stanton from his position.

Geography

Largo is located at 27°54′30″N 82°46′40″W . Largo is centrally located in Pinellas County, touching the Intracoastal Waterway to the southwest and Tampa Bay to the northeast. Clearwater is Largo's neighbor to the north. To the northwest are the towns of Belleair and Belleair Bluffs. The City of Pinellas Park lies south of eastern Largo. Seminole lies south of western Largo. The community of Ridgecrest forms a large enclave between western and central Largo. A number of Pinellas County suburbs pepper the City of Largo.

In 2004, Largo's land area was about 17 square miles including 651 acres of park lands. The City of Largo's lowest elevation is sea level. At its highest, the Largo's elevation is about 69 feet. Largo is dotted with a number of lakes, the largest of which is Taylor Lake at 53 acres. Allen's Creek drains northeast Largo, flowing into Tampa Bay. McKay Creek flows through southwest Largo into the Intracoastal Waterway. The McKay Creek basin is prone to flooding because of its size and its relative elevations.

Climate

Largo is located on the Pinellas Peninsula, so that its climate is mediated by its close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and further mediated by Tampa Bay. In the winter, temperatures are warmer on the Pinellas Peninsula than on mainland Florida. Winters are generally drier than the rest of the year. Most of the rainfall occurs in the summer, when the sea breeze carries moisture from the Gulf of Mexico inland. Largo's record low is 22 F, recorded on December 13, 1962. Largo's record high is 100 F, recorded on July 5, 1995.

Demographics

As of the census  of 2000, there were 69,371 people, 34,041 households, and 18,382 families residing in Largo. The population density was 4,429.1 inhabitants per square mile. There were 40,261 housing units at an average density of 2,570.5 per square mile. The racial makeup of Largo was 92.71% White, 2.69% African American, 0.34% Native American, 1.69% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.99% from other races, and 1.49% from two or more races. 4.18% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 34,041 households out of which 17.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.8% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.0% were non-families. 38.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 19.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.99 and the average family size was 2.59.

In Largo, the population was spread out with 15.6% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 30.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females there were 87.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.9 males.

The median income for a household in Largo was $32,217, and the median income for a family was $41,523. Males had a median income of $30,186 versus $24,477 for females. The per capita income for Largo was $20,848. About 6.0% of families and 9.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.0% of those under age 18 and 8.6% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

With the decline of agriculture and the influx of new residents commencing in the 1960s transformed Largo into a bedroom community. Electronics, though important, could not fill the gap left by agriculture. Other light manufacturers fill various niches. The vast majority of jobs in Largo are in services and in retail sales.

The health care industry continues to grow to meet the needs of an aging population. Hospitals are among the area's strongest employers. Largo Medical Center Hospital, owned by HCA, was built in 1978. It is the only hospital in Pinellas County with all private rooms. Sun Coast Hospital, a not-for-profit owned by a community foundation, was founded in 1957.

At one time Largo had the headquarters of Eckerd Corporation.^[8]

Infrastructure

Transportation

The City of Largo is served by two international airports, Tampa International Airport and St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport. St. Petersburg-Clearwater Airport is located about six miles east of downtown. Tampa International Airport is located about twenty miles east of downtown on the other side of Tampa Bay. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority provides bus service throughout Pinellas County and express service to Tampa. State Roads 686 and 688 pass through Largo to connect with Interstate 275, which connects with I-75. US 19 and US-19A run north-to-south through Largo. A grid of county roads connects Largo with its neighbors.

Education

Pinellas County Schools operates primary and secondary schools. The school district's administrative headquarters is located in Largo.

Schiller International University's main campus is in Largo.

Fortis College has a campus in Largo, Florida that offers career training in the medical, HVAC and cosmetology fields.^[12]

Government services

Commission

The City of Largo is governed by a City Commission of seven people elected at large to staggered, four year terms. The mayor acts as a member and presiding officer of the Commission. The Commission's role encompasses the setting of city policy, exercising those duties imposed by the charter and law. In so doing, the City Commission executes the City's powers by the passage of resolutions and ordinances. The Commission appoints and directs the City Manager and approves the City Manager's appointments for City Attorney, Assistant City Manager, and City Clerk.

Administration

The City Manager directs the Administration in governing and providing municipal services to Largo. The Administrative Department includes the City Manager's Office, the City Attorney's Office, the City Clerk's Office, the Communications and Marketing Office, the Office of Management and Budget, and the City Attorney.

The City Manager is appointed by and answerable to the City Commission as a whole. The City of Largo is unusual in that a supermajority of commissioners is required to terminate the City Manager. The City Manager appoints and supervises all department directors, and with Commission approval, appoints the Assistant City Manager, the City Clerk, and the City Attorney.

Police

Fire Rescue

Largo Fire Rescue provides fire protection and emergency medical services for the Largo and Highpoint Fire/EMS Districts as well as management support to the Harbor Bluffs Fire District. Fire & EMS Operations suppresses fires, provides hazardous materials response, and provides emergency medical services. There are also sections for Fire Prevention, Support Services and Administration .

Public Works

The Public Works Department supports city owned infrastructure. Facilities Management provides custodial, facility maintenance, and construction project management services to other City Departments. Fleet Management coordinates vehicle purchasing and maintenance. Streets and Drainage provides installation and maintenance of roadways, storm drainage systems and traffic control signage. Solid Waste provides refuse, yard waste and recycling collection. The City of Largo Public Works Department is an Accredited Public Works Agency by the American Public Works Association. The City of Largo's Recycling Program is also managed by the Public Works Department: largorecycles.com and the City's Sustainability Initiative: largoinggreen.com.

Recreation, Parks and Arts

The Recreation, Parks and Arts Department's role encompasses recreational, cultural, environmental and athletic programs. The department maintains community parks, playgrounds and greenways, and offers educational and entertainment events and celebrations. The Recreation, Parks and Arts Department groups fourteen programs into four categories: Administration, Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Arts. Administration provides budgeting and administrative support and coordinates special events and marketing. Recreation consists of all recreation facilities and active recreation programming. Parks coordinates maintenance and improvement of city parks, facility landscaping, medians and greenways. Cultural Arts manages and coordinates cultural performances and educational activities at the Largo Cultural Center and Historic Largo.

Finance

The Finance Department handles accounting and finance activities for the City. The Finance Department primarily provides services to other City departments, but also serves the public through utility billing. Finance maintains all official City accounting records and is responsible for financial reporting and implementation of financial management policies.

Environmental Services

The Largo Public Library is one of the most heavily used libraries in Pinellas County, with an annual circulation of over 700,000 items. The collection includes a variety of formats, including books, DVDs, CDs, videos, e-books and audio book collections.

The Largo Public Library houses several special collections, which include the genealogy collection, the Rugg Financial Center, the Small Business Resource Center, a large print collection and a parent-teacher collection. The library offers a variety of educational and cultural programs on subjects that include literary figures, historical topics, financial and legal issues, parenting, health, social issues and environmental concerns. It also has a specialized teen-only section which hosts multiple events.

Colleges/Universities in Largo:

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Largo:

 

• Hospital/medical center in Largo:

  • LARGO MEDICAL CENTER (Acute Care Hospitals, Proprietary, provides emergency services, 201 14TH ST SW, Largo)
    

  Other hospitals/medical centers near Largo:

  • MORTON PLANT HOSPITAL (Acute Care Hospitals, Voluntary non-profit - Private, provides emergency services, about 3 miles away; CLEARWATER, FL)
  • NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL (Acute Care Hospitals, Voluntary non-profit - Private, provides emergency services, about 7 miles away; SAINT PETERSBURG, FL)
  • BAY PINES VA MEDICAL CENTER (Acute Care - Veterans Administration, Government Federal, about 7 miles away; BAY PINES, FL)
    

  Heliports located in Largo:

  • Pinellas County Sheriff's Building Heliport 

  Amtrak stations near Largo:

  • 6 miles: CLEARWATER (20967 U.S. 19) - Bus Station 
  • 8 miles: PINELLAS PARK (PARK BLVD. AT U.S. 19) - Bus Station . Services: ticket office, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, full-service food facilities, free short-term parking, call for car rental service, call for taxi service, public transit connection.
  • 16 miles: TARPON SPRINGS (2337 U.S. 19) - Bus Station 
  
  

  Banks with most branches in Largo (2011 data):

  • Wells Fargo Bank, National Association: Largo Branch, Pinecrest Place Speciality Branch, Indian Rocks Branch, Bardmoor Branch, Largo Mall Branch, Largo - Midway Branch. Info updated 12/01/2010: Bank assets: $1,070,489.0 mil, Deposits: $811,027.0 mil, headquarters in Sioux Falls, SD, positive income, 6537 total offices, Holding Company: Wells Fargo & Company
  • Bank of America, National Association: Mid-Pinellas Branch, Indian Rocks Branch, East Bay Drive/Starkey Branch, North Seminole Branch. Info updated 11/18/2009: Bank assets: $1,489,198.0 mil, Deposits: $1,021,724.0 mil, headquarters in Charlotte, NC, positive income, 5991 total offices, Holding Company: Bank Of America Corporation
  • Branch Banking and Trust Company: East Bay Branch, Walsingham Branch, Largo Mall Branch. Info updated 03/29/2010: Bank assets: $151,545.4 mil, Deposits: $105,623.4 mil, headquarters in Winston Salem, NC, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 1795 total offices, Holding Company: Bb&T Corporation
  • Cornerstone Community Bank: East Bay Branch at 3320 East Bay Drive, Largo branch established on 07/28/2006; Walsingham Branch at 12933 Walsingham Road,Largo  branch established on 06/30/1988. Info updated 11/03/2006: Bank assets: $30.6 mil, Deposits: $2.8 mil, headquarters in Saint Petersburg, FL, negative income in the last year, Commercial Lending Specialization, 8 total offices, Holding Company: Cornerstone Bancorp, Inc.
  • Regions Bank: Largo Mall Branch at 10465 Ulmerton Road,Largo  branch established on 07/24/2006; Bardmoor Branch at 9701 Starkey Road,Largo  branch established on 08/01/1934. Info updated 02/09/2009: Bank assets: $129,067.7 mil, Deposits: $99,803.3 mil, headquarters in Birmingham, AL, negative income in the last year, Commercial Lending Specialization, 1784 total offices, Holding Company: Regions Financial Corporation
  • Fifth Third Bank: Largo Branch at 705 8th Avenue Southwest, branch established on 06/30/1988; 12360 Indian Rocks Road Branch at 12360 Indian Rocks Road,Largo  branch established on 06/11/1986. Info updated 10/05/2009: Bank assets: $110,197.0 mil, Deposits: $83,619.5 mil, headquarters in Cincinnati, OH, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 1368 total offices, Holding Company: Fifth Third Bancorp
  • SunTrust Bank: Largo Branch at 3705 East Bay Drive, Largo  branch established on 04/01/1982. Info updated 11/24/2010: Bank assets: $164,556.8 mil, Deposits: $123,435.4 mil, headquarters in Atlanta, GA, negative income in the last year, Commercial Lending Specialization, 1732 total offices, Holding Company: Suntrust Banks, Inc.
  • First Bank: Walsingham Branch at 13175 Walsingham Road,Largo  branch established on 07/31/2006. Info updated 12/04/2007: Bank assets: $7,847.5 mil, Deposits: $6,645.4 mil, headquarters in Creve Coeur, MO, negative income in the last year, Commercial Lending Specialization, 154 total offices, Holding Company: First Banks, Inc.
  • RBC Bank (USA): Largo Branch at 1240 North Missouri Avenue,Largo  branch established on 03/05/1999. Info updated 12/08/2008: Bank assets: $27,111.8 mil, Deposits: $20,506.1 mil, headquarters in Raleigh, NC, negative income in the last year, Commercial Lending Specialization, 429 total offices, Holding Company: Royal Bank Of Canada
  • 5 other banks with 5 local branch
    

  Fire-safe hotels and motels in Largo, Florida:

  • Belleair Village Motel, 1025 Clearwater Largo Rd, Largo, FL 33770 Phone: (727) 584-7131, Fax: (727) 584-7133
  • Largo Hotel, 69 SW 1ST St, Largo, FL 34640 
  • Heritage Village & Inn, 12840 Seminole Blvd, Largo, FL 34648 
  • Birdsongs Motel, 12930 Seminole Blvd, Largo, FL 34648 
  • Pine Grove Motel, 4630 E Bay Dr, Largo, FL 34624 
  • Michiana Motel, 12976 Seminole Blvd, Largo, FL 34648 
  • Sunbeam Motel, 264 Clearwater Largo, Largo, FL 34640 
  • Suburban Lodge Of Tampa Largo, 6500 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33771
  
  
  Strongest AM radio stations in Largo