Largo, Florida
Encyclopedia
Largo is the third largest city in Pinellas County, Florida
, USA
and is part of the Tampa Bay Area. Centrally located, it is the crossroads of the county. As of the 2000 census, the City had a total population of 69,371. As of 2004, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau
was 71,704.
Largo was first incorporated in 1905. In 1913, it became the first municipality in Pinellas County to adopt a Council-Manager government.
It switched back and forth from "town
" to "city
" a few times, and became a city again in 1974. It was an exporter of agricultural products until the 1960s when the influx of people began to transform it into a bedroom community. From 1905 to 2005, Largo grew in area from 9/16ths of a square mile to about 17 square miles (44 km²), 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.
. 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.
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 area residents served on blockade runner
s. Still others left the 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 it 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
and Honeywell
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 (34 km²) and covers about 17 square miles (44 km²) in 2005. The groves, farms, ranches and forests have mostly given way to homes and shopping centers and light industry. The 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 the City'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 the City 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.
Also, the City 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.
In 2004, Largo's land area was about 17 square miles (44 km²) including 651 acres (2.6 km²) of park lands. The City of Largo's lowest elevation is sea level. At its highest, the City's elevation is about 69 feet (21 m). The City is dotted with a number of lakes, the largest of which is Taylor Lake at 53 acres (214,483.6 m²). 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.
, 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.
of 2000, there were 69,371 people, 34,041 households, and 18,382 families residing in the City. The population density
was 4,429.1 inhabitants per square mile (1,710.4/km²). There were 40,261 housing units at an average density of 2,570.5 per square mile (992.6/km²). The racial makeup of the City 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 the City 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 the City 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 the City 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.
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.
and St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport.
St. Petersburg-Clearwater Airport is located about six miles (10 km) east of downtown. Tampa International Airport is located about twenty miles (32 km) 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.
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.
The City of Largo has garnered a number of awards and certifications. In 1999, Largo Fire Rescue became the second agency in Florida to earn accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. The Largo Police Department won accreditation by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Agencies and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. The Public Works Department was accredited by the American Public Works Association in 2008. Largo's Solid Waste workers regularly win awards at the SWANA International Truck & Mechanic ROAD-E-O. Largo's CFO, Kimball Adams, won the 2004 Florida League of City's CFO of the Year Award. In 2005, the "new" Largo Public Library won the award for the Best Design in the Government / Institutional category at the International Interior Design Association 2005 Forum Awards. In 2000, the library won the Genealogy Outstanding Achievement Award by the Florida State Genealogical Society
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.
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' network of sewer lines and lift stations, delivers wastewater to the City's award-winning wastewater treatment facility. It is made up of 380 miles (612 km) of sanitary sewer lines with 5200 manholes and 52 lift stations. The facility treats 13 million gallons of wastewater per day and serves approximately 100,000 customers. By-products of the treatment's process are sold in the form of effluent reclaimed water and high-grade pelletized solids for soil conditioning.
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.
Pinellas County, Florida
Pinellas County is a county located in the state of Florida. Its county seat is Clearwater, Florida, and its largest city is St. Petersburg. This county is contained entirely within the telephone area code 727, except for some sections of Oldsmar, which have the area code 813...
, USA
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and is part of the Tampa Bay Area. Centrally located, it is the crossroads of the county. As of the 2000 census, the City had a total population of 69,371. As of 2004, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
was 71,704.
Largo was first incorporated in 1905. In 1913, it became the first municipality in Pinellas County to adopt a Council-Manager government.
Council-manager government
The council–manager government form is one of two predominant forms of municipal government in the United States; the other common form of local government is the mayor-council government form, which characteristically occurs in large cities...
It switched back and forth from "town
Town
A town is a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city. The size a settlement must be in order to be called a "town" varies considerably in different parts of the world, so that, for example, many American "small towns" seem to British people to be no more than villages, while...
" to "city
City
A city is a relatively large and permanent settlement. Although there is no agreement on how a city is distinguished from a town within general English language meanings, many cities have a particular administrative, legal, or historical status based on local law.For example, in the U.S...
" a few times, and became a city again in 1974. It was an exporter of agricultural products until the 1960s when the influx of people began to transform it into a bedroom community. From 1905 to 2005, Largo grew in area from 9/16ths of a square mile to about 17 square miles (44 km²), 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
Tosayamada, Kochi
Tosayamada is a town located in Kami District, Kōchi, Japan.On March 1, 2006 Tosayamada was merged with the town of Kahoku, and the village of Monobe, all from Kami District, to form the new city of Kami and no longer technically exists as an independent municipality...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. In 2007, Largo had been named a National Arbor Day Tree City for the seventeenth year in a row.
History
The original inhabitants of the Largo area were the TocobagaTocobaga
Tocobaga was the name of a chiefdom, its chief and its principal town during the 16th century in the area of Tampa Bay. The town was at the northern end of what is now called Old Tampa Bay, an arm of Tampa Bay that extends northward between the present-day city of Tampa and Pinellas County...
. They are also known as the Safety Harbor culture from their archeological remains near present day Safety Harbor
Safety Harbor, Florida
Safety Harbor is a city on the west shore of Tampa Bay in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It was incorporated in 1917. The population was 17,203 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau is 17,550....
. 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
Pinellas County, Florida
Pinellas County is a county located in the state of Florida. Its county seat is Clearwater, Florida, and its largest city is St. Petersburg. This county is contained entirely within the telephone area code 727, except for some sections of Oldsmar, which have the area code 813...
, 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.
The McMullens and other settlers raised cattle, grew citrus and vegetables and fished. During the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, many Largo area residents fought for the Confederate States of America
Confederate States of America
The Confederate States of America was a government set up from 1861 to 1865 by 11 Southern slave states of the United States of America that had declared their secession from the U.S...
. 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 area residents served on blockade runner
Blockade runner
A blockade runner is usually a lighter weight ship used for evading a naval blockade of a port or strait, as opposed to confronting the blockaders to break the blockade. Very often blockade running is done in order to transport cargo, for example to bring food or arms to a blockaded city...
s. Still others left the area to serve in the Confederacy’s armies. After the War, Largo area residents returned to farming, ranching and raising citrus
Citrus
Citrus is a common term and genus of flowering plants in the rue family, Rutaceae. Citrus is believed to have originated in the part of Southeast Asia bordered by Northeastern India, Myanmar and the Yunnan province of China...
. 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 it was a citrus packing, canning and shipping center.
The Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
was unkind to Largo. Largo lacked the financial resources to meet its obligations. Largo reverted to its 1913 boundaries and charter
Charter
A charter is the grant of authority or rights, stating that the granter formally recognizes the prerogative of the recipient to exercise the rights specified...
. 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
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
The years after World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
saw rapid growth as people began moving into the area and Largo annexed surrounding lands. During the Nuclear Arms Race
Nuclear arms race
The nuclear arms race was a competition for supremacy in nuclear warfare between the United States, the Soviet Union, and their respective allies during the Cold War...
, electronics companies like General Electric
General Electric
General Electric Company , or GE, is an American multinational conglomerate corporation incorporated in Schenectady, New York and headquartered in Fairfield, Connecticut, United States...
and Honeywell
Honeywell
Honeywell International, Inc. is a major conglomerate company that produces a variety of consumer products, engineering services, and aerospace systems for a wide variety of customers, from private consumers to major corporations and governments....
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 (34 km²) and covers about 17 square miles (44 km²) in 2005. The groves, farms, ranches and forests have mostly given way to homes and shopping centers and light industry. The 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
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
Patricia Gerard
Patricia Gerard
Patricia "Pat" Gerard is a politician the first woman mayor for the city of Largo, Florida. Gerard was born in Paterson, New Jersey, she is married to Eric and has one child....
became the City's first female mayor. She narrowly defeated incumbent mayor Dr. Robert E. Jackson
Robert E. Jackson
Robert E. Jackson was the mayor of Largo, Florida. He was first elected to Largo City Commission in 1974, Mayor Jackson served nine terms as City Commissioner before being elected as Mayor in 2000 and being re-elected in 2003. He lost narrowly in a bitterly contested race against Largo's first...
, Ph.D. in a bitterly contested race. (Dr. Jackson had been the longest serving elected Democrat
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
in Pinellas County.) The voters' choice between these two candidates decided the major issue of the election: that the City 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.
Also, the City elected its first Commissioner of African-American descent, Rodney J. Woods
Rodney J. Woods
Rodney J. Woods was a commissioner for the city of Largo, Florida. He is the first African American person to hold this position.Woods has one child, daughter Tara L. Woods....
, in a landslide
Landslide victory
In politics, a landslide victory is the victory of a candidate or political party by an overwhelming margin in an election...
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
Susan Stanton
Susan Ashley Stanton was the city manager of Largo, Florida, until her job termination. She is currently the city manager of Lake Worth, Florida....
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 (27.908355, -82.777791). It 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 county enclaves pepper the City of Largo.In 2004, Largo's land area was about 17 square miles (44 km²) including 651 acres (2.6 km²) of park lands. The City of Largo's lowest elevation is sea level. At its highest, the City's elevation is about 69 feet (21 m). The City is dotted with a number of lakes, the largest of which is Taylor Lake at 53 acres (214,483.6 m²). Allen's Creek drains northeast Largo, flowing into Tampa Bay. McKay Creek flows through southwest Largo into the Intracoastal Waterway
Intracoastal Waterway
The Intracoastal Waterway is a 3,000-mile waterway along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Some lengths consist of natural inlets, salt-water rivers, bays, and sounds; others are artificial canals...
. 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 summerSummer
Summer is the warmest of the four temperate seasons, between spring and autumn. At the summer solstice, the days are longest and the nights are shortest, with day-length decreasing as the season progresses after the solstice...
, when the sea breeze
Sea breeze
A sea-breeze is a wind from the sea that develops over land near coasts. It is formed by increasing temperature differences between the land and water; these create a pressure minimum over the land due to its relative warmth, and forces higher pressure, cooler air from the sea to move inland...
carries moisture from the Gulf of Mexico
Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico is a partially landlocked ocean basin largely surrounded by the North American continent and the island of Cuba. It is bounded on the northeast, north and northwest by the Gulf Coast of the United States, on the southwest and south by Mexico, and on the southeast by Cuba. In...
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.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high [°F] | 69 | 71 | 75 | 80 | 86 | 89 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 83 | 77 | 71 | 80 |
| Average low temperature [°F] | 54 | 55 | 60 | 65 | 71 | 75 | 77 | 77 | 76 | 70 | 63 | 56 | 66 |
| Rainfall (inches) | 2.76 | 2.87 | 3.29 | 1.92 | 2.80 | 6.09 | 6.72 | 8.26 | 7.59 | 2.64 | 2.04 | 2.60 | 49.58 |
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 69,371 people, 34,041 households, and 18,382 families residing in the City. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 4,429.1 inhabitants per square mile (1,710.4/km²). There were 40,261 housing units at an average density of 2,570.5 per square mile (992.6/km²). The racial makeup of the City was 92.71% White, 2.69% African American, 0.34% Native American, 1.69% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.99% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 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
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
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 the City 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 the City 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
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the City 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
The decline of agriculture with the influx of new residents beginning in the 1960s largely 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.
Top Employers
According to the City's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:| # | Employer | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tech Data Tech Data Tech Data Corporation is a wholesale distributor of technology products. Headquartered in Clearwater, FL. Tech Data generated $24.4 billion in net sales for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011 and is ranked 109th on the... |
2,500 |
| 2 | Special Data Processing | 1,800 |
| 3 | City of Largo | 910 |
| 4 | The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast | 900 |
| 5 | Largo Medical Center Hospital Corporation of America Hospital Corporation of America is the largest private operator of health care facilities in the world, It is based in Nashville, Tennessee and is widely considered to be the single largest factor in making that city a hotspot for healthcare enterprise.-History:The founders of HCA include Jack C.... |
800 |
| 6 | Pinellas County Schools Pinellas County Schools Pinellas County Schools is a school district serving Pinellas County, Florida, USA and based in Largo.-Organization:Pinellas County Schools has about 102,000 students and more than 13,000 employees. Dixie M. Hollins was the county's first superintendent of schools... |
800 |
| 7 | Diagnostic Clinic | 800 |
| 8 | Sun Coast Hospital | 650 |
| 9 | Suntasia Marketing | 600 |
| 10 | SCC Soft Computer | 501 |
Transportation
The City of Largo is served by two international airports, Tampa International AirportTampa International Airport
Tampa International Airport is a major public airport located six nautical miles west of the central business district of Tampa, in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. This airport is publicly owned by Hillsborough County Aviation Authority...
and St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport.
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport is a joint civil-military airport located in unincorporated Pinellas County, Florida, north of St. Petersburg, serving St...
St. Petersburg-Clearwater Airport is located about six miles (10 km) east of downtown. Tampa International Airport is located about twenty miles (32 km) east of downtown on the other side of Tampa Bay. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority
Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority provides public transportation for Pinellas County, Florida. The authority manages a bus system that encompasses 34 local routes, two express routes, and the Suncoast Beach Trolley .-History:PSTA began in the early 1900s as the St...
provides bus service throughout Pinellas County and express service to Tampa. State Roads 686 and 688 pass through Largo to connect with Interstate 275
Interstate 275 (Florida)
Interstate 275 in Florida serves the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, measuring 60.696 miles in length. The southern terminus is I-75 near Palmetto, just five miles east of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, a toll bridge crossing Tampa Bay. The highway passes through St...
, which connects with I-75
Interstate 75 in Florida
Interstate 75 is a part of the Interstate Highway System and runs from Hialeah, Florida, a few miles northwest of Miami to Sault Ste. Marie in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan...
. US 19
U.S. Route 19 in Florida
U.S. Route 19 in Florida runs along Florida's west coast from an interchange with U.S. Route 41 in Memphis, Florida, south of Tampa, and continues to the Georgia border north of Monticello, Florida....
and US-19A run north-to-south through Largo. A grid of county roads connects Largo with its neighbors.
Education
Pinellas County SchoolsPinellas County Schools
Pinellas County Schools is a school district serving Pinellas County, Florida, USA and based in Largo.-Organization:Pinellas County Schools has about 102,000 students and more than 13,000 employees. Dixie M. Hollins was the county's first superintendent of schools...
operates primary and secondary schools. The school district's administrative headquarters is located in Largo.
Schiller International University
Schiller International University
Schiller International University is a private American university with its main campus and administrative headquarters in Largo, Florida. It has campuses on two continents in five countries, each offering its own unique experiences to students: Largo; Paris, France; Madrid, Spain; Heidelberg,...
's main campus is in Largo.
Fortis College
Fortis College
Fortis College is a private post-secondary, for-profit institution that was established in 1969 and is operated by Education Affiliates. It was formerly Bohecker College, a sister school to the Centerville, Ohio Rets Technical Institute...
has a campus in Largo, Florida that offers career training in the medical, HVAC
HVAC
HVAC refers to technology of indoor or automotive environmental comfort. HVAC system design is a major subdiscipline of mechanical engineering, based on the principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer...
and cosmetology
Cosmetology
Cosmetology is the study and application of beauty treatment. Branches of specialty including hairstyling, skin care, cosmetics, manicures/pedicures, and electrology....
fields.
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
The Police Department's role encompasses law enforcement within the corporate limits of the City of Largo.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 financeFinance
"Finance" is often defined simply as the management of money or “funds” management Modern finance, however, is a family of business activity that includes the origination, marketing, and management of cash and money surrogates through a variety of capital accounts, instruments, and markets created...
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
Environmental Services' role encompasses waste water management and distribution of reclaimed water to customers within the Largo Sewer District. The boundaries of the Largo Sewer District are vastly greater than the corporate bounds of the City of Largo.Environmental Services' network of sewer lines and lift stations, delivers wastewater to the City's award-winning wastewater treatment facility. It is made up of 380 miles (612 km) of sanitary sewer lines with 5200 manholes and 52 lift stations. The facility treats 13 million gallons of wastewater per day and serves approximately 100,000 customers. By-products of the treatment's process are sold in the form of effluent reclaimed water and high-grade pelletized solids for soil conditioning.
Largo Public Library
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
Parenting
Parenting is the process of promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood...
, health
Health
Health is the level of functional or metabolic efficiency of a living being. In humans, it is the general condition of a person's mind, body and spirit, usually meaning to be free from illness, injury or pain...
, social issues and environmental concerns. It also has a specialized teen-only section which hosts multiple events.
Notable people from Largo
- ChloeChloe (American singer)Chloe Lowery is an American singer/songwriter born in Largo, Florida. By the age of nine she was performing professionally at corporate events and by the age of 12 she was signed to RCA Records. She was a featured vocalist during the 2009 tour for Yanni Voices produced by Disney Pearl Imprint...
, singer-songwriter - Dexter McClusterDexter McClusterDexter Marquise McCluster is an American football wide receiver and running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, formerly of the Ole Miss Rebels. He was considered one of the top athlete prospects for the 2010 NFL Draft...
, NFL Running back/ Wide Receiver, Kansas City ChiefsKansas City ChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a... - Leonard T. SchroederLeonard T. SchroederLeonard T. "Max" Schroeder Jr. was a colonel in the United States Army, who served on active duty from 1941 to 1971. As a captain during World War II, he commanded Company F of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division in the Normandy Landings on June 6, 1944, landing on Utah...
, retired U.S. Army colonel, first soldier ashore on D-Day in World War II - John Stansel TaylorJohn Stansel TaylorJohn Stansel Taylor was a Largo, Florida politician, citrus grower, and businessman who served as the first State Senator from Pinellas County, Florida. He was born "six miles south of Largo" on March 21, 1871, before Largo became a municipality and when Pinellas County was still Western...
, Florida State Senator - Terrance Mann, Broadway and movie actor
See also
- History of FloridaHistory of FloridaThe history of Florida can be traced back to when the first Native Americans began to inhabit the peninsula as early as 14,000 years ago. Recorded history begins with the arrival of Europeans to Florida, beginning with the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, who explored the area in 1513...
- Maritime History of FloridaMaritime history of FloridaThe maritime history of Florida describes significant past events relating to the U.S. state of Florida in areas concerning shipping, shipwrecks, and military installations and lighthouses constructed to protect or aid navigation and development of the Florida peninsula.A long and flat peninsula...
Further reading
- City of Largo Citizen's Academy Handbook. Largo. 2003.
- Coughlin, Leo. Around Here Clearwater Gazette. June 23, 2005.
- de Quesada Jr, A.M. and Luisi, Vincent. Images of America Pinellas County. Tempus Publishing. Charleston, SC. 1998.
- Milanich, Jerald T., Florida Indians and the Invasion from Europe. University Press of Florida: Gainesville. 1995. in Who Were the Tocobago Indians?. December 20, 2005.
- Pinellas County Planning Department as staff for the Pinellas County Planning Council. Pinellas County Historical Background.