Largo, Florida | |
|---|---|
 Largo Public Library | |
 Flag | |
| Nickname: The City of Progress | |
 Location inPinellas County and the state ofFlorida | |
| Coordinates:27°54′34″N82°47′14″W / 27.90944°N 82.78722°W /27.90944; -82.78722 | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |
| County | Pinellas |
| Incorporated | June 6, 1905 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Commission–Manager |
| • Mayor | Woody Brown |
| • Commissioners | Michael Smith, Curtis Holmes, Eric Gerard, Jamie Robinson, Donna Holck, and Chris Johnson |
| • City Manager | John Curp |
| • City Clerk | Diane L. Bruner |
| • City Attorney | Alan S. Zimmet |
| Area | |
• Total | 19.59 sq mi (50.73 km2) |
| • Land | 18.60 sq mi (48.17 km2) |
| • Water | 0.99 sq mi (2.56 km2) |
| Elevation | 33 ft (10 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 82,485 |
| • Density | 4,435.4/sq mi (1,712.52/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | 33770-33779 |
| Area code | 727 |
| FIPS code | 12-39425[3] |
| GNIS feature ID | 285346[2] |
| Website | www |
Largo is the third largest city inPinellas County, Florida, United States, as well as the fourth largest in theTampa Bay area. As of the 2020 Census, the city had a population of 82,485,[4] up from 77,648 in2010.
Largo was first incorporated in 1905. In 1913, it became the first municipality in Pinellas County to adopt acouncil-manager government. It switched back and forth between "town" and "city" a few times, and became a city again in 1974. It was an exporter of agricultural products until the 1960s population growth began to transform it into abedroom community. From 1905 to 2010, Largo grew in area from9⁄16 of a square mile (1.5 km2) to about 19 square miles (48 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 asister city toTosayamada, Kōchi, Japan, and has been named a NationalArbor Day Tree City for 35 years in a row as of 2023[update].[5]
The native inhabitants of the Largo area were theTocobaga Indians. They are also known as the Safety Harbor culture from their archeological remains near present-daySafety Harbor. TheSpanish 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 the United Kingdom. In 1783, Florida fell to Spanish sovereignty once again until it was transferred to the United States in 1821. By 1845, a surveyor recorded the location of Lake Tolulu, apparently south of present-day East Bay Drive and roughly where the Largo Central Park Nature Preserve is today.
Later homesteaders to the Largo area included the families of James and Daniel McMullen, around 1852. The McMullens and other settlers raised cattle, grew citrus and vegetables and fished. During theCivil War, many Largo area residents fought for theConfederate States of America. James and Daniel McMullen were members of the"Cow Cavalry" driving Florida cattle toGeorgia andthe Carolinas to help sustain the war effort. Other area residents served onblockade runners. 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. TheOrange Belt Railway reached the area in 1888. By this time Lake Tolulu had been renamed Lake Largo,[6] 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 by about 500%. Then and for decades afterwards, Largo's economy was based on agriculture—citrus groves,cattle ranches, andhog farms, as well asturpentine stills andsawmills. Largo is best remembered as "Citrus City", from the time it was a citrus packing, canning and shipping center.
TheGreat Depression was difficult for Largo, which lacked the financial resources to meet its obligations. Largo reverted to its 1913 boundaries and charter, after which the population dropped by approximately 30%. The debt incurred from 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 thenuclear arms race, electronics companies likeGeneral 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 was9⁄16 of a square mile (1.5 km2). By 1982, Largo had grown to about 13 square miles (34 km2) and to about 19 square miles (48 km2) by 2010. 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 Central Park Performing Arts Center and is located across the street from the Largo Public Library.[7]
In the 2006 commission elections, Largo achieved two milestones furthering its former motto of "City of Progress".DemocratPatricia Gerard became the city's first female mayor. She narrowly defeated incumbent mayorRobert E. Jackson 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 alandslide against a former commissioner.
On August 24, 2009, the iconic Largo clock tower, which was constructed shortly after completion of Largo Central Park, was demolished. City officials made the decision as the tower had fallen into disrepair. The area surrounding the clock tower was replaced with a small garden area in order to incorporate the area into Largo Central Park.[8][9][10]
Largo is located at27°54′30″N82°46′40″W / 27.90833°N 82.77778°W /27.90833; -82.77778 (27.908355, −82.777791).[11] It is centrally located in Pinellas County, touching theIntracoastal Waterway to the southwest andTampa Bay to the northeast.Clearwater is Largo's neighbor to the north. To the northwest are the towns ofBelleair andBelleair Bluffs. The city ofPinellas Park lies south of eastern Largo.Seminole lies south of western Largo. The unincorporated community ofRidgecrest forms a large enclave between western and central Largo. A number of county enclaves pepper the City of Largo.
In 2010, Largo's total area was 18.6 square miles (48.1 km2), of which 17.6 square miles (45.6 km2) was land and 0.97 square miles (2.5 km2), or 5.22%, was water.[12] As of 2004, there were 651 acres (2.6 km2) of park lands. The city's lowest elevation is sea level. At its highest, the city's elevation is about 69 feet (21 m). Largo is dotted with a number of lakes, the largest of which is Taylor Lake at 53 acres (210,000 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.
Largo is located on thePinellas Peninsula, so that its climate is moderated by its proximity to theGulf of Mexico and 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. According to theKöppen climate classification, the City of Largo has ahumid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).
Most of the rainfall comes in the summer, when the sea breeze carries moisture from the Gulf inland. Largo's record low is 22 °F (−6 °C), recorded on December 13, 1962. Largo's record high is 100 °F (38 °C), 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 |
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 291 | — | |
| 1920 | 599 | 105.8% | |
| 1930 | 1,429 | 138.6% | |
| 1940 | 1,031 | −27.9% | |
| 1950 | 1,547 | 50.0% | |
| 1960 | 5,302 | 242.7% | |
| 1970 | 24,230 | 357.0% | |
| 1980 | 57,958 | 139.2% | |
| 1990 | 65,674 | 13.3% | |
| 2000 | 69,371 | 5.6% | |
| 2010 | 77,648 | 11.9% | |
| 2020 | 82,485 | 6.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[13] | |||
| Race / Ethnicity(NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000[14] | Pop 2010[15] | Pop 2020[16] | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 62,359 | 62,703 | 59,815 | 89.89% | 80.75% | 72.52% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 1,806 | 4,083 | 5,137 | 2.60% | 5.26% | 6.23% |
| Native American orAlaska Native (NH) | 202 | 190 | 185 | 0.29% | 0.24% | 0.22% |
| Asian (NH) | 1,161 | 2,043 | 2,641 | 1.67% | 2.63% | 3.20% |
| Pacific Islander orNative Hawaiian (NH) | 55 | 116 | 105 | 0.08% | 0.15% | 0.13% |
| Some other race (NH) | 85 | 158 | 459 | 0.12% | 0.20% | 0.56% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 801 | 1,373 | 3,612 | 1.15% | 1.77% | 4.38% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2,902 | 6,982 | 10,531 | 4.18% | 8.99% | 12.77% |
| Total | 69,371 | 77,648 | 82,485 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the2020 United States census, there were 82,485 people, 36,926 households, and 18,727 families residing in the city.[17]
As of the2010 United States census, there were 77,648 people, 36,806 households, and 19,575 families residing in the city.[18]
In 2010, there were 36,806 households, out of which 16.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.2% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 48.5% were non-families. 39.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.02 and the average family size was 2.67.
In 2010, in the city, the population was spread out, with 15.6% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 22.6% from 25 to 44, 28.6% from 45 to 64, and 26.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48.2 years.
As of thecensus[3] 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 (1,710.1/km2). There were 40,261 housing units at an average density of 2,570.5 per square mile (992.5/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% fromother races, and 1.49% from two or more races. 4.18% of the population isHispanic orLatino of any race.
In 2000, 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 2000, 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.
As of 2000, 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. Theper capita income for the city was $20,848. About 6.0% of families and 9.1% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 12.0% of those under age 18 and 8.6% of those age 65 or over.
The decline of agriculture with population growth beginning in the 1960s largely transformed Largo into abedroom 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 healthcare industry continues to grow to meet the needs of an aging population. Hospitals are among the area's strongest employers.Largo Medical Center, owned by theHospital Corporation of America (HCA), was established in 1978; it consists of two separate campuses: its original campus near downtown Largo, and the former Sun Coast Hospital on Indian Rocks Road, which was renamed Largo Medical Center-Indian Rocks Campus after its acquisition by HCA.
At one time Largo was the headquarters ofEckerd Corporation.[19]
According to the city's 2018 Community Development Division, the top employers in the city are:
| # | Employer | No. of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pinellas County Sheriff's Office | 2,862 |
| 2 | Tech Data | 2,012 |
| 3 | Largo Medical Center | 1,500 |
| 4 | Florida Suncoast Hospice | 1,100 |
| 5 | City of Largo | 900 |
| 6 | SCC Soft Computer Inc. | 800 |
| 7 | Palms of Largo | 770 |
| 8 | Publix Super Markets Inc. | 644 |
| 9 | Pinellas County Schools Administration Building | 500 |
| 10 | Diagnostic Clinic Medical Group | 428 |
TheLargo Public Library opened in 1916 in the basement of the Town Hall, with a collection of about 560 books.[20] In 1968, a new location was opened to house 14,000 titles. In 1977, a new library was erected on 5 acres (2 ha) of donated land. Following an expansion in 1989, the library held 250,000 items. Largo Public Library's current building was built in 2005.[21]
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.[22] 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.
The city manager directs the administration in governing and providing municipal services to Largo. The Administration 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.[23]
The city manager is appointed by and answerable to the city commission as a whole. The City of Largo is unique 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.
Pinellas County Schools operates the city's public K–12 schools. The school district's administrative headquarters are located in Largo.[24] The city's high school students attendLargo High School. The school mascot is the razorback boar, and the school athletic teams are called the Packers because of the influence of the citrus-packing industry on the town, most notably the packing plant of Senator John Taylor.
Largo middle school students attend Largo Middle School.
The main campus ofSchiller International University is in Largo.[25]
St. Patrick Catholic School has a campus on Trotter Road in Largo, providing a private education for grades Pre-K–8. Other private schools in the city includeVeritas Academy.
Largo is served by two international airports,Tampa International Airport andSt. Petersburg–Clearwater International Airport. St. Petersburg–Clearwater Airport is located about 6 miles (9.7 km) east of downtown. Tampa International Airport is located about 20 miles (32 km) east of downtown on the other side of Tampa Bay. ThePinellas Suncoast Transit Authority provides bus service throughout Pinellas County and express service to Tampa.State Roads 686 and688 pass through Largo to connect withInterstate 275, which connects withI-75.US 19 andUS 19 Alternate run north–south through Largo. A grid of county roads connects Largo with its neighbors.
_plaque_in_Largo_Central_Park%2c_Florida%2c_Dec_2020_(cropped).jpg)
Municipalities and communities ofPinellas County, Florida,United States | ||
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| Unincorporated communities | ||
| International | |
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| National | |
| Geographic | |
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