If you have decided to build a house in Largo it can be one of a very satisfying experience or it can be a major headache. Building a customer home in Largo with the recent rise in building materials and real estate lots the cost of building has risen from $200,000 to over $400,000 for a simple single family home. If you plan on building an executive home, waterfont home or a luxury home, the cost could easily go into the millions.

One of the benefits of building your own home is the fact that you get to decide every detail and pick the exact location of your home. Typically building a custom Largo home will cost more then a typical Largo home, but it will be used and not your exact desires. In my opinion the greatest single feature of a new Largo home is everything is new, I have had alot of people move into there Largo home or other real estate, and after all the inspections they come to find out something was overlooked and a large repair bill is waiting. But the trade off in price does not make it reasonable, so I would only recommend a new home if you have a specific need and it is not available in the Largo Real Estate market.

New homes that are being built now in Largo are primarily being built on spare lots or double lots that have been split. In Largo and most other areas of Largo finding enough land to build an entire neighborhood is neirly impossible. If you have any questions regarding Largo homes or Largo real estate please give Phaedra a call.

Click Here to Contact Us or Call 727-458-3435

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 recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau was 71,704 [1] .

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 1960's 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, 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 sister city to Tosayamada, Kochi , Japan.

Geography

Largo is located at 27°54′30″N , 82°46′40″W (27.908355, -82.777791) GR1 . 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 including 651 acres of park lands. The City of Largo's lowest elevation is sea level. At its highest, the City's elevation is about 69 feet. The City 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.

Historical overview, 1905 to 2005

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, Florida. 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 colonization efforts and warfare between Spain and England. The Largo area, like the rest of Pinellas County, was largely deserted. In 1763 , England won Florida from Spain. In 1783 , Spain won it back. Spain had gained little profit owning Florida and ceded Florida to the United States in 1821 . In 1845 , a surveyor noted Lake Tolulu, apparently located south of West 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 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 .

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 1920's 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 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. 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.

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 then 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 GR2 of 2000 , there are 69,371 people, 34,041 households, and 18,382 families residing in the City. The population density is 1,710.4/km² (4,429.1/mi²). There are 40,261 housing units at an average density of 992.6/km² (2,570.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the City is 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 are 34,041 households out of which 17.0% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.8% are married couples living together, 9.0% have a female householder with no husband present, and 46.0% are non-families. 38.5% of all households are made up of individuals and 19.3% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 1.99 and the average family size is 2.59.

In the City the population is 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 are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 48 years. For every 100 females there are 87.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 83.9 males.

The median income for a household in the City is $32,217, and the median income for a family is $41,523. Males have a median income of $30,186 versus $24,477 for females. The per capita income for the City is $20,848. 9.1% of the population and 6.0% of families are below the poverty line . Out of the total population, 12.0% of those under the age of 18 and 8.6% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Economy

The decline of agriculture with the influx of new residents beginning in the 1960's 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.

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 (Florida) , 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.

City of Largo Government Services

The City of Largo sees itself as "The City of Progress" and offers itself as a great place to live, work and retire. In the pursuit of excellence, 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. Largo's Solid Waste workers regularly win awards at the SWANA International Truck & Mechanic ROAD-E-O. Largo's CFO, Kimbal 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.

Commission

The City of Largo is governed by a commission of 7 people elected at large to staggered, three 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, and striving to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the public within the corporate bounds of the City of Largo. In so doing, the 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.

The Assistant City Manager supervises the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the City Clerk's Office. The Office of Management and Budget's role encompasses formulation of the annual budget, including projection of revenue and expenses, coordination of purchasing, the handling of labor relations, and the analysis of organizational structures and procedures.

The City Clerk's role encompasses records management, coordination of commission meetings and preparation of commission materials. The City Clerk advertises public notices, maintains the Code of Ordinances, and administers municipal elections.

The Communications and Marketing Office's role is to inform the public. The city's communications include LTV15 (Largo Television) cable broadcasts, advertising, the City of Largo website, media relations and printed materials such as brochures, and other promotional materials.

The City Attorney advices City officials and staff, and prepares/reviews ordinances, resolutions, contracts and legal agreements. The City Attorney also represents the City of Largo in legal proceedings and coordinates the activity of outside legal counsel.

Police

The Police Department's role encompasses law enforcement within the corporate limits of the City of Largo. The Police Department strives to work with the community in providing a sense of security, safety and confidence and to improve the quality of life in Largo. Largo police officers are encouraged to develop relationships with the people in the community to better understand Largo's needs.

Fire Rescue

Largo Fire Rescue provides services for the health, safety and welfare of the public in the Largo and Highpoint Fire/EMS Districts as well as providing management support to the Harbor Bluffs Fire District. These districts extend beyond the corporate boundaries of Largo. Largo Fire Rescue provides these services through four programs: Fire & EMS Operations, Fire Prevention, Support Services, and Administration. Fire & EMS Operations suppresses fires, provides hazardous materials response, provides emergency medical services, and ensures policy compliance and related operational activities. Fire Prevention enforces fire code compliance, investigates fires, and educates the community. Support Services role encompasses marketing, training and recruitment of Fire Rescue personnel, departmental purchasing coordination, and the maintenance of fire apparatus, equipment and facilities. Administration's role encompasses overall direction, programming and management of the Fire Rescue Department, and coordination of emergency management for the City.

Public Works

The Public Works Department supports city owned infrastructure. Public Works consists of four divisions: Facility Management, Fleet Management, Streets and Drainage, and Solid Waste. Facility Management provides custodial, facility maintenance, construction project management and communications. 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.

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 oversees all divisions, provides budgeting and administrative support, supports grant writing, and coordinates special events and marketing. Recreation consists of all recreation facilities and active recreation programming. Parks coordinates maintenance and beautification 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.

Management Services

The Management Services Department's role encompasses City-wide accounting, finance and information technology activities. Management Services primarily provides services to other City departments, but also serves the public through utility billing.

The Accounting and Finance Division coordinates accounts payable, cash disbursements, utility billing, payroll, asset tracking, and treasury management activities. The division maintains all official City accounting records and ensures that all transactions are properly recorded. Accounting and Finance is also responsible for financial reporting and implementation of financial management policies.

The Information Technology (IT) Division provides computer technology services to all departments. Largo uses centralized office automation systems for applications such as word processing, e-mail, spreadsheets and scheduling. IT manages the development testing and application of these systems, and provides City Internet access, web hosting services and PC support. IT also provides special project support, computer training services and mobile computing support. IT is notable for adopting Open Source software early on.

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 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 used by agricultural companies for soil conditioning.

Largo Public Library

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 a wealth of information in its special collections, which include an award-winning genealogy collection, the Rugg Financial Center, the Pathways Career Center, the Small Business Resource Center, a large print collection and a parent-teacher collection. In addition to all of these collections and resources, the library offers a wide 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.

The Library was relocated to its new building in 2005. Its phenomenal growth and quality are a tribute to the vision, efforts, and energy of its recently retired Director, Barbara Murphey.

Largo, Florida Timeline

1513 - 1841

1513 - March 27 * Ponce de Leon discovers Florida.

1515 - 1519 * Spanish explorers visit Pinellas barrier islands while trading with Tocobaga .

1528 * Panfilo de Narvaez expedition explores the Pinellas Peninsula .

1539 * Hernando de Soto expedition names present Tampa Bay " La Bahia de Espiritu Santo ."

1702 - 1713 * Queen Anne's War . Tocobaga virtually annihilated. English raids reach Tampa Bay . Pinellas largely deserted.

1739 - 1748 * War of Jenkin's Ear . English mapping expeditions visit Pinellas Peninsula.

1757 * Spanish expedition renames Tampa Bay " La Bahia de San Fernando ", after the Spanish king. Names entrance to Tampa Bay " La Punta de Pinal de Jimenez " (Point of Pines).

1763 * Spain cedes Florida to England at end of the French and Indian War.

1783 * Treaty of Paris (1783) ends American Revolutionary War . England cedes Florida to Spain.

1817 - 1818 * First Seminole War.

1821 * Spain cedes Florida to United States.

1824 * U S Army establishes Fort Brooke (later to become Tampa, Florida. )

1834 * Territorial Legislature establishes Hillsborough County, Florida.

1835 - 1842 * Second Seminole War.

1841 * Armed Occupation Act provides for land grants in unsettled parts of Florida.

1841 - 1905

1843 * Three claims filed under the Armed Occupation Act in Largo Area, including that of Charles, George, and Alexander McKay.

1844 * Surveyor notes Late Tolulu (later Lake Largo).

1845 * Florida Statehood.

1848 * Great Gale wreaks havoc on local settlements.

1852 * Daniel McMullen homesteads in Largo area.

1854 * Members of McMullen family establish First Free School.

1861 - 1865 * American Civil War.

1882 * Anona Methodist Church established. Hamilton Disston purchases vast landholdings in Florida, including portions of mid-Pinellas and with it, Lake Tolulu. Lake Tolulu is renamed "Lake Largo" by Disston's agent.

1888 * Orange Blossom Railroad arrives. Largo receives its name. September 4 * M. Joel McMullen becomes Largo's first postmaster . First post office opens in home of Gideon Bitch.

1897 * Mrs A K Meigs donates Meigs cemetery to become Largo Cemetery.

1905 * Town of Largo incorporated.

1907 - 1945

1907 * Pinellas "Declaration of Independence" marks major milestone on the road to creating Pinellas County. Largo hosts rally in favor of independence from Hillsborough County.

1909 * Pinellas Groves, a development company, develops 20,000 acres of farms in and beyond present day Largo.

1910 * Largo's population is 291. Work begins on rock road from Clearwater to Largo.

1912 * Pinellas County created. Largo's first public water system begins operations.

1913 * Largo becomes first town in Pinellas to adopt council-manager form of government. New charter establishes town limits at 9/16th's of a square mile. New charter authorizes city manager to act as police chief.

1914 * Largo Women's Club establishes Largo Public Library.

1916 * Lake Largo - Cross Bayou drainage project drains Lake Largo and land to the east and south of town. Largo votes bond issue to build paved roads, town-owned water system and sewers. Largo Public Library officially opens with 560 books. Largo becomes bird sanctuary.

1920 * Largo's population is 599.

1921 * Citrus City Grower's association organized.

1924 * C E Donegan's certified diary farm. Largo hires police chief and one other officer.

1925 - May 25 * Legislature creates City of Largo. Largo's boundaries extended three miles westward into the Gulf.

1927 * City continues to undertake bond obligations to fund improvements as local economic growth begins to slow. First Largo Fire Station built.

1928 * Cities accountant recommends refinancing of $1,000,000 in bond debt.

1930 * Largo's population is 1,429.

1929 - 1939 * Great Depression . Legislative Act of 1925 nullified. Largo reverts to 1913 boundaries and charter . WPA projects create Taylor Lake and Lake Walsingham as well as Auditorium at 4th Street NW and West Bay Drive. John S Taylor builds citrus packing plant at corner of East Bay Drive and Missouri Avenue.

1940 * Largo's population is 1,031

1941- 1945 * World War II

1946 - Present

1946 * Largo Public Library has more than 3,000 books. Supreme Court orders Largo to pay bond debts resulting in 37 mil ad valorem tax rate.

1948 * Largo Theater on West Bay Drive. Largo gets its first police car. Police department begins to expand.

1950 * Cigarette tax eases financial burden. Population 1,547. Police operate out of one room police station.

1952 * Pinellas Central Bank (later, Southeast First Bank of Largo) opens-- Largo's first bank since the Great Depression. Mildred Helms Elementary opens.

1953 - March 29 * Littlefield Nursing Home fire kills 35 people, mostly tenants of the home.

1954 * Pinellas Shopping Center opens.

1955 * Annexation referendum results in tripling of Largo's area and population.

1958 Largo Public Library has 1450 patrons and a circulation of 14,000.

1959 * Largo Police crisis. In a closed session,the Commission votes 3-2 to allow the City Manager to fire the Police Chief. Public uproar results in the recall of those commissioners who voted to fire the Police Chief. The new Commission fires the City Manager and rehires the Police Chief. Citizen's committee builds new police station and donates it to the City.

1960 * Largo's population is 5,302. Largo begins construction on new Library building. Largo Recreation Department formed.

1962 - December - 1963 - January * Worst freeze in over 100 years, combined with urbanization and rising property tax assessments, severely stresses citrus industry. Largo Library building opens

1965 * Largo proclaimed "Clean Air Capital" by Chamber of Commerce.

1966 * Largo Police Department has 22 officers.

1968 * Last year ad valorem taxes levied until 1972 . Largo Recreation department has two facilities-- the Largo Club Center and the Auditorium built during the Depression by the WPA.

1969 * Largo Public Library's circulation is ~125,000.

1970 * Largo's population is 24,230. Largo Fire Department begins phase out of volunteer fire fighters.

1972 * Highland Recreation Complex dedicated .

1974 - May 7 * Largo adopts a new charter creating City of Largo. Ad valorem tax rate is 1.29 mils. John A Jenkins donates land on East Bay Drive and east of Third Street SE for new library building. Largo Public Library circulation is about 180,000

1975 * Largo Recreation Department grows to 211 activities with 267,00 participants.

1976 * Largo Fire Department grows to 60 employees.

1977 * The Library moves to the site at 351 East Bay Drive donated by John A Jenkins with 30,000 books.

1980 * Largo's population is 58,977.

1995 * Largo Central Park opens on site of former John S Taylor packing plant.

2002 * The 1977 library building is deemed inadequate for forecast growth. Construction of 90,000 square foot library becomes campaign issue.

2004 * Florida is struck by four hurricanes that largely miss Largo. Minor damage slightly delays construction of new library.

2005 * The new 90,000 square foot library opens at 120 Central Park Drive with more than 200,000 items. The Largo Fire Department has 140 employees and operates five fire stations.

Civic organizations

• Largo Lions Club
• Largo-Mid Pinellas Chamber of Commerce
• Downtown Largo Main Street Association

Sports teams

• National Football League -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa , Florida.

• Major League Baseball -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida

Newspapers

• St. Petersburg Times (daily)
• The Tampa Tribune (daily)
• Largo Leader (weekly)

Schools

Pinellas County has a county-wide school system.

• Pinellas County Schools.

• Largo Central Elementary School

• Mildred Helms Elementary School

• Anona Elementary School

• Largo Middle School

• Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School

• Largo High School

• PTEC-Clearwater Vocational-Technical School