March 2019: Planning & Placemaking Grant Received
On March 13th, the Forward Pinellas Board approved the Planning Division’s proposal for Planning & Placemaking (PPM) grant funding to assist with the preparation of the US 19-Roosevelt Boulevard Special Area Plan. The purpose of the PPM is to support local governments in their work to maintain and/or strengthen the character of Pinellas County’s many distinct communities by fostering connected, people-centric neighborhoods and destinations through planning activities that reinforce community identity, livability, and increases public wealth. The $50,000 award to the City will supplement funds allocated in the current fiscal year to contract professional services from a planning consulting firm to prepare a plan to advance the City’s strategic quality of life, economic development and multi-modal objectives. The professional service award, memorandum of understanding and budget amendment will be brought to City Commission in April.
May 2019: Visioning Workshop
On May 17th, City staff members gathered to engage in this multi-disciplinary workshop to begin the vision for the US 19/Roosevelt Boulevard planning area. 
June 2019: Project Jump-Off Meeting
On June 25th, Kimley-Horn and Associates (KHA) facilitated the project "Jump-Off" meeting at Largo City Hall and involved an interdepartmental City project team and key stakeholders
July 2019: Agency Staff Meeting (Forward Pinellas & Pinellas County)
With the end goal of a successful SAP in mind, an agency staff meeting dated, July 30, 2019 with Kimley-Horn and Associates (KHA), the SAP Project Team Members, staff members from Forward Pinellas and Pinellas County, Planning and Economic Development Departments took place in the Conference Room of Forward Pinellas. The highlight of the agency staff meeting was discussing the SAP boundary, understanding the challenges and aspirations for the plan. There will be a continued partnership throughout the process of the SAP. 
September 2019:
Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce
On September 18th, the SAP Project Management Team presented to the Government Advocacy Panel and Economic Development Committee. The Team presented on the current conditions, challenges and assets of the study area, furthermore the opportunities and the goals and parameters of the project, and understanding the aspirations for the SAP. 
Agency Staff Meeting with FDOT and PSTA
On September 23rd, City staff, members from Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), PSTA, Forward Pinellas and Pinellas County Traffic Engineering met to discuss transportation concepts for the SAP and its impact within the area. Staff discussed and viewed exhibits illustrating opportunities for enhancement along East Bay Drive and Roosevelt Boulevard; County (including Pinellas County and Forward Pinellas) projects and their impacts in the area such as the Gateway Expressway, Gateway Mid-County Master Plan, the Pinellas County Complete Streets project and the US19/Frontage Road study. Staff will continue to engage and work closely with agencies, stakeholders and the public as we prepare the SAP.
October 2019:
Business Stakeholder Interviews
On October 1st, the SAP Planning Team met with business community members, and learned about the challenges facing the area and the opportunities for the future. The team interviewed twelve (12) stakeholders which included, business owner/managers, property owners, developers and a University. We gained perspectives about what is working well, and not so well based upon the stakeholders' experiences working, doing and owning business, and investing in the study area. They were also asked what types of land use, development, and roadway improvements they would like to see. Business and property owners/managers were asked about the constraints they currently face, issues of significance to them, and how the SAP may assist mitigate them. 
Neighborhood Stakeholder Interviews
On October 11th, the SAP Planning Team met with representatives of organizations from the study area. The interview provided an opportunity for the stakeholders to identify major issues, ideas, and concerns facing the US19/Roosevelt Boulevard area. The valuable insight shared during the interview greatly informs the planning process for the SAP. Key items discussed in brief are: access to recreation; walkability; and the impacts of identified school zones. 
Chamber of Commerce Stakeholder Interview
On October 16th, the SAP Planning Team met with Largo's local and business stakeholder, the Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce. The Team learned from the Economic Development Committee about the challenges facing the corridors (US19 and Roosevelt Boulevard), the surrounding area, regional impacts, connections and the opportunities for the future. 
November 2019: US 19 Special Area Plan Community Forum
The City of Largo and consulting team, Kimley-Horn & Associates, hosted an informative community forum for residents, businesses and other community members on November 6, 2019 at Pinellas Technical College to learn about the US 19 / Roosevelt Boulevard Special Area Plan (SAP). In attendance were representatives from Forward Pinellas, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Pinellas County Planning and the City of Largo Mayor & Commission, Administration, Community Development, Outreach and Engineering staff.
The forum opened up with a brief project overview and broke out into an open house with work stations where participants could get hands-on with the project. Stations included:
- Land Use/Housing - Vote on the land uses and what you would like to see in the area
- Transportation - Review initial recommendations and use mock money to show how you would budget improvements in the area
- Sustainability - Review the City of Largo sustainability practices and how it impacts the area
- Economic Development - View the economic profile for the area and share your thoughts on development opportunities in the area
- Placemaking/Identity - Share your naming/branding ideas for the area and build your ideal public spaces
- Fun Mapping - Post your thoughts on improvements you want in the area
- Survey - Share your thoughts on creating an urban destination. Take the survey today. Let's get started!
April 2021: Tri-City Special Area Plan Developer Forum
The City of Largo and consulting team, Kimley-Horn & Associates, hosted an informative developer forum on April 21 in order to discuss the newly adopted plan guidelines. Developers were provided the opportunity to provide feedback on adopted standards and guidelines, which will assist the City with determining how the plan may evolve in the future.
VIEW PRESENTATION SLIDES
VIEW THE RECORDED MEETING:
