Introducing Largo:
- Located In: Pinellas County
- Population: 74,915
- Median Age: 43 years
- Size: 17.9 square miles
Largo’s History:
Largo was officially founded in 1905, though a steady stream of settlers had been moving into the area since 1820s. Families such as the Taylors, McMullens, Wilcoxes and Belchers were among the first pioneers here. In 1886, the Orange Belt Railroad brought even more settlers along with committed commerce.
Largo became the center of the area’s citrus industry until a few uncharacteristically harsh winters and the Great Depression slowed the city’s progress temporarily. After World War II, however, Florida’s west coast became a favorite destination and Largo’s population began to increase rapidly.
Things To Do In Largo:
City events are regularly scheduled at Largo Central Park. Nearby, the Largo Cultural Center is home to Eight O’Clock Theatre. The center also attracts nationally recognized musical artists. Just across the street, the relatively new Largo Public Library is a focal point for the community.
Heritage Village, a 21-acre living history museum, hosts a number of festivals throughout the year. Adjacent to the site is the Florida Botanical Gardens and Walsingham Park, one of many parks found in Largo.
The Armed Forces Military Museum recently opened its doors and features a vast collection of military memorabilia.
Dining In Largo:
In addition to several well-known chain restaurants such as Olive Garden, Chili’s, Red Lobster, Sweet Tomatoes and Sonny’s (all found in close proximity to Largo Mall on Ulmerton Road and Seminole Boulevard), the community boasts a number of family-owned eateries and cafés popular with area residents. Among these are Acropol Family Restaurant at 1170 Starkey Road; Fireplace, 12580 Seminole Blvd.; and Savory Restaurant and Pizzeria, 12881 Walsingham Road.
The city also features several fashionable Thai restaurants, including Tum Nuk Thai, 11002 Seminole Blvd.; and Thai Bay Restaurant, 1300 East Bay Drive.
Shopping In Largo:
Largo Mall, conveniently located at the corner of Ulmerton Road and Seminole Boulevard, is the largest shopping complex in the community. Anchored by stores like Target, PetSmart, Bealls, Michaels Arts and Crafts and Bed Bath and Beyond, the mall also offers shoppers specialty stores like Bath and Body Works, Plato’s Close, Book Bank USA and Play It Again Sports.
What Makes Largo Special:
Largo or Luluville? Around the time that the Orange Belt Railroad came through the area, residents decided it was high time to assign the town a name. Out of respect for a prominent local, a gentleman named Gideon Blitch, some suggested that the town should be named after his daughter. Had a majority concurred, Largo might well be known as Luluville today.
Following an unexpected and severe freeze in 1962 which dealt a fatal blow to the city’s agricultural industry, Largo shifted away from its agrarian economy. Perceptive developers swooped in and bought up groves to build homes for the county’s burgeoning population. Largo’s own population swelled from a mere 1,500 in 1950 to more than 20,000 in 1970.
Largo, known as the City of Progress, is today home to more than 74,000 and boasts a thriving arts community centered around the Largo Cultural Center, Largo Central Park and the Largo Public Library. Largo also is home to Pinellas County’s Heritage Village, a 21-acre living history museum.