012314 Largo Leader
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Candidates line up for county seats Largo Mayor Patricia Gerard among contenders ... Page 5A. Heritage Village comes alive with folk music this weekend Leigh Humes Band, Abasi Ote and Gypsy Wind to entertain crowds Jan. 25 ... Page 1B. Volume XXXVI, No. 27 www.TBNweekly.com January 23, 2014 LARGO Largo backs Greenlight Pinellas Commissioners also discuss issues with Kent Place sewer By JULIANA A. TORRES missioner Robert Murray joined Holmes in that request, de- to hear more than we ever want to hear about this subject spite his “100 percent” support of Greenlight Pinellas. from every direction,” she said. “I don’t necessarily think we LARGO – Largo commissioners were nearly unanimous in “I think it’s going to pass. I think the PSTA has done their need to host that debate.” Touch-a-Truck is their endorsement of the Greenlight Pinellas Plan Jan. 21, job. But I would like the opportunity for the opposition to The Greenlight Pinellas Plan would be funded through a 1 but some did wonder whether they had heard enough from come before us and give their point just for transparency,” he percent sales tax, if voters approve that increase during a those opposed to Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s plan said. November referendum. The plan calls for increased bus this week in Largo to improve public transportation. Mayor Pat Gerard said she felt like she had all the infor- routes especially on nights and weekends, a future passen- The 19th annual Touch-a-Truck – Commissioner Curtis Holmes, the sole vote against Largo’s mation she needed to make a decision on the endorsement ger rail and a plan for development that would support the held Saturday, Jan. 25, 11 a.m. to 4 resolution to endorse the plan, previously called for the oppo- and encouraged residents to do their own research into the increased transit. p.m., at Largo Central Park – wlll feature sition group, called No Tax for Tracks, to give a presentation plan. fire trucks, dump trucks, motorcycles, to the commission. During the public hearing Jan. 21, Com- “I have no doubt that in the next 10 months, we’re going See GREENLIGHT, page 4A buses, a Bayflight helicopter and more. ... Page 3A. A morning on the field YMCA to build Bardmoor facility The $6.6 million project will grant the capacity to serve more than 14,000 local residents annually in the Largo, Semi- nole and Pinellas Park areas through membership and programs. ... Page 4A. COUNTY Pinellas is high- impact destination To qualify as a high-impact tourist destination, a county must collect more than $30 million in tourist development taxes, which is equal to $600 million in sales for a calendar year. Pinellas County has exceeded the $30 million by nearly $41,000. ... Page 6A. SCHOOLS Photos by JULIANA A. TORRES Above, from left, Rod Cradit, part of the Largo 50+ softball team, waits on third base for his teammate at bat, Kevin Schanz, to take a crack at a more ideal pitch while umpire Freddie Glasser and 3 Score catcher Al Melendez look on Jan. 16, during the first game that pitted the Largo team against Clearwater’s senior softball team, 3 Score. Top left, Bill Brasfield, 68, of Pinellas Park knocks a first- base hit to the outfield. At left, Largo league organizer Paul Aubry, 69, pitches LHS students sing during the second game of the double header against Clearwater. The city of Largo’s slow pitch softball league started meeting this month, on Tuesday on All-State stage mornings for drop-in and batting practice and Thursday mornings for formal league play at Whitesell Softball Complex, 12555 119th St. N. For more Tristan Brockwell and Megan Pullen, information, call 518-3026 or visit LargoSports.com. both seniors at Largo High School, per- formed with the All-State Chorus Jan. 11. Largo High junior Alec Emser played bassoon with the All-State Honors Band earlier in the day. Chamber hears a forecast of 2014 ... Page 15A. Experts discuss health care, the work force, income inequality and energy VIEWPOINTS By JULIANA A. TORRES Carl Hiaasen CLEARWATER – Four experts in their field shared their perspec- tives on the upcoming year to members of the Central Pinellas It’s time to end the Chamber of Commerce Jan. 21. death penalty. The breakfast program, this year dubbed Focus on 2014: A … Page 12A Tampa Bay Economic Forecast, is an annual event for the Largo- based chamber, held at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwa- ter Beach. Ed Peachey, president and CEO of WorkNet Pinellas and the Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance, spoke first, sharing current statis- tics on the local work force. The slow but steady growth likely would Features Photos by JULIANA A. TORRES continue in the upcoming year, he said. The Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce’s “I think it’s pretty much going to be more of the same. I think un- Focus 2014 panelists Jan. 21 were, top left, Alex Business . .8A employment is going to continue to go down. I think we’re going to Glenn, president of Duke Energy Florida; above, Classifieds . .5-7B have job growth in all industry sectors except maybe government, Carl Patten, director of health care policy at County . .5-7A being that it’s an election year,” he explained. Florida Blue; bottom left, Philip Porter, professor of Entertainment . .1-4, 8B Peachey called for the employers in the room to not leave the task economics at University of South Florida, and, Faith & family . .10-11A of training tomorrow’s work force to colleges and universities. below, Ed Peachey, president of WorkNet Pinellas. Just for fun . .2B “We need the employer community to step up and help train that Largo . .3-4A next generation of workers,” he said. “We have to create more op- Outdoors . .13A portunities for internships and apprenticeships if we’re going to Police beat . .9A build a work force here in Tampa Bay.” Schools . .15A Sports . .14A Health care Viewpoints . .12A Carl Patten, director of health care policy for Florida Blue in Jacksonville, discussed the future of health care, much of which Call 397-5563 hinges on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. For News & Advertising In general, spending on health care has slowed in recent years, See FORECAST, page 4A AUTO ACCIDENT 010214 INJURY? 12046 Indian Rocks Road, Largo Diagnosis • Treatment • Rehab 727-595-1222 • www.VONailsAndSpa.com SPA MANICURE & Attorney and Specialist Referrals FACIALS • SPA THERAPY • WAXING • NAILS AND MORE 012314 SHAMPOO/CUT/STYLE 25 2-15-14 PEDICURE W/SHELLAC 39 Exp. 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Across from Blockbuster Video (727) 391-6642 (727) 586-5553 (727) 347-2938 012314 Palm Harbor Clearwater St Petersburg 35208 U.S. 19 N. 1932 Drew Street 1598 62nd Ave. N. Alderman Plaza Professional Plaza SE corner of 16th St. Corner of Alderman Rd. & U.S. 19 1 1/2 blocks West of Hercules & 62nd Ave. N. (727) 787-1866 (727) 441-3591 (727) 522-3692 © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved www.tbnweekly.com Leader, January 23, 2014 Largo 3A Trucks return to Largo park for family event Foundation to host Art Hop LARGO – The Greater Largo Library Foundation will host the sev- LARGO – Each year, the city of Largo’s Touch-a-Truck event gets enth annual Art Hop and Taste Fest, an evening of art, music, fine bigger, with thousands of children and their parents attending to food and desserts, Saturday, March 8, 6 to 10 p.m., at the Largo Pub- climb, honk and play around in a variety of vehicles. lic Library, 120 Central Park Drive. The 19th annual Touch-a-Truck – held Saturday, Jan. 25, 11 a.m. The area’s top professional artists, artisans and fine food purveyors to 4 p.m., at Largo Central Park – wlll feature fire trucks, dump trucks, motorcycles, buses, a Bayflight helicopter and more. The free, family- will join with student artists and leading local businesses to support friendly event has attracted 12,000 to 15,000 people to Largo Central the Largo Public Library, the busiest and most popular library in Park in past years. Tampa Bay. All ages are welcome. Children of all ages can enjoy inflatables, train The Dennis McBride’s artistic renderings of historic Pinellas County rides along Largo Central Railroad, Rocketship Car rides around the buildings will be the featured collection. Jace McTier will be the fea- block and a delicious food court in the middle of the park. Wristbands, tured artist, and the featured rising star artist will be Lisa Bagley, an on sale for $5, will be required for some activities including inflatables art teacher from Largo High School.