Palms of Largo Hosts Grand Opening of 'The Plaza' Saturday

The Palms of Largo unveils its new community event area called 'The Plaza' on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 385 Alternate Keene Rd. in Largo. 

Nestled in The Palms of Largo’s 88-acre campus, The Plaza will serve as a gathering place for residents, family, friends, veterans, employees and the community. 

The celebration starts with a parade at 10 a.m. down Avenue of the Palms, led by the Largo High School Marching Band.

After the parade in the gazebo, the band will play while the Pinellas County Veterans Council Military Honor Guard will present the American flag and local firefighter Nolan Marshall will sing the national anthem.  

Rep. C.W. Bill Young (R-Fla.) and Largo Mayor Patricia Gerard are also scheduled to attend the dedication of The Plaza, which will be presented by John B. Goodman, the developer and owner of The Palms of Largo and Chairman of The Goodman Group.   

“The Plaza is a continuation of The Palms of Largo’s mission. We are excited about this gathering area for The Palms of Largo but also for the greater Largo community,” Goodman wrote in a press release. 

“The Plaza will host a multitude of programs and activities that will contribute to the tapestry of the already vibrant and lively community and integrate programs with the Largo Community Center next door,” Goodman wrote.

The Plaza has a rotunda, covered activity shelters, a deli with courtyard dining, a Veterans memorial, vine shaded trellises, a ceremonial lawn, and a gazebo. 

The Plaza will be a place for daily and special events. Daily events may include classes, markets, social events, seminars and group meetings. Groups will be able to rent the space for weddings, graduations and other special events.

Saturday's family-friendly event will include a pottery wheel demonstration, face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo, butterfly garden, live entertainment in the gazebo and much more.    

There will also be the World War II first infantry division re-enactors, military vehicles and fighter plane, representatives from the military museum and remote-controlled motorboat racing by the Tampa Bay Remote Boat Club.