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Opinion

Monday, May 20, 2013

What's Largo Saying?

'Jobs Good, Traffic Bad' as 3 Walmarts Are Planned for Largo

Largo Patch readers shared their thoughts on construction of three Walmart stores within Largo city limits.

Some Largo Patch readers support the construction of more than 350,000 square feet of retail space and hundreds of jobs planned as part of three big box Walmart stores being built nearly simultaneously within Largo city limits. “Missouri Ave needs that new Walmart for sure,” Melissa A. commented. “For anyone that doesn't agree I welcome you to a trip at the current one there on Missouri.” Claire said: “I don't think they are very good people to work for, but at least it will add jobs. And all those stores are on pretty major roads, not some side streets. The one on Missouri is just relocating from accross the street, what else would they do with that huge empty kmart? let it sit there empty for years? Roosevelt is pretty far from Missouri…

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Mary Wilson

9:09 am on Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Planning to build 3 more Walmarts in the city of Largo is poor planning. We already have a neighborhood market on Walsingham. Building a Walmart Supercenter that contains the general merchandise and food retail portions of this business on Roosevelt and Ulmerton is OK because they're far enough apart to be warranted. Having an additional one on Missouri Avenue isn't necessary. Building another …   more ›

Saturday, May 11, 2013

What's Largo Saying?

More Apartments, Traffic Unnecessary on Seminole Blvd., Readers Say

Some Largo Patch readers shared their thoughts about the City Commission decision to enter a development agreement that would bring a 260-unit apartment complex to the Briarwood Travel Villa.

Some Largo Patch readers shared their thoughts about the City Commission decision to enter a development agreement that would bring a 260-unit apartment complex to the Briarwood Travel Villa. More apartments and the traffic they will bring is not needed on already clogged Seminole Boulevard and Ulmerton Road intersection, readers said. "Greed over humanity. Sad sad day in Larghetto," SW Largo Watch/Cleanup said, adding: "Developers should take that $$ to buyout, kick out the crap and fix the shadrack apts scattered throughout Largo. Home values have dropped because of vacant homes and slumlord apt complexes." Terri: "Yeah we need more damn apts in Largo! Traffic is bad enough in that area. Come on Govt. really!?? I know you're all about …

Cj

2:41 pm on Monday, May 13, 2013

I do not think a large apartment building is the answer...why not a few homes...there are already enough sex offenders and etc from West Bay/East Bay intersection to Ulmerton on Seminole Blvd....do your research....even Briarwood has many offenders of the law and tents......clean up Largo...try Cleaning UP !!!!!!!!!   more ›

Thursday, April 25, 2013

What's Tampa Bay Saying?

Smokers: Should They be Barred from Jobs?

One Bay area county is considering it and we’d like to get your take on the issue!

The days of smokers being able to light up in restaurants, public buildings and the workplace are long since over. After all, it’s common knowledge that smoking is bad for a person’s health and the health of others around the smoker. But, should smokers be denied employment? Pasco County is grappling with just that question as other Bay area agencies have made the switch to hiring only nonsmokers, citing skyrocketing insurance costs. Sarasota County already bans smokers from being hired. The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has employed the anti-employment practice since 2008. Other employers, including hospitals and cities throughout the state have similar rules on the books. While the list of employers that won’t hire smokers climbs, the practice …

1MommaG

5:40 pm on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Of course government agencies should not hire smokers or drug abusers. Prospective government employees should submit to the same testing as prospective government welfare recipients. Oh, yeah, drug testing freeloaders was deemed discriminatory. Setting aside sarcasm now; all employers should be able to employ whoever they want, as long as they don't discriminate based on something a prospective …   more ›

Thursday, April 18, 2013

What's Tampa Bay Saying?

‘Shameful’ Vote on Gun Control: Do You Agree?

The U.S. Senate voted down a measure that would require tougher background checks for those who purchase guns. We’d like to get your take on the issue!

President Barack Obama called the U.S. Senate’s April 17 vote denying stricter background checks for gun purchases “shameful.” The proposed law was shot down 54 to 46 with some Democrats joining Republicans in rejecting the measure, which was hoped to curb gun violence like that witnessed in the Newtown, Conn., massacre last year, according to the Huffington Post. The number of votes was less than the 60 needed to break a filibuster. If approved, the measure would have extended the country’s background check system to include gun shows and Internet purchases of weapons. The failure of the measure likely signals defeat for any other major legislation meant to clamp down on gun violence, the Post says. Other measures that “appear headed for …

Dan Pressler

12:04 pm on Monday, May 6, 2013

the question is - would any of these laws prevent the people who already get guns illegally anyway from getting them now ? If not what is the point of the law - more gov't?   more ›

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

What's Tampa Bay Saying?

FCAT 2.0: Are Your Kids Stressed?

As testing continues in classrooms across the state we’re wondering how your kids are holding up.

Quiet campus signs have gone up at schools across the Tampa Bay area as FCAT testing in Florida continues through April 26. Testing this week focuses on math, reading and science for kids in grades 3 through 10. The FCAT 2.0 writing tests were administered back in February for kids in grades 4, 8 and 10. During the week of April 22, more math and reading exams will continue for kids in grades 5, 6 and 9, according to the Florida Department of Education's website. In some grades, failure of an FCAT might mean a child is barred from progressing to the next grade level – or worse – denied the ability to graduate. While there are workarounds to help kids left behind catch up to their classmates, the fact of the matter is the test is a high-…

Diane Sutton

4:12 pm on Sunday, April 21, 2013

I have been told some schools “teach to the tests” more than others. However, as the mother of a young man in medical school who graduated from the Pinellas Public School system, I have to say that today’s young people MUST get used to (desensitized to) the stress inherent in standardized testing. I should modify to say they must if they want to bet in to a good college (SAT scores), stand a …   more ›

Monday, April 15, 2013

Support for Boston: Largo Community Members React

Here's a look at how our community is showing its support via social media.

As news broke Monday afternoon that at least two people died and another 22 were injured after two explosions occurred near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, community members began to offer thoughts and prayers on Facebook. According to the Boston Marathon's website, at least three runners in this year's race listed Largo as their hometown. If you wish to search for 2013 Boston Marathon runners, click here.  Please add your comments below. The following comes from our Facebook News Feed: Rocky's Neighborhood Diner Our thoughts and prayers to all those affected by the tragedy in Boston. Seminole Blvd. Animal Hospital & Bird Clinic Our hearts go out to everyone in Boston. Thoughs and prayers are with all the victims and their families…

Wandering Star Gallery

8:27 am on Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Thoughts to all who are affected by this horrific act. Let us use this event to remind ourselves that when we feel "too tired", "too busy" or whatever the reason is to not run, walk, or jog that these people set out to take on one of the most difficult 26.2 miles to run, and made it to the start line. Get off the couch today, turn your computers off, turn off the chatter in your head about not …   more ›

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

What's Tampa Bay Saying?

Florida Lt. Gov. Resigns: What Do You Think, Tampa Bay?

Jennifer Carroll’s resignation amid a racketeering investigation has Patch wondering if this affects your trust in government, Tampa Bay?

Florida Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll has resigned her post as a racketeering investigation into a nonprofit she was once affiliated with continues. That nonprofit, Allied Veterans, is accused of money laundering, siphoning profits and misreporting how much cash actually went to the charity, according to The Washington Post. The organization claims to help “fellow veterans in need,” according to its website. While no charges against Carroll have been filed, several people with connections to Allied Veterans have been arrested. Carroll resigned to prevent her “former affiliation with the company from distracting from the administration’s important work on behalf of Florida families,” a spokesman for Gov. Rick Scott is quoted as saying. The …

Sunday, March 10, 2013

What's Largo Saying: Brownfield Designation Clears Way for Walmart Supercenter

Largo Patch readers shared their thoughts about how plans to bring a Walmart Supercenter to the former Crossroads Mall could be worth a potential $300,000 in tax incentive for the retail giant.

Largo Patch readers shared their thoughts about how plans to bring a Walmart Supercenter to the former Crossroads Mall could be worth a potential $300,000 in tax incentive for the retail giant. Giving the land a brownfields designation, meaning the site is an abandoned, idle or underused commercial property, allows Walmart to recoup $2,000 for each new job created. The 120,851-square-foot Walmart Supercenter would create about 150 new full-time positions with an average wage of $20,000 as well as appropriate benefits. That is less than half the average wage of employees in Pinellas County, according to city documents. Some readers look forward to see the site developed, others questioned the tax incentives. Largo Patch reader David: "It'll…

Al Bryan

8:35 am on Sunday, March 10, 2013

We just don't have enough WalMarts in Pinellas County!   more ›

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

What's Tampa Bay Saying?

Scott Says Policies Are Working: Do You Agree?

Florida’s governor was adamant in his State of the State address that his policies have put us on the right path. What do you say, Tampa Bay?

Florida Gov. Rick Scott might have a new catchphrase. If his March 5 State of the State address is any indication that phrase is: “It’s working.” The governor gave his address as both the Florida House and Senate officially began their sessions. "We eliminated thousands of regulations on job creators. We paid down state debt for two years in a row," The Tampa Tribune reported him as saying. "We invested in priorities – like education. And, now our economy is on the rebound. It's working." Scott went on to defend his anti-tax and anti-spending policies. He also sent the message that his reforms have improved the state’s public schools. Throughout the address, he repeated the phrase: “It’s working.” Do you agree, Tampa Bay? What are your …

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Michael D.

8:58 am on Friday, March 22, 2013

Rick, It was a bad deal, because of the possible litigation against the state of Florida and how the cost structure of the deal was set up. The owners of the rail (Believe CSX) would have no liability for any accident on the tracks regardless of owner of the train, it would all fall on the state of Florida. It was also a poorly constructed plan over all in the cost center and job growth. That is …   more ›

Monday, February 18, 2013

BLOG: Mazarro's Italian Market Worth The Drive To St. Pete

Mazzaro's Market in St. Pete is worth the gas and the time standing in lines. The prices are wonderful and it that "experience" that us foodies crave.

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