Plans for Wawa at Ulmerton Crossing Move Forward

The proposed new Wawa will be located at the corner of Ulmerton and Starkey roads.

Plans for the proposed Wawa at the corner of Ulmerton and Starkey roads continue to move forward. The popular convenience store from the Northeast is known for its built-to-order hoagies, fresh-brewed coffee, breakfast sandwiches and fresh produce. Largo approved the development order for the proposed 5,537-square-foot gas and convenience store Nov. 9. The pre-construction meeting for the Wawa at Ulmerton Crossing is planned for this week. The 2.46-acre site is located at 8910 Ulmerton Rd. The city is currently reviewing building plans for the project, Planner Thomas Wojtkiw said. The Wawa is part of a larger 11-acre retail project. Plans for the shopping center include a proposed Walmart Neighborhood Market and possibly two more retail …

•  5 Comments
• Photos (4)
• Documents (1)

New Business on the Block

New 7-Eleven Coming to Largo

The new convenience store and gas station is expected to open in December.

Want a slurpee on the way to Largo Central Park? Need some gas for errands around town? A new 7-Eleven is coming to the busy corner of East Bay Drive and North Missouri Avenue. The store is expected to open in December, according to Margaret Chabris of 7-Eleven. The new convenience store and gas station is going in the former location of Metro Gas, which was previously a Citgo station. The new store will have 7-Eleven's usual line of popular drinks like Big Gulps and Slurpees, plus sandwiches, salads, hot foods and grill products, Chabris wrote in an email. At least two other gas and convenience stores are coming soon to Largo, including a Thorntons and a Wawa. Stay connected by signing up for our free email newsletter or "liking" us on …

•  6 Comments
• Photos (1)

Neighbors Raise Concerns About Proposed Apartments at Briarwood RV Park

The Largo City Commission approved on first reading a land use change that could allow for apartments at the Briarwood RV Park.

Neighbors have raised concerns about a proposed land use change that could allow for an apartment complex near the Largo Mall. The Largo City Commission approved Nov. 7 on first reading the change, which could allow apartments to be built at the Briarwood Travel Villa. The RV park is off of Seminole Boulevard, just north of Ulmerton Road. The change would allow for a proposed 260-unit apartment complex at the 13.8-acre Briarwood RV Park parcel, according to a city report. The Briarwood spokesman at the meeting said the parcel currently has around 138 units. Neighbors raised concerns about traffic and the apartments obstructing their view. The land use change would still need more city, county and state approvals before the apartments could…

•  2 Comments
• Photos (1)

All Natural Treats for Dogs in Largo

Get to know the vendors at Largo's weekly Open-Air Market.

Peanut butter, bacon, honey ... what is your pooch's passion? Jayne Ward-Hachey, of Seminole, makes all natural dog treats, which are gluten free and dairy free. She specializes in soft dog treats for elderly dogs and puppies. And special orders don't upset her! Special diet biscuits can be made by request. Find Jayne's Dog Treat Pantry at Largo's weekly Open-Air Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Largo Community Center through May 25. 

• Photos (2)

More Space Available for Pools and Paving at Largo Residences

The Largo City Commission approved an ordinance that will allow more impervious surface on residential lots.

How much space does your residence, pool, patio and driveway take up?  The Largo City Commission on Oct. 16 increased the maximum impervious surface ratio allowed in residential areas. Impervious surface ratio is the percentage of a site that is impervious to water, such as paving, buildings, and swimming pools, according to a city report. The new regulation increases the impervious surface ratio from 50 percent to a maximum of 65 percent. In 2009, the maximum impervious surface ratio was reduced from 70 percent 50 percent as a part of several residential landfill changes, according to a city report.

• Photos (1)

Thorntons Coming Soon to Ulmerton and Starkey

The proposed Thorntons is under construction.

Thorntons is coming soon to Largo, according to a sign on the property. The  3,000- to 4,000-square-foot gas station is under construction on the site of a now demolished night club at the intersection of Ulmerton and Starkey roads. The Largo Thorntons is part of the planned expansion of the gas and convenience stores into the Tampa Bay market. The first area store is expected to open this fall in Clearwater. Fifteen to 20 stores are planned for the greater Tampa Bay area in the next three years, according to the Thorntons website. Want to work at Thorntons? The convenience store chain is currently accepting applications for Florida career opportunities, according to its website. Thorntons is known for its wide selection of fountain drinks…

•  2 Comments
• Photos (3)

Walmart and Wawa Coming to Ulmerton Crossing

The 11-acre commercial retail center in Largo will have a Walmart Neighborhood Market, Wawa, and possibly two more stores, according to a Realtor's website.

A proposed Wawa is planned for an 11-acre parcel at the southwest corner of Ulmerton and Starkey roads in Largo. The popular convenience store from the Northeast will be part of a proposed retail center, according to Largo's community development website. A Realtor's sign on the parcel shows a grocery store and possibly two more stores will make up the proposed retail center. The grocer will be a Walmart Neighborhood Market, according to an information sheet on the Belleair Development Group's website. The other two proposed retail spaces are still available, according to a sign on the property. What do you think about having a Walmart and Wawa together in the same shopping center? Let us know in the comments. Related Coverage:

• Photos (4)

Redevelopment Incentives Considered for Largo's West Bay Drive

Largo City commissioners endorsed a plan to provide incentives that attract upscale infill housing, targeted office development and job creation.

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

Saturday will be busy around the Largo Community Center.

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 …

• Photos (3)

West Bay Drive CRA Ready To Be Transitioned Into Its Next Redevelopment Phase

Largo City commissioners endorsed a plan to provide incentives that attract upscale infill housing, targeted office development and job creation.

City commissioners are ready to transition the West Bay Drive Community Redevelopment District Plan “into the next phase of its lifecycle.” During Tuesday night’s work session, city commissioners told economic development staff they would like to hear more about plans to offer incentives that can attract developers to build upscale infill housing, target businesses to create specific jobs, and attract office development. Since the establishment of the district's Tax Increment Financing, the city has successfully leveraged its portion of the TIF for several benefits to its downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, Teresa Brydon, Economic Development Manager, said. TIF funds have been used to acquire and assemble parcels for future …

•  3 Comments
• Photos (1)