Can Largo Support Two Fresh Markets?

A new fresh market has opened at the Plaza at the Palms of Largo, while plans are underway to move the recently shuttered Open Air Market back to Ulmer Park.

The old Largo Open Air Market may have closed two weeks ago, but an alternative has conveniently cropped up right across the street. The Plaza at the Palms, located directly across Alternate Keene Road from the Largo Community Center, has been hosting a new market, called the Plaza Fresh Market, for the past month.  A recent visit to the Plaza revealed that reactions to the new event are mainly positive, even on the heels of the news that the old market could be reborn at Ulmer Park soon. But whether the market continues at the Plaza, reopens at the park or occupies both locations, the people Patch spoke with were in agreement that the area needs a fresh market, and it needs full cooperation and participation from everyone involved in …

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Blue Gator

7:13 am on Tuesday, April 9, 2013

I would love to see more of the mini markets around, during the week, but the vendor fees need to be reduced, sometimes we don't even make our fee's back in sales I think to give up a day for zero money is not very appealing, the community center fees were average, but when you are there for 6 hours plus set up time, and you make 5.99 for your efforts , but paid 30 to be a vendor, you are not so …   more ›

Largo Open Air Market Is Closing

Officials pulled the plug on the weekly Community Center event, citing low attendance and declining vendor participation.

City officials decided to close the Open Air Market, held every Saturday at the Largo Community Center, effective after the March 23 event, due to low attendance and poor vendor participation. Talk of the market’s potential demise had been rumored for weeks; speculation among vendors quickly became reality following the recent resignation of the center’s recreation program manager, Warren Ankerberg.  New acting program manager Craig Dolan told Patch by phone that the decision was based on poor turnout.  “Due to declining customers and low vendor participation, we have decided to close the market for the season,” he said.  When asked if that meant the market could open again at a later date, Dolan was noncommittal.  “I can’t say what the …

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Things To Do In Largo & Around Pinellas

Weekend Things to Do, Jan. 25-27: Largo Open Air Market, Folk Music Fest, Sniff University

Here are some fun things to do this weekend in Largo and around Pinellas.

Have an idea of your own? Add it to our Largo Patch events calendar. It is easy and free to post events. 1. Largo Open Air Market 2. Folk Music Fest 3. Model Toy Train Show and Swap Meet 4. Sniff University Open House and Tailgate 5. Big Game Pre Party Find more weekend things to do on the Largo Patch events calendar. Stay connected by signing up for our free email newsletter or "liking" us on Facebook.

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Largo's Open Air Market May Close

Largo's Open Air Market could close due to low attendance, said Largo Community Center Recreation Program Manager Warren Ankerberg.

Largo's Open Air Market may close due to low attendance by patrons, although no decision has been made yet, according to Largo Community Center Recreation Program Manager Warren Ankerberg. "If people want the market, they need to come down to it," Ankerberg said. Largo has a "very, good market in that we have a lot to offer ... People need to come out in the hundreds and buy stuff. The produce is outstanding," Ankerberg said. Ankerberg confirmed a relocation to Ulmer Park had been discussed, but that decision isn't on the table, he said. The market is open Saturdays in the Largo Community Center parking lot from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Do you shop at the market? Why or why not? Post a comment below and join the conversation. Sign up for the …

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Reader Spotlight

New Marine & Farmer's Open Air Market in Largo

Largo Patch highlights interaction with our readers. Today, it's a reader-posted event listing for a new market coming to the Florida Gulf Coast Center for Fishing & Interactive Museum.

Thanks to Florida Gulf Coast Center For Fishing for posting this event listing for the new Marine & Farmers Open Air Market. The new market will sell fishing equipment, marine supplies, household items, sportswear, nautical jewelry, plants, fruits, vegetables and more. Market days will offer special activities such as pancake breakfasts and Guy Harvey movies. The new market will be held the second Saturday of each month. The first market is Feb. 9. Vendor booths are still available. Check the Largo Patch listing for details. Have your own event to share? Post it in our calendar for free! Largo Patch is an interactive community site, and we want you to get involved! Post a comment at the bottom of any story. Upload your photos to our Pics…

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20 Ways to Go Green in Largo in 2013

If your New Year's resolution is to live a greener lifestyle, check out these 20 tips to help you stick to your plan.

If you want to be kinder to the planet and save some money at the same time, here are 20 ways to go green in 2013. TELL US: Do you think you could stick to a green New Year's resolution? Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments sections below.

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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. 

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Brats Sensation Brings Specialty Sausages to Largo

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

For years Dirk Woebking, of Westchase, cooked up his specialty bratwurst for charity fundraisers. Now Woebking runs his own sausage business, Brats Sensation, at various outdoor markets in the Tampa Bay area, including in Largo. The retiree says he enjoys all the interactions with people. Items sold include bratwurst, cheese brats, farmer's sausages and more. Customers can top their sausage with four different kinds of mustard. Find Brat Sensations 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.

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Kids Inspire Mom to Start Soap Business

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

Sophia Allen, of Clearwater, started her soap business, Kiss & Glow, after her children gave her a present. "My kids bought me a make-your-own-soap kit, and I was hooked," Allen said. That simple gift has led to a full line of soaps, lip balms, bath salts and sugar scrubs. The products are all gluten-free and vegan, Allen said.   Allen's children are still part of the process, including her daughter, Larissa Merritt, who helps with the sales and marketing. Try the scrumptious scents such as lime sugar, candy apple, lavender smoothie, orange rose and mango coconut.  Find Kiss & Glow at Largo's weekly Open-Air Market on Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Largo Community Center. Here's their complete fall schedule, with more events in …

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Things To Do In Largo & Around Pinellas

Weekend Things to Do: April 13-15

Dexter McCluster Youth Football Clinic and more this weekend.

1. Movies in the Park. Grab a blanket and head to Largo Central Park Friday night. Enjoy aquatic themed activities at 7 p.m. Then Dolphin Tale , which starts at dusk, shares the story of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium's beloved dolphin "Winter." The free movie is shown on a big screen. Concessions are available or bring your own snacks. Parking is available on site. 2. Turtle Trot 5K. Run with the turtles and help Largo Nature Parks Saturday morning. The race will start and finish at McGough Nature Park, 11901 146th St N, Largo. The run will begin at 8 a.m. with on-site registration beginning at 6:45 a.m. 3. Largo Open-Air Market. The grand opening of Largo's new market is Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Largo Community Center. …

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