Library director named best administrator
LARGO — Library Director Casey McPhee has been awarded the 2026 Administrator of the Year Award at the Florida Library Association Conference in May. The award recognizes her exceptional leadership and dedication to intellectual freedom, innovation, and community service.
Under McPhee’s leadership, the Largo Public Library has evolved into a dynamic community resource while remaining steadfast in its commitment to intellectual freedom and equitable access to information, Largo officials said in a press release. “Her vision has shaped initiatives that strengthened the library’s role in the community. From envisioning a community reading campaign to advocating for libraries at the local and state levels, McPhee has consistently championed the public’s right to access information. She also led the development of the Free to Read Book Fund, a fundraising initiative that strengthens the library’s book budget and ensures access to a broad range of materials and perspectives.
“By fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and service excellence, Director McPhee has empowered library team members to achieve ambitious goals through initiatives such as the Free to Read Campaign and the continued growth of outreach services, circulation, and programming. Among McPhee’s many accomplishments are updated self-checkout terminals, a full-service drive-through window, an automated materials handling system, and the modernization of library job titles and responsibilities, positioning team members to meet the changing needs of the community.”
Glow-in-the-Dark Wiffle Ball Tournament set for rec center
LARGO — Glow big or go home at Southwest Recreation Complex’s Glow Astroball Tournament Saturday, July 18, at 2 p.m. Open to all skill levels, this tournament-style, glow-in-the-dark Wiffle ball event features pool play that leads into a single-elimination bracket. Teams will battle it out under the black lights using glow-in-the-dark balls, illuminated bases, and a fully lit indoor field.
This event is open to players 16 and older, with one player per team required to be 18 or older. There is an entry fee of $20 per team, with each team consisting of four to five people. Teams are encouraged to dress in neon or glow gear.
Preregistration is required by Friday, July 10. For more information or to register, visit Southwest Rec or call 727-518-3125.
Southwest Recreation Complex is located at 13120 Vonn Road.
Literacy group honors Largo librarian
LARGO — Community Services Librarian Katherine Moser Kelly recently received the Mary J. Brogan Excellence in Leadership Award at the Florida Literacy Coalition Annual Conference in May. The honor celebrates Kelly’s exceptional leadership and contributions to adult literacy since joining the library in August 2022.
During her tenure, Kelly trained nearly 90 new English Language Learning tutors and matched more than 160 students with personalized tutoring. Her outreach efforts, including presentations to civic organizations and articles in local publications, increased awareness and support for English Language Learning initiatives, the city said in a press release.
She also oversees the Career Online High School program, which has graduated nearly 60 students, with more than half earning their diplomas under her guidance. The program maintains a 93.5% success rate, including graduates and active students. To support graduates pursuing continuing education, Kelly helped many apply for grants through the Greater Largo Library Foundation, creating pathways for future success.
Partnership to develop unmanned boats for U.S.
LARGO — MARTAC, a developer and supplier of unmanned surface vessels for defense and maritime security applications, announced June 24 a strategic partnership with Intrepid Powerboats, a premier builder of high-performance vessels. Through the partnership, Intrepid will manufacture advanced carbon-fiber vessels to support MARTAC’s growing portfolio of unmanned maritime solutions for the U.S. government, allied nations, and commercial customers.
The collaboration combines MARTAC’s expertise in autonomous maritime systems with Intrepid’s renowned reputation for quality, innovation, craftsmanship, and performance, the companies said in a press release. Together, the companies will deliver next-generation maritime platforms designed to meet the evolving operational requirements of the U.S. government.
The partnership reflects the increasing importance of autonomous maritime systems in modern naval operations and reinforces both companies’ commitment to delivering innovative solutions that enhance maritime security and operational effectiveness.