Grant buys citizen books for Largo students
LARGO — The Largo Public Library’s English Language Learning Program has won a ProLiteracy National Book Fund grant that will give as many as 50 English learners their own copies of the 2026 fifth edition of “Citizenship: Passing the Test Civics & Literacy Student Book.”
ProLiteracy has awarded resources to selected programs for 30 years. Applications are weighed on a program’s needs and its plans for using the grant to expand capacity and better serve adults in its community.
Giving citizenship students their own books tells them they are valued and deepens their investment in the program, the library said.
Citizenship classes meet from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays in the English Language Learning classroom on the library’s second floor. Instruction covers civics and U.S. history and includes practice for the citizenship interview. Classes are free, and registration is not required.
The classes are funded by the Greater Largo Library Foundation.
For information about the grant, citizenship classes or other English learning programs, contact Katherine Kelly, community services librarian, at kkelly@largo.com or 727-587-6715, ext. 2547.
Ohio police chief gets nod to head Largo PD
LARGO — The city has selected Nicholas H. Snyder as its next police chief after a national search.
Snyder is chief of police in Lancaster, Ohio, where he has worked since 2005 and has led the department since 2022. He has more than 21 years in law enforcement.
He will succeed Chief Mike Loux, who will retire Jan. 28, 2027, his 35th anniversary with the Largo Police Department. Loux will continue leading the department during the transition. Snyder’s start date and other transition details will be announced later.
As part of the selection process, Snyder interviewed with city administration, the city’s executive leadership team and representatives of the Police Benevolent Association, and took part in a meet-and-greet with Largo police employees.
“Chief Snyder brings extensive leadership experience and a strong commitment to community-focused policing, organizational development, and public service,” City Manager John Curp said. “His approach aligns closely with Largo’s values and our commitment to providing superior service to our community. We look forward to welcoming him to Team Largo.”
Snyder’s executive training includes the FBI National Academy, the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police and the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Leadership Institute. He has also completed leadership programs through Ohio State University and the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police.
Two restaurants set for Horizon West Bay
LARGO — Two Tampa Bay restaurants are coming to downtown Largo’s new mixed-use development.
The Largo City Commission on Aug. 18 approved leases at Horizon West Bay for Bocelli Modern Italian and Dead Bob’s Bar & Restaurant. Both are expected to begin building out their spaces and open in 2027.
“Welcoming these two restaurants to Horizon West Bay is an exciting step forward in our vision for Downtown Largo,” Mayor Woody Brown said. “Our community wants downtown to be a place where people come not only to do business, but also to enjoy a meal, spend time with friends and family, and connect with their community. Bocelli Modern Italian and Dead Bob’s will bring new dining experiences and energy to West Bay Drive, and we look forward to welcoming them to Largo.”
Bocelli Modern Italian will occupy more than 6,400 square feet along the West Bay Drive frontage. The restaurant serves traditional Italian dishes with modern influences, including pasta made in-house and brick-oven pizzas. Its Tampa location is on Bayshore Boulevard near MacDill Air Force Base.
Dead Bob’s, known for burgers, wings and other bar food alongside live sports, music, beer and cocktails, will open its first Largo restaurant on the plaza next to the development’s outdoor stage. It will be the chain’s fourth location.
Donation drive to aid refugees as ‘Welcoming Week’ begins
LARGO — City commissioners are set to proclaim Sept. 10-19 as Welcoming Week, marking Largo’s diverse community and its commitment to being a welcoming place. The proclamation is scheduled to be read at the City Commission meeting Tuesday, Sept. 1.
This is the Largo Public Library’s 10th year taking part, alongside member libraries of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative and local refugee services providers.
This year’s theme is “The Stories We Share: The Courage to Connect.” The library’s Local History Room and genealogy programs help residents explore Largo’s shared history and their own family histories through photographs, historical documents and oral histories.
Residents can take part in the following ways:
• Household Goods Basket Drive, Sept. 1-30: The library’s annual donation drive accepts finished baskets or individual household items. Local nonprofit agencies distribute the goods to community members.
• Becoming Neighbors 2026, 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15: The adult conversation club meets in the English Language Learning classroom on the library’s second floor, bringing together English learners from around the world. Two experienced facilitators and their students lead the session, which features Story Stitch, a card game built around personal storytelling. Registration is open.
• Social media: The library will post reading recommendations about recent arrivals and displaced families adjusting to life in the United States on its Facebook and Instagram pages.
Details on donating or registering are in the August/September edition of Largo Public Library Magazine and at LargoPublicLibrary.org.
Largo student completes Alabama co-op term
Shea Schroeder of Largo took part in the University of Alabama’s Cooperative Education Program during the summer 2026 semester, working for Mercedes-Benz U.S. International.
Students in the program alternate terms of full-time study with terms of full-time paid employment related to their major or career interests. They keep full-time student status while working and have priority registration each semester through graduation.
Largo commission marks JWB 80th anniversary
LARGO — The Largo City Commission recognized the 80th anniversary of the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County at its Aug. 18 meeting.
The board funds family programs and works with community partners to identify local needs, focusing on early childhood development, school readiness, prevention of child abuse and neglect, and family stability.
Community Engagement Administrator Julianne Perez described the board’s work in Largo, including partnerships with the Largo Public Library and the city’s recreation, fire rescue, police and community outreach teams that bring programs, events and training to residents.
Karen Bogess, the board’s interim CEO, accepted the proclamation and thanked commissioners for the partnership.