LARGO - A car reportedly trying to bypass traffic hit a Largo Fire Department pickup truck headed to a structure fire June 12.
The truck assigned to the district chief for station 38 was responding to a fire at 12171 117th St. at around 6:50 p.m. The driver, Lt. Lance Michael, was training as acting captain, with District Chief Brian Brady, offering guidance and direction as his passenger.
They were traveling west on Ulmerton Road, about to turn south onto 113th Street. Witnesses said the truck had its lights and sirens on as they moved through the intersection. All traffic had stopped as a result.
LARGO - Salon West of Largo recently won the prestigious Redken and Pureology Salon of the Year Powerhouse Award.
The award honors salons that have a strong commitment to both the Redken and Pureology brands. Salon West owners Mike and Laura Peters received the award at a reception during the 2013 Redken International Symposium in Las Vegas In January.
Salon West attributes its sales success to continuing education.
LARGO - In many ways, the 99th class of Largo High School is the school’s very best group of graduates.
Aside from various awards, the 303 graduates of the class of 2013 earned more than $1.2 million in scholarships for their next level of education, Principal Brad Finkbiner told their friends and family gathered at Bright House Field for the graduation ceremony June 7.
Furthermore, the class was integral to the high school achieving its highest state rating this year.
LARGO - Despite commissioners’ initial opposition to a job creation incentive, the city of Largo’s economic development staff will implement all four of the proposed incentives designed to revitalize the West Bay Drive Community Redevelopment District.
Teresa Brydon, economic development manager, provided examples of similar job creation incentive programs created in other communities, as Largo commissioners requested when the incentive program was first brought for their review in January. During the June 11 workshop, she again emphasized the advantage of awarding businesses for bringing high-paying jobs within targeted industries to the downtown area.
“When you talk about the incentive program, it’s specifically looking at ways to help lower the cost to come in and redevelop in our downtown,” she said.
LARGO - This Father’s Day will be particularly special for one Largo single dad. This year, Shawn Brumadge, 30, has his daughter, Ianadene, 3, back and under his full custody.
In May, Brumadge was one of the families invited to Eckerd Community Alternatives’ reunification ceremony that celebrated parents getting their kids back from foster care after having successfully completed their case plans. Not only has Brumadge overcome numerous obstacles in getting his daughter under his care, he has also helped his daughter go from what some called a “vegetable” to a responsive, functioning little girl.
LARGO - A delegation of five women leaders from Ukraine visited Largo City Hall June 5 to discuss American government with Mayor Pat Gerard, Assistant City Manager Henry Schubert and city managers and directors.
The delegation’s weeklong visit was sponsored by Open World Leadership Center, a U.S. Congress program that builds mutual understanding between world countries. Their local meetings with government and community leaders were arranged by the local Florida Suncoast chapter of Friendship Force International, a cultural exchange and home hospitality program that promotes international understanding and friendships. Local Friendship Force members living in Largo, Clearwater, and Dunedin hosted the delegates in their homes for their first visit to the United States.
LARGO - It was an email that is about to change a life.
When Mike Gallace, 22, of Largo went to his computer last month, he got the news that he had won the Fulbright Scholarship, and his dream to go to Vietnam would be a reality.
“It was on May 2, the day after my birthday,” he said. “I checked my email and when I saw it, it changed my whole day. It was the best birthday present I could have gotten.”
Alateen meetings for teens SEMINOLE - Al-Anon for teens is offered Wednesdays, 8 p.m. at Oakhurst United Methodist, 13400 Park Blvd., Seminole. Al-Anon members who are interested in becoming an Alateen sponsor are also needed, and they must meet three requirements. They must have been in Al-Anon for three years and attend regular meetings. They must be at least 23 years old, and they must attend training with details of the WSO Safety and Behavioral Requirements. An Alateen sponsor is a trained AMIAS who facilitates the Alateen meeting. They do not sponsor Alateens. Only trained AMIAS’s are allowed in Alateen meetings. It is not open to adults.
For information, contact Laurie at alateenlaurie@yahoo.com or 954-3607.
Aqua Zumba Classes
LARGO – The Largo Aquatics Division now offers Aqua Zumba, a high-energy water exercise class, on Wednesday evenings, 6:15 p.m., beginning April 3 at the Southwest Aquatic Complex, at 13120 Vonn Road.
Zumba is a Latin-inspired cardio dance workout with music that conditions and tones the body. Adding water resistance to Zumba allows individuals to receive a more intense cardio-based workout in a low-impact environment.
Instructor Angelique Renaud will lead the class in 4 feet of water, so no swimming skills are required. However, participants should be comfortable in waist-deep water and must be at least 12 years old. As with any exercise program, check with your doctor before starting. A lifeguard will be on duty during all class times.
Aqua Zumba is a drop-in class; no preregistration required or punch cards accepted. Classes are $5 per person for Largo residents, $6.25 for nonresidents or $9.25 for guests.
For more information, visit LargoPools.com or call 518-3126.
Chamber after-hours mixer
OLDSMAR – The Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce plans an after-hours mixer Wednesday, June 19, 5:30 p.m., at the Salt Rock Tavern, 3689 Tampa Road. The cost for both chamber members and nonmembers is $5.
Call 813-855-4233 for a reservation.
Chess Club meeting
SEMINOLE – The Seminole Chess Club meets Wednesday, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th St. N.
Everyone is welcome, though they should know the basics of how to play. Chess sets will be provided and there is no charge to play.
Call Alan Bohrer at 748-2522 for more information.
Largo Toastmasters meeting
LARG0 – Largo Star Toastmasters Club 5933 meets Wednesdays, 12:05 to 1:05 p.m., at the Young Rainey Star Center, 7887 Bryan Dairy Road No. 120 in Largo. For more information, call John Rouisse at 488-8010 or email johnrouisse@yahoo.com.
The club is open to all residents and workers in the Largo, Pinellas Park and Seminole areas.
A Toastmasters club provides a supportive and positive environment where members have the opportunity to develop their oral communication and leadership skills. Come watch as members present speeches, develop leadership skills by serving in various club positions and participate in
Table Topics sessions in a relaxed yet structured one-hour setting.
Water aerobics
ST. PETE BEACH – The City of St. Pete Beach Family Aquatic Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, plans water aerobics classes beginning Tuesday, April 30. Classes are offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
Water Aerobics offers a great muscle-toning and cardio workout with the benefits and support of the water.
Cost is $5 for St. Pete Beach residents and $6 for non-residents. The classes are free for all SilverSneakers members. Join anytime.
Weekly line dancing classes PINELLAS PARK – The Pinellas Park Elks Lodge No. 2217 holds line dancing classes on Wednesdays, 7 to 8 p.m., at 7550 40th St. N.
The class, taught by instructor Ann Splain, costs $4.
Call 544-2325.
Bingo CLEARWATER – The American Legion Turner-Brandon Post 7 offers bingo every Thursday, noon to 3 p.m., at 1760 Turner St. Call 442-5293 or visit www.alpost7clw.org.
Bluffs Business Association meeting
BELLEAIR BLUFFS – The Bluffs Business Association will meet Thursday, June 20, at Petal and Vine Garden Shop and Market, 596 Indian Rocks Road. Networking will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the meeting will end at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome.
Book discussion
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH – A discussion on “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald will be held Thursday, June 20, 2 p.m., at the Indian Rocks Beach Library, 1507 Bay Palm Blvd.
The novel “is magnificently indicative of the 1920s post-war celebration that came to a halt with the 1929’s stock market crash. Glamour, glitz, and anything goes is joined with the quest for wealth, happiness, and an attempt to remake the past,” a library press release said.
Copies of the book are available at the circulation desk. For information, call 596-1822.
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