Largo commissioners approve first reading to create West Bay Drive downtown entertainment district

The Largo City Commission voted 7-0 on first reading to approve Ordinance No. 2025-07, proposing the creation of the West Bay Drive Downtown Entertainment District, a designated area in downtown Largo that would allow open alcoholic beverage consumption in specified public zones and establish related rules on hours, cup sizes and noise limits.

City development staff told the commission the district aims to activate downtown, support residential and commercial growth and create a destination by allowing controlled "sip and stroll" activity, live music and expanded outdoor dining. Staff recommended the ordinance after community outreach, including a door‑hanger survey, visits to downtown businesses and a July 2024 commission work session that directed staff to expand the proposed boundaries.

The ordinance would amend Largo’s code (Chapter 4, Alcoholic Beverages; Chapter 11, Noise) to create the district and allow the city manager to designate phased open-alcohol zones within its boundaries. The draft sets a 16‑fluid‑ounce limit for drink containers, a two‑drink limit per person at a time, and hours for open-container use (8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday–Wednesday; 8 a.m. to midnight Thursday–Saturday, with extended hours for city or special events at the city manager’s discretion). The ordinance also proposes decibel limits for outdoor entertainment aligned to district hours and requires participating businesses to post maps and signage showing alcohol-zone boundaries.

Staff said the proposed boundary would extend to First Avenue Northwest on the north, Alternate 19 on the east, First Avenue Southwest on the south and Clearwater Largo Road on the west, and would include certain blocks south of First Avenue Southwest adjacent to Alternate 19. Staff reported distribution of about 1,000 door hangers, 28 business visits and 23 semi‑formal interviews as part of outreach. The Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board recommended approval, 6–1.

Public commenters were mixed. Deborah Kennedy, representing Liberty Worship Center, said nearby congregations and condo residents were not aware of the proposal and expressed concern about possible increases in public intoxication, trespass and litter, citing past problems with people drinking and sleeping on or near the church property. Craig Murtha and Matt Faustini spoke in favor, saying the district could help downtown businesses and provide a walkable option for residents.

Public safety staff said the proposal addresses foreseeable concerns: the ordinance sets cup size and two‑drink limits, requires standardized cups, and leaves enforcement of public intoxication and alcohol‑related offenses with police. The police chief said most foreseeable issues are addressed in the draft; his main operational concern is staffing for large or frequent events and that staffing needs will depend on event size and how popular the district becomes.

Commissioners praised the outreach and the multi‑department “micro‑business” group that shaped the draft. Several commissioners emphasized the need for flexibility and phased implementation so boundaries or hours can be adjusted based on experience and feedback during the implementation plan stage. Staff said if approved on first reading, they will draft an implementation plan and return for second reading and a public hearing in late summer.

The motion to approve Ordinance No. 2025-07 on first reading and to schedule second reading after creation of an implementation plan passed 7–0.

Implementation and next steps include staff drafting detailed cup specifications and operational procedures, continuing outreach with downtown businesses and residents during the implementation plan, and returning the ordinance for a second reading with that plan in place.