Largo youth leadership council honors senior Patricia Cruz, outlines projects including youth mental health festival

The Largo Youth Leadership Council appeared before the Largo City Commission on June 17 to recognize outgoing senior Patricia Cruz and to report on recent activities and future plans. Kara Peel, the city’s special events coordinator and liaison to the council, introduced Cruz and thanked the council for its service.

Patricia Cruz told commissioners the council includes students from eighth grade through high school and that most members are juniors and seniors. Cruz and other members described projects completed this year, including the Sharai project, the annual Trick-or-Treat Trail and a youth mental health festival held in January (the festival had been postponed from October due to hurricane recovery). Cruz said the January event drew "high community participation" and a large volunteer corps.

The council also reported a trip to Tallahassee for legislative action days where members met with representatives and participated in networking and a mock debate. Members said the experience taught them about civility and how legislation works. The council said it is planning an e-bike project and expects to continue community-focused events.

Commissioners praised the council’s work. Vice Mayor Holmes and others thanked members for their volunteer efforts and encouraged them to stay engaged. Kara Peel noted that Cruz received a Florida League of Cities scholarship and other recognitions; staff said Cruz will begin studies at Florida State University this summer on a criminology, pre-law track.

The commission did not take formal action on the presentation but expressed appreciation for the council’s civic engagement.