The City of Largo has an opportunity to incentivize the development and expansion of health care services within the district to enhance an organically formed industry cluster. In 2015, a Medical Arts District Conceptual Master Plan was created to establish a community-supported vision for the area and guide more detailed planning for the development of the district over the next 10-15 years. The designation of the formal district and the creation of the master plan are critical steps toward achieving the broader objectives of the City’s Comprehensive Plan (last updated in 2019) and the West Bay Drive Community Redevelopment District Plan (2010); however, additional planning is needed to garner the community support and investment necessary for effective plan implementation.
With funding provided by the Federal Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) of 2020, the City of Largo contracted with the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC) to prepare a strategic plan which complements and expands upon the City’s past planning efforts within the Medical Arts District and the West Bay Drive Community Redevelopment District.
TBRPC’s strategic plan provides an update to the 2015 analysis of the district’s existing conditions; case study examples of medical districts from throughout the country; potential redevelopment design concepts and economic development considerations, and implementation guidelines that can support City staff in efforts to implement priority projects and engage local stakeholders.
