Gaming and comic convention set for Central Park
LARGO — PlayCon Gaming and Comic Convention returns to the Central Park Performing Arts Center on Saturday, April 11. This “must-attend” event is for long-time fans or those just discovering the world of comics and gaming, the city said in a press release.
PlayCon is an annual event dedicated to celebrating the world of gaming, comics, and nerd culture. Attendees can enjoy gaming competitions, panels, cosplay contests, and a wide range of vendors showcasing the latest and greatest in toys, collectibles, artwork, apparel, comic books, and games.
Tickets are available for $10, plus applicable fees. Children ages 5 and under may enter for free. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit PlayLargo.com/PlayCon.
Commission honors 7 scholarship awardees
LARGO — Seven Largo High students who received scholarships through Clearwater For Youth were honored by city commissioners March 17.
The students were awarded 57 scholarships this year through CFY’s Richard O. Jacobson Education Program Scholarship Awards. The students were selected from among 527 applicants to the program, which is awarding $338,500 in postsecondary scholarships this year. Recipients also had the opportunity to meet their sponsors during CFY’s annual Breakfast at the Ballpark Series, held March 2 with the Philadelphia Phillies and March 5 with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The student recipients are:
• Logan Burke
• Jaylene Cantos
• Rajon Gwaltney
• Alex Haley
• Jack Jerichow
• Julia Oliver
• Jessani Wilkins
Recipients had met their sponsors during CFY’s annual Breakfast at the Ballpark Series, held March 2 with the Philadelphia Phillies and March 5 with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Largo to host preseason sandbag giveaway
To help residents prepare for hurricane season, the city of Largo will host a one-time, drive-through Sandbag Giveaway and Preparedness Event on Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Starkey Road Recycling Center, 1551 Starkey Road in Largo.
Participants will receive up to 10 pre-filled sandbags per household. Sandbags will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. The event is open to Largo residents only, and proof of residency is required, such as a valid Florida driver’s license or a recent utility bill displaying a City of Largo address.
City team members will load sandbags into vehicles. Each household may receive up to 10 sandbags.
Celebrate community at Southwest Block Party
LARGO — Southwest Recreation Complex will host the Southwest Recreation and Pool Block Party on Friday, April 24, beginning at 6 p.m. This free neighborhood event aims to bring the community together for an evening of food, music, and family-friendly activities.
Attendees can enjoy free hot dogs, chips, and refreshments for the first 150 guests, along with exclusive after-hours swimming and games in the newly renovated Southwest Pool. The evening will also feature yard games, arts and crafts, live music, and access to the fitness center. Local food trucks will also be on site with additional options available for purchase.
“This community-centered block party is designed for neighbors to simply walk over and enjoy great food, lively music, swimming, games, and more,” said Jessica Crawley, Southwest Recreation Complex manager. “Our goal is to bring the neighborhood together, create a space where families can meet each other, and showcase all the incredible recreation opportunities available at Southwest Rec and Southwest Pool.”
The Southwest Recreation Complex features a regulation basketball gymnasium, eight clay tennis courts, rental spaces, a public playground, and a fully equipped fitness center. Southwest Pool, located on site, is an Olympic-size outdoor facility featuring dedicated lanes for lap swimming, areas for recreational swim, and a range of aquatic fitness classes. Tours of both facilities will be occurring throughout the event, allowing guests to learn more about what the complex has to offer, and sign up for membership.
Inpatient hospice center opens in Largo
VITAS Healthcare inpatient hospice care has opened at Oak Manor in Largo.
The center features 12 private patient rooms designed to offer comfort, dignity and support for patients and families.
The facility, located at 3500 Oak Manor Lane in Largo, is expected to care for more than 400 patients and their families each year.
Designed to provide 24/7 clinical care and high-acuity support, the VITAS inpatient center offers compassionate extubation services, physician-led plans of care, pain and medication management, psychosocial support, bariatric beds, handicap-accessible rooms and specialized equipment to enhance comfort and safety. Two landscaped courtyards offer peaceful outdoor spaces for reflection and time together.
VITAS began serving Pinellas County in November 2025 from its administrative office in St. Petersburg, offering home-based hospice care across the region.