The Joint Largo City Commission and Finance Advisory Board meeting held on July 25, 2025, focused on critical infrastructure issues, particularly concerning stormwater management and engineering services. The meeting began with discussions on the condition of the city's corrugated pipes, with inquiries about the long-term replacement plans and the potential for using inliner technology to address existing issues. The engineering director confirmed that there is a plan to replace these pipes as part of ongoing capital projects and that funding has been allocated in the city's five-year plan.

A significant topic of discussion was the vulnerability study related to water intrusion and flooding risks. The estimated cost for this study was budgeted at $250,000. The commission emphasized the importance of consulting with personnel who experienced flooding firsthand to develop effective solutions. The need for external expertise was acknowledged, given the city's limited engineering resources.

The engineering services director, Jerry Walasinski, outlined the department's goals for the upcoming year, which include continuing recovery efforts from the 2024 hurricane season and addressing persistent flooding locations. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with other departments and the pursuit of grant funding for shovel-ready projects. Notably, the city successfully secured an $8.6 million grant for a lift station floodplain elevation project, demonstrating effective grant application strategies.

The meeting also addressed the Venetian Gardens resiliency drainage improvement project, which has a projected cost of $7 million. Concerns were raised about the project's cost-effectiveness, given the area's vulnerability to storm surge flooding. The commission discussed the need to balance funding for high-impact projects with those that may have lower immediate benefits.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to improving its infrastructure and addressing flooding challenges while navigating the complexities of funding and project prioritization. The commission plans to continue refining its approach to grant applications and project management to enhance the city's resilience against future climate-related challenges.