'Jobs Good, Traffic Bad' as 3 Walmarts Are Planned for Largo

Some Largo Patch readers support the construction of more than 350,000 square feet of retail space and hundreds of jobs planned as part of three big box Walmart stores being built nearly simultaneously within Largo city limits.

• The Missouri Avenue store is relocating across the street and turning into a Supercenter at the former Kmart location.
• Another Supercenter is in the works at Roosevelt Boulevard and U.S 19.
• A neighborhood market, of similar size, is going in at Ulmerton and Starkey roads.

“Missouri Ave needs that new Walmart for sure,” Melissa A. commented. “For anyone that doesn't agree I welcome you to a trip at the current one there on Missouri.”

Claire said: “I don't think they are very good people to work for, but at least it will add jobs. And all those stores are on pretty major roads, not some side streets. The one on Missouri is just relocating from accross the street, what else would they do with that huge empty kmart? let it sit there empty for years? Roosevelt is pretty far from Missouri and since all those Sweebay's closed down, maybe they need a grocery store down there. so they are really adding ONE walmart, and one grocery store.”

Jim McCurtain: “It's called free enterprise & I fully support it. Lots of folks have fussed about Walmart over the years, but they have made every merchant more competeitive and have brought great value to the consumer. Some indicate they are not a good place to work, but they promote great work ethics and promote from within; the fact there will be people lined up to work there when they start hiring is not all about the bad economy. I am all for it.”

City Commissioner Michael Smith also shared his thoughts on the Largo Patch Facebook page:

“I Like that jobs are coming to Largo (not another city), but wish they paid/supported workers more. A little concerned about the traffic, but that is anywhere in Pinellas County,” Smith said. “If you are one that does not support this company, shop somewhere else (you have that choice). I have used them, but also prefer local businesses (when I can). I did not support giving them a Brownfield designation ($300,000 in state tax incentives),I had some issues with it. Will keep an eye on the development of them. Also, PSTA will have a bus transfer station at the one on Roosevelt Boulevard.”

What's your take? Post a comment below to join the conversation.

Related coverage:

• Crossroads Walmart Expected to be Complete by Year’s End
• Does Largo Need 3 Walmarts?
• New Walmarts Are Firsts Under Largo’s Big Box Ordinance
• Walmart Approved for Brownfields Site at Largo Crossroads
• Is Super Target Coming to Midway Shopping Center

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