E-mail: melissa.lattman@patch.com
Phone: (727) 424-7918
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Bio: Melissa is the editor of Largo Patch. She graduated from Northeastern University in Boston with a M.A. in Journalism in 2007. Melissa started as a reporter in New Hampshire covering for two years the community where she lived.
Then the Sunshine State and warmer weather called. Melissa freelanced for a couple of Pinellas County weekly publications before finding Patch in August 2011. For 11 months she contributed to various Pinellas Patch sites and served as Guest Editor for Largo.
Before pursuing the dream since second-grade of being a journalist, Melissa worked for a computer services company and taught sixth-grade.
Your Beliefs At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics How would you describe your political beliefs?
I was raised by a single-father who was a very, faithful Democrat. Through various life experiences my political beliefs lean toward the conservative side.
Currently, I am a registered Republican but I vote based on candidates and issues not party politics.
With my coverage, I intend to be completely fair and objective. Religion How religious would you consider yourself?
Going to church was not a regular part of my childhood. For my undergraduate degree I ended up going to a Lutheran college and a personal Christian faith walk is now part of my adult life. I have compassion and respect for all people; trying to treat others, as I wish to be treated.
Local Hot Button Issues
What will downtown Largo look like? The city continues to encourage community redevelopment and growth around town and in its downtown/West Bay Drive area.
How to improve transportation in town? Road construction is all around Largo. Public safety on the roads is a big concern. Largo is currently working on plans for efficient and safe travel routes.
How will Largo keep the level of service its residents would like while trimming the city budget? For about six years faced with less revenue, the city has made budget cuts.
The following people were arrested for felonies from Sept. 21-26. The reports are based on records collected from the Largo Police Department and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
Neighbors recently learned details of the plans for the new grocery and retail center.
Thomas Cservak, 29, of Clearwater, was arrested Sept. 26 on four counts of attempted first degree murder and one count of first degree arson, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
Try something different by fishing at night. You'll experience the outdoors in a whole different light!
Are you in the tourism industry? Applications are being accepted for four positions on Pinellas County's Tourist Development Council.
Both candidates for the Largo City Commission, Seat 4, answered questions at a breakfast candidate forum on Sept. 26.
Both candidates for the Largo City Commission, Seat 4, answered questions at a breakfast candidate forum on Sept. 26.
Candidates for the Largo City Commission, Seat 4, shared their views at a breakfast candidate forum on Sept. 26.
Both candidates for the Largo City Commission, Seat 4, answered questions at a breakfast candidate forum on Sept. 26.
Both candidates for the Largo City Commission, Seat 4, answered questions at a breakfast candidate forum on Sept. 26.
Both candidates for the Largo City Commission, Seat 4, answered questions at a breakfast candidate forum on Sept. 26.
The Clearwater vendor is bringing her scrumptious scents to Safety Harbor.
The Clearwater vendor is bringing her scrumptious scents to a farmers market near you.
The Hillsborough Sheriff's Office shared this video tribute to fallen American hero U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Sitton.
Here are our picks for fun things to do this weekend in Largo and around Pinellas. Have an idea of your own? Share it in the comments!
7-Eleven has free coffee Friday in your choice of President Barack Obama or Gov. Mitt Romney cups.
Daryl Michael Taylor, 25, of Largo, was arrested and charged with attempted strong arm robbery, according to an arrest affidavit.
Thomas J. Saylor, 82, of Clearwater, told police he planned to give the gloves as prizes at a golf tournament in Dunedin, according to the arrest affidavit.
Get to know the vendors at Largo's weekly Open-Air Market.
What do you think should go in this vacant Largo storefront at 3534 Adrian Ave.?
