Terry Moore will be Largo's special events coordinator, but plans to do volunteer work for Downtown Largo Main Street after she departs.
By LORRI HELFAND
Published September 4, 2004
LARGO - Downtown Largo Main Street Association will soon be searching for a new manager.
Terry Moore, who has managed the nonprofit organization that promotes downtown Largo since early 2001, has been hired as special events coordinator for the city.
Moore, who will be organizing events like the Halloween Spooktacular, said she plans to wrap up some projects before stepping into her new role.
"I've got real mixed feelings. This organization is my lifeblood," said Moore, 42, who will make $37,500 annually in her new position. Her previous position, also funded by the city, paid $35,000.
She plans to continue her commitment to Downtown Largo Main Street as a volunteer.
Her new boss, Joan M. Byrne, said Moore was the perfect candidate for the job because she orchestrated several events in her time as manager of the association.
"She knows the community and is involved in the community. It's nice to have somebody who already has a good network within the community," said Byrne, who is director of city recreation, parks and arts.
Some merchants said they are sad to see Moore leave the helm. Others think it's time for new leadership.
Over the past year, Moore's position in Downtown Largo Main Street has stirred controversy. Last year, for the first time, the city decided to fund her position as a paid Community Development Department staff member.
Some association members questioned whether her loyalties lay with the city or the organization.
"We're very happy to see her go. She was ineffective. She alienated too many people," said Anne Buck, who recently opened the Antique Corner on First Avenue SW.
In June, Anne Buck and her husband, Rob, wrote a letter to the city outlining their concerns about Moore.
Community Development director Mike Staffopoulos said Moore's dual roles as city employee and association manager put her in a complicated position. He said she was sometimes accused of tattling on local merchants when complaints about businesses were made by other members of the community.
While Moore has her detractors, others defend her work and contributions.
"She was a great person and she did a lot for Main Street. I've belonged to Main Street since its conception. Well miss her greatly," said Karen Cornett, who owns Karen's Korner on First Avenue SW.
Under Moore's leadership the organization was designated as a National Main Street Community the past two years, meeting state and national Main Street standards. Largo's association was one of about 520 organizations receiving that recognition in 2003.
Sam Hunter, president of Downtown Largo Main Street Association, said the group will stay strong and dive into fundraising efforts after Moore's departure.
"The organization can still move forward and be a viable part of the community working with merchants and residents or the area," Hunter said.
Mike Martinez, who owns a Renovations furniture store on West Bay Drive, had friction with Moore but has smoothed out past differences. He said the association will have renewed energy and he has no worries about her departure.
"Main Street is not going to go away," Martinez said. "It's going to be run differently."
