LARGO – With the help of a glossy “cartoon map,” the city of Largo is celebrating a milestone – 100 years as an American city.
The map, published by Al Jabaly and his company, the South Florida Business Association of Loxahatchee will be widely distributed this June. The map was commissioned by the city’s Recreation, Parks and Arts Department, which didn’t have to put up any money since the maps are advertising-driven.
The glossy, 24 inch by 36 inch map will show the city on one side, while featuring a more detailed and smaller map of the cultural district on the other side. Local businesses will be advertised and, as a special feature, the work of a local photographer also will be showcased.
The maps will have hand-painted drawings that are caricature in nature and feature local landmarks and businesses. Jabaly has published distinguished commemorative souvenir maps for other Florida locales such as Fort Meyers, and Sarasota. He said the maps have proved to be informative and popular among residents and visitors, alike.
The one-time commemorative publications are easy to navigate, given their simplistic and uncluttered style. And local businesses gain important exposure by being featured on the maps, thus promoting commerce and strengthening the downtown core.
Kevin Middleton, a Dallas artist, will draw colorful caricatures that depict points of interest throughout the city.
Jabaly, who calls himself the “map guy” has several years of experience in advertising media. Jabaly said that many people frame and laminate these one-of-a-kind maps because they are pieces of art. He said his maps feature such locales as City Hall, the Police Station, Fire Department, hospitals, parks and businesses. All are featured as colorful iconic cartoons. Jabaly also said that a special feature of the upcoming Largo map will be the photography of Tony Blue. His pictures of the Clock Tower, the Pinellas Trail, and the Military Court of Honor and other local points of interest will be included.
Jabaly will publish a total of 12,000 maps, all free and available at the Mid Pinellas, lodging locations, visitor welcome centers and local businesses.
