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'Lights of Lake Park' shines bright with Christmas spirit while raising money for good cause

By FOX 13 News Staff
Published  December 23, 2024 1:35pm EST
Pinellas County
FOX 13 News

Christmas lights up Largo neighborhood for a cause

FOX 13 Photojournalist Barry Wong highlights a Largo neighborhood that is marking its 32nd year lighting Christmas lights for a good cause.

The Brief

    • Each year, a Largo neighborhood hosts Lights of Lake Park.
    • The Christmas light display raises money for the Suncoast Hospice Foundation.
    • Three miles of homes are illuminated from 6-10 p.m. every night in December.

LARGO, Fla. - For 32 years, a Largo neighborhood has been shining a light on a good cause by turning on their Christmas lights for Lights of Lake Park.

The story begins in 1993, when Lake Park Estates resident Eddie Dow lost his wife, Ruby Dow.

"He was so moved by the care that he received from hospice that he wanted to do something for them. He was able to get one street to really decorate a lot, and then he would stand out every night and collect some money," longtime resident Amy Maltinos said.

Each year, a Largo neighborhood hosts Lights of Lake Park, raising money for the Suncoast Hospice Foundation.

Each year, a Largo neighborhood hosts Lights of Lake Park, raising money for the Suncoast Hospice Foundation.

Eddie Dow passed away in 2007, but the neighborhood still collects money for the Suncoast Hospice Foundation. Three miles of homes are illuminated from 6-10 p.m. every night in December.

"It's the gift that basically keeps on giving long after he's even passed away," Maltinos said.

Lights of Lake Park has raised $1.3 million for the foundation, which provides an extra layer of care for hospice patients. For example, it can fund a music or massage therapist home visit.

Each year, a Largo neighborhood hosts Lights of Lake Park, raising money for the Suncoast Hospice Foundation.

Each year, a Largo neighborhood hosts Lights of Lake Park, raising money for the Suncoast Hospice Foundation.

"The holiday season is all about giving. Our organization can give back to the community year after year because of this money makes all of our holidays very, very bright," Empath Health (Suncoast Hospice) COO Tarrah Lowry said.

The Muschio recently moved to the neighborhood in July.

"Right when we moved in, a couple of the neighbors came out and said, you guys know what happens at Christmas here? And we're like, what happens at Christmas?" Ann Marie Muschio said with a smile.

Each year, a Largo neighborhood hosts Lights of Lake Park, raising money for the Suncoast Hospice Foundation.

Each year, a Largo neighborhood hosts Lights of Lake Park, raising money for the Suncoast Hospice Foundation.

They’ve embraced it all, even buying more decorations to enhance their front yard.

"You see how it affects everyone that comes through here, brings joy to their children's faces. It just warms a heart to see all of that," Muschio said.

Each year, a Largo neighborhood hosts Lights of Lake Park, raising money for the Suncoast Hospice Foundation.

Each year, a Largo neighborhood hosts Lights of Lake Park, raising money for the Suncoast Hospice Foundation.

Muschio and her husband John are already thinking about what to add to their display for next year.

For more information on Lights of Lake Park, click here.

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