About Largo Mar Edit page

Largo Mar’s Beginnings

In 1980 a bank from Philadelphia in a bankruptcy case acquired the beautiful beachfront property where Largo Mar sits today. Rather than re-selling the property, the bank decided that by building a condominium, it would be able to regain its investment back.

Townhome style condominiums were built with gulf views, a large pool, hot tub, and shuffleboard. Largo Mar became an oceanfront complex that was perfect for attracting potential buyers with families.

Largo Mar was incorporation in 1980 and shortly after, the first units were being occupied by families in and around June of 1981...and depending on your perspective, this was just in time for the hot and humid Florida beach weather, beach-packed, peak tourist season and therefore, stay clear away from PCB...or not...and stay for the people watching or that party or two that you plan to crash or host. ;-)

“I was driving down Thomas Drive in March 1981 and saw this place under construction. The first unit I entered was the one now, owned by Gary Mailhot, and then kept going down the line until I walked into 157. The view to the beach from the third-floor was amazing, and I immediately knew “this is it”.

~Owen Ackerman

So began the fulfillment of many great memories for many families and friends over the decades at Largo Mar!

In 1980, you could buy a condo at Largo Mar for:

1 Bedroom for as low as $46,900 - $61,900

2 Bedroom for as low as $77,900 - $83,900

3 Bedroom for as low as $129,900 - $131,900

Condominium monthly fees were:

1 Bedroom = $62.02

2 Bedroom = $84.95

3 Bedroom = $107.46

On October 4th, 1995, Hurricane Opal, reached a Category 4 hurricane, it slowed down to a Category 3 when it slammed Panama City Beach, FL with sustained winds of 115 mph.  Along with the destruction of the high winds, came the flooding and Largo Mar was not spared. 

Hurricane Opal will be remembered by its devastating 7 - 15 feet storm surge, leaving Largo Mar's 1st floor, 3 bedroom beachfront units in ruins.  With the water, the storm surge brought in sand and moved the living and dining room furnishings up against the kitchen counters.  When the water receded, no longer was there a deck to walk out on but a drop of about 4 feet to the sand.  Largo Mar was definitely hurt, but was back up and running 6 months later.

Although Largo Mar continues to recover from the destruction that Hurricane Michael left in its wake, Largo Mar remains constant…it is still "A Diamond in the Rough" that we all love!!!