Oldsmar City Manager's
Weekly Update
April 3, 2020
Official City Seal
Oldsmar City Manager
Al Braithwaite


I wanted to reach out to the Community, to make sure that you all know what we know, and hopefully convince you that we are doing everything we should be, during this difficult time. My community newsletter is normally published once per month, but for the remainder of the COVID-19 emergency, I will present community updates each and every week, until we are through this.
First and foremost, the Governor issued a "Stay at Home" order, effective midnight last night, which is more aggressive than the previous "Safer at Home" order issued by the County, last week. There is still confusion over exactly what it means, and to assist in interpretations, the County has issued an email address where citizens can get those questions answered. Use "ORDER QUESTION" as your email subject and submit that to [email protected] .

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is and has been responsible for enforcing whatever orders are in place, and the Sheriff has provided a “hotline”, complete with investigation teams to handle and resolve complaints.  If you feel that someone is violating one of the existing orders, please call 727-582-8477 (TIPS) to report it.

Your Mayor and Council continue to perform all of their duties in serving the community.  The Mayor, exercising the authority granted to him during civil emergencies by our Charter, has issued 10 Emergency Orders, designed to assist the public and help all to maintain our health and safety. You can find them all on the city’s website, at myoldsmar.com/692/Public-Notices.

The interpretation of the Emergency orders can be challenging, and obviously affects a great many people.  The INTENT of each one of them is CRYSTAL CLEAR…….STAY HOME. In order for society to get through this pandemic, the cases have to diminish to the point where we can successfully treat those that get it.  Right now, that solution DOESN’T EXIST.  What’s worse is that we don’t know HOW exactly the disease is transmitted. So, every time you come in contact with another human being, you don’t know if they have it, if you have it (even with NO symptoms), or if they can give it to you.  The ONLY tools we have currently are good hygiene, Social Distancing, and COMMON SENSE. The sooner everyone heeds this warning, the sooner we will get over the hump. The longer that takes, the larger hit the economy will take, and its already taken quite a temporary toll.

To that point, the City has taken the initiative to try and support our local businesses, by ordering food from local restaurants ( CLICK HERE see Chamber website for list of restaurants and contact info ), and we’ve expedited our Accounts Payable payment process, to try and get as much money that we owe into the hands of the businesses that need it, especially now.  We encourage all of you to do what you can to support our local businesses, in any way that you can, if you can.

As I’ve said before, we are in the Emergency Operations BUSINESS.  When other people need to seek shelter, we come to work. Having said that, we are working remotely in as many ways as possible, using technology to have virtual staff meetings, and limiting human contact entirely, wherever possible. We have established our priority services list, and will continue to examine our workflow and staffing levels as this continues.  We are taking EVERY precaution we possibly can, while still respecting the need to provide essential services to the community.

Starting on Tuesday, City Council will have our first virtual Council meeting, so we will continue to do the city’s business, as best we can, providing the opportunity for the public to participate via attending in person or virtually (recommended). CLICK HERE to learn more.

As frustrating as something like this can be, I hope all citizens realize how important it is to follow the guidance provided by your Mayor, Council and County leadership.  As a 43-year resident of Pinellas County, I firmly believe that this is the best place any Floridian can possibly live in, and I think our elected officials prove that every single day.

Try to have a good weekend…..AT HOME…..and hug your kids!

Al b
‘ SAFER AT HOME ’ – WHAT THIS MEANS
Yesterday, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners extended the local state of emergency and expanded local orders. Additionally, the Governor executed Executive Order 20-91 (effective today), that states all residents shall limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide ESSENTIAL SERVICES or conduct ESSENTIAL ACTIVITIES. Under the Governor and Pinellas County Orders, all non-essential businesses shall be closed. CLICK HERE to take a moment to review this important “Safer-at-Home” guidance.
The PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP) authorizes forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. Small businesses, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors can apply for and receive loans to cover payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders. CLICK HERE
Republic Services will no longer take your BULK and YARD WASTE curbside and will only take trash and recycling in designated City carts (ones that can be picked up by the automated truck.) Bulk & yard waste can be brought M-F 7am-3pm to the community dumpster, located on Hayes Road behind the post office. This action is to prevent unnecessary exposure to the trash collectors so that service can continue.  CLICK HERE
The OLDSMAR ASSISTANCE HOTLINE  can help you find business resources, personal financial resources, food resources, & more. Offered M-F 9am-4:30pm by calling 813-749-1181 or email .   CLICK HERE

The Library is creating STORY TIME VIDEOS  released every Monday and Thursday, to keep Oldsmar families entertained. Be sure to subscribe to the Library’s YouTube Channel. CLICK HERE
100 State Street West, Oldsmar 34677
MyOldsmar.com (813) 749-1100