JUNE 26, 2020

Greetings, Oldsmar citizens!!!!!!

Here we are, another two weeks gone by, with our daily lives turned into routines that most of us don’t recognize.  The “new normal” has arrived, and we are still working our way through what that means.  The recent statistics have not been encouraging, so we must still be diligent about doing those things that the CDC recommended all along.  That’s the best we can do, and we need to continue to do it, each and every day, over and over again.  In that sense, I think its safe to say that our lives have changed forever.

The big news for the week was the marathon Board of County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, where after 6.5 hours of discussion and public comment (virtually), the County voted 6-1 to require masks be worn in most situations inside buildings where the public has access, with some exceptions. They did this via Ordinance, which means that it applies Countywide. The particulars of what that means to you are outlined below, for your reference.

Inside the City organization, most of our programs are up and running, and all of our normal services are available.  We have returned to having Council meetings with people attending, although we have spread the Chambers out in order to observe the requirements of Social Distancing. We are still requiring the public to conduct business virtually however and whenever you can, and if you do come to City Hall for an appointment in person, you need to have a mask.

Also, don’t forget the responsibilities associated with preparing your homes for hurricane season, which just started on June 1 st .  The City has been training all along, and we’ve learned many new things about how to prepare, as a result of the pandemic, interestingly.  It’s important that you know what your responsibilities are, and information to help you get there is also found below.  Be sure to give it a look.

That’s it for now……let’s keep working at getting through this, by respecting the law and each other.  Don’t forget your CDC guidelines, practice them over and over. We will get through this.  Our employees have been at the ready throughout, and will continue to be there for you, every single day.  Stay healthy and safe!

Is it hockey season yet?????

Is it any season yet?????

Hug your kids…..(disinfect them first?)

Al b
MANDATORY FACE COVERINGS
The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners approved an Emergency Ordinance requiring citizens to wear face coverings in most indoor public places, and restaurants/bars. As Oldsmar is within the jurisdictional boundaries of Pinellas County, residents & businesses are required to comply with the Ordinance, which took effect at 5 pm on Wednesday, June 24.

COUNTY COVID-19 TESTING
Sites across Pinellas County are offering FREE Testing for COVID-19. In Oldsmar, CVS, located at 3771 Tampa Road, provides drive-through and supervised self-swabbing. Appointments are required.

Questions regarding symptoms and other health inquiries on COVID-19 can be directed to the Florida Department of Health Call Center, open 24/7, on their toll free number (866) 779-6121 or email them directly at [email protected]

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
The Pinellas County 2020 All-Hazard and Hurricane Preparedness Guide is now available for pickup at City facilities. This publication contains vital information to help you properly prepare for a storm or other disasters - including agencies contact information and social distancing options if you evacuate. The Guide is also available online.

ALERT PINELLAS
Receive alerts about emergencies and other essential City news by signing up for ALERT Pinellas - a FREE service to residents and businesses. You choose how to receive alerts and can enter up to five different Pinellas County locations for notifications. An excellent resource during the Hurricane Season.

FLOOD ZONE
Hurricanes, tropical storms, and continuous rain can create flood hazards - especially with high tide & storm surges. It's not uncommon to hear about projected flooding of areas. Knowing your flood zone will help you prepare & plan beforehand to protect your property.

EVACUATION ZONE
In order to know when to evacuate, you need to know which zone your property is located. Don't know? Don't worry - Pinellas County provides this specific information. Additionally, you'll see the closest shelters & hotel accommodations to help you plan ahead.

HOLIDAY CLOSURES
City of Oldsmar offices, facilities, and the library will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

Normal business will resume on Monday, July 6.

NOTE: No events or firework shows are scheduled in Oldsmar for the 2020 holiday.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - Canceled
Just a reminder that the Tuesday, July 7 City Council meeting is canceled in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

Oldsmar City Council meetings can always be viewed on the City's YouTube Channel.
SPACEcraft RELAUNCHING!
SPACEcraft is set to re-launch in Oldsmar, beginning on Wednesday, July 8 at 6 pm. Programs are scheduled weekly on Saturdays, 10 am & 2 pm, and Wednesday evenings. Each program will featuring MAKE, PLAY, READ & GROW! Social Distancing will be mandated.

JULY IS PARKS & REC MONTH
Pinellas Did you know that Oldsmar has 10 parks for our residents to enjoy? Many offer outdoor exercise equipment, fishing docks, and playgrounds. There's even special places for four-legged residents to play!

New programs are now available at the State Street Center with Social Distancing observed. Give them a call for details - (813) 749-1155.

PUBLIC LIBRARY NOW OPEN
The Oldsmar Public Library is now open M-F, 9am-5pm. All visits, including computer use, are limited to one hour per person per day. You can make an appointment for a visit or computer use by calling (813) 749-1181.
Face Coverings are MANDATORY. Walk-ins welcomed as occupancy allows. Services are limited; staff cannot provide one-on-one computer assistance. Programming, meeting/study rooms are unavailable. The DUE DATE for materials is JULY 1. No fines are accruing. The Library will NOT accept donations at this time.

KIDS SUMMER PROGRAMS
A variety of programs & activities, taking social distancing into account, are offered for kids and teens . Get ready to go on scavenger hunts, write stories, make crafts, and more - all from the comfort and safety of home. These online programs are featured on the Library's Facebook page.

IMAGINE YOUR STORY
Celebrating the theme of Imagine Your Story , young patrons of the Library can track their summer reading adventures on a special book log, available online or at the Children's Desk in the Library. Track your progress this summer to be eligible for some cool prizes!