MARCH 2021
Greetings from City Hall!
Based on the events of the past month, I’d have to say declaring that 2021 could only get better (because of the pandemic) might have been a bit premature. First of all, the pandemic is still with us, although the vaccine’s efficacy has been encouraging, and is giving us all a hopeful light at the end of the tunnel (we just wish the train was moving faster). The event of the year, so far, was that we were on national television for something that didn’t actually happen! Not exactly the way that I had hoped my 15 minutes of fame might go, but we don’t all get what we want. I steadfastly maintain, as I’ve said in my last e-newsletter, that Oldsmar’s water was NOT ever in jeopardy. In addition to the first line of defense in these situations, which was our employee doing their job, the system has multiple features, all of which would have alerted staff to any deviation during the water production process. What the media did with the story was sad, but not a surprise to me.
Don’t think for a minute that we’ve ever lost sight of how important our critical infrastructure is to the health and safety of our citizens. We have great people, and they are doing exactly what they are paid to do. I stand by my statement that what was described in the media is not what actually happened. The fact that it didn’t even get started should raise our Plant employees to the level of front-line heroes. They don’t even want the attention, trust me, but it may now be easy to see how vital they are to our well-being.
Okay, back in the real world, our City continues to do what we do best……provide great services and events for all of our residents. Since the last month’s e-newsletter, you all should have received a copy of our incredible “Experience Oldsmar” magazine. It is a great guide to all of what we continue to offer, and is crafted better than most periodicals I’ve ever seen, thanks to our fabulous Communications & Marketing staff.
As we hopefully get closer to whatever the new normal is going to be, let’s try and remember all of the good things we have to be thankful for, instead of all of what is seemingly wrong with the world. I am grateful for all of the amazingly talented people we have working here, and I ask that you believe me when I say that you won’t find any better or more dedicated employees anywhere.
Have a great weekend, and don’t forget to read the helpful information below.
Thanks.
Al b
