SEPTEMBER 4, 2020
Greetings from City Hall!

Another month of the pandemic behind us, and signs of the new normal are starting to shine…..school is back, in one form or another, professional sports are partially in play (depending on the sport), and much of the economy is functioning again. Please remember those less fortunate than us during this difficult time. Whether that means a friend, neighbor or business associate, you can always be nicer than you have to be, and now is the time where we need that kindness. The worst part of the pandemic, in my humble opinion, is that it has created a society where people are not able to be as close as they usually are. We have to pay attention to the guidelines as they’ve been presented, and it’s important that we do, but don’t forget the number of ways you can still make sure that people know that you care about them.  Let’s not lose track of that.

The City of Oldsmar continues to move forward, steadily and without hesitation. We have projects in play, more that are on the way, and nothing but determination to get all things done, just as we always have. Our employees are functioning as well, or better than they ever have, and we’ve increased our training efforts throughout the organization, for those most significantly affected by programs and events that have been on hold. We have been fiscally conservative for many years, and have enjoyed the benefits of that steady growth, sometimes unspectacular, but always well managed by your Council. None of THAT has changed. 

On a personal note, I ask that you consider patronizing any of our City’s wonderful service-related businesses. This could be debated, I’m sure, but I think the consensus around the world is that the Service Industry has suffered the most, economically, from the effects of the pandemic. Keeping Oldsmar businesses going significantly contributes to all of the wonderful things we sometimes take for granted, and a little home field advantage would be greatly appreciated right now, I’m sure. Spending local dollars locally is definitely a great way to keep our community economically strong!

Okay, enough about that…..don’t forget to come out and see the Lightning organization give away some free stuff at the Oldsmar Sports Complex tomorrow, from 1 pm – 4 pm.  Support the Bolts as they try to win the Stanley Cup!!!!!!!!! 

Also, please use the information below, which has been provided for and updated by our marketing division, however you see fit.

Have a GREAT Labor Day weekend……for the first time in my recent memory, there isn’t a STORM heading our way by Labor Day!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOO HOOOO…….hope I didn’t jinx it……

Al b
HOLIDAY CLOSURES
Please note that Oldsmar City Offices, Facilities, and Library will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Normal business will resume on Tuesday, September 8.

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING SWAG DAY!
Gear up to support the Tampa Bay Lightning during Round 2 of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs!

Stop by this Saturday, September 5 from 1-4 pm at the BOLTSMAR Lightning Made Hockey Rink. The Rolling Thunder crew and ThunderBug will be on-site to hand out FREE Bolts Swag, Yard Signs, and/or a Street Hockey Stick & Ball Set. Offer valid while supplies last. Limit one item per person.

OLDSMAR TREE GIVEAWAY
To celebrate our 20th Year as Tree City USA, the City of Oldsmar will be hosting a FREE Tree Giveaway at the Municipal Services Complex on Saturday, September 19, 9 am-noon or until inventory is depleted. This event is strictly for Oldsmar residents within the City limits. Proof of residency and photo ID required. Limit of two (2) trees per household.

COASTAL CLEAN UP NEEDS YOU!
Grab your family and friends and head over to R.E. Olds Park, Shelter 1 on Saturday, September 19 at 8 am to participate in Sustainable Oldsmar's Coastal Clean Up Day! Great opportunity for volunteer hour sign-offs. Trash bags, gloves, and a limited amount of pickers will be available for use.

2020 CENSUS
Oldsmar is currently tied for 1st in Pinellas County for our response rate - take the 2020 Census to help us solidify our #1 position and make Pinellas Count. HURRY - the Census will end September 30th!

Door-to-door follow up has begun. You can also be counted via PHONE or ONLINE! Census data helps with important decisions about funding for services and infrastructure in our community.

SPACEcraft RELAUNCHED!
SPACEcraft is designed to create and build a sense of community together. Stop by and Make, Play, Read and Grow for FREE - Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6 - 8 pm in the east parking lot of City Hall, 100 State Street West. Please note - social distancing will be practiced during each program.

NEW! SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS
Pinellas County has officially launched a NEW Pinellas CARES Local Business Grant Program. This round of funding is available for home-based businesses, business incubators, artists, performers, and more.

Details on this new opportunity, including qualifying information and assistance, can be found on their website.

INDIVIDUAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners approved a new round of funding to support an even broader range of financial assistance for residents and families affected by COVID-19.

Pinellas County Residents who have lost jobs or have suffered significant income loss can apply to help pay for overdue rent, mortgages, and utility bills.

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 - an appointment is required for CVS.

Health related questions can be directed to the Florida Department of Health Call Center, open 24/7 at (866) 779-6121 or [email protected]

FREE FACE MASKS
The Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce is distributing FREE Face Masks. Masks are available Monday - Friday, 9 am to 12 pm at their Oldsmar office, located at 101 State Street West.

For more information, call their office directly at (813) 855-4233. Additional locations across Pinellas County are also offering this service.

WATER UTILITY SHUT-OFFS
Termination of service for Water Utility Bill non-payment resumed on Monday, August 31. If you have a past due balance, the City is offering payment plans to avoid termination.

Please contact the Utility Billing Office directly for assistance by calling 813-855-5257.

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.

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 your home and business.

The Guide is also available online.

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 in 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.