JUNE 12, 2020
Greetings from City Hall-
Happy Friday, all…..due to popular demand, I am going to write an e-newsletter twice a month, instead of once a month, which I originally stated in my last attempt to communicate with all of you. The response was excellent, so we decided to do one every other week. Thank you for all of the feedback. These are available to any and all citizens.
All they need to do is sign up
, and get on the mailing list. If you know of someone who would like to, please ask them to call 813-749-1100, tell the receptionist that they want to get on the e-newsletter mailing list, leave a name and email address, and that’s it…..it’s as simple as that!
I hope everyone is healthy, safe and slowly returning to our productive lives……we here in the City are at full staff, following CDC guidelines, and stand ready to provide all of the services that you rely on us for. As I’ve said before, we never really left, but there was a big difference in that many people were working from home during the worst of the pandemic. Anyway, we are energized to be doing what we do, and glad to be doing it for this great community. Honestly, I was surprised at how effectively we were able to function remotely, in MOST situations. As you know, we are still encouraging people to do business remotely wherever possible, but personal meetings with employees and access to city buildings are possible, with some adjustments necessary.
We are NOT through this yet, as you may have read in the news. The possibility of a second wave is real, and some might say that it is occurring as we speak. We all anticipated that the case statistics would rise, especially as testing becomes more available. But don’t lose sight of the basic rules that still need to be followed. Wash your hands often, stay home if you don’t feel well, maintain social distancing wherever possible, use a mask if you can.
Also, I hope that you all received our latest magazine,
Experience Oldsmar
. It was mailed out last week, and it was sent to every household in the City. I hope you’ll agree with me when I tell you how great this periodical is, both in terms of how much information it provides, how professionally it looks, and the great job it does in highlighting the many great parts of our community, including its businesses and people! It’s WAY more than just a reference guide for recreation programs. There is a message from the Mayor, contact information for City facilities, upcoming events, and updates on public works projects and our sustainability initiatives. Of course, there is information about parks (like where they are), trails, camps, flood zones and more. My favorite part of the magazine is the resident spotlight, where we meet one or more of the great families that call Oldsmar home. Please give it a chance. It is WORTHY of a spot on your coffee table. Just look through it once and you’ll see. The most amazing part of the entire thing is that it is created entirely by City Staff……incredible. Do I have talented people, or what???????
Have a great week ahead. Stay safe, don’t lose track of the need to follow the CDC guidelines, and be kind to each other. We will get through this!!!!
Al b
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HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
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The annual All-Hazard and Hurricane Preparedness Guide for 2020 is now available online from PInellas County. 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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INDIVIDUAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
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Pinellas County residents can apply for one-time financial assistance for those who have lost jobs or significant income due to COVID-19 to help pay for overdue rent/mortgage and utility bills.
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JUNE 30.
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$5,000 grants
NOW AVAILABLE
to assist Pinellas County small businesses that had to close or significantly reduce operations due to COVID-19 to cover wages, vendor bills, and mortgage/rent costs.
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JUNE 30.
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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. Walk-ins welcomed as occupancy allows.
Services are limited; staff cannot provide one-on-one computer assistance. Programming, meeting/study rooms are unavailable. Mask/face coverings are encouraged.
The due date for materials is July 1.
No fines are accruing. The Library will NOT accept donations at this time.
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To make room for inventory, the Library is hosting a book sale (4 for $1), plus audio books/DVDs (2 for $1). Items are going fast, so stop by soon to check out the selections. This
cash only
sale is available during normal operations and benefits the Friends of the Oldsmar Library.
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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!
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The 13th Annual Reading with the Rays program is available digitally and encourages young readers to hit a home run by reading a total of 24 hours to receive two (2) tickets to a Rays game and other prizes.
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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.
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Still looking for something for your kids to do this summer? Luckily, there are still a few spots open for our Session 1 and Session 2 Summer Camps.
To reserve your spot, call the Cypress Forest Recreation Center at (813) 749-1152 today!
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The Tuesday, June 2 Oldsmar City Council meeting can be viewed on the City's YouTube Channel.
The Tuesday, June 16 City Council meeting will begin at 7pm in the Council Chamber, 101 State St. W., 2nd Floor. Please attend ONLY if you need to speak in person. You can reach Council by calling (813) 749-1115 or emailing
[email protected]
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Pinellas County's fertilizer ordinance regulates the use and sale of fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus to help protect our waterways. The ban is in effect now through September 30 to reduce the amount of runoff into our storm drains.
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The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has issued a water shortage order for Oldsmar through July 1 & includes the following requirements for all residents & businesses:
- Maximum twice-per-week lawn watering schedule
- No watering between 10am - 4pm
- Use shutoff nozzle to wash cars, surfaces, etc.
- Testing irrigation systems for leaks & efficiencies
NOTE: this does NOT include reclaimed water.
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100 State Street West, Oldsmar 34677
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