APRIL 2021
Greetings from City Hall!
Spring is here already! We may finally be turning the corner on the pandemic, with the availability of vaccine now overtaking the demand. More and more age groups are being notified that the schedule is open for appointments, and all you have to do is register at the patient portal and get one! I have received my first of two shots, and look forward to completing the second, which will be in April. I must admit that it has my outlook being much improved since the onset of this pandemic. I am still taking every precaution recommended by CDC, as are our staff members, but once the vaccine is essentially made available to the general public, I hope we can return to whatever the new normal will look like. If you are watching the news, you’ll see that many countries around the world are still struggling greatly with increasing cases of the disease. Another reminder to remain diligent, as we slowly return to more normal activities in our lives.
Lots of Leisure Service activities coming up over the next month or so……the Movie in the Park this Friday is “Shrek” (no, that isn’t a reference to me, although it has been used), so bring the kids and your chairs or blankets with you, to RE Olds Park…..it is supposed to be cooler, so you may need a jacket as well. Either way, consider coming out…..great way to spend some FREE family time. I love watching the kids run around the park, and even better when you see them really get into the movie. Should be fun! Keep your eyes and ears open, because we will be having events almost every weekend for the next couple of months. I’m really proud of the programs we are offering, they are family friendly and focus on the kids. With the location overlooking the water and having a stage for our exclusive use, we have a real treasure in our own neighborhood, and it seems as if the events just keep getting better and better. Kudos to Chip and his Staff for the great energy and job they continue to display in making our community the best anywhere, especially for kids!
Another sign of us returning to some normalcy is that all of our Parks shelters, city-wide, have been rented out for Easter this Sunday. There are Sunrise services in more than one place, and families are taking to our parks to celebrate the holiday!
If you are traveling around town, you may notice that the Fire Department is spending a lot of time at the Beamworks building on St. Petersburg Drive. Don’t worry, they are using the building for training purposes, to continue our commitment towards getting better at what we do, every single day. At some point in the not too distant future, you will see that building come down, in favor of a wonderful economic development project that is currently in the planning stages. Watch or attend our next Council meeting, and you’ll get a glimpse of what this property could become. We think the Council will love it, and we think you will too.
Our Burbank Road project is nearing completion and will likely be open by the summertime. This new roadway will give us another north-south connection between Tampa Road and Douglas Road, in the City’s Industrial section. Keep your eyes open for the Grand Opening, which should occur soon!
Speaking of projects, Harbor Palms Phase I is essentially complete, and looks fantastic. We appreciate the patience shown by all residents in that area, as we start Phase II. These improvements are long overdue, and require a great deal of traffic manipulation, but boy is it worth it in the end. Just ask any of the residents who live in the recently completed section. We continue to be committed towards maintaining our infrastructure, city-wide. This theme has been a Council priority for several years, and although a lot of it is not sexy, it is absolutely necessary.
That’s it for now……don’t forget to check out our website and the information provided below. We are energized on all fronts, leisure services, project management and economic development, all of which are looking very encouraging. Your city staff takes their roles very seriously, and we will always do our best. Stay tuned for a GREAT Spring and Summer!
Al b
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MUNICIPAL ELECTION RESULTS |
Following the March Elections, the City of Oldsmar Canvassing Board approved the results for City Council Seat 1 and Seat 3, with terms ending in March 2024 prior to the March 16 City Council meeting. Oaths of office were administered for Steve Graber (Seat 1) and Andrew Knapp (Seat 3). Later that evening, Andrew Knapp was appointed Vice-Mayor, and will serve as such until March 2022. Please join the City of Oldsmar in congratulating our newly elected Council Members!
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As part of City Council's Connected City efforts, Oldsmar has officially launched podcasts to educate our residents, businesses, and visitors on programs, events, and government topics. The inaugural podcast features City Manager Al Braithwaite. More recordings will be released soon, so be sure to to follow 'Experience Oldsmar' on your podcast platforms!
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Oldsmar City Council meetings/workshops and Advisory Boards are now available for online viewing while LIVE STREAMED via the City's official YouTube Channel.
Please take a moment and subscribe to receive notifications of future live streaming events.
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Maps will be changing this summer. As such, your insurance may be affected.
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A Pop Up Art Project launched for the Oldsmar community to enjoy by getting outside and searching for their favorite gnomes! There are 10 of these mystical creatures placed around the City and parks. Just solve each riddle to find their locations. Once found, take a selfie and share your photos on social media with #OldsmarGnomes.
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The annual running of the Oldsmar Cup Race at Tampa Bay Downs will be held on Saturday, April 10. The first post time is approximately 12:25 p.m. Oldsmar residents receive FREE general admission that day with photo ID with Oldsmar address and are invited into the Winner's Circle following the Oldsmar Cup Race.
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Don't forget to start cleaning out your paperwork, electronics, and prescriptions for the FREE Annual Recycling Day. Event will be held at the Oldsmar Sports Complex, 3120 Tampa Rd. on Friday, April 23, 8am-12pm.
Paper shredding is limited to five (5) boxes per vehicle. No limit on number of electronics or medications. This event is open to all Oldsmar residents and businesses.
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OLDSMAR DAYS & PARADE RETURNS |
Celebrating 60 years, Oldsmar Days & Nights returns Friday, April 23 thru Sunday, April 25 at R.E. Olds Park. Entry is free, but CDC guidelines and masks will be required.
The annual parade will be held on Saturday, April 24 beginning at 11am. All residents, businesses, and organizations are invited to participate by completing an application.
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NEW AGE GROUPS ANNOUNCED
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced last week that Florida residents 40 and older were now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Beginning Monday, April 5, residents 18 and older will become eligible.
Please reference the below vaccine resources.
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Public sites operated by the Department of Health - Pinellas County and PInellas County Government are adding appointments as additional dosage shipments are received.
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Pinellas County Department of Health recommends qualified individuals pre-register on the CDR Health Patient Portal, or by phone at (844) 770-8548, and choose your first and second dose appointments.
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Identification of Florida residency and proof of eligibility are required at all locations. On your appointment day, be sure to bring these items with you, show up on time and plan to stay for at least 15 minutes after your vaccination to leave.
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Eligible groups may also check for vaccine availability at local pharmacies, including Publix, Walmart, Sam’s Club and CVS, or they may visit walkup sites in Palm Harbor and Tampa.
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Your best protection from COVID-19 will be a combination of getting a vaccine, wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feel away from others, avoiding crowds, and washing your hands often. Learn about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccination so you'll be ready.
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Various sites across Pinellas County are offering FREE Testing for COVID-19.
Any health-related questions can be directed to the Florida Department of Health Call Center, open 24/7 at (866) 779-6121 or email [email protected].
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Florida Department of Health has published a "Vaccine Locator" map showing sites offering vaccines (includes pharmacies, does not include pop-up sites).
Click and zoom in to see all the locations available throughout Pinellas via the below link.
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Residents are highly encouraged to visit the Pinellas County Vaccine website for the latest vaccine information and continuous updates.
The site includes key things to know about getting the vaccine, eligible groups, distribution, and more.
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Pinellas County's Emergency Ordinance requires citizens to wear face coverings in most indoor public spaces - including restaurants and bars.
As Oldsmar is within the jurisdictional boundaries of Pinellas County, residents & businesses are required to comply with this Ordinance.
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100 State Street West, Oldsmar 34677
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