[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6166026,"mediaKeyId","5416549-c3d660eb472fc3c8fb86a6ce6937bfda","parentId",5416549,"title","Council creates 'Future Leaders' program to let teens attend advisory board meetings; some members call for broader youth outreach","audioSeconds",1706,"startMs",5722000,"endMs",7428000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5416549-c3d660eb472fc3c8fb86a6ce6937bfda&start=5722&end=7428","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5416549-c3d660eb472fc3c8fb86a6ce6937bfda/thumbnail_5722000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6166026/Oldsmar/Pinellas-County/Florida/Council-creates-Future-Leaders-program-to-let-teens-attend-advisory-board-meetings-some-members-call-for-broader-youth-outreach","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166026-40def990b0b1aa8d34351907568a278f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775313693&Signature=S1gsv5gASjS3s0JjRELfdCGgv9caM0LMVbKOBahtuiADmTBhZ7O5tA5kh-Wovdq5-ZGZlx7neBz2ILNsME5VL-Q~Qvsf02y4NPjy-s5A2N2GjhpQvDikSl6g6SYwTfURw3LElc9FTZfcRhZMSGF1tOmxPvVqFqVKvFCOL0kWwh6cuZBWbyOZRkVcok9HQrkOMAnHZ8PLv9u1FQEqrSw7nNnb3VxH4peciNOXybyR8lBBqNXC~cudPj81~5bqkW9eG7UdpYvuDJtmRy7Ep4-A99QMA7g382Kr2c37Nm-s-7XpBZlidWttbbLO8q1mDmq5MUasyEc5p5pBoNRSaah~5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Oldsmar, FL","date","2025-07-16T13:39:38Z","article","The Oldsmar City Council on July 15 adopted a resolution establishing a \"Future Leaders\" program to permit teens ages 13 through 18 to serve as non‑voting, ex officio members of advisory boards, to allow participation to count toward volunteer or scholarship hours, and to provide a certificate of recognition to team members who attend and actively participate in at least five advisory board meetings.

City Attorney read the resolution title into the record as part of the public item: \"A resolution of the City Council of the City of Oldsmar, Florida establishing a Future Leaders program instead of team board member position on advisory boards, addressing eligibility, volunteer hours, and teen recognition, repealing Resolution 2023‑27, and providing for an effective date hereof.\" The council then moved and approved the resolution.

Several residents and councilmembers used the discussion to call for broader youth engagement. A public speaker noted a perceived disconnection between students who leave Oldsmar for middle school and high‑school campuses and urged the city to create additional programs that keep children engaged through the critical sixth‑through‑eighth‑grade years. Councilmembers said the adopted resolution formalizes a program that previously had little structure and that staff can pursue additional outreach measures such as shadowing programs, entrepreneurial opportunities tied to the Saturday market, or Citizens Academy events to involve younger students earlier.

The resolution sets the program as city policy rather than a council appointment process: applications go to the city clerk, no formal council appointment is required, participation may qualify for Bright Futures scholarship volunteer hours, and team members forfeit eligibility upon turning 18 or after completion of their senior year, whichever comes later. Councilmembers asked staff to return with implementation details and suggested working with community partners such as the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and local schools to expand participation.

The resolution passed by voice vote; the council directed staff to include additional discussion on expanding youth opportunities on a future meeting agenda.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Oldsmar Council Meeting, 7/15/25","oneSentenceSummary","The City Council voted July 15 to establish a \"Future Leaders\" program that allows teens ages 13–18 to serve as non‑voting ex officio members of advisory boards and clarifies how those service hours are credited.","taxTitle","Oldsmar, Pinellas County, Florida","taxId",54788,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6166035,"Oldsmar CRA scores 46 on Pinellas County evaluation; council debates whether to seek extension",4208,972000,5180000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5416549-c3d660eb472fc3c8fb86a6ce6937bfda&start=972&end=5180","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5416549-c3d660eb472fc3c8fb86a6ce6937bfda/thumbnail_972000.jpg","/articles/6166035/Oldsmar/Pinellas-County/Florida/Oldsmar-CRA-scores-46-on-Pinellas-County-evaluation-council-debates-whether-to-seek-extension","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166035-bb8ffb77b4ead3807f89a46c911ba74f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775313693&Signature=A1zyyjkbxKDDawurEFORQD4~tePHUcfzFl2sx3HRBaoUNHT4t5wcY2Utldyps9oDCp-xmlI1nv9dzmsViOSMrc7gOhLDeRa2ztfx9M5IV5tKnWZgBGKkLSiO5jwWkSB7saGP6qq1T4Y31vOYZsokSDbxmF5mL2pTRFAemUxKgRtOhkyqvxs2EVq~ZbHJKiNCadZ7kN4VckKAXjjBzvkGVtB8SLrMRnBECXumDKP0qGdhaY2vPsNEBKHI65NeMMxYAbofqEOeJtmP5CvmkPl1fkm~ke5rvvixex39ehi5~DoUDV3X5yvJ-g1bDa4vH~SXeo2d3n1l3ODWy0gPXf8c6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","GAI Consultants told the Oldsmar City Council on July 15 that the city’s Community Redevelopment Area scored 46 out of 100 under Pinellas County’s local designation evaluation — a total that places the district in the county’s “community renewal” category. Laura Smith of GAI Consultants presented the report and explained the steps needed to pursue an extension.

The nuts and bolts: the county’s matrix compares CRA data against U.S. Census benchmarks and countywide values and ties category assignment to rules in chapter 163, part 3, Florida Statutes and Pinellas County’s 2021 CRA policy. \"The evaluation results in a score of 46 points out of a 100 for the Oldsmar CRA,\" Smith said, and she told the council that a community renewal finding would allow the city to request up to a 20‑year extension, subject to county review.

Why it matters: a renewal designation changes how much the county would contribute to tax increment financing (TIF). Smith said county participation for community renewal projects is likely to be 50 percent rather than the current 95 percent participation that applies through the CRA’s existing sunset year. That shift would reduce future county dollars but could let the city continue to spend CRA trust funds beyond the district’s 2026 sunset if both local adoption and county approval occur.

Council members pressed for detail about the data and assumptions used in the evaluation. Smith acknowledged limits in the county’s methodology, noting that U.S. Census block groups do not line up exactly with the CRA boundary and that some measures — employment density and certain household statistics — come from aggregated federal datasets that protect business confidentiality. She also walked the council through key numeric inputs used in TIF projections: the city’s analysis assumes a 6.3 percent compound annual taxable‑value growth rate carried forward from recent history, includes the assumed sale of the library parcel, and models a drop from 95 percent to 50 percent county participation after any extension.

Smith gave several concrete figures the council may use for planning: about $1.0 million of increment revenue is expected in 2025 and approximately $1.1 million in 2026 under the current participation; a 10‑year outlook (2027–2036) at the 50 percent participation standard showed roughly $10.5 million in TIF revenue and a 20‑year projection totaled about $28.7 million (both figures include the early years). The report also listed a 1996 CRA base year with combined taxable value of about $16.8 million and a 2024 taxable value of roughly $132 million for the CRA as reported in the analysis. The city clerk confirmed the CRA currently has about $4.7 million of unencumbered funds.

Council members also asked legal and policy questions Smith had flagged: CRA trust funds generally must be spent only inside the CRA boundary unless every taxing authority that contributed to the increment gives written approval to spend outside it; public buildings such as a new city hall, police or fire facilities are typically ineligible for CRA trust‑fund financing without explicit written consent from all contributing taxing authorities; and if the council chooses not to extend, it would have three years after the district sunsets to spend remaining trust funds on identified projects or consider refunding excess dollars to participating taxing authorities.

No formal vote was taken on July 15. Staff and consultants outlined a recommended motion the council could use to place a resolution accepting the finding of necessity and the TIF projections on a tentative agenda and to transmit the required documents to Pinellas County for review. Council members said they would continue the discussion at future meetings and county work sessions.

The council was warned that any extension requires a county determination of compliance with the county’s CRA policy and that the council could request fewer than 20 years if it wished; Smith said the process and timelines would vary depending on the category the county assigns after review.","GAI Consultants told the Oldsmar City Council on July 15 that the city’s Community Redevelopment Area scored 46 out of 100 under Pinellas County’s local designation evaluation, placing the district in the county’s \"community renewal\" category.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6166031,"Oldsmar wins state communications awards for 'Pledge to Evacuate' campaign; Girl Scouts show hurricane‑safety video",5083,552000,5635000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5416549-c3d660eb472fc3c8fb86a6ce6937bfda&start=552&end=5635","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5416549-c3d660eb472fc3c8fb86a6ce6937bfda/thumbnail_552000.jpg","/articles/6166031/Oldsmar/Pinellas-County/Florida/Oldsmar-wins-state-communications-awards-for-Pledge-to-Evacuate-campaign-Girl-Scouts-show-hurricanesafety-video","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166031-00082e127f1513bf9926b2444c0a0c97/orig.mp4?Expires=1775313693&Signature=h9juWhiC79aLnMdpJHKhdUVBb~pqvi5faDHIGr2pa3MwTQ6hDqcl6xfJmnM0CjH2bajt-DPdtJ7Y6zD4Xd4UP98ybJMAE4rd7218A7h0SA69aQ0ce7GFCEKg-49f4GtBuXtX7ZsgSroi7ZvmRyPVRNRHOh0nSdF9MJt8ekgZJ-TFJSU~QFsvnrPO3wWQ03AFI0~aULIHG1azVO-Av9LwmpWsLScT7hiq18IUReIzNo1BOB7~rgM0Y84VWesc8uYvMBjY2h55KjyE5EeXqoqLgCdgQZzaFcfOBkc9XsRjRBMae3BJeks2OnXy900XhiEYVmH~0N~RKLfSI-U6rCCSUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The city of Oldsmar received two awards from the Florida Municipal Communicators Association on July 15 for its hurricane‑preparedness outreach, and local Girl Scouts presented a short video urging residents to take the city’s \"Pledge to Evacuate.\" Deb Vitrelli, the city’s public communications supervisor, accepted the awards and credited the communications team for a campaign that combined social media, print, video and community events.

The campaign’s centerpiece is the online Pledge to Evacuate effort (oldsmarstrong.com) and a short video featuring local weather host Mike Bolin. Bolin told the council he sees the pledge as part of a civic effort to reduce water‑related hurricane deaths: \"Ninety percent of all hurricane deaths are water related,\" he said, urging residents to prepare and leave early when evacuation orders are issued.

Earlier in the meeting, junior Girl Scouts from Troop 1847 — who said they worked on the project as a Bronze Award effort — showed a short, filmed public service announcement that explained evacuation zones and how to find local shelter information on the Pinellas County website. The troop told the council the video was designed to educate residents about evacuation zones, shelters, and how to find resources for people and pets.

City staff and council members praised both the professional campaign and the Girl Scouts’ work. Vitrelli said the campaign was judged on creativity, consistency and community impact and noted the city was one of only 16 governmental agencies in Florida to receive the Certificate of Excellence in Government Communications this year.

Council members said they plan to extend the campaign’s outreach and incorporate the Girl Scouts’ video into city channels; staff said the pledge materials and new video will appear on the city web pages and social channels during the hurricane season.","The city received two Florida Municipal Communicators Association honors for a multi‑channel \"Pledge to Evacuate\" campaign. The awards were presented July 15, and council and the public‑communications team highlighted outreach, a video featuring weather host Mike Bolin and a Girl Scout video on evacuation pledges.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6166016,"Oldsmar certifies proposed millage rate at 4.05 mills for 2025; rollback rate lower at 3.8683",238,7094000,7332000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5416549-c3d660eb472fc3c8fb86a6ce6937bfda&start=7094&end=7332","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5416549-c3d660eb472fc3c8fb86a6ce6937bfda/thumbnail_7094000.jpg","/articles/6166016/Oldsmar/Pinellas-County/Florida/Oldsmar-certifies-proposed-millage-rate-at-405-mills-for-2025-rollback-rate-lower-at-38683","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166016-e3b4af8f4ed20c3aa972f7704516d9c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775313693&Signature=ACwjXElLzlC5~toswM382Ir9fslHG~-YUs7NH0F6P7Fpk7MKbLAvI6lfFphb3qJh9NSha6abDKzfbvkm~1YG1ybcWutKMVe1AfUxBBg~wDCM2155Os6bzMFRl9Of2x6uCQo5RCJiCmorXU81oOioawMjvAmsB9JGw1llpol-YPLUFcHbttFP0xFn4QTSssE2j37w~dl6RjrwbmmHTYroIreuCkz-hkn-7IyWNAMtRLhT9MchYMb7~mrTIyOHHCSLSZDZJD-2CvyY9yzH~61GGVMlZLiJiv7RuGKJKhEBtoslxVNQpOvvdKHdDcfpILdxvqo3KfblCYnU3MDQBi5fyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oldsmar City Council on July 15 authorized the city manager to certify a proposed 2025 millage rate of 4.05 mills to the Pinellas County property appraiser. City staff told the council that the rollback rate — a calculation of the millage that would generate the same ad valorem revenue as the previous year — is 3.8683 mills because current taxable values rose compared with the prior year.

City staff noted the proposed 4.05‑mill rate is the same rate the city has used since 2008 and that the council may adopt a lower millage rate when it finalizes the budget in September but may not adopt a higher rate than the one certified to the property appraiser. Staff gave a budget example: for a home assessed at $250,000 with a $50,000 homestead exemption, the city's ad valorem tax at 4.05 mills would be about $810.

The council approved the certification by voice vote; staff will use the certified rate for the property appraiser’s tax‑notice mailings and proceed with budget hearings in September per state timelines.","City staff told council the rollback rate — the rate that would raise the same revenue as last year — is 3.8683 mills. The council directed the city manager to certify a proposed millage rate of 4.05 mills to the Pinellas County property appraiser, the same rate the city has maintained since 2008.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6166021,"Oldsmar authorizes staff to submit FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant applications for three infrastructure projects",658,7225000,7883000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5416549-c3d660eb472fc3c8fb86a6ce6937bfda&start=7225&end=7883","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5416549-c3d660eb472fc3c8fb86a6ce6937bfda/thumbnail_7225000.jpg","/articles/6166021/Oldsmar/Pinellas-County/Florida/Oldsmar-authorizes-staff-to-submit-FEMA-Hazard-Mitigation-Grant-applications-for-three-infrastructure-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166021-d59566e16e32da081ba56ea4590173de/orig.mp4?Expires=1775313693&Signature=AInW8fyn4mkGCwuwRjB0X6UvW~9HCKw5gy3F1k79bae7MpPq-O-da5tbRD6k5EuWkH4j3BNWDuuh~ZShKN23jgXElB7vU~awqqDfjVcd6ApM9k-uaTouz8jNVOQfqaT97sGoLAtwHCiSvEXd7GPwmX-sN03Y~n6~YqB2Jogr8~KcIzVrEeeW0oIggH9yk5Lp59G3so2QL0B14TU6JVgZHvexUE~I5PPuEk1fgfOlXtFLMPqgWBB7KCb7TAF~lC~qigb05yRfijHLqI7wEW075uqoWUe2GV77XJLhi~-GV-0-KRBdtDVFrbAHOh4PXLSr5hJEL2V7QOe7Ex-mzC4kcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oldsmar City Council on July 15 authorized the city manager to sign and submit three Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMPG) applications to the Florida Division of Emergency Management and FEMA for storm‑resilience projects stemming from Hurricane Helene.

Staff described three separate applications: construction of a fourth filter bay at the wastewater treatment facility to increase treatment capacity and lessen the likelihood of untreated discharges during heavy rain; a cure‑in‑place lining project for gravity sewer clay pipe and manholes to reduce infiltration of stormwater and extend pipe life; and relocation of a sewer force main in the South Oldsmar area to move the pipe off an erosion‑vulnerable footbridge and reduce the risk of storm damage and environmental contamination.

The council first adopted a resolution delegating signature authority to the city manager so staff could complete and sign HMPG applications and related documents. The body then approved each project application request by motion; staff noted the applications are lengthy and require cross‑departmental work from engineering, finance and administration to meet FEMA deadlines.

City staff also said the projects came from the countywide Local Mitigation Strategy list and that Oldsmar staff have been active participants in county mitigation planning, which is a typical prerequisite for federal hazard‑mitigation funding. The council did not appropriate grant matches at the July 15 meeting; staff’s action authorizes submission only. Council members thanked staff for the extra work required to prepare voluminous grant documents on short timelines.","City council authorized the city manager to sign and submit applications for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds to build a fourth filter bay at the wastewater plant, line gravity sewer pipes to reduce infiltration, and relocate a sewer force main in South Oldsmar.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council creates 'Future Leaders' program to let teens attend advisory board meetings; some members call for broader youth outreach

Oldsmar CRA scores 46 on Pinellas County evaluation; council debates whether to seek extension

Oldsmar wins state communications awards for 'Pledge to Evacuate' campaign; Girl Scouts show hurricane‑safety video

Oldsmar certifies proposed millage rate at 4.05 mills for 2025; rollback rate lower at 3.8683

Oldsmar authorizes staff to submit FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant applications for three infrastructure projects