 Non-storm operations, city offices, libraries and recreation centers will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 8 through at least Wednesday, Oct. 9. We will evaluate further closures at a later time. The city is currently monitoring the storm’s impact and taking necessary steps to prepare our residents and buildings. Please take shelter and stay safe wherever you are.
- Emergency pay for those required to work will be activated at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 according to our policy.
- Hourly employees eligible for overtime (Classified SAMP Non-Exempt and Classified Non-SAMP) will be paid at time and a half.
- Unclassified SAMP and Classified SAMP Exempt employees who are required to work will be earning extra vacation time per our current policy.
- Those not assigned to work will be paid for their regular work schedule while city offices are closed.
- Employees paychecks will be direct deposited per our usual process and the funds will be available to you as they normally are.
- All employees are required to be responsive and report to work when assigned.
Pinellas County Issues Mandatory Evacuation for Zones A, B and C
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A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for Zones A, B and C in Pinellas County, including Clearwater. That includes all the barrier islands.
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Beginning at 7 p.m. today, access to the barrier islands will be restricted to residents, business owners, employees who work on the beach, ride-share drivers and debris haulers. At 7 p.m. Tuesday, there will be a hard closure of the barrier islands countywide, which includes Clearwater Beach. No one will be allowed on the barrier islands after that time.
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Hurricane Milton is a dangerous storm that will bring life-threatening storm surge and dangerous winds to the area. If you live in a zone that is under a mandatory evacuation order, you must evacuate. If you saw flooding during Hurricane Helene, you will likely see even worse flooding during Hurricane Milton.
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Businesses on the barrier island, especially those such as restaurants and bars, must close as well.
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During Helene, we had many people calling for help in evacuating when the waters got too high for them to safely evacuate on their own. That likely will not be possible with the strength of Milton.
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Spend the rest of today and Tuesday preparing your home or business for the hurricane. After that, if you live in an evacuation zone, leave your area. If you are not in an evacuation zone, prepare your home and then prepare to hunker down and remain inside during the hurricane. Once Milton gets too close, being outside and traveling on the roads will not be safe.
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It is important for residents to keep up with the latest forecasts and to follow the recommendations of emergency management officials when it comes to what actions to take in the event of an approaching tropical storm or hurricane. If you have questions related to the storm, call the Pinellas County Citizen Information Center at (727) 464-4333.
Payroll
Due to the impending storm, the city is accelerating the biweekly payroll process. Payroll preparers will need to have their payroll processing completed by Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. instead of the 2 p.m. cut-off. This deadline may be accelerated further depending upon developing conditions. Employees will also need to expedite their paperwork and process to assist the payroll preparers.
Hurricane Milton Expense Codes
There is a new expense code for Hurricane Milton. It has been shared with members of the senior management team. It is important that the coding for the two storms is separate for reimbursement purposes. Contact your supervisor for more information if needed.
We Are Here For You
The idea of second crisis event back-to-back is difficult to process right now, especially for any employees who have been impacted by the storm in their personal lives.
Please take this time to prepare your family and your home. That includes drinking enough water, eating healthy foods that help your brain and body perform, and getting the rest we need to recharge.
 Employee Assistance Program
You as a city employee and anyone living in your home has access to five free sessions of counseling and support services through our Cigna Behavioral Health network of providers in our Employee Assistance Program. This program provides dedicated support, lifestyle coaching, online tools, in-person and virtual therapy sessions, personalized learning, and behavioral care. Call (877) 622-4327 to get started.
See below for these important resources from Cigna for you or your teams.
EAP Wellness Webcasts
Happify
The Happify app features science-based activities and games designed to help lessen symptoms of depression and change behavior. Happify is included in plans with Cigna Total Behavioral Health at no cost.
iPrevail
iPrevail offers 24/7 access to digital peer coaching and peer support using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, interactive video lessons and support communities. iPrevail is included in plans with Cigna Total Behavioral Health at no cost.
To learn more about the Cigna Behavioral Health network or to find a provider and start video counseling contact customer service or visit MyCigna.com then visit the Wellness page - Emotional Health.
Talkspace
Talkspace offers messaging or video calls five days a week via video sessions, private text, video, or voice messages with a licensed behavioral therapist providing support for stress, depression, anxiety, relationships, trauma, grief, addiction, eating disorders identity struggles and more.
The program is available to members of the Cigna medical plan at the same cost as an
outpatient office visit to an in-network mental health behavioral provider. To learn more about Talkspace visit www.mycigna.com, click on: Talk to doctor, counselor or nurse, then Connect Now.
Headspace Care (formerly Ginger)
Headspace Care offers all-in-one behavioral coaching and therapy through texting, day or night. A coach can recommend a licensed therapist or psychiatrist, if needed. Member can also access education resources to build emotional well-being skills to support stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, sleep issues and more.
Available to members of the Cigna medical plan at the same cost as an outpatient office visit to an in-network mental health behavioral provider. To learn more about Headspace Care visit www.mycigna.com, click on: Talk to doctor, counselor or nurse, then Connect Now.
Questions?
Reach out to the city's Human Resources Department at (727) 562-4870.
Since city offices will be closed Oct. 8-9, there will not be hurricane camp for employee children.
Employees who drive city vehicles are asked to fill their gas and diesel tanks every day at the Solid Waste fuel site, located at 1701 N. Hercules Ave., until Hurricane Milton arrives. Additional fuel is coming in today, Oct. 7.
If you live in an evacuation zone and have a city vehicle it needs to placed at the nearest city facility for staging.
Report Disaster Relief Needs
If you have experienced significant damage or loss, please contact Human Resources and your supervisor.
Employee Leave Sell Back and Donation
 Classified Non-SAMP and SAMP employees impacted by Hurricane Helene in need of disaster relief can request a one-time sellback of vacation or floating holiday leave by using the attached forms. Additionally, we are establishing an Emergency Leave Pool and are accepting donations of vacation and floating holiday hours. The policy for distributing the emergency leave will be available soon. Currently emergency leave sell back and donation is being offered to non-bargaining employees. This is a new process, please be advised these forms are subject to change.
The City Attorney's department is expediting the necessary measures to offer similar leave sell back and donation pool options to bargaining employees. More details will be forthcoming soon. Any questions should be sent to Human Resources.
Mercado Ribbon-Cutting Is Canceled
The Mercado Grand Opening event has been canceled due to potential weather based on the forecast. Please ensure your relevant personnel are notified.
Stay Informed: Opt in for Text Messages
 The city is sending important text messages to city employee cellphones and personal phones of staff who opt in. They include storm response information just for employees, updates on food for those who are working in recovery zones, and other important updates. If you're not getting these text messages, sign up today.
Storm Updates for Employees
 Stay up-to-date on the latest post-Hurricane Helene employee news by visiting the Employee Storm Updates webpage.
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