To view past issues of The Pen, visitwww.pinellascounty.org/hr/publications.htm.

March 2018 • Vo l . 46 No.3

A Message from Risk Management

Safety in the Workplace

In the wake of recent news about school shootings, we remind you of the video Risk Management shared with all Appointing Authorities and departments in 2017 about active shooters in the workplace, titled “Run, Hide, Fight.” Watch it for help-ful information.

Within the next few weeks, the County will open a site called

“Workplace Security and Safety” in a Share-Point setting. This site will be a storehouse of information for protective measures we all can take for security and safety purposes.

Some of the topics include Phone Bomb Threats, Road Rage, Suspicious Packages, Theft, and Bullying. The site will contain a training video and printable tri-fold brochures for each topic.

The site is the product of the Workplace Security Task Force which includes County Administration, Risk Management, Marketing & Communications, Real Estate Management, Human Resources, and Emergency Manage-ment, with advisors and input from represen-tatives from the Clerk of the Circuit Court, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Office of Human Rights, the Property Appraiser, the Supervisor of Elections and Courts Administration.

We know it is a scary time in the world, and we want to give you tools to help keep you safe. Look for our official site opening from your Appointing Authority or department in the next few weeks and in the April edition of The Pen.

The Annual Emergency Notification and Information Survey is Now OpenEmergency Management has launched the annual Employee Notification and Information Survey. This is a survey that all employees are required to fill out or update each year and is an important tool in making sure the County is prepared for an emergency.

This year’s survey is due by April 30.

Employees who filled out the survey last year will still need to review their answers and make any updates needed. Our new employees should take the time to carefully answer the questions. The information includes specif-ics on how to contact you in the case of an emergency and your job role during an emergency activation. It also asks about your family’s personal emergency plan so it is essential that you already have one in place.

The questions help all of us to quickly deploy when necessary, communi-cate with you fully, and help ensure that you have prepared your own family and home so that they are secure. The information also helps employees have more control over where they will be assigned during emergencies.

Every employee is considered a disaster responder.

As we learned during the 2017 activation for Hurricane Irma, each employee is a critical part of emergency response. Each phase required many hands and many of you contributed to the quality service we provided our citizens before, during and after the event. Many of you were assigned job roles that were very different from those you fill on a daily basis, and you performed them admirably.

Now with the benefit of hindsight, employees better understand what emergency job assignments mean and how important it is to understand these job roles now, and train for them throughout the season.

KNOW YOUR PHASE

The first step to understanding emergency job assignments is to know your phase.

There are three phases of employees: Phase 1, Phase 2 and Personnel Pool (also known as Phase 3).

In emergency activation, Phase 1 personnel are employees with emergency job assignments starting prior to the event and lasting through the initial response to the event. These employees usually ride out the storm at a designated work location.

Phase 2 personnel are employees with emergency job assignments post event impact and leading into recovery. These employees assist in preparing departments by taking protective actions prior to the event, then riding out the storm in a safe location. They then return to work to relieve the Phase 1 employees as needed, or to begin post event job assignments.

The table of contents is on page 2.

Contributed by Ginny Holscher, Director, Risk Management

Continued on page 2.

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BLOOD DRIVE

Mark Your Calendars

Public Works22211 US Hwy. 19 N.Building 1, ClearwaterApril 1212:00 - 5:00

Utilities Building14 S. Fort Harrison Ave. ClearwaterApril 128:30 - 1:30

You can schedule an appointment at

www.oneblooddonor.org.The Pen

A monthly publication by the Pinellas County Human Resources Department

EDITOR: Mary L. Sault

Would you like to put something in the Pen?Let us know by the first of the month.

And be sure to include photos!employee.communications@pinellascounty.org

(727) 464-5098

Logan Lab1620 Ridge RoadLargoMarch 2710:00 - 12:00

Downtown ClearwaterCourthouse315 Court St., west lotApril 1111:00 - 4:00

INSIDEAsk HR / Class & Comp Study Update ... 3

HR On the Move ... 3

FSASE Scholarships Deadline March 29 ... 4

SPC Career Fair: Interns Rock the Fair ... 4

Did You Know ...? 4

Employee Suggestion Awards Program ... 5

HR 2017 Annual Report Data ... 5

Upcoming Classes ... 6

Get Ready for the Next Opportunity ... 6

Service Anniversaries ... 7

Promotions / Toastmasters / Retirements ... 8

Welcome Aboard! ... 9

Sunstar FirstCare Ambulance Membership ... 10

Pets of the Month ... 10

Green Pinellas / Record Keeper ... 11

Consumer Corner ... 11

EXTRA: Obituaries and Tribute ... 12

EXTRA: CASA’s Soup-er Bowl Food Drive ...13

Click on the topic to go directly to the page.

Personnel Pool (Phase 3) personnel are employees without an agency or departmental emergency job assignment during Phase 1 or 2. These employees are critical to keeping the County operational before the emergency, helping to implement their department’s emergency plans, which would include the protection of County assets and closing offices. While every effort is made to ensure adequate staffing for emergency jobs prior to a storm’s impact, Personnel Pool employees could be called upon to fill an emergency job before, during or after an emergency event.

Personnel Pool (Phase 3) employees are asked to sign up for a Phase Reassignment of Employees in Pinellas (PREP) emergency job assignment. This is the program that gives you the opportunity to request the type of job role you would like to fill during an emergency event.

While reviewing job assignments, Personnel Pool employ-ees should also review the training that is required for each job. This information can be found on the Emergen-cy Management Intranet site. Basic FEMA courses are available online or in a classroom setting. Advanced training courses vary with each PREP emergency job assignment. Please discuss your choice and the training requirements with your supervisor before selecting a PREP job assignment. Those who do not pre-select a PREP job assignment during the survey will select the Personnel Pool job assignment.

If you have any questions, please see your Employee Survey / PREP Coordinator.

As Hurricane Irma taught us, all of the emergency job roles are critical. The preparation and training that precedes an emergency makes us better leaders and adds to our job skills. As public servants we all share a dedica-tion to the community, and there is no time those services are needed more than in an emergency.

TAKE THE SURVEY.Pinellas County Jail14400 49th St. NClearwaterApril 911:00 - 4:00

Annual Emergency Notification Survey - continued from page 1.

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Q. Could you please go over the Workplace ViolencePolicy? Specifically weapons on County owned/leased property?

A. The Workplace Violence Policy addresses the pos-session of firearms and other weapons on Countypremises during working hours while on duty.

This County policy does not allow firearms in facili-ties or on premises unless they meet exceptions asstated in Florida Statute 790.251.

This Workplace Violence Policy also states that allother (non-firearm) weapons as described in sectionIV.7 are prohibited.

It is recommended that employees familiarize them-selves with the Workplace Violence Policy and the Florida Statute regarding firearms and weapons.

Class & Comp Study UpdateEvergreen is preparing three classification plan solutions for consideration. Jeff Ling of Evergreen Solutions will share information associated with the various classification structure options with Appoint-ing Authorities.

Finalizing the classification plan will lead to the following final steps of the project:

▶ Linking current classifications to thenew/proposed classifications

▶ Finalizing job family career paths

▶ Assigning classification placements into thenew salary ranges

▶ Establishing and communicating theimplementation plan

You can now find the Human Resources Employment Office on the 4th floor of the Annex building, 400 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater.

Looking for the Benefits Office (health insurance questions, retirement preparation, etc.)? Benefits is now located on the 1st floor of the Annex.

All contact information remains the same.

Human Resources main phone number: (727) 464-3367 or email humanresources@pinellascounty.org.

Benefits main phone number: (727) 464-4570 or email employee.benefits@pinellas county.org.

On the Move

Q. Do all Appointing Authorities follow the recommen-dations of Pinellas County Human Resources fordecisions related to their area of expertise? Becausewe hear ‘It is up to the Appointing Authority’ attimes when we inquire with questions.

A. Each Appointing Authority is in the position to makedecisions that will affect their organization. HumanResources, as with other service provider depart-ments, provides advice and guidance based oncurrent laws, regulations, guidelines, policies,research and best practices. However, the need forcustomization and enforcement for decisions madeis handled by the Appointing Authority.

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Statewide Supervisors of Elections AssociationOffering Three College Scholarships in 2018

The Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections (FSASE), comprised of the State of Florida’s county election supervisors, will award $1,200 scholarships to three qualified students in 2018.

College students majoring in the following: political science, public administration, business administra-tion, journalism or mass communications; enrolled

as a junior or senior at an accredited Florida college or university; and registered to vote are eligible to apply.

“I am proud our association is able to provide these financial scholarships to deserving college students and future leaders,” said Pinellas County Supervi-

sor of Elections Deborah Clark. “I encourage eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity and submit their completed applications.”

Excerpted from Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Press Release, Jan. 17, 2018

The scholarship application and complete list of scholarship guidelines, which includes require-ments for letters of recommendation and financial information, are available for download at www.VotePinellas.com/Scholarships.

Scholarship applications must be received by 5:00 p.m., Thursday, March 29, 2018, and should be submitted in the county in which the student is registered to vote. Students who are registered Pinellas County voters should return completed applications to any of the three Supervi-sor of Elections Offices: 315 Court St., Room 117, Clearwater; 13001 Starkey Rd., Largo; or 501 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg.

For additional information or to receive an application by mail, please call the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Office at (727) 464-VOTE (8683) or email VoterEd@VotePinellas.com.

There was a great turnout at the February 21 Career Fair at St. Petersburg College—Tarpon Springs campus. Human Resources staff handed out some 225 fliers about current and upcoming job postings. Poten-tial candidates posessed a mixture of experiences, age groups and interests. Surprisingly, quite a few people said they are making a career change.

Special thanks to interns Brandon and Michelle. They “rocked the fair” and went above and beyond. They both took initiative to hand out fliers by the door and directed people to Pinellas County’s booth. SPC said that we were one of the busiest tables!

Pictured: Brandon Hale, HR Intern, Michelle Minis, HR Intern, both with the SPC Public Policy & Admininistration program, Bertha Battle and Irena Karolak, Human Resources staff.

SPC Career Fair: Pinellas County Interns “Rock the Fair”

Did you know ... ?... nearly 37% of UPS employees are between the ages of 50 and 59?

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Employee Suggestion Awards Program

Did you know ... ?... according to the 2017 Employee Voice Survey, 89% of UPS employees are likely to recommend working for Pinellas County. The Employee Suggestion Awards Program has been

rewarding employees for their suggestions for almost four decades.

The program awards up to $2,500 cash to employees for ideas that improve productivity, efficiency, quality and/or cost effectiveness.

All employees in the classified service including temporary and part-time employees are eligible.

The suggestion should identify a problem or area which could be improved and recommend a remedy or improvement.

For a complete list of non-eligible items, see the Guidelines.

How do you submit a suggestion? Complete the Suggestion Form.

For complete information on the program, visit the Suggestion Awards Program web page.

Ready to quit tobacco? Free help is available in-person, by phone, or online. View Tobacco Cessation resources available to help you quit.

Find this data and more in the 2017 Pinellas County Human Resources Annual Report. Learn about our new structure, contact informa-tion, accomplishments and find out what we’re doing to cultivate a diverse, talented, and engaged workforce prepared to effectively serve the citizens of Pinellas County.

www.cdc.gov/tobacco/infographics/health-effects/index.htm#annual-deaths

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Upcoming Training Classes

Some classes fill up quickly so request enrollment early through OPUS Learning Management (OLM).

PLEASE NOTE: The 2018 Consortium Training Catalog is under construction with an anticipated publication of March 30, 2018. In the meantime, please view the 3-month calendar or contact us at training@pinellascounty.org or 464-3796 with questions.

Tech BiTs

Technology Training Lab Self-Service HoursMarch 16 2-4 p.m.

March 19 9-11 a.m.

March 23 2-4 p.m.

March 26 9-11 a.m.

March 30 2-4 p.m.

For assistance logging in or navigating ULearnIT, please arrive at the lab (Annex, Room 138) one-half hour early.

▶ BYOE (Bring Your Own Earbuds).

Questions? Call (727) 464-3796.

Managing Relationships3/29/18, 3.5 hours

How good are the relationships that you have with your colleagues, your boss? Should you be friends on Facebook with your boss and coworkers?

The way that you interact with others in the work-place is important. Bottom line: All relationships need to be nurtured, whether they're with your business colleagues or your family and friends.

Good working relationships, where everyone feels respected and supported, help promote a posi-tive work culture. Building and maintaining good work relationships will not only make you more engaged and committed to your organization, it can also open doors to key projects and career advancement.

Dealing with Ambiguity4/5/18, 3.5 hours

Acting with incomplete information, adapting to change, working without complete direction, imagining what’s possible in an uncertain future – these are skills no longer reserved for the execu-tive. Every manager and team member will be more effective with greater skills in this arena.

How well do you deal with ambiguity? Ambiguity is challenging by the definition but you can learn to deal with it. It’s not easy but, tackling the topic head on will save a lot of wasted time and emotional energy for you and your team.

The best leaders are those that rise to the challenge of ambiguity and respond with confidence and adaptability.

Five Questions Every Leader Must Ask4/10/18, 7 hours

The Framework for Leadership uses a set of highly effective questions to shift a group’s focus from a problem orientation to one of solutions and success.

The five questions in the Framework can be applied to almost every management challenge: improving teamwork, resolving conflicts, encour-aging performance improvement, solving prob-lems, managing projects, and much more.

Get Yourself Ready for the Next Opportunity! Current data indicates nearly 500 employees are eligible to retire right now. We expect over 400 positions will become vacant in the next 1-3 years. If you’re interested in moving up – or over – prepare yourself for success with the new Learning Paths coming by the end of March from Pinellas County Human Resources’ Organizational and Talent Development team.

Learning Paths will offer many different learning options for diverse learning styles. This will include instructor-led classes along with courses, videos and books via our online learning portal, ULearnIT.

There are seven paths which will be avail-able including the new Core, Emerging Leader, Evolving Leader and Strategic Leader paths. There’s something for every role and every person in our organization. Earn Pinellas County microcertifications, adding competencies to your profile and distinction to your résumé.

Work with your supervisor and our learning coach to select the right path for you. Questions? Call (727) 464-3796 or email training@pinellascounty.org.

Did you know ... ?... in 2017, 249 people utilized ULearnIT to access online training, and have completed 127 courses in 421 hours.

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15 YEARS Ruben Bosch-Cardona ........................Tax Collector’s OfficeRobert Burke ............................................................... UtilitiesWilliam Froberg .............. Parks & Conservation ResourcesBarbara Hanks ..............................Clerk of the Circuit CourtMelissa Harrison ................................................Public WorksKenneth Houston ....................................................... UtilitiesGrady McCall ................................................................ AirportJohn Mize ...................................... Real Estate ManagementCarlton Peters ............................... Real Estate ManagementSteve Soltau ................................................................. Utilities

10 YEARSMatthew Albright ..................Safety & Emergency ServicesJeanette Brazzell ..................................Tax Collector’s OfficeJonathan Garish ................... Business Technology ServicesDavid Knoph ..........................Safety & Emergency ServicesGregory Lepper ....................................Tax Collector’s OfficeElizabeth Lewis ............................ Real Estate Management

SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES30 YEARS

Unavailable for Photo30 Years Mark Carver, Utilities, Karen Cousin, Safety & Emergency Services, James Harrell, Public Works, Charles Hoffman, Utilities, Mark Smith, Property Appraiser’s Office, Vickie Tingue, Utilities

25 Years Donna Beim, Safety & Emergency Services

20 Years Paul Bellhorn, Public Works, Antonio Horrnik, Public Works, John Kostreles, Building Services, Joseph Lauro, Purchasing, David Lettington, Public Works, Kerwin Small, Real Estate Management, Toyanne Swindell, Clerk of the Circuit Court

25 YEARS

5 YEARSJohn Bishop ........................................................Public Works Frank Ciafone ....................................................... Solid Waste Shantina Collins ............................Clerk of the Circuit CourtDeborah Colton ...................................Tax Collector’s OfficeScott Glaeser .................................................Human ServicesGlenys Guerre ............................Property Appraiser’s OfficePaul Hayes ............................................................ Solid Waste Zeffery Mims ................................................Human ServicesRuth O’Bier ....................................Clerk of the Circuit CourtBenjamin Panike ................................................. Solid Waste Joseph Passaretti ................. Business Technology ServicesMario Rugghia ...................................................... Solid Waste Holly Rush........................ Parks & Conservation Resources Beth Sanders .................................Clerk of the Circuit CourtAnthony Stran .............................................Building ServicesRandall Vandermolen ........ Business Technology ServicesEdward Weller ...........................Property Appraiser’s Office

Continued next page

20 YEARS

Tawana CooksClerk of the Circuit

Court

Nancy PageParks & Conservation

Resources

Rebecca ClaudyClerk of the Circuit

Court

Debra VaccaSafety & Emergency

Services

Terry DarleyAirport

Rachel RetzerUtilities

Joe Borries, Emergency Management, Dontell Green, Public Works

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PromotionsPromotions listed are for February 2018.

Board of County Commissioners

Clerk of the Circuit Court

WHEN: 6:00 - 7:15 p.m. 1st & 3rd Wednesdays each month

WHERE: Marketing & Communications Bldg., Studio B, 333 Chestnut St., Clearwater

For more information please contact: Greta Finney, 464-8961 or gfinney@pinellascounty.org

Building ServicesJason Warr ..................................................Elect Insp 2

Development Review ServicesLauren Doing ............................................Envir Spec 2

Human ServicesZeffery Mims ....................................... Vet Svcs Ofcr Sr

Parks & Conservation ResourcesRobyn Humphries ................................. Office Spec SrAdam Kiehn .............................................Envir Spec Sr

Public WorksKyle Bennett ......................................................Maint 2Vincent Jones ................................ Trnsptn Sys Tech 2Michelle Monteclaro ................................Envir Spec 2William Moore ......................................Opns Mgr AsstBrian Phiscator ...........Pub Wks Opns Field Coord Sr

PurchasingRosa Garcia .......................... Procurement Analyst LdRianner Woodard .............................. Trne UF B EEO2

Safety & Emergency ServicesChristopher Armey ..............Pub Safety Telecomm 1Amanda Kostacky ................Pub Safety Telecomm 1Jessica Rayburn ....................Pub Safety Telecomm 1

UtilitiesIsaiah Jackson ................................ Proj Coord-AdminDobbie Moore ................................. Elec/Mech Tech 2Dontrell Smith ........................ Wtr/Wstwtr Plt Oper 2Nancy Squires .................................... Cust Svc Spec Sr

Vienda Facyson ...........................Cust Info Ctr Spec 2Tiffany King ................................................. Jury Coord

Tax Collector

Mikell Edens ..........................................Lead Tax TechKenia Latelers .......................................Lead Tax TechKelsey Lowe ...........................................Lead Tax TechEvelyn Rivera .........................................Lead Tax Tech

RetiRements

OveR 19 YeaRs OveR 15 YeaRs

REPCO’s next meeting is April 9 starting at 11:30 a.m. at Applebee’s Restaurant, 5110 East Bay Drive in Largo. A representative from the State Crime Prevention Task Force will provide an update on crime prevention techniques and equipment. If you have questions, contact Rudy Garcia at (813) 855-3466 or rdgarcia@verizon.net.

You don’t have to be a Pinellas County retiree to attend. Current employees and family members are also welcome.

REPCO News

Katrina “Trina” ShislerContract Services Specialist Sr.

Technical Services

Lynn HarperCase Manager 2Human Services

3 YEARSYvette Aehle ................................................................. AirportSamuel Barker ............................................Building ServicesBrian Borzelliere ...........................Clerk of the Circuit CourtBrittany Christopher....................Emergency ManagementDianna Demyan ..................................Tax Collector’s OfficeErin Dowie ...................................... Management & BudgetAshley Flaherty .........................Property Appraiser’s OfficeGary Gray ............................................................Public Works Elyssa Haskins ........................Safety & Emergency ServicesMatthew Higgins ...........................Clerk of the Circuit CourtKimberly Jacobson .......................Clerk of the Circuit CourtSusan Koehler ....................................................Public Works Lora Kyle-Woodall ........................... Supervisor of Elections Ashley Long ........................................................Public Works Allyson Matos ................................Clerk of the Circuit CourtHelena McMillon ..........................Clerk of the Circuit CourtDavid Mitchell ...............................................Animal ServicesCameron Moeller......................................................... AirportChristopher Moore ...................................................PlanningVivian Padron ..............................................Human ServicesVanessa Quintana ..............Marketing & CommunicationsJuli Radloff .....................................................Animal ServicesAjaya Satyal ..................... Parks & Conservation Resources Kenneth Smith .......................Safety & Emergency ServicesMichael Smith ............................................................. Utilities Andrew Tingling ................................................Public Works

Service Anniversaries - Continued

Pinellas Parler Toastmasters Sharpen your communication and leadership skills in a supportive setting with coworkers.

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Board of County Commissioners

Welcome Aboard!New employees listed are for February 2018.

New Employee Orientation Feb. 26

New Employee Orientation Feb. 12

Development Review ServicesDebra Whittaker ....................................Code Inf Spec

Emergency ManagementRegina Hagger .......................... Emer Mgmt Coord Sr

Human ServicesKrupa Patel............................... Hum Svcs Case Mgr 2

Marketing & CommunicationsBrian Derr ..........................................Digital & AV MgrArelys Escalera ........................ Proj Coord-Proj Mgmt

Parks & Conservation ResourcesJustin Carboni........................... Park/Prsve Maint WkrEric Teitelbaum ...............................................Env Spec

Public WorksDerrick Bennett ..........................................Spray TechRhonda Bowman ........................................Prof Eng 2 Carolyn Cheatham Rhodes ................ Envir Prog Mgr Cristina Francisco........................................ Env Spec 1 Alexandra Mauer ........................................ Env Spec 1Clinton Whitman ........................... Opns Maint mech

Regional 911Dillon Bean .................. 911 Pub Safety Telecomm 1 Tyler Burk ...................... 911 Pub Safety Telecomm 1John Lubick .................. 911 Pub Safety Telecomm 1 Justin McGreevy ........... 911 Pub Safety Telecomm 1 David Strohauer .......... 911 Pub Safety Telecomm 1

Real Estate ManagementDerek Weaver..................................... Sr Reg Architect

UtilitiesDale Dowie ....................................... Prop & Strs Clk 3 Jershalim Espinoza ............................... Cust Svcs SpecStephanie Kapfenstein ..............Wstwtr Treatmt Mgr

Clerk of the Circuit CourtAlicia Dietz ............................................. Crt Rec Spec 1Nicole Graham ..........................................Fis Rec Spec Denzel Lopez ............................................Fis Rec SpecMarkell Riley .......................................... Crt Rec Spec 1

Business Technology Services

Rajgopal Reddyreddy .......................... Info Tech SME William Shafer ............................. Info Tech Analyst Sr

Tax Collector’s OfficeAnna McElroy ...................................... Cust Svc Tech 1

AAA ZZZINDEX

to

Find what you need on the HR website quickly and easily

with the A to Z Index. Access the link on the blue menu bar from any Human Resources web page. New index items are added fre-quently. Let us know if you have items to add.

Find it Fast: HR from A to Z

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Pets of the Month

Adopt one or both of these beauties, fully vaccinated, spayed, microchipped and more from Pinellas County Animal Services at 12450 Ulmerton Road in Largo. View more adoptables at www.pinellascounty.org/animalservices/ Adoption_Center.htm.

CurlyCurly has been waiting a long time to go “home for the holidays.” He’s a lucky charm for St. Paddy’s and your snuggle bunny for Easter! Curly murmurs softly for attention from caretakers and is so grateful to receive it. He’s a quiet, gentle, fawn-colored fellow that sits politely for treats, walks easily on a leash and greets a worn tennis ball as if it were a shiny new toy. Curly appears house trained and tolerant, too. Adopt this tall and soulful companion.

FelixWhen you first meet Felix there are a couple things you will notice about this very handsome boy; a quirky left ear and extra toes on his front paws. Curious and alert, you will also find Felix to be a friendly boy who will prob-ably enjoy just hanging out and maybe some playtime with his family.

Contributed by Pinellas County Animal Services

Sunstar FirstCare Ambulance Membership Available

The enrollment period for Sunstar FirstCare Ambulance Membership is underway for Pinellas County residents to save money on medical transportation costs.

The Sunstar FirstCare Ambulance Membership is not an insurance plan. It is a Pinellas County government program that works with an individual’s insurance company to cover out-of-pocket ambulance expenses. The membership covers 100 percent of expenses associated with deductibles and co-payment. It also covers 50 percent of the cost for any trips denied by the insurance company. If members are uninsured, they receive a 20 percent discount on ambulance trans-portation services. This is an average savings of $80 per transport. The family membership covers those related by blood, marriage or adoption who reside in the same household. For more information, call (727) 582-2008 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/firstcare.

Contributed by Marketing & Communications Department

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If your cell phone suddenly stops working and is constantly in emergency mode, you may have fallen victim to the port-out scam.

The port-out scam occurs when a scam artist obtains a consumer’s personal informa-tion, such as their phone number, last four digits of their social security number, and name and address. They then use this information to switch the consumer’s phone number over to a new device in the scammer’s possession. Once the number is ported, your phone calls and texts messages will go to the scammer, who now has control over your number. This leaves the consumer with an inactive phone--and gives the scammer control over the consumer’s other accounts.

Here are some tips to prevent this scam from happening:

• Step-up a PIN: Contact your carrier and ask them to add a personal identificationnumber (PIN) to your account. You’ll be required to provide the PIN any time youwant to make changes to your account.

• Use strong passwords: With any online account, use passwords containing upper and lower case letters, numberand characters. Do not reuse passwords and use different passwords for every account.

• Be wary of suspicious emails or phone calls: If you receive suspicious emails or phone calls claiming to be fromyour service provider or bank, do not respond. Instead, contact the company or bank directly with the contactinformation you have for them.

For more consumer tips, to check the complaint history of a business or to file a complaint, contact Pinellas CountyConsumer Protection at (727) 464-6200 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/consumer/tips.htm.

Consumer Corner

Connie Consumer?

Create Sustainable SolutionsVision • Innovation • Collaboration

For more Solutions for Your Life, click image.

Connecting Communities Through Service

Pinellas Extension volunteers donated 15,839 hours in 2017. That’s almost 2,000 days!

Find out how you can get involved.

THE RECORD KEEPER

Did you know when files are saved in PDF format that they utilize less storage space and are faster to open than TIFF files? Records Management is here to help you with your imaging needs, and we are happy to share best practices for converting your paper records to digital format. Our imaging team consistently captures the best possible electronic images from paper records, and they make it look easy!

If you are interested in having Records Management convert your paper records to electronic format, please contact us at (727) 464-5555 and ask to speak with Kimberly Ingram.

Imaging File Types

Are You a Victim of the Port-out Scam?

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Employee and family news including kudos, weddings, births, graduations, memorials, and classified ads. Send your news to employee.communications@pinellascounty.org or call 464-5098.

Gone but not ForgottenThe Pen is saddened to report the passing of the following retiree:

Jim Rolston, 68, passed away March 3. He retired from Pinellas County Utilities as Director of Operations in August 2010 after 22 years of service. Post-retirement, Jim followed his dream and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual and Performing Arts from Eckerd College in 2012, and became the owner and artist-in-residence of the Red Zen Art Gallery.

Jim leaves his wife of 46 years, Susan, two daughters, two grandchildren, six sisters and brothers, and six great-nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held Friday, April 6 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Raphael Catholic Church in St. Petersburg. Friends may visit with the family at noon at the Church. The family asks that no flowers be sent but prefers memorial contributions to be made to the Jim Rolston Emerging Artist Award Fund at the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance (www.stpetartalliance.org).

Read the obituary outlining Jim’s distinctive life in the Tampa Bay Times online. This article provides more details about Jim, his work, his art and his volunteerism in the community.

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Jim’s favorite quotes were: “Treat everyone the way you would like to be treated” and “Never never never give up.” Here are some tributes from employees who worked with Jim:

In 2004 my mother was diagnosed as terminally ill during the Christmas holidays. I absolutely LOVED Christmas but that year there were no presents, decorations or Christmas tree. All of my families’ time was spent on shifts at the hospital caring for my mother. One day, after a particularly long night, I was angry, really angry. I was angry with God and basically the whole world for the pain my mother was enduring. She didn’t deserve this – her entire life was spent caring for and loving others. It wasn’t fair. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. A special delivery of a beauti-ful Waterford Christmas ornament was sent to me by none other than Jim Rolston. I always told Jim his timing was impeccable. At that moment, thanks to him, I was quickly reminded of all the goodness and kindness in this world. It comes at the time you least expect it, and often when you need it most.

Now, as I decorate my Christmas tree each year, I carefully unwrap this treasured gift, and find just the perfect spot on the tree. This year, I sent Jim a picture of it – no words were necessary.

There are so many good things to share about Jim Rolston. He was a strong leader and a respected colleague. He served his country, his county and his community. He was tough when you needed to be toughened-up and gentle when your heart was hurting. He was a devoted father and grandfather – family meant everything to him.

Jim left us way too soon and many words were not yet spoken, however, I have to believe somehow he knew he made a difference to many people from all walks of life. I am so fortunate that our lives crossed paths and will be forever grateful to him for his compassion and unwavering friendship. Jim Rolston was a great man and will be sorely missed by anyone who was lucky enough to have known him.

— Michelle Milford

“Jim was a ‘silent hero’ to a young girl he had never met. He realized the need for a positive role model for her based on a story I shared as an Loaned Executive for the United Way. He made one call that influ-enced a decision to not only make a difference but show compassion for a young girl in need. My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude for his kindness and sadness for his family’s loss.

— Jolanda Jordan

So sad. I will always remember him. He was one of the pillars on which Pinellas County Utilities was built. He was my inter-im director for a period of time and I asked him once what you needed to do to get an excellent on a review. He calmly replied,

“walk on water ... without getting your feet wet.” Loved that! He so enjoyed his retire-ment and doing what he loved best. Thank you Jim for your guidance, support and example. For those that knew him even better than I, so sorry for your loss. Life is short; we all need to start living it.

— Mary LaPierre

I recall when we were staying at the Ron-ald McDonald House in St. Pete when my daughter was in the hospital many years ago. Seeing Jim and his wife serving meals to the Ronald McDonald House guests ... on Christmas Day. I will always remember that selfless act.

— Water Quality Division Member

I worked for Jim for 10 years. He was the best boss I ever had in my entire career. He was always focused, direct, clear, and empathetic. An honest man of the highest integrity who was always willing to help others. For example, when one of his sub-ordinate’s employees was in the hospital in Tampa, it was Jim who drove over there after work to visit with her; to cheer her up and show his support. His artwork was recognized by the Pinellas County Art show and many others yet it was something he did humbly without bragging. Jim was a truly great person.

— Keith Dekle

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Pinellas County Volunteer Services coordinated this year’s County-wide Soup-er Bowl donation drive for CASA St. Petersburg. Many employees and volunteers participated in the drive, donating 25 boxes of food items. Here are photos of some of the contributing departments.

CASA’s 2018 Soup-er Bowl: Food Drive for a Safe Home Gone but not

ForgottenThe Pen is saddened to report the passing of the following retirees:

Kam Millheim, 60, passed away February 20. She retired from the Tax Collector’s Office in September 2016 with over 17 years of service. She was a Customer Services Technician in the mid-County office.

Florence Jacobson, 89, passed away February 19. She retired from Pinellas County in 1991.