Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: as of July 2 at 4 p.m.

As of July 2, Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces. This order applies to counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions. 

View ...

Chef Bismark’s Recipes Make You the Star of the July 4th BBQ

Make a holiday meal this weekend to rival the best cooks in Texas with help from Plano’s Chef Bismark Quintanilla. The Plano Event Center executive chef consistently produces crowd-pleasing menus here and around the nation.

To help make your July...

July 4th Fireworks Take to the Sky, But the Parade is Grounded

COVID-19 social distancing made it necessary for the City to modify the event, but we still get to see fireworks this weekend. Sadly, large gatherings like our Independence Day Parade aren’t possible this year.

Plano’s All American 4th ...

Avoid the Pain of Injuries from Consumer Fireworks

The lure of setting off fireworks can be hard to resist, but Plano Fire-Rescue (PFR) wants everyone to do just that –resist! First, there is a City ordinance prohibiting the manufacturing, storage and use of fireworks within City limits. Violati...

Perform an Act of Kindness. Donate Blood.

This is generally the time of year we promote one of the most contested battles in Plano history – the Battle of the Badges. Although we aren’t able to conduct our first responders’ annual blood drive, the need still exists i...

Get Movin’…July is National Parks & Recreation Month

Let’s get the ball rolling and honor our recreation professionals for all of July during National Park and Recreation Month. Plano’s top-notch Parks & Recreation staff works year-round providing award-winning programs, events and g...

Avoid Long Lines and Take Advantage of Early Voting

Early voting for the July 14 Runoff Elections began on June 29 and ends on Friday, July 10. Governor Greg Abbott extended the early voting period because of the coronavirus. Casting ballots before Election Day could mean avoiding large crowds and better s...

Complete the PISD Child Care Survey by July 6

Earlier this week, a SERVE notice was emailed inviting your participation in a Plano Independent School District survey. Plano ISD is exploring a possible partnership with the City of Plano to offer child care for employees.

The deadline to complete the su...

“Working from Home” SCAM Costs You Money

Looking to earn money with an online job is commonplace these days – for many it’s their primary source of income. What if your efforts to bring money into the house ends up sucking money out of your pocket? The Plano Police Safety Min...

SERVE-ing Safely

After working remotely for roughly three months, our state and city are continuing to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The process to thoughtfully transition some employees back to the workplace has begun. If you are instructed to return to work by yo...

Map Out Your Future at Pre-Retirement Meetings

It’s never too early to think about your retirement nest egg. If you plan to retire within the next five years, attending one of next month’s online workshops is a smart move. The City’s Employee Pre-Retirement Meetings are s...

Watch the 45th Annual Plano Police Awards Ceremony

The Plano Police staff was forced to change how their annual employee recognition event was held due to COVID-19 concerns. The ceremony took place in the Toler Meeting Room to honor department members who performed above and beyond this past year.

Chief Ed...

Coming Soon: Virtual Lunchtime Meditation Classes

Join Stress-Management Specialist Skila Ramirez for a calming 30-minute lunchtime meditation class. Skila is an international yoga educator, public speaker and YogaFit senior trainer specializing in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) therapy applicatio...

Inside Plano Talks with Chief Drain and Shares the Latest Reopening News

Episode 30 of our popular Inside Plano podcast presents a candid conversation about Police and community relations with Chief Ed Drain. Don’t miss out as he shares the department’s philosophy and policies. Show hosts Shannah Hayley and...

Plano Balloon Festival Comes to Sad Decision

Another Plano tradition bites the COVID-19 dust as organizers officially cancel this year’s Central Market Plano Balloon Festival (PBF). In these uncertain times, the Festival board and staff considered the health and safety of Festival attendee...

See July 4th Holiday Closures of City Facilities and Services

Independence Day falls on a Saturday this year – YAY – which means there’s not much disruption to City services. With all of the garbage most people generate over a long holiday weekend, it’s good our trash and recy...

No Friends of Plano Public Library Book Sale for 2020

Friends of the Plano Public Library released the sad news that this year’s annual Book Sale is cancelled. The announcement comes after organizers weighed concerns for the health and safety of shoppers and volunteers attending the event.

The Frien...

Neighborhood Services is Moving Back to the Eastside

Neighborhood Services’ staff of 51 will take up residence on Monday, June 22 with plenty of room to spread out and grow. The new building at 777 E. 15th Street is on the northwest corner of 15th Street and G Avenue St. (Historic Downtown).

Moving...

Think Outside the Can to Thank Trash & Recycling Workers

It’s National Waste and Recycling Workers Week (June 14-20), so let’s collectively show appreciation for the great job they do for the City! The men and women keeping Plano clean, especially during these chaotic times, have never stopp...

Make Tracks as Play in the Park Goes Virtual

Plano Parks & Recreation’s annual Play in the Park program is going virtual starting Thursday, July 2 at 9 a.m. The weekly outing has been modified from outdoors to online due to COVID-19 restrictions. It’s a different format, same...

Don’t Let High Temps Turn Food Bad

It’s the time of year when people are cooking outside more – usually away from refrigerators and sinks. As summer heats up, so does the potential for bacterial growth in the delicious foods you prepare. Protect yourself, your family an...

Help Your Family by Organizing Your Finances

It’s a good idea to get your financial life organized so a spouse or other family member can easily manage things, if necessary. Unfortunately, this task is often put on the back burner. Some people never get around to it, leaving grieving famil...

Don’t Just Function…Thrive through Tough Times

Functioning in our ever-changing environment, it could feel like you’re in the midst of a storm (personal crisis). Some may not know how to move through the storm. Being uncertain of what lies ahead and perhaps unsure of how to make a difference...

Dive in as Jack Carter Pool Reopens this Month

Splash! That’s the sound many Plano residents have been longing to hear again at Jack Carter Pool (JCP). The wait will soon be over as JCP reopens on Monday, June 29. Under the governor’s May 26 executive order, water parks throughout ...

Make a Statement – Wear the New SERVE Shirt and Plano Face Mask

When is a shirt more than a shirt? When it is a Team Plano SERVE shirt! Yes, this is the third year in a row that SERVE shirts are available to all Team Plano members, both current and those hired throughout the year.

Soon everyone will receive the 2020 SE...

Congratulate Sandra Rodgers-Tomeo on her Promotion to Asst. Police Chief

It’s official, Plano Police Lieutenant Sandra Rodgers-Tomeo is our newly sworn-in Assistant Chief of Police. The promotion became effective on June 1 during a small ceremony that included her husband Richard and two grandsons Austin and Carter.

T...

Face the Cause of Your Stress

Ignoring the cause of our stress does not get us anywhere. It’s really important that you do your best to face your stress. Figure out what the root cause is in order to manage it and be better prepare if or when the situation comes up again. Be...

Team Plano 5K Race Sets Record for Medal Winners!

Over 230 participants from across the organization ran or walked through neighborhoods and parks, and on treadmills in the first-ever virtual Team Plano 5K (TP5K) last month. Those who took part were able to complete the event at their own pace&hellip...

Tour a Fire-Rescue Squad & Hear What the Fire Marshal’s Office Does

Emergency calls often result in several kinds of first responder vehicles arriving on the scene. Why? For some, the words fire marshal sounds like that person enforces fire laws. Are they right?

Get the answer to that first question as Firefighter/Paramedi...

Apply Now for Housing & Living Assistance through Collin CARES

Grants are available for eligible Collin County residents impacted by COVID-19. The Collin CARES Assistance Program will provide up to $2,500 in monthly financial aid to each qualifying household.

Approved applicants receive funds to pay for housing, utili...

Do Mosquitoes Pick YOU out of the Crowd…every time?

You may be itching to get outside, but it’s the season for unwanted company to hone in on your fun – mosquitoes. The Environmental Health and Sustainability (EHS) team began setting traps in April to study these blood-sucking pests.

Cap...

Try TMRS’s New Town Square…they’re Open for Business

The Texas Municipal Retirement System has great news about assisting members under COVID-19 restrictions. TMRS is pleased to announce the TMRS Town Square. This new web page contains resources members and cities can access instead of personal contact with...

Add Zoom Training Courses to Outlook Calendars

Sometimes we sign up for virtual classes and workshops, but miss out because the events aren’t on our Outlook calendars. This happens more now since COVID-19 halted in-person training sessions.

Typically, an “add to your calendar&rd...

Flexible Spending Accounts and COVID-19 Elections Changes

Due to recent coronavirus-related life events, flexible spending account participants may be eligible to change their elections. For some whose life situations were altered, there are options to suspend, modify or add an election.

Dependent Care Flexible S...

Zone-out at Lunch with Art and Music

Step back a little from all the COVID-madness to feed your soul with art and music! Delve into free virtual creative experiences courtesy of Plano Arts and Events. Here’s what’s being offered:

Mondays: Free Live Art ClassTake an online ...

Link into John Stanley and Emily Reddington: Every Job Has Purpose

Human Resources and Communications and Community Outreach departments joined talents on a recent project. The focus, “Every Job Has Purpose.” The series of videos regularly showcase Team Plano members and why they chose to work here.

Th...

Get a Handle on COVID- 19 and Your Mental Wellness

Mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and wellbeing. While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health.

There is a helpful guide fro...

How to Practice Social Distancing and Still be Social!

Here are a few suggestions on how to stay social during these unsettling times! Social isolation is detrimental to one’s mental health and wellbeing, so it’s important to stay connected with the world outside, even if it’s a ...

COVID-19 Affects City Budget

Key information was shared during the March 25 Management Team meeting that impacts all of Team Plano. The 2020-21 Budget for the City of Plano will feel the COVID-19 pinch. However, Plano is still budgeted well enough to sustain the City’s Exce...

Team Plano Coronavirus DAILY UPDATE

A lot happens related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) every day. Get the latest on the Team Plano COVID-19 FAQ page.

This should be your first stop for information on benefits coverage for testing and medical care, virtual options for non-COVID medical needs...

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: as of July 2 at 4 p.m.

As of July 2, Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces. This order applies to counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions. 

View ...

Perform an Act of Kindness. Donate Blood.

This is generally the time of year we promote one of the most contested battles in Plano history – the Battle of the Badges. Although we aren’t able to conduct our first responders’ annual blood drive, the need still exists i...

“Working from Home” SCAM Costs You Money

Looking to earn money with an online job is commonplace these days – for many it’s their primary source of income. What if your efforts to bring money into the house ends up sucking money out of your pocket? The Plano Police Safety Min...

Avoid Long Lines and Take Advantage of Early Voting

Early voting for the July 14 Runoff Elections began on June 29 and ends on Friday, July 10. Governor Greg Abbott extended the early voting period because of the coronavirus. Casting ballots before Election Day could mean avoiding large crowds and better s...

Get Movin’…July is National Parks & Recreation Month

Let’s get the ball rolling and honor our recreation professionals for all of July during National Park and Recreation Month. Plano’s top-notch Parks & Recreation staff works year-round providing award-winning programs, events and g...

Avoid the Pain of Injuries from Consumer Fireworks

The lure of setting off fireworks can be hard to resist, but Plano Fire-Rescue (PFR) wants everyone to do just that –resist! First, there is a City ordinance prohibiting the manufacturing, storage and use of fireworks within City limits. Violati...

Stimulate your Mind with Familiar Online Games

The saying, “use it or lose it” is a truth worth keeping in mind when it comes to the brain. Pogo is an online service with many free games such as Solitaire, Mahjong, Scrabble, Monopoly, Canasta, Yahtzee, Gin, Spades and much more!

Cre...

Still Haven’t Filed? Get AARP Tax-Aide Online Assistance.

The filing deadline for tax returns was extended from April 15 to July 15 allowing extra time to get the work done. Visit the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site to view frequently asked questions regarding your taxes. If you would like to submit a request for ...

July 4th Fireworks Take to the Sky, But the Parade is Grounded

COVID-19 social distancing made it necessary for the City to modify the event, but we still get to see fireworks this weekend. Sadly, large gatherings like our Independence Day Parade aren’t possible this year.

Plano’s All American 4th ...

See July 4th Holiday Closures of City Facilities and Services

Independence Day falls on a Saturday this year – YAY – which means there’s not much disruption to City services. With all of the garbage most people generate over a long holiday weekend, it’s good our trash and recy...

Plano Balloon Festival Comes to Sad Decision

Another Plano tradition bites the COVID-19 dust as organizers officially cancel this year’s Central Market Plano Balloon Festival (PBF). In these uncertain times, the Festival board and staff considered the health and safety of Festival attendee...

Inside Plano Talks with Chief Drain and Shares the Latest Reopening News

Episode 30 of our popular Inside Plano podcast presents a candid conversation about Police and community relations with Chief Ed Drain. Don’t miss out as he shares the department’s philosophy and policies. Show hosts Shannah Hayley and...

Watch the 45th Annual Plano Police Awards Ceremony

The Plano Police staff was forced to change how their annual employee recognition event was held due to COVID-19 concerns. The ceremony took place in the Toler Meeting Room to honor department members who performed above and beyond this past year.

Chief Ed...

Think Outside the Can to Thank Trash & Recycling Workers

It’s National Waste and Recycling Workers Week (June 14-20), so let’s collectively show appreciation for the great job they do for the City! The men and women keeping Plano clean, especially during these chaotic times, have never stopp...

Neighborhood Services is Moving Back to the Eastside

Neighborhood Services’ staff of 51 will take up residence on Monday, June 22 with plenty of room to spread out and grow. The new building at 777 E. 15th Street is on the northwest corner of 15th Street and G Avenue St. (Historic Downtown).

Moving...

No Friends of Plano Public Library Book Sale for 2020

Friends of the Plano Public Library released the sad news that this year’s annual Book Sale is cancelled. The announcement comes after organizers weighed concerns for the health and safety of shoppers and volunteers attending the event.

The Frien...

Don’t Let High Temps Turn Food Bad

It’s the time of year when people are cooking outside more – usually away from refrigerators and sinks. As summer heats up, so does the potential for bacterial growth in the delicious foods you prepare. Protect yourself, your family an...

Don’t Accidentally Throw Away Your Stimulus Debit Card

Some people waiting to receive their stimulus payment are accidentally throwing money away. This is happening because the stimulus debit cards are in plain white envelopes that resemble junk mail.

If you haven’t gotten a check, be on watch. The I...

Dive in as Jack Carter Pool Reopens this Month

Splash! That’s the sound many Plano residents have been longing to hear again at Jack Carter Pool (JCP). The wait will soon be over as JCP reopens on Monday, June 29. Under the governor’s May 26 executive order, water parks throughout ...

Apply Now for Housing & Living Assistance through Collin CARES

Grants are available for eligible Collin County residents impacted by COVID-19. The Collin CARES Assistance Program will provide up to $2,500 in monthly financial aid to each qualifying household.

Approved applicants receive funds to pay for housing, utili...

Are You Dealing with the Fear of Going Out?

For the first time in weeks, stay at home orders are being lifted nationwide and Americans are being allowed to visit more public places. While some are bullish on opening the economy devastated by COVID-19, others are fearful of leaving their homes and n...

Tour a Fire-Rescue Squad & Hear What the Fire Marshal’s Office Does

Emergency calls often result in several kinds of first responder vehicles arriving on the scene. Why? For some, the words fire marshal sounds like that person enforces fire laws. Are they right?

Get the answer to that first question as Firefighter/Paramedi...

Congratulate Sandra Rodgers-Tomeo on her Promotion to Asst. Police Chief

It’s official, Plano Police Lieutenant Sandra Rodgers-Tomeo is our newly sworn-in Assistant Chief of Police. The promotion became effective on June 1 during a small ceremony that included her husband Richard and two grandsons Austin and Carter.

T...

Do Mosquitoes Pick YOU out of the Crowd…every time?

You may be itching to get outside, but it’s the season for unwanted company to hone in on your fun – mosquitoes. The Environmental Health and Sustainability (EHS) team began setting traps in April to study these blood-sucking pests.

Cap...

Plano Wellness Center Hosts a Variety of July Workshops

The coronavirus hasn’t stopped the Wellness Center for Older Adults from rendering needed support services. Wellness staff provide connections to benefits counseling, medical equipment, caregiver aid and so much more. They are conveniently house...

How to Video Chat on Your Smartphone during COVID-19 Sheltering

Looking to chat with friends, family and significant others without crowding into the same room together? You’re likely to be resorting to video to actually see the people you’re talking to. There are thankfully plenty of smartphone ap...

Zone-out at Lunch with Art and Music

Step back a little from all the COVID-madness to feed your soul with art and music! Delve into free virtual creative experiences courtesy of Plano Arts and Event. Here’s what’s being offered:

Mondays: Free Live Art ClassTake an online a...

Handling Stress and Coping with COVID-19

Older people are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, which may result in increased stress during this crisis. Fear and anxiety about the pandemic can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions. Things you can do to support yourself include:

• Tak...

Team Plano Coronavirus DAILY UPDATE

A lot happens related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) every day. Get the latest on the Plano COVID-19 FAQ page.

Read on...

Will Medicare Cover the Cost of a Nursing Home Stay?

Unexpected medical emergencies could mean a prolonged recovery period in a nursing facility. If you are on Medicare, there are a number of questions to address.

When determining whether Medicare will cover nursing care, consider the following categories of...

Training & Development: Virtual Courses are Available

Human Resources offers a catalog of virtual training opportunities for all job types and levels. Refer questions to Senior Training Coordinators Tony Beasley or Debbie Speed at 972-941-7339 and 972-941-7217, respectively. 

As we transition to live...