Hillsborough County to Collect Health Survey
Hillsborough County and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) are jointly conducting a survey through August 14 to gather input from residents about their health care priorities and communication preferences. The anonymous survey, which takes only a few minutes to complete, asks participants about their health care priorities, preferred methods for receiving health-related messages, and topics of interest regarding health care education and issues. Officials say responses will guide the development and delivery of health messages tailored to community needs. Residents can access the survey at publicinput.com/publichealthsurvey
Backpack Hero Announces Annual Back-to-School Giveaway Event
Backpack Hero, a collaboration of several nonprofits dedicated to supporting school-aged children in East Hillsborough, is hosting its annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway Event at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds (215 Sydney Washer Rd, Dover). This community-driven initiative, coordinated with the Hillsborough County Fair, School System, local nonprofits, churches, and businesses, aims to equip 5,000 students with essential school supplies and connect families with valuable resources for the 2025–2026 school year. By consolidating multiple back-to-school events into a single gathering, the event will feature free backpacks and supplies for K-12 students, a community resource fair, family-friendly activities, including food trucks, games, live entertainment, bike giveaways from Bikes For Christ, and free eye exams by the Lions Club. Families with school-aged children in East Hillsborough can register in person at ECHO of Brandon, ECHO of Riverview, Enterprising Latinas, or Hope for Her, with limited walk-up registration available on the event day from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. No proof of need is required, and the community can support through donations of backpacks and supplies, volunteering, or sponsorships by visiting www.bphero.org.
Plant City Kiwanis Club Hosts Stuff The Bus
The Plant City Kiwanis Club will be distributing over 1,300 backpacks and school supplies to 28 schools in East Hillsborough County. Volunteers will gather at Stingray Chevrolet on July 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to organize supplies, with deliveries to schools scheduled for July 28. School Resource Officers will assist with the distribution of these essential materials to students in need.
PC American Legion Honors Members
The Norman McLeod Post 26 American Legion in Plant City recently held a special awards ceremony to honor its members and install new leadership. Carl Brosky, who served as Post Commander for three years, was recognized as the Veteran of the Month for July, with Lisa Nickel of Wells Memorial presenting the honor. During the ceremony, Brosky officially handed over leadership responsibilities to incoming Commander Jerry Harrold. The event included a formal recognition of Brosky’s dedicated service, with Jerry Harrold and Mark Connor joining him as he received a commemorative plaque acknowledging his three years of leadership at Post 26. The ceremony highlighted the American Legion’s continued commitment to supporting veterans and maintaining strong community ties in Plant City.
