Operation Paying It Forward giving away Jeep
Operation Paying It Forward is hoping to help a family in need of reliable transportation get just that.
The group is giving away a Jeep Liberty to one lucky winner and is now accepting online nominations. The winner must have a valid driver’s license and insurance, and will be responsible for the tax, tag and title transfer.
To nominate yourself or someone you know, visit operationpayingitforward.com/recipient-nomination-form/ by May 31.
Six seniors score scholarships
The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced May 10 it has awarded six graduating seniors $1,000 scholarships to use for college.
- Lily Batley, Plant City High School
- Rebekah Clark, Strawberry Crest High School
- Logan DiCerb, Strawberry Crest High School
- Miguel Angel Gomez Martinez, Plant City High School
- Abby Shaw, Durant High School
- Katelyn Yarbrough, Plant City High School
The annual scholarship program is ran by chamber staff, board members and trustees.
Local SAR chapter installs new officers
The Major John Devane Chapter of the Florida Society, Sons of the American Revolution, now has new officers for the 2019-20 year.
The newly installed officers are President James R. Armitage, Vice President Jon Courson, Florida Society West Central Regional Vice President and Installing Officer Richard Young, Secretary/Treasurer Donald Humphrey and Chaplain David Knox.
The SAR is a national organization of male descendants of those who fought in the Revolutionary War or otherwise helped found the United States of America through material aid. For more information visit SAR.org.
HCSO issues Internet safety warning
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister shared a public service announcement Monday about the dangers posed by predators to kids using the Internet.
“People who don’t believe their children could ever become victimized online are living in an unrealistic world,” Chronister said. “We live in a day and age where complete strangers can have direct, immediate and anonymous access to your children through social media, apps and online gaming systems.”
Chronister suggests parents teach their children as early as possible not to share their name, address or school name with anyone they meet online and to not agree to meet people from the Internet in person without their permission. He also encouraged parents to let children know everything they post online can stay there forever, so they should be careful with what they choose to post for the world to see.
Watch the PSA online at youtube.com/watch?v=qptTbJB3GO4.
Pet adoptions this weekend
The PetSmart store at 211 W. Alexander St. will participate in the national PetSmart Charities National Adoption Weekend event this Friday through Sunday.
The Plant City store and Rescue Cats of Florida will host the event from 12 to 5 p.m. Fully vetted cats and dogs will be available for adoption on site. Approved adopters can also spin a prize wheel to possibly win free food, pet supplies or a discounted adoption fee.
Pets available at the Plant City store can be seen on Rescue Cats of Florida’s Facebook page, which also has adoption and volunteer applications. All of the group’s animals are spayed or neutered, chipped and vaccinated.
The group is also looking for volunteers and wants students to know they can earn community service hours working with it. To volunteer or get more information about Rescue Cats of Florida, visit rescuecatsofflorida.org or email rescuecatsofflorida@gmail.com.