Hillsborough County launches new Text-to-911 program
Hillsborough County residents now have another way to get help during an emergency. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Hillsborough County, will launch the Text-to-911 system.
This new program allows county residents to text a 911 dispatcher if they are unable to call. Text-to-911 is not meant to replace traditional 911 calls. The program is designed to help those who are deaf or hard of hearing, those with a speech disability, those who are in a situation where a traditional call is too dangerous, or if you do not have phone reception.
“We want to be proactive in helping our residents feel safe and prepared for an emergency,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “An emergency can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time, so our goal is to give the community just one more way to get help during a crisis.”
Residents can send an emergency text simply by texting 911. Dispatchers will then reply and ask for more information and it’s important to reply to the dispatcher’s texts as quickly as possible. Dispatchers can not receive group texts, images, videos, or emojis.
Kiwanis Club of Plant City to celebrate 100 years
The Kiwanis Club of Plant City will celebrate 100 years of community service with a Centennial Celebration Dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at the John R. Trinkle Center at the Hillsborough Community College Plant City Campus. The club members had been carefully monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic situation before concluding that, with proper considerations and procedures, they would hold the Centennial Celebration in July, exactly 100 years after the first Kiwanis Club of Plant City organizational meeting was held.
The John R. Trinkle Center, where the dinner will be held, was named after John Trinkle who was President of the Kiwanis Club of Plant City in 1936. With appreciation for the Centennial Celebration’s many sponsors, club President Jimmy Conrow announced there would be no charge for attendees at this ceremonial event.
Sponsors and those wishing to attend may contact Sharon Moody at SharonMoody91@yahoo.com, Gil Gott at gvgott@gmail.com, or any Kiwanis member.
In addition to the meal, provided by Second Plate Catering, the evening offers a champagne reception, entertainment by local musicians, award presentations and comments from special guests.
The Kiwanis Club of Plant City was founded in July 1921 by local civic leaders and was the first service club formed in Plant City. Since its inception the club has focused on serving children and families of the community through its programs and special events.
Hope Lutheran recognizes graduates
On Sunday, May 30, the members of Hope Lutheran Church, 2001 North Park Road, Plant City, took a moment to recognize recent graduates in the congregation. Special gifts were presented from the congregation to each graduate focusing on the theme for the building of Hope’s new sanctuary from Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans … to give you a future and a hope.” The graduates also received a quilt designed and made by the members of Hope’s Quilters Group.