Observer turning 7
The United States of America was born on the fourth of July, and so was the Plant City Observer.
We’re celebrating our seventh year in Plant City this Thursday and are as dedicated as ever to keeping readers in the know to the best of our ability. We’re hoping to be your number one source for local news, compelling features and action-packed sports coverage for many more years to come.
One month left for UFB purse drive
Those gently used handbags you’re not using anymore can soon be put to good use, thanks to the efforts of the United Food Bank of Plant City.
The UFB’s new Purse Drive, which will provide handbags stuffed with toiletry items to moms and young women right before school begins, is still going strong and prospective donors have until Aug. 2 to gather their purses and bags for the food bank to redistribute.
“It’s a really good program,” Ashlee Gillis, operations manager, said. “People have seen it posted and mentioned that it’s such a good idea. Everyone wants to go back and be like, ‘Oh I got a new purse,’ especially with school starting again for the college students. It gives a woman an extra little boost of confidence.”
The UFB is located at 702 E. Alsobrook St. You can also visit RAOK Boutique, 2804 James L. Redman Parkway #103, which is collecting the gently used purses as well as toiletries and gift cards.
July job fair for veterans
DAV RecruitMilitary is calling out to Tampa Bay-area veterans in need of work with a free event in July.
The July 18 Tampa Veterans Job Fair runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa, and promises to get veterans and their spouses, transitioning military personnel, National Guard members and Reserve members connected with potential employers for free. Pre-register for the event online at success.recruitmilitary.com/events/tampa-veterans-job-fair-july-18-2019.
Plant City man earns Doctor of Optometry degree
Vikarma Brooks, O.D., is ready to help others see things more clearly.
Brooks was one of 130 students to earn a Doctor of Optometry degree from Memphis, Tennessee-based Southern College of Optometry. The Plant City High School alumnus graduated Magna Cum Laude.
SCO is an independent college with an eye center that serves nearly 80,000 patients a year.