City of Odessa, Texas

Here's a look at the upcoming events and meetings! Calendar details: https://lnkd.in/g2kGEaVq Sign up for alerts: https://lnkd.in/gSx2za7q Note: Office Closures 7/4 All City Offices 7/4 Household Hazardous Waste 7/4 Recycle Center 7/4 Odessa Animal Shelter 7/6 Odessa Animal Shelter ✅BrighterFuture #OdessaProud

July 4th is almost here 🇺🇸 Maps for 4th of July Fandango and the morning parade! We hope you'll join us this Thursday for some FREE family fun!

The Power of Giving   Veronica Hernandez, who is known by many as Gail, has a passion for helping people.   “We’re blessed and we need to bless others,” Gail said. “The Lord has me here to serve, so I will serve.”   She uses her business, Gail’s Furniture & Appliance to do that. She started in 1986 finding furniture at garage sales, fixing it up and then selling it. Now, she sells appliances and does repairs.   She has helped multiple Odessans in the community. Gail told us one story of when a customer came in looking for a fridge because his home burned down and she gave him one for free. She says she doesn’t do this to get anything back just to see how happy it makes them.   “I don’t expect to receive anything back,” Gail said. “It just makes me feel good when they thank me and appreciate what I do.”   That’s just one story of many this Odessa woman has showing how much she has impacted others in the community. How amazing!   ✅BrighterFuture #OdessaProud 

Jordyn Cruz: From Tee to Triumph Jordyn Cruz has been playing golf since she was eight years old, she started competing just two years later. She tells us it all started because of her dad. “I wasn’t really good at any other sports, so I started playing golf and I ended up being really good at it. I took a few lessons, but I never really liked lessons. So, my dad would watch YouTube videos and he would coach and teach me that way,” Jordyn said. All golfers know the biggest challenge in the sport is all mental. Jordyn tells us that has always been a struggle for her on the course. “When I am under pressure I usually crumble or shine,” Jordyn admitted. Which made the State Golf Tournament even more nerve wracking for the Odessa Compass Academy senior. Jordyn had been to the state tournament all four years of her high school career but this time she was determined to bring home that trophy. “I was four shots back and I just told myself if I can’t win it for me at least win it for the team. After I told myself that something clicked in me, I started playing very good golf.” Odessa Compass Academy took home the Girls Conference 3A UIL State Championship and Jordyn secured the Individual State title. “It didn’t feel real in the moment, it is something I have been working towards for the last four years. My dad cried, he was so proud of me and my team,” Jordyn shared. Now, with a State Championship title under her belt, Jordyn plans to take her golf career to the next level. She has committed to New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs, New Mexico. Congratulations to the Lady Cougars Golf Team on their amazing season! 📣Don’t forget, if you’re hoping to play golf like Jordyn someday. The Ladies Golf Clinic is happening tomorrow night at 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm at Ratliff Ranch Golf Links! ✅BrighterFuture #OdessaProud

Back to School Drive It’s time again for the annual STUFF THE BACKPACK drive hosted by the Odessa Community Partners for Children and the Odessa Rainbow Room. The Rainbow Room supports Child Protective Services staff with emergency resources for families caring for more than 450 children each year. You have until July 22nd to drop off your donations at one of these conveniently located sites. Drop off Locations:  3401 N A Street Midland TX 2525 N Grandview Ave Odessa All SouthWest Bank Locations in Midland and Odessa For more information: Lisa.Anaya@dfps.texas.gov 

Raised for the Job Kyle Carver was born for the job he has today. In fact, he grew up around it. His grandfather opened Watts Burger 74 years ago. Kyle tells us he is 57 years old and has been around the business that entire time. In fact, as soon as his mother came out of maternity leave, he was sitting in his car seat at the restaurant! So, it has been family-owned for three generations in Odessa. Kyle takes pride in the motto, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” So, they have kept the business the same throughout the years, ensuring the same great-tasting burger. He says the restaurant business is something you choose to do and isn’t always easy, but it’s what his family loves. “You get to meet a lot of new people, though, and that’s the cool part,” Kyle said. Watts Burger 📍1208 S Grant Ave. ✅BrighterFuture #OdessaProud

Iram Sanchez, the Boxing Coach for Gorilla Heavy Hitters, says another child in the Garcia family lost his life. He says Axell turned 16 yesterday and passed away today. Argen, 11 years old, passed away in the tragic vehicle crash on Tuesday. He says the struggle for the Odessa family’s mom and another son is just beginning. Angie and Aceyn are looking at months of rehab. Iram is asking for prayers and working to help raise funds. We’ve been posting about their GoFundMe page: https://lnkd.in/g6pJkMa9 We do know Odessans help each other during difficult times!

We're gearing up for a day of family fun featuring: ✧Food Trucks ✧Vendors ✧Live Music ✧Fireworks We can't wait to see you there! ✅BrighterFuture #OdessaProud

Movies in the Park "I brought my son to Movies in the Park tonight to spend quality time with him," Odessan Gilbert Garcia said. Beautiful weather once again for another "Movies in the Park." The free event is hosted by the City of Odessa's Parks and Recreation Department. Movies in the Park continues throughout the summer. The next one is scheduled for July 13th at Sherwood Park. ✅BrighterFuture #OdessaProud

Prayer Vigil The Gorilla Heavy Hitters, an Odessa boxing group, held a prayer vigil Saturday night for the Garcia family. We told you recently about the tragic crash the family was involved in. Friends of the family say they lost their 11-year-old child and two other boys are in serious condition. The mom, Angie Garcia, is also in the hospital. A GoFundMe was also set up to help the family: https://lnkd.in/gmsedrxN.