Brandon Patch Archives — Volume No. 2

Archived for posterity are Brandon Patch news articles from Feb. 20 back through Jan. 24. Included are quick summaries and links to the full entries themselves.

Another way to find the news you might have missed, or want to revisit, is to search by keyword on the home page — or on any page you visit at Brandon Patch. Just use the search box found in the upper- right-hand corner, right under the day's weather summary.

For archived listings from Dec. 15, 2010 (launch date) through Jan. 23, visit  

BRANDON PATCH NEWS COVERAGE (Feb. 14-20):

• — Brandon Patch, starting Feb. 14, is set to cover an art show and auditions at the McCabe Theater, long-time Brandon resident Helen Mulrennan Young, the life and times of Beatrice Shugrue and the Brandon High wrestling team's quest for a 20th state title. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Artist Carlton M.L. Jones displays a sampling of his more than 50 custom figures, including Little Boy Blue, Little Red Riding Hood, Tom Ford and the Queen of England. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — The "low-brow" art show features the work of a wide range of artists and talents, including Scott King, Warren Gibson, Tom Mueller, Ruth Soucek, Holly Strickland, Carlton M.L. Jones and Dick Patterson. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Included in the documents for the Feb. 16 meeting of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners is a report from County Administrator Mike Merrill offering his assessment of Gov. Rick Scott's proposed spending plan for fiscal year 2011. / Linda Chion Kenney
• — Decreased visibility welcomed motorists on their early morning commute Feb. 15, prompting some travelers to ask: low beam or high beam? Here's five things to remember the next time the fog hits. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — The Rotary Club of Brandon invites D. Dewey Mitchell of Prudential Tropical Realty in Land O' Lakes to recount his remembrances playing for Paul William "Bear" Bryant at the University of Alabama. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Dick Patterson, a teacher at the University of Tampa and the International Academy of Design and Technology, talks about design, creativity and the Burning Man Project in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — A snapshot look at some news you can use to plan your day — or your days ahead. / Linda Chion Kenney
• — Details emerge at a Feb. 16 press conference detailing the scope of the investigation from Tampa to Miami. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — The Borders bookstore chain announced Feb. 16 which stores would close nationwide by the end of April as part of the company's Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Borders announces Feb. 16 that it will close some 200 stores nationwide, including 16 stores in Florida. Shoppers respond, trends noted. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — At auditions for the Village Players production of "Bye Bye Birdie," Melissa Weiland took time out to discuss her passion for the stage and her dreams for the future. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Every Sunday we post landscapes, structures and internal furnishings as subjects in and of themselves is an invitation to Brandon Patch readers to challenge their knowledge of their community. Here's the answers to Round One. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Brenda Wade, a Greater Brandon realtor, talks about a drop in inventory and the prospects of higher interest rates, which could bode well for the housing market. She sees hope that a bottom is here — or near — and helps distressed homeowners move ahead. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Hopeful hits join the tried-and-true on established menus for area restaurants, where the best marketing is a matter of taste. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — A snapshot look at some news you can use to plan your day — and the days ahead. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Winthrop Town Founder John Sullivan reported Feb. 17 the approval of a permit to start construction on an 840-student charter school planned to open in time for the new school year. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — News you can use and just might want to know about a woman turning 100, a novel turning 125 and a high school team looking to bring home its 11th consecutive state title (and 20th state crown overall). / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Brandon High School wrestlers talk about their love of the sport, their respect for their coach and the deep tradition that comes from the Eagles' decades-long dominance on the mat. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Marble Slab Creamery opened in January at Westfield Brandon. Its owner is working long hours, both managing the store and scooping and folding the premium ice cream into various menu items and customized treats. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Gov. Rick Scott has proposed an estimated $3 billion cut in education funding along with a 5 percent contribution to pension plans for public employees, including teachers. Hillsborough School Superintendent MaryEllen Elia calls for patience. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — We most definitely plan to report more on Beatrice "Bee" Shugrue, who turned 100 on Feb. 18 and in a lengthy interview had a lot to say about her life on earth and her plans for the future. But first, some birthday luncheon photos. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Brooke Ann Coats died at Tampa General Hospital during surgery to attend to injuries that reportedly occurred Feb. 18 after being thrown from a bull. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Sheriff's Office calls it "just a tragic accident.” / D’Ann White

• — Wrestling is underway at the Lakeland Center, where the Brandon High School Eagles are vying for an 11th consecutive state crown, and 22nd state title overall. Nine of 14 qualifying Brandon wrestlers advance to the finals. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Almost 100 points ahead of the second-place team, and entering the final round with nine wrestlers vying for individual titles, the Brandon High School wrestling team is set to take home its 11th consecutive state title, and 22nd state crown overall. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — It's business as usual for Brandon High School, coming home victorious with the wrestling team's11th consecutive state title — and 22nd overall. Brandon placed 14 wrestlers in the finals and seven came home with individual titles. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Firefighters reported battling heavy smoke before entering a home at 2509 Giddens Ave. in Seffner, where a grim discovery was made. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Center Place's annual Wild Dame Night fundraiser started 20 years ago in response to the Brandon Rotary Club's Wild Game Night. The arts event raises funds for live theater performances for children. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Brooke Ann Coats died Friday night from injuries sustained while bull riding. / D’Ann White

• — Streaks and records are nothing new for Head Coach Russ Cozart and Brandon wrestling, where shooting for the impossible is plausible. / Linda Chion Kenney

BRANDON PATCH NEWS COVERAGE (Feb. 7-13):

•  — A quick look at moments to digest, facts to consider, issues to digest, a fund to support and ribbon-cuttings to acknowledge. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — We'll update you periodically on what has become the major local fundraiser of the year in terms of people participating and money raised: the American Cancer Society's grassroots Relay For Life. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Gov. Rick Scott unveiled his first budget proposal at a Feb. 7 Tea Party gathering in Eustis. He then returned to the Florida State Capitol for a press briefing on his two-year budget plan. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Planning and fundraising is underway for the Greater Brandon Relay For Life at Brandon High School on April 1. The 18-hour event will be discussed at a Feb. 8 meeting in the school's cafeteria. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — The annual event is in its 76th year and opens at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, for a nine-day run, on March 3. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Times are tough but prices are better for corporate tables at the annual arts gala to support the Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association. Value is key for the event's organizers. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — This round of offerings involves dining, sweets, cards, crafts and jewelry — and we'd love to add to this list, so post your finds as well! / Linda Chion Kenney
• (Column: Parenting 2.0) — How deeply should parents become involved when siblings fight? / Diana M. Weber

• — Ashley Kirby talks about her Brandon High School team's Relay For Life fundraising effort, then offers why it matters to her that she joins in the fight against cancer. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — A snapshot look at some news you can use to play your day — or the days ahead. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Juggling your responsibilities and entertaining the kids is no easy task. Here's a list of fun things to do with your children in Brandon. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Join the Brandon Patch Moms Council in a discussion about bullying in the life of a child — and what can be done to stop it.

• — At age 14, Kelsey Bone has plans to raise $1,500 to become a Greater Brandon Relay For Life "Star Supporter." Don't bet against this Mann Middle School student. She's only about $600 short of her mark.

•  (Column: Patch Picks) — We've done some research for you in compiling a list of must-knows — and good-to-knows — for making the most of your time and dollars at the 2011 Florida State Fair. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Following a power outage Feb. 10, students and teachers report an unusual smell and are evacuated to other parts of the building. Disruption lasted about two hours. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — With more than 50 years worth of history, Brandon's VFW Post 4340 closes its doors as remaining members vote to distribute checks from its remaining funds to area non-profits. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Every Sunday we post landscapes, structures and internal furnishings as subjects in and of themselves is an invitation to Brandon Patch readers to challenge their knowledge of their community. Here's the answers to Round One. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Brandon's past and future is reflected in the speakers selected for the Community Roundtable's membership and friends dinner. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Bright Futures costs have skyrocketed since 1997, prompting the legislature to raise academic requirements and make the program more rigid at a time when Florida families need help the most. (And that's before this year's upcoming legislative session.) / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — As February advances, news you can use from the Florida Department of Transportation as you plan your daily commutes and evening activities.

• — As the Feb. 12-13 weekend approaches, a look at the week that was in Greater Brandon. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Some things to consider for weekend planning for people to do together across generations. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Jeffrey Jacobs is a junior at Brandon High School and one of four Hillsborough County students selected by the Florida Aquarium to present a project at a three-day summit at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office needs help identifying the body of a man believed to have been transient, or homeless living in the woods. His death was ruled from natural causes. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — A quick look at five things to know and do — and the the links you need to learn more. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — The Hillsborough County School Board has 13 recognitions to give at its Feb. 15 meeting. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — The Eagles scored 318 points to clinch the Class 3A-2 Regional Title at Kissimmee Osceola High School on Feb. 12. Nine wrestlers placed first and wrestlers in all 14 weight classes advance to state competition. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Written by a Brandon High graduate and directed by a Brandon High graduate, the musical "Neverland" is a retelling of the Peter Pan story. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Take a look at these photos and post your answers in the comment box below. Some are easy, some not so much. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — At age 13 she has a goal in sight, to be a writer and to write for others and the Lord. Seventh-grader Selena Martinez has distinguished herself as an able assistant to Bell Shoals Baptist Academy teacher Tammy Perkins. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — The agenda is out for the Feb. 16 meeting of your Hillsborough County Commissioners. Here's some agenda highlights — and links to explore the agenda yourself. / Linda Chion Kenney

BRANDON PATCH NEWS COVERAGE (Jan. 31 - Feb. 6):

•  — A guide for families, including links and games, is designed to educate Floridians about the dangers of severe weather events — and how best to stay safe. / Linda Chion Kenney

• (Jan. 31) — There will be more coverage, for sure, as Brandon Patch promises to be around town capturing for posterity the news and happenings of your community. Here's a quick look at five events we plan to cover for sure. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  (Column: Mind, Body and Soul) — Dieting tips are plentiful, and run the gamut from this to that. But for anything to work, you need to remember these basics. / Jeanette Henderson

•  — Dates for high school graduation ceremonies are scheduled to be approved at the Feb. 1 meeting of the Hillsborough County School Board. Other tidbits are noted, along with links to the agenda and supporting materials. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Suspect caught stealing one surveillance camera while footage captured by a second camera at Grow Financial Credit Union. /Linda Chion Kenney

•  — The grand opening for the Monsignor Lara Youth Center and Sister Irene St. Jean Gymnasium is scheduled for Feb. 5. All in the community are invited. First basketball games held in the gym Jan. 31. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — A guide for families, including links and games, is designed to educate Floridians about the dangers of severe weather events — and how best to stay safe. / Linda Chion Kenney

• (Column: Tom's Take on Business) — Volunteers are a strong point which fundraising becomes a real, and increasing, challenge. / Tom Reagin

•  — The bare walls of the Mook Art Gallery were taken care of Feb. 1 with the hanging of a new exhibit that runs through February. Famed local watercolorist Roxanne Tobaison is back in a solo show with 40 pieces, including 10 that haven't been seen before. / Linda Chion Kenney 

•  — As each month gets underway we take a look back at some of the most notable quotes in the prior month's Brandon Patch coverage. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — A guide for families, including links and games, is designed to educate Floridians about the dangers of severe weather events — and how best to stay safe. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  (Column: Food for Thought) — In response to our column last week, 'When Life Gets in the Way of Meal Time,' our Brandon Eats columnist gives a recipe for "family time" instead. /Jeanette Henderson

• — This round of offerings involves food, pictures, dessert, textbooks and bowling — and we'd love to add to this list, so post your finds as well! / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — The board meets 9 a.m. at the Fred B. Karl County Center in downtown Tampa. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Teacher and elementary school student take time to talk about the purpose of art as both a medium and a way of life. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — The state's budget shortfall and a possible pension review were among the issues that came under discussion at HCC at The Regent. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Tally not in, but number of homeless anticipated to spike after last week's countywide count. Brandon has its share of those who are down and out. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — A guide for families, including links and games, is designed to educate Floridians about the dangers of severe weather events — and how best to stay safe. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Awards in eight categories will be announced April 2 for which nominations are sought through March 11. County officials seek the best in Web site and newsletter design and best beautification, safety, special event, environmental and youth projects, as well as umbrella organization. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office issues 88 arrest warrants as a result of its three-month undercover "Operation Pill Reliever." Suspects range in age from 20 to 73. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — A Greater Brandon realtor steps back and reflects on the purpose of the "open house" today, and how other criteria take precedence in closing the deal in today's housing and financial markets. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Every Sunday we post landscapes, structures and internal furnishings as subjects in and of themselves is an invitation to Brandon Patch readers to challenge their knowledge of their community. Here's the answers to Round One. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — We started the list with six places, but there are plenty more, for sure, offering special deals for Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 6. Feel free to add yours to the mix. /Linda Chion Kenney

• — Middle and high school students are eligible for awards recognizing achievement in three categories. This is the first year for the recognition program, run by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — A guide for families, including links and games, is designed to educate Floridians about the dangers of severe weather events — and how best to stay safe. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Founded six years ago, the group recently got its second president and a renewed commitment to bring the arts to the forefront in the Greater Brandon community. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Famed painter Roxanne Tobaison returns with a solo show at Center Place, her first in the Mook Gallery since 2007. Tobaison is known for her work depicting Florida's wildlife and nature and historical landmarks. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — A quick look at who's holding auditions and what shows you might want to catch as the latest community theater season gets underway. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Wes Moschetto, owner of a two-week old Ferrari, reacted in shock after a Jan. 28 accident on Parsons Avenue in Brandon. Videographer James Worley caught on tape the Ford pick-up truck perched on the Ferrari's hood. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Plenty to do in the Greater Brandon area and beyond on the day before Super Bowl Sunday. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — A gallery of photos highlighting some moments in time at the Feb. 5 grand opening of the Monsignor James C. Lara Youth Center and Sister Irene St. Jean Gymnasium. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — The grand opening for the Monsignor Lara Youth Center and Sister Irene St. Jean Gymnasium has lots of Nativity long-timers basking in a decades-long hope to bring such a center to fruition. /Linda Chion Kenney

•  — The monthly thrift sale is held the first Saturday of the month, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds are used to purchase perishable food items, a commodity ECHO volunteers are not allowed to receive from the general public. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Super Bowl Sunday gets underway and facts and trivia surely will be the talk of pre-game meet-ups. Here's some useful online links as well as a list of Brandon eateries offering deals for the taking. No list is ever complete; we welcome your suggestions. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Serving a tailgate lunch after church services netted funds to purchase goats for poverty stricken families worldwide through God's Global Barnyard. Donations were accepted in one of two pots — for Packers and for Steelers. / Linda Chion Kenney
• — Shots reportedly fired after nine hours of negotiations between sheriff's deputies and a man inside his residence. / Linda Chion Kenney
•  — Take a look at these photos and post your answers in the comment box below. Some are easy, some not so much. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Families and friends join players and coach for national signing day, Feb. 2, at Brandon High as the two Eagles sign letters of intent to play with the Blue Devils. / Linda Chion Kenney

BRANDON PATCH NEWS COVERAGE (Jan. 24-30):

•  — Jonathan Davis performs frequently for community groups, churches and organizations. "I don't let my blindness affect my music," he said. "I play by ear." / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Mentors are needed for "normal kids with extraordinary circumstances who are facing extraordinary challenges beyond their control." Some 1,000 kids in the Tampa Bay service area are ready to be matched. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — A first-stop look at items of interest to Greater Brandon residents. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — On Feb. 1 the past recipients of the Alice B. Tompkins Community Service Award will meet at Center Place to select from a collection of nominations the 2011 award recipient. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Some community events and activities at schools are cancelled Jan. 25 as Greater Brandon residents take heed of approaching storms. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — As the branch manager for the Brandon Regional Library, Vickie Ricketts said her avocation has become her vocation. She talks about her job and the library's role in a tough economy and in relation to ever-changing technological advancements. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — What to know as the work week unwinds for the Greater Brandon area. / Linda Chion Kenney 

• — The Brandon Regional Library program is for babies and their caregivers and involves a time to share books, rhymes, songs and games. The Tuesday 10 a.m. program runs through May 24. Each class is limited to 20 babies. /Linda Chion Kenney

•  — These photos are of an historic cemetery —across the street from the corner of Lithia-Pinecrest Road and Brandon Boulevard. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Your ticket to entertainment, in and around town. / Sakyie Oliphant

•  — Business sells vacuum cleaners, plus sewing machines, commercial and industrial cleaning solutions and equipment. Owner calls the business a 'Heinz 57 variety' shop. / John Majeski

• — The first of a weekly column designed to help save money and time — and to get the word out, as families, individuals and businesses in today's times are compelled to do more with less. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — You know the importance of sitting down together as a family at the dinner table. But when it's not doable, what do you do? You do it anyway. Here's some tips. /Linda Chion Kenney

• — Nominations are in for the 2010 community theater season. Winners will be announced at the James McCabe Theater on Jan. 29. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — A snapshot look at some news you can use — or that you might just like to know — about Greater Brandon and town interests. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Your ticket to entertainment, in and around town. / Sakyie Oliphant

• — The 52-card, 50-50 raffle pot swelled to more than $10,000, thanks to a $1,000 contribution by one couple at the Jan. 27 meeting of the Brandon '86 Rotary Club. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — The Brandon '86 Rotary Club at its recognition dinner Jan. 27 recognizes the work and volunteerism of its associated Interact clubs. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Bob DeVolld, whose stroke in 2000 left him paralyzed and unable to speak, nevertheless says "thank you" to the Brandon '86 Rotary Club that he headed as president before the stroke cut his term short. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  (Column: Greater Brandon Exposed) — As the weekend approaches, a look at the week that was in Greater Brandon. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Skip happy hour and the clubs tonight. Enjoy a fun-filled night with your family at one of Brandon's oldest businesses. / Sakyie Oliphant

• — A sampling of events on tap for the weekend beginning Friday, Jan. 28. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual membership dinner at the Brandon Community Advantage Center, now open under Hillsborough Community College ownership as HCC at The Regent. /Linda Chion Kenney

•  — William W. "Bill" Wolfe, among other accolades, was given the Key Citizen Award by the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce in 1999. As the group gathers Jan. 28 to name this year's recipient, his long-time friends remember him. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — The Brandon Community Advantage Center, now open under Hillsborough Community College ownership as HCC at The Regent, is the site tonight for the annual membership dinner of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce recognizes its members and issues awards at its annual membership dinner, held Jan. 28 at the Brandon Community Advantage Center, now open under Hillsborough Community College ownership as HCC at The Regent. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Chuck Weirich took a moment to reflect on his music and his passion at the end of the 2011 Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce annual membership dinner. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — The Greater Brandon area is hosting events that pay tribute to the arts and to early readers and to people struggling through life's toughest times. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Repairs needed to address a hump in the road that developed with underground construction forced a lane closure earlier today. That lane now is reopened. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — The annual award is given by the Brandon '86 Rotary Club to a worker in Greater Brandon who exemplifies the Rotarian motto, "Service Above Self." Rotarian Jeff Miltner nominates the 2010 designee, Deborah Roberts. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — "Rent" takes home the MVP for Best Production. "Little Shop of Horrors" takes home six awards, including Best Director. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Band with Greater Brandon community theater roots performs up to seven times a month throughout the Tampa Bay area. / Linda Chion Kenney

RELATED COVERAGE:

For Brandon Patch coverage from Dec. 15, 2010 through Jan. 23, 2011, visit .