Community Corner

Brandon Patch Postings (April 4-10)

News of the past week in an easy to use list that includes headlines, summaries and links to the full postings themselves. Links to archives included as well.

This week Brandon Patch launched its first monthly crime report — making good use of the crime mapping tool posted online by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office — and offered more regular “House Hunt” and “Cheapest Gas” reports.

We kept you updated on the 2011 Relay For Life season, with focused reports both on stories shared and on the Relay business itself, as reported by Sara Levinson of the Brandon-based American Cancer Society Southeast Hillsborough Unit. The last of the eight Relays overseen by the unit took place April 8-9 at Plant City High, marking the sixth Relay covered live by Brandon Patch over the past three weekends.

We reported, too, on the Brandon-based Haley House Fund, the charity benefiting from the Nam Knights Westside Fundraiser at the Winthrop Pole Barn, and on an armed robbery of the Steak ’n Shake at 1402 West Brandon Blvd. on April 2. The sheriff’s office shared with us photos and video captured during the crime by surveillance cameras; take another look and see if you can help identify the suspects.

Find out what's happening in Brandonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Businesses came through for Center Place with lots of goodies in a silent auction and the Brandon-founded Stagedoor Performing Arts community theater troupe opened it’s two-week, five-show run of  “Neverland,” a retelling of the Peter Pan story as written and composed by Terry Abbott, an ’87 graduate of Brandon High.

Dancer Tyler Dowdy, 16, talked about his art, his passion and societal perceptions of male dancers, showing in both words and video the maturity of  his outlook and the high-caliber of his dancing skills and techniques. He has been chosen to study with the Joffrey Ballet this summer. 

Find out what's happening in Brandonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Brandon Patch, with its sister Patches, each week day posts a PatchCast video highlighting events and happenings throughout the Tampa Bay Area. This week’s videos included a look at the Dunedin Highland Games.

This edition of “Brandon Patch Postings’ offers weekly headlines, summaries and links from April 4-11.

Postings from March 21 through April 3 appear below this week’s recap.

Also, archived for posterity:

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.

And now, a look back at the week that was:

BRANDON PATCH NEWS COVERAGE (April 4-10)

(Note: after clicking through to an article below, please use your back-arrow key to return to this recap.) 

  •  — Using the crime mapping tool posted online by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Brandon Patch reports on the first-quarter findings for six zip codes in the Greater Brandon area. / Linda Chion Kenney
  •  — Almost-free testing for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases is available today, April 4, at the downtown offices of the Hillsborough County Health Department. / Linda Chion Kenney
  •  — Four-bedroom, three-bath home priced at $625,000 has been extensively remodeled and expanded. / Kevin Brady
  •  — Donations are drying up but desperately needed to assist the families and significant others of soldiers returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan with severe and multiple traumas and injuries, according to Haley House Fund organizers. / Linda Chion Kenney
  •  — It’s not all sun and fun in the surf for lifeguards on the Clearwater Beach Patrol.
  •  — Looking for the best deal for filling up your gas tank? This report aims to aid in the search. / Linda Chion Kenney
  •  — At age 16, Tyler Dowdy of Greater Brandon is sharply focused on his art. He follows in his brother’s footsteps in the pursuit of dance as a career and this summer will study with the Joffrey Ballet in New York. / Linda Chion Kenney
  •  — Artisans, vendors, sailboats and food highlighted the 72nd Annual DeSoto Heritage Seafood Festival SeaFood Fest, a major attraction off the Manatee River. / Nick Walter
  •  — Matt Joyce grew up in Greater Brandon with dreams of playing professional ball. Now a right fielder for the Tampa Bay Rays, Joyce talks about his team’s prospects and his passion for the North Brandon Little League fields. / Joel Poiley
  •  — Misty Valley Drive property was built in 2007, features 2,709 square feet and is priced at $275,000. / Kevin Brady
  •  — The Hillsborough County School Board approved the student academic calendar for the 2011-12 school year. Start date for students is August 23 and every Monday students will be released one hour early. / Linda Chion Kenney
  •  — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office posts surveillance video and photographs to aid in the search for the two armed robbers who struck the Brandon Steak ’n Shake at 1402 West Brandon Blvd. on April 2. / Kevin Brady
  •  — As charities, like businesses, struggle to make do with less in a sour economy, the Relay For Life movement continues to show that when it comes to fighting cancer, the dollars find a way to the cause. / Linda Chion Kenney
  •  — Single-family home built in 2006 and surrounded with mature oaks sells at the recently reduced price of $699,990. / Kevin Brady
  •  — The people of Dunedin, named for Scotland’s capital of Edinbugh, during the 1800s, work to preserve the city’s cultural identity through musical education and events like the annual Dunedin Highland Games. / Hank and Yvonne Charneskey
  •  — Fight cancer, support the arts, cheer on the kids, give back to the community and just have a good time dressing up, meeting the Easter Bunny and cooking together as a family. Choose one or all of the above. Our Brandon Patch planner will help. / Kevin Brady
  •  — These snapshots are of a place where it’s great to get physical. Identify the area and tell us when and how you use this destination to further your strolling, fitness goals. Check back soon for answers and things to know about this featured Brandon spot. / Kevin Brady
  •  — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office releases another surveillance photo captured during the April 2 armed robbery of the Brandon Steak ’n Shake. / Linda Chion Kenney
  •  — Hillsborough County officials open a “one-stop” disaster relief center in Progress Village for residents affected by the March 31 storms and tornadoes.Meanwhile, the American Red Cross issues a response report. / Linda Chion Kenney
  •  — This week's round of savings includes deals at Borders, Della’s, Jiffy Lube, McDonald’s and more. Also featured, a snorkel tour in Crystal River. / Kevin Brady
  •  — “Neverland” is a retelling of the Peter Pan story and marks the first performance of the Brandon-based Stagedoor Performing Arts community theater troupe on the stage at South Bay Church in Riverview. / Linda Chion Kenney
  •  — The Community Roundtable sets a theme for the 2011 Greater Brandon Fourth of July Parade as entries are sought that reflect the community’s civic, cultural and commercial interests. / Linda Chion Kenney
  •  — Traffic? You know how to avoid it. Tiramisu? You know where to find it. Fairs? You've been to them all. A fun list of what makes you a Brandonite. / Kevin Brady
  •  — A listing of things to do for Greater Brandon residents as April 9 unfolds. Support the arts, catch a performance, shop for arts and crafts, attend a carnival or do all of the above — and all for a good cause, too. / Linda Chion Kenney
  •  — Florida Strawberry Festival workers joined the 2011 Plant City Relay For Life at Plant City High. The April 8-9 event was the last of eight Relays organized by the Brandon-based American Cancer Society Southeast Hillsborough Unit. / Linda Chion Kenney
  •  — The 27th annual patron party for Center Place gets underway April 9 at The Regent with some 300 silent auction baskets, testament to the business community’s support of one of the town’s most cherished non-profits. / Linda Chion Kenney
  •  — The last of the eight Relays for Life overseen by the Brandon-based American Cancer Society Southeast Hillsborough Unit wraps up at Plant City High School on April 9. Collectively, the area’s eight Relays are expected to raise more than $875,000. / Linda Chion Kenney
  •  — Looking for the best deal for filling up your gas tank? This report aims to aid in the search. / Linda Chion Kenney
  •  — A Touch of Wellness owner Scott Robinson and members of the Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority at the University of South Florida host the April 9 Fight for Cancer Carnival. / Kevin Brady

 

BRANDON PATCH NEWS COVERAGE (March 28 through April 3):

  •  — Held March 25-27 in St. Petersburg, the Honda Grand Prix attracted thousands of racing lovers.
  •  — The March 28 update on what has become the major local fundraiser of the year in terms of people participating and money raised: the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.
  •  — Every week 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 6.
  •  — Caught on the track walking a Relay For Life lap at Riverview High School, two Sessums teachers talk about what makes their first-graders tick.
  •  — Looking for the best deal for filling up your gas tank? This occasional report aims to aid in the search.
  •  — Richard Nimphie talks about his Suncoast Electric Vehicles business and the costs and benefits of owning an electric car, truck and van. Franchises available in the Tampa Bay market.
  •  — Matt Sheehan and Alex Dunn offer tips for cooking chili at Aliquity’s Chili Fest 2011 at the Winthrop Pole Barn in Riverview.
  •  — To be closer to family, Hamala Sharma moved to Brandon from Guyana. Once here, she used her training at the Peace Corps to assess her new community.
  •  — Looking for the best deal for filling up your gas tank? This report aims to aid in the search.
  •  — The deadline to purchase tickets for Center Place’s “Arti Gras” has been extended. A new art exhibit goes up, a woman’s club hosts Bunco and a used-book sale, a Rotary club meets and more.
  •  — This week's round of savings includes deals at Borders, Petsmart, Angelina’s, Buca di Beppo and more.
  •  — Most fitness instructors frown upon working out in high-heeled shoes, but not Brittany Rohr, owner of Inspired By Dance in Bradenton.
  •  — The Hillsborough County Health Department coordinates the Bay Area Sharps Disposal Program for area residents whose health conditions require injected medications. Brandon Regional Hospital is one of the 12 participating disposal sites.
  •  — Four-bedroom, three-bath home priced at $269,900 features 3,672 square feet.
  •  — The Tampa Electric Co. is busy with storms today, March 31, as evidenced by the power outage map that residents can view online.
  •  — Relay For Life, Spring Jubilee, family time activities, a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming Brandon Ballet production, all on tap in the days ahead, starting with Brandon Idol teen auditions tonight, March 31.
  •  — March 31 ends the way it began with storms causing hazardous conditions and power outages throughout the Greater Brandon area and beyond. TECO reports at 6 p.m. some 64,000 customers without power.
  •  — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office opens its command post at 78th Street and Progress Boulevard, the area in which heavy storm damage has been reported.
  •  — March ends with a massive storm system that caused massive damages for some homeowners, including the occupants of this home between Brandon and Winthrop, south of Bloomingdale Avenue and north of Symmes Elementary School.
  •  — “I feel like the world is coming down on me, I really do,” said Cheryl Mestas, after three neighboring trees crashed down on her family’s cars and home in Greater Brandon. The tornado-like damage occurred March 31.
  •  — Tampa Electric’s online outage map updates customers on where outages are and when power is expected to be restored.
  •  — To aid yard cleanup following the March 31 storm front, the county has three yard waste processing facilities, including one in Greater Brandon.
  •  — The 2011 Relay For Life season in Eastern Hillsborough County kicked off March 25-27 with events at Bloomingdale, Newsome and Riverview high schools. Up this weekend: Brandon High and Burnett Middle School.
  •  — The Relay For Life season in Eastern Hillsborough County enters its second of three weekends with overnight fundraisers at Brandon High School and Burnett Middle School. The Brandon and Seffner/Dover events kick off April 1 at 6 p.m.
  •  — Plan a getaway close to home without breaking the bank and draining tank.
  •  — The Frenzie - Life Theatre returns for the closing weekend of its two-week run of “The Rocky Horror Show” at the Barn Theatre at Winthrop. Friday night shows are at 8 and midnight. Closing night, April 2, is at 8 p.m.
  •  — An April 2 warehouse fire sends a plume of black smoke over Progress Village, where residents talk about the tornado that struck two days earlier. The smoke drifted east as well, in view of many parts of Greater Brandon.
  •  — Check out this list of things to do in the Greater Brandon area and beyond.
  •  — Hundreds of volunteers and neighbors fighting to rid the world of cancer gathered at both Brandon High School and Burnett Middle School for Relay For Life events April 1-2. Here’s a quick look, with more coverage to come.
  •  — This April 3 report includes information about the 10th Annual Spring Jubilee at St. Stephen Catholic School, a Bay Area Renaissance Festival reminder and rough video of a curtain call audience-participation dance at “The Rocky Horror Show.”
  •  — Rossi Bruno, Clark Glass, Travis Berridge, Devan Berrian and James Flint come home from the 22nd Annual NHSCA National Wrestling Championship in Virginia Beach with more lore to add to the famed Brandon High School wrestling story.

BRANDON PATCH NEWS COVERAGE (March 21-27):

  •  — Watch video of Mike Jenkins, Fabian Washington and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie returning to their hometown.
  •  — We'll update you weekly 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.
  •  — Take a look at these photos and post your answers in the comment box below. Some are easy, some not so much.
  •  — An occasional look at the 10 things you need to know, or might want to know, about the business of the Hillsborough County School District.
  •  — Photographer’s pick from the 2011 St. Puppy’s Day Parade at O’Brien’s Irish Pub in Brandon.
  •  — Tracey Adelhouser is one step closer to owning her own pub with the March re-opening of Brandon’s Fox and Hounds, near the corner of Lithia-Pinecrest Road and Brandon Boulevard.
  •  — The St. Petersburg Times names its All-Hillsborough County wrestlers. Top honors go to Eagles Rossi Bruno and Clark Glass as Russ Cozart earns top coach honors. All 14 Brandon wrestlers make the list, which includes other Greater Brandon area wrestlers.
  •  — A video view of just one effort in the nationwide effort to clean up the planet. This view, from Gulfport, Fla., was shot March 19, 2011.
  •  — This round of offerings involves a free “Online Storytime," discounted Dr. Seuss books, crafts and scrapbooking, carousel rides and MOSI membership savings.
  •  — Hundreds of parents, many with kids in tow, attended the second of two information sessions for the upcoming Charter Schools USA site at Winthrop. The K-6 school is under construction and set to open for the new school year.
  •  — Tips are sought involving two burglaries and one attempted burglary in February, all involving entry through shattered glass in rear sliding doors.
  •  — Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport hosted Elder Consumer Law Day.
  •  — Business operates from a converted residence, giving it a homey feel. It is a tea room, gift shop and catering business.
  •  — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has released a new tool for tracking crime in your neighborhood and beyond.
  •  — Hillsborough Fire Rescue reports at 8 p.m. that firefighters are on the scene at the northeast corner of 78th Street and Progress Boulevard.
  •  — The 2011 Hillsborough County Neighborhoods Conference is scheduled for April 2 at the Dale Mabry Campus of Hillsborough Community College.
  •  — Col. Lenny J. Richoux spoke to Greater Brandon Kiwanians about his duties at the MacDill Air Force Base. In an interview, he talked, too, about the March 24 dinner for military families and significant others at the First Baptist Church of Brandon.
  •  — Auditions kick off this week for annual song fest.
  •  — Five-bedroom, four-bath home priced at $479,900 features 4,201 square feet.
  •  — Greater Brandon residents are invited to join in revelry of a trip back in time to the Renaissance, as celebrated in Tampa at the 2011 Bay Area Renaissance Festival at MOSI.
  •  — The Renaissance celebration is underway at the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa. This guide is full of tips and links for the making the most of your 2011 Bay Area Renaissance Festival experience.
  •  — Spas and salons have you covered from head to toe, with services and products designed to pamper you in mind, body and spirit.
  •  — The small brush fire in FishHawk comes a day after a small brush fire in the Greater Brandon community of Clair-Mel. Links included to learn more about brush fires in general and prevention measures.
  •  — As March advances, news you can use from the Florida Department of Transportation as you plan your daily commutes and evening activities.
  •  — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office holds a press conference March 25 to discuss arrests made, and firearms seized, in an effort to rid area streets of illegal firearms.
  •  — The March 25 announcement of arrests, warrants and firearms seized is another effort in the years-long drive to rid streets of illegal firearms — and especially those in the hands of felons.
  •  — The weekend gets underway in Greater Brandon with a focus on remembering and giving back. A community theater troupe relives “Rocky.”
  •  — The 2011 Relay For Life For Life season gets underway in Eastern Hillsborough County with Relays at Bloomingdale, FishHawk and Riverview high schools.
  •  — The 2011 Relay For Life season in Eastern Hillsborough County kicked off with events March 25-26 at Bloomingdale and Newsome high schools.
  •  — The 2011 Relay For Life season in Eastern Hillsborough County kicked off with events March 25-26 at Bloomingdale and Newsome high schools.
  •  — The Benefit Bull Ride for Brooke Ann Coats gets underway at 7 tonight (March 26) at the Crosstown Rodeo Arena, where the 16-year-old Riverview High School honor student lost her life after a bull-riding accident in February.
  •  — LifeCare of Brandon, a pro-life ministry founded 24 years ago, seats more than 400 women at its annual ladies spring tea fundraiser.
  •  — The Second Annual Chili Fest hosted by the not-for-profit Aliquity business group allowed for proceeds to benefit the winner’s chosen charity.
  •  — The Frenzie — Life Theatre stages the only matinee show of its two-weekend run of “The Rocky Horror Show” at the Barn Theatre at Winthrop. The March 27 show is the third of six shows scheduled.
  •  — The 2011 Relay For Life season in Eastern Hillsborough County is three Relays into the area’s six-Relay run. This weekend saw Relays at Bloomingdale, Newsome and Riverview high schools. Next up: Brandon, Seffner/Dover and Plant City.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here