Brandon Patch Postings (March 14-20)

The Greater Brandon area saw lots of “green” this week, both with St. Patrick’s Day events and gatherings and the eighth annual B. Lee Elam Golf Tournament, benefiting the Community Roundtable, at the Buckhorn Springs Golf & Country Club in Brandon.

Spring entered with coverage that reminded us that planning for summer classes at the Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association is something to take care of now.

And the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office held back-to-back recognition ceremonies for employees who wear two uniforms and for employees earning quarterly recognition, both by hitting milestone anniversaries and for going “above and beyond” the call of duty during the final quarter of 2010.

Additional news came out of “Operation Pain Reliever” with the closing of clinics that illegally dispense pain medication.

This week’s coverage also included updates for both the 2011 Relay For Life season and the upcoming Plant City Theater community theater season and a strongman missionary at Kings Avenue Baptist Church.

And here was more — always more — as noted below.

This edition of “Brandon Patch Postings’ leads with weekly headlines, summaries and links from March 14-20.

Also, archived for posterity are Brandon Patch news articles from Feb. 20 back through Jan. 24, included in .  For archived listings from Dec. 15, 2010 (launch date) through Jan. 23, visit .

Postings from Feb. 21 through March 13 appear below this week’s recap.

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 (March 14-20):

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

•  — This year's event is scheduled March 31 to April 3. / D’Ann White, Bloomingdale Patch

•  — Snapped at the 2011 Florida Strawberry Festival Parade, three shots yielded one best answer for the first Brandon Patch caption contest. Here’s the winning photo and caption. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — It’s been called Japan’s “darkest hour since World War II” and how dark that will be remains still to be seen. Here’s some links you can use to determine ways to send aid in a number of ways and capacities. Also, to research the topic for school reports. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Five students, from Armwood and Newsome high schools, compete to advance in Rotary speech contest. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Emma Rowlands, a student at Kingswood Elementary School, won the 2010 trophy for fishing from the O’Brien’s Reel Simple Fishing Club in Brandon. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Artist and teacher Doreen Donovan was finishing up an art class at Center Place when she discussed a piece of work she had with her, which had just won a red ribbon at the 2011 Florida Strawberry Festival. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Armwood High School art teacher Greg Manley talks about the art of chalk-drawing outside Center Place at the Fifth Annual Chalk Walk on March 13. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — The annual St. Puppy’s Day Parade at O’Brien’s in Brandon draws dogs of all sizes and breeds in a contest of cuteness and showmanship. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — 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. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — The ides of March are here as Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee gets set to host a luncheon for deputies and civilians serving in active duty or as military reservists. Also, Relay For Life, sinkhole, depression and Japan. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Betty Jo Tompkins, president of the Hillsborough County 4-H Foundation and vice president of the statewide foundation, extols the “win-win” draw of the Strawberry U-Pick at Fancy Farms in Plant City on March 19. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — The first-ever luncheon in appreciation for deputies who wear two uniforms is held March 15, with U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Votel, of the Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base, the featured speaker. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Steve Carrier is a motivational speaker who brings his message to schools nationwide. His stint tonight, March 15, is at Kings Avenue Baptist Church in Brandon. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and other government agencies continue to crack down on the illegal dispensation of pain pills. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Check out all the things to do with kids this week in the Brandon area. / Sakyie Oliphant

•  — Steve Carrier wraps up a four-show run at Kings Avenue Baptist Church tonight, March 17, where he promises to turn it up a notch with his “feats of strength ministry." / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — The Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association in Brandon has released its schedule for summer art classes for kids. Dance classes added to the mix; classes are expected to fill up quickly. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — This round of offerings involves Subway, Bebe, G by Guess, Applebees, Oakfield Lanes and Publix. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The program reimburses partial wages for three months, up to $3,900, for some 200 jobs created for new employees living in Hillsborough County. Cost to taxpayers: $500,000. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Mollie Anderson, a veteran of Greater Brandon community theater, talks about the role that defines the show that is one of two she is set to perform this spring. Full cast list posted as well. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office issues four Citizen’s Awards, to Toni Dye and Kelly Heath, who fought flames to save lives, and to Mark Bowman and Ken Nailling, for thwarting thieves. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — This list reminds Greater Brandonites that the Tampa Bay area has a serious auto insurance fraud problem and that March is “Red Cross Month.” Also, jazz artist Eric Darius performs, a support group meets and a mock disaster gets underway for training. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — New York City gets set to celebrate its 250th consecutive Saint Patrick’s Day Parade as the History Channel offers a wealth of holiday facts and videos to review for office cooler chatter. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Deputies Shanna and Tim Berg were off duty when they spotted juveniles up to no good in the parking lot at the Regency Square shopping mall in Brandon. For their response in December, the married duo earned the Medal of Distinguished Service. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Don't drink and drive is the mantra that should be ingrained in everybody's head out for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Here's a quick list of tips — and numbers to call — to do just that. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Drink sensibly and drive carefully with these celebrations in mind at Brandon area pubs, many of which feature Irish-themed entertainment. We start the list, you add your suggestions. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Here's a review of St. Patrick's Day entertainment as performed over the weekend. The McGinley Academy of Irish Dance and Tampa Bay Pipes and Drums will be back in Brandon on March 17. The dogs, well, you can never get enough of them, right? / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Results Health & Nutrition offers meal planning, personal training and supplements. The Oakfield Drive business in Brandon caters to those looking to lose weight, gain muscle or both. / John Majeski

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

•  — Christian Stewart attended Blake, graduated from Riverview High, and has deep roots in the Greater Brandon community theater and music scene. The prolific songwriter reflects on his start with the guitar and his passion for music. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Learn a new craft, tap into an undiscovered talent and save money with handcrafted items to give and to use for decorations. / Jeannette Henderson

•  — The day gets underway with two golf tournaments, a family friendly strawberry U-pick, a Brandon pub’s 24th birthday and a plan for Sunday omelets. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — The Eighth Annual B. Lee Elam Golf Tournament was held March 19 at the Buckhorn Springs Golf & Country Club in Brandon with a mix of old Brandon and new Brandon coming together to support a community organization founded more than 50 years ago. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Cliff Roberts remembers his dad’s carpet store and the two traffic lights on State Road 60. His Brandon High classmate Mark Nash reflects back as well at the B. Lee Elam Golf Tournament at Buckhorn Springs Golf & Country Club / Linda Chion Kenney

BRANDON PATCH NEWS COVERAGE (March 7-13):

•  — The Greater Brandon Community Foundation’s annual Charity Golf Classic is the group’s largest annual fundraiser, attracting some 120 golfers to Avila Golf & Country Club in Tampa.

• ' — Bob Singletary of Singletary Farms remembers his daughter’s pageant many years ago — and carries with him at every stand he operates the strawberry friend she sang to on the stage.

•  — The Florida Strawberry Festival Parade got unde rway March 7 under clear, sunny skies, punctuated with the steady drone of, “beads, beads!” That is, until the high school marching bands hit the scene.

•  — Pictured, for the most part, at the 2011 Florida Strawberry Festival Parade are these elected officials. See how many you can name. We know you know them, but do you know them all?

•  — This time of the year, who wants to be stuck inside cleaning, especially when our great spring weather is calling us out?

•  — Principal AnnMarie Courtney calls the Aparicio-Levy Technical Center in Greater Brandon a “best-kept secret,” and especially for adults looking to re-invent themselves for changing workplace realities.

•  — Spotted at the 2011 Florida Strawberry Festival Parade, a larger- than-life chicken, a down-low dog and a red-nosed Shriner clown on display. Pick one or more view and craft your captions.

•  — Has Cyberspace Slang and Texting Created a Communication Rift Between Parents and Their Kids?

•  — This round of offerings involves Copper Bell Cafe, Dillard’s, Borders, Torrid, Marble Slab and More. Great deal on combo meal, Clinique bonus, closeout sale, fashion incentive, ice cream and Stride Rite “Slime of Your Life” sweepstakes.

•  — Details concerning the Charter Schools USA site at the Winthrop Town development in Greater Brandon/Riverview will be discussed at The Bridges on March 22.

•  — Durant, Bloomingdale and Strawberry Crest high school marching bands collect three of the 12 grand winner awards granted at the close of the 2011 Florida Strawberry Festival Parade in Plant City.

•  — The Blue Wave Swim Team at the Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center traces its roots as a Brandon fixture back to 1963. The 110-member team continues to excel, with both individual and team accomplishments.

•  — Friendly staff and homemade tzatziki sauce are among the secrets to success for this low-key, Greek and American eatery. Gyros "fresh off the cone" are the best-selling item.

•  — We take a quick look at five things, featuring the 2011 Florida Strawberry Festival, Westfield Brandon shopping mall, Daylight Savings Time and lifeguards needed at Lithia Springs Park.

•  — The eighth night of the 2011 Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City gets underway in Plant City. What you need to know about the performances, shows, events, exhibits and more on the March 10 schedule.

•  — A reception for high school students whose work hangs in the Mook Gallery at Center Place gets underway tonight, March 10, at 6 p.m.

•  — A clear-sky photo shoot March 9 captured these images from one of Brandon’s most-beloved locations. Flip through the 10 views and with the last view the location will be identified. (Hint: A roundtable held its monthly meeting there March 9.)

•  — This year's Adult Brandon Idol contest is scheduled for April 30.

•  — A victim of the changing times and dour economy, the Borders in Brandon is one of some 200 locations closing nationwide. Both stores on Dale Mabry Highway to close as well.

•  — The ninth night of the 2011 Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City gets underway in Plant City. A sampling of performances, shows, events, exhibits and more on the March 11 schedule.

•  — The annual High School Student Art Show hosted by the GFWC Brandon Service League at Center Place is underway through March 28. Students reflect on their work in written placards that accompany each piece. Some talked about art at a March 10 reception.

•  — Brandon Patch readers were asked to identify elected officials captured (for the most part) in photographs from the 2011 Florida Strawberry Festival Parade. How well did you do?

•  — The agenda is set for the March 16 meeting of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. Here's some highlights — and links to explore the agenda yourself.

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

•  — The 12th night of the 2011 Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City gets underway in Plant City. What you need to know about the performances, shows, events, exhibits and more on the March 12 schedule. Coming Soon: Coverage of the Baby Parade.

•  — Brandon Patch was at the 2011 Florida Strawberry Festival on March 12 to cover the annual Baby Parade that draws contestants, ages 1 to 4, from throughout Eastern Hillsborough County. Comprehensive coverage is coming soon, but here’s a quick look.

•  — Five things to know about kettle corn, a fair and festival favorite that Henry Towner set aside his law degree to pursue as a livelihood.

•  — A snapshot look at some news you can use to plan your day — or the days ahead.

•  — The 2011 Florida Strawberry Festival gives Eastern Hillsborough County residents a chance to display their tots and creativity at a Baby Parade hosted by the GFWC Plant City Junior Woman’s Club.

BRANDON PATCH NEWS COVERAGE (Feb. 28 - March 6):

•   — 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

•  — 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. /Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Greater Brandon area actors and stage crew hobbyists have a new outlet for their talents with the upcoming Plant City Entertainment production of, “Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s Got the Will?” Auditions are Feb. 28 and March 1 and 3. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — A snapshot look at news you can use — or might care to know —about things of interest in your life at home and beyond. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Jennifer Jackson draws upon her more than 30 years of experience in community theater to talk about what it takes to build a sense of community through the theater. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — A quick look at the birthday ritual, from four-line ditty to Facebook platform. This Brandon Patch look includes links to local news and shopping and tips for crafting online greetings. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Five road closings in north Valrico, between Martin Luther King Boulevard and Wheeler Road, mean a detour burden for heavily traveled Parsons Avenue as well. Closures are for CSX railroad tracks replacement. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Some 1.6 million lunch trays are used daily in the Hillsborough County school system, the nation’s eighth-largest public school district. /Linda Chion Kenney

•  — News you need to know to make the transition from “preschool” to “the big school” for students starting their journeys in the Hillsborough County School District. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Health Fair 2011 focuses on “Future Trends in Health Care” with an annual sampling of community offerings, free screenings and giveaways. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Community activist and advocate Terry Flott often can be seen at Hillsborough County offices, where she keeps an eye on issues concerning her hometown of Seffner. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — News to know as community life gets underway in Greater Brandon and beyond. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — News to know as community life gets underway in Greater Brandon and beyond. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — The March 2 vote was preceded by a public hearing that drew seven speakers, all but two representing the newspaper industry. /Linda Chion Kenney

•  — After attending to your civic duties at the Fred B. Karl County Center in downtown Tampa, visit the Joe Chillura Courthouse Square, across the street. Some views of the park, at dusk, following the March 2 meeting of the Hillsborough County Commissioners. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — MDHF Productions, founded by community theater veteran Clint Shepherd, stages “Love, Sex and the I.R.S.” at the James McCabe Theater in the Greater Brandon community of Valrico. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — We've done some research for you in compiling a list of things to see and do at the 2011 Florida Strawberry Festival that won’t cost a dime above the gate admission price. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Lady Antebellum is sold out but free tickets to all shows are available on a first- come first-served basis for viewing in the 3,000-seat Direct Auto Insurance Free Grandstand. Paid seating is it the Wish Farms Soundstage. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — We've done some research for you in compiling a list of must-knows — and good-to-knows — for special days at the 2011 Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — The latest production from Plant City Entertainment featured a large cast including many Greater Brandon thespians. Here’s a quick look back. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Visit the Florida Strawberry Festival, then support the Greater Brandon Arts Council and the Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center. Visit the Brandon chamber’s health fair at the Campo Family YMCA, see a show at the James McCabe Theater. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Taking students beyond the prompt on standardized tests, Bell Shoals Baptist Academy English teacher Tammy Perkins implores students to write from their hearts. The school’s annual "Authors’ Museum" showcases the results of that effort. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — 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 4. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Proceeds from the Fourth Annual Casino Night Fundraiser will help support programming and scholarship opportunities at the Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center. The event is March 5 at the Barn Theatre at Winthrop. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — From thrift sale to Spring Fling, from yard sale to auction, the day gets underway in Greater Brandon. At night, fundraisers to support the Greater Brandon Arts Council and the Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center. /Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Kim Hall, vice president of the Greater Brandon Arts Council, talks about the power of the arts, the Greater Brandon Arts Council and the council’s March 5 “Arty Party” membership drive and fundraiser. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Healthcare providers speak passionately about their work at the 2011 Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce Health Fair. The event at the Campo Family YMCA feature more than 60 exhibitors. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Enrolled at both Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida, for band, Tracy Mare, an employee at the Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center, learns well from her high school band teacher, tennis coach and mom. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Justin Correia and his sister, Maritza, set high goals for themselves growing up as Brandon swimmers. She became an Olympian, he returns home to the Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center as Blue Wave Swim Team Head Coach. / Linda Chion Kenney

BRANDON PATCH NEWS COVERAGE (Feb. 21-27):

•  — Students mourn loss of popular teens, killed Friday night after being kicked by a bull. / D’Ann White

•  — Friends gather outside the cross and poster board that marks a memorial for Brooke Ann Coats, 16, who died Feb. 18 after she fell off, and was kicked by, a bull at the Remington Rough Stock bullring arena on U.S. 301. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office issues a report in connection to the bull-riding accident that led to the death of 16-year-old Brooke Ann Coats. Visitation is Feb. 23 and her funeral is Feb. 24. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Director April Golombek announces her cast for the family friendly production of "Bye Bye Birdie." Forty-eight community theater thespians have been cast for parts in the musical loosely tied to the 1957 draft of Elvis Presley. / Linda Chion Kenney  

•  — 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. /Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Three featured animals at Hillsborough County Animal Services are among many available for adoption as adult pets. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — A snapshot look at some news you can use with links to explore the issue further. Might not apply to you? Feel free to share the link to others. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — You might be crazed with demands on your time but your kids might be bored — and that’s not a healthy mix. Think ahead, be prepared and get creative. / Jeanette Henderson

•  — Young Crusader girls run out of steam against veteran Trinity Christian, 72-55. /Joel Ridley

•  — The viewing for teen bull rider Brooke Ann Coats is tonight, Feb. 23, at Stowers Funeral Home in Brandon. The memorial at the bullring site continues to grow with messages of grief and remembrances of an accomplished teen with a ready smile. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — The line wrapped around Stowers Funeral Home on Feb. 23 as friends and family gathered to pay their final respects to Riverview High School student Brooke Ann Coats, who died after a bull-riding accident. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Tickets still available for the Feb. 24 “Bunco for the Kids” fundraiser at Center Place. The event is hosted by the Kappa Kappa chapter of Kappa Delta Phi. /Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Close to 150 people attended this year’s Community Affairs Dinner, which featured local voices from the past and present, Nat Storms, Brandon’s first honorary mayor, and Col. Lenny J. Richoux, MacDill’s base commander, spoke about Brandon. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Plant City Entertainment and a variety show at the James McCabe Theater in Valrico are on tap this weekend, featuring musical comedy and student variety show entertainment, respectively. Links to G-rated and PG-rated movies included. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Quick overview and links to review the Hillsborough County School Board’s March 1 agenda. The meeting is set to start 3 p.m. at the Raymond O. Shelton School Administrative Center in downtown Tampa. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — As March approaches, news you can use from the Florida Department of Transportation as you plan your daily commutes and evening activities. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Local fixture in Brandon has been serving up smoked meats and Southern sides for about 10 years. Secret to success, owner says, is passion and love. / John Majeski

•  — New bar at Brandon Mall features 60 beers on tap. Brass Tap offers refuge for "beer geeks" and others curious about brews beyond Bud Light. / John Majeski

•  — The “baby” of the Mulrennan clan turns 88 on Feb. 27. At a party in Valrico, a large crowd gathered on the eve of her birthday to wish her well. The Mulrennan groves today house a road and a middle school in the Greater Brandon community of Valrico. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — More than $2,200 was raised Feb. 26 at the Bunco dice-game fundraiser hosted by the Brandon Chapter of the All Children’s Hospital Guild at The Bridges in Riverview. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — Cariss Pettigrew attended a Feb. 26 fundraiser for the Brandon chapter of the All Children’s Hospital Guild at The Bridges in Riverview. She took time out assisting her mother, Janine, the guild’s co-president, to talk about life in general. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  — A military wife with time to spare took a class on framing at an air base in Japan and ended up with a passion and a career. Today Jo Powell is the owner and operator of Frames by Jo in the Greater Brandon community of Valrico. / Linda Chion Kenney

• — Billed as a wedding, reunion and retreat getaway, Cross Creek Ranch in Dover offers some startling scenery in a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of a French country inn. There, on Feb. 27, the Rotary Club of Brandon held its annual Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. / Linda Chion Kenney 

• — Veteran community theater actress Cindy Miller-Ray and her husband, John, open their Greater Brandon home every year for a grand Oscar Night celebration. / Linda Chion Kenney

•  —The awards are in and top prizes go to a couple of toys, a couple of black swans and one blue valentine. In the youth category, prizes go to "Harry Potter" and "Easy A.” / Linda Chion Kenney