New Laws for July 1, 4th of July Fireworks, Parade, Obamacare

Here’s just a sampling of stories that posted in Brandon Patch for the week that ended June 30. To review additional stories, go to Browse News for a listing of stories in chronological order. (Also, you can search there by month, with the links posted in the left-hand column.)

• Gov. Rick Scott declared a for Florida as the effects of Tropical Storm Debbie came to bear, including in the Greater Brandon area, . This report included local photos of the storm's impact.

• Art Wood, chair of the Hillsborough County Republican Party, discussed the local party's stance on the Supreme Court's ruling on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. The report, , asks for readers' reactions as well and includes a remark from Democrat Gail Gottlieb, who is running for the state House District 59 seat.

• Kendal Sierra MacDonald, from East Bay High School, and Tori Wilson, from Armwood High, received $500 scholarships from the , thanks to their respective 500-word essays on their most rewarding volunteer experiences. The scholarships were given in Paril and reported by the club in June.

• A report on the in the Brandon Crossroas shopping center off Badlands Drive and Providence Road included a discussion with owners Karen and Dave West. The emporium celebrates its sixth anniversary in Brandon Crossroads in Augus.

• at a Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce gala in October? To make that determination, nominations must be submitted. The deadline to make yours is July 9.

• "" held its third celebrity chef offering at the Copper Bell Cafe on June 25, with Jen Holloway, marketing manager for event sponsor Bright House Networks, serving on behalf of the Hillsborough Achivement Centers (HARC). 

• The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, and more specifically, the "" networking group, treated chamber members to a sampling of fare from 16 member restaurants at The Regent on June 29. See in this report links to which restaurants served, and which members recently joined the chamber.

• A report on .

• Reports on the planned for the Westfield Brandon shopping mall, as well as the particulars concerning the , as told through an interview with parade chair, Marie Cain. Also, a look at why you might want to leave fireworks to the professionals, including a list of safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration and SafeKids USA.