Brandon News

It's shaping up to be an interesting year in local politics. State Rep. Rachel Burgin, R-Riverview, formally announced this weekend that she'll run for state Senate, opposing Brandon Republican Tom Lee,A according to the Tampa Bay Times .

Brandon and the Tampa Bay area will be spared of Tropical Storm Beryl's most severe effects, but showers and thunderstorms are still a strong possibility for Memorial Day, according to the National Weather Service.

Clutching $20 bills, 20 residents descended up a surprised staff at Hut 8 in Plaza Bella, Valrico, May 24 for the area's first "cash mob" event.

The 11:38 p.m. two-vehicle crash occurred at the corner of State Road 60 and Grand Regency Boulevard, Florida Highway Patrol troopers said.

Serenity Meadows Memorial Park, Funeral Home & Crematory , 6919 Providence Rd., Riverview, will host Memorial Day services Monday starting at 8:30 a.m. Guest speakers will be County Commissioner Al Higginbotham, Michael Whitt, commander of AMVETS Chapter 44 of Brandon, and Walt Raysic, president of the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County.

Monday, May 28 is Memorial Day, a federal holiday. Here's a look at what's open and what's closed in Brandon and around Hillsborough County in observance of the holiday: Government offices The majority of Hillsborough County offices and facilities will be closed on Monday.

Lee said he has been talking to state Senate leaders for a year or more about the possibility of running for Storms' Senate seat.

ROAD TRIP? Put this # in your cell phone: *FHP - that's *347. Call that number for FREE assistance from a Road Ranger if you have car trouble on any interstate in Florida.

The fourth suspect seen on surveillance video attacking and robbing a MacDill Air Force Base soldier in South Tampa has been identified, Tampa Police said Friday.

News Report After directing several successful productions for the Florida Academy of Performing Arts in Brandon, Bloomingdale High School graduate Tammy Modica returns with "Legally Blonde, The Musical." The production will be presented May 25-26 at 8 p.m. and May 27 at 2 and 6 p.m. at The Barn Theatre at Winthrop, 11349 Bloomingdale Ave., ... (more)

A This week marked the one-year anniversary for a Tabitha's Tea in Brandon, where "fine dining and the highest-quality loose-leaf teas" are served along with artisan sandwiches, salads, scones and soups.

From June 18-22 young athletes have the opportunity to participate in both the Shoot for the Stars Basketball camp and Bibles and Basketball camp.

Melissa Hurst, of Melissa Hurst Photography, feels that photographs can be turned into works of art.

Join Walter Chism, vocal and drum instructor and "The Showcase All Stars" on Saturday, June 2 at their first Party on the Patio at Music Showcase from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. All funds raised will be used to allow children who cannot otherwise afford it, to take music or voice lessons at Music Showcase.

Cassandra Davis, left and Mark Dunn of Team Pango of Lake Brandon were among the more than 1,500 that took part in the Annual Bike MS: The Citrus Tour, a two-day cycling event to raise money and support the fight against Multiple Sclerosis.

Dr. Karen Jacobs and Dr. Jaime Montes along with the staff of theA Medical Group Family Care Center and hospital leadership celebrated a ribbon cutting and officially opened the new center in Brandon on May 1. The Tampa General Medical Group Family Care Center is now open in Brandon at 214 Morrison Rd.

Newcomers Club, Publicity and Charity ChairA Renaulda Dangremond, joined by 6-year-old Andrew Smith and his mom Michelle after receiving a generous donation of $1,600 from the members of the Club.

Grow Brandon, a nonprofit group dedicated to supporting local small businesses, has organized its first "cash mob." The event will take place Thursday, May 24 at 5:45 p.m. at Plaza Bella on Bloomingdale Avenue in Valrico.

A Brandon has a princess and the Sylvia Thomas Center for Adoptive and Foster Families has 2,129 additional reasons to celebrate a fundraising event that raised close to $3,000 for the center over a five-week period.

A The following report was submitted by Deborah Evans , director of community relations for the Florida Academy of Performing Arts, in residence at the Music Showcase on Oakfield Drive in Brandon.