Brandon School of Dance Arts Recital 2007      The children have worked so hard and are ready to share with their friends and family what they've learned and nearly perfected.  Mark you calendars to come out and enjoy the show at the Tampa Performing Arts Center for some beautiful entertainment.Date:  June 20 - 21, 2007Place:  Ferguson Hall  (The Tampa Performing Art Center)Time:  7:30 PMBrandon School of Dance  Center is offering a "Dance Camp" this summer from July 23 - 27 from 9am - 3pm.  Class space(s) are limited.  Regular Classes offered:   ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, novelty, modern, acrobatics, and musical theatreCONTACT INFO:  Location:  2011 Parsons Ave., Seffner, FL  33584 Phone:  813-681-8637Email:  bsda@tampabay.rr.com                     06/10/2007

Davis ParkLocation: It's located just a mile North of Hwy 60 off Parsons Ave.   600 Mook StreetBrandon, FL 33510This rustic park runs along Lake Mead on 15 acres.  There is no swimming here, but the wildlife is plentiful!  This is a bird-lover's paradise!  The park is filled with long legged friends such as the Egret and Heron.  You can also find Sandhill Cranes, ducks and gulls.  On occasion you may see the Gopher Tortoises, and a marsh rabbit.  This is a very tranquil place to spend an afternoon, plan a picnic, or even a birthday party!  (my son's birthday party was here one year and the kids loved it)  There are restrooms, a few pavillions, some grills and a playground for the kids.  The quiet paved roads are perfect for short bike rides, roller blading, or just taking a nice walk.Ad... 06/08/2007

Chess Champion Competes Weekly at Center PlaceThere are weekly Chess Games at Center Place in Brandon, FL.  Logan McElvenny, age 10, plays there.  He's been playing Chess for 2 years and was/is a fast learner.  He was able to beat his own father in 2 weeks once he learned the game.  He is currently the State Champion for his age group!  The other players get really excited just to "tie" him.  In June, he's moving to South Carolina, Logan tells the children around him. He'll be the state champion there, too!Read the entire story written by Helen Anne Travis.  She can also be contacted at 661-2439 or mailto:htravis@sptimes.com for more information.[Times photo: Compliments of Melissa Lyttle] 06/02/2007

Here is the local Market Report for April, 2007.  This report is for Tampa and parts of Eastern Hillsborough County, Florida. I will be posting these reports each month on my main blog (click here to view). Look for them during the first week of each month.***Disclaimer***The information I am posting is from a variety of resources and ultimately not all homes can possibly be accounted for due to...Click here for the full article and report data. 05/30/2007

It is true that the market has slowed down, but this is just part of the normal real estate cycle. There are still some good buys out there, you just need the assistance of a pro-active realtor to help you find them. It is a great time to buy, home ownership is always better than renting anytime. There are several new developments and many are offering buyer incentives. Contact us to find out the details.In August 1858, John Brandon purchased 40 acres of land in the New Hope area (now Brandon) south of Hopewell Road (now SR 60), between Parsons Avenue and Lithia Road. The Railroad first arrived in 1890 and the depot was stationed on present-day Moon Avenue. Its first census came in 1960 when the community's population was only 1,655.Brandon took off rapidly during the 1980s. Development... 05/20/2007

Brandon, FL    *WATCH YOUR CHILDREN*Detectives are investigating an attempted kidnapping at Westfield Brandon Town Center in Hillsborough County.  Investigators say a man was talking to a two-year-old.When the toddler's mother bent over to pick-up something from the floor, the man picked up the child, and started to leave.The woman grabbed the child, and the man kept walking.He's described as white or native american.35 to 38 years old.Six foot to six three.185 to 200 lbs.The mother left the mall and decided at a later time to report the incident.Anyone with any information reference the suspect featured in the composite is asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 247-8200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477.***THIS exerpt was sent to me through email.  I didn't want to... 05/17/2007

Westfield Brandon has a larger FOOD COURT & more RESTAURANT options than before!  If you're in the neighborhood, stop by!  If you're shopping they have something to satisfy everyone's hunger!  If you're wondering WHAT they have on the menu....here's a list of retailers.  Some actually allow you to call in your orders in advance so it's ready when you expect to arrive!    Cajun Big EasyFood Court813-654-8075Cheesecake Factory, TheRestaurants813-571-5599Chick-fil-aFood Court813-654-6769 Five GuysFood Court813-657-0770Green Leaf's and BananasFood Court813-681-4700Panda ExpressFood Court813-654-7199Panera Bread Bakery-cafeRestaurants813-653-3837Pretzel TimeFood Court813-654-2724 Ruby TuesdayRestaurants813-685-2615 Sam Seltzer's SteakhouseRestaurants813-662-7267Steak EscapeFood Court813-661-... 05/17/2007

Brandon Academy Private School offers students and families smaller class sizes with similar options of public schools nearby.  They have school field trips, sports, Foreign language classes, computer classes and extended care for working parents. They offer private schooling for students in kindergarten through 8th grade.  For 2007-2008 tuition information and forms, please go to the school website at http://www.brandon-academy.com/index.htm or email them at cliggitt@brandon-academy.com.  05/16/2007

Tonight it was BucadiBeppo for dinner!  I have 8 people in my immediate family with one sibling living in Texas.  We all decided while my parents were "home" in Brandon we would meet for dinner.  We didn't include the spouses or grandchildren so it was very homey and personal.  If you've never been there to eat, it's "family size portions" and everything gets shared.  Well, just like when we were kids...we broke bread together, talked about our lives, kids and spouses and shared alot of laughs.  I really enjoyed the evening...I hope my sisters, brother and parents did too!  The food was delicious and unfortunately nobody had room for dessert.  That sounds like a good reason to go again and soon!! 05/08/2007

 What are you going to do with the kids this summer?  Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center had an open house on Saturday, May 5th, 2007.  They featured many vendors including the Southwest Florida Blood Bank, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Hillsborough County Fire and Rescue, Pediatric Health Care Alliance, Bounce-A-Round, Inc, Robeks, Dick's Sporting Goods, Hit the Trail, and more.  The kick-off was for their summer camp and programs offered to the community.  They not only offer childcare but also several sports where an active-healthy lifestyle is encouraged.  GymnasticsSwimmingDivingTennisMartial ArtsAerobicsKickboxingBEST OF ALL - Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center  has trained WORLD CHAMPIONS right here in Brandon!  Here's a few just since 2000!  2004: Diver Chris Colwill earns... 05/07/2007