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Hello Brandon! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Wright’s Gourmet House expansion, Watermelon Water Wars, and Florida pro wrestling + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Goldco, is helping folks around Brandon help protect their savings after a remarkable few years for gold and silver. Their free guide explains what's behind the run… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
More Wright’s spots coming: Beloved Tampa staple Wright’s Gourmet House will open new locations in Brandon and Wesley Chapel, with 15,000-square-foot cafes, catering facilities, and a market. Opening dates haven’t been announced yet -- read the full story.
Major Tampa projects ahead: Third Lake Partners plans a mixed-use overhaul at WestShore Plaza with nearly 100 apartments, and a 3-D printed home could hit the market within two months in Tampa -- read the full story.
Growing safety concerns: E-bike injuries among Tampa Bay kids surged, with Tampa General reporting a 500% jump since 2023. Teens 12 to 15 most affected as Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a safety bill -- read the full story.
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Google your own name and you'll probably find your home address: It's sitting on a people-search site right now, next to your age, your relatives, and your phone number, free for anyone to look up. Aura gets it taken down. It contacts 420+ data brokers on your behalf, uses privacy laws to legally demand deletion, and keeps resending requests so your information doesn't creep back online. No hours of opt-out forms, it runs quietly in the background — remove your data.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold posted one of its strongest runs in decades...Silver has been right there with it, and after a few remarkable years both metals have become some of the most talked-about assets for those looking to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, Goldco has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how people are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Beat the Brandon heat: All Person's Rotary Park nails the summer checklist with a universal playground, a splash pad that actually helps, shady picnic spots, and real restrooms. When cabin fever peaks, it’s an easy, free reset for the whole crew without leaving your side of town.
Level up your nest: If your sofa sags and your sleep does too, Hudson's Furniture + Mattress in Brandon has stylish living, dining, and bedroom pieces, plus big-name mattresses you can actually try. Free design help turns 'where do I even start' into 'ohhh, that works.'
Brunch, hold the fuss: Craving a low-key spot that nails the classics without making it a whole thing, Recipe Box Brunch Hub in Brandon delivers cozy diner vibes, generous plates, and the reliable comfort food you know by heart. Put it on your this week list and let the griddle do the talking.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here. You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in Home Depot, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh →
Once your car passes 50,000 miles, the odds of a big repair climb fast. That's usually right when your factory coverage starts running out. Engine, transmission, electrical, they fail on their own timeline, and the bills run into the thousands. An extended warranty covers them before they hit. You receive a free year of Elite Benefits, plus 30 days to change your mind. *$300 off right now →
A window quote that takes an hour and costs you nothing. No showroom, no sales runaround, no obligation to buy anything. A design consultant comes to you, measures your windows, walks you through the options, and leaves you with an exact price and timeline, that's the whole visit. Keep the quote as long as you like and decide whenever you're ready, or don't. Booking takes about a minute. *Book your free visit →
The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎨 1/2 Day Summer Camp - Watercolor Map @ AR Workshop Brandon (Valrico) | Wednesday (7/22) at 9:30 AM – Whether your kid is overbooked with swim lessons or allergic to week-long commitments, this half-day camp lets ages 7 to 17 learn watercolor basics, paint a map, then mount it on a bulletin board. Snacks included, serenity for you implied, and everyone feels accomplished.
💦 Watermelon Water Wars @ Centerpoint Church (Valrico) | Friday (7/24) at 10:00 AM – Beat the Florida heat at HRC in Valrico with Watermelon Water Wars, a free family morning of water games, melon munching, and catching up before fall classes invade. It’s wholesome chaos, supervised fun, and the good kind of sticky.
🎉 Grand Opening Celebration @ Kidz In Play Childcare Center (Seffner) | Saturday (7/25) at 11:00 AM – Curious where your tiny tornado could nap? Kidz in Play Childcare Center in Seffner is celebrating with classroom tours, friendly teachers, and a chance to peek behind the scenes, ask questions, and see if it feels like your village. Families welcome, tire-kickers too.
🤼 Florida Pro Wrestling @ Voodoo Brewing Co. (Valrico) | Saturday (7/25) at 7:00 PM – Voodoo Brewing in Valrico is trading hops for body slams with Florida Pro Wrestling’s debut, a throwback night of Sunshine State grit. Expect “Buckshot” Brian Brock, “The Chosen One” Tony Donati, Tokyo Monster Kahagas, and more. Bring the kids, or your inner kid.
🎤 Kpop Camp @ Dancing for a Difference | Monday (8/3) at 10:00 AM – Let your inner backup dancer have its moment at this K-pop camp, with choreography sessions, crafty swag making, and playful activities. Go half day or full day, $100 or $200, and reclaim your living room from impromptu music videos, at least temporarily.
🪴 Plants & Pets @ Kerby's Nursery & Landscaping (Seffner) | Saturday (8/8) at 9:00 AM – If your camera roll is already 90 percent pet portraits, treat them to the 5th annual garden morning that mixes a pet parade with prizes, pet-safe plant tips, interactive stations, a photo booth, and adoptables eyeing an upgrade. Low drama, tail wags, and greenery.
🎒 🎒🍎 Back to School Bash at Brandon Sunday Market 🍎🎒 @ Brandon Sunday Market | Sunday (8/9) at 10:00 AM – Skip the mall stampede and swing by Brandon Sunday Market’s Back to School Bash for actual fun. Bribe the kids with dirty sodas, fresh lemonades, and dirty popcorn while you browse local vendors, hear some tunes, and pretend this counts as school prep.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
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07 — Brandon report Weather forecastToday — High: 94°F — Low: 76°F — Precip: 10%
Sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 104. South wind 6 to 9 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Heat index values as high as 100. Southwest wind 2 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tomorrow — High: 95°F — Low: 75°F — Precip: 25%
Scattered showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny, with a high near 95. South southwest wind 2 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 75. North wind 2 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. This house is wildThe Biscayne II is a two-story layout that pairs airy open living with tucked-away private spaces. A grand room, expansive kitchen, and casual dining area flow together beneath 12-foot ceilings, then spill out to a covered lanai. The owner’s retreat offers walk-in closets and a luxe bath, while an upstairs bonus room, fifth bedroom, and flexible options add plenty of versatility.
Take a peek inside → |
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