Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Deputies explain what may have led to Brandon teen’s fatal train strike

And check out Brandon-What's Brewing Thursday Monthly Real Estate Networking on the Brandon Patch calendar

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Cheers Brandon! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Deputies explain what may have led to Brandon teen’s fatal train strike
  • How a Brandon cemetery became the heart of a 150-year neighborhood
  • How a Brandon driver’s I-75 road rage turned into 22 charges

Also on today's calendar: Touch-A-Truck: Big Trucks. Big Smiles. Big Fun!.

Find out what's happening in Brandonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My dog used to chase people on a bike a lot. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Brandonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 74 and low of 59 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Occasional rain and a t-storm, temps: high: 69, low: 57.
  • Thursday: Rather cloudy and breezy, with a high of 64 and low of 35 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Brandon Teen Dies After Being Hit By Train On Way To School Florida News (iheart.com) — A Brandon teenager died after being hit by a CSX freight train in Hillsborough County while walking to school, according to deputies. Investigators say foggy conditions and walking along the tracks may have contributed, and they’re urging Brandon residents to avoid using railroad tracks as walkways, especially when visibility is low.
   

2. Brandon neighborhood celebrates 150th anniversary (wfla.com) — A historic Brandon neighborhood is marking 150 years by honoring Limona’s roots at its cemetery, considered the birthplace of the community. Residents, historians, and the Preserving Brandon group gathered to remember early settlers and loved ones, and to encourage future generations to protect this uniquely local piece of Brandon’s heritage.
   

3. Brandon man facing 22 charges after shots fired during road rage on I-75: FHP (fox13news.com) — A Brandon resident is facing 22 charges after Florida Highway Patrol says he fired multiple shots at another vehicle during a road rage chase on I-75 near Gibsonton, with three children reportedly inside his SUV. Troopers and Hillsborough deputies tracked the vehicles across several local highways before arresting the suspect and recovering shell casings and a handgun. No injuries were reported, but charges include attempted murder and child neglect.
   

4. Value City and American Signature Furniture are closing all stores in 2026. See the full list of doomed locations (fastcompany.com) — American Signature Furniture is shutting down its Brandon Town Center Drive store as part of a nationwide closure of all Value City and American Signature locations, with going-out-of-business sales already underway. Brandon shoppers should know all sales are final and deposits on undelivered items may not be refunded, as customers must file bankruptcy claims and are last in line behind other creditors.
   

5. Toyota Supra Mk4 Hits Another Toyota, Then A Toyota Dealer (carscoops.com) — A high-speed Toyota Supra crash at the busy Highway 301 and Highway 60 intersection by Courtesy Kia of Brandon sent the car spinning into a dealership wall after clipping a Corolla. Video shows wet, slick conditions near the Brandon auto row, and while no serious injuries are reported, the wrecked six-figure sports car highlights the risks of street-style driving on local roads.
   

📸 Around Brandon

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Lakeland Senior Dance Club
    I am contacting you about the lawsuits filed against both the volunteer board of directors of the Lakeland Senior Dance Club and the City of... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Genuine question for neighbors: If you could fix one practical issue in our area (Roads, traffic, flooding, utilities, permitting, public services, etc.
    ), what would it be—and why does it affect your day-to-day life? (Nextdoor Regency Plaza)
  • What’s going on at Brandon Parkway by Dunkin on Lumsden?
    They have the entrance blocked off by a cop car. I pray everything is ok (Nextdoor Village - Climate)
  • Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. posted a job opening for Processing Associate (Brandon) in Brandon. Apply here.
  • TJX posted a job opening for Retail Cleaning/Maintenance - Part Time in Brandon. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Brandon here.

Ok Brandon! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I took its bike away.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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