Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What investigators say about the deadly train strike near Brandon High School

And on the Brandon Patch calendar - Harney Road Self Storage Grand Opening

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Monday January 12th Patch AM
Monday January 12th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

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:

  • What investigators say about the deadly train strike near Brandon High School
  • How a Brandon hospital visit turned into a rare survival story
  • How a Bloomingdale High alum battled back to reach Oklahoma State

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: What did one elevator say to the other? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Monday: Clouds and sun; less humid, with a high of 71 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, temps: high: 75, low: 59.
  • Wednesday: Occasional rain and a t-storm, with a high of 71 and low of 57 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Florida 17-year-old Teen Walking to School Dies After Being Struck by CSX Train in Brandon (saludastandard-sentinel.com) — A Brandon High School student walking to school was fatally struck by a CSX freight train near the Lakewood Drive tracks, renewing concerns about rail safety in Brandon neighborhoods. Investigators say foggy conditions and possible headphone use may have contributed, and they’re reviewing train operations while urging residents, especially students, to avoid walking along tracks and use designated crossings.
   

2. Central Florida Man Arrested for Shooting Pregnant Woman, Striking Unborn Baby (westorlandonews.com) — A pregnant woman was rushed to Brandon Regional Hospital with a gunshot wound to her abdomen, and both she and her baby survived after emergency surgeries in Brandon and at Tampa General. Hillsborough County deputies arrested a 44-year-old repeat felon, accusing him of shooting her while she slept beside her children, and say the investigation into this disturbing case remains active.
   

3. Liberty Corner Christian Bodnar Commits to Oklahoma State (pistolsfiringblog.com) — A standout defensive back who grew up in Brandon and played at Bloomingdale High School has committed to continue his college career at Oklahoma State after a strong comeback season at Liberty. The former three-star recruit overcame a serious brain inflammation diagnosis to become a starting cornerback and earn Comeback Player of the Year recognition, showcasing the kind of resilience that reflects well on Brandon’s homegrown talent.
   

4. Brandon man facing 22 charges after shots fired during road rage on I-75: FHP (fox13news.com) — A Brandon man is facing 22 charges after troopers say he fired multiple shots at another vehicle during a road rage chase on I-75 near Gibsonton, with three children riding in his SUV. Florida Highway Patrol and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office tracked and stopped the vehicle, recovered shell casings and a handgun, and say the victim’s car was hit by three bullets.
   

📸 Around Brandon

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Brandon

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Brandon Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Brandon PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

🪧 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

  • LOST DOG ALERT!
    Have you seen this pet? Leo was lost on July 26, 2025 and was last seen near Brandon, FL If you have information on their location, please reach… (Nextdoor Providence Townhomes)
  • 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)
  • Journeys Shoes posted a job opening for Assistant Store Manager in Brandon. Apply here.
  • Muvr posted a job opening for Mover – Flexible Schedule | Brandon, 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 think I’m coming down with something!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Brandon