Roll-Your-Own Tobacco Stores Ordered To Close, Injunction Falls Short

Tobacco Road on Brandon Boulevard is one of 13 roll-your-own stores in Central Florida operated by Good Times Pinellas. Briefly reopened after a court injunction, the stores are now closed again because of a "cease and desist" order.

FANG's Back-To-School Festival at the Campo Y (PHOTOS)

The 10th annual Back-To-School Festival at the Campo Family YMCA in the Greater Brandon community of Valrico drew a strong crowd for vendors treats and showcases. The event is sponsored by FANG, the FishHawk Area Networking Group.

Don't Delay, Tax-Free Break for Back-to-School Shoppers Ends Today (Aug. 5)

Back-to-school shoppers have one more day, Aug. 5, to shop for exempt clothing, accessories and school supplies for the 2012 Sales Tax Holiday. Small businesses and larger stores and chains have been running sales.

Westfield Lauds App Upgrades in Time for Back-To-School Shopping

In time for the 2012 Sales Tax Holiday for back-to-school shoppers, Westfield announces significant upgrades to its free Westfield mobile app v2.0 for iPhones. The Android version is coming soon, according to Westfield Brandon's Dawn Arvidson.

Westfield News: Back-To-School Deals, Bahama Breeze, Red Robin Updates

When will Bahama Breeze and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers open? Westfield Brandon's Dawn Arvidson fills us in, along with back-to-school tax-break news, Dell computer giveaway, American Eagle remodeling and new stores Crazy 8 and Route 21.

Seffner Chamber Sets Aug. 9 Deadline for Awards, Board Nominations

Elections for the board of directors for the Greater Seffner Area Chamber of Commerce are set for Aug. 9. Also due that day are nominations for the 2012 Chamber Choice Awards. The Sept. 11 banquet will pay tribute as well to Patriot Day.

Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day Draws Strong Local Reactions

Local reaction was strong Aug. 1 for Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day. The National Same Sex Kiss Day at Chick-Fil-A is scheduled for Aug. 3. These demonstrations are in response to same-sex marriage comments made by company president Dan Cathy.

Vacant Store Outside AMC The Regency 20: What's Your Druthers?

Outside the movies at AMC The Regency 20 stands a vacant storefront the recently served ice cream treats for theatergoers. Now closed, in the breezeway at the Regency Square shopping center, what would you like to see take up shop there?

Roll-Your-Own Tobacco Road Cigarette Stores Reopen (at Least for Now)

A federal court injunction gave temporary relief to the 13 Tobacco Road, roll-you-own cigarette shops in Tampa Bay, which reopened July 27. Partnership owner Sam Bontempo has vowed to fight a federal law that led to higher taxes on discounted smokes.

Westfield Brandon Features 'Sesame Street Safari of Fun' Play Area

Newly opened in the newest wing at the Westfield Brandon shopping mall is a 1,200- square-foot play area, near Gymboree, likened after the "Sesame Street Safari of Fun" at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

ShakeOut, ‘Shakeistas' and Facebook: A Westfield Brandon Summer Treat

ShakeOut, a gourmet milkshake store at Westfield Brandon, features more than 100 flavors and one of those flavors is for free through Aug. 31 for guests who show confirmation on their mobile devices of a check-in at Facebook or Foursquare.

Vacant Storefront in Brandon: What's Closed and Who Should Open?

Care to take a guess where this vacant piece of retail space is in Brandon? Hint: It's along one of the town's most busiest roadways. For extra points, tell us what business was housed here and what business you would like to see fill the spot.

Roll-Your-Own Cigarette Stores Owner Fighting Feds To Stay Open

Sam Bontempo, partnership owner of the closed Tobacco Road, roll-your-own cigarette shops in the Tampa Bay area, is set to fight a federal law that led to higher taxes on discounted smokes. The Brandon shop was one of the more popular sites.

Panera's 'Lemon-Aid' and 'Dough-Nation' To Aid Children's Cancer Center

Panera Bread bakery-cafes on July 27 and 28 will be supporting the Children's Cancer Center, with $1 donations for "Panera Lemon-Aid Stand" drinks. Donations dropped in the "Operation Dough-Nation" boxes in July will benefit the center as well.

Business Networking, Historic Building Ribbon-Cutting on Tap for Seffner Chamber

The Greater Seffner Area Chamber of Commerce meets July 25 in Brandon for a breakfast meeting on business networking. The Purdy Law firm hosts an open house July 24 in the historic building it renovated and moved into.

Shoe Heaven Open in Brandon, Features Lady Footwear

Shoe Heaven, featuring ladies footwear at a $12.88 a pair, is open for business in Brandon, not far from the Westfield Brandon shopping mall. The store also carries handbags and accessories and has a second location near the University of South Florida.

'Christmas in July' Toy Drive for Hospitalized Children

Bring comfort and cheer to the children of St. Joseph Children's Hospital with a "Christmas in July" toy drive run in conjunction with participating Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins locations.

Brandon Chamber's Bracewell Cooks for a Cause, YMCA Benefits

The Copper Bell Cafe's "Cooking for a Cause III” celebrity chef event July 9 featured Tammy Bracewell of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, with proceeds earmarked to send kids to YMCA camps at Brandon, Campo and Camp Christina.

Bracewell 'Cooking for a Cause' at Copper Bell Cafe, YMCA to Benefit

"Cooking for a Cause III" continues July 9 at the Copper Bell Cafe in Brandon, with celebrity chef Tammy Bracewell, president and CEO of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce. Help send a kid to summer camp at the YMCA.

Would You Use Publix Online Ordering?

Publix has announced that it will roll out online ordering at select stores in the Tampa Bay area later this year, with select stores offering also electronic in-store ordering.

Services July 6 for Ed Morse Cadillac Brandon Namesake

Ed Morse, namesake of Ed Morse Cadillac Brandon, died June 29 at age 91. Services for the automobile magnate are set for July 6 at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, where Morse died of natural causes. The Brandon showroom will close early today.

What Should Open at the Bordered-Up Borders in Brandon?

What would you like to see in the space that once housed the big-box Borders retailer at the entrance to the Brandon Parkway and the Westfield Brandon mall, adjacent to the Brandon Crossroads shopping center of small businesses?

4 Days Left To Nominate Top Small Businesses in Brandon

The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce is accepting through 5 p.m. July 9 nominations for the 2012 Small Business of the Year awards. Small businesses in five categories will be recognized at a nominees awards gala in October.

Restaurants 'Taking Care of Business' at Riverview Chamber's Membership Luncheon

The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce's networking group, "Taking Care of Business," sponsored this month's membership luncheon at The Regent, featuring restaurants and groups from throughout the Greater Brandon and Riverview area.

5 Reasons To ‘Sip & Dip’ at Cork & Olive Tonight (June 28)

A sign at the Brandon Crossroads shopping center off Badlands Drive and Providence Road announces for wine lovers the June 28 “Sip & Dip” social event at Cork & Olive.

Chamber Deadline for Best Small Businesses Nears

Nominations for the 2012 Small Business of the Year awards are due July 9. The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce awards are given in five categories, at an awards gala for the nominees in October.

Celebrating 6 Years at the Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium in Brandon

The Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium, owned by Karen West and her chef husband, Dave, offers more than just a wide selection of gourmet foods, tools and cutlery. The Culinary Center is a great spot for cooking classes, chef demonstrations and events.

Bright House Network's Holloway Cooks for a Cause, HARC Benefits

The third Copper Bell Cafe celebrity chef event for "Cooking for a Cause III” was held June 25 in Brandon. Jen Holloway of Bright House Networks earmarked proceeds and gratuities for the Hillsborough Achievement and Resource Centers.

Best Places For Food, Coffee, Dining Out

Summer's here and it's a good time to get out of the kitchen and into the community. Share in Brandon Patch Readers' Choice 2012 your favorites in eight categories involving meals, dessert and coffee.

Holloway 'Cooking for a Cause' at Copper Bell Cafe, HARC to Benefit

"Cooking for a Cause III" continues June 25 at the Copper Bell Cafe in Brandon, with celebrity chef Jen Holloway, marketing director for Bright House Networks. All proceeds and gratuities benefit Hillsborough Achievement and Resource Centers (HARC).

What Happened to Brandon's Saturday Market?

The local farmers market organized by Wilson Almonte of Fat Cow Markets has closed after a first event in June featuring only a smattering of promised vendors. Winthrop Town Founder John Sullivan said he is open to other market suggestions.

'Rio' a $1 Chick-fil-A 'Summer Fun Flick' at AMC The Regency 20 Today (June 19)

Chick-fil-A of Lake Brandon Village is back with an extended “Summer Fun Flicks” program, Tuesdays at AMC The Regency 20. Eight movies for $1, with proceeds benefiting ECHO, Center Place and the YMCA.

Family Dollar Opens at Brandon Spot Once Thought 'Cursed'

Family Dollar is in business on Brandon Boulevard in a spot that once housed Morrison's Buffet and Grill, Gatorz Southern Rock Cafe, Bedroc's and more. Will this venture succeed?

Elia Cooks for a Cause, Hillsborough Education Foundation Benefits

The second celebrity chef event for "Cooking for a Cause III” was held June 18 at the Copper Bell Cafe in Brandon. Hillsborough County School Superintendent MaryEllen Elia earmarked proceeds and gratuities for the Hillsborough Education Foundation.

Leaders Sought for Seffner Chamber

The Greater Seffner Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking members to step up for leadership positions on its board of directors.

School Superintendent Elia 'Cooking for a Cause' at Copper Bell Cafe

"Cooking for a Cause III" continues June 18 at the Copper Bell Cafe in Brandon, with celebrity chef MaryEllen Elia, superintendent of the Hillsborough County School District. All proceeds and gratuities benefit the Hillsborough Education Foundation.

O'Brien's 'Bloomsday Tampa Bay' Pays Tribute to Joyce's 'Ulysses'

Tonight's literary event at O'Brien's Irish Pub and Family Restaurant focuses on James Joyce and his novel, "Ulysses." The "Bloomsday 2012" event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. tonight, June 16, with a limerick contest and arts show included.

Where To Eat Father's Day Weekend: A Guide to Local Eateries

Where to take dad before, after, or as a Father's Day outing? This guide to local eateries in the Greater Brandon area will get you started, with brunches at Sumatra Bistro and Copper Bell leading the list of more than 20 dining options.

48-Time Uncle Set for Father's Day at Uncle Mike's Smokehouse Grill

Owner Mike Tolley, who has 48 nieces and nephews and one more on the way, is celebrating the holiday at his restaurant inside the Old Town Brandon Harley Davidson with live music and a Sunday bike show.

Beef's and Rolling Pin Add to Father's Day Offers

Father's Day at Beef 'O' Brady's and the Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium in Brandon comes with offers for a free meal and "Dad's Dollars," respectively.