Final Hours For Borders in Brandon; Poster-Board Postings Lament Bookstore’s Closing

Discounts are steep for the remaining books at the Borders in Brandon, where earlier this year poster boards were hung on which patrons and workers paid their final respects. The signs have since been taken down, but the memories — and pictures — remain.

Best Places To Work Survey Hits Home With Brandon Employees

George Graham of T-Mobile at Westfield Brandon finds his company “friendly and easy going” and “conducive” to “maximizing sales.” His company made a list of best places to work.

Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Earl Lennard Set To ‘Cook For a Cause’ at Copper Bell Cafe in Brandon

"Cooking For a Cause II” gets underway April 18 with the second leg of a charitable drive that last year earned more than $10,000 for area charities. Also on this year’s slate of six celebrity chefsis former state Senate President Tom Lee.

Pinching Pennies in Brandon: Saving Money on Dining, Taxes and Books

This week's round of savings includes deals at Einstein Bros Bagels, IHOP, Tadpoles, Angelina’s, Chick-fil-A, Borders, Chili’s and more.

Pinching Pennies in Brandon and Beyond: Books, Dining, Diving, Taxes, Teeth and More

This week's round of savings includes deals at Borders, Della’s, Jiffy Lube, McDonald’s and more. Also featured, a snorkel tour in Crystal River.

Pinching Pennies in Brandon: Deals for Meals, Pets and Book Lovers

This week's round of savings includes deals at Borders, Petsmart, Angelina’s, Buca di Beppo and more.

PatchCast: Suncoast Electric Vehicles Deals for the Future

Richard Nimphie talks about his Suncoast Electric Vehicles business and the costs and benefits of owning an electric car, truck and van. Franchises available in the Tampa Bay market.

Cheapest Gas in Brandon: March 29 Report

Looking for the best deal for filling up your gas tank? This occasional report aims to aid in the search.

Aliquity’s Chili Fest 2011 Awards Top Trophy to Bell Shoals Animal Hospital

The Second Annual Chili Fest hosted by the not-for-profit Aliquity business group allowed for proceeds to benefit the winner’s chosen charity.

Brandon Patch Picks: Spas and Salons

Spas and salons have you covered from head to toe, with services and products designed to pamper you in mind, body and spirit.

The Tea Cup Tea Room Bills Itself as 'Brandon's Best-Kept Secret'

Business operates from a converted residence, giving it a homey feel. It is a tea room, gift shop and catering business.

Brandon’s ‘Fox and Hounds’ Goes ‘British’ Under New Pub Management

Tracey Adelhouser is one step closer to owning her own pub with the March re-opening of Brandon’s Fox and Hounds, near the corner of Lithia-Pinecrest Road and Brandon Boulevard.

Former Mr. Florida Rodney Burton Operates Brandon’s Results Health & Nutrition

Results Health & Nutrition offers meal planning, personal training and supplements. The Oakfield Drive business in Brandon caters to those looking to lose weight, gain muscle or both.

Small Business Job Creation Program Kicks Off March 21

Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The program reimburses partial wages for three months, up to $3,900, for some 200 jobs created for new employees living in Hillsborough County. Cost to taxpayers: $500,000.

Frugal Family: More for Less in Brandon

This round of offerings involves Subway, Bebe, G by Guess, Applebees, Oakfield Lanes and Publix.

Borders Closing Sale Ups the Ante to 30 to 50 Percent Off

A victim of the changing times and dour economy, the Borders in Brandon is one of some 200 locations closing nationwide. Both stores on Dale Mabry Highway to close as well.

Bites Nearby: Brandon’s Sophia’s Cafe Serves Greek and American Fare Fast for Lunch and Suited To Taste

Friendly staff and homemade tzatziki sauce are among the secrets to success for this low-key, Greek and American eatery. Gyros "fresh off the cone" are the best-selling item.

Golf Tournament Benefits Greater Brandon Community Foundation

The Greater Brandon Community Foundation’s annual Charity Golf Classic is the group’s largest annual fundraiser, attracting some 120 golfers to Avila Golf & Country Club in Tampa.

Passion Reigns at Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce Health Fair at Campo Family YMCA

Healthcare providers speak passionately about their work at the 2011 Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce Health Fair. The event at the Campo Family YMCA feature more than 60 exhibitors.

Five Things To Know: Jo Powell on the Art of Framing

A military wife with time to spare took a class on framing at an air base in Japan and ended up with a passion and a career. Today Jo Powell is the owner and operator of Frames by Jo in the Greater Brandon community of Valrico.

Brandon Patch Picks: Dental Services

There's no shortage of dental care in our area. Here's just a few dentists who call Bloomingdale Patch home.

Down To The Bone Is 'Little Place With the Big Taste'

Local fixture in Brandon has been serving up smoked meats and Southern sides for about 10 years. Secret to success, owner says, is passion and love.

Brass Tap Banks on Rising Popularity of Craft Brews

New bar at Brandon Mall features 60 beers on tap. Brass Tap offers refuge for "beer geeks" and others curious about brews beyond Bud Light.

'Sweet' Is In for Brandon Marble Slab Owner, USF Student

Marble Slab Creamery opened in January at Westfield Brandon. Its owner is working long hours, both managing the store and scooping and folding the premium ice cream into various menu items and customized treats.

House Hunt: Realtor Brenda Wade Sees Hope in the Numbers, Helps Distressed Owners Move Ahead

Brenda Wade, a Greater Brandon realtor, talks about a drop in inventory and the prospects of higher interest rates, which could bode well for the housing market. She sees hope that a bottom is here — or near — and helps distressed homeowners move ahead.

Brandon Patch Picks: 5 Best Menu Additions at Area Restaurants

Hopeful hits join the tried-and-true on established menus for area restaurants, where the best marketing is a matter of taste.

Readers React to Announced Borders Closures in Brandon and Elsewhere

Borders announces Feb. 16 that it will close some 200 stores nationwide, including 16 stores in Florida. Shoppers respond, trends noted.

Borders Closures Include Brandon and Both Stores on Dale Mabry Highway

The Borders bookstore chain announced Feb. 16 which stores would close nationwide by the end of April as part of the company's Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.

Patch Picks: Super Bowl Sports Bar, Restaurant Specials

We started the list with six places, but there are plenty more, for sure, offering special deals for Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 6. Feel free to add yours to the mix.

Many Hands, Hearts Behind Brandon's Grand Civic Space

Memories came flooding back for the many people who played a part in the building of Greater Brandon's grand civic space. The Brandon Community Advantage Center opens as "HCC at The Regent."