Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a Brandon High grad helps keep U.S. submarines mission-ready

Also, don't miss Rays/MLB Spirit Day on the Brandon Patch calendar

Thursday August 20th Patch AM
Thursday August 20th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good day Brandon! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a Brandon High grad helps keep U.S. submarines mission-ready
  • How bad is Brandon's mosquito problem getting this week?
  • Why did a Brandon prowler arrest make a statewide video roundup?

Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)


Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: An afternoon thunderstorm, with a high of 92 and low of 75 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: A p.m. t-storm in spots, temps: high: 91, low: 76.
  • Saturday: A stray afternoon t-storm, with a high of 92 and low of 75 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Brandon Native Helps Navy's Submarine Force Stay Ready (ospreyobserver.com) — A Brandon High School graduate is now a Navy weapons safety officer helping keep the nation's submarine force mission-ready from Naval Base Kitsap in Washington. Lt. Joel Walter credits his Brandon upbringing and family's military tradition for shaping his leadership, and he highlights the support of his wife, children and in-laws throughout his 17-year career.
   

• Tampa Bay mosquitoes: High humidity and rain drive summer surge (fox13news.com) — Mosquito activity is surging across Tampa Bay, and a Brandon-based pest control manager says this summer's heavy rain is creating perfect local breeding conditions. With eight dengue cases confirmed in Hillsborough County, health officials urge Brandon residents to eliminate standing water and protect themselves from bites while using simple home remedies to ease itching.
   

• You've got eyes all over the state, Florida (tallahassee.com) — A new statewide "Florida Feed" video roundup includes a clip about a suspected prowler's arrest in Brandon, putting the community briefly in the statewide spotlight. The feature also showcases dramatic weather, high-speed chases and other viral moments Floridians are sharing, and invites residents to submit their own videos.
   


📸 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!

    Friday August 21
  • Rays/MLB Spirit Day
    Valrico , FL 33594
  • Monday August 24
  • Early Release Day (Students released 1 hour early)
    Brooker Brandon, FL 33511
  • Wednesday August 26
  • Parent Newsletter (September) Sent via Text & Posted Online
    Valrico , FL 33594
  • Thursday August 27
  • Parent Information Night (Times TBA)
    Valrico , FL 33594
  • Friday August 28
  • Neon Spirit Day
    Valrico , FL 33594
  • Monday August 31
  • Early Release Day (Students released 1 hour early)
    Brooker Brandon, FL 33511
  • Art Club Begins (4th & 5th Grade)
    Valrico , FL 33594
    12:55 pm
  • Chorus Begins (4th & 5th Grade)
    Valrico , FL 33594
    12:55 pm

📣 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 these 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.


💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • J. C. Penney Company, Inc. posted a job opening for Cashier - Westfield Mall in Brandon. Apply here.
  • Driven Brands, Inc. posted a job opening for Oil Change Team Member - Shop#747 - 2138 West Brandon Boulevard in Brandon. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Brandon here.

🗞 Nearby News

South Tampa

  • Florida Republicans Outpace Democrats By Nearly 438,000 Votes In Statewide Primary (tampafp.com)
  • Who's running for Congress in Tampa Bay? (wfla.com)
  • BayFirst Financial : Second Quarter 2026 Transcript (marketscreener.com)

Valrico

  • Book Housekeeping Services in Valrico, FL with Esthere L. from $19/hr (care.com)
  • Local Businesses Invited To Join Holiday Vendor Fair (ospreyobserver.com)

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: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


👉 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.


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