Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why a Brandon mall shooting led to a manslaughter charge, not murder

Coming up: Free Dog Training Class on the Brandon Patch calendar

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Wednesday September 16th Patch AM
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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:

  • Why a Brandon mall shooting led to a manslaughter charge, not murder
  • How a Brandon tree crew saved a man trapped under a truck
  • Meet the Brandon dance teacher shaping young performers on and off stage

Also on today's calendar: Free Dog Training Class and 7 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: A stray afternoon t-storm, with a high of 91 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., temps: high: 90, low: 71.
  • Friday: Cloudy with a t-storm or two, with a high of 91 and low of 72 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 'They charged him, but we still lost': father speaks after 16-year-old charged in son's death at Brandon mall (wfla.com) — A 16-year-old has been charged with manslaughter after a 15-year-old was fatally shot inside the Dick's House of Sports at Brandon Mall, a case that has shaken many local families. The victim's father is relieved someone was arrested but questions why the charge isn't more severe, especially after investigators recovered the suspected gun near the Brandon exchange. Prosecutors are still deciding whether to try the teen as an adult.
   

2. Tree service crew rescues man pinned under truck in Brandon (fox13news.com) — A man was seriously injured in Brandon when a truck slipped off a jack and pinned him, but a nearby tree service crew on Alafia Boulevard quickly used their equipment to free him. Paramedics rushed the victim to a local hospital, and neighbors and the crew's owner described the tense rescue and how fast the workers reacted.
   

3. A+ Teacher helps young dancers learn new skills (baynews9.com) — In Brandon, longtime dance instructor Allison Houghtaling is helping young dancers build both acrobatic skills and life lessons at Dance Quest International. She focuses on hard work, perseverance, and confidence, guiding students from beginners to advanced performers while keeping classes fun and supportive. Parents and colleagues say her calm, caring approach inspires kids to push themselves.
   

4. Floridians Make the Most of an Opportunity at TPC Sawgrass (drivechipandputt.com) — A Brandon youth golfer, Guinn Hill, has earned a coveted spot in the 2027 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National after winning his age division at TPC Sawgrass. The story follows his journey from early practice with his dad to outworking peers on the course, alongside profiles of other Florida juniors also heading to Augusta.
   

📸 Around Brandon

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Brandon

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🗓 Events Nearby

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Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Brandon PatchAM possible:

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Kobe Japanese Steakhouse posted a job opening for Busser in Brandon. Apply here.
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Online Order Filling Team Supervisor in Valrico. 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: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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