Wine Kegs, No Dyeing of Animals, Faster Executions: 2013 Bills that Passed in Florida

Curious to see what passed and what didn’t during the Florida Legislature’s 2013 session?

Texting Ban Passes: Will it Make Brandon Roads Safer?

The Florida Senate recently approved a measure that would make it against the law to text while driving. Do you think it will improve the safety of local roads?

Should Healthy Stray Cats Be Returned to the Wild?

Hillsborough County's plan is to return feral cats to the wild after they’ve been sterilized and vaccinated. Not everyone believes this is the best way to reduce euthanasia rates for dogs and cats. Post your view on the issue.

Wanted: Water-Wise Yard Nominees

Tampa Bay Water seeks yards that incorporate low-maintenance landscaping and creative irrigation techniques to recognize in its 15th annual community awards program.

Brandon Teachers Getting Raises?

The Florida Legislature has passed a merit-based pay raise that will go into effect next year.

Commissioner To Call for Smaller Single-Member Districts

A plan proposed by Hillsborough County Commissioner Les Miller would change the way Greater Brandon area voters select local representation.

When Are 2012 Taxes Due in 2013?

Here are some details that will hopefully help and Brandon residents still looking to file their taxes.

Activists Rally Against Gas Station in Wetlands

Protestors have been in view at the corner of South Kings Avenue and Lumsden Road, where Hillsborough County Commissioners are considering construction of a RacTrac gas station.

Bill Nelson Endorses Same Sex Marriage

'If we are endowed by our creator with rights, then why shouldn't those be attainable by gays and lesbians?' Florida Sen. Bill Nelson tells the Tampa Bay Times.

Sen. Marco Rubio to Headline Hillsborough County Republicans' Lincoln Day Dinner

Rubio will be the keynote speaker at the dinner May 18 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.

What Do You Want at Regional Rec Center?

The question is posed by Hillsborough County as plans take shape for a new recreation center at Progress Village Sports Complex.

Gas Tax May Zoom Ahead for Brandon Motorists

County Commissioners will consider a measure to extend the 6-cent local option gas tax when they meet April 3.

Al Higginbotham's Gun Shop Fundraiser: What Do You Think?

Hillsborough County Commissioner Al Higginbotham told the Tampa Bay Times his recent fundraiser at a gun shop and firing range wasn’t a statement about firearms, rather one in support of local business. What do you think, Brandon?

Cold Weather Shelters Open in Greater Brandon

The temperature is predicted to dip into the 30s tonight. Here are places for folks to stay if they do not have adequate heat at home or are homeless.

National Guard Hit by Furloughs From Sequestration

Florida's National Guard members will learn about the cuts Thursday according to media reports.

Brandon's South Hilltop Road Closure

Signs alert motorists to the almost-concluded road closure on Hilltop Road in Brandon.

Special Education Teachers in High Demand

Hillsborough County is desperate for special-ed teachers, with 50 of 100 vacancies for these jobs.

County to Offer Seminars on Vision and Aging

In honor of Save Your Vision Month in March, Hillsborough County's Division of Aging Services is hosting seminars at the Brandon and Progress Village Senior Centers.

Wetlands Rule Ignored to Allow Gas Station Development

Hillsborough County Commissioners determined that a marsh's destruction should not impede the proposed development, reports TBO.com.

Local Libraries Set for Online, Smartphone System

The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, including locations in Brandon, Bloomingdale, Riverview, Ruskin, Seffner-Mango, SouthShore and Plant City, are getting set for the online "Polaris" catalog system.

New App Lets You Keep up With Your Reps in Tallahassee

The app, which is now available to download from iTunes, allows you to watch live meetings and see what your local representatives are voting on.

Lawn Watering Restrictions Change, Tighten in March

Check the days you water your lawn and get ready to make adjustments. Hillsborough County Public Utilities has announced a more restricted schedule, starting later in March.

What Across-the-Board 'Sequester' Cuts Could Mean Closer to Home

As the deadline looms for the $85 billion in federal spending cuts set to take place without further action, here's a look at what the impacts could mean closer to home.

Property Tax Break Grows for Eligible Hillsborough County Seniors

Hillsborough County Commissioners approved a larger property tax break for long-established senior homeowners, age 65 and older, who meet certain financial requirements.

Extension Deadline Nears for Tangible Personal Property Tax Return

The extension for filing the 2013 Tangible Personal Property Tax Return nears. The application to do so in Hillsborough County is online.

Economic Development Recommendations: Brandon Residents, Have Your Say

The Hillsborough County Commission wants to hear from residents about a plan to bolster the local economy. The deadline to comment is Thursday, Feb. 28.

Neighborhood Pit Bull Day Open to County Residents and Their Pets

Rabies shots, microchips, new collars, county tags and more will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis at the 2013 Neighborhood Pit Bull Day in Town 'N Country, run by Hillsborough County Animal Services, based in the Greater Brandon area

Brandon Skate Park Seeks Part-Time Employee

The wildly popular Brandon Skate Park in Riverview seeks a part-time employee to work with visitors to the Hillsborough County facility at 5720 Providence Road.

Hillsborough's Bass Pro Shops Vote Passes, Passionate Views Persist

Hillsborough County Commissioners approved a measure that paves the way for a Bass Pro Shops in Brandon. Should tax dollars be used to support a private development project? That's the issue raised in passionate, and sometimes heated, debate.

Commission Approves $6.25 Million Bass Pro Agreement

The county has agreed to help pay for road improvements to pave the way for the development that will ultimately house Bass Pro.

Potential RaceTrac at Kings Ave. and Lumsden Road Debated

There are already two other gas stations near that intersection.

Bass Pro Shops Deal To Come Before Commissioners Today

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to address today, Feb. 20, a deal that would bring Bass Pro Shops to Brandon.

Local Roads Under Construction

Drivers may experience lane closures along these roads.

Reader's Spotlight: County to Provide Dental Care to Disadvantaged 2nd-Graders

The pilot program is intended to prevent tooth loss and decay.

Hillsborough's Local Option Gas Tax Faces Expiration

The Aug. 31 expiration of the Hillsborough County gas tax could mean good news at the pumps, but don’t bank on it. Officials say the shortfall to the county's budget could amount to $22 million.

Things Looking Up? Commissioners to Get Reading on FY 2014 Budget

In time for Valentine's Day, Hillsborough County Commissioners will receive preliminary figures for the county’s estimated $3.2 billion fiscal year 2014 budget. The news isn't all rosy, but better than in years past.

From Top of the Class at Armwood High to Center of the Immigration Debate

Jose Godinez-Samperio, 26, was invited to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa.

Gornto Lake Road Extension Under Construction East of Westfield Brandon

Gornto Lake Road will extend from Brandon Boulevard (State Road 60) to Lumsden Road, then through to Bloomingdale Avenue, using the existing roadway section.

Roadway Namewsake: Who is Courtney Campbell?

Tens of thousands of motorists drive the scenic Courtney Campbell Causeway daily. But what do you know about the road’s namesake?

Hagan: ‘No Secret Meetings with Bass Pro’

Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Ken Hagan addressed allegations that backdoor meetings have been held in an attempt to lure the national sporting goods retailer to Brandon.