Every place, no matter how ordinary it seems to a stranger, holds an entire universe for those who call it home.

☀️ BRANDON WEEKLY WEATHER

Forecast as of Monday, August 10

The big story this week is heat with lower-than-normal rain chances. Afternoon highs will generally run in the mid-90s, with overnight lows in the mid-to-upper 70s. Spotty afternoon thunderstorms remain possible on several days, but the National Weather Service says drier air should limit overall rainfall.

🌡️ Weather Watch: The National Weather Service expects temperatures slightly above normal across the Tampa Bay region, with Moderate to Extreme HeatRisk. Brandon was already around 94°F with a heat index near 102°F this afternoon.

☔ Planning Ahead: Don't assume that lower rain chances mean no storms. Any thunderstorms that do develop can produce strong wind gusts, so outdoor plans should still include a quick weather check.

Early Voting Begins in Hillsborough County

What Brandon Voters Need to Know Before Heading to the Polls

By Ralph

Early voting for Florida's 2026 Primary Election began, Monday, August 3, giving Brandon and Hillsborough County residents the opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day.

According to the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections, early voting will be available daily through August 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at designated voting locations throughout the county.

For many voters, early voting offers greater flexibility by allowing them to avoid longer lines and choose a day and time that best fits their schedule. Election officials encourage voters to verify their polling location and review their sample ballot before arriving at a voting site.

Voters should bring a valid and current photo and signature identification, such as a Florida driver's license, state identification card, U.S. passport, military identification, or another form of ID approved under Florida law. If a voter does not have the required identification, election workers will explain the options available for casting a provisional ballot.

Residents who prefer to vote on Election Day may still do so at their assigned precinct, while eligible voters who requested a vote-by-mail ballot should follow the instructions provided with their ballot to ensure it is returned on time.

Regardless of how residents choose to vote, local election officials emphasize the importance of participating in the electoral process and making a plan before Election Day arrives.

🗳️ Did You Know?

• Early voting locations are open every day during the early voting period.
• Sample ballots, polling locations, and voter information are available through the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections.
• Early voting allows registered voters to cast their ballot at any designated early voting location within Hillsborough County, rather than only at their Election Day precinct.

✔️ Know Before You Go

Before heading to vote:

• Confirm your voter registration status.
• Review your sample ballot in advance.
• Bring an approved photo and signature ID.
• Check early voting hours and locations before leaving home.

For official voting locations, sample ballots, voter information, and election updates, visit the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections at:
https://www.votehillsborough.gov VoteHillsborough.gov

Who Was John Brandon?

The Story Behind the Name of Our Community

By Ralph

Thousands of people live in Brandon, work in Brandon, shop in Brandon, and proudly call it home. 

Yet many have never stopped to ask a simple question:

Who was Brandon?

The answer takes us back more than 165 years, when a pioneer named John Brandon arrived in the Tampa area with his family in January 1857. After first settling near what is now Seffner, he purchased land in the nearby community of New Hope in 1858 and began building a homestead that would help shape the area's future.

John Brandon wasn't simply a landowner. He became one of the community's early builders. He donated land for New Hope Church, which also served as the community's first school, giving local families a place to worship, learn, and gather. His generosity helped lay the foundation for what would eventually become the Brandon we know today.

After John Brandon passed away in 1886, his wife Victoria Brandon continued his commitment to the community. When the Florida Central and Peninsular Railroad reached New Hope in 1890, it created an opportunity for the small settlement to grow. Victoria asked railroad engineer Charles S. Noble to survey and plat approximately 40 acres for a new townsite. She requested that the new community be named Brandon in honor of her late husband. The town plat was officially filed on April 24, 1890.

The arrival of the railroad transformed Brandon. A train depot, general store, packing house, and post office soon became the center of the young community near what are now Victoria Street and Moon Avenue. From those modest beginnings, Brandon grew from a rural farming settlement into one of Hillsborough County's largest and most vibrant communities.

Today, reminders of the Brandon family's legacy can still be found throughout the community. Historic sites, street names, and landmarks—including the historic Brandon family homestead, now home to Stowers Funeral Home—connect today's residents with the community's earliest days.

More than a century after the town was named, the story of John and Victoria Brandon remains a reminder that communities are built not only by roads and buildings, but also by the people who invest in their neighbors and believe in a shared future.

Did You Know?

• Brandon was originally known as New Hope before the town was officially platted in 1890.
• Victoria Brandon served as Brandon's first postmaster, operating the post office from her home.
• The historic home built by John Brandon's son James still stands today as Stowers Funeral Home on West Brandon Boulevard.

Hurricane Preparedness Starts Before the Storm

Five Steps Every Brandon Family Should Take Today

By Ralph

Hurricane season is well underway, and while no storms are currently threatening Hillsborough County, emergency officials emphasize that the best time to prepare is before a storm appears on the forecast. Waiting until watches or warnings are issued often means longer lines, empty store shelves, and less time to make important decisions.

Whether you're new to Brandon or have lived here for years, taking a few simple steps now can make a significant difference if severe weather develops later this season.

One of the first things every resident should know is their evacuation zone. Hillsborough County's Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool (HEAT) allows residents to search by address and determine whether they live in an evacuation zone. It's important to remember that evacuation zones and flood zones are not the same, so knowing both can help you make informed decisions during an emergency.

Emergency officials also recommend assembling a disaster supply kit before it's needed. A basic kit should include bottled water, nonperishable food, flashlights, extra batteries, medications, a first-aid kit, important documents, and supplies for pets. Having these items ready ahead of time reduces stress and avoids last-minute shopping.

Another important step is signing up for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County's official emergency notification system. The free service provides emergency alerts, evacuation notices, and other important information by text, phone, or email when conditions warrant.

Finally, take a few minutes to discuss your family's emergency plan. Decide where you'll go if an evacuation is ordered, how you'll communicate if separated, and what you'll do if someone in your household has medical or mobility needs.

Preparing today can help your family respond with confidence tomorrow.

🌪️ Did You Know?

• Hillsborough County updates evacuation information using the Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool (HEAT).
• HCFL Alert provides official emergency notifications directly to residents.
• Public shelters and evacuation routes are announced through official county channels when needed.

✔️ Crosstown Checklist

Before hurricane season reaches its peak, make sure you:

☐ Know your evacuation zone.

☐ Assemble a basic emergency supply kit.

☐ Review your family's emergency plan.

☐ Include supplies for pets.

☐ Register for HCFL Alert.

Know Before You Go

For official preparedness information, evacuation zone lookups, disaster planning guides, and emergency alerts, visit the Hillsborough County Office of Emergency Management:

https://hcfl.gov/staysafe

Make the Most of Florida's Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Before the First Bell Rings

By Ralph

The countdown to a new school year has officially begun, and for many Brandon families, the next few weeks will be filled with school supply shopping, schedule changes, and preparing students for the classroom.

To help make the transition a little easier, we've gathered several important updates and resources that parents should know before the first day of school.

🎒 Save Money During Florida's Back-to-School Tax Holiday

There's good news for families looking to stretch their school budget.

Florida's annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is underway through August 20, allowing shoppers to save on many school-related purchases, including qualifying clothing, shoes, backpacks, school supplies, and eligible personal computers and accessories.

Whether you're shopping for notebooks, lunch boxes, backpacks, or a new laptop for high school or college, this is one of the best times of the year to make those purchases.

🏫 Hillsborough Schools Are Getting Ready

Hillsborough County Public Schools is also helping families prepare with:

• Back-to-school enrollment sessions
• Information fairs
• District resources
• School choice information
• Family support services

The district is also celebrating an important milestone after earning its first "A" district grade since 2014, reflecting improved academic performance across the county.

✔️ Crosstown Checklist

Before the first day of school, consider checking these items off your list:

✅ Confirm your child's school schedule.

✅ Purchase supplies during the tax-free holiday.

✅ Update emergency contacts.

✅ Review transportation plans.

✅ Attend any school orientation events.

✅ Label backpacks, lunch boxes, and water bottles.

A little preparation now can make the first week of school much less stressful.

Crosstown Journal Perspective

The start of a new school year is one of the busiest times for Brandon families. Beyond shopping lists and paperwork, it's also a reminder of how many local organizations, schools, churches, nonprofits, and volunteers work together each year to help students succeed.

If you know of a local backpack giveaway, school supply drive, or community event that could help Brandon families, let us know. We'd love to include it in a future edition of Crosstown Journal.

Moreno Bakery: A Brandon Tradition Since 1978

Fresh Cuban Bread, Family Recipes, and a Community Favorite

By Ralph

For nearly five decades, Moreno Bakery has been a familiar stop for Brandon residents looking for fresh-baked bread, handcrafted pastries, cakes, and authentic Cuban cuisine. Since opening its doors in 1978, the family-owned bakery has grown into one of Brandon's longest-standing local food destinations while remaining true to its Cuban roots.

What began as a neighborhood bakery has evolved into a full-service café and bakery where customers can enjoy breakfast, lunch, coffee, desserts, and baked goods made fresh throughout the day. From traditional Cuban bread and pastelitos to custom cakes for birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations, Moreno Bakery has become part of many family traditions in Brandon.

In addition to its bakery offerings, Moreno serves a variety of breakfast and lunch items, including Cuban sandwiches, breakfast platters, soups, salads, and café favorites. Fresh Cuban coffee and espresso drinks remain a popular choice for customers stopping in during the morning or meeting friends over lunch.

Over the years, Moreno Bakery has continued to serve generations of Brandon families while maintaining its commitment to fresh baking and traditional recipes. Its combination of bakery classics and casual dining has made it a recognizable landmark for both longtime residents and newcomers discovering Brandon's local businesses.

For visitors exploring Brandon's independent restaurants and bakeries, Moreno Bakery represents the kind of locally owned establishment that has helped shape the community's dining culture for decades.

🥖 Did You Know?

• Moreno Bakery first opened in 1978, making it one of Brandon's longest-operating locally owned bakeries.
• In addition to breads and pastries, the bakery offers breakfast, lunch, specialty cakes, desserts, and Cuban coffee.
• Custom cakes for weddings, birthdays, and special events have been part of Moreno Bakery's offerings for many years.

📍 Know Before You Go

Moreno Bakery

📍 737 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511

📞 (813) 689-0320

🌐 Website: https://www.morenobakery.com

⏰ Hours: Check the bakery's website or social media for current business hours before visiting.

A Second Chance Starts with One Visit

Looking for a Fresh Start: Your Next Best Friend Could Be Waiting Just Around the Corner

By Ralph

Every day, dogs and cats arrive at the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center for different reasons. Some have become lost. Others have been surrendered through no fault of their own. Each one has a different story—but they all share the same hope of finding a loving home.

This week, rather than spotlighting a single pet before we've had the chance to verify its current adoption status, we're introducing readers to one of Brandon's most valuable community resources: the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center.

Located just a few minutes from Brandon on North Falkenburg Road, the center cares for hundreds of dogs and cats while they wait for their forever families. The shelter is the county's only open-admission animal shelter, meaning it accepts domestic animals regardless of breed, age, size, or medical condition.

The adoption process is designed to help families find the right match. Visitors can meet animals in person, spend time getting to know them, and speak with shelter staff or volunteers before making a decision.

Every "ready-to-go" pet has been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and is available to go home the same day.

❤️ Why Adoption Matters

When one pet finds a home, another kennel opens for an animal still waiting for its chance.

It's a simple act that creates a ripple effect throughout the shelter, helping more pets receive the care and attention they need while they wait for the right family.

Recent county adoption events have demonstrated just how much of a difference community support can make in creating space for more animals in need.

🐾 Adoption Information

Organization: Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center

📍 Address: 440 N. Falkenburg Road, Tampa, FL 33619

📞 Phone: (813) 301-PETS (7387)

🕒 Adoption Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

🌐 Available Pets: Browse the shelter's online kennel or visit in person to meet adoptable dogs and cats.

💙 Before You Adopt

Bringing a pet home is a joyful decision, but it's also a long-term commitment.

Before adopting, consider:

• Does your schedule allow time for daily exercise and companionship?
• Is your home suitable for the pet you're considering?
• Have you planned for routine veterinary care?
• Is everyone in your household ready to welcome a new family member?

Choosing the right pet is one of the best ways to help ensure a successful adoption.

🐾 Did You Know?

Every pet adopted from the Pet Resource Center that is "ready-to-go" has already been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, helping new families get off to a great start together.

🏡 Know Before You Go

Best For: Families, singles, retirees, and first-time adopters looking to meet a variety of dogs and cats.

Appointments: Not required for general adoptions.

What to Bring: A valid photo ID. Adopters must be at least 18 years old.