Visitors to Triple Creek BMX Park and the nearby RC Aircraft Club in Riverview should expect increased construction activity beginning Monday, November 2, as crews start work on the South Hillsborough Pipeline project.

According to the project's official construction notice, crews will begin work at a microtunnel site on the northwest side of Balm Boyette Road, just south of the entrance serving both recreational facilities.

While construction equipment and trucks will be moving through the area, both facilities will remain accessible throughout the project.

What Visitors Should Expect

Construction crews will operate Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.

The work is expected to continue for approximately four to six months, making this a longer-term project that regular visitors should keep in mind.

Nearby residents may hear additional construction noise, including equipment backup alarms. Trucks and heavy machinery will also be using the entrance road to reach the work zone.

Project officials say no major road closures are anticipated at this time.

Why Is Construction Taking Place?

The activity is part of the larger South Hillsborough Pipeline project.

The work near Triple Creek involves a micro-tunnel construction site, where crews are preparing to install underground pipeline infrastructure.

The project is separate from the recreational activities at Triple Creek BMX Park and the RC Aircraft Club.

Triple Creek BMX Park, located at 12705 Balm Boyette Road, is a nonprofit BMX racing facility that welcomes riders of different ages and experience levels.

Safety Reminders for Drivers and Families

Visitors traveling along Balm Boyette Road should remain alert for construction vehicles entering and leaving the site.

Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians are encouraged to slow down near the work zone and follow posted signs or instructions from construction personnel.

Families heading to BMX practices, races, or RC aircraft activities may want to allow a little extra travel time, particularly during active construction hours.

Looking Ahead

With work expected to continue into early 2027, the construction area will remain something for local residents and visitors to watch.

For now, the most important message is straightforward: Triple Creek BMX Park and the RC Aircraft Club remain accessible, but visitors should use extra caution near the entrance.

Crosstown Journal will continue monitoring construction updates that could affect local drivers and recreational facilities.

Election Day has arrived, and voters throughout Brandon, Valrico, Riverview, and Fish Hawk are heading to the polls for Florida's 2026 Midterm Election.

Whether you're voting before work, during your lunch break, or on your way home, a little preparation can help make the process easier.

Here's what local voters should know before leaving home.

Polls Open at 7 AM and Close at 7 PM

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

All Hillsborough County Election Day polling places are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Voters who are already in line at 7 p.m. will still be allowed to cast their ballots. However, anyone arriving after 7 p.m. will not be permitted to join the line.

Make Sure You Go to the Correct Polling Place

Unlike early voting, Election Day requires voters to visit their assigned precinct polling location.

Some polling locations have changed for this election, so even longtime voters should double-check their assigned location.

You can find your polling place using the official Hillsborough County Voter Information Lookup.

Don't Forget Your Identification

Florida requires voters to present current, valid identification containing a photograph and signature.

Acceptable identification includes a Florida driver's license, Florida identification card, U.S. passport, military ID, or certain other approved forms of identification.

If your photo ID doesn't contain your signature, you'll need a second acceptable document showing your signature.

Voters without proper identification may still cast a provisional ballot, which will be reviewed to determine eligibility.

What About Vote-by-Mail Ballots?

If you requested a mail ballot but haven't returned it, remember that Hillsborough County must receive your completed ballot by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

A ballot postmarked November 3 but received afterward generally will not meet that deadline.

If you received a mail ballot but prefer to vote in person, election workers can cancel the uncast mail ballot and issue a new ballot at your assigned polling place.

You can also check the status of a returned mail ballot through the Supervisor of Elections website.

A Few Final Reminders

Before heading to the polls, take a few minutes to review your sample ballot. Florida's midterm election includes federal, state, and local contests, along with ballot questions that may require careful consideration.

You can bring a marked sample ballot or personal notes to help remember your choices.

If you need assistance or have questions about the voting process, ask an election worker.

Every Vote Is Part of Our Community's Future

Election Day is an opportunity for residents to participate in decisions affecting their communities, schools, infrastructure, and government.

Regardless of political affiliation, informed participation is an important part of civic life.

For official election information, visit Hillsborough County's 2026 General Election Guide

Great schools are built by dedicated educators, and one Brandon school administrator is receiving well-deserved recognition for her contributions.

Natalie McClain, assistant principal at Mann Middle School in Brandon, has been named Hillsborough County Public Schools' 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year.

The announcement came October 28, when Superintendent Van Ayres and district representatives visited Mann Middle School to surprise McClain with the honor.

A Special Moment at Mann Middle School

For McClain, what began as another school day turned into a memorable celebration.

District officials recognized her dedication to supporting teachers, strengthening classroom instruction, and helping students succeed.

The award acknowledges the important work assistant principals perform every day, often behind the scenes, to keep schools running effectively and create positive learning environments.

At Mann Middle School, located at 409 East Jersey Avenue in Brandon, McClain's contributions have earned recognition beyond the school campus.

Leadership That Makes a Difference

Assistant principals balance numerous responsibilities, from supporting classroom instruction and working with teachers to helping students navigate the challenges of middle school.

Their leadership can influence everything from school culture to academic achievement.

McClain's recognition highlights the importance of administrators who work alongside educators and families to create an environment where students have opportunities to grow.

Her selection also means she will be considered for Florida's statewide Assistant Principal of the Year award.

Celebrating Excellence in Hillsborough Schools

McClain wasn't the only educator recognized during the district's annual awards announcement.

Jeff Cooley of Kenly Elementary School was named Hillsborough County's Principal of the Year.

Together, these honors recognize school leaders whose dedication helps strengthen public education throughout the county.

A Proud Moment for Brandon

For the Mann Middle School community, McClain's award is something worth celebrating.

Teachers, administrators, and school staff play an important role in shaping the next generation, and their contributions deserve recognition.

Congratulations to Natalie McClain on this outstanding achievement and for representing Brandon's educational community so well.

Some restaurants are known for their food. Others become part of a community's history. In Valrico, Fat Willie's Fish Camp has managed to do both.

With roots dating back to 1975, this longtime seafood restaurant offers something increasingly difficult to find: a dining experience connected to the area's past.

A Building With a Story to Tell

The history of Fat Willie's begins even before the restaurant opened.

According to the restaurant's published history, its building dates to 1915, when it served the surrounding community as a general store and post office.

Decades later, the property became home to Fat Willie's Fish Camp, a restaurant inspired by the traditional seafood fish camps of the Carolinas.

Those establishments were known for bringing people together over generous meals in relaxed, unpretentious surroundings.

That same spirit helped establish Fat Willie's as a familiar name in Valrico.

Seafood, Southern Style

Fat Willie's built its reputation around the kind of food traditionally associated with Southern fish camps.

Seafood takes center stage, with the restaurant's fish-camp heritage reflected in its casual atmosphere and emphasis on familiar Southern flavors.

It's the sort of place where the experience is meant to be comfortable rather than complicated.

For longtime residents, a visit may bring back memories of family dinners and neighborhood gatherings. For newcomers, it offers an opportunity to experience a piece of Valrico's restaurant history.

Keeping the Tradition Alive

One of the more interesting chapters in Fat Willie's story involves the people continuing its legacy.

Chris Pate and Roy Mireles, both longtime members of the Fat Willie's team, have carried forward the restaurant's traditions.

Their connection to the business reflects something that makes locally rooted restaurants special: the people behind the counter often become as much a part of the establishment's identity as the food itself.

Maintaining that continuity while serving new generations of customers is no small accomplishment.

More Than Just a Place to Eat

Valrico has changed considerably since 1975. New neighborhoods, shopping centers, and restaurants have transformed the surrounding area.

Yet Fat Willie's remains connected to an earlier chapter of the community's history.

Its century-old building and decades of restaurant service offer a reminder that local dining establishments can preserve stories that might otherwise be forgotten.

For anyone interested in discovering the area's longstanding restaurants, Fat Willie's Fish Camp is worth knowing about.

For more than a year, a little brown dog named Pinto waited patiently at the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center, hoping someone would give him a chance.

Day after day, potential adopters came and went.

Other dogs found families, but Pinto remained at the shelter.

Then, after 371 days, everything changed.

On October 27, Pinto's story received attention during a local campaign highlighting long-stay shelter dogs.

Within hours, someone stepped forward to adopt him.

The Pet Resource Center celebrated his adoption in an October 28 social media announcement.

A Good Dog Waiting for the Right Family

Pinto arrived at the county shelter as a stray in mid-October 2025. Estimated to be between three and five years old, he had plenty of qualities that could make him a wonderful companion.

He knew basic commands, walked well on a leash, and enjoyed swimming and playing with toys.

According to Chelsea Waldeck, division director of the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center, Pinto was friendly and affectionate. His extended stay wasn't necessarily a reflection of his personality. He simply hadn't found the right family.

His story is a reminder that some wonderful animals spend months—or even years—waiting to be noticed.

A Second Chance Worth Celebrating

Pinto's happy ending came as Tampa Bay animal shelters encouraged residents to consider adopting overlooked dogs.

Using the excitement surrounding the Tampa Bay Rays' postseason run, local shelters highlighted their own underdogs—animals that had been waiting much longer than expected for a home.

The campaign helped bring attention to Pinto, and his adoption followed within hours.

For the shelter staff who had cared for him throughout his long stay, it was a welcome moment worth celebrating.

Hundreds of Other Animals Still Need Help

While Pinto's story ended happily, many other dogs and cats throughout Hillsborough County are still waiting for families.

In September, the Pet Resource Center reported caring for 320 dogs, placing the shelter at 177% of its normal canine capacity.

Shelter officials have encouraged residents to consider adopting or fostering animals to help relieve overcrowding and provide much-needed space for incoming pets.

Older dogs and long-term shelter residents are especially worth considering. Many already know basic commands, have established personalities, and simply need someone willing to give them an opportunity.

How Our Community Can Make a Difference

Brandon, Valrico, Riverview, and Fish Hawk residents interested in helping can visit the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center at 440 N. Falkenburg Road in Tampa.

The shelter is open for adoptions Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Residents can browse available animals, learn about adoption requirements, or explore fostering opportunities through the county's website.

Visit: Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center adoption website

Not everyone can adopt a pet, but fostering, volunteering, and sharing information about available animals can also make a meaningful difference.

Pinto's story reminds us that sometimes all it takes is one person willing to look beyond the kennel door and recognize a friend waiting inside.

After 371 days, Pinto finally got his chance.

And somewhere in Hillsborough County, another deserving animal is still waiting for theirs.

Long before Brandon became a bustling community of shopping centers, subdivisions, and busy highways, much of the area was covered with farmland.

Orange groves were a familiar sight, but citrus wasn't the only agricultural business helping support the growing community. Chicken farms also played a role in Brandon's early economy.

Among the families who helped build that industry were Bill and Ann Hollash, whose egg-producing business became a notable part of eastern Hillsborough County's history.

Their story offers a fascinating glimpse into Brandon's past—and an unexpected connection to a familiar local landmark.

When Chickens Were Part of Brandon's Economy

During the 1920s, Brandon was still a small rural settlement.

East of what was then considered the community's boundary, near Pinewood Avenue, stood an area known as the Kingsway Poultry Colony.

Farmers raised chickens there during the winter months, supplying birds to markets in Ybor City.

The poultry colony was part of an agricultural economy that helped sustain the community before modern commercial development arrived.

Unfortunately, the Great Depression brought difficult times. The early poultry farms eventually closed, leaving behind another chapter in Brandon's agricultural history.

The Hollash Family Builds a Business

Around 1946, Bill and Ann Hollash moved to Brandon and established a business called Brandon Egg.

The timing was significant. World War II had ended, and communities throughout Florida were entering a period of economic growth and change.

The Hollash family's operation, later known as Hollash Eggs, grew into what historical accounts describe as the largest egg producer in eastern Hillsborough County.

For decades, the business represented an increasingly uncommon sight in Brandon: a working agricultural operation in an area gradually becoming more residential and commercial.

A Changing Community

As Brandon expanded during the second half of the twentieth century, farmland increasingly gave way to neighborhoods, schools, churches, and businesses.

The landscape that had supported poultry farms and other agricultural enterprises began to change.

Hollash Eggs continued operating through much of that transformation before eventually closing in the late 1990s.

By then, Brandon had become a very different place from the rural community the Hollash family encountered when they arrived in the 1940s.

From Egg Farm to Church Property

Perhaps the most interesting part of the Hollash Eggs story is what reportedly happened to its original farmland.

Published local histories state that the farm covered more than 30 acres and that the property was eventually sold to what is now Bell Shoals Baptist Church.

The church, located along Bell Shoals Road, is a familiar institution to generations of Brandon-area residents.

The reported connection illustrates how land once devoted to agricultural production could take on an entirely different role as the surrounding community developed.

Although the historical accounts describe the sale, the original property transaction has not been independently verified through deed records.

Remembering the Brandon That Once Was

Today, it can be difficult to imagine chicken farms operating in areas surrounded by busy roads and established neighborhoods.

But businesses like Hollash Eggs remind us that Brandon's history was shaped not only by its founding families, schools, and railroads, but also by the people who worked the land.

Bill and Ann Hollash were part of a generation of local business owners who helped sustain the community through agriculture.

Their egg business eventually disappeared, but its place in Brandon's history remains worth remembering.

The next time you travel along Bell Shoals Road, consider how much the surrounding landscape has changed.

Where generations now gather for worship and community activities, historical accounts recall a time when farmland and poultry production were part of everyday life.

That's the beauty of Brandon Then & Now: discovering the stories hidden beneath the familiar places we pass every day.

Brandon, Valrico, Riverview, and Fish Hawk residents can expect a changing weather pattern this week, beginning with warm temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms before transitioning to sunnier, more comfortable conditions heading into the weekend.

According to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay Area, daytime temperatures will reach the mid-80s early in the week, with cooler mornings and pleasant afternoons developing by Saturday and Sunday.

Tuesday and Wednesday: Keep an Umbrella Handy

Tuesday, November 3, brings partly sunny skies with scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

Temperatures should reach approximately 84°F, with a 50% chance of precipitation.

Wednesday will bring similar conditions, with highs near 85°F and another opportunity for afternoon thunderstorms.

Residents heading to the polls Tuesday should consider bringing an umbrella, particularly if voting later in the day.

Thursday and Friday: Sunshine Returns

By Thursday, conditions are expected to improve considerably.

Thursday should be sunny, with a high near 85°F.

Friday will feature mostly sunny skies and temperatures around 84°F.

Overnight lows will gradually fall into the 60s, bringing some relief from the warmer, humid conditions earlier in the week.

Saturday and Sunday: A Pleasant Weekend Ahead

The weekend looks especially promising for outdoor activities.

Saturday is expected to be sunny, with a high near 82°F and an overnight low around 62°F.

Sunday should remain sunny, with afternoon temperatures near 80°F.

Whether you're planning a morning jog, visiting a local park, or spending time with family outdoors, the weekend currently offers the most favorable weather of the week.

Weather Watch

The primary concern this week is the possibility of thunderstorms Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon.

Anyone working outdoors, attending sporting events, or traveling around the community should remain alert for changing conditions.

Remember, thunder means lightning is close enough to pose a danger. Move indoors when thunderstorms approach.

Planning Ahead

The overall weather trend is encouraging: warmer and potentially stormy conditions early in the week, followed by sunshine and cooler temperatures toward the weekend.

Monday, November 9, is tentatively expected to bring partly cloudy skies and cooler conditions, although that portion of the outlook should be checked again as the date approaches.

The bottom line: Keep an umbrella nearby Tuesday and Wednesday, then look forward to a sunny, comfortable weekend across the Brandon area.