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Every Paw Deserves a Place to Land

The Hillsborough County animal shelter is bursting at the seams. And when we say “bursting,” we mean like a packed school drop-off line on a Monday morning. Dogs. Cats. Kittens. Puppies. They're everywhere.

Right now, the shelter has more animals than space, staff, and snack supplies can handle. There are hundreds of pets waiting for homes, some looking hopeful, some just politely judging us for taking so long.

It’s not that the staff isn’t doing an amazing job. They are. But even superheroes need backup, especially when the kennels are so full that the meows echo like a feline opera.

Here’s the deal: adoption fees are being waived. That’s right, free. Zero dollars. You could walk out with your new best friend today and only have to pay in belly rubs and squeaky toys. And if you're not quite ready to commit, fostering is a huge help too. Even a weekend sleepover gives these animals a break from the noise and the stress.

We get it. Not everyone’s in a place to adopt. But if you are, even just thinking about it, this is the moment. You won’t just be giving a pet a home. You’ll be making space for another animal to get care, comfort, and a shot at a future.

So if your home has room for a wagging tail, a curious kitten, or a couch snuggler, now’s the time. And if you already have a rescue at home who runs the place like they pay rent, you’re the real hero.

Things to do

🐝 WHAT’S BUZZING AROUND TOWN 🐝

Let It Rip…Maybe Not

Let’s talk about something that sounds like it belongs in a surfboard yoga class but is actually way more sinister: rip currents. Sounds peaceful, right? Wrong. These sneaky channels of water have one job, to grab you by the ankles and drag you out to sea like they’re late for a meeting.

You’ve seen the signs. “Rip Current Warning.” Maybe you nodded and thought, “Well I’m a pretty strong swimmer.” And maybe you are. But rip currents don’t care. They’ve humbled better swimmers than you. Calm, sunny beach days? That’s when they strike. Like a Florida HOA, they wait until you’re relaxed and then come for everything.

🌪️ What Even Is a Rip Current?

It’s not a wave. It’s not a shark. It’s not Poseidon coming to collect. It’s a fast, narrow stream of water that rushes from the beach straight out to sea. It happens when waves break unevenly, and that trapped water looks for the nearest escape route, usually through a low point in a sandbar. If you get caught in one, it’s like getting on a water treadmill with no off switch.

Here’s the thing: your instincts might betray you. Swimming straight toward shore feels right, but that’s like sprinting up an airport escalator going the wrong way, pointless and exhausting.

Instead:

• Stay calm. Seriously. Easier said than done, but panic burns energy like a toddler with a drum set.

• Float or tread water. It buys you time and lets you breathe.

• Swim parallel to the shore. Not toward it. Get out of the rip’s grip, then angle in.

• Wave and yell. This is not the time for pride. Make a scene. Lifeguards are watching for you.

Rip currents are responsible for the majority of beach rescues and far too many drownings each year. And while it’s easy to joke about the ocean having a dramatic personality, this is one place where awareness can save lives. So let’s keep the beach days sunny, the floaties inflated, and the rescues unnecessary.

From your friends at The Brandon Buzz, stay safe, float smart, and maybe don’t “let it rip” after all.

THE BEES KNEES

Not really sure what it means, but we’re sure you’ll find it here.

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A Final Note

The Brandon Buzz, more than news, it’s a lifestyle.

Until next time,

Buzzing Local