A Mission To Be of Service

Want to get The Buzz for your business?

Let’s Talk!

Featured Story

How Can I Help?

The Real Impact of ECHO

This morning, we attended the ECHO Empower Breakfast. I’m sure you’ve heard about it before. We’ve written about it quite a bit. ECHO is like the community jack of all trades. If you’ve got a problem, they’ll figure it out. They’re so good at it that it should probably be their mantra: “We’ll figure it out.”

We feature them often because a nonprofit with a mission like theirs deserves to be shouted about. I thought we had a pretty good idea of their impact. But at this morning’s breakfast, a young woman named Brittany got up and told her story, and you could hear a pin drop in a room of probably more than 300 people.

Not only is Brittany part of our community, but Brittany is us. As the saying goes, “There but for the grace of God go I.” She told a story many of us could relate to. A story of struggle and heartbreak, but also resilience. And she told us about the critical part ECHO played in her life. As tears welled in the eyes of the listeners (I’m not crying, you are), Brittany told a story of hope and brought into full view what ECHO really means.

They often say they don’t offer a handout; they offer a hand up. But it’s honestly so much more than that. They gave Brittany something that can’t be measured in dollars or donations. They gave her dignity. They gave her hope. They gave her a light, not at the end of the tunnel, but one she could use to get through the tunnel herself. And that’s really what ECHO is.

I’m probably like many people: I want to help. I want to donate. But the task of trying to make an impact seems daunting. Where can I actually matter? Where do my donations go? Will my donation even do anything? How can I help?

Many large organizations either seem like they don’t need it, or you feel like you’re making a drop in the ocean. With ECHO, not only does every contribution matter, but you can actually see those contributions at work. Right here in your community.

I know this was a bit long-winded, but I say all that to say: if you’re looking to make a measurable difference, look at ECHO. Whether your donation is money, time, clothes, or one of the countless other ways you can help, every little bit counts and goes a long way.

Learn More About Echo

Things to do

🐝 WHAT’S BUZZING AROUND TOWN 🐝

A Walk to Remember

Stolen from our sister publication, The Southshore Circle. We had to share.

About an hour ago, we ran into Kyndal Ray Edwards on his Walk Across America for mental health awareness and recovery. We were rolling down 41 and couldn’t pass up a quick chat. With more than 9,000 miles behind him, he still had the energy to take a few minutes and tell us about his mission.

Fighting back from addiction, overdose, legal trouble, and more, Kyndal now fuels every step with purpose. With six and a half years plus three days clean, he’s literally walking the walk to take mental health awareness across the nation. He’s fundraising for Addict II Athlete and says he’s living his dream while spreading light, love, kindness, and positivity.

The world’s a great place, but it can be cold. Remembering that we’re in this together and that every single person does, in fact, matter, is a message that never gets old. Be kind. We’re all trying to figure out this thing called life. Be patient and give grace when you can.

If you’d like to support Kyndal, you can follow his journey, make a donation, or buy a bracelet HERE. As a community, we should definitely get behind efforts like this. Positivity is our way forward. So, hats off to Kyndal. Godspeed and good luck!

Hillsborough County Goes Halloween

Get ready to unleash your inner ghoul. Hillsborough County is rolling out a full slate of free Halloween events across its parks and recreation centers, and there’s something for every age and interest.

Halloween Skate Jams
Grab your skateboard (and your costume) and hit the ramps. Locations include Providence, Apollo Beach, Carrollwood Village, and Jackson Springs. Events feature best trick contests, costume contests, coffin races, and more.

Night of Sparks / Halloween Dance
An inclusive dance event for adults with disabilities takes place at the Brandon Park & Recreation Center. Dress to impress and dance the night away.

Trunk or Treat
Classic trick-or-treat fun with decorated trunks, treats, and community energy. Events happen across several rec centers. Be sure to check dates and times.

Paws in the Park
For pet lovers: bring your dog in costume to Apollo Beach Dog Park. Pooches parade, and prizes go to the top three best dressed.

All events are free, open to the public, and designed to bring neighbors together in festive fun.

More Info

Buzz Worthy

Homemakers of Hope

Home Makers of Hope is a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to turning houses into homes for families in need. They collect gently used furniture and household goods, then deliver and set everything up—beds made, curtains hung, kitchens stocked—for families referred through partner agencies.

Buzzing Bites

Your Restaurant Here

New dish, new buzz. Put your specials in front of 20,000+ local food lovers in Brandon, Valrico, Lithia, and FishHawk. Only 20 spots for the year. Restaurants, food trucks, even lemonade stands—get featured here. Reserve today: [email protected] 

The Buzz List

Coming Soon

Need a handyman? A dog trainer? Someone who can install a ceiling fan without turning your living room into a fireworks show?

We’re putting together the official Brandon Fix-It List — the most trusted local pros for everything from backyard upgrades to “why is this light switch buzzing?”

Want in? Email us at: [email protected] 

Local Sports

The Battle of the Brandon Quarterbacks is coming soon. Watch for our poll to pick your favorite high school QB. The winner will be featured in an upcoming newsletter and get a gift card to a local favorite restaurant. Vote early, brag later.

Football

Brandon vs Jesuit, Friday 10/17 @7:30 PM - Home

Bloomingdale vs Robinson, Friday 10/17 @7:30 PM - Away

Durant vs Tampa Bay Tech, Friday 10/17 @7:30 PM - Away

Newsome vs Middleton, Friday 10/17 @7:30 PM - Away

A Final Note

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

Until next time,

Buzzing Local