Everything is Better With Cake

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Featured Story

From The Classroom to Cake Pops

Before she became one of the area’s go-to bakers, Patti Burnett spent her days in the classroom at FishHawk Creek Elementary. Teaching was her first passion, but when she and her husband found out they were expecting twin girls (on top of their three sons), she knew something had to change.

“Daycare for twins on a teacher’s salary just wasn’t realistic,” she said. “I needed a way to stay home with my kids and still contribute.”

So she leaned on her other love, art and baking, and combined the two. What started as a few custom orders for friends and family quickly grew by word of mouth. Seven years later, she’s running a fully licensed and registered home bakery that’s become a local favorite.

Her creations range from custom cakes and cookies to cake pops and full dessert spreads. The kind of showstoppers that have made her a fixture at weddings, proms, and even events for Tampa International Airport. She’s also been featured on WFLA News Channel 8 and has baked for a few HGTV stars. Not bad for what started as a way to make “a little bit of money.”

Beyond the success, what she values most is balance. “I can be there for my kids’ school events and sports, then work late at night if I need to,” she said. “It’s hard work, but it’s worth every second.”

A few fun facts? She’s been married for 18 years (and renewed her vows twice!), is a proud mom of five, and a former USF cheerleader with a degree in Elementary Education.

From classroom lessons to custom confections, her story is proof that sometimes the sweetest success comes when you mix passion with purpose.

Check out her custom creations below.

Things to do

🐝 WHAT’S BUZZING AROUND TOWN 🐝

Time, To See A Doctor

Is it just me, or does everyone hit a wall the moment you try to book a primary care visit? Not the waiting room. The calendar. School physicals, sick visits, wellness checks. Doesn’t matter. It feels like the whole county caught the same cold at the same time, or every doctor booked a group cruise.

Here’s the un-fun truth. In big U.S. metros, the average wait to see a doctor is about a month. In 2025, it’s roughly 31 days, up from the mid-20s a few years ago.

Why the gridlock? Start with math. The pipeline of primary care doctors isn’t keeping up with demand. We’re staring at a shortfall in the tens of thousands over the next decade. Fewer doctors plus more patients equals jammed calendars and fewer new-patient slots.

Then stack the paperwork. Primary care docs spend a surprising chunk of each day inside electronic health records, inboxes, and forms. One study found more than half an hour of EHR work per visit, plus “pajama time” after hours. That’s time not spent opening more appointments.

So no, it’s not beach vacations. It’s vacancies. If these gaps don’t get filled, you may need to schedule that physical a year ahead. The other option is to move to a small town where the doctor also fixes carburetors, but who’s signing up for that?

Buzzworthy

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 starts next week. Keep an eye out 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 Middleton, Friday 10/24 @7:30 PM - Away

Bloomingdale vs Riverview, Friday 10/24 @7:30 PM - Home

Durant vs Bartow, Friday 10/24 @7:30 PM - Home

Newsome vs Plant City, Friday 10/24 @7:30 PM - Away

A Final Note

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

Until next time,

Buzzing Local