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In Case You Missed It

We’re kicking off a brand-new series where we uncover the stories, secrets, and snapshots that made the Brandon area what it is today. From hidden landmarks to wild local lore, Behind The Scenes in Brandon will take you places you’ve probably driven past a hundred times—without ever knowing the full story.

Featured Story

Brandon’s Boom is Going Bust

Remember the days when buying a house in Brandon felt like trying to snag Taylor Swift tickets? When homes were selling sight-unseen for $50K over asking? Well, pump the brakes—because Florida’s red-hot housing market is cooling faster than your neighbor’s enthusiasm for HOA meetings.

Real estate analyst Nick Gerli says Florida’s housing market is “turning down fast.” Case in point: a home in St. Pete bought at the height of the market in 2022 for $550K just resold for $391K. That’s a 28% drop—and not because it was hurricane-damaged or haunted. It’s just the reality of a shifting market.

So What’s Causing the Cooldown?

• Interest rates are still high, which means higher monthly payments and fewer qualified buyers

• Insurance premiums and property taxes have soared, especially in hurricane-prone areas

• Rents are slipping, making real estate less attractive to big investors

• Inventory is rising, but buyer demand isn’t keeping up

Investors who once helped fuel the buying frenzy are now dumping properties—often at a loss. Gerli says Wall Street-backed firms are backing out in big numbers, especially as Florida’s cost of ownership rises and rental profits drop.

What Does This Mean for Brandon, Valrico, Lithia, and FishHawk?

In short: the market is shifting here, too.

Homes are sitting longer. Price cuts are showing up more often. Sellers who expected multiple offers in 24 hours are adjusting expectations—and fast.

If you’re house hunting, you’ve got more power than you’ve had in years. Negotiations are back. Concessions are back. Actual time to think about an offer? Also back.

If you’re selling, it’s not doomsday—but it’s not 2021 either. Be realistic. Stage the house. Price it to move. And maybe don’t wait for that “perfect offer” that might never come.

A Natural Correction

Experts say this is a normal market correction after a few years of runaway growth. And while some neighborhoods may see sharper price drops than others, most of us are just seeing the market settle into something a bit more balanced.

The upside? Locals might actually be able to buy again. And honestly, that’s not a bad thing.

Things to do

🐝 WHAT’S BUZZING AROUND TOWN 🐝

Around The Town

Pups Pub Takes A Final Bark

Tampa’s beloved Pups Pub has officially shut down after losing a two-year legal battle with the Florida Department of Health. The issue? A reversal in state guidelines now bans non-service dogs from being inside bars—even ones built specifically for dogs and their humans.

Pups Pub hosted a farewell party this weekend, leaving regulars heartbroken. Many say it wasn’t just a bar—it was a community. But state officials cited health code concerns, and the courts ultimately sided with the Department of Health.

🐶 What This Means for Brandon

While Pups Pub is in Tampa, the ruling could have ripple effects for dog-friendly businesses in Brandon. Outdoor patios and dog-welcoming breweries are still safe—for now—but any venue allowing dogs indoors should keep an eye on evolving rules.

There’s no villain here—just a tough clash between public health policy and small business creativity.

So what can you do? Support your favorite dog-friendly spots, follow the rules, and maybe write your lawmakers if you think there’s room for a “dog bar” exception.

Because whether it’s brunch or beer, we can all agree—everything’s better with a pup nearby.

THE BEES KNEES

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

Local Sports

School’s out. Summer’s in. Training starts today!

Local sports news. Hometown Heroes.

A Final Note

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

Until next time,

Buzzing Local