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Featured Story

You Are Not Alone

At The Brandon Buzz, we believe local stories have the power to bring us together—and few have moved us like the story of Keisha Wheeler.

Keisha didn’t just lend support to others—she created a lifeline, even while navigating unimaginable grief of her own. Her strength is quiet, steady, and deeply inspiring. The kind that reminds you what real community looks like.

She founded Hand in Hand Grief Support, a local organization built on compassion and connection. It’s a space where people can come as they are, share their pain, and find comfort in knowing they’re not alone.

Because grief is universal—but no one should have to carry it alone.

If you or someone you care about is facing loss, Hand in Hand is here. With open arms, listening ears, and the kind of care that truly makes a difference.

Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can offer is simply to walk beside someone in their darkest hour—and Keisha is doing just that.

Meals On Wheels Needs Help

A quiet crisis is unfolding in our own backyard. Greater Brandon Meals on Wheels is struggling to meet the growing demand for meal delivery to homebound residents in Brandon, Valrico, and Seffner—and Tuesdays are the hardest hit.

The nonprofit, powered entirely by donations and community volunteers, relies on a rotation of 17 neighborhood churches to prepare and deliver meals each day. But after losing support from two churches in the past year, a gap has formed. Currently, 30 clients go without meals on Tuesdays due to the shortage of volunteers.

This isn’t just about food—it’s about dignity, health, and connection. Many of the individuals served by Meals on Wheels are elderly or living with disabilities. Without consistent support, even a single missed day can take a toll.

The organization is calling on local churches, civic groups, and volunteers to step in and help fill the void. Whether it's preparing meals, delivering them, or offering financial support, every contribution makes a difference.

💬 How to Get Involved

If you’re part of a church, community group, or just want to lend a hand, now is the time. Helping out can be as simple as delivering meals once a week—or sponsoring a day that currently goes uncovered.

🔗 Learn more or get involved at: www.brandonmealsonwheels.com

In a community as strong as ours, no one should have to go hungry.

Things to do

🐝 WHAT’S BUZZING AROUND TOWN 🐝

Florida’s First FinTech Starts in Brandon

Hillsborough Community College is putting Brandon at the forefront of the future of finance. The school has officially launched the state’s first Financial Technology (FinTech) associate’s degree program, along with a certificate track—both offered at the Brandon campus.

If you’ve ever used Apple Pay, Venmo, or even invested in crypto, you’ve already brushed shoulders with FinTech. Now, HCC is giving students the tools to go from users to innovators in this booming $13 billion industry.

With support from the City of Tampa’s Workforce Development Council and a generous $350,000 grant from JPMorgan Chase, HCC has transformed part of its Brandon campus into a FinTech lab designed to mimic real-world workspaces. Forget traditional lectures—the focus here is hands-on, collaborative learning in everything from cybersecurity and blockchain to artificial intelligence and digital banking.

🧠 More Than a Degree—It’s a Career Launchpad

The demand for FinTech professionals is growing fast in Tampa Bay, with an estimated 12,000 FinTech jobs expected by 2027. HCC’s new program is designed to meet that demand and prepare students to jump into this cutting-edge field right out of school.

To help kickstart enrollment, 20 students will receive $1,000 scholarships, courtesy of the JP Morgan Chase Foundation.

🗓️ Fall Registration Now Open

Whether you're starting fresh or looking to level up your career, the two-year associate’s degree or certificate program offers a powerful, affordable entry point into one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.

For more info or to apply, visit www.hccfl.edu or contact the Brandon campus directly.

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A Final Note

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

Until next time,

Buzzing Local