If You Haven't Heard, Here is ECHO

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The Echo We All Need to Hear

ECHO isn’t just a nonprofit; it’s the neighbor that shows up when life tilts. When a family suddenly needs groceries, ECHO fills a cart. When a job loss blindsides a parent, ECHO lines up clothing for interviews and a coach to rebuild a résumé and confidence. The impact isn’t abstract, it’s right here in Hillsborough County.

On Wednesday, October 15, 8:00–9:00 a.m. at The Regent (6437 Watson Rd, Riverview), ECHO is hosting its Empower Breakfast, a one-hour morning that fuels those life-stabilizing programs. You’ll hear real stories, see how far a dollar stretches, and meet the team turning pantry items and coaching sessions into second chances. Businesses can sponsor or host tables, and everyone is invited. RSVP below.

ECHO is a mission fueled by community. Every seat filled helps keep pantry shelves stocked, interview outfits ready, and coaching slots open for the next neighbor who walks in. If we say “support local,” this is what it looks like in real life. Grab a friend, bring your appetite, and spend one morning helping ECHO keep our community steady on its feet.

RSVP Today!

Things to do

🐝 WHAT’S BUZZING AROUND TOWN 🐝

Oh No! Oranges.

There was a time long before FishHawk, before the Brandon Mall (or whatever they’re calling it this week), even before Lumsden was a twinkle on a map, when everything you saw was cows and orange groves. So when citrus news pops up, some of us still perk up like a sprinkler in July.

Here’s the squeeze in plain English: the FDA’s thinking about nudging the orange-juice sweetness rule from 10.5° Brix to 10.0° (Brix = the nerdy scale for natural sugar). Why? Florida’s groves have been whacked by citrus greening and rough weather, so our fruit can run a hair less sweet. This tweak would let processors use more Florida oranges without blending in as much imported juice just to hit a 1960s sweetness line. Will your breakfast notice? Doubt it. We’re talking a whisper less sugar per glass, not “OJ-flavored water.”

What it means for Florida and Brandon: more local fruit in the mix is good for growers and for the plants over in Polk/Highlands that keep folks employed. For the rest of us doing the Saturday Publix run, it could mean steadier supply and maybe a little less sticker shock. Bottom line—this isn’t a scandal, it’s a tune-up. Your OJ stays orange, Florida keeps more of the work, and your kid’s breakfast still tastes like sunshine. We’ll watch the rule; you watch the waffles. And yes, the pulp vs. no-pulp debate remains the Supreme Court of your kitchen.

Fall Takes a Sneak Peek

Don’t you wish fall in Florida looked like that picture? Sorry, we’re not that lucky. But… we’re getting a little “fake fall” next week and we’ll take it. Think highs in the upper 80s to near 90, lows dipping into the upper 60s to low 70s, and just enough of a humidity drop to remember what your elbows feel like. Mornings will be porch-coffee friendly, afternoons still team AC, and there’s the usual chance of a pop-up thundershower here and there, because Florida. So, why not?

Call it windows-open breakfast, windows-closed by lunch. Early dog walks and evening practices won’t feel like a sauna marathon, and your pumpkin spice has a fighting chance of not melting. Keep the bug spray and rain gear handy, but enjoy the tiny seasonal upgrade while it lasts.

For now, celebrate the not-sweating challenge: step outside, take a victory lap around the block, and pretend your hoodie isn’t purely decorative.

THE BEES KNEES

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

Local Sports

Football

Brandon vs Bloomingdale, Friday 9/19 @7:30 PM - Home

Bloomingdale vs Brandon, Friday 9/19 @7:30 PM - Away

Durant vs Wharton, Friday 9/19 @7:30 PM - Home

Newsome vs Riverview, Friday 9/19 @7:30 PM - Home

A Final Note

The Brandon Buzz, the group chat that’s actually useful.

Until next time,

Buzzing Local