It Takes a Village

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Featured Story

It takes a village, and you’re part of it. Help ECHO restock some of their most needed items. Drop-off location and times below.

Donation Drop-Off Hours: Monday–Friday | 9 AM – 1 PM

ECHO Brandon Resource Center: 507 N Parsons Ave, Brandon, FL 33510

ECHO Riverview Resource Center: 10509 Riverview Dr, Riverview, FL 33578

Things to do

🐝 WHAT’S BUZZING AROUND TOWN 🐝

Cooking for Christmas

5 Quick recipes that’ll make you a holiday legend.

If you’re anything like me, December hits, and suddenly you’re expected to be a chef, a baker, and maybe even a chocolatier… all while pretending you know where the tape went after wrapping two gifts. So to help keep your holiday spirits high and your stress low, here are five quick Christmas recipes you can pull off without burning the house down.

1. Peppermint Bark for People Who Don’t “Bake”
Melt chocolate, pour it on a sheet, smash candy canes like they owe you money, sprinkle on top, let it cool, break it apart. Boom. You’re now a chocolatier.

2. Christmas Morning Cinnamon Roll Hack
Buy the canned cinnamon rolls from Publix (don’t you dare feel guilty). Arrange them in a tree shape on a pan, bake, drizzle with icing, and toss a strawberry on top as the star. Instagram will think you tried. You didn’t. That’s the beauty.

3. 10-Minute Holiday Snack Mix
Pretzels, Chex cereal, peanuts, melted white chocolate, Christmas M&Ms. Mix, spread, cool. You’ll swear you invented it. Great for parties or pretending you planned ahead.

4. Brandon-Style Crockpot Meatballs
Frozen meatballs + BBQ sauce + grape jelly. Yes, it sounds weird. Yes, it tastes amazing. Throw them in the crockpot, let them do their thing, and take the compliments like you slow-cooked them for six hours.

5. The Easiest Christmas Cookies Ever
Sugar cookies + frosting + sprinkles. That’s it. Let your kids decorate them and suddenly they’re “sentimental family heirloom cookies.” If the frosting ends up on the dog, that’s part of the charm.

So whether you’re hosting, attending, or just want something sweet while watching Christmas movies, these recipes will keep the holidays festive without requiring a culinary degree.

Now go forth and cook… or mix… or microwave… with confidence. Brandon believes in you. 🎄

Buzz Worthy

ECHO - Host a Drive

If you’re looking for a simple way to make a real difference in our community, ECHO’s Host a Drive program is an easy place to start. Whether you’re a business, school, church group, or just a few neighbors teaming up, you can collect much-needed items like food, hygiene products, diapers, or clothing for local families.

ECHO provides everything you need: bins, flyers, and tools to help spread the word, and every donation goes directly to helping people right here in Hillsborough County. A small effort on your part can create a big impact for a family that needs it.

Buzzing Bites

Moreno Bakery

Craving something sweet or freshly baked? Moreno Bakery has you covered with freshly made breads, pastries, and cakes, baked with love and ready for you to enjoy. Whether you’re stopping by for a morning coffee and a croissant or grabbing a birthday cake for a friend, it’s the kind of place that hits the spot every time.

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

Local sports news. Hometown Heroes.

This is the place where your friends and family become legends.

Brandon, Durant, Newsome, and Bloomingdale all hit the court and the pitch this week as basketball and soccer seasons ramp up. Rivalries are heating up, district play is around the corner, and the energy is high. Get out there and support your schools!

A Final Note

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

Until next time,

Buzzing Local