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Brandon Schools Get a Security Makeover

If you’ve got a student heading back to school in Brandon, Valrico, or Fishhawk this year, buckle up—because security just got a serious upgrade. And we do mean serious. Like, locked doors, vestibules, and cameras-with-eyes-everywhere, serious.

Thanks to new state rules, every classroom door in public schools must now stay locked during the day. That’s right—teachers will now have to master the fine art of teaching and fumbling with keys. Forget hallway passes—if little Timmy needs to use the restroom, he might need a locksmith.

And that’s not all.

Hillsborough County is rolling out a high-tech camera integration system that lets first responders tap into school cameras in real time during an emergency. Which is great news for safety—and mildly terrifying for kids thinking about skipping class. Big Brother’s watching… and he’s zoomed in on your hallway loitering.

Even school entrances are getting a facelift. Many older campuses, like the ones serving Brandon’s historic neighborhoods, now feature new vestibules. Think of it like a hotel check-in but with fewer snacks and more ID checks. It’s all about controlled access and keeping the right folks in—and everyone else out.

There are also new rules about gates and fencing. While last year’s policy had parking lots locked up like Fort Knox, the new version eases up a bit—unless it's a student area, in which case the gates stay locked 30 minutes before the bell rings and 30 minutes after the last dismissal. Translation: No shortcuts through the school parking lot during your morning coffee run.

The message is clear, safety is top priority. And while all the new procedures might add a few extra seconds to drop-off or pickup, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

So parents: remind your kids to be patient, follow the rules, and maybe leave the ninja escape routines at home. This year, Brandon schools are locked in and locked up for the better.

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🐝 WHAT’S BUZZING AROUND TOWN 🐝

🚗 School’s In. Slow Down... or Pay Up

School’s officially back in session in Brandon, Valrico, and Fishhawk—and that means it’s time for every parent, commuter, and caffeine-charged carpooler to remember: those speed limit signs aren’t just suggestions. Especially the ones near schools. Especially now.

Thanks to a 2023 Florida law, speed cameras are now watching Brandon school zones like hawks with radar guns. If you thought your morning drive was chaotic before, wait until you realize you’re being judged by a robot with a $100 ticket in hand.

But here’s the real kicker: some of the signs say “20 MPH when flashing”... except, they’re not flashing. And they don’t have to be. That’s right—if you’re driving past a school and the beacon isn’t blinking, but there’s still a tiny sign somewhere nearby, you can still get a citation. Surprise! 🎉

Several local drivers have tried to fight these tickets, thinking, “I got this!” only to walk into court and hear the magistrate say, “Yeah… doesn’t matter.” One poor soul even paid extra just to lose the appeal in person. It’s like booking VIP seats at your own sentencing.

Hillsborough’s own magistrate has admitted the law is confusing, but his hands are tied. Cameras are legal, tickets are enforceable, and unless you’re contesting a fine for fun, your odds of winning are… not great.

So here’s the deal:
🛑 Slow down.
📸 Assume you're on camera.
💸 Or just go ahead and budget for that $100 “oops” tax.

Brandon, we love our kids and we love safe streets, but let’s not pretend this whole system doesn’t feel just a little bit like a high-tech speed trap with a heartwarming message.

Stay safe. Stay slow. And for the love of school zones, read the signs even the ones in 6pt font with four different start times. You've been warned.

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