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Fahrenheit 33511

If you didn’t catch the title reference, it’s to Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, a novel about banning books. Well — burning those banned books, to be exact. And with Hillsborough among the top districts in the country for book bans, it fits.

PEN America counted 608 titles removed or flagged in Hillsborough, which would make us the busiest in Florida and second in the U.S. The district says, “Not so fast.” Only 59 have been formally removed. The gap comes from a big gray zone called “review,” where books are pulled or paused while officials decide what to do.

The state told districts to watch for “inappropriate content,” especially sexual themes. Hillsborough responded by reviewing lots of titles. Some board members worry that, in a climate of fear, librarians might pull books preemptively. Groups like Moms for Liberty argue explicit content doesn’t belong in taxpayer-funded school libraries. Free speech supporters say even temporary removals chill speech and block access.

In Bradbury’s world, the heat was fire. Here it’s paperwork, flags, reviews, and phrases like “alignment with academic standards,” “outdated,” and “low circulation.” No bonfires, but when a book sits in limbo, access still burns away.

You can guess The Brandon Buzz’s take. We’re writers for writers, and while we don’t take ourselves too seriously, we’re journalists. Book bans are sacrilegious to us, but we’re not here to tell you how to think. Do your homework, talk with your children’s school, and show up at school and county board meetings when you can, because it matters. At the end of the day, these are your kids, and you should have the final say in what they’re reading, learning, and the influences shaping their lives.

A Parlor Story

Catching fire from the previous story (get it), let’s skate over to Plant City, where the importance of literature and how reading shapes our lives are taking center stage, literally.

Charis Community Theater is staging Parlor Story on November 14 and 15 at Plant City Entertainment. Juxtaposing this with a piece on book bans isn’t an accident. It shouldn’t be lost on any of us how vital the arts are. With reduced funding in schools and tight budgets everywhere, supporting efforts like this is paramount. The arts capture our culture and let people from every walk of life share an experience that lands a little differently for each of us. They remind us that life is more than work and bills, and they give us space to find beauty, purpose, and truth.

Parlor Story is a 1947 Broadway play by William McCleery, a former newspaper reporter who later taught at Princeton. Set in a small university town, it follows a retired reporter turned journalism professor at a moral crossroads. He can take a promotion that compromises his values or stand up for what’s right to protect the next generation of writers.

If you’re looking for a night that sparks conversation, this is it. Click the link below to grab tickets. You won’t be disappointed.

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The More You Know

Roofing Tips From The Pros

Here are 5 roof tips (no ladder needed) from Alex Comer at American Roof Pros:

1. Stay grounded, use binoculars. Walk your perimeter and scan for missing, cracked, or curled shingles, dark streaks or algae, sagging rooflines, and any loose or damaged flashing around chimneys and vents.

2. Let your gutters talk. Check for piles of shingle granules, clear out leaves and twigs, and make sure downspouts flow freely away from the house.

3. Peek in the attic. With a flashlight, look for water stains on decking or rafters, damp or discolored insulation, and trouble spots near chimneys and vents.

4. Check inside, too. Watch ceilings and walls for new spots or streaks. Small stains often mean a slow leak.

5. Act early. Little issues become big repairs. If you see anything off, book a professional inspection with American Roof Pros for a full assessment and fix.

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A Final Note

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Until next time,

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