Welcome to your weekly bulletin for Brandon, FL. From neighborhood cleanups to music nights, here is what is happening around town and how to make the most of the week ahead.
This Week at a Glance - January 11 to January 17
- Sun Jan 11 - Sunday Farmers Market - local produce, baked goods, and crafts - 9 am to 1 pm
- Mon Jan 12 - Winter Youth Basketball registration at the community recreation center - 5 pm to 7 pm
- Tue Jan 13 - Free tax season prep overview at the public library - 6 pm
- Wed Jan 14 - Midweek Food Truck Rally at Lakewood Park - 5 pm to 8 pm - picnic blankets encouraged
- Thu Jan 15 - Small Business Roundtable - tips for Q1 planning - 8 am
- Fri Jan 16 - Outdoor Movie Night at Bennett Park - family friendly feature - 6 30 pm pre show, film at dusk
- Sat Jan 17 - Community Cleanup and MLK Weekend Service Kickoff - 8 30 am check in
Weekend Highlights
Saturday brings a town wide push for service with a community cleanup along key corridors and pocket parks. Volunteers will gather at 8 30 am for supplies and route maps, then fan out for two hours of litter pickup and beautification. Gloves and bags provided while supplies last. Student service forms available at check in. If you cannot lift heavy items, light duty roles are available such as handing out water and sorting recyclables.
Dog lovers can meet adoptable pets at a pop up adoption fair hosted by local rescues on Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm in the central shopping district courtyard. Expect meet and greet pens, trainer Q and A, and donation bins for blankets and kibble. Please bring patience and plan for possible lines during midday.
Cap the evening with Outdoor Movie Night at Bennett Park on Friday. Arrive early for yard games and a cocoa station. Dress in layers and bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food trucks will be nearby with sandwiches, tacos, and warm treats.
Family and Kids
The library has a Tuesday evening tax season overview for adults, but do not miss the Wednesday after school craft hour for kids at 3 30 pm. Supplies are included and projects are winter themed. On Monday and Wednesday, the recreation center hosts open gym from 4 pm to 6 pm for teens, followed by Winter Youth Basketball registration Monday at 5 pm. Parents should bring emergency contacts and proof of age for first time players.
Outdoors and Wellness
Join the Brandon Walks group for a brisk sunrise loop at Limona Park on Thursday at 7 am, beginner friendly with a 30 minute pace. Hydration tip - pack a small bottle and a light jacket for cool starts. If you need a lower impact option, a gentle stretch class meets at the senior activity room on Friday at 10 am, focusing on balance and joint mobility.
Arts and Culture
Thursday evening features a small business roundtable that doubles as a networking mixer for creative makers and service pros. Bring a one page overview of your offerings and a goal for Q1. On Saturday at 6 pm, the winter music showcase returns with student performers and community bands sharing short sets. Seating is first come, first served, and the program aims to wrap by 8 pm.
Community Notes
Roadwork alert - expect rolling single lane closures on portions of Lumsden Road after 8 pm this week for utility work. Allow extra time and watch for flaggers. Trash and recycling pickup remain on normal schedules. Schools report that midmonth assessments continue through Thursday, so morning traffic may be heavier near campuses.
Looking Ahead
MLK Day is Monday Jan 19. Brandon will mark the day with service projects and reflection events. Look for a Saturday volunteer gardening shift next weekend, a youth essay reading on Sunday afternoon, and a brief morning ceremony Monday with a canned goods drive. If you plan to contribute, shelf stable protein and rice are most requested.
Send in your club meetings, charity drives, and neighborhood block party notes by Thursday at noon to be included in next week s bulletin. Have a safe and friendly week, Brandon.
