I Live Here: Brandon

Janet Moucha loves to stop and smell the orange blossoms in the quiet charm of Brandon.

By JANET MOUCHA
© St. Petersburg Times
published March 21, 2003

What do I like about Brandon -- it is home.

Brandon still holds charm and quietness that was here some 45 years ago. One just has to look for it. In the back yard, in the early morning hours before Brandon wakes up.

The smell of orange blossoms, which comes at this time of the year. The blooms on the azalea bushes along roads throughout the Brandon area. Where we live, in the same house, only occasionally does one hear the whistle of the train -- it is part of Brandon, it's been here a long time and if the tracks could talk, the stories they could tell.

Some have said that you can't get along without a car -- but our house is within walking distance of the store, church, the park and the playground. All bring back memories of years gone by. Home is a walk away from the Brandon Swim and Tennis Club where one family member can swim and is employed, proving that two feet are still a means of transportation.

Brandon has a unique history, as a small bus stop on a two-lane Highway 60. Brandon High School football games were, for many years, the highlight of the week. Now a church sits on that spot.

Brandon did not, could not stay a spot on Highway 60 with one traffic light. Progress brought change. The quietness of Brandon was discovered by many and the influx of people found how great it was to live in Brandon and work in Tampa. Roads and housing developments replaced open fields and orange groves. Brandon became a mecca for churches of many, many different faiths; churches that have proven people can cooperate on projects and needs within the community.

Brandon has also been endowed with a large medical profession and a diversity of businesses.

What are negatives? Too much traffic and road congestion. Empty stores in older strip malls. Fewer mom-and-pop businesses. Not being able to run or cycle on Lumsden or Valrico Seffner Road. Knowing we must lock our doors at night.

But new neighbors bring new friends and cultural development.

What do I like about Brandon -- it is filled with wonderful friends and great memories.

It is home.

-- Janet Moucha lives on E Sadie Street in Brandon.

Tell us, in 400 words or less, why you live where you live. Please include your likes and dislikes. Send essays to brandon@sptimes.com and please include a daytime phone number.