A massive thank you to all our neighbors who came out to the food truck rally on April 25. The BNA is shifting for the summer into Bingo – a cooler indoor activity that still benefits our community and helps our friends at Seeds of Hope. We can’t wait to have you join us!
Event Updates
With the new year in full swing, we’re looking to update how we get the word out about our increased visibility in the neighborhood. Check out the Events tab on the left hand side of the navigation to see our full roster of events, and come back often as we update regularly!
Service Hours for Students
If you’re looking for a little help within your organization and want to offer service hours, make sure to reach out to Mindy Edgeman at Bloomingdale High School. She can help navigate you through the process so our students get the hours they need for Florida Bright Futures, and you get the most assistance from our Bloomingdale students.
Make Your Voice Heard
It’s no secret there’s a lot of changes going on in our next of the woods. Stay abreast of what’s happening through our monthly meetings, where we invite those in the community to hear proposed intiatives from guest speakers, find out new events, and talk to our BNA board. We’re here to serve, and would love to have you with us on this journey!
Road Closures? Know Before You Go
Keep tabs on which roads are open and closed as the county begins construction on the new water pipeline. You can find closure dates and more information at https://southhillsboroughpipeline.com/
May 26 / BSHS Graduation / 3 p.m. / Florida State Fairgrounds
May 26 / BNA Monthly Meeting / 7 p.m. / Bloomingdale Regional Library
May 29 / Last Day of School
Home of the Galgays.
Congratulations to our winner, Toni and Peter Galgay of 3705 Hollowwood Dr! Don’t forget to nominate your neighbors and their beautiful yards for the chance at an ACE Hardware Gift Card, a free month from the Campo Family YMCA, and recognition in The Bloomingdale Gazette.
Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer recognized VoteHillsborough High School Voter Registration Champions at yesterday’s School Board meeting.
The Supervisor of Elections Office holds voter registration drives in high schools every fall and spring semester.
The seven schools recognized for having the most successful voter registration drives this academic year were Brandon High School, Durant High School, East Bay High School, Gaither High School, Jefferson High School, Newsome High School and the Grand Champion — Sumner High School.
This recognition went to those schools in which more than 25% of the senior class population or more than 150 students registered to vote during the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections voter registration drive at their school. Sumner High School, the Grand Champion, had both the highest percentage and the highest total number of registrations, with 321 students registering.
Bloomingdale High School’s theatre program is taking a fresh, unexpected approach to a classic tale with its upcoming production of Once Upon a Mattress. Directed by Chad Cornwell, the show reimagines the familiar story of “The Princess and the Pea” with a modern setting, updated style, and a whole lot of student-driven creativity.
The musical follows Prince Dauntless, played by Evan Valencia, as he searches for a suitable bride after 12 princesses fail to meet the kingdom’s impossible standards. When Princess Winnifred, played by Trinity Walton, arrives from the swamps, she completely disrupts the royal routine. With Queen Aggravain (Chloe Bennet) and the Wizard (Elias Butler) determined to stop her, the kingdom’s fate rests in the hands of unlikely allies, including the Jester (Aleena Lopez) and the Minstrel (Aleysia Enyart), who work alongside Lady Larken (Anjali Pathania) and Sir Harry (Hezekiah Trimm) to give Winnifred a fighting chance.
This version of the show stands out for its bold setting. Instead of leaning into traditional fairy tale visuals, the production is set in 2026 at Buckingham Palace. Cornwell said this choice allows the cast and audience to see how the show’s themes still connect to modern life, creating a more relatable and engaging experience.
Beyond the story itself, the production highlights the dedication and growth of Bloomingdale’s theatre students. Cornwell noted that cast members have pushed themselves to develop new skills in acting, vocals, and dance, often stepping outside their comfort zones. That willingness to embrace challenges has led to what he described as “extraordinary” perseverance.
Behind the scenes, students are just as involved. From building complex sets to designing costumes and managing the stage, nearly every aspect of the production is student-created and led. The experience not only brings the show to life but also gives students hands-on insight into what it takes to make theatre work.
Performances begin the week of April 6, with tickets priced at $5 for students and $10 for adults. VIP seating is available for $15 and includes early entry and opportunities for photos with the cast on set. Tickets can be purchased online at bloomingdaletheatre.org, during lunches the week of the show, or at the door.
With its modern twist, committed cast, and fully student-driven production, Once Upon a Mattress promises to be anything but a traditional fairy tale.
Event Updates
With the new year in full swing, we’re looking to update how we get the word out about our increased visibility in the neighborhood. Check out the Events tab on the left hand side of the navigation to see our full roster of events, and come back often as we update regularly!
Service Hours for Students
If you’re looking for a little help within your organization and want to offer service hours, make sure to reach out to Mindy Edgeman at Bloomingdale High School. She can help navigate you through the process so our students get the hours they need for Florida Bright Futures, and you get the most assistance from our Bloomingdale students.
Make Your Voice Heard
It’s no secret there’s a lot of changes going on in our next of the woods. Stay abreast of what’s happening through our monthly meetings, where we invite those in the community to hear proposed intiatives from guest speakers, find out new events, and talk to our BNA board. We’re here to serve, and would love to have you with us on this journey!
Road Closures? Know Before You Go
Keep tabs on which roads are open and closed as the county begins construction on the new water pipeline. You can find closure dates and more information at https://southhillsboroughpipeline.com/
Congratulations to our winner, Carol Copeland of 701 Isleton Dr! Don’t forget to nominate your neighbors and their beautiful yards for the chance at an ACE Hardware Gift Card, a free month from the Campo Family YMCA, and recognition in The Bloomingdale Gazette.
April 1 / BNA Scholarships Applications DUE / Online at Bloomingdale.Life
April 7 / Multicultural Night / Burns Middle School / 5-7 pm
April 10-11 / Once Upon a Mattress / Bloomingdale Senior High School / Times Vary by Date
April 25 / Tastes & Treasures / Campo Family YMCA / 11 am -3 pm
April 28 / BNA Monthly Meeting / 7 p.m. / Bloomingdale Regional Library
