Once more, a massive thank you to our community for coming out in February and joining us in our Annual Clean Up Day. The BNA was able to serve 230 cars this year, recomitting our stance to serving our community. We appreciate the support from the Bloomingdale Bulls football team as they assisted our community in disposing of their items. We look forward to seeing everyone again next February for their spring cleaning!
All posts by Elise Cruz
BNA News
Welcome to the Neighborhood
As part of BNA’s new initiative, welcome baskets will be distributed to new neighbors every quarter. Baskets come with coupons to local businesses and a rack card from BNA. If you would like to donate anything for our new and future neighbors, contact Kiersten Sutton with BNA. We’re so excited to have you here!
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.
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/
BNA Scholarship Applications Now Open
by Elise Cruz Aragon
The Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association is now accepting applications for the Bloomingdale Community Scholarship Fund, a $2,000 award created in 2006 to support outstanding Bloomingdale High School seniors continuing their education.
Named in honor of the late Bloomingdale principal B.J. Stelter, the scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate strong academics, community involvement and leadership—while encouraging them to pursue college or vocational school programs.
To be eligible, applicants must be residents of the Bloomingdale community, and their parent or guardian must be a current BNA member. Students must have a minimum weighted GPA of 3.2 at the time of scholarship disbursement and be accepted to an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational program.
Selection is based on community service, extracurricular activities, an essay, academics and a letter of reference. Financial need is not a factor—this scholarship is awarded strictly on merit.
Applications are available in January through the online website and on Canvas. The scholarship recipient will be announced at the May BNA board meeting.
Students can apply online using the form below:
This scholarship is one of the many ways the Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association invests directly in the future of its community—one student at a time.
Tastes and Treasures Rally Draws Strong Crowd
by Elise Cruz Aragon
The Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association’s most recent Tastes and Treasures Food Truck Rally delivered big turnout and even bigger community energy.
Led by board member Laney Balis, the event brought 632 neighbors together—marking the second-highest attendance the association has seen at a food truck rally. Vendors reported strong sales throughout the event, continuing the rally’s reputation as a win for both the community and local businesses.
“Laney led an amazing Food Truck and Vendor Rally today,” said Suzy Watts. “The turnout was incredible, and all of the vendors were happy with their sales.”
The rally is one of four major food truck events the Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association will host this year as part of its ongoing effort to bring neighbors together through food, small business support and family-friendly events.
The next Tastes and Treasures Food Truck Rally is scheduled for March 7 at the Campo Family YMCA, with a special appearance from the Easter Bunny, making it a can’t-miss night for families.
More events and details will be announced as the year continues.
Yard of the Month
Home of the GordonsCongratulations to our winner, Linda and Stan Gordon of 710 Bloomingfield 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.
BNA Briefs
February 7 / Annual Clean Up / Nature’s Way Parks & Rec Facility / 9 am – 1 pm
February 24 / BNA Monthly Meeting / 7 p.m. / Bloomingdale Regional Library
March 7 / Tastes & Treasures / Campo Family YMCA / 11 am – 2 pm
April 1 / BNA Scholarships Applications DUE / Online at Bloomingdale.Life
Democratic Women’s Club to Host Art Expo
The Democratic Women’s Club of Southeast Hillsborough County is holding its first ever Art Expo Fundraiser in honor of a past member and a friend, Sandra Morehouse, an artist herself. The club invites you to attend as the money raised will support the club’s scholarship fund. There is a $20 admission donation. There will be light appetizers, drinks and raffles.
For more information email sedwcinfo@gmail or call (813)967- 1457.
Board Bids Farewell to Bobbi Ferraro
by Elise Cruz Aragon
The Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association said goodbye last week to longtime board member Bobbi Ferraro, who is preparing to move from the Bloomingdale community.
Ferraro has been a consistent cheerleader and advocate for the association’s work, lending her voice, energy and support to numerous community projects. Her impact was especially felt during the annual Bloomingdale Clean Up, where her advocacy helped increase donations and strengthen community buy-in for the event.
“Bobbi has been such a positive force on this board,” said Suzy Watts, president of the Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association. “I’m genuinely happy for her as she starts this new adventure, but I’m sad for us. She will be deeply missed.”
Ferraro’s final board meeting took place on Tuesday, marking the end of a chapter for both her and the association she has helped shape.
The Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association thanks Bobbi Ferraro for her dedication, leadership and belief in the power of community—and wishes her nothing but the best in what comes next.
Clean Out and Clean Up – The Annual BNA Clean Up Initiative is Almost Here!
by Elise Cruz Aragon, Editor
The Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association will host its annual community clean-up day Saturday, Feb. 7, continuing a long-standing effort to help residents clear clutter, recycle responsibly and give back — all in one stop.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation facility, 1626 Nature’s Way Blvd. Residents can take advantage of roll-off dumpsters, on-site document shredding, electronics recycling and a donation drop-off benefiting Lighthouse Ministries.
There is no fee to participate in the clean-up, and all Bloomingdale residents are welcome. Donations are encouraged to help offset event costs and allow the association to continue offering this service to the community.
The BNA says the event reflects its ongoing commitment to keeping Bloomingdale clean, connected and community-focused.
Additional details are available at www.bloomingdale.life or through the Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association on social media.
Behind the Scenes of Brandon’s Christmas Parade
By Luisa Parada, Student Writer
While most people only see the bright lights, colorful floats, and smiling faces during Brandon’s Christmas Parade, much of the work happens long before the first float rolls down the street. Behind the scenes, volunteers, club members, and parade organizers spend hours preparing to ensure the night runs smoothly. From fixing decorations to lining up performers, everything must be carefully planned before Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, arrives.
Early in the afternoon, volunteers begin unloading decorations, blocking off streets, and making sure everyone arrives on time. Band members warm up their instruments one final time. Everyone is focused, but there is also excitement in the air. “My favorite part of the Brandon Parade of Lights is watching our entire community come together—families lining the streets, kids’ faces lighting up, and everyone feeling that spark of holiday magic,” said Danielle Stevens, a member of the Brandon Parade Committee. “After months of planning, I’m thrilled that the big day is finally here. It’s an honor to be part of the committee and to help bring such a joyful tradition to life.”
Behind the scenes is also where friendships grow. Even though everyone is nervous, there is a strong sense of teamwork. No one wants to be the reason something goes wrong, so people step in whenever help is needed.
By the time the parade begins, most people in the crowd have no idea how much preparation went into making it look effortless. They see the lights, hear the music, and enjoy the holiday spirit. But for those working behind the scenes, the parade is more than just a show. It is the result of teamwork, patience, and shared excitement coming together to create one special night for Brandon, Florida.