FOCUS Brandon 07-01 by Floyd Publications

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

You can almost feel it in the air—the great start to this new academic year in the Greater Brandon area schools. It’s a tangible excitement and an inspiring anticipation. Teachers are anxious to teach, coaches are ready to coach and students are ready to learn. Each year, it’s all about taking it to the next level. Ask any teacher how their students can best progress with success, and you’ll hear, “Help them discover their passion.” Our September spotlight interview reveals that’s exactly what father and son Walter Perkins III and Walter Perkins IV have tried to accomplish with their Brandon Bolts Basketball youth program, established in 1999. Both men like to challenge team members, asking, “What’s the next level?” The respected travel basketball program’s goal is to help kids get into college. Walter IV knows that if they can “expose as many kids to scouts as possible,” and “help the players grow mentally, physically, spiritually and morally,” their work will be worth the effort. According to Walter III, the lesson for their students will always be: “If you have a passion for something, you should go after it and do it.” Since another popular area passion is music, Focus decided to “do it” by sponsoring “The Heart of Nashville LIVE: The Ultimate Acoustic Performance.” Shows are scheduled for the second Thursdays of September, October and November at the Winthrop Barn Theater, an intimate setting with limited seating availability. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear “next level” musicians Jesse Keith Whitley, Jaida Dreyer and Chad Warrix. ECHO looks forward on October 5th to its 11th Annual Kids Helping Kids Fashion Show fundraiser, which supplies monies to help community families in need. The best part is seeing children learn about work for charitable causes and the importance of giving back. And displaying generosity is one thing the Greater Brandon community does so well. We hope you’ll enjoy this month’s issue and we appreciate your feedback. Your faithful support is what makes our “next level” possible. Go after it!

Mike Floyd - Publisher mike@floydpublications.com Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information.

Publisher Mike Floyd mike@floydpublications.com

Floyd Publications, Inc. 702 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. Plant City, FL 33563

Editorial Director Amanda Deck adeck@floydpublications.com

Office 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990

Office Manager Christina DoVale cdovale@floydpublications.com

www.focusbrandon.com Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us. So if you notice anything that is incorrect, then please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform it about the fact error. To do so, call (813) 707-8783 or e-mail editorial@floydpublications.com. The staff will fix the error in a timely manner. FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Plant City businesses, restaurants and many local venues. Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to Focus Magazine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be reproduced thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Floyd Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Floyd Publications, Inc.

FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON SEPTEMBER 2013