Community Corner

5 Things to Know Today

Here's Thursday's roundup of information and trivia for Bloomingdale Patch readers.

1. During their regular meeting on Wednesday morning, the Hillsborough County Commissioners took a small step toward resolving a  that has become a hot-button issue during the past year.

Their decision: Directing county staff to prepare an amendment to the county's current panhandling ordinance - which prohibits solicitation on county roadways - and hold a public hearing during their first meeting in March.

2. You can help those affected by the winter storms in the Midwest by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-REDCROSS or by texting "REDCROSS" to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Also, consider making a donation to your local Red Cross chapter.

Find out what's happening in Bloomingdale-Riverviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

3. Today is Chinese New Year! Why not celebrate by dining at one of Bloomingdale Patch's  many Chinese restaurants? , 3318 John Moore Road, Brandon; , 3244 Lithia-Pinecrest Road, Valrico; , 6733 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia; , 3452 Lithia-Pinecrest Road, Valrico; , 871 W. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon; , 887 E Bloomingdale Ave, Brandon; , 803 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, , 125 W. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, , 3447 Lithia-Pinecrest Road, Valrico.

4. Ever wonder how to grow African Violets? You can get a free lesson at 7 p.m. at the meeting of the Tampa African Violet Society at , 4207 North Blvd., Tampa. For more information, call 813-689-8700.

Find out what's happening in Bloomingdale-Riverviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

5. Copper Bell Cafe, 401 S. Parsons Ave., Brandon, is hosting its one-year anniversary on Sunday. Feb. 6. There will be an Anniversary Super Sunday Brunch Buffet for $9.99 from 8 to 2:30 p.m. and anyone ordering a Super Bowl party platter will receive 25 percent off. 


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