What Happened This Week in Valrico

Here's your weekly check-in for everything going on in Valrico, Bloomingdale, and eastern Hillsborough County for the week of March 2-7, 2026.

The Rundown

• SR 60 repaving hits Falkenburg Road. FDOT temporarily closed Falkenburg Road north of SR 60 (Adamo Drive) overnight on Tuesday, March 3, for milling and resurfacing work. A second closure south of SR 60 followed that evening. The SR 60 repaving project from Falkenburg Road to Lake Kathy Drive continues — expect overnight lane shifts through the spring.

• Hillsborough County burn ban enters week 8. Drought conditions across the county have kept the emergency ban on open burning in effect since mid-January. Hillsborough Fire Rescue responded to 741 brush fires in January and February alone — nearly double last year's count. Barbecue grills are still allowed, but no yard debris burning.

• Tampa Bay Water declares Stage 3 water shortage. As of March 1, the region is under a Stage 3 Extreme Regional Supply Shortage. That means once-a-week watering only. Rainfall and river flow deficits are significant, and reservoir levels are projected to stay low into spring.

• SoFresh opening in Valrico on track for Q1. The health-focused fast-casual chain is preparing to open its 35th location at 3482 Lithia Pinecrest Road. SoFresh serves customizable bowls, salads, and wraps with a focus on fresh, whole ingredients. One more dining option for the Lithia Pinecrest corridor.

• Strawberry Crest basketball wraps a turnaround season. Under second-year Head Coach Patrick Horn, the Chargers made a significant leap from a 4-22 record. The program is building something real in Dover.

• HCSO teen arrest in Valrico. On February 17, detectives served a search warrant at a Valrico residence leading to a teen arrest. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office continues increased patrols in the area.

• Spring break is 10 days away. Hillsborough County Public Schools spring break runs March 16-20, with a non-student day on March 23. Nine consecutive days off when you count the weekends. Plan accordingly.

New Business Spotlight

Brandon BBQ On Demand — Owner David has been barbecuing for over 25 years and recently launched this catering-focused operation serving the Brandon and Valrico area. No storefront — just online and phone ordering with delivery or pickup. The menu goes beyond brisket and pulled pork to include smoked chicken wings, smoked steaks, smoked salmon, and smoked prime rib. All sides are homemade. Catering available for groups of 10-100 with 72-hour notice. Check the menu at brandonbbqondemand.com or call 813-693-1819.

Weather Outlook

Expect typical early March conditions for Tampa Bay — highs in the mid-70s, lows in the upper 50s. Dry conditions continue to dominate, which is part of why the burn ban and water restrictions remain in effect. Rain chances stay minimal through the weekend.

Community Question

Spring break is coming up — what's your go-to family activity in the Valrico area when school's out? Drop your recommendations in the comments or tag us on social media. We're compiling a list for next week's roundup.

More on Valrico.blog

• Is Valrico a Good Place to Live?
• SR 60 Brandon Boulevard Road Projects: What Drivers Need to Know
• Valrico FL Crime Rate: Is It Safe?