Valrico This Week — May 18, 2026

What's Happening in Our Community

This week hit us with a sobering reminder about the importance of remembrance and safety. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation brought a piece of the Twin Towers to Land O' Lakes as part of their 9/11 anniversary tour. It's the kind of moment that brings our whole community together, even as we're spread across Tampa Bay. If you get the chance to pay your respects, it's worth the drive.

Unfortunately, we've also had some rough news on our roads. A 21-year-old woman from Bradenton lost her life in a wrong-way DUI crash, and we've seen multiple serious accidents across Polk County and along I-4. Then there were those street racing incidents on the interstate—two different drivers, both teenagers, making seriously dangerous decisions. Look, I know the Tampa Bay area has growing pains, but we've got to do better about safe driving. Every time I'm out showing homes or driving through Valrico, I'm reminded how fast things happen on our roads.

On a lighter note, A Kid's Place of Tampa Bay is celebrating Foster Care Awareness Month. These folks do incredible work in our region, and their dedication to changing lives deserves recognition. If you've ever thought about fostering or supporting families in need, May is the perfect time to learn more.

Road Updates & Weather

Quick heads-up for anyone on Donneymoor Drive: expect closures at McMullen Road starting May 19th. I've already had a couple of clients ask me about this, so if you're heading to showings or just getting around town, give yourself some extra time and consider alternative routes.

Also keep an eye on the forecast. Severe storms are possible Sunday, so get your yard secured this weekend and make sure any outdoor plans have a backup. Nothing derails a home showing faster than a surprise downpour.

What's Coming Up

Summer's ramping up in Valrico, and that means we're getting into festival season. The usual suspects—farmers markets, community picnics, and church events—are starting to populate our calendars. I'll have more details on those next week, but if you're new to the area and wondering what the community vibe is like, these events are the perfect way to get a feel for what makes Valrico special. It's one of my favorite things about living here—there's real community, not just a bedroom community vibe.

The Real Estate Snapshot

The market's holding steady as we head into late spring. We're seeing solid interest from families looking to relocate before summer, and inventory remains reasonable for buyers who know what they want. If you've been thinking about selling, the next few weeks are prime time before the heat really sets in.

Wrapping Up

That's your Valrico roundup for the week. It's been a mixed bag of community spirit, safety concerns, and normal growing pains. If you're thinking about buying or selling in the area, or just want to chat about what's happening in town, you know where to find me.

Stay safe out there, and I'll see you next week.

— Barrett