Valrico Area Safety Report: March 9-14, 2026

Your weekly safety roundup covering the Valrico, Brandon, and Bloomingdale area. Information sourced from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), Hillsborough County government, and local news outlets.

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Notable Incidents

Brandon Homicide — Lake Chapman Drive On Sunday, March 9 at 5:43 p.m., HCSO deputies responded to a disturbance call on the 1800 block of Lake Chapman Drive in Brandon. Deputies found 30-year-old Travon Jackson deceased with an apparent gunshot wound.

Two suspects were arrested:

• James Sidney Llanos, 47 — Charged with first-degree murder while engaged in burglary and armed burglary of dwelling with assault or battery
• Lizeina Marie Cepeda, 39 — Charged with first-degree murder while engaged in burglary and armed burglary of dwelling with assault or battery

According to HCSO, the couple had been subleasing the apartment to the victim and arrived to evict him. An altercation led to Llanos shooting Jackson. This was not a random incident — the parties knew each other.

Unauthorized Aliens Linked to Residential Burglary A traffic stop in Hillsborough County led to the arrest of three individuals linked to a residential burglary. HCSO released the details this week as part of ongoing efforts to address property crimes in the area.

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Traffic Updates

South Kings Avenue Closed in Brandon Starting Thursday, March 12, South Kings Avenue is closed to through traffic between Center Avenue and Bloomingdale Avenue for Tampa Bay Water's South Hillsborough Pipeline project.

• Bloomingdale Avenue is not accessible from S. Kings Avenue during the closure
• Drivers heading north on S. Kings from south of Greenbriar Drive are detoured at Center Avenue
• Alternate routes: John Moore Road or Providence Road for north-south travel

Boyette Road Night Work The South Hillsborough Pipeline contractor performed overnight work on Boyette Road on Thursday, March 12 (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.). Starting Monday, March 16, construction will shift to 24/7 operations through spring break to take advantage of reduced school traffic.

• Eastbound and westbound inside lanes closed between Pure Pebble Drive and Wickerwood Drive
• Boyette Road operating as one lane in each direction during active work

SR 60 Repaving Continues Overnight lane closures continue on SR 60 (Brandon Boulevard) between Falkenburg Road and Lake Kathy Drive. Check fdottampabay.com for the latest closure schedule.

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Public Safety Advisories

Emergency Burn Ban — Week 9 Hillsborough County extended the emergency ban on all outdoor open burning for the ninth consecutive week on March 12. Drought conditions remain high to very high. Statewide, 1,249 forest and brush fires have burned over 77,162 acres since January 1, 2026.

Report brush fires immediately by calling 911.

Stage 3 Water Restrictions Once-a-week lawn watering only. Tampa Bay Water's Stage 3 Extreme Regional Supply Shortage remains in effect. Violations can result in fines. Check your assigned watering day at tampabaywater.org.

Spring Break Safety With schools out March 16-20 (plus the non-student day March 23), expect more teens and children out during daytime hours. Drive cautiously in residential areas, near parks, and around shopping centers. HCSO typically increases neighborhood patrols during school breaks.

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Important Numbers

• Emergency: 911
• HCSO Non-Emergency: (813) 247-8200
• HCSO Online Reporting: teamhcso.com
• Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay: 1-800-873-8477 (anonymous tips)
• HCFL Alert: Sign up at HCFL.gov/HCFLAlert

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See Something, Say Something

If you witness suspicious activity in the Valrico, Bloomingdale, or Brandon area, contact HCSO at (813) 247-8200 for non-emergencies or call 911 for emergencies. You can also submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-8477.