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3 compete for honorary title

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 24, 2009

BRANDON - What do a real estate agent, a printing company owner and a sheriff's community service officer have in common? At least two things: a passion to support local charities and a hat in the ring for Brandon's annual honorary mayor's race.

Connie Smaldone, a realtor with South Shore Group Real Estate in Lithia, was the first candidate to announce plans to run in the race sponsored by the Roundtable Charities of Greater Brandon.

Also in the running are James Jensen, owner of Next Level Printing on Kings Avenue in Brandon, and Barbara Jones-Keplinger, a community service officer for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Riverview substation.

Candidates in the race, a 50-years-running tradition, host fundraisers between June 1 and July 4. The one who raises the most money for his or her chosen charities is declared the winner at the Fourth of July parade.

Last year's honorary mayor, Tammy Holmberg, owner of the Chick-fil-A restaurant at Lake Brandon Village on Causeway Boulevard, raised more than $25,000 for greater Brandon-area YMCAs, the children's theater at Center Place and the Brandon chapter of the Dream Factory, which grants wishes to critically ill children.

Laura Frazier

The candidate who raises the most money for local charities will be named Brandon's honorary mayor at the Fourth of July Parade. Just for fun, cast your vote on TBO.com, Keyword: Brandon Mayor. Editor's note: James Jensen was invited to submit his campaig

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