Sharon Bokor the Broker Florida Real Estate Experts

06/05/2026

👀 HAS WHOLE FOODS PULLED OUT OF LITHIA CROSSING?

Over the past few days, I've received several messages asking whether Whole Foods has backed out of the Lithia Crossing project in Valrico.

The rumors appear to have picked up after a leasing sign was placed on the property advertising an "Anchor Space Available," with several people telling me they've heard Whole Foods is out.

So I researched...

Based on everything I've reviewed, I have found no evidence that Whole Foods has abandoned the project.

In fact, Hillsborough County records currently show an issued interior build-out permit associated with Whole Foods, active permitting activity as recently as 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔. a Notice of Commencement filed by Whole Foods Market Group, and a full set of architectural plans for the Valrico store.

The current site plan doesn't consist of just the Whole Foods building. It also includes two additional retail spaces being created alongside the grocery store. One of those spaces is already expected to become Warby Parker, while another retail space appears to still be available for lease.

That could mean the "Anchor Space Available" sign people are seeing may actually be referring to that vacant adjacent commercial space—not the Whole Foods store itself.

Could plans change? Of course. Development projects evolve all the time, and until the doors officially open, nothing is ever guaranteed.

But based on the public documents available today, I haven't found anything indicating that Whole Foods has pulled out.

When I originally broke this story, I thought the store could be up and selling by Thanksgiving 2026. Based on this most recent information, I don't think that's completely out of the question—but they'd have to hustle.

PS: All the work you're currently seeing out front is related to the installation of the new traffic signal.

Have you heard the rumors too? Or do you think the leasing sign has simply been misunderstood? 👇

—

By Brian Bokor
Bokors Corner Original Reporting

Bokors Corner Realty
Florida Real Estate Experts
📞 813-708-2266

06/03/2026

🍦 FLORIDA'S FIRST YOGURTINI APPEARS TO BE COMING TO RIVERVIEW! 👀

While reviewing newly filed construction documents, I came across plans showing Yogurtini Self-Serve preparing for a location at 13392 US Highway 301 S in Riverview.

After digging a little deeper, the company's own store locator currently lists locations in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Nevada—with no existing Florida locations. If that remains the case, this Riverview location would become Yogurtini's first location in the State of Florida.

For those unfamiliar with the brand, Yogurtini is a premium self-serve frozen yogurt concept featuring 16+ flavors and more than 80 toppings, letting customers build their dessert exactly the way they like it.

The construction plans include detailed tenant buildout information, one of the strongest signs that a project is moving forward behind the scenes.

No opening date has been announced yet, but I'll continue following the permits and filings and will post updates as I find them.

Would you be excited to see Florida's very first Yogurtini open right here in Riverview? 🍦👇

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🔎 By Brian Bokor

📋 Bokors Corner Original Reporting

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Bokors Corner Realty
Florida Real Estate Experts
📞 813-708-2266

06/03/2026

🏗️ VALRICO'S "STONEHENGE" MAY FINALLY BE SHOWING SIGNS OF LIFE

For years, the unfinished concrete towers on the southwest corner of SR 60 and Mulrennan Road have stood as one of Valrico's most recognizable landmarks.

Known by many locals as "Stonehenge Valrico," the project was originally approved as a 340-unit apartment community, but construction stalled years ago, leaving residents wondering if work would ever resume.

Now, new records reviewed by Bokors Corner suggest there may finally be movement behind the scenes.

In May, 14 Notices of Commencement were recorded for the project, and a new contractor was named — representing the most significant activity at the site in years.

The filings cover a planned 325-unit apartment community that includes six residential buildings, a clubhouse, resort-style pool, dog park, volleyball court, garages and other amenities.

The development has experienced delays, legal disputes and years of uncertainty, but the recent filings indicate the project remains very much alive.

While Notices of Commencement do not guarantee construction will begin immediately, they are often one of the first signs that a project may be preparing to move forward.

After years of questions surrounding the site, these new filings represent the strongest indication yet that activity may be returning to Valrico's most talked-about unfinished development.

👇 Did you think this project was ever going to get finished?

📍 Southwest corner of SR 60 & Mulrennan Road
📍 Diagonally across SR 60 from Voodoo Brewing Co. - Valrico, home of your next Honorary Mayor of East Hillsborough, Chris Ciulla - Chris for Honorary Mayor 2026

Bokors Corner Realty
Florida Real Estate Experts
📞 813-708-2266

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06/02/2026

🏗️ MAJOR BIG BEND ROAD DEVELOPMENT MAY FINALLY BE MOVING FORWARD

A large development that has quietly worked its way through the planning process over the past several years may finally be moving closer to reality.

Located at the northeast corner of Big Bend Road and Simmons Road, the approximately 80-acre site was approved by Hillsborough County in January 2023 for a major mixed-use development that includes up to 900 apartment units, medical uses, retail space, warehouse and distribution uses, and other commercial development.

The project has undergone significant changes over the years.

Prior plans called for a major HCA Florida healthcare campus featuring a proposed 250-bed hospital and extensive medical office space. Those plans were ultimately replaced with the mixed-use development approved by county commissioners.

According to information recently shared with Bokors Corner, activity associated with the project may finally be beginning to move forward after years of planning, approvals, and delays.

The approved plans also include significant roadway improvements, including the future extension of Simmons Road, the realignment of Old Big Bend Road, new access connections, and additional infrastructure designed to support long-term growth throughout the corridor.

If built as approved, the project would transform one of the largest undeveloped properties along Big Bend Road and add another major chapter to the ongoing growth of South Hillsborough County.

📍 Northeast Corner of Big Bend Road & Simmons Road

What are your thoughts on the project?

📸 Source: Hillsborough County Public Records

Bokors Corner Realty
Florida Real Estate Experts
📞 813-708-2266

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06/01/2026

♻️ UPDATE: SOUTHEAST COUNTY LANDFILL CHANGES REVERSED

Hillsborough County has reversed its planned June 1 changes and will continue allowing residential disposal at the Southeast County Landfill at no cost.

According to the county, residents can continue using their property tax bill for their limited disposal allowance, including trash and tire disposal, just as they do today.

The decision came after county officials received community feedback regarding the planned elimination of residential drop-off service.

The county is encouraging visitors to wear closed-toed shoes and preferably a high-visibility shirt or vest for safety.

For now, it's business as usual at the Southeast County Landfill.

📸 Source: Hillsborough County Solid Waste

Bokors Corner Realty
Florida Real Estate Experts
📞 813-708-2266

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05/30/2026

🍺🌭 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 — 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐍'𝐒 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐓𝐇

For years, downtown Plant City has transformed itself one building, one business, and one investment at a time.

What was once a downtown many people simply drove through has become a destination filled with local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, entertainment venues, professional services, and community gathering spaces.

And the momentum isn't slowing down.

A new chapter is now brewing at the former Linda's Crab Shack building on Reynolds Street, where Leaven Brewing Co. and Dingers Roadside Cafe are preparing to open a dual-concept destination that combines craft beer, family-friendly dining, and community space under one roof.

The project is another example of what has helped make downtown Plant City successful: entrepreneurs continuing to invest in existing buildings while creating new reasons for people to spend time downtown.

Today, the Historic Plant City Main Street district includes more than 100 businesses, restaurants, shops, services, attractions, and destinations packed into a walkable downtown core.

Plant City's story is a reminder that economic development isn't always about landing one massive project.

Sometimes it's about creating an environment where dozens of smaller successes can happen.

And when they do, an entire community can change.

📍 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍:

If you could give one area in East Hillsborough County the "Plant City treatment" over the next 10 years, where would it be?

Brandon?
Valrico?
Seffner?
Riverview?
Ruskin?
Apollo Beach?
Somewhere else?

👇 Tell us which community you would choose — and why.

PS - Apologies for any spelling errors on map...they were not intentional. That's what you get when you rely on AI...

📸 Photos: City of Plant City Government
🗺️ Map: Historic Plant City Main Street

Bokors Corner Realty
Florida Real Estate Experts
📞 813-708-2266

05/30/2026

☕🚨 BETTER BUZZ COFFEE IS COMING TO BRANDON 🚨☕

The old Steak 'n Shake building at 1402 W. Brandon Blvd. appears to have a new future.

Permit plans filed this week show Better Buzz Coffee preparing to transform the former restaurant into a new Brandon location.

The submitted plans call for a major renovation of the existing 3,625-square-foot building, including a remodeled dining room, dedicated mobile pickup areas, drive-thru improvements, updated kitchen and coffee production equipment, exterior upgrades, and a complete rebranding of the site.

Founded in San Diego, Better Buzz has built a loyal following around its specialty coffee drinks, breakfast offerings, and modern café design.

The renderings show a dramatic transformation from the former Steak 'n Shake appearance into Better Buzz's signature black, white, and gold look.

As always, permit filings represent proposed work and timelines can change, but this project has now entered the formal permitting process.

☕ Have you ever tried Better Buzz Coffee?

☕ Would you choose Better Buzz over Just Love Coffee, Dutch Bros, Starbucks, Dunkin, Foxtail, 7 Brew, Scooter's... y'all sure love your caffeine!

P.S. — Remember, you saw this here first.

I'll be honest, it stinks seeing something you've spent hours researching show up somewhere else later. Thanks to everyone who follows, shares, comments, and supports Bokors Corner. Your support makes the work worthwhile.

📍 Former Steak 'n Shake
1402 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon

Source: Google Street View. Renderings and site plans obtained from public permit filings.

Bokors Corner Realty
Florida Real Estate Experts
📞 813-708-2266

05/28/2026

I could not have said it better myself.

Time decides who you meet in life, your heart decides who you want in your life, and your behavior decides who stays in your life. ⏳💙

05/28/2026

🔥 BRANDON — BETTER BLEND OPENING JUNE 6 ON E. BRANDON BLVD

Another new spot is getting ready to open along Brandon Boulevard.
Better Blend - Brandon is officially opening Saturday, June 6 at 9 AM at 955 E. Brandon Blvd, right next to BubbaQue’s.

The shop will feature high-protein, low-sugar smoothies, smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and options for vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.

They’re also planning opening-day specials for early customers, including smoothie bowl promos, samples, Bark Bowls for dogs, and prize opportunities through the business.

📍 955 E. Brandon Blvd, Brandon
🕘 Saturday, June 6 — doors open at 9 AM

Brandon Boulevard keeps filling in with new food and drink options. Who’s planning to check this one out?

Photos/graphic courtesy of Better Blend - Brandon.

Bokors Corner Realty
Florida Real Estate Experts
📞 813-708-2266

05/28/2026

I wish to share some reflections following a post I read today regarding a homeowner who is hesitant to work with a Realtor despite needing to sell her home. This situation has made me consider the broader challenges our industry is currently facing. With the ongoing legal issues surrounding the National Association of Realtors (NAR), it seems that public trust may be declining, which is reflected in the association’s dwindling membership.

As you may recall, I chose to cancel my own membership three years ago. This decision followed a deeply troubling experience where an unethical broker and an unscrupulous attorney leveraged board of Realtors hearing panel to seize funds from my brokerage without any supporting documentation. It was clear that the process was compromised by personal connections between the board and the other party rather than being based on facts or ethics.

Because of this, I want to clarify that I am not a Realtor. I operate strictly as a Thompson Broker, maintaining a commitment to professional integrity outside of that association. I believe it is important to distinguish my practice from these systemic issues as we navigate the current industry landscape.

I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on how these industry changes are impacting your perspective and whether you believe there are specific steps we should take to better communicate our value to clients.

Sharon Bokor

Bokors Corner Realty, LLC

Florida Real Estate Experts

Phone: 813-708-2266

Florida Licensed Real Estate Broker BK685689

Florida State Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser RD6263