Your top choice for compassionateIn-Home Care in Valrico, FL

There are nearly 120,000 LED pixels on Audra and Rodney Burton's Valrico home. The couple loves Christmas, and they want everyone to know it. The Burtons will be making their national debut during The Great Christmas Light Fight, airing Sunday at 10 p.m. on ABC. "It's kind of unheard of with just us two, especially at this magnitude in this size, but it doesn't feel like it to us. It's like another day out in the yard," Rodney Burton said.

VALRICO, Fla. — There are nearly 120,000 LED pixels on Audra and Rodney Burton's Valrico home. The couple loves Christmas, and they want everyone to know it.

The Burtons will be making their national debut during The Great Christmas Light Fight, airing Sunday at 10 p.m. on ABC.

"It's kind of unheard of with just us two, especially at this magnitude in this size, but it doesn't feel like it to us. It's like another day out in the yard," Rodney Burton said.

The planning for a project of this scale takes all year. The couple worked weekends out in the yard, 10-plus hour days for 34 days to pull it off.

"We get a chance to actually tell our story, to get to get a chance to show people what dedication would drive for what love and passion can do for you," Rodney Burton said. "And not only that, when you look outside, we come out every night and talk to people. And they can't believe somebody would do all this for free. And give it back to the community. And that's what it's all about.

"Just us two. That doesn't include what we did all year long. We sacrificed many weekends, and we gave up some vacations. We went to Christmas light conferences to continue to enhance our knowledge of this sport," Audra Burton said.

The Burtons told ABC Action News reporter Michael Paluska that they are motivated by their faith in Christ. Visitors to the home located at 2014 Sydney Road, Valrico, enjoyed how wholesome the show is.

"It's beautiful," Sally Barton said. "I love the Christian music. It is really different than some other light shows you see. I didn't expect that."

The Burtons had to place every LED pixel into place, which means the Burtons have touched all of the 120,000 lights. If that wasn't hard enough, they had to design and map out where they went and install each section piece by piece; nothing came prefabbed.

"This is what a true relationship looks and feels like when you love each other enough to sacrifice other things to bring joy to others," Rodney Burton said.

The show is free, but the Burtons hope people will take the time to help non-profits that rescue animals or donate pet food.

Last year, Audra Burton said they raised more than 2,400 for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and collected more than 750 pounds of donated pet food.

This year, they are supportingA Kitten Place andRaining Cats and Dogs Shelter.

Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Report a typo

Valrico's secret is out. It's a relaxed and family-oriented place to live near Tampa. The population has risen over the last couple decades as new residents arrive to enjoy the suburban living and proximity to Tampa for commuting. Sure, traffic can be a bear, but Valrico's quiet style means you have plenty of reasons to kick back at home -- and for that you'll want a strong, reliable internet connection.

There isn't a ton of competition among internet service providers in Valrico. Our top pick, Frontier, is your one option for fast fiber service. The company also has DSL coverage in some parts of town, but fiber is the way to go.

Spectrum is the cable operator in the area and it delivers speeds close to a gigabit on the high end. Several competitors are in play for fixed wireless, with T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon 5G Home Internet leading the pack. Let's sort through the ISPs in Valrico so you can find the one that works best for you.

Best ISPs in Valrico

Our picks for top internet providers in Valrico are fiber from Frontier, cable from Spectrum or fixed wireless from T-Mobile. The trio represent a wide variety of technologies, speeds and plan options.

Note: The prices, speeds and features detailed in the article text may differ from those listed in the product detail cards, which represent providers’ national offerings. Your particular internet service options -- including prices and speeds -- depend on your address and may differ from those detailed here.

3 Internet providers

Best internet provider in Valrico, FL

Our take - Frontier is our pick for best internet provider overall in Valrico thanks to being the only game in town for residential fiber. Fiber features fast upload speeds along with fast download speeds. For Valrico, you may be able to get speeds up to 5,000Mbps with Frontier's Fiber 5 Gig plan.

...

Check with Frontier

Connection

Fiber

Speed range

500 - 5,000 Mbps

Price range

$50 - $155 per month

Show more details

Best cable internet provider in Valrico, FL

Our take - A variety of plans, wide availability and reasonable pricing make Spectrum our choice for one of the best ISPs in Valrico. This is cable internet, so you can get max download speeds close to 1 gigabit, but uploads will be slower than with an equivalent fiber internet plan.

Check with Spectrum

Connection

Cable

Speed range

100 - 1,000 Mbps

Price range

$30- $90 per month

Show more details

Best fixed wireless internet in Valrico, FL

Our take - T-Mobile and Verizon run neck-and-neck when it comes to 5G fixed wireless home internet. T-Mobile takes the edge in Valrico due to wider availability. You're more likely to find an open slot with T-Mobile than with Verizon here.

...

Check with T-Mobile

Connection

Fixed wireless

Speed range

72 - 245 Mbps

All available Valrico residential internet providers

Valrico residents have a line on solid, high-speed internet options across the entire area. We gave shout-outs to Frontier, Spectrum and T-Mobile Home Internet as top picks, but they're not the only ISPs around. Local ISP Rapid Systems and national competitor Verizon both offer fixed wireless in Valrico. Verizon, in particular, is worth a look, especially if you're an existing Verizon phone customer.

What other internet options are there in Valrico?

Valrico broadband at a glance

When shopping for internet in Valrico, you likely have some specific requirements in mind. Perhaps you're prioritizing price or putting a premium on speed. Maybe you're after something that meets in the middle, like a fiber or cable plan that's both affordable and fast. Here's what you can expect for internet pricing and speeds in Valrico.

Valrico internet pricing

The starting price for internet service in Valrico is about $50 per month. All of the area ISPs offer a plan at around this price point. The difference is in the kind of technology and the speeds you get. Frontier's $50-per-month fiber plan for 500Mbps is one of the best deals when it comes to price and speed. For tight budgets, look to bundle a T-Mobile or Verizon phone plan with home internet or check into Spectrum's low-cost options.

It's hard to find a cheaper internet plan than the Internet Assist offering from Spectrum. It costs $20 per month for 30Mbps service, but you must meet income eligibility requirements to qualify. Yes, that's slow in our age of broadband, but it's incredibly affordable and is serviceable for basic online needs. The next closest offerings are fixed wireless plans from T-Mobile or Verizon when bundled with an eligible phone plan. That brings T-Mobile down to $30 per month and Verizon to $25 per month.

Low-income households should check into the federal Affordable Connectivity Program. If you're eligible, you can get at least $30 off your monthly internet bill, which can help put many plans in reach. For example, Spectrum's Internet Assist plan combined with the Affordable Connectivity Program effectively makes that plan free.

Fastest internet providers in Valrico

Ookla's Speedtest service shows Valrico has some pretty peppy internet speeds. The median download speed for fixed internet is just over 298Mbps. That's thanks in part to Frontier and Spectrum's fast plans. Both offer reasonable deals in the 1,000 Mbps range, while Frontier kicks things up several notches with its maxed-out 5,000Mbps offering.

If you have a hankering for face-melting internet speeds, your best bet in Valrico is to go with Frontier's Fiber 5 Gig plan for 5,000Mbps speeds, if it's available at your address. It will cost you a premium price of $155 per month, but it can make sense for residents with extreme demands or households with multiple heavy internet users. If that's a bit more than you need, then Frontier also has a 2,000Mbps plan for $100 per month. Learn about the best multigigabit internet plans you can get.

What's the final word on internet providers in Valrico?

It's tough to beat Frontier's fiber offerings in Valrico. The speeds are fast and the pricing is competitive. The numbers look good, but there's a lingering ding against Frontier when it comes to the quality of its customer service.

However, Frontier has made progress in improving its customer satisfaction ranking in recent years. Spectrum remains in play with affordable cable plans, though it can't match the upload speeds of fiber. T-Mobile and Verizon are worthy of consideration, especially if you're an existing phone customer of one or the other.

How CNET chose the best internet providers in Valrico

Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.

But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we’re considering every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. To evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service, we look at sources including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication.

Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:

While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend.

To explore our process in more depth, visit our How We Test ISPs page.

Valrico internet FAQs

Is fiber internet available in Valrico?

You won't have to spend time comparing fiber internet providers in Valrico because Frontier is the only game in town. Frontier offers fiber speeds ranging from 500Mbps to 5,000Mbps with competitive pricing from $50 to $155 (after autopay discount) per month.

Show more

Who has the cheapest internet in Valrico?

Spectrum's $20-per-month 30Mbps plan is the cheapest in Valrico, though it's only available to qualified low-income households. The bargain price comes with a tradeoff in speed. Look to fixed wireless providers T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon 5G Home Internet for the next cheapest plans. They both have starting prices of $50 per month, but the real deal is when you bundle with an eligible phone plan. That brings T-Mobile down to $30 per month and Verizon down to $25 per month for home internet.

Show more

Which internet provider in Valrico offers the fastest plan?

Frontier leaves the competition in the dust with its fastest Fiber 5 Gig plan that delivers download and upload speeds up to 5,000Mbps. That makes it one of the speedier residential offerings in the nation. Who needs that? Households with lots of residents, multiple gamers or people with demanding remote work routines can all take advantage of that kind of internet offering.

Show more

Is Frontier or Spectrum better in Valrico?

While Frontier also offers DSL in some service areas, it has Valrico well covered with fiber. Price-wise, it's in tight contention with Spectrum's cable offerings. One benefit of fiber is that upload speeds are as fast as download speeds. That can make a big difference in your internet experience if you need to upload large files. Check out our comparison of Frontier and Spectrum internet services.

Show more

Home Internet Guides

VALRICO, Fla. — The owner of Sweetie’s Delights Bakery in Valrico has hired two people with disabilities and said they’ve turned out to be some of her best employees.

“Give them a chance,” said owner Kathy Gramlich, 54. “You will be pleasantly surprised.”

What You Need To Know

Gramlich said the first disabled worker she hired was Hannah Clor, 20, about one year ago. Clor applied through employU, a nonprofit agency which helps people with disabilities find and maintain employment.

“She focuses and everything is consistent. It’s perfect,” said Gramlich. “She’s always in a good mood.”

Clor said she’s autistic and spent eight months applying for jobs before being hired at the bakery.

“People would see on my application, ‘Oh, autistic. No thanks,’ and it can be a real struggle,” she said. “You can feel like no one’s going to hire me, but there are people out there who do understand and care.”

Clor said Gramlich is one of those people and supports her when she gets overwhelmed at work.

“I’ll need to sit in the back for a while or even in certain cases I’ll have to go home,” she said. “Sometimes people take issue with that, but here it’s not an issue.”

Alicia Ackley, 29, is the second disabled worker Graham recently hired. Ackley said she was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, which makes it hard for her to work in loud places.

“In here, it’s nice and quiet. We’ve got a little music going,” she said. “I love it. This is probably the best place I’ve ever worked.”

Ackley said she also feels accepted by her fellow employees and the owner.

“I’ll be talking to myself and she (Hannah) goes, ‘Alicia is talking to the cupcakes,’” she said. “It’s a lot more inviting over here.”

Ackley and Clor have been celebrating their sweet success for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which takes place in October. Marci VanRiper, an employment specialist with employU, said more businesses should consider hiring people with disabilities.

“Take the opportunity, take the chance, it’s truly amazing what you’ll find out,” she said. “Everybody has got different abilities. So, everybody has got something different to bring to the table. Which is special and these guys and gals end up being your best employees.”

employU helped more than 3,500 disabled people find jobs last year.

Duck Donuts Celebrates Grand Opening

Duck Donuts, located at 821 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon’s Bloomingdale Square plaza, recently celebrated its grand opening.

The owners, father-and-son duo Jay and Jason Patel, said, “We are delighted to be opening the first Duck Donuts in the Tampa Bay area. The community has been patiently waiting for us to open the doors, and now we cannot wait to sprinkle happiness with our warm, delicious, made-to-order doughnuts.”

Customers can create their own doughnuts by choosing from a variety of coatings, toppings and drizzles, or they can select from the menu. The store also offers a viewing area where you can watch your donuts being made.

For more information, visit www.duckdonuts.com/brandon/. To contact Duck Donuts in Brandon, call 813-315-9661.

Skill Samurai Opens In Bloomingdale Square Plaza

Skill Samurai recently opened at 931 E. Bloomingdale Ave. in Brandon and offers after-school coding and robotic classes as well as summer camps. It believes that all children should have the opportunity to develop various skills, and several classes are available for all ages and skill levels. Instructors guide the students and ensure that every one of them is getting the best out of their class by tailoring the courses to students’ strengths and weaknesses.

For more information, visit its website at https://skillsamurai.com/fl-brandon or call 813-761-2832.

Virtual Dementia Tour Visits Tessera Of Brandon

Senior Helpers and Second Wind Dreams invite you to open yourself to experience the world around you in a completely different way at their Virtual Dementia Tour: Your Window Into Their World. The sensitivity training program enables participants to gain a greater understanding of dementia and shift their thinking from fear to action.

Join them at Tessera of Brandon, located at 1320 Oakfield Dr. in Brandon, on Tuesday, May 23 from 3-5 p.m. Please call 813-607-6880 to reserve a place.

Iron Rock Insurance Opens Commercial Division

Local-family-owned Iron Rock Insurance has recently expanded and opened a commercial insurance division. With the growing commercial business Lisa Hast, managing partner of Iron Rock Insurance, felt it would be a great asset to the business as well as the community. Heading the commercial division is Spencer Foy, and Kate Norberg, licensed CSR, joined the commercial division as well.

Iron Rock Insurance is located at 400 Frandorson Cir., Ste. 103 in Apollo Beach and can be contacted on 813-213-9600. Visit its website at www.ironrockins.com for more information.

Pro221 Pressure Washing Offers Expert Exterior Cleaning

Pro221 Pressure Washing specializes in all-inclusive exterior cleaning services. With cleaning homes, driveways, lanais, pool cages and more, it has the expertise and equipment to deliver outstanding results.

Owner Mark Girdwood brings over 20 years of experience in customer service and understands the importance of providing high-quality service to valued customers. What sets Pro221 apart is its commitment to customer satisfaction. It guarantees that every project will be treated with the respect it deserves, and it will only stop when the customer is satisfied. Pro221 Pressure Washing is fully licensed and insured.

The convenient booking options, via text message, phone call, email or website, make it easy for the customer to schedule a service. Contact it by calling 813-699-0304 or visit its website at https://pro221.com for additional information and to book services.

HCA Florida Brandon Hospital Receives Patient Safety Excellence Award™

HCA Florida Brandon Hospital has been recognized by Healthgrades as a 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ recipient. This distinction places it among the top 10 percent of all short-term acute-care hospitals as evaluated by Healthgrades, the leading marketplace connecting patients and providers.

“This award highlights HCA Florida Brandon Hospital and its caregivers who are committed to patients and safety standards,” said Tripp Owings, chief executive officer at HCA Florida Hospital. “We take pride in meeting and exceeding established standards as we prevent serious patient injuries, avoid preventable complications and mortalities and eliminate harm throughout the hospital.”

May Is Garage Door Safety Month

Garage Door Safety Month is every May. It is an initiative to help keep the public safe, and Master Garage Door Co., which has been serving Eastern Hillsborough County for over 25 years, is a great choice for that goal.

If you suspect any problems with your door system, contact Master Garage Door Co. at 813-684-7744 or email steve@mastergaragedoor.com. Additional information about services offered can be found on its website at www.mastergaragedoor.com.

Wingspread Farm Selected For 2023 Best Of Valrico Award

Wingspread Farm has been selected for the 2023 Best of Valrico Award in the Farm category by the Valrico Award Program. Each year, the Valrico Award Program identifies companies that it believes have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community. These are companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community and help make the Valrico area a great place to live.

Wingspread Farm is located at 3003 Pearson Rd. in Valrico and is open Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit its website at www.wingspread.farm for more information.

Rello Runs Academy Summer Basketball

Rello Runs Academy, owned locally by Durrell and Jade Peterson, is preparing for its summer basketball camps and classes in the Riverview area. It provides a great fun environment for all athletes to grow in spirit, mind and body through basketball. Call 904-563-3170 or email jpetersoncorp@gmail.com for more information.

VALRICO, Fla. - An investigation is underway to figure out if an alligator may have led to the death of 29-year-old Shayla Silva. Just before 9 o'clock Sunday night, her body was pulled from a retention pond on Lynx Paw Trail near the River Hills subdivision in Valrico.

"She was her own person. A lot of people loved her," said Silva's stepmom, Mary Simpson.

As Simpson explains, her stepdaughter had mental health struggles. Simpson says she was just days away from starting a new mental health treatment plan after weeks of trying to get her the right help. However, the family says HIPAA laws slowed down the process.

"I think if we could have went ahead and starting the shots like discussed and was hoped for before her release, I don't think we would be going through this," Simpson said.

Silva struggled with depression and because of it was naturally drawn to water. Simpson admits on multiple occasions Silva swam in the pond across the street from their home.

"We really tried to keep our eyes on what she was doing. But yes, when she would get away from us, she would be walking down and go to the pond," Simpson continued.

RELATED: Massive alligator shows up at front door of Manatee County home

Monday, investigators with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office confirmed Silva's injuries were consistent with an alligator attack.

"This is a very hard, heartbreaking tragedy and I really don't want to see nobody else go through this," Simpson said.

Simpson hopes to give a voice to those who face difficulties getting their loved one -- who's in pain -- the right mental health treatment. Right now, she says the process is too slow and needs improvements.

"I wish I knew how we could do a change to the HIPAA law when it involves a loved one so that we can be able to help them instead of having our hands tied," she added.

Trappers have been out to the pond and set up traps in hopes of catching the alligator responsible.