The Brief
- South Tampa neighbors celebrated Halloween with elaborate decorations, creative trick-or-treating and community traditions.
- One homeowner traded candy for jokes, talents and hopscotch challenges.
- The Freese family used its Halloween display to raise money for camps supporting young burn survivors.
TAMPA, Fla. – With Halloween falling on a Saturday for the first time since 2020, South Tampa neighborhoods made the most of the weekend. From trick-or-treating with a twist to elaborate decorations and a fundraiser for children recovering from burn injuries, residents turned the holiday into a celebration of community.
South Tampa Halloween traditions
The backstory:
On West Tacon Street, Elizabeth Hudson gave trick-or-treaters a chance to earn a bigger candy bar by telling a joke or showing off a talent.
Some kids came prepared with jokes, while others took on Hudson in a game of hopscotch. Those who impressed her could also pick a prize from her prize wall.
Hudson said she keeps the tradition going because the neighborhood enjoys it, but especially for her grandchildren.
Bubba’s Buddies burn fundraiser
Giving back:
On West Santiago Street, the Freese family combined Halloween festivities with a fundraiser for burn survivor camps.…