South Tampa goes all out for Halloween with tricks, treats and a neighborhood fundraiser

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 traditionsOn 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 fundraiserOn West Santiago Street, the Freese family combined Halloween festivities with a fundraiser for burn survivor camps.Jacob Freese and his wife were both burned in a 2016 grill accident. Since then, they've worked to rais