A Southshore Living Legend

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Featured Story

East Bay Honors a Legend

Jonathan Jean’s Jersey Retirement

If you’re relatively new around here, this might come as news to you, but for a very long time, East Bay High School was the only game in town. If you lived out here, that’s where you went. Then came Lennard, and with it a Southshore rivalry that pushed both schools to the top in several sports and gave the area something special.

Many athletes who walked the halls of those schools went on to play at the next level and accomplish some incredible things along the way. And while the addition of more schools has spread talent thinner over the years, East Bay still remembers one of the key ingredients behind its basketball program’s success: Jonathan Jean.

It’s been more than a decade since Jonathan suited up for East Bay, but his records still stand. Back when gyms were packed and rivalries truly mattered, Jonathan, under the direction of Head Coach Billy Teeden, put a team on his back and helped make Southshore basketball something people talked about. To this day, he remains the school’s all-time leader in scoring, assists, and steals. So it came as no surprise that last night, before the boys’ game tipped off, East Bay officially retired Jonathan’s jersey.

Sports don’t just take you to incredible places. For Jonathan, that included College basketball and the opportunity to play professionally. But more importantly, sports teach lessons that shape who you become. Jonathan is a testament to that. He’s grown into an outstanding young man who embodies the discipline, character, and work ethic that dedicating yourself to a sport can instill.

Congratulations, Jonathan. You absolutely earned this. Job well done.

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Get Out and Hike Southshore

The Annual Hillsborough County Hiking Spree

If you’re looking for a simple way to start the new year feeling a little better, a little healthier, and a lot more connected to Southshore, this might be it. Hillsborough County is celebrating ten years of its annual Hiking Spree, and it’s a great excuse to get outside and explore places you may have driven past a hundred times without realizing what was back there. Bonus: It’s not a million degrees outside with infinite humidity.

The idea is easy. Pick a handful of designated trails around the county and hike them between now and the end of March. Some are paved and perfect for a casual walk. Others wind through preserves, riverside paths, and conservation land that remind you just how much natural beauty still exists right here in our backyard.

This isn’t about speed or fitness levels. It’s about getting outside, clearing your head, and maybe discovering a new favorite spot along the way. Cooler weather makes it even better, and it’s a great option whether you’re walking solo, bringing the family, or letting the dog tag along.

If your New Year’s goals include moving a little more, spending less time indoors, or just shaking up your routine, consider this your sign. Southshore has plenty to explore. All you have to do is step outside and start walking.

You can find information on the different trails - HERE

Southshore Spotlight

Girls Who Code

Girls Who Code is a nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap in technology by teaching girls and nonbinary students the skills they need to succeed in computer science. Through free clubs, summer programs, and community initiatives, they’re building confidence, creativity, and pathways into future tech careers.

Nominate your local hero by emailing us at [email protected]

We Know a Guy…or Girl

Southshore Services

Need a painter? A plumber? Someone brave enough to tackle that lightbulb orbiting 30 feet above your living room? We’ve got you. And the best part, they’re all right here in our community.

Interested in joining the list? Shoot us an email to [email protected]

“Keep it Local!”

Foodies Only

Your Restaurant

New menu items, promos, specials, events- feature them here. This is the place to tell 30,000 readers in Southshore what you've got. Only 20 spots for the year. Claim yours today.

If you’ve got a restaurant, food truck, or even a lemonade stand, it could be featured here. Email us at [email protected]

Local Sports

Our area high schools boast state champions and multiple division titleists. Come out and show your support for these teams and for our community.

Got news, events, or press releases that the Southshore needs to know about? Submit them here. (We’ll do our best to add press releases in our regular rotation.) If you’re looking to run an actual ad, go here instead.

Until next time,

Keep It Local.