A Walk to Remember

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Featured Story

You Matter Walking Across America

About an hour ago, we ran into Kyndal Ray Edwards on his Walk Across America for mental health awareness and recovery. We were rolling down 41 and couldn’t pass up a quick chat. With more than 9,000 miles behind him, he still had the energy to take a few minutes and tell us about his mission.

Fighting back from addiction, overdose, legal trouble, and more, Kyndal now fuels every step with purpose. With six and a half years plus three days clean, he’s literally walking the walk to take mental health awareness across the nation. He’s fundraising for Addict II Athlete and says he’s living his dream while spreading light, love, kindness, and positivity.

The world’s a great place, but it can be cold. Remembering that we’re in this together and that every single person does, in fact, matter, is a message that never gets old. Be kind. We’re all trying to figure out this thing called life. Be patient and give grace when you can.

If you’d like to support Kyndal, you can follow his journey, make a donation, or buy a bracelet HERE. As a community, we should definitely get behind efforts like this. Positivity is our way forward. So, hats off to Kyndal. Godspeed and good luck!

The Property Tax Rebate Plan

Like everything else in the world, people fall strongly on either side of this issue. But what does it really mean, and what are the implications for homeowners and renters in the Sunshine State? Don’t worry, Southshore Circle’s got you.

Florida lawmakers are weighing a plan to send certain homesteaded homeowners $1,000 a year for five years starting in 2026. The current draft would target primary residences within a specific taxable-value range and cut checks annually — think “rebate from Tallahassee,” not “your county tax bill suddenly vanishes.”

For homeowners, that’s real cash back if you qualify; for renters, there’s no direct benefit, and landlords wouldn’t be forced to pass along any savings. The big questions still on the table: who exactly qualifies, how the state funds it without kneecapping local services, and whether this survives the sausage-making in session.

Which side do you fall on? “Give me my money,” or “I’m waiting to read the fine print.” Leave us a comment or send us your thoughts to [email protected]

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Never Stop Working on Yourself

(Especially if you’re a busy highway)

As far as self-improvement goes, Florida roadwork steals the show. If you think a project is done, they’re about to start planning, and if you think a project needs to start…they’re about to start planning. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is conducting a Project Development & Environment (PD&E) study for the nearly 9.5-mile Courtney Campbell Causeway, which links Tampa and Clearwater. The study aims to evaluate whether to widen the existing structure or fully replace it by late 2027.

Environmental groups are urging FDOT to incorporate ecological improvements, especially better tidal flow. The aim is to tackle chronic water quality problems in Old Tampa Bay. They point to seagrass loss, pollution buildup, and stagnation in parts of the bay as evidence that the causeway rebuild offers a rare chance to protect and restore the marine environment.

It’s not exactly Southshore, but our waterways are connected, and a win for one is a win for all. Plenty of us already commute that stretch, and more of us might by the time construction starts. So, if you’re eyeing a new job that might have you crossing that bridge, calculate that into your counteroffer.

Southshore Spotlight

The Spring of Tampa Bay

Founded in 1977 by four women who first offered a spare bedroom as refuge, The Spring of Tampa Bay has grown into Hillsborough County’s certified domestic violence center, serving tens of thousands of survivors and their children.

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

EGGS UP GRILL

Open early from around 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, it’s a go-to place for morning cravings. Their menu spans all the breakfast classics: eggs, home fries, biscuits & gravy, scrambles, waffles, and more, plus options for lunch. They also offer catering services and family-style bundles, making it ideal for events, brunch get-togethers, or feeding a crowd.

In short: a reliable, friendly spot to fuel up in the morning or midday, serving hearty portions with a hometown vibe.

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

Battle of the Quarterbacks: Who Rules Southshore?

It’s time to settle the score. The Battle of the Quarterbacks kicks off this Friday, and the votes are in your hands. You’ll have one week to decide who’s the true throwing king of Southshore.

Cast your vote, rally your team, and let’s see who takes the crown. The winner gets a full feature in The Southshore Circle and a gift card to one of our favorite local spots.

Voting opens Friday. Don’t fumble your chance to make the call.

Football

Lennard vs Parrish Community, Friday 10/17 @7:30 PM - Away

East Bay vs Riverview, Friday 10/17 @ 7:30 PM - Away

Sumner vs Strawberry Crest, Friday 10/17 @7:30 PM - Away

Riverview vs East Bay, Friday 10/17, @ 7:30 PM - Home

Spoto vs East Bay, Friday 10/24, @7:30 PM - Away

News or Events you’d like to share? Email us at: [email protected] 

Until next time,

Keep It Local.