Apollo Beach is a Swimming Pool (and Not on Purpose)

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Featured Story

Rain, Rain, Go Away

I’ll keep beating this drum until it breaks, and I’m not even sorry about it. This isn’t just Apollo Beach, but Ruskin, Riverview, all of SouthShore. We are drowning out here…literally.

Take a look at the weather report and you’ll see nothing but rain on repeat. Then take a look at our roads, scratch that, our rivers, and you’ll see we can’t take much more water falling from the sky.

They say be careful what you wish for, and I don’t think we were. We’ve paved paradise and built parking lots, stuffed neighborhoods into open fields, and left the rain with nowhere to run. Now, even a sprinkle leaves our streets looking like whitewater rapids. And that’s on day one.

Yes, the county is trying. Crews are out there knee-deep, clearing pipes and canals. The city kicked in another $500,000, and so far, they’ve pulled more than 3,000 tons of debris from the system. But here’s the truth: it’s not enough.

The real culprit is unchecked development eating away at our natural watershed. We talked about this a few weeks ago, but with rain pounding down day after day, it bears repeating: prepare for more flooding. We haven’t had a major storm yet (and let’s all knock on wood), but water moves fast, and it always finds its way inside.

Don’t wait until it’s at your doorstep. Move valuables off the floor, organize your garage, and make a plan now. Because once the streets flood, the garage and living room are next.

💡 Pro Tip: Today’s sponsor, Square One Garage Solutions, can help you get ahead of the rising water. From overhead storage and organization systems to weather-resistant floor coatings, they’ve got you covered.

Calling All Pet Lovers

If you’ve ever thought about adding a furry friend to the family, you weren’t alone last weekend. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay just wrapped up its annual Clear the Shelters event, and the results were nothing short of record-breaking.

Over the course of three days, 192 cats and dogs found forever homes. Adoption fees were waived for pets three months and older, and the turnout was so strong that lines formed before the doors even opened. Some folks even camped out overnight just to make sure they went home with their perfect match.

One adopter, Aakilah Brown, showed up at 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, slept on a bench with blankets in tow, and left with not one but two new family members: a Lab puppy on Saturday and a schnauzer named Snoopy the next morning.

The success of Clear the Shelters isn’t just about empty kennels, it’s about what comes next. Fewer animals in the shelter means more room for those still waiting to be rescued, treated, and cared for. And while 192 adoptions is an incredible milestone, the Humane Society reminds us that the need never stops.

Not ready to adopt? You can still make a difference:

• Foster: Give pets a safe, temporary home until they’re adopted.

• Donate: Money, food, or supplies go a long way.

• Volunteer: Time and compassion are always needed.

You can learn more, sign up to foster, or make a donation at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s official website: humanesocietytampa.org.

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Southshore Story Time

Unearthed in Ruskin

Part 1: The Discovery

Ruskin looks like any other quiet Southshore town until you dig a little deeper. Just beneath our feet lies one of the richest fossil deposits in Florida. For decades, paleontologists and amateurs alike have uncovered shark teeth the size of palms, the ribs of ancient whales, and bones from creatures that roamed millions of years ago.

But one recent discovery changed the way scientists view the area. While most expected the usual prehistoric sharks and marine mammals, what they found hinted at something stranger, evidence of an animal not thought to belong here at all. An out-of-place fossil that raised more questions than answers…

Southshore Spotlight

Aaron’s House

Aaron’s House provides free support groups for caregivers of loved ones living with mental illness. Founded in memory of Aaron Robinson, the nonprofit also promotes mental health awareness in Tampa Bay.

AROUND TOWN

Local Sports

Spring sports are in session. Find times to your favorite games below.

Football

Lennard vs Spoto, Friday 8/29 @7:30 PM - Home

East Bay vs Hillsborough, Friday 8/29 @ 7:30 PM - Home

Sumner vs Armwood, Friday 8/29 @7:30 PM - Away

Riverview vs Riverview Sarasota, Friday 8/29, @ 7:30 PM - Home

Spoto vs Lennard, Friday 8/29, @7:30 PM - Away

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

Until next time,

Keep It Local.