Bundle up Southshore, Winter is Coming

January 8th, 2025

January 08, 2025

Want to get your business in The Southshore Circle? Let’s talk!

DID SOMEONE LEAVE A DOOR OPEN?

Good Morning you salty dogs, it’s The Southshore Circle—keeping you in the loop more than your aunt's never-ending group chat!

In Today’s Edition:

  • A Chilly outlook is blowing in

  • The Yard is turning up the heat in Southshore

  • Salty Shamrock’s Sheepshead Classic with a hint of nastalgia

Is this a George RR Martin Novel?

Winter is coming, and if you’re anything like me, that’s never a good thing. A cold front has officially hit the Southshore, bringing those rare chilly temps that have us Floridians digging through our closets for long-lost jackets and hoodies. For the next couple of weeks, it looks like winter will be sticking around, so don’t be surprised if you see your breath in the morning while grabbing the paper. I’m counting the days until spring, hoping the mosquitoes have a tougher time than me—though knowing Florida, they’re probably just sharpening their stingers for the warm-up.

While it’s tempting to bundle up and hibernate, the community isn’t slowing down. There are still plenty of local events, good eats, and ways to stay entertained—just with a few extra layers this time. We’ll keep bringing you the best of what Southshore has to offer from the comfort of our warm offices. Whether you’re braving the cold for a night out or cozying up at home, it’s a great time to support local businesses and stay connected.

Stay safe, stay warm, and keep an eye out for those unpredictable Florida swings—because you know as well as I do, it could be back to flip-flop weather by next week! And hey, if you see the sun, tell it we miss it.

The Yard at Waterset, What Southshore has been missing?

I've been around here for quite a while. I won’t say exactly how long—no need to date myself—but long enough to remember when Apollo Beach had its own Holiday Inn. For years, I dreaded the drive into Brandon just to interact with civilization. When Summerfield started expanding, I couldn’t help but think, Must be nice to have a few chain stores and restaurants nearby.

Well, now Apollo Beach is getting its own taste of expansion, and it's topped off with The Yard at Waterset. Is it a blessing? A curse? Or just the inevitable progression every small town faces? Personally, I’m not thrilled with the surge in population or the heavier traffic. But when I hear Rock n Roll Sushi is on the way, I have to admit—progress has its perks.

The Yard already boasts several new businesses, including Planet Smoothie, Wing Stop, The Learning Experience, Crunch Fitness, and Pet Paradise. With Rock n Roll Sushi, Hypocrites Row, Pacific Counter, and even more on the horizon, Southshore might just be turning into the next hotspot. Now, if they ever build that mall we were promised decades ago, we’ll really be on top of the world.

Southshore Anglers Assemble

Nothing says Southshore like a fishing tournament, a mullet toss, and a good old-fashioned fish fry. If you've got a knack for snagging the buck-toothed, barnacle-eating bandit, this is your time to shine!

The Salty Shamrock’s Sheepshead Classic is open to all anglers—even if you're casting from a kayak. The event kicks off on February 1st, and you can enter for $50 right here. I’m not sure what the prize is for the biggest catch, but hey, a day of fishing is a win all on its own.

So, mosey on down to the Salty Shamrock, try your luck on the water, and celebrate your haul with some delicious eats and a cold drink. Tell them The Southshore Circle sent you—it won’t get you any special treatment, but hey, you never know!

Feeling like making a night of it? Slip on your dancing shoes and stick around for the 80s show with #Nofilters Tempo Tantrum hitting the stage at 7 p.m. (Separate cover required.)

What’s washing up on the shore this week:

The Rumor Mill:

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Meet your neighbor:

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Foodies Only:

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Local Sports:

This week's temps are making it real easy to decide which events to brave—Mother Nature basically said, "Stay cozy, folks." But don't worry, the competition's about to bring the heat anyway. Soccer kicks off district play next week, where the wins start counting and the losses...well, they sting a bit more. Stick around for the playoff matchups—it's about to get spicy!

Soccer Match-ups this week

  • Friday 1/10 Lennard hosts Tampa Bay Tech 6pm

  • Friday 1/10 East Bay hosts Middleton 7pm

  • Friday 1/10 Sumner @ Robinson 6pm

Basketball Match-ups this week

  • Wednesday 1/8 East Bay hosts Jefferson 6:30pm

  • Wednesday 1/8 Lennard hosts Middleton 6:30pm

  • Wednesday 1/8 Riverview hosts King 6:30pm

  • Wednesday 1/8 Sumner hosts Plant 6:30pm

  • Friday 1/10 Lennard hosts Newsome 6:30pm

  • Friday 1/10 East Bay hosts Plant City 6:30pm

  • Friday 1/10 Sumner @ Bloomingdale 6:30pm

  • Friday 1/10 Riverview @ Durant 6:30pm

The Neighborhood Post:

The Neighborhood Post in The Southshore Circle is the heartbeat of local life. From services and sales to adoption opportunities, it’s your one-stop shop for staying connected—like a community board but way more effective.

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