Eggs, Gators & Growth: Just Another Week in Southshore

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Feature Story

Is That a Gator Knocking?

Recently, a Florida home caught a few rambunctious gators on their Ring cam trying to break in—because apparently, even alligators are tired of the heat and just want to borrow your AC and maybe your couch. Video -HERE

But in Southshore—or really, all of Florida—spotting an alligator in your backyard or on your front porch is just another day in paradise. Not necessarily a fun day... but definitely one you’ll remember.

As Florida’s population grows, so do the run-ins with our scaly neighbors. Wildlife experts say most gator incidents are caused by human behavior—not aggressive gators. Apparently, they’d rather be left alone… but we just keep luring them in with our snack-like pets and serene water features.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) offers some helpful tips for avoiding unwanted gator encounters (although, is there such thing as a wanted gator? Asking for a friend).

• Keep your distance. Admire from afar; gators can move fast when they want to. Like, scary fast. Olympic sprinter fast… if Olympic sprinters had tails and zero remorse.

• Don’t feed them. It’s illegal and it trains them to associate humans with food. (Which is always my first instinct when I see a wild animal. “Want a snack?”)

• Secure your pets. Keep them leashed and away from water. Apparently, gators think small dogs taste like chicken nuggets. Sorry, Fido.

Living in Florida means sharing space with wildlife—so remember, if a gator shows up uninvited, don’t panic. Just back away, act cool, and call the pros. Or, you know, maybe move your welcome mat.

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Southshore's Boom: Neighborhoods on the Rise

Southshore is experiencing a major growth spurt—and we're not talking about one or two new neighbors.

According to Plan Hillsborough, several local communities are set to explode in population by 2050. Balm is projected to grow by 285%, while Apollo Beach and Wimauma are expected to increase by 113% and 139%, respectively.

If those numbers sound baffling, it's because they are. I, for one, can’t imagine seeing double the people I already encounter at the Publix checkout. If two’s a party and three’s a crowd… what do you call over 70,000 people in Apollo Beach alone?

Top Growing Areas:

• Balm: From 4,054 to 15,601 residents

• Apollo Beach: +36,700 residents

• Wimauma: +12,500 residents

This surge is driven by new housing, job opportunities, and the undeniable draw of coastal living. But as our community booms, the challenge will be growing smart—so we preserve the lifestyle that makes Southshore feel like home (and not like a packed theme park parking lot).

AROUND TOWN

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Keeping it Local.