Enough is Enough

Want to get your business in The Southshore Circle?

Let’s Talk!

Featured Story

Who You Gonna Call?

Road construction and potholes aside, what’s up with these manhole covers? If you’ve been out lately, you’ve probably noticed one of two things. First, a lot of utility lids that aren’t flat—covers with triangular raised points just begging to wreck a tire. The side streets by the Neighborhood Walmart on Big Bend have a few, and I’ve spotted them elsewhere as well.

Second, manholes built like BMX ramps. Paseo Al Mar near Belmont has a stretch that feels like a Baja rally. I’m not sure what the goal is besides destroying suspensions, but the county needs to get its act together.

Add in crater-sized potholes and our obsession with random construction and, yeah, it’s time to call someone.

Who? After emails and forms to various departments, maybe the county commissioners will hear us. Most of Southshore falls under District 4, with a slice in District 3.

District 4 – Commissioner Christine Miller
(813) 272-5740 • [email protected]

District 3 – Commissioner Gwen Myers
(813) 272-5720 • [email protected]

Southshore Story Time

Southshore After Dark

Part 3: The Alafia, Where Maps End

Wind ran its fingers through the mangroves. The duffel bled bills into the river. The lantern shrank to a thumbprint of light as Lisa opened her fist and let a casino chip fall into the water.

Garbled voices rode the current, neither police nor kind. Toby reached for a piling and came back with river silt that smelled like copper. The boat spun and stopped.

Two wet handprints rose on the gunwale. The lantern went out like a thought. Something climbed aboard, shifted the hull, and invited the river with it.

The water rose to their ankles without a ripple. The Alafia took a single breath. Then the night fell back asleep, and Toby and Lisa vanished for the last time.

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Government Closed…Feeding Tampa Bay Open

While D.C. argues, Feeding Tampa Bay is rolling out a local relief program so federal workers don’t have to choose between groceries and the light bill. Starting Monday, they’re opening a “one-stop” hub with a hotline/portal that connects impacted employees (TSA, air traffic, postal, military, etc.) to fresh food, personal care items, pet food, and help with utilities and other services. Partners on site will pitch in for things beyond the pantry, so folks can get real answers in one trip.

Causeway Center in Tampa will host dedicated hours for federal and military employees throughout the week, with added availability at Feeding Pinellas. Volunteers and donations are being recruited now to keep the operation humming.

Southshore Spotlight

Hope for Her

Hope for Her is a Brandon-based nonprofit that provides a safe place for women in crisis, helping them rebuild confidence, secure safety for their families, and regain critical life skills. They offer immediate assistance and long-term tools — from basic needs to employment and computer training — so women can restore their best lives.

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

We Know a Guy…or Girl

Stellar Notary Services

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

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.