Festival Season is in Full Gear

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THE SKINNY

• Strawberry Festival Time!

• Giveaway Alert!

• Weekly What in the World

Featured Story

Southshore Heads North for Strawberry Season

Why thousands of Southshore families are traveling to the Strawberry Festival and what it means for the local economy

This weekend, a lot of Southshore families will be heading north. Not to the beach. Not to Tampa. To Plant City.

The Florida Strawberry Festival is back from February 26 through March 8, and even though we’re nowhere near I-4 most days, this is one of those Florida traditions that pulls Apollo Beach, Riverview, Ruskin, Sun City Center, Gibsonton, and Wimauma right into the mix.

Yes, there are rides. Yes, there’s strawberry shortcake stacked sky high. Yes, there are big name concerts and bright midway lights. But the real story is bigger.

More than 600,000 people attend each year. Hundreds of seasonal workers are hired. Vendors depend on these eleven days. Farmers showcase one of Florida’s most important winter crops at peak season. That’s not just a fair. That’s economic impact.

Even though it’s hosted in Plant City, the ripple effect stretches across Hillsborough County. Many of the families walking those fairgrounds are from communities just like ours. Many of the dollars spent flow right back into the region.

So if you’re loading up the car and heading north this week, enjoy the shortcake. Just remember you’re not just going to a festival. You’re stepping into one of Florida’s strongest traditions, and from Southshore, that story belongs to us too.

Kuma Plumbing & Drain

4 Tips to Keep Your Home Flowing Smoothly

Spring is the perfect time to protect your home’s plumbing before summer storms and heavy usage begin.

Prevent clogs early
Avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds, or food scraps down the drain. They may seem harmless now, but they build up fast.

Know your shut-offs
Locate your main water valve and individual fixture shut-offs. In an emergency, seconds matter.

Don’t ignore slow drains
A sink or tub draining slowly is usually the first sign of a developing blockage.

Watch for sewer warning signs
Foul odors, gurgling sounds, or backups are not normal. They often signal a larger issue below the surface.

A little prevention today can save you from major repairs tomorrow.

📞 Call (813) 724-0380 for trusted plumbing service.

It’s Time to Go Big!

We’re Giving Away $15,000 in Cash and Gift Cards to Southshore Readers in 2026

This month, we’re officially kicking off our revamped prize and giveaway program. If you didn’t catch the post on our Facebook Page, you should definitely be following us there… but lucky for you, this story is your heads up.

Last year, we gave away more than $1,000 in cash and prizes to our readers at local businesses across Southshore. After all, our mission is simple. Keep the community informed and support local businesses.

This year, we’re blowing that number out of the water. We’ve pledged to give away more than $15,000 in cash and prizes in 2026. And today marks Day One.

👀 Somewhere in today’s newsletter, there’s a trivia question.

Find it. Answer it. Email your response to [email protected] using the exact format below, and you’ll be entered to win a $25 gift card to your choice of:

• Circles
• Finn’s
• Waves Crab House
• Pita Kebob

Entries close tonight at 11:59 pm. The winner will be announced on Monday. Make sure you use the exact format below in the body of your email or it won’t count. Let the games begin.

Format

Answer:

Your Name:

Your Restaurant Pick:

Email to receive your prize:

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Your Weekly What in the World

Punch the Macaque Goes Viral and IKEA Smiles All the Way to the Bank

If you haven’t heard about Punch the Monkey, then today’s your lucky day. This snuggly little fella has amassed a Taylor Swift-level following. Punch, a Japanese macaque who was abandoned by his mother, found comfort in a stuffed orangutan toy. And the internet fell in love.

But there’s more to it than cute photos.

Researchers say animal mothers sometimes abandon their young due to stress, inexperience, illness, or social pressures within the group. It’s rare, but it happens. For Punch, that early loss meant he had to find comfort somewhere else.

Enter the plush orangutan.

Scientists say Punch’s attachment to the toy reflects something deeper, known as attachment theory. When young animals lose their primary caregiver, they often seek a substitute source of comfort and security. In Punch’s case, that soft toy became a stand-in for the bond he lost.

That’s likely why his story resonates so widely. Whether human or animal, we all look for stability when life feels uncertain. Sometimes it’s a person. Sometimes it’s a routine. Sometimes it’s something soft and familiar.

And of course, the internet did what the internet does. IKEA moved quickly, tying the viral moment to its own plush toy line. The $15 toy sold out in multiple regions and soon popped up on resale sites, with some listings climbing as high as $165.

Punch may be a viral star, but he’s also a reminder that the need for connection runs deep across species. And sometimes, even a stuffed toy can feel like a lifeline.

👀 Trivia Time

Which state in the US has the most golf courses?

Southshore Spotlight

Firehouse Cultural Center

At its heart, the Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin exists to bring quality arts programming to Southshore while making sure it’s accessible to everyone, no matter your age or experience level.

The goal is simple but powerful. Create a space where people can participate, explore, discover, and learn. From live performances and visual art to workshops and educational programs, the Firehouse is designed to connect residents to the full spectrum of the arts while celebrating the unique history, culture, and natural beauty that define Southshore.

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

Amar Middle Eastern Cuisine

Amar Middle Eastern Cuisine in Riverview is a local favorite for fresh, authentic Middle Eastern fare. Known for generous portions, vibrant flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere, Amar offers classics like shawarma, falafel, hummus, and salads at approachable prices.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, ordering take-out, or enjoying a sit-down meal, it’s become a go-to spot for Mediterranean comfort food in Southshore’s backyard.

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

Our area high schools boast state champions and multiple division titleists. Come out and show your support for these teams and for our community.

Got news, events, or press releases that the Southshore needs to know about? Submit them here. (We’ll do our best to add press releases in our regular rotation.) If you’re looking to run an actual ad, go here instead.

Until next time,

Keep It Local.