Florida Sets a New Record

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A Record Worth Celebrating

Southshore and Hillsborough County help Florida reach its highest graduation rate ever

Southshore has a reason to feel proud this week. Florida just set a new all-time high for high school graduation rates, with 92.2 percent of students earning their diplomas, the highest mark the state has ever recorded. That kind of milestone does not happen without a lot of communities doing their part, and Southshore schools helped get Florida there.

Closer to home, Hillsborough County also set a new record, reaching a 90.9 percent graduation rate, the best the district has ever seen. That means more local students than ever finished what they started and walked across the stage ready for whatever comes next.

This progress did not come from one big change. It came from steady effort. Teachers keeping students engaged. Counselors tracking credits early. Schools offering multiple paths to graduation instead of a single narrow lane. Families staying involved and encouraging students through tough stretches. It was consistent work over time, and it added up.

For Southshore students, that diploma represents more than a statistic. It reflects persistence, support, and a community that values education even when it takes extra effort. Whether students are heading to college, technical programs, the workforce, or military service, more of them are starting that next chapter with options.

Florida may have set the record, but it was built locally. And Southshore schools were part of making it happen.

Sometimes You Need a Hero

Kuma Plumbing & Drain

When you finally decide to call a plumber, it’s usually because things have gone from “this seems manageable” to “why is there water on everything I own.” Like many homeowners before me, I’ve absolutely waded in past my skill level trying to fix what looked like a simple plumbing issue. Parts everywhere. Water on the floor. Your dignity floating somewhere near a clogged drain. It’s not your finest moment.

This is normally the point where price no longer matters. You’re ready to pay whatever it takes just to make the problem go away. All you want is someone who can undo the damage, fix the issue, and pretend you never touched anything in the first place.

That’s where Kuma Plumbing stands out. No judgment. No dramatics. They show up, assess the situation, and get straight to work. Calm, efficient, and clearly in control.

Even better, when it’s time to pay, you’re charged for exactly what needed to be done and nothing more. No mystery fees. No surprise add ons. Just honest work and a problem that no longer exists.

Kuma Plumbing restores your drains, your dignity, and even keeps your wallet from leaking.

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Look, Mom. No Hands

What Florida’s proposed driving law could mean for Southshore and Hillsborough County roads

This has been on our radar since Tesla announced the latest update to FSD 14.2.1. Self-driving now allows users to text, twiddle their fingers, or otherwise not pay attention to the road when the system is engaged in low to moderate traffic. As a Tesla driver myself, I look forward to the day when my car can fully handle the drive while I focus on other things like writing. But the State seems to have different aspirations in mind.

The hands-free driving bills, Senate Bill 1152 and House Bill 1241, are taking aim not necessarily at self-driving, but distracted driving as a whole. The goal is simple. Limit handheld device use behind the wheel and require drivers to go hands-free. A standard already set in many other states.

Here in Southshore, most of us have already seen the behavior this bill is meant to curb. You pass a car drifting just enough to make you nervous, glance over, and see someone staring down at their phone like Jesus personally took the wheel. It is funny until it is not.

As self-driving features continue to evolve, the bigger question is what kind of legislation comes next. Will laws eventually treat autonomous vehicles differently, or will responsibility always stay with the person in the driver’s seat? For now, the message is clear. The future may be self-driving, but Florida still expects drivers to pay attention.

Southshore Spotlight

Seed of Opportunity & Success

Seed of Opportunity & Success is a Wimauma-based nonprofit focused on strengthening families through health education, economic development, and community support. Launched during the pandemic, the organization works to address issues like childhood obesity, diabetes prevention, and financial stability by bringing local partners and residents together to create long-term opportunity.

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

Eggs Up Grill

Eggs Up Grill is the kind of place you go when you want a real breakfast, not a grab-and-go compromise. Pancakes stacked high, omelets that don’t play small, and coffee that shows up ready to do its job. It’s relaxed, friendly, and built for mornings that don’t need to be rushed.

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.

Schedules for District soccer play should be out on Monday. Most games will be played on January 21st.

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.