Football is Headed Back to The Bay

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The CFP is Headed Back to Tampa

I remember when this was a thing. Thousands of football fans would flood into Tampa on game day, then inevitably end up at Clearwater Beach with sand between their toes and beer in their hand. Northern folks always seem impressed when they spot sand instead of snow. Looks like in a few years we’ll be hosting the spectacle yet again.

On January 22, 2029, Raymond James Stadium in Tampa will play host to the playoff-era national championship game for the second time. Back in January 2017, the stadium held its first go-round, and now we’ve been tapped again. Because who doesn’t like 80 degrees in January?

We’re a few years out, so it’s more of a heads-up, but it could mean quite a bit of business for the Southshore area. Tampa gets all the attention, but we know that out here we’ve got less traffic (sort of), better views, better prices, and better food.

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

The Coaching Crisis in Southshore

I’m sure I’ve told you this before, but I’ve volunteer-coached boys’ basketball for the last ten years. Mainly high schoolers, sometimes fourth graders. A lot of my former players still stop by just to say hi. It’s one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done. Knowing I played even a small part in a young man’s journey is humbling.

I say that to make a point: it’s worth doing, and it’s worth looking into. Youth leagues across Tampa Bay are facing a serious shortage of volunteer coaches. More than 80% of youth-sports organizations say finding coaches is a struggle.

Here in Southshore, that shortage means fewer coaches, fewer teams, and sometimes canceled programs or long waitlists for kids who just want to play. One Wimauma league went from 4–7 teams to just one, losing about 100 players.

This isn’t a talent problem. It’s a people problem. Background checks take time, work is busy, and everyone’s stretched thin, so rosters shrink and some programs go quiet. If we don’t fix the coaching gap, opportunities will dry up with it. Fewer practices, fewer teams, fewer reasons for kids to show up. That’s the problem in a sentence, and it’s on us to solve.

It’s not just about the sport. It’s about the lessons. Coaches are teachers and mentors, an ear and a guide, and those principles follow players into adulthood. I know life is busy life-ing, but if you’ve got a little time, the impact you make is worth more than money.

Southshore Spotlight

Joshua Way of Hope

Joshua Way of Hope is a Tampa nonprofit turning loss into lasting change by honoring Joshua Nichols, a high-achieving young professional whose bright light was dimmed far too soon. Their mission is to lift youth and families at risk of poverty, health disparities, and system involvement. Their vision is for kids to grow into emotionally strong, educated, healthy, and financially independent adults.

They do the work on the ground through programs that meet kids where they are. Little Achievers for pre-K–2, Achievers for grades 3–8, Life Skills 360 Training Institute, and Building a Stronger Me, combining academics, behavior coaching, character development, and family advocacy. If you want impact that feels close to home, support here translates into mentors, skills, and real opportunities for the youth in our community.

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]

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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 Chamberlain, Friday 10/31 @7:30 PM - Away

Riverview vs Armwood, Friday 10/31 @7:30 PM - Away

Spoto vs Sickles, Friday 10/31 @7:30 PM - Away

News or Events you’d like to share? Email us at: [email protected] 

Until next time,

Keep It Local.