From Fighting Fires to Insurance Nightmares

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Featured Story

Southshore’s Safety Net Gets Bigger

Hillsborough figured something out. If you keep building houses, you have to build fire stations too. So the county is rolling out new stations and replacing some of the old, tired ones, so our firefighters aren’t playing whack-a-mole with calls. The idea is simple. Put the fire trucks closer to where the people actually live now, not where they lived in 1998. Riverview looks like you’re up next.

First Station 48 will be built on an empty lot in Riverview. This is on the heels of another station built further south, set to support the booming Wimauma area.

For all of Southshore, this means faster response times and a better shot at someone showing up quickly when your kitchen experiment goes wrong or when traffic on 301 decides it wants to be dramatic. It’s also a good sign that the county sees how fast this area is growing. We don’t just need more roundabouts. We need more people in red trucks. So when you see construction on what looks like yet another building, relax. This one is for your house, your insurance, and your peace of mind.

Southshore Story Time

Home For The Holidays

Part 4: Take A Seat

Thanksgiving morning came with sunlight pouring through the kitchen window. Elena woke early, not because she had to, but because sleep never stayed long these days. The turkey was already roasting, the house smelled like cinnamon and butter, and for a moment, it almost felt like any other year.

She and Sofia were setting the table when they heard a distinct noise outside. A car door. Then footsteps.

Elena looked through the window, her heart hammering. There he was, Daniel, grin wide and familiar, eyes already watering. Sofia froze for a second before screaming, “Dad!” and running straight into his arms.

He laughed, spinning her around, and Elena finally exhaled a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding for two years. When she reached him, he wrapped her up and whispered, “Told you to save me some pie.”

That Thanksgiving, the food could’ve burned, the power could’ve gone out, the world could’ve stopped, and it still would’ve been perfect. Because for one Southshore family, the table was finally full again.

And that was all that mattered.

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Health Insurance Hiccups

Health insurance is about to get more expensive in Florida, and folks in Southshore are going to feel it. For a few years, a lot of people here were getting extra help on their marketplace plans, which kept premiums from being ridiculous. That extra help is starting to go away, but the premiums aren’t. So instead of a small bump, some people are going to open their renewal and see a number that looks like it should come with a free boat. That’s going to hit retirees on fixed incomes, self-employed people who buy their own insurance, and families who actually use their coverage.

This is happening because those boosted federal subsidies were never permanent. Once they roll off, you see the real price of the plan, and the real price is higher. At the same time, insurers are baking in higher medical costs, so it’s less help on your end and more cost on theirs. The move now is to start early. When it’s time to renew, actually shop plans, look at deductibles, and see if switching to a different plan keeps you covered without wrecking your budget. Talk to someone who knows the local plans if you need to. Don’t wait for the surprise bill. This isn’t just a statewide thing. It’s going to land in Southshore just like everything else.

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Southshore Spotlight

Homeless Empowerment Program

Since 1986, HEP has helped break the cycle of homelessness for individuals, families, and veterans in the Tampa Bay region. They provide housing, meals, clothing, and a full range of support services, from mental and physical health care to workforce development and self-sufficiency efforts.

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

We Know a Guy…or Girl

DVD SYN TURF

Interested in joining the list? Shoot us an email to [email protected]

“Keep it Local!”

Foodies Only

Peachwave

Peachwave Yogurt lets you create your perfect treat with creamy frozen yogurt, gelato, or dairy-free options topped just the way you like them. It’s a self-serve dessert spot where fun and flavor swirl together in every cup.

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

Soccer

Lennard vs Durant, Wednesday 11/12 @ 6 PM - Away

East Bay vs Bloomingdale, Wednesday 11/12 @ 6 PM - Away

Morgan vs Sumner, Wednesday 11/12 @ 6 PM - Away

Riverview vs Plant City, Wednesday 11/12 @ 6 PM - Home

Show Us Your Southshore

We know Southshore is full of great views, great people, and the occasional photo-worthy moment (yes, even the rogue peacock sightings).

Send us your best shots from around the community—whether it’s a stunning sunset, a favorite local hangout, or just something that screams “Southshore life.”

We’ll feature our favorites in upcoming editions of the Circle!
Email your pics to [email protected] and show off your slice of Southshore.

This week, the weather’s been nice and we’re all about the water.

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

Until next time,

Keep It Local.