From Housing Costs to Cupid

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TLDR: THE SKINNY

• The imbalanced housing equation

• Tips from a personal injury attorney

• Spring break plans

• Valentine’s Day is on the horizon

Featured Story

Southshore Housing Math Isn’t Adding Up

The real reason some Southshore residents are rethinking the American dream

This is certain to be a bit of a controversial take, especially to all the realtors that read this, but according to a recent report by LendingTree, it’s just not making cents to buy a house anymore. You see what I did there?

According to the report, homeowners are paying a whopping 36.9% more than renters nationwide. Now that number is the national average, but even here in the Tampa area, it’s about 20.6% more expensive to buy versus rent, which is nothing to shake a stick at.

But is the monthly cost really the final tally? Or are we comparing apples to casaba melons?

After all, buying does come with a number of benefits, including a little something called equity. For most Americans, buying a home is still the number one way to build long-term wealth. Rent payments disappear every month. Mortgage payments, at least in theory, build something you eventually own. There’s also stability, the ability to make a place your own, and the comfort of knowing your landlord can’t suddenly decide to sell.

On the other hand, the math has changed. Higher interest rates, rising insurance costs, property taxes, and maintenance expenses have made homeownership a much heavier lift than it was just a few years ago. What used to feel like a clear financial milestone now feels more like a long-term commitment that only works if you plan to stay put for a while.

And that’s where things get interesting in places like Southshore. Growth has pushed prices up quickly, and while that’s great for homeowners who bought early, it’s made the entry point tougher for everyone else. Some residents are choosing to rent longer, keeping flexibility and avoiding the upfront costs while they wait to see where rates and prices settle. Others believe waiting is the bigger risk, arguing that getting into the market at all still beats trying to time it perfectly.

So what’s the reality you’re seeing?

Is renting starting to feel like throwing money away, or does buying right now feel like stretching too far just to say you own? Are people around you jumping in, or sitting on the sidelines waiting for things to make a little more sense?

As always, we want to hear from you. The numbers tell one story, but real life in Southshore might be telling another.

Ask a Personal Injury Attorney

Common personal injury questions with McBreeen & Nowak

Today’s question: “What if I was injured as a passenger in a car accident and not the driver?”

Answer: You may have claims against the driver of the car you were in (or potentially their UIM policy), the driver of the other car, or your own underinsured motorist carrier.  If you do not have car insurance, you may be able to qualify for Personal Injury Protection PIP (medical benefits) from the driver of the car you were in or, if you live with someone who has car insurance, through their policy.  Most of the time, the passenger does not contribute to the collision, so fault will likely not be an issue in your case.  Often, a car accident attorney will sign up as clients both the driver and their passenger.  If you think the driver of the car you were in may have contributed to the collision, you need to retain your own attorney. 

*The foregoing does not constitute legal advice, and this Q and A does not create an attorney-client relationship.  We recommend that you speak to an attorney ASAP if you think you may have been injured in an automobile collision. 

Spring Break Coming Soon

Hillsborough County’s Spring Break Program Is Now Open for Registration

It’s very shocking, but spring break is right around the corner. Didn’t we just take the Christmas lights down? Time moves fast around here.

If you haven’t made plans yet, well, here’s your sign. Hillsborough County’s spring break program is still open for registration, and at just $30 per week, it might be one of the few things left that hasn’t gone up in price lately. The program offers supervised activities, games, and structured time for kids while parents try to figure out how to work a full week with schools closed.

Spots tend to fill up quickly, so if spring break snuck up on you this year, now’s a good time to get ahead of it. Click below to register or find out more information.

MORE INFORMATION

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Valentine’s Day is Closing In

The best way to beat Cupid to the punch in Southshore

That heart-shaped clock is winding down. If you fall into the category of Americans who take part in this annual love affair with love, you’d better get your game plan together soon. Reservations go fast. Roses sell out. And you really don’t want to be wandering around Walmart at the last minute like you just lost your puppy.

It’s Valentine’s Day we’re talking about, after all, and love is in the air. I think it’s love, but it could also be fumes coming from MÜV on US 41. Either way, I can smell it.

So what does a romantic do in the Southshore to properly confess their love? Well, you could start by quoting Shakespeare, because who doesn’t love that? No, we won’t be comparing anyone to a summer’s day, but you could always go with, “I will live in thy heart, die in thy lap, and be buried in thy eyes.”

Or, if Elizabethan poetry isn’t your thing, you could check out some of the places below that are running something special for Valentine’s Day right here in the Southshore.

Love is complicated. Dinner plans don’t have to be.

Waves Crab House - Specials Feb 5th - 28th

The Vineyards -Feb. 14th Special

Sunset Bar & Grill at Little Harbor - Feb. 14th Special

Circles Waterfront Restaurant - Feb. 14th Special

Apollo Bistro - Feb. 14th Special

Rock n Roll Sushi - Dine in special Feb. 13-15th

Southshore Spotlight

Military Family Support

Military Family Support is a nonprofit organization focused on helping active duty service members, veterans, and their families when they need it most. Through scholarships, career grants, and partnerships with local organizations, they provide financial assistance, education support, and programs aimed at improving stability and opportunity for military families. The organization has been serving military communities since 1992, with a mission centered around giving back to those who have served and supporting them both during and after their time in uniform.

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

We Know a Guy…or Girl

NBS Esthetics

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you’re like most of us, you’ve probably done it all. Flowers, massages, candy, candlelight dinner. At some point, it gets harder to be creative every year.

Don’t worry. NBS Esthetics has a gift that actually gets remembered. Whether you’re trying to stay out of the doghouse or just treating yourself, this is the kind of self-care that lasts longer than a box of chocolates.

LED Light Therapy: Refined Rejuvenation Without Downtime

LED Light Therapy is a modern, non-invasive essential for aging skin, using targeted wavelengths of light to stimulate collagen, improve elasticity, and restore visible vitality—without needles or recovery time. Red light works beneath the surface to support cellular renewal, soften fine lines, and promote a smoother, healthier-looking complexion.

As a finishing touch, every LED Light Therapy session includes a complimentary jojoba oil to support your skin’s glow long after you leave.

Book your LED Light Therapy experience today

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

“Keep it Local!”

Foodies Only

Roots Southern BBQ

When is BBQ ever a bad idea?

Exactly.

There’s just something about slow-smoked meat that makes everything better. Maybe it’s the smell, maybe it’s the sauce, or maybe it’s knowing you’re about to need a nap afterward.

If you’re craving real BBQ done right, this Roots has you covered. Big flavor, no shortcuts, and the kind of food that keeps you coming back.

Go hungry. Thank us later.

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.