Funny Money

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Featured Story

Check Your Change

Heads up, Southshore. Law enforcement in Florida is seeing a new kind of funny money, and it is not funny for the people taking it. Some of the cash showing up was made for movie sets, and somehow it has wandered off the set and into real life. At first glance, it looks pretty good. Clean bills, decent print, the whole vibe. Then you look a little closer and it says something like “for motion picture purposes.” That is not a phrase the U.S. Treasury is using.

Small businesses beware. If a cashier at a boutique in Apollo Beach or a food truck in Ruskin takes one of these bills, that business just lost real money. So now is a good time to tell your staff to actually look at bills. Check the security strip. Feel the paper. If something looks too new or weird, slow it down and ask for another form of payment. If you do end up with one of these fake bills, do not just toss it in the drawer and hope for the best. Let the bank or law enforcement know.

Our community works when local businesses stay sharp. We already deal with storms, traffic, and construction. We do not need Hollywood money, causing problems, too. Keep your eyes open and keep the real money real.

Southshore Story Time

Home For The Holidays

Part 3: A Little Hope

That message lived rent-free in Elena’s mind for days. She replayed it during carpool, during staff meetings, while folding laundry. Save me some pie. It wasn’t a promise, but it sounded close enough to one.

Thanksgiving week arrived, and the neighborhood buzzed with that familiar Southshore energy — grocery runs, football on TV, the smell of barbecue drifting down the block. Everywhere she went, people said things like, “Enjoy the holiday!” and “Hope your family’s all together!” and she’d smile and nod, holding her breath to keep the lump in her throat from breaking loose.

Wednesday night, she let Sofia stay up late to make name cards for the table. “Do you think we should make one for Dad?” her daughter asked, hesitating with a marker in her hand. Elena paused, then nodded. “Yes. Always.”

She didn’t know if he’d be there to see it. But she knew he’d feel it.

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

The Numbers Don’t Lie. But They Do Tell A Story

With Rising Phoenix Bookkeeping Solutions

Are you listening?

Every receipt, every invoice, every dollar earned or spent is trying to show you where your business stands — and where it’s headed.

At Rising Phoenix Bookkeeping, we help you:

Find the patterns, spot the red flags, and build confidence in your business decisions. Clarity isn’t a luxury. It’s your foundation.
Let’s decode the story your numbers are telling and make sure it ends in growth.

Rising Phoenix Bookkeeping Solutions

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 Sumner, Friday 11/7 @ 6 PM - Home

East Bay vs Durant, Friday 11/7 @ 6 PM - Home

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

Until next time,

Keep It Local.