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Thoughts of Southshore Nostalgia

And yeah, the new Walmart in Apollo Beach is officially open.

I’ve lived out here a long time. Long enough to remember open fields and dreaming about having more restaurant options than McDonald’s and Beef O’ Brady’s. I’ve lived all over Southshore, from Summerfield to MiraBay to Bahia Lakes, and even did a stint off Cypress Creek.

I remember boars and red foxes trotting across the highway, stopping to nod like neighbors. I remember a three-legged alligator that hung out at a golf course that doesn’t even exist anymore. That’s the Southshore I remember. And as the new Walmart opens today, I find myself… pondering.

For a long time, there was nothing out here. Southshore felt like a little island. Close enough to the rest of the world to stay connected, but far enough to feel like an escape. I complained about the lack of food options back then, but smiled when it took me ten minutes to zip over to Brandon. Now it takes me ten minutes to go one mile down 41.

This isn’t a woe-is-me story. It’s more me trying to figure out how I actually feel about the pace of things. On one hand, the convenience of having a Walmart literally across the street feels like a dream. On the other hand, it’s Walmart. The mega-corp devil that gobbles up mom-and-pop shops like Pac-Man. Still, who can resist eighteen eggs for three bucks in the same store where you can buy an eighty-six-inch TV?

Then there’s the traffic. The constant traffic. The added time it takes to get anywhere. Is it worth it? If you’ve lived out here more than ten years, you already know the feeling. I’m glad to see the area growing, but at the same time, we absolutely paved paradise to put up a parking lot.

That’s the way of the world, I guess. No town stays small forever. What we can do is continue to support the local businesses that help us hang onto our identity. The places where they know your name and ask how your kids are doing.

We’re speeding toward a future where everything looks like some version of Walmart, Starbucks, or McDonald’s. But while character and charm still exist, let’s savor it for a bit. Say hi to your neighbor. And I’ll see you at the checkout line.

The Coverage Gap Most People Don’t See Coming

Why it pays to have an independent insurance agent in Southshore

Insurance is something most people assume they understand, until they actually need it.

In Florida, coverage is often more complicated than it appears. Home, flood, wind, auto, and umbrella policies can all be separate, and gaps are common. One of the biggest surprises for homeowners is that standard homeowners’ insurance typically does not cover flood damage, even during major storms.

Another issue is outdated coverage. Rising construction and replacement costs mean policies written years ago may no longer reflect what it would cost to rebuild a home or replace a vehicle today.

Independent agencies like Most Insurance help residents navigate these complexities by comparing coverage across multiple insurance carriers and explaining how different policies work together. Instead of focusing on just price, the goal is understanding what’s actually covered and where potential gaps may exist.

For Florida residents, periodically reviewing insurance coverage can help avoid surprises later. The most important step isn’t buying more insurance, it’s knowing what your current policy really does and doesn’t protect.

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Your House Isn’t Dirty. It’s Just Florida.

Why Florida homes in Southshore struggle with algae, mold, and exterior buildup

Living in Florida has its perks, but the climate is especially tough on homes. Heat, humidity, afternoon storms, and long stretches of sun all take a quiet toll on exterior surfaces over time.

One of the most common issues homeowners notice is organic growth. Algae, mildew, and mold thrive in warm, damp conditions and often show up first on driveways, sidewalks, roofs, and shaded areas of siding. While it may start as a cosmetic concern, prolonged buildup can make surfaces slippery, stain concrete and pavers, and slowly break down protective finishes.

Another often overlooked issue is surface wear. Pavers and concrete are porous by nature. Without proper maintenance, they absorb moisture, dirt, and oils, which can lead to fading, erosion, and cracking. Over time, this can shorten the lifespan of outdoor surfaces and increase the likelihood of costly repairs or replacement.

That’s why many homeowners turn to professional pressure washing and soft washing instead of DIY solutions. When done correctly, these methods remove buildup safely without damaging surfaces. In some cases, homeowners also choose paver sealing, which helps protect hardscapes from moisture intrusion, stains, UV exposure, and weed growth while making future cleaning easier.

Local companies like Premier Pro Wash & Seal work with these issues daily and understand how Florida’s environment affects different materials. Their experience highlights an important takeaway for homeowners: exterior cleaning isn’t just about appearance, it’s part of long-term home maintenance in a climate that accelerates wear.

Whether it’s a driveway, patio, pool deck, or siding, keeping exterior surfaces clean and protected can help preserve both safety and value over time.

Let’s Give the Manatees Some Money

The $4.8 million proposal to build a marine science hub at the TECO viewing center in Apollo Beach

If you’ve ever stood at the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach watching manatees float by like they’ve got absolutely nowhere to be, you already know this spot is special. Now it could be getting a serious upgrade that turns Apollo Beach into a statewide leader in marine science and coastal resilience.

State Representative Owen is requesting $4.8 million to build and equip a three-story coastal resilience and marine science hub at TECO’s Manatee Viewing Center and Conservation Park. This wouldn’t be a basic exhibit space. The plan is for it to become Florida’s flagship facility for seagrass restoration, underwater plant cultivation, oyster and bivalve hatchery operations, hurricane resilience research, and hands-on STEM education for Florida youth.

Seagrass is a big focus, and for good reason. It feeds manatees, supports marine life, and keeps Tampa Bay healthy. When it disappears, everything else feels it. The new center would help grow and restore these underwater meadows locally instead of relying on outside efforts.

The hub would also raise oysters and other bivalves, nature’s built-in water filters, while using drone technology to monitor and restore coastal habitats. Yes, more drones in Apollo Beach. Now, last issue’s story makes even more sense.

Another key piece is hurricane resilience. By studying how natural systems reduce erosion and absorb storm impacts, the center aims to help protect coastlines before the next storm puts our prep plans to the test. That alone might be worth $4.8 million.

Just as important is the focus on workforce development. The facility would give Florida students real-world experience in marine science and environmental technology, all in our own backyard.

If approved, this project would put Apollo Beach on the map for more than winter manatee sightings. It would make Southshore a hub for restoration, resilience, and the next generation of coastal problem solvers.

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.

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Until next time,

Keep It Local.