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THE SKINNY

• Spring Bling Giveaway Reminder

• DeSantis says not so fast

• Swimming Through Synthetic Chemicals

Featured Story

Not Everything Is for Sale

Florida blocks proposed cruise port near the Sunshine Skyway, strengthening protections for Terra Ceia and Tampa Bay waters

First, it was traffic. Then development. Now it’s the coastline. Just across the bridge from Southshore, a decision was made this week that could shape the future of Tampa Bay’s waters.

Governor Ron DeSantis was in Bradenton signing new legislation aimed at protecting Florida’s coastline. One key piece of that effort blocks a proposed cruise port near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, right next to the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

Supporters saw economic opportunity. Residents saw environmental risk. And they made that clear, with thousands pushing back against the project.

Now, with the bill signed, that project is effectively off the table. The law strengthens protections in the preserve by limiting dredging and large-scale development. It also focuses on restoring wetlands, expanding mangroves, and improving water quality across the state.

For Southshore, this hits close to home. Terra Ceia connects directly to the waters we use every day. What happens there doesn’t stay there. It moves through the bay, into our canals, and along our shoreline.

With growth continuing to push outward, this decision sends a clear message. Not everything is up for development. And for now, one piece of Tampa Bay stays just the way it is.

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Your Weekly What in the World

The Ocean Is Turning Into a Chemical Soup

When scientists went looking for pollution in the ocean, they expected to find some traces of modern life. What they didn’t expect was just how much.

A recent study has found that hundreds of human-made chemicals are now present throughout marine ecosystems across the world. Researchers analyzing ocean samples detected at least 248 different synthetic compounds, many of which come from everyday products like medications, pesticides, cleaning products, and cosmetics.

Most of these chemicals start their journey on land. They wash down drains, flow through wastewater systems, or run off roads and lawns during rainstorms. Eventually, they move through rivers and waterways until they reach the ocean. Once they get there, they don’t always disappear.

Scientists say many of these substances can build up in marine environments and in the animals that live there. Some compounds are known to accumulate in fish and other marine life over time, moving up the food chain as larger animals eat smaller ones.

That matters because oceans aren’t isolated ecosystems. What happens in the water eventually connects to coastal communities.

For places like ours, that connection runs straight through Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Those waters support a wide range of marine life, including fish, dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees. They also support recreational fishing, boating, tourism, and a big part of Florida’s coastal economy.

If synthetic chemicals continue building up in marine ecosystems, researchers say it could affect the health of marine species and potentially the seafood people rely on.

The findings don’t mean the ocean has suddenly become toxic overnight. But they do show that the chemical footprint of modern life is spreading farther than many people realized.

And for communities along the water, it serves as a reminder of something that’s easy to overlook. The ocean might feel vast and endless when you’re standing on the shore. But everything upstream eventually finds its way there.

Southshore Spotlight

ECHO

For more than four decades, ECHO has focused on providing seeds, agricultural knowledge, and innovative growing methods to communities facing food insecurity. The event will give residents a chance to learn more about the organization’s work and how agriculture and education can play a role in building stronger, more resilient communities.

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

We Know a Guy…or Girl

SDS Auto Detailing

We’re excited to announce the launch of our brand new website, making it easier than ever to book professional mobile detailing services throughout the South Shore area. Whether you’re looking for a full interior and exterior detail, paint correction to restore your vehicle’s finish, long-lasting ceramic coatings, or specialized boat and RV detailing, our team has you covered. Simply visit our new site to request a quote, view service options, and schedule your appointment in just a few clicks.

We’d love for you to check it out and see how we can bring your vehicle, boat, or RV back to like-new condition with convenience and top-tier results.

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

“Keep it Local!”

Foodies Only

Roots Southern BBQ

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.