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Let's Give Em Something to Talk About
Wednesday, March 19th, 2025
Want to get your business in The Southshore Circle? Let’s talk!
Let’s Give Em Something to Talk About
It’s The Southshore Circle, more reliable than your neighbor’s “I heard it from my cousin’s barber’s sister,” news network.
In Today’s Edition:
Brought to you today by:
Insurance Broker: Anthony Freeman
For Mortgage Protection, Term, and Final Expense Options
Contact: [email protected]
The Great Southward Expansion
Let’s get straight to it because this one is a tad long. Lennar Homes acquired the DiMare Farms property in Apollo Beach, and they plan to develop 732 homesites, including 516 single-family homes and 216 townhomes. That’s a massive addition alongside commercial developments like Walmart, a hospital, and God knows what else. Change isn’t on the way; it’s already here.
The general consensus among Southshore residents seems to be enough is enough. The area once defined by its green spaces, laid-back lifestyle, and rural beach attitude is now becoming indistinguishable from every other suburb. Cookie-cutter homes, lots small enough to knock on your neighbor's door without leaving your front porch, and the traffic. Yes, the traffic.
The purchase of DiMare is the most recent in a long list of agricultural lands being sold to make room for the masses. But it’s not just Southshore. It’s everywhere. I don’t want to get too preachy and I don’t have any soapboxes, but money matters. Everything has a price, and if you want to control what your town or city looks like, you have to be willing and able to shell out some serious coin. Without that, this big old machine will keep churning up land until we talk about trees in the past tense.
So what can you do? The short and sad answer is nothing. DiMare is lost to the corporate complex. The longer answer is to check our hypocrisy at the door and take an honest look at who we want to be as a community and a civilization. It’s easy to criticize farmers when they sell their land for a small fortune, not taking into account the impacts on the community. But how many people sold their homes for double the price in this last real estate Hunger Games simply because they could? As I said, money matters.
It’s an unfortunate thing that we can’t find a balance. Are we doomed to build endlessly, stacking homes higher and tighter until we’re living in a Lego city? Or can we do the difficult thing and actually decide when enough really is enough? We’d love to hear your thoughts. How is the development in Southshore impacting you, and when do you think it will stop?
A.I. Washes Up on the Southshore
If hearing "AI" immediately brings to mind Sarah Connor running from the Terminator, you're not alone. AI often feels like something reserved for the distant future—or maybe just those Silicon Valley folks and Elon Musk. But believe it or not, AI isn't just some distant threat—it's right here, quietly reshaping Southshore.
Love it or hate it, AI is already part of our daily lives. Unless you plan to be like that one guy still carrying a pager in 2025, it's time to catch up. A recent report ranked the Tampa Bay area 25th nationally for AI job openings, with 196 positions available in January 2025 alone. Who knew our little corner of paradise would become Silicon Bay (minus the hoodie-wearing tech bros)?
Local businesses and academic institutions aren't just dabbling—they've jumped headfirst into AI. Even our local government is looking at using AI to identify wasteful spending and streamline bureaucracy (because government efficiency could definitely use a robotic hand).
The state recently introduced legislation for a statewide study to explore the economic impact of automation, AI, and robotics on jobs, hoping to avoid a future where the robots get all the good gigs. And speaking of practical use, AI is already predicting storms and floods in Southshore, making hurricane season slightly less stressful—unless, of course, your AI prediction bot runs out of batteries.
And then there’s the brand-new Aquilla Morgan High, set to open this fall. As the largest school in the county, Aquilla Morgan will prominently feature cutting-edge technologies—including an electric vehicle program. With a focus this tech-forward, you can bet AI will play a starring role in the education of future Southshore graduates. Soon, even the cafeteria trays might remind you about your homework.
So, while AI might conjure visions of dystopian futures, for now, it's helping Southshore grow smarter and more efficient. Just remember to be nice to your Roomba—you never know when it'll rise up and demand weekends off.
How do you feel about AI’s growing role in Southshore? Excited, wary, or just hoping the robot takeover is gentle? Let us know!
What’s washing up on the shore this week:
Thursday Midweek Lenten Services and Dinners
Fellowship and dinner to conclude with the Worship Service, Date & Time: Thursday, March 20, 2025, 5:00 PM Location: 12580 East College Ave, Ruskin
Sobrieety X at the Showtown bar for Bike Night!
Live Music. Date & Time: Thursday, March 20, 2025, 6:00 PM Location: 10902 S US Hwy 41, Gibsonton
Learn to line dance with Michelle, Date & Time: Friday, March 21, 2025, 7:00 PM Location: 6656 US Hwy 301 S, Riverview
Flannel Riot! Debut at Salty Shamrock
Live Music! Flannel Riot is an alternative rock cover band, Date & Time: Friday, March 21, 2025, 7:00 PM Location: 6186 N US Hwy 41, Apollo Beach
Let your kids have a blast with food, games, activities and friends while you enjoy an night out! Date & Time: Friday, March 21, 2025, 8:00 PM Location: 1202 E Shell point Road, Ruskin
20th Annual “Club Sport Cup” Soccer Tournament
All-day 8v8 Women’s/Coed/Men’s tournament, Date & Time: Saturday, March 22, 2025, 9:00 AM Location: 6110 Waterset Blvd , Apollo Beach
Welcome Spring at Camp Bayou- activity tables, hikes, and more. Date & Time: Saturday, March 22, 2025, 9:00 AM Location: 4140 24th St SE, Ruskin
Crafts, shopping, vendors and “The One Stop Food Truck”. Date & Time: Saturday, March 22, 2025, 10:00 AM Location: 503 S US Hwy 41, Ruskin
Come enjoy a glass of champagne, wine or a beer & get your toxins. Date & Time: Saturday, March 22, 2025, 10:00 AM Location: 5113 SR 674, Suite 108, Wimauma
Poodles in the Garden Day Party
Join the Pretty Poodles of LTS for a day of connection, celebration, and good vibes! Date & Time: Saturday, March 22, 2025, 3:00 PM Location: 6445 US 301, Riverview
Have you ever wanted to do a triathlon, but you didn’t have a bike, or are not sure how to prepare? Then this is a great challenge for you, Date & Time: Sunday, March 23, 2025, 3:00 PM Location: 9650 Old Big Bend Road, Riverview
Reset breathwork session that will leave you feeling ready for your week, Date & Time: Sunday, March 23, 2025, 3:00 PM Location: 256 Apollo Beach Blvd, Apollo Beach
The Rumor Mill:
Dutch Bros Coffee and Chipotle Mexican Grill submitted plans - In front of Lowes, 10417 Gibsonton Dr.
The Southshore Spotlight:
Chase Longenecker
In this week’s spotlight, we're featuring a local teen who's chasing big dreams and scoring impressive goals both on and off the field.
Chase Longenecker, a junior at East Bay High School in Gibsonton, is an Apollo Beach native whose family is actively involved in the community. Beyond excelling academically, Chase plays for the MLS Next Academy with the West Florida Flames, one of Florida's top soccer clubs.
While pursuing his dream of playing soccer at the collegiate level and beyond, Chase is also developing his entrepreneurial spirit. He's the proud founder of Ultimate Shine, a car detailing service where every detail matters.
Keep chasing greatness, Chase!
Follow at Instagram:@chases_cardetailing
Foodies Only:
Next Monday, March 24th, is opening day! We haven't had a chance to try them out yet, but with temperatures rising, homemade ice cream sounds like the perfect idea. Doors open at 7 AM, so if you need your caffeine fix, stop by and grab some locally roasted coffee. We hope to catch you there!
Local Sports:
Still on break…
We Know a Guy…or Gal:
Coming Soon
News or Events you’d like to share? Email us at: [email protected]
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