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THE SKINNY

• We are everywhere you are

• A scary situation for the Florida manatee

• The burn ban continues

Featured Story

Where We Started to Where We Are Going

Connecting communities with what matters most. One story at a time.

Maybe you’ve seen a post or two online. Maybe you haven’t. But Altered Media, the company behind this newsletter, has been stretching its arms and taking up a little more space.

Our local newsletters started with one simple goal: connect people to the places they live through story. Real coverage from people who actually live here. No politics. No crime blotters. Just the things that matter in your community.

What started small has grown quickly.

Today, we connect more than 30 cities and over 100,000 readers with the news, events, and stories that shape their daily lives. And we’re just getting started. Over the next few months, we plan to launch in more than 100 cities, with an on-the-ground presence in every single one.

Right here at home, The Southshore Circle is growing too. We’re working to expand from 36,000 readers to 100,000 readers, while staying true to what made this publication special in the first place: highlighting the people, businesses, and moments that make Southshore unique.

You can check out our main newsletter site below to see where we’re live now and where we’re headed next. Click “Cities” if you’d like to subscribe to any of our other publications and stay connected wherever you are.

Am Connected by Altered Media

“We are everywhere you are.”

RCP America

Really Cool People doing Really Cool Things

Southshore has a huge car culture. From exotics on display at the Waterset Cars and Coffee to the antiques and collectibles that line the parking lot of the MiraBay Shopping Plaza during the Roamin’ Oldies Car Show. Southshore loves their rides.

And when it comes to keeping them clean, no company stands out more than RCP America. You may not recognize the name, but your car has likely benefited from the solutions this company has been mixing up for nearly 40 years.

Not only do they develop a superior product, but they’ve been revolutionizing the industry and employing the community since 1989. Within the car care world, they’re considered a trailblazer. Leading a movement in how car care products are developed, taught, and even conceptualized.

But their impact goes beyond cars. While many companies talk about making a difference, RCP America simply does it. Supporting local athletes, charities, schools, and community organizations, their presence isn’t just seen. It’s felt.

And now they’re getting even bigger.

This June, they’ll open a new 42,000 square foot facility right off 301 across the bypass canal. The new space will house training, manufacturing, distribution, operations, and even a showroom.

Click below to join Michael Lamb, Founder and CEO, and the RCP America family for a quick tour of the new facility, where they’ll be creating the next wave of products that will keep the Southshore car scene shining.

@rcp.america

This chilly Friday morning, RCP America went for a little field trip. We got to check out the progress on the new building, had a few laug... See more

When Manatees Struggle, So Do We

Dozens of Manatees Found Dead in Florida River, Raising Water Quality Concerns for Tampa Bay and Southshore

This isn’t quite in Southshore, but it impacts the manatees, and by God, that chubby majestic creature is basically our mascot. So, news about them is news about us.

Wildlife officials are investigating after dozens of manatees were found dead within a single week along a Florida river. While the situation is unfolding in another part of the state, any time we hear about large numbers of manatees dying, it hits close to home. These gentle giants are more than just a protected species here. They’re part of the identity of our waterfront communities.

State officials are working to determine the cause, but mass die-offs in recent years have often been linked to environmental stress, including water quality issues and food shortages. Manatees rely heavily on seagrass, and when water conditions decline, so does their primary food source. Cold stress can also become a factor when temperatures drop and warm-water access is limited.

Here in Southshore, we are fortunate in one important way. The warm-water discharge from the Big Bend Power Station has long served as a winter refuge when temperatures dip below Florida standards. On those rare “bundle up” mornings, you’ll often find dozens of manatees gathering in the warmer waters nearby. It’s one of the few silver linings in an otherwise industrial backdrop.

But even with that refuge, the health of our manatees ultimately depends on the overall health of Tampa Bay and surrounding waterways. What happens elsewhere in the state can ripple outward. Water quality, habitat protection, and responsible coastal growth all play a role in whether these animals thrive or struggle.

For Southshore residents who have spotted a manatee from a dock, kayak, or seawall, this news is more than a headline. It’s a reminder that protecting our waters protects the wildlife that defines our community.

Around here, manatees aren’t just marine mammals. They’re part of the Southshore story.

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

We’re On Fire…Literally

Hillsborough County Burn Ban Continues as Dry Conditions Fuel More Fires

We talked about this in the last issue, but with more fires sparking, it’s worth repeating. Hillsborough County has extended its burn ban again as dry conditions continue to grip the area.

This marks the sixth straight week under restrictions. With little meaningful rainfall and vegetation drying out across the county, even a small spark can turn into something much bigger. Fire crews have already responded to multiple brush fires in recent weeks, and officials say the risk remains high until we get sustained rain.

The ban means no open burning. That includes yard waste, bonfires, fire pits, trash, and fireworks. Grills for cooking are still allowed, but they need to be attended and properly contained. The goal is simple. Reduce unnecessary ignition sources while conditions are this dry.

For Southshore, this matters more than people realize. Between open land in Wimauma, residential growth in Riverview and Apollo Beach, and breezy waterfront conditions along the Bay, fires can spread quickly when the ground is this dry. Even routine yard work or outdoor equipment can create sparks that ignite brush.

We may be a waterfront community, but we’re not immune to wildfire risk. Until the rainy season returns in full force, the safest move is caution. One careless moment isn’t worth the consequences.

If you’re spending time outdoors, keep it controlled, keep it watched, and keep Southshore safe.

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]

🔥 Protect Your Home from Fire

Tips for Southshore Homeowners with Most Insurance

With the burn ban still in place and dry weather sticking around, fire safety should be top of mind for Southshore homeowners. Even near the water, small sparks can turn into big problems when vegetation is this dry.

Here are a few simple steps to protect your home:

Clear dry debris
Keep leaves, mulch, and brush trimmed away from your home, fences, and decks.

Be cautious with equipment
Lawn tools and outdoor machinery can create sparks. Use them carefully and avoid the hottest, driest parts of the day.

Grill safely
Grills are allowed when attended, but keep them away from structures and have water nearby just in case.

Check your coverage
Even with precautions, accidents happen. Now is a good time to review your homeowners policy and make sure you understand what is covered.

That is where Most Insurance can help. They work with homeowners across our region to review policies, explain coverage, and make sure families are protected before something unexpected happens.

Click below to connect with Most Insurance and make sure your home is ready for whatever this dry season brings.

(813) 739-8111

We Know a Guy…or Girl

Keeler Notary Fingerprinting

🌟 The Power of Professional Connections & Strategic Networking 🌟

In business, who you know matters—but how you connect matters even more. Professional relationships open doors to opportunities that simply can’t be accessed through solo efforts. When we network with intention, we build trust, share insights, and create referral pathways that amplify both credibility and growth.

That’s exactly why organizations like the Florida Professionals Association (FPA) – Florida’s Business Growth Engine are game-changers for businesses across our state. FPA isn’t just “another networking group”—it’s a dynamic, statewide professional community that connects business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders from every corner of Florida.

🚀 Why this matters:

• Statewide Exposure: FPA gives your business visibility beyond your local zip code, expanding reach from Miami to Jacksonville and everywhere in between.
• Meaningful Connections: Weekly meetups, virtual meet-and-greets, and signature events like Professionals in Paradise foster genuine relationships—far beyond surface-level introductions.
• Real Opportunities: Members don’t just exchange business cards—they exchange referrals, insights, and strategies that directly impact growth.
• Collective Knowledge: From workshops to shared expertise, networking accelerates learning and keeps your business competitive.

🤝 Networking isn’t a side activity—it’s a strategic business advantage. When you tap into a statewide community like FPA, you’re connecting with professionals who can challenge your thinking, introduce you to new markets, and help you scale faster than you could alone.

Here’s to building stronger connections, bigger impact, and thriving businesses across Florida! 💼🌴

Foodies Only

Roots Southern BBQ

Your favorite local BBQ spot is now booking for spring events. Don’t miss this chance to have smoked brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and all the fixings at your next party, corporate event, graduation, or backyard get-together.

Whether you’re feeding 20 people or 200, they’ll bring the flavor, the sides, and the kind of spread that has guests lining up for seconds.

Spring dates fill fast, so lock yours in now and let them handle the food while you enjoy the crowd.

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

Good luck to the Sumner boys basketball team as they face Sarasota this weekend for the regional semifinal.

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.