Our Biggest Giveaway Yet

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THE SKINNY

• The Spring Bling Giveaway

• Residential Plumbing Tips

• Spring Break Cold Front

• Skynet of The Future

Featured Story

The Spring Bling Race Is On 💸

Rack up points through referrals, trivia, and partner visits for a chance to win $1,000

In case you forgot, the Spring Bling Giveaway is officially underway, and the points are already piling up. Our leaderboard is current as of last Thursday, but there is still plenty of time for someone to make a move.

The rules are pinned on our Facebook page if you want the full breakdown, but the short version is simple. The person with the most points by midnight on April 15 wins it all.

You can earn points by referring people to the newsletter, answering trivia questions in the newsletter, answering trivia questions on Facebook, and snapping photos with any of our partners or at their locations. You can find the full list of participating partners in the comments of that same post.

The winner will take home $1,000 in prepaid cards and gift cards from partners like NBS Esthetics, Marco’s Pizza, Eggs Up Grill, Wellness Vitalized, and SDS Auto Detailing.

We’re also adding gift cards to local favorites like Circles, Finn’s, and Apollo Beach Bistro.

So start stacking those points, and good luck.

Kuma Plumbing

Residential Plumbing Tips From a Pro

Your home's plumbing system works around the clock to deliver clean water and remove waste, but most homeowners don't think about it until something goes wrong. This guide is for homeowners who want to understand their residential plumbing better and know when professional help is needed.

We'll explore the essential components that make up your plumbing system and how they work together to keep your home running smoothly. You'll also learn about the most common plumbing problems that can disrupt your daily routine and cost you money if left unchecked. Most importantly, we'll help you recognize the warning signs that mean it's time to call a professional plumber before small issues turn into expensive disasters.

Read More

That’s Spring Break in Southshore

A cold front is bringing rain, and a surprising spring break cool down to the Southshore area

We said yay it’s spring break and Florida said hold my beer.

If you’ve been enjoying this stellar weather we’ve been having recently, prepare to be smacked in the face by Mother Nature. It seems winter still has a little fight left and decided to throw everything it has into making sure no one goes jet skiing during spring break.

A cold front is en route as we speak, bringing rain, of course, which we need, but also overnight lows over the next several days that could dip into the 40s. And while I love not paying TECO as much as the next Floridian, the warm sun on my face is worth that ungodly electric bill any day of the week. Well, maybe not on Friday night.

Depending on when you’re reading this, rain might already be falling, or it could start in a few minutes. Or really at any point. I’m writing this from the past, and you’re reading it from the future, so technically you should be the one telling me what’s happening right now. Either way, the cool down is coming.

By early next week, colder air is expected to settle in across the region. Overnight temperatures could dip into the 40s in parts of the area, which is enough to make many Floridians toss their hoodies back on. And high school students will stop wearing them. Go figure.

The cooler stretch is expected to last several days before temperatures begin climbing back toward the more familiar Florida spring pattern of warm afternoons and mild evenings.

So if you were planning beach days, boat rides, or jet skiing during spring break, you may want to keep an eye on the forecast and have a backup plan ready. Around here, spring weather can change its mind faster than a snowbird booking a return flight north.

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Your Weekly What in the World

Tech companies are exploring orbital data centers as AI pushes Earth’s computing infrastructure to its limits

The massive computing power needed to run artificial intelligence is pushing the limits of traditional data centers, and some engineers are starting to look in an unusual direction for the next solution. Space.

Researchers and technology companies are exploring the idea of placing data centers in orbit as a way to handle the rapidly growing demand for AI processing. Modern AI systems require enormous amounts of computing power, and the facilities that support them already consume huge amounts of electricity and water here on Earth.

That growing demand has sparked interest in whether space could offer advantages that traditional infrastructure cannot. In orbit, satellites could generate energy through nearly constant sunlight using solar panels, while the cold environment of space could help manage the heat produced by powerful computer processors.

The concept is still largely experimental, but it is attracting attention as artificial intelligence continues to expand. Some startups are testing satellites equipped with advanced computing hardware, while larger technology companies are studying how groups of satellites might work together as an orbital network capable of processing massive amounts of data.

There are still major obstacles to overcome before anything like that becomes reality. Computer systems in space would need protection from radiation, reliable ways to manage heat without air or water, and safe operating conditions in increasingly crowded satellite orbits. Launching and maintaining large amounts of computing equipment in space would also be extremely expensive.

Even with those challenges, interest in the idea is growing as the race for computing power accelerates. Artificial intelligence is advancing quickly, and the infrastructure needed to support it is growing just as fast.

For now, data centers in space remain more of a futuristic concept than a near-term solution. But if demand for AI computing continues to climb, the next generation of the “cloud” might eventually be orbiting somewhere far above it.

Southshore Spotlight

Fr1ends of the Ch1ldren Tampa Bay

Friends of the Children–Tampa Bay is a nonprofit focused on long-term mentorship for youth facing difficult circumstances. The organization pairs children as young as four with a full-time professional mentor called a “Friend” who supports them from early childhood all the way through high school graduation. The program focuses on building strong relationships, helping kids develop life skills, and making sure they have consistent support as they grow. It’s a long-term commitment that aims to give every child the opportunity to succeed, no matter what challenges they face.

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

We Know a Guy…or Girl

Southshore Services

Need a painter? A plumber? Someone brave enough to tackle that lightbulb orbiting 30 feet above your living room? We’ve got you. And the best part, they’re all right here in our community.

(The updated Service Catalog goes live this week. Stay Tuned!)

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

“Keep it Local!”

Foodies Only

Tuk Tuk Thai Fusion

When the Thai restaurant near MacDill closed, which was good enough that I took a two-hour round trip there multiple times just to grab lunch, I figured that was it for me and Thai food. I thought I’d just write it off forever. Or at least until I finally made my way to actual Thailand.

But lo and behold, Tuk Tuk Thai Fusion has saved the day and is considerably closer.

Known for bold flavors and fresh ingredients, Tuk Tuk serves up Thai favorites like Pad Thai, curry dishes, fried rice, and flavorful noodle bowls, along with a few creative fusion twists. The portions are generous, the flavors are authentic, and it’s the kind of place that quickly becomes your new go-to when the craving for Thai food hits.

If you’ve been searching for a solid Thai spot around Southshore, this one might be worth adding to the list.

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.