Planes, Trains, Rent Hikes, and Southshore Tales

Want to get your business in The Southshore Circle?

Let’s Talk!

Featured Story

Travel Like a Boss This Season

In a little over a week, millions of Americans will begin the holiday migration to wherever they go to open presents. Needless to say, the roads, the air, even the seas are about to get busy. But don’t worry, the folks here at The Southshore Circle have a few holiday tips to make your travel a breeze.

First things first, pack your patience. You are about to share the highways with every stressed-out parent, tired college student, and overconfident uncle who thinks he can make it from Tampa to Tallahassee on one tank of gas and a bag of beef jerky. Traffic will slow down. Tempers will flare. Someone in a white SUV will do something questionable. Just let it happen. Some things are unavoidable.

If you are flying, congratulations on being brave. Tampa International is wonderful, but around the holidays, it turns into a real-life obstacle course featuring long lines, emotional support animals that may or may not actually be certified, and at least one family standing in the middle of the walkway trying to repack their bags because they brought twelve pounds of fudge. Get there early and for the love of Southshore, wear socks with no holes. Security will expose you.

If you are cruising, prepare yourself mentally. Nothing tests your holiday spirit like watching people sprint toward a buffet before the eggs run out. Make sure you bring motion sickness meds, sunscreen, and a firm understanding that someone in your group will get lost on the ship within the first hour. You might also witness a few passengers dancing confidently and off beat to Christmas songs by the pool. Just smile and let them cook.

For the road warriors staying local or heading up I-75, keep snacks nearby and avoid driving through the major cities at peak times unless you enjoy sitting in traffic long enough to rethink your life choices. (Atlanta, we mean you.) And please remember that turn signals exist. They work. They help. Use them.

A few bonus tips. Charge every device you own. Bring chargers for those chargers. Keep a blanket in the car because someone will complain about being cold even though it is 78 degrees outside. And if your kids ask the classic question, “Are we there yet?” Ignore them.

Most importantly, try to enjoy the ride. The holidays only come once a year. You will get where you are going eventually. The presents will get opened. The food will get eaten. The stories will get told. So take a breath, laugh at the chaos, and travel safely.

From all of us at The Southshore Circle, we wish you smooth travels and absolutely no middle seats.

Southshore Story Time

The Grinch That Stole Southshore

Part 4: The Heart-Growing-Two-Sizes Thing

Finally, he was caught.

Not by the police.
Not by angry residents.
Not by the HOA (they were too busy inspecting mailboxes).

He was caught by… kindness.

A group of Wimauma kids were outside decorating a tiny tree with handmade ornaments. Nothing fancy. Nothing expensive. Just hearts, glitter, glue, and pure holiday joy.

The Grinch rolled up, ready to steal.

But then one of the kids ran over, handed him a homemade ornament shaped like a lopsided sun, and said,
“Here. You can have one too.”

The Grinch froze.
His golf cart stalled.
A single tear fell, probably from pollen, but still.

Something in him shifted.

He returned every stolen decoration.
He plugged in every inflatable Santa.
He even fixed the broken lights on the giant tree in front of Salty Shamrock.

By Christmas Eve, Southshore was glowing brighter than ever.

Because that’s the thing about this place, we show up for each other, even for people who try to ruin the holiday vibe.

The End (Unless he tries this again next year… then we ride at dawn.)

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Why More Isn’t Always The Answer

It’s a strange new world we live in. Homes made just for rent, computers trying to squeeze every ounce out of consumers, and an industry that thinks the only way forward is up. That’s what brings us to this story.

Picture this. You are sitting at your kitchen table, sipping a lukewarm coffee, and staring at your latest rent increase. You whisper the same question everyone whispers. How is this even possible? Is my apartment suddenly waterfront? Did we gain a community pool overnight? Did someone sprinkle luxury pixie dust on my driveway while I was sleeping? Why am I paying fifteen percent more every year for the exact same place, just older?

Turns out the answer might actually be a computer program. According to the Department of Justice, a company called RealPage created an algorithm designed to predict the maximum amount you would pay to live before it made better sense to revolt. Comforting, right?

Here is how it allegedly worked. Landlords and property management companies fed the system all sorts of juicy details. What people were paying, what was available, how fast units were renting, and how desperate the general public seemed at the moment. RealPage would crunch the numbers and spit out a suggestion. And those suggestions often sounded like this. Charge more. And then, go ahead and charge a little more again.

The DOJ says this might have created an environment where rent went up not because it needed to, but because the algorithm said it could. That is basically like playing Monopoly with a cousin who keeps pulling Chance cards that say, Congratulations, raise everyone’s rent.

And here in Florida, especially around Southshore, folks have felt the squeeze. Apartments that used to be reasonably priced now cost more than a mortgage, a boat payment, and summer in the Hamptons. Build-to-rent homes are popping up like mushrooms after a summer storm. And every time one fills up, it feels like the algorithm somewhere lets out a little robotic laugh.

Now to be fair, RealPage says they did nothing wrong and that they were simply helping landlords make smart decisions based on market data. But everything should not be about maximizing profits. There is an equilibrium where people can afford to live, and companies can still make money. It is not always about more. This is how we end up with crumbling housing markets, massive layoffs, and economies that feel more like musical chairs than living. There is supposed to be a balance, yet someone always wants to tip the scales in their favor.

So keep an eye on your rent, and we will keep tracking this story and doing our best to keep you informed and companies honest. The prosperity of Southshore depends on a delicate dance where we all need each other. Businesses need customers, families need stability, and we all deserve a place to live that does not require selling plasma once a month.

Southshore Spotlight

Mary & Martha House

Looking to bring a little hope and kindness into the world? Mary Martha House may be just the place. Their mission is to provide compassionate support and emergency shelter for people in need, offering a safe space, life-changing resources, and a community that cares when life gets rough.

Whether someone needs help getting back on their feet, a warm meal, shelter, or just a fresh start, Mary Martha House is there, providing dignity, care, and a real second chance. If you’ve ever thought about giving back, helping out, or simply being part of something meaningful, this is it.

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

We Know a Guy…or Girl

Keeler Notary & Fingerprinting

🎄 Christmas LiveScan Special 🎄

This holiday season, save time and money with LiveScan fingerprinting for just $75 at Keeler Notary & Fingerprinting. Fast, professional, and veteran-owned service—perfect for licensing, employment, and compliance needs.

🎁 Special price valid through December 31.

Appointments are limited—book today and check it off your year-end to-do list.

Keeler Notary & Fingerprinting

Premium Notary & LiveScan Services | Everything Under One Roof

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

“Keep it Local!”

Foodies Only

Jerry’s Dockside

Looking for a place to escape without actually going anywhere. Jerry’s Dockside Bar & Grill has you covered. Waterfront tables, laid-back energy, solid food, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you stay longer than you planned. A true Southshore favorite.

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.