Remove Property Tax Add Phosphate?

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Axe the Property Tax?

Happy Wednesday from The Southshore Circle—your midweek survival kit, now in email form

In Today’s Edition:

• How the Proposal to Eliminate Property Tax Could Affect You

• Phosphate Gate in Florida (MUST READ)

• It’s a Community Effort

• Taco Tuesday, on a Wednesday

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No More Property Taxes in Florida?

You read that right. The Florida Legislature is seriously considering eliminating property taxes, and Ron DeSantis is all for it. If this radical change actually happens, Florida would be the first state in the country with zero property taxes. That alone is enough reason for me—Florida does love being first, after all. (First in weird headlines, first in alligator-related incidents, and now, maybe first in finding out what happens when you erase a major funding source overnight.)

But this isn’t just political posturing—they’ve already launched a formal study to figure out what eliminating real estate taxes would mean for public services and the economy. So, things are getting serious. But here at The Circle, we care about what it means for you.

Now, I’m not saying government spending is the picture of efficiency (we all know better), but property taxes do fund a long list of necessities—schools, parks, police, fire departments, roads, libraries. You know, the stuff we actually use. Without property taxes, those funds need to come from somewhere else. And since Florida has no state income tax, that “somewhere else” is likely a huge spike in sales tax. Some estimates suggest it could double, potentially making Florida’s sales tax one of the highest in the nation.

That means everything from your Publix sub to your Disney trip could get a lot pricier. And if you’re renting, don’t think this is your ticket to savings—landlords aren’t exactly known for passing discounts along to tenants. They could just pocket the extra cash while you’re stuck paying more for everyday essentials.

Local governments would also take a major hit, since property taxes are their primary source of revenue. That could mean budget shortfalls for police, fire departments, and infrastructure projects—unless, of course, Tallahassee decides to step in and take over funding decisions. But if you think the state will magically replace that lost revenue without tightening the leash on cities and counties, I’ve got a bridge in Miami to sell you.

Look, it’s a bold idea. But is it really a tax break if we just end up paying more somewhere else? Let us know what you think—brilliant plan or financial disaster in the making?

How Phosphate Wastewater Could Be Headed Your Way

STOP what you’re doing and write this date down. Take a picture. Commit it to memory. March 11th at 4 PM. The place? Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center in Plant City.

Why is this so important, you ask? Because this is where Florida’s fertilizer giant, Mosaic, will explain how they plan to inject phosphate wastewater deep underground in Hillsborough County.

This one is worth paying attention to. Just last December, Mosaic convinced the federal government to approve a controversial plan to test phosphogypsum—a mildly radioactive byproduct of their fertilizer production—as an ingredient in road construction. Mildly radioactive? Let’s be real, that’s like telling someone they’re a little bit dead.

Now, they’re proposing to pump millions of gallons of wastewater from their phosphate mining operations underground, claiming it’s a safe way to dispose of it. But before we take their word for it, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane—back to Piney Point.

Remember Piney Point?

In 2021, hundreds of millions of gallons of toxic wastewater were dumped from the Piney Point phosphate plant into Tampa Bay, leading to massive fish kills, algal blooms, and an environmental disaster that still affects our waters today. The state scrambled to clean up the mess, taxpayers footed the bill, and we all watched as yet another "safe" phosphate waste disposal method turned into an ecological nightmare.

So now, the question is: What happens if this underground injection goes wrong?

Mosaic will tell you this method is safe. They’ll say the wastewater will be injected deep into rock formations where it won’t contaminate our drinking water or leak into the environment. But critics warn that once you pump millions of gallons of industrial waste underground, you can’t exactly take it back. If it migrates into aquifers, cracks through faults, or finds its way back to the surface, it could contaminate water supplies and disrupt ecosystems—not just in Hillsborough County but in the entire Southshore area and beyond.

And let’s not forget Florida is sinkhole-central. What happens if this wastewater injection weakens the already fragile limestone foundation beneath us? Spoiler: It’s not good.

Why This Matters for Southshore

The Southshore region is home to thousands of families who rely on well water, farms that depend on clean groundwater, and estuaries already struggling with pollution. If anything goes sideways with this plan, we’re the ones who will pay the price—not Mosaic.

That’s why March 11th is so critical. This isn’t just another corporate presentation. It’s a chance for residents to show up, ask tough questions, and hold Mosaic accountable before this plan moves forward.

If Piney Point taught us anything, it’s that we can’t afford to ignore these decisions until it’s too late.

So mark your calendar, spread the word, and let’s make sure Mosaic answers to the people who actually live here.

Calling All Readers

When we started The Southshore Circle, the idea was simple: create a place where our community could keep up with everything we’re all talking about. A single source to figure out “what the hell is going on” in our little—yet rapidly expanding—corner of the world.

It’s a work in progress, and let’s just say the amount of content we sift through daily is turning our coffee into a food group of its own. But every day, hundreds of new readers are joining, trusting us to bring them the stories they need to know.

Now, we want to hear from you. What do you love? What do you not want to see? What stories matter most? Click the survey below—it won’t take more than a minute (we promise).

Help us make The Southshore Circle your Circle!

Complete Survey

What’s washing up on the shore this week:

• RISE Networking Group
  RISE Networking Group is a Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce relationship building group. Date & Time: Thursday, February 27, 2025, 7:30 AM Location: 9650 Old Big Bend Rd, Riverview

• Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Wing Snob
  Join the Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce for the exciting Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Wing Snob! Date & Time: Thursday, February 27, 2025, 2:00 PM Location: 10444 Stelling Drive, Riverview

• Cajun Me Crazy Festival
  5 Day Cajun Me Crazy Festival. Date & Time: Friday, February 28, 2025, 11:00 AM Location: 6186 N US Highway 41, Apollo Beach

• Acoustic Music Party!
  Party the night away with great food, music and drinks. Date & Time: Friday, February 28, 2025, 4:00 PM Location: 1112 Apollo Beach Blvd, Apollo Beach

• Mardi Gras Party at Salty Shamrock
  Mardi Gras Party with Symmetry. Date & Time: Friday, February 28, 2025, 7:00 PM Location: 6186 N US Highway 41, Apollo Beach

• Wet-UP Soca Aerobics - Southshore Bay Metro Lagoon
  Wiggle, Wave and Whine Yuh' Body to vibrant Soca Music rhythms of the West Indies as we 'come to de' stage' and work up a sweat! Date & Time: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 9:00 AM Location: 16881 Lagoon Shore Boulevard, Wimauma

• Plant Swap and Pop-Up Market
  Bring your plants and swap them for new ones or buy some from local vendors! Date & Time: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 10:00 AM Location: 2131 S US Hwy 41, Ruskin

• Scott Sorells At The Edge
  Live Music. Date & Time: Saturday, March 1, 2025, 2:00 PM Location: 6226 Ohio Ave, Gibsonton

The Rumor Mill:

• Less Rumor more FYI, The Hungry Greek at the Yard at Waterset in Apollo Beach is now open.

Meet your neighbor:

• We’re busy shaking hands and kissing babies. More to come soon.

Foodies Only: Olmeca Mexican Food

Two words: Olmeca Express Two more words: Al Pastor

Located in Ruskin off College Avenue, this place is my go-to—so much so that not a week goes by without me stopping in. Honestly, I shouldn’t even be telling you about it because if the line gets any longer, my taco cravings might turn into a crisis.

But if you love street tacos, stuffed burritos, and authentic Mexican food, this is where you need to be. Just don’t take my spot in line.

Local Sports: Tampa Bay Girls Flag Football Player of the Week

Girls' Flag Football is on the Rise—And Florida is Leading the Charge!

With the season in full swing, we’ll be keeping you updated with schedules and game coverage right here. But right now, it’s time to vote for the best of the best—and Southshore has one of our own in the running!

Meet Sydney Elizondo, QB for Lennard HS. With 441 yards, 12 touchdowns, and a 41/59 passing record, she’s more than deserving of the top spot. But she can’t win without your support.

Let’s make it happen. Cast your vote HERE

The Neighborhood Post:

• Coming Soon

News or Events you’d like to share? Email us at: [email protected]