Rocky Roads in Riverview

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ROCKY ROADS IN RIVERVIEW

What’s better than coffee and a donut in the morning? We’re not sure, but The Southshore Circle is a close second.

In Today’s Edition:

• Where Your Car Goes to Die

• Apollo Beach’s Newest Hotspot with a Secret History

• Neverending Expansion

Rocky Roads in Riverview

If you’ve driven down US 301 South in Riverview lately, you might feel like you just survived Highway 10 in Fallujah. The relentless ping-ping-ping of loose gravel ricocheting off your fender and peppering your windshield is enough to trigger nightmares. But no, you didn’t speed through a warzone—you just experienced Hillsborough County’s ever-growing pothole problem firsthand.

With all the new developments and businesses pouring into Southshore, you’d think the roads would be in pristine condition. Instead, you need a Mojave desert truck and level 3 ballistic shielding to survive a trip to Publix. I’m on my third windshield this year, and at this point, I refuse to inspect my front bumper—it’s a painful reminder of battles lost. And I’m not alone. Local social media pages are overflowing with horror stories of cracked glass, busted tires, and expensive repairs.

So, Hillsborough County, how about a little help!

For starters, you can report road issues [HERE]. But let’s be real—who knows if anyone’s checking that inbox? The county does have plans to replace the asphalt with concrete at the US 301 and Big Bend intersection, but construction isn’t set to start until summer 2025, with completion by late 2027. Not exactly a speedy fix.

Meanwhile, our cars are getting assaulted with road shrapnel, and we’re paying the price—twice. If the squeaky wheel gets the grease, then Southshore, it’s time to make some noise.

In addition to the reporting link, you can email Josh Bellotti, Director of Public Works, and let him know we’re tired of playing vehicular dodgeball. His general inbox is [email protected], but if you really want to get his attention, try [email protected].

We’ve sent our email. Join the chorus of squeaky wheels and send one too.

2025 The Year of The Hypocrite

I’m certain you’ve seen the buzz, read the articles, and heard the chatter—but what exactly is Hypocrites Row, and why is everyone so excited?

More than just a restaurant, Hypocrites Row is a tribute to the Prohibition era—or rather, Florida’s lack of one. Back in the day, rum-running from the Bahamas was a lucrative but risky trade, leading to secret rooms, hidden tunnels, and speakeasies that defined the underground scene. One such hidden hallway at the famed Royal Poinciana Hotel earned the name Hypocrite’s Row—a nod to those who publicly condemned drinking while privately indulging.

Now, Hypocrites Row comes to Apollo Beach, bringing with it a level of mystique that would rival the clandestine hallways it got its name from. Hypocrites Row will serve up reimagined 1920s and ’30s classics, paired with innovative cocktails inspired by the era. With a sleek, modern aesthetic and a touch of vintage allure, this polished casual restaurant is set to be the first of its kind in the area—bringing a trendy, upscale vibe to Southshore.

Expected to open mid-year, Hypocrites Row is already making waves. Stay tuned for more updates—this is one place you won’t want to keep secret.

But Wait, There’s More

Seems like every edition, we have something to say about Southshore’s growth. Why would this one be any different? Well, it is. Just a bit.

After years—dare I say, decades—of limited dining options, sparse shopping, and nearly non-existent entertainment (does watching seagrass float count?), Southshore is finally stretching its legs and growing up.

With the addition of Waterset and other communities, it was inevitable that proper retail and dining would follow. Spots like Wingstop and Rock N Roll Sushi have already opened, and The Greyson and Hypocrites Row are on the way. But that’s just the beginning—a wave of auto spas, coffee shops, taco bars, and who-knows-what-else is cresting on the horizon.

Of course, change isn’t always smooth. More people, more traffic, and the slow, painful realization that your “secret” shortcut is now a major thoroughfare. But on the bright side, you’ll no longer have to drive 45 minutes just to find a decent steak or a cup of coffee that doesn’t taste like regret.

So while Southshore might be shedding a little of its small-town quiet, it’s gaining something even better—options. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love having more choices?

What’s washing up on the shore this week:

• Networking @ Noon
  CHCC hosted networking event. Date & Time: Friday, February 7, 2025, 12:00 PM Location: 6152 Delancey Station St. Suite 205, Riverview

• Annual Rummage Sale
  Come and find your next treasure. Date & Time: Friday, February 7, 2025, 8:00 AM Location: 701 Valley Forge Blvd., Sun City Center

• Cruise in & Brews
  Alright Angry Motor Heads! bring out those rides, and let's show the Tap House we can fill a Parking Lot!!. Date & Time: Friday, February 7, 2025, 6:00 PM Location: 10656 New East Bay Rd., Riverview

• Waterset Cars & Coffee
  Exotics, modern/vintage muscle cars, and imports. Date & Time: Saturday, February 8, 2025, 8:00 AM Location: 7012 Sail View Lane, Apollo Beach

• South Shore Appreciation Day
  Celebrating the re opening of the Fish House. Date & Time: Saturday, February 8, 2025, 11:00 AM Location: 1902 W Shell Point Rd. Ruskin

• Community Pet Vaccination Clinic
  Low-cost pet vaccination clinic. Date & Time: Saturday, February 8, 2025, 11:00 AM Location: 7015 US Highway 301 S, Riverview

• Black History Program
  Tampa DJ Hall of Fame Black History Program. Date & Time: Saturday, February 8, 2025, 12:30 PM Location: 9951 Balm Riverview Rd., Riverview

• Craft Fair
  Local craft fair. Date & Time: Saturday, February 8, 2025, 10:00 AM Location: 5050 Manatee Creek Blvd., Ruskin

The Rumor Mill:

• MilkShake Factory is looking to open off US 301 in Riverview this April

Meet your neighbor:

• Don’t be a stranger, we’re looking for our next friend.

Foodies Only:

• We’re busy gearing up for our next food challenge.

Local Sports:

Soccer

The Sumner Stingrays girls’ team is still making waves after a 2-0 win against Durant in round 1. Now, they’re headed to the semi-finals to face a tough Newsome team this Friday. Everyone here at The Circle will be cheering them on, so let’s channel our inner 80s pop diva and Let’s Hear It for the Girls!

The Riverview Sharks boys’ team is still swimming strong as well. After a victory over Venice in round 1, they’re advancing to the semi-finals to face Riverview Sarasota this Friday night. Here’s hoping we bring two banners back to the Southshore this season! Keep those fingers crossed!

• Friday 2/7 Sumner Girls vs. Newsome 7pm

• Friday 2/7 Riverview vs. Riverview Sarasota 7pm

Basketball

As we head into the semi-finals for District play, a few Southshore teams are still hanging on. Unfortunately, the Riverview boys fell to Alonso on Monday night. But on a brighter note, East Bay secured a victory over Hillsborough, and Lennard posted a commanding win against Palm Harbor University. Sumner will hit the court for the first time tonight after having a bye in the first round.

In girls’ basketball, Riverview defeated Lennard and is moving on to the semi-finals. Sumner’s girls also had a bye and will face Plant on Thursday, while East Bay’s girls, who had a bye as well, will take on Southeast on Thursday. The competition is heating up—let's keep the support going!

• Tuesday 2/5 Lennard vs. Plant

• Tuesday 2/5 Eastbay vs. Southeast

• Tuesday 2/5 Sumner vs. Alonso

• Thursday 2/6 East Bay Girls vs. Southeast

• Thursday 2/6 Riverview Girls vs. Palm Harbor University

The Neighborhood Post:

Coming Soon