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Sit Back, Relax, and Act Like You've Been Here Before
Storm updates, Riverview racers, and more seagrass for manatees
Featured Story
Just Another Day in Florida
Looks like that disturbance in the Atlantic got disturbed. It went from likely to form into something to not a chance at all. Yet somehow next week is all rain, wall to wall. If you are new here, welcome to Florida.
We’ve talked about flooding before, and the ground looks like it can’t take many more of our daily afternoon storms. Not to mention these potholes are multiplying like rabbits. I’m pretty sure I saw someone receiving mail at one of them.
So in summary, all quiet on the Western Front. Grab a lawn chair, make yourself a drink, and get ready for whatever the bingo card serves up next. The only certainty we have is the uncertainty of the forecast. Stay ready and stay tuned, Southshore.
A word from Debbie Baker on TRUST
People call and say “I Need a Trust.” It’s often during our first conversation, and quite often, it’s not true. They’ve heard from friends that it’s necessary in order to avoid probate. It may be necessary for that purpose but isn’t always the case.
My experience is that families with adult children and adult grandchildren have simpler methods to distribute their assets as they like – mainly through beneficiary designations and Lady Bird deeds (enhanced life estate deeds).
Southshore Story Time
Apollo Beach, A Town Built by Tides
Part 3: Manatees, Stacks, and Winter Magic
Every winter, Apollo Beach hosts the quietest celebrities in Florida. When the bay chills, the manatees follow the warm discharge near the stacks. Kids press their noses to the rail and count whiskers. Grandparents tell the same story with better sound effects. The water steams in the morning like a cup of tea.
It is an odd friendship, machines and mammals, but it works. The manatees get a spa day. We get a front row seat to big, gentle neighbors who seem to know something about patience that we keep forgetting. Families make a day of it. Sandwiches in the cooler, photos that never really capture the feeling, and the drive home with the windows cracked even when the air pretends it is January.
If your garage could talk…well, it can’t, so just assume it wants a makeover.
Things to do
What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week
Burn Bootcamp Grand ReOpeningDate: Sunday, September 7, 2025 Time: 12 PM Grand reopening Party with New ownership. | The Jukebox Johnnie’sDate: Sunday, September 7, 2025 Time: 1 PM Live Music! | Fundamentals of YogaDate: Sunday, September 7, 2025 Time: 5 PM Explore yoga philosophy and more. |
Beanies Tailgate PartyDate: Sunday, September 7, 2025 Time: 6 PM Bills vs. Ravens season opener. | Bingo NightDate: Monday, September 8, 2025 Time: 5:30 PM Bring your lucky charm and your appetite. | Wet-up Soca AerobicsDate: Monday, September 8, 2025 Time: 7 PM A thrilling dance fitness experience combining the rhythms of Soca with interval-style workouts. |
Riverview Might Need to Slow Down
Back in November 2024, Hillsborough County started using speed cameras in school zones. I’m not a fan of speed cameras, but if there is one place this application makes sense, it’s a school zone. The county currently operates 29 speed cameras, and the city has an additional 10, with plans to bump that up to 13.
While we love to hear about Southshore leading the charge, this is one title we can do without. The camera near Riverview High School is at the top of the list, with a reported 4,869 warnings. Sighs heavily.
If you’re reading this and you’ve got a heavy foot, let’s see if we can do better. I promise you, in the grand scheme of things, the thirty seconds you save will not be worth risking a kid’s safety or a $100 ticket.
Bottom line for Southshore: slow down near schools, watch for the flashing beacons, and give crossing guards plenty of space. Your future self, your neighbors, and every kid with a backpack will thank you.
A Therapist Who Walks Beside You
At Calming Transformations, we believe therapy doesn’t always have to happen in an office. Walk and Talk Therapy takes counseling outside, where fresh air, gentle movement, and open space can make it easier to share what’s on your mind. Many people find walking side by side helps them feel more relaxed and less pressured, leading to conversations that flow naturally.  | We also understand the importance of faith in healing. That’s why we offer Christian Counseling, integrating biblical truth with professional care. Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, or difficult life transitions, we’ll walk with you (spiritually and, if you choose to integrate it with walk and talk therapy, literally) to help you find clarity and peace. In-office sessions are also available if you prefer to chat face-to-face.  |
If you’ve been looking for a new way to take care of your mental and spiritual well-being, this may be the first step forward. Get in touch today!
Chad Thompson, LCSW | Calming Transformations Counseling
Apollo Beach is Serving Up Seagrass
If you didn’t know, manatees are some of our favorite creatures here at the Circle. They’re chubby with pudgy little faces, tiny flippers, whiskers, and we often like to make AI images of them eating tacos. Yep, we used the image above before. But a new seagrass restoration project out in Apollo Beach aims to have them eating more seagrass and less carne asada.
The same thing that kept the waters near the TECO power station optimal for our chubby friends kept the seagrass from growing. That meant warm water, but less food. But TECO said enough with coal burning and transitioned to natural gas. So, guess what? Seagrass is back on the menu, boys.
A restoration project is underway, and while the waters are a little cooler, at least the manatees will have something to eat besides street tacos.
Southshore Spotlight
Retreat for Heroes is an Apollo Beach nonprofit that supports first responders and their families with healing retreats, peer support, and mental health resources. Their focus is healing, suicide prevention, and strengthening the family unit.
Nominate your local hero by emailing us at [email protected]
AROUND TOWN
We Know a Guy…or Girl  If you need it, we’ve probably got it. And if we don’t, we’ll get it. Before you ask Facebook for a referral, click above to see our list of trusted pros who keep Southshore running—and looking good. Best part? They’re all right here in our community. Want on the list? Email [email protected] “Keep it Local!” | Foodies Only  One of the first restaurants we featured now pours beer, wine, sake, and rocktails! The menu is expanding, and the drinks are flowing. Drop by Rock N Roll Sushi at The Yard and let the good times roll. |
Local Sports
Football
Lennard vs Gateway, Friday 9/12 @7:30 PM - Away
East Bay vs Bloomingdale, Friday 9/12 @ 7:30 PM - Away
Sumner vs Newsome, Friday 9/12 @7:30 PM - Away
Riverview vs Plant City, Friday 9/12, @ 7:30 PM - Home
Spoto vs King, Friday 9/12, @7:30 PM - Home
Show Us Your Southshore
We know Southshore is full of great views, great people, and the occasional photo-worthy moment (yes, even the rogue peacock sightings).
Send us your best shots from around the community—whether it’s a stunning sunset, a favorite local hangout, or just something that screams “Southshore life.”
We’ll feature our favorites in upcoming editions of the Circle!
Email your pics to [email protected] and show off your slice of Southshore.
This week, as many of the projects around Southshore begin to take shape, these pictures are all about development.
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News or Events you’d like to share? Email us at: [email protected]
“It’s The Southshore Circle-because staying informed shouldn’t feel like a full-time job.”
Until next time,
Keep It Local.
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