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Featured Story

Water Shortage Declared. Panic Not Required. Irrigation Adjustments? Probably.

(If you read the last issue, then you know a guy.)

While the forecast calls for a very high chance of rain over the next three days, looks like the powers that be have said that’s enough. Phase 1 of SWFWMD water shortage has been declared as we hit a 13-inch rainfall deficit. Fun fact, I used to work as a Sr. Project Manager at the District so obviously, I’m an authority on these things. 😉

So what does this mean for us here in Southshore? In short, we are officially being told to chill on the unnecessary water use. Not full-blown drought rules yet, but enough of a warning that the District is giving us the side-eye. Think of it like when your mom used to say, “I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed.” That is basically what Phase 1 is.

Now, before you panic, you’re not losing your watering days, and nobody is coming to pry the hose out of your hand. This is more of a gentle nudge that says if you’ve got a sprinkler shooting water into the road like a decorative fountain, maybe go ahead and fix that. And if your irrigation timer is still set to run three times a day because you forgot to change it last spring, now is a great time to double-check that too.

According to the District, our lakes, rivers, and groundwater levels are lower than they should be, and Mother Nature has been stingy with the rain this season. Thirteen inches short is no joke, and although the next few days look soggy, the deficit is big enough that officials want us paying attention.

So here’s the bottom line. Be mindful. Don’t run the sprinklers just because the grass looked at you funny. Don’t leave the hose on while you wander off to take a phone call that somehow turns into a 40-minute conversation about your neighbor’s Christmas lights. And maybe take a peek at your irrigation system to make sure it isn’t spraying the side of your house like a toddler with a Super Soaker.

If we all play along now, we might stay out of stricter rules later. And honestly, it never hurts to save a little water.

Stay hydrated, Southshore. Just not too hydrated.

Your Wellness Tip of The Week

With Wellness Vitalized

Feeling down when everyone says you should be happy is common. Low mood can be linked to lack of sunlight, nutrient deficiencies, and the stress of it all. Prioritizing sleep and eating omega-3-rich foods (like salmon and walnuts) can directly support a brighter mood and a calmer mind.

Healthy Tip: Make a point to get outside for a 15-minute walk during daylight hours to boost your Vitamin D and serotonin levels.

If the holiday blues feel heavy, you don't have to carry them alone. Let's explore what your body needs to feel better. Book a call with Wellness Vitalized. Explore supportive supplements like high-quality Omega-3s in our Fullscript dispensary.

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

A Personal Story

Featuring Eric Nowak from McBreen & Nowak

Personal Attention to you Personal Injury (A slogan that actually means something)

Raise your digital hand if you’ve ever seen Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich. Now imagine the man above as Julia Roberts. A humorous visual, I know, but it’ll make sense in a minute.

I wanted to go with a personal story today. Here at The Southshore Circle, we work with a select group of brand partners. No more than 20, to be exact, because we actually build relationships with every company we bring into the fold. We know them, we talk to them regularly, and more importantly, we feel comfortable recommending them to our readers and even to our own families because we know they’ll get the job done.

With all that said, personal injury attorneys get a bad rep. Even I’ve been guilty of tossing around the “ambulance chaser” joke. Mega firms with TV ads and attorneys who materialize at the site of a crash like Lord Voldemort don’t exactly help the stereotype. But like most generalizations, there’s a lot more to the story.

Someone very close to me was involved in an auto accident. The kind that could mean a six-figure payout but also meant back problems for the next 60 years. And seriously, how much is your back worth for the next six decades?

This happened before I met Eric Nowak. And at the time, I would’ve assumed he was just like every other personal injury attorney. So this person went with a big billboard name. I won’t say who, but trust me, you know exactly who it was.

They went to doctors and therapists. The case dragged on for years. Eventually, it settled. The medical bills got paid, and a little money was left over. Nothing life-changing. Fair, but you don’t know what you don’t know.

Then I met Eric. And I heard a presentation he gave at a meeting I attended. This was the Erin Brockovich moment.

He spoke with authority about his craft, but more importantly, he spoke with passion. He wasn’t chasing ambulances. He was chasing justice. In fifteen minutes, he destroyed every stereotype that existed and made a fan of everyone in the room.

I was impressed. Then he went on about what really sets their firm apart. Unlike many personal injury firms, McBreen & Nowak will actually go to court. Honestly, I used to think settling was the whole point, but based on my experience, when you’re trying to put a figure on how something will impact you in the future, you want a fighter in your corner who’s willing to go the distance. Eric is genuinely an advocate for his clients. His firm goes to battle to make sure you get what you deserve.

And that’s my story. Yes, Eric Nowak from McBreen & Nowak is our business partner, but he’s also an attorney I believe in. If my own mother were in an accident, he’s exactly who I’d want representing her. So take down this number (813) 284-4024 and stick it in your glove compartment. Because if you’re ever in an auto accident, your first call should be 911, and your second call should be to Eric.

Southshore Spotlight

Echo - Host a Drive

Looking for a simple way to give back this season? ECHO’s Host a Drive program makes it easy. Whether you’re a business, school, church, or neighborhood group, you can collect food, clothing, hygiene items, or baby supplies to help local families in need.

ECHO provides everything you need: flyers, bins, and a quick-start toolkit, so all you have to do is rally your people and spread the word. A small effort on your part can make a big impact for a Southshore family.

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.

(We’re giving our services database a well-deserved makeover. A brand-new layout is on the way, and trust us, you’re going to love it.)

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

“Keep it Local!”

Foodies Only

Roots Southern BBQ

If you haven’t had Roots Southern BBQ yet, just know your taste buds are missing out on something special. Slow-smoked, full-flavor, and the kind of food that reminds you why Southern cooking never loses.

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.