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Southshore Hits it Big
Sunday, March 23rd, 2025
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Southshore Hits it Big
It’s The Southshore Circle—because ‘I saw it on Facebook’ isn’t exactly trustworthy journalism.
In Today’s Edition:
Brought to you today by:
Insurance Broker: Anthony Freeman
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Katt Williams’ Surprising Southshore Roots
If you follow comedy—or just keep up with the news—you’ve probably heard of Katt Williams. But what you may not know is that his comedy career started right here in good ol' Southshore!
That’s right! This week on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Katt Williams shared a story about his time in Ruskin. You can watch the interview [HERE].
Katt recalled how, at just 16 years old, he stumbled into his first comedy gig by accident. While trying to avoid being carded at the door, he unknowingly entered a comedy competition. Not only did he manage to stay inside—he won the whole thing!
He didn’t return to comedy for another six years, but that unexpected win was the spark that eventually led to his legendary career.
Sometimes the best things happen by accident... or by dodging a bouncer. 😉
Florida’s Crackdown on Tips
If you've ever picked up a to-go order, poured your own drink, or barely made eye contact with an employee only to be hit with a “Would you like to leave a tip?” screen, you know the struggle. Well, Florida lawmakers are stepping in—and honestly, it's about time.
House Bill 535 is looking to crack down on automatic gratuities, and I couldn’t be happier. Under this bill, restaurants can only tack on those sneaky service fees for parties of six or more. Smaller group? No surprise fees. And here’s the best part—if the service was terrible, you’re not even required to pay it. That's right, no more tipping for that server who ghosted your table like they were in witness protection.
The bill also requires restaurants to be crystal clear about where that automatic charge is going. No more mystery math where you're left wondering if you’re tipping the bartender, the dishwasher, or the owner's retirement fund.
Now look, I’m all for tipping hardworking servers—but tossing 20% at a counter where I did all the work? No thanks. This bill puts the power back where it belongs: in the hands of people who actually experienced the service.
So, Florida, for once, I say bravo. Let's keep tipping where it belongs — as a reward for good service, not a ransom demand at the checkout screen.
Cutting Class: Senate Bill 166
In what feels like a plot twist ripped from a bad comedy script, Florida is now considering dropping Algebra I and English exams as graduation requirements. That’s right — Under Senate Bill 166, students may no longer need to prove they understand basic math or know the difference between your and you’re to walk across the stage.
Now, I get it — not everyone’s dream involves quadratic equations or diagramming sentences. But here’s the catch: removing these requirements doesn’t just hurt students who plan to attend college — it affects everyone.
We’re not just raising a generation of students who struggle with Shakespeare; we’re raising a population that may one day struggle to read a lease agreement, calculate interest rates, or — heaven forbid — figure out the tip at a restaurant.
This isn’t just about algebra and essays — it’s about the steady erosion of educational expectations. Every time we lower the bar, we tell students, “Eh, close enough.” But in the real world, "close enough" doesn't cut it when you're negotiating a mortgage or reading the fine print on your health insurance plan.
Imagine a world where your pharmacist is guessing dosages because they never quite nailed conversions. Or your mechanic swears your car’s engine just needs some “good vibes” because they missed the science behind combustion. Spoiler alert: that's not a world you want to live in.
The scariest consequence of all? A population that lacks basic knowledge is a population that’s easier to mislead, exploit, and manipulate. When people can’t crunch the numbers, decipher legal jargon, or spot misinformation, they become sitting ducks in a world designed to take advantage of them.
If we want to build strong communities — filled with people who can make informed decisions about their finances, their health, and yes, even their politics — we need to hold education to a higher standard, not a lower one.
Education is supposed to challenge us, stretch us, and prepare us for the unexpected twists and turns of life. So let’s stop pretending we’re doing students a favor by making things easier. Because the truth is, the easiest path often leads straight to regret.
Florida may be trying to rewrite the script, but this is one plot twist that shouldn’t make it past the first draft. What are your thoughts on the proposed bill?
What’s washing up on the shore this week:
Come party with the Summit Kings down by the rive, Date & Time: Sunday, March 23, 2025, 2:30 PM Location: 11222 Casa Loma Dr, Riverview
Have you ever wanted to do a triathlon? Date & Time: Sunday, March 23, 2025, 3:00 PM Location: 9650 Old Big Bend Road, Riverview
Reset breathwork session that will leave you feeling ready for your week, Date & Time: Sunday, March 23, 2025, 3:00 PM Location: 256 Apollo Beach Blvd, Apollo Beach
Music, karaoke, dancing, games such as Loteria, Cornhole, Darts and Table Games, Date & Time: Sunday, March 23, 2025, 3:00 PM Location: 6656 US Hwy 301 S, Riverview
Love Watercolor, Acrylics and work on individual projects this class is for you. All levels welcome. Date & Time: Monday, March 24, 2025, 1:30 PM Location: 101 1st Ave NE, Ruskin
Bring the kids age (5-16) out for some FUNdamentals!!! Date & Time: Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 6:00 PM Location: 6110 Waterset Blvd, Apollo Beach
Join us for Hoppy Bunny, a fun and easy in-person paint party. Date & Time: Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 6:00 PM Location: 12350 US Hwy 301 S unit 108, Riverview
Weekly Educational Wine Tasting. Date & Time: Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 7:00 PM Location: 238 Harbor Village Lane, Apollo Beach
Support the Lady Indians Softball Team by purchasing a smoothie! Date & Time: Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 4:00 PM Location: 6170 Paseo Al Mar Blvd. Ste 102, Apollo Beach
Create your own unique jewelry dish and charm bracelet. Date & Time: Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 6:30 PM Location: 12350 US Hwy 301 S unit 108, Riverview
The Rumor Mill:
Whispers of a Culver’s coming to Ruskin near Big Lots.
The Southshore Spotlight:
Currently in search of a hero.
Foodies Only:
Monday, March 24th, is opening day! We haven't had a chance to try them out yet, but with temperatures rising, homemade ice cream sounds like the perfect idea. Doors open at 7 AM, so if you need your caffeine fix, stop by and grab some locally roasted coffee. We hope to catch you there!
Local Sports:
Flag Football
Riverview vs Plant City Tuesday 3/25 @ 7:30pm
East bay vs Gaither Wednesday 3/26 @ 7:30pm
Lennard vs Robinson Thursday 3/27 @ 7:30pm
Sumner vs Leto Thursday 3/27 @ 7:30pm
Riverview vs Bloomingdale 3/27 @ 7:30pm
Baseball
Riverview vs Bloomingdale Tuesday 3/25 @ 7pm
East Bay vs Sumner Tuesday 3/25 @ 7pm
Lennard vs Plant City Tuesday 3/25 @ 7pm
Riverview vs Lennard Thursday 3/27@ 7pm
East Bay vs Spoto Thursday 3/27 @ 7pm
Sumner vs Bloomingdale Thursday 3/27 @ 7pm
Softball
Sumner vs East Bay Tuesday 3/25 @ 7pm
Lennard vs Plant City Tuesday 3/25 @ 7pm
Riverview vs Jefferson Tuesday 3/25. @ 7pm
Riverview vs Lakewood Ranch Wednesday 3/26 @7pm
Sumner vs Bloomingdale Thursday 3/27 @ 7pm
Lennard vs Riverview Thursday 3/27 @ 7pm
East Bay vs Plant Thursday 3/27 @ 7pm
We Know a Guy…or Gal:
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News or Events you’d like to share? Email us at: [email protected]
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