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A Fancy Lost Art and The Battle of Southshore

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Featured Story

The Cursive Comeback

If you’ve got school-age kids or even know one, you’ve probably seen this play out. I’m not sure when it started, but these kids can’t read or write cursive anymore. It’s basically a foreign language.

If you aren’t in the know, this might sound shocking, but trust me, it’s real. They treat cursive like hieroglyphics. But if one state representative has his way, a wave of fancy S’s could be headed for Southshore.

In the latest session of the Florida Legislature, HB 127, following an earlier version HB 921, was filed to require public elementary schools to teach cursive in grades 2 through 5 and to make sure that by the end of 5th grade every student can read and write it proficiently.

Sponsored by Rep. Toby Overdorf of Palm City, the bill targets what supporters call a lost skill. Critics say it’s redundant or adds pressure to already crowded classrooms.

I don’t know which side of the lowercase q you fall on, but I do wonder how they’re signing these bills into law without it.

Quick Tips Post Paver

Just got new pavers and wondering when to seal them? Jeremy Forrest from Premier Pro Wash & Seal has the 411.

Southshore Story Time

🏝 THE RIVER BENEATH US

Part 3: The Crossing

The storms came hard that week, fat drops drumming rooftops across Riverview. Lena met Cal at his boat. The retired diver, ex-Navy salvage, knew those waters like his childhood zip code. Together they followed the map’s bearings to Cockroach Bay. Between lightning flashes, they found an inlet that looked wrong: too straight, too deliberate.

They anchored at low tide. Cal slipped beneath the surface with a flashlight and rope. Minutes later, he surfaced grinning. “There’s a tunnel around the way,” he said, “we can fit if we go slow.” Lena nodded, and Cal climbed onboard and motored the skiff toward the entrance.

Inside, limestone walls glimmered with flecks of fool’s gold. Fifty yards in, the beam of Cal’s light caught metal. Another chest with its lid pried open. Around it lay plastic crates, modern tools, and a clipboard bearing a Hillsborough County development permit dated last month.

“Somebody’s still using this tunnel,” Lena whispered.

“We should go,” Cal said in a serious tone. He pulled at the anchor line, but it was snagged. “Be right back,” he said, then dove into the murky water.

Seconds passed like a lazy stream. Lena grew restless just as a thud sounded and the boat rocked.

“Cal,” she called.

Air bubbled to the surface as a pale hand cleared the water.

But it wasn’t Cal’s.

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Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Brain Health

Date: Friday, October 24, 2025

Time: 11 AM

An engaging, interactive, and educational brain health program

Trunk or Treat

Date: Friday, October 24, 2025

Time: 6 PM

Come dressed in your Halloween best and enjoy a safe, festive, and FREE event!

Fall Festival

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025

Time: 4 PM

Celebrate the Autumn season at the community-wide annual Fall Festival.

Night Paddle

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025

Time: 6 PM

Join the Camp Bayou volunteers and explore the Little Manatee River after dark - without flashlights.

Circles Halloween Costume Party

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025

Time: 7 PM

Enjoy live music, wicked drink specials, and a legendary costume contest with $5,000 in cash prizes.

Customer Appreciation Day

Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025

Time: 10 AM

Enjoy all-day specials and shop from local vendors.

Tuesday, November 4 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Voodoo Brewing Co | 3432 State Rd 60, Valrico

Southshore Spotlight

The National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides® initiative refurbishes vehicles through industry partnerships. Since 2007, it has donated more than 3,500 vehicles to veterans, single mothers, and those in need.

The program not only restores cars, it restores opportunity, giving recipients reliable transportation, greater independence, and a fresh shot at stability.

Nominate your local hero by emailing us at [email protected]

We Know a Guy…or Girl

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.

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

“Keep it Local!”

Foodies Only

Eggs Up Grill in Riverview serves hearty breakfast and lunch classics alongside creative twists like chorizo scramblers and seasonal specials. It’s a friendly, family-focused spot with dine-in, takeout, and catering, built on a “neighbors serving neighbors” vibe. Perfect for an easy brunch or a casual bite any day.

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

Battle of the Quarterbacks: Who Rules Southshore?

Last Day to Vote!

It’s time to settle the score. Today is the last day to decide who’s the true throwing king of Southshore. Cast your vote, rally your team, and let’s see who takes the crown. The winner gets a full feature in The Southshore Circle and a gift card to one of our favorite local spots. Jacob Mobley with Lennard currently leads with 80% of the votes. Make sure your school doesn’t get left out.

Southshore Battle of the Quarterbacks

Click to choose your favorite Southshore QB

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Football

Lennard vs Palmetto, Friday 10/24 @7:30 PM - Home

East Bay vs Spoto, Friday 10/24 @ 7:30 PM - Home

Sumner vs Alonso, Friday 10/24 @7:30 PM - Home

Riverview vs Bloomingdale, Friday 10/24, @ 7:30 PM - Away

Spoto vs East Bay, Friday 10/24, @7:30 PM - Away

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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