Sunday, December 1st, 2024

Author

Rashad Freeman
December 01, 2024

Want to get your business in The Southshore Circle? Let’s talk!

THE CLOCK IS TICKING

We’ve all heard it before—“New Year, New You.” But let’s face it: time’s ticking, and you’ve got a lot on your plate. Reality check: there are only 24 days until Christmas (hope you’ve started shopping) and just 30 days left to crush those New Year’s resolutions for 2024.

No pressure, though. Just lace up those sneakers, take a deep breath, and get ready to sprint through the finish line of this chaotic year. On your mark, get set... go!

In Today’s Edition:

  • What’s Swinging in Southshore

  • Riverview’s Northern Lights Might be Out

  • Sharing is more than Caring

Swing Into Winter…Southshore Style

If Santa played golf, you can bet your jolly red suit he’d set up shop in Southshore. Why? Because this place is practically a hole-in-one for year-round living. Picture it: endless sunshine, big-city conveniences, a laid-back beach-town vibe, and just enough remnants of rural small-town charm to make you feel like you’re starring in your own Hallmark movie. Sure, we may be one golf course down, but the remaining clubs are still up and swinging like a pro on the back nine.

Take Summerfield Crossings Golf Club and Cypress Creek Golf Club, for example. These local gems aren’t just playgrounds for the Southshore faithful—they’re tourist magnets, too. And let’s be honest, with so many Southshore residents zipping around in golf carts like it’s the Indy 500, it’d be borderline criminal not to have a couple of courses to keep the masses entertained.

Now, let’s talk weather. While your northern friends are out shoveling snow and cursing their life choices, we’re down here basking in “winter” temps that are warmer than some folks’ July. That’s right—it’s basically a crime not to pick up a new outdoor hobby. So why not trade your Topgolf swing for the real deal? Hit the greens, work on your follow-through, and perfect that questionable celebratory fist pump.

Do you golf? Look, we’re no Tiger Woods, but let’s not kid ourselves—we’re not exactly Happy Gilmore either (although I wouldn’t mind attempting a hockey slap shot or two). Personally, I navigate a golf course about as well as I’d handle the control panel of a nuclear submarine. But hey, that’s no excuse for you not to sharpen your skills and take a crack at lowering that handicap.

So grab your clubs, channel your inner Phil Mickelson (or just your inner “guy who owns plaid pants”), and let’s hit the greens. Southshore is calling—answer the tee!

The House of Lights on Riverview Dr.

If you’re new to Southshore—or you’ve been living under a rock without Wi-Fi—allow me to introduce you to one of the area's crown jewels: the legendary light show on Riverview Drive. This isn’t just any Christmas display. No, no. This is THE Christmas display, the kind that would have Clark Griswold himself sobbing tears of envy while muttering, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

Nestled at 9711 Riverview Drive, this private residence transforms into a holiday wonderland each winter, welcoming visitors from near and far to bask in its dazzling glow. This is where I would normally tell you to bring your coziest coat, lace up those comfy walking shoes, and prepare to be transported to a realm where Christmas magic practically slaps you in the face (in the most festive way possible, of course).

This display has been a feast for the eyes for years: glittering lights, reindeer that look like they could dash off at any moment, tin soldiers standing guard, snow globes, Christmas trees, and a sleigh-load more. Oh, and did I mention the complimentary bags of popcorn? Yes, folks—this is holiday hospitality at its finest.

Now, here’s the kicker: it’s free. Yup, you read that right. But let’s be real—running this North Pole extravaganza doesn’t come cheap, and December’s electric bill could probably buy a small yacht.

For over 40 years, Terry Martinez has been lighting up Riverview nights with his ever-growing winter wonderland. But, this year, the lights are taking an unplanned hiatus. Back-to-back blows from hurricanes Helene and Milton have pulled the plug—literally—on this year’s celebration. The damage left in their wake has forced the Martinez family to step back, leaving a noticeable void in Southshore’s holiday festivities.

At The Circle, we understand how heartbreaking this news is for the community. Hurricanes are an all-too-familiar challenge for us Floridians, and the toll they take—both emotionally and physically—is immense.

While we’re sending all the good vibes we can muster to the Martinez family, we’re also hopeful for a comeback. If there’s one thing Southshore knows how to do, it’s rebuild, and we wouldn’t be surprised if this hiatus sets the stage for an even brighter return in the future.

We’ll keep our ears to the ground (or eyes on the lights) and update you if there’s any news. For now, let’s rally behind the Martinez family, supporting them however we can, and look forward to the day Riverview Drive once again shines as brightly as ever

The Circle is Growing

Southshore, make some room—The Southshore Circle is stretching its legs and settling in! Our subscriber list is sprouting faster than crab grass on a July afternoon, and we couldn’t be more excited.

Why? Because bigger means better! We’re gearing up to expand our team, which means even more deals, specials, and insider scoops coming your way. With more eyeballs combing through every corner of Southshore, you can rest easy knowing you’ll never miss a thing. From the hottest happenings to the best local eats, we’re your all-access pass to everything that makes Southshore tick.

But here’s the thing—what fun is growing without inviting our readers to the party? That’s why we’re turning things up a notch with a revamped referral program that gives you more Southshore when you share.

Here’s the deal: Every month, we’re raffling off a $50 Gift Card to one of Southshore’s best-loved spots—Circles Waterfront, Finn’s Dockside, or Apollo Beach Bistro. Imagine indulging in a sunset dinner or a seafood feast, all on us!

How to Enter:
It couldn’t be simpler.

  1. Click the share button at the bottom of this email.

  2. Send The Circle to three of your friends.

  3. Boom—you’re in the running for that sweet $50 gift card.

So go ahead, spread the love, and let’s grow this community together. The bigger The Circle gets, the more value we can deliver straight to your inbox. Plus, wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy some free crab cakes courtesy of your favorite newsletter?

Thanks for being part of this journey—we’re just getting started. Let’s make Southshore shine even brighter, together.

What’s washing up on the shore this week:

The Rumor Mill:

  • Closed today.

Meet your neighbor:

  • This section will set sail in the new year. Think of it as matchmaking for you and the cool spots you didn’t know you needed in your life.

Foodies Only:

  • The turkey wings were good, but now it’s time to crown a Wing King of Southshore. We’ve sampled the sauces and the results are in, but before we bow to the best wings this side of the Alafia we’ll need a little help from our members. Next issue look out for our poll.

Local Sports:

That’s right, folks, the break’s done, and high school sports are back in full swing. Time to dig out your face paint, dust off the ol’ bullhorn, and maybe even throw on that letterman jacket you meant to wear back in the day (but never did).

So grab your snacks, your cheering squad, and your loudest “Let’s go, team!”—because the local sports scene needs you in the stands. Let’s show them what hometown spirit is all about!

Soccer Match-ups this week

  • Tuesday 12/3 Lennard @ Plant City 6pm

  • Tuesday 12/3 EastBay @ Riverview 6pm

  • Tuesday 12/3 Sumner hosts Newsome 6pm

  • Friday 12/6 Lennard hosts Newsome 6pm

  • Friday 12/6 EastBay hosts Plant City 6pm

  • Friday 12/6 Sumner @ Bloomingdale 6pm

  • Friday 12/6 Riverview @ Durant 6pm

Basketball Match-ups

  • Tuesday 12/3 Lennard @ Brandon 6:30pm

  • Tuesday 12/3 EastBay @ Durant 6:30pm

  • Tuesday 12/3 Sumner hosts Riverview 6:30pm

  • Wednesday 12/4 EastBay @ King 6:30pm

  • Wednesday 12/4 Riverview @ Middleton

  • Thursday 12/5 Lennard @ Strawberry Crest 6:30pm

  • Thursday 12/5 Sumner hosts Tech

  • Friday 12/6 Lennard hosts Bloomingdale 6:30pm

  • Friday 12/6 EastBay hosts Brandon 6:30pm

  • Friday 12/6 Sumner @ Durant 6:30pm

  • Friday 12/6 Riverview @ Plant City 6:30pm

The Neighborhood Post:

Coming Soon.

The Neighborhood Post section of The Southshore Circle is your go-to hub for all things local. Whether you’re searching for a handyman, selling that bike you’ve outgrown, or looking to adopt a furry friend, this section connects you directly to what’s happening in our community. Think of it as the bulletin board at your favorite coffee shop—but with way more reach and convenience!

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