Sunday, November 10th, 2024

Author

Rashad Freeman
November 10, 2024

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

SOUTHSHORE IS GROWING…but is that a good thing?

I’ve lived in Apollo Beach for a very long time. Long by my definition in relation to my age, which shall remain a mystery. But since 1997, I’ve graced these shores, and as anyone in this area can see, things have changed a lot. It’s not lost on me that things grow. Our kids, hopefully our bank accounts, and around the holidays our waistlines. But is all growth good?

In Today’s Edition:

  • Riverview, one of the fastest growing cities in the US

  • The Manatee Migration begins, but its days are numbered 

RIVERVIEW IS BOOMING TO A BUST

A new report finds that Riverview is in the top 5 cities with the fastest growth over the last five years. This isn’t a shocker to anyone in Southshore. As a matter of fact the shocking thing is that the entire area didn’t make the list.

Covid definitely had a hand to play in our growth, as people flocked to the state during the lockdown. And as a lifelong Floridian I have to pose the question, what’s not to love? Also, as a lifelong Floridian I can immediately answer that. Traffic!

The boom does have its benefits from greater diversity and economic activity, to innovation and improvements and cost efficiency. But is the environmental impact, strain on the infrastructure, and resource demand too much to pay? Overcrowded schools, overcrowded roads, and development that never seems to stop has become all too common.

I’m hoping things will slow down as the rapid growth threatens to rob the area of its unique identity. The Southshore area has been a hidden gem for a long time. But like most shiny things, it couldn’t stay hidden forever.

THE MANATEE VIEWING CENTER OPENS FOR THE SEASON

The Manatee Viewing Center at the Big Bend Power Station has opened for the season. Now until April 15th viewers will have the chance to get to know our seasonal visitors as hundreds of West Indian Manatees gather to take advantage of the warm waters. It’s become a tradition in the area, but this custom might be coming to an end.

Within the next 30 years the power plant will be converting to cleaner energy and moving away from fossil fuels. This will stop the warm water discharge which is what brings the manatees to the area and is vital to their survival. When water temps get below 68 degrees, it can be fatal to the gentle giants.

This has been a looming problem known since 2004. The jury is still out on a resolution, but for now the manatees will be gathering as usual. We’ll keep an eye on this story as it develops, but a day may come when the manatees have moved on. So, make sure you get to see them while they’re here.

What’s washing up on the shore this week:

The Rumor Mill:

  • Closed Today.

Meet your neighbor:

  • Coming Soon!

Foodies Only:

  • Coming Soon!

Local Sports:

  • The big matchups this week in Soccer:

    • Lennard vs. Bloomingdale Nov. 15th

    • Sumner vs. Riverview Nov. 12th

    • Eastbay vs. Brandon Nov. 15th

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