Teco is Back at It

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Featured Story

Thanks Teco

You read the title right, Tampa Electric Company (TECO) is Teco-ing again. Brace yourselves, because another utility bill bump is headed our way. TECO has filed a request with the Florida Public Service Commission to boost its residential rates by about 5.3% That’s roughly an extra $8.88 a month for a typical customer using 1,000 kWh.

Why the increase? Because why not? TECO says it’s tied to storm recovery efforts, building three major energy-storage facilities, a pair of solar plants, and infrastructure upgrades to handle our growing, hot-as-heck region. I say it’s because what are you gonna do about it?

Meanwhile, though, many Southshore households are thinking: “I already pay this. What else is left to pay for?” There have been protests, customer pushback, and plenty of questions about how many more years we’ll keep absorbing these increases.

This increase adds to the cost of living that keeps creeping up. Keep an eye on your next bill, check your usage, and if you’re feeling the squeeze, start asking what TECO is doing to keep your costs in check. Because right now, it’s looking like the utility’s cost of “keeping the lights on” is becoming our cost of “keeping the lights on.”

Southshore Story Time

Home For The Holidays

Part 2: The Space Between

The days felt both long and short. Elena would wake up, make Sofia breakfast, and head to work at the elementary school. She’d smile at parents who didn’t know that sometimes, when she said, “Have a good day,” she meant, “Hug them a little tighter.”

Daniel emailed when he could, short, careful notes that always ended with “Tell Sof I’m proud of her.” Some nights, when the wind rattled the palms outside, Elena would pour a cup of tea and reread those old messages just to hear his voice in her head again.

Sofia asked questions she didn’t know how to answer. “Why can’t he just come home?” “What if they don’t let him?” “Do soldiers get Thanksgiving off?” Elena would pull her close and say the same thing each time: “Soon.”

And then, one afternoon, a message came through, not a call, not a video chat, just a text that said, “Save me some pie.”

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Maybe That’s Not Trash

Hillsborough County says they’re seeing more fires from tossed rechargeable batteries, especially in garbage trucks and at recycling centers. One bad battery can spark, catch nearby trash, and now the whole load is a fire risk. That puts workers and your neighborhood in danger.

Here’s what to do instead:

• Don’t put rechargeable/lithium batteries in your regular trash or recycling.

• Tape the battery terminals and put them in a plastic bag.

• Drop them at a county collection site or hazardous waste event (HCFL.gov/Batteries).

Small step, big impact. Let’s keep Southshore safe.

Seasonal Food That Nourish

With Wellness Vitalized

Eating with the season keeps your microbiome thriving. This winter, focus on:

• Root vegetables (carrots, beets, sweet potatoes) for fiber and natural prebiotics

• Fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, miso) for healthy bacteria

• Bone broth and soups to soothe and replenish

• Leafy greens (kale, collards) for antioxidants

• Citrus fruits for vitamin C and polyphenols

Pairing protein, fiber, and healthy fats in every meal helps stabilize blood sugar and reduce sugar cravings, especially during the festive season.

For more tips and healthy habits, check out Wellness Vitalized

Southshore Spotlight

Homeless Empowerment Program

Since 1986, HEP has helped break the cycle of homelessness for individuals, families, and veterans in the Tampa Bay region. They provide housing, meals, clothing, and a full range of support services, from mental and physical health care to workforce development and self-sufficiency efforts.

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.

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

“Keep it Local!”

Foodies Only

Your Restaurant

Got something cooking? New menu items, promos, specials, events? This is the spot to share them with 35,000 hungry Southshore readers. From Apollo Beach to Wimauma, if it’s tasty, we want to talk about it.

Only 20 feature spots are available for the year, so if you’ve got a restaurant, food truck, or even the best lemonade stand on the block, claim yours now.

Email [email protected] and let’s get your business on the menu.

Local Sports

Winter sports are in session. Find times to your favorite games below.

Soccer

Lennard vs Sumner, Friday 11/7 @ 6 PM - Home

East Bay vs Durant, Friday 11/7 @ 6 PM - Home

Riverview vs Newsome, Thursday 11/6 @ 6 PM - Away

News or Events you’d like to share? Email us at: [email protected] 

Until next time,

Keep It Local.