Teen Drivers...Not So Fast!

Ron Desantis Hits the Brakes on Teen Driving and Southshore Story Time

June 04, 2025

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Southshore Story Time

The Town The River Swallowed

Part 2

In 1885, the U.S. Postal Service abruptly packed up and moved operations across the river. Just like that, Peru disappeared—erased with a zip code change and a trail of undelivered mail.

And from those ashes, Riverview was born.

Businesses rebranded. Families relocated. The ones who stayed behind watched their town become a ghost—unrecognized, unremembered.

And over time, they became invisible too.

But something lingered.

Visitors on the Riverview side began whispering of strange things—soft voices drifting from the woods across the water. Lights that flickered in places where no homes had stood in decades.

Then one night, a young boy followed those lights…

and walked straight into the past.

Featured Story

Learning to Drive Just Got a Bit More Complicated

If you’ve got teens or older kids like I do, then you know the drill. Pay the state for a substance abuse course. Pay the state to take a traffic law test. Then pay the state again so your 15-year-old can test your patience while you teach them to drive through what I can only describe as Florida’s Mad Max Thunder Dome of traffic chaos.

Well, that little song and dance just got more complicated.

Starting July 1, 2025, teens hoping to get behind the wheel in Florida will have one more box to check. Governor Ron DeSantis just signed a new law requiring all 15-, 16-, and 17-year-olds to complete a full driver’s education course before they can get a learner’s permit.

That’s right. You now have to learn to drive before you can learn to drive.

I’m all for safer roads and young drivers getting as much prep as possible. But I can already tell you, this is going to create headaches.

When my middle child took driver’s ed last year, kids needed to already have their learner’s permit to enroll. I don’t know if that’s a universal policy or just some school quirk, but the contradiction is real. How are kids supposed to take driver’s ed before they can get a permit if they need that same permit just to take driver’s ed? Looks like the left and right hands need to have a meeting.

As for adults 18 and up? No changes. Just the same traffic law and substance abuse course. Lucky them.

But if your teen is counting down the days to their first nerve-wracking drive down Big Bend or 301, make sure they’re lined up for a certified driver’s ed program because come July, it’s not just a good idea. It’s the law.

Buckle up, Southshore. It’s about to get interesting.

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Finn’s Run Club - 5k Run/Walk

Date: Wednesday, June 4th, 2025

Time: 6:30 PM

All ages and paces welcome, route out to Apollo Beach Preserve. Happy Hour Prices extended for Run Club Members at outside Patio Bar.

Trivia Night

Date: Wednesday, June 4th, 2025

Time: 7 PM

Test your knowledge, compete for prizes, and enjoy a fun-filled evening of trivia and laughter with your team.

Golf Cart Registration and Inspection

Date: Thursday, June 5th, 2025

Time: 9:30 AM

This registration is a collaboration between the SCC security Patrol and HCSO at $0 cost.

Sunset Vibes Are Calling

Date: Thursday, June 5th, 2025

Time: 7 PM

Join rare Bird Art Studio for a tropical night of creativity! Cost $35

Casual Commander

Date: Friday, June 6th, 2025

Time: 7 PM

Come have fun with current and new friends, hang out, and sling some spells! This will be a CASUAL event and $7 entry gets you a magic booster and open play all night!

Noche Nortena - Grupo Relevanzia

Date: Friday, June 6th, 2025

Time: 9 PM

Live Music

AROUND TOWN

Southshore Spotlight

As a writer, this is an initiative I can really get behind. Hillsborough County’s Summer Reading Challenge is underway with events, activities, and prizes for all ages.

Foodies Only

Kings Lake Grille in Gibsonton serves up American comfort food with a Japanese twist. Think mini burgers and specialty ramen. Located on Big Bend Rd, it’s a cozy, family-run spot for dine-in, takeout, or delivery.

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.
Check out our growing list of service pros—soon to be verified and proudly rocking the Southshore Circle Badge of Approval.

Local Sports

Summer storms are rolling through, it’s time to charge up your workouts. AB Sports Performance helps athletes of all levels level up with expert coaching, elite programs, and serious results.

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

The Southshore Circle: Local. Quick. Actually useful.

Until next time,

Keep It Local.

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