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TLDR: THE SKINNY

• What’s Valentine’s Day all about?

• Local government changes on the horizon.

• The best water filtration system on the planet.

Featured Story

The Heart of The Matter

A little Valentine’s Day History, Southshore Style

Every year around this time, the same thing happens in Southshore. Flowers disappear, restaurant reservations get scarce, and someone ends up wandering through Publix at 9:30 at night hoping there’s still a decent card left.

But Valentine’s Day didn’t actually start with roses and chocolate.

The holiday dates back to ancient Rome, where a mid-February festival called Lupercalia celebrated fertility and the coming of spring. It was less candlelight dinner and more chaotic celebration. Eventually, the church replaced the festival with St. Valentine’s Day, named after a Christian martyr. Over time, stories connected Valentine with love and romance, and the idea stuck.

The romantic version didn’t really take off until the Middle Ages, when poets started linking February to love and courtship. By the 1800s, people were exchanging cards and gifts, and by the early 1900s, companies realized love and candy sold pretty well together.

Fast forward to today, and Valentine’s Day is less about tradition and more about experience. Dinner out, a weekend away, or just doing something thoughtful for someone you care about.

And here in Southshore, it usually means packed restaurants, last-minute plans, and at least a few people promising themselves they’ll plan earlier next year.

History says they probably won’t.

For the hopeless romantics out there - Your Valentine’s Day Soundtrack

Changes Could Be Coming to Hillsborough County Government

Proposal could expand the County Commission and allow voters to decide on an elected school superintendent

If you’ve ever wondered why decisions in Hillsborough County sometimes feel like they’re made somewhere far away from where you live, that conversation might be about to get louder.

A proposal moving through the Florida House, backed by Apollo Beach Rep. Michael Owen, could bring some big changes to how Hillsborough County government works. And eventually, voters would get the final say.

The first part of the proposal would expand the County Commission from seven members to nine, with the possibility of growing to eleven in the future as the county continues to grow. Right now, some commissioners are elected countywide while others represent specific districts. The proposal would shift all seats to single-member districts, meaning each commissioner would represent a specific area instead of the entire county.

Supporters say this gives neighborhoods better representation, especially in fast-growing areas outside of Tampa’s urban core. Areas like Southshore. Critics worry it could increase costs and change how countywide decisions get made.

The second piece getting attention involves schools. Another proposal would allow voters to decide whether Hillsborough’s school superintendent should be elected instead of appointed by the school board. Supporters argue it gives parents more direct control, while opponents say it could bring more politics into education.

Nothing changes yet. Even if the Legislature approves everything, these decisions would still go to Hillsborough voters in a future referendum, likely sometime this year.

In other words, this is one of those stories that sounds like Tallahassee politics but could eventually change how decisions get made here at home. Roads, growth, schools, and development all flow through these boards.

And if there’s one thing Southshore knows well right now, it’s that growth is not slowing down anytime soon.

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Artificial Reefs Are Making a Difference in Local Waters

Oyster habitats created in the Manatee River are helping filter water and restore marine life

When people talk about improving water quality in Florida, it usually sounds complicated. Big projects, big budgets, and a lot of waiting to see results.

But sometimes the solution is simple. Let nature do the work.

Just across the bay in Palmetto, an artificial reef project is starting to show real progress. About two years ago, reef structures were placed in the Manatee River to help rebuild oyster habitats that had disappeared over time. The goal was to give oysters a place to grow and naturally filter the water.

That plan is working.

Oysters have attached themselves to the reef, and since oysters filter large amounts of water every day, the surrounding water has started getting clearer. As conditions improved, other marine life followed, including fish, crabs, and seagrass returning to the area. And even Lenny the manatee and a bunch of his friends.

It is the kind of project that does not make big headlines because the change happens slowly. But cleaner water matters here, especially for a community that spends so much time on the water and so many residents who live right off that river.

Projects like this are now being watched closely as a possible model for improving water quality in other parts of the bay as the region continues to grow.

Sometimes the best solution is simply helping nature do what it already knows how to do.

Southshore Spotlight

Military Family Support

Military Family Support is a nonprofit organization focused on helping active duty service members, veterans, and their families when they need it most. Through scholarships, career grants, and partnerships with local organizations, they provide financial assistance, education support, and programs aimed at improving stability and opportunity for military families. The organization has been serving military communities since 1992, with a mission centered around giving back to those who have served and supporting them both during and after their time in uniform.

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

We Know a Guy…or Girl

Back2Back Travels

“Keep it Local!”

Foodies Only

Tutto Tavola

When you think authentic Italian food, what comes to mind? We know it’s probably not Olive Garden. And around here, your options have honestly been pretty limited. Until recently.

With the arrival of Tutto Tavola in Riverview, there’s finally another spot stepping into the ring.

From handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas to sauces that’ll have you speaking Italian, this is the kind of place you go when you want real Italian flavor without crossing a bridge.

Whether you’re stopping in for a casual dinner, date night, or just craving a plate of pasta that doesn’t come out of a box, Tutto Tavola delivers the kind of comfort food that keeps people coming back.

If you’ve been looking for a new Italian spot to add to the rotation, this might be it.

Local Sports

Our area high schools boast state champions and multiple division titleists. Come out and show your support for these teams and for our community.

Got news, events, or press releases that the Southshore needs to know about? Submit them here. (We’ll do our best to add press releases in our regular rotation.) If you’re looking to run an actual ad, go here instead.

Until next time,

Keep It Local.