The Great Debate

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THE SKINNY

• Poof to Property Taxes

• ShredFest is in full effect

• Red Snapper Season might get an upgrade

Featured Story

The Property Tax Shakeup

Florida House Approves Property Tax Cut Proposal, Here’s What Happens Next

If you own a home in Southshore, this is one of those stories you’ll want to keep an eye on.

The Florida House just gave final approval to a proposal that could dramatically cut property taxes for homeowners across the state. The plan would eliminate most non-school property taxes on primary homes starting January 1, 2027. That is not a small tweak. That is a structural shift in how local government gets funded.

But before anyone starts calculating savings, there are still a few big steps left.

Supporters say this is long-overdue relief. Property values have climbed fast across Florida, especially in growing areas like ours, and with that has come higher tax bills. Backers argue this would give families breathing room and help people stay in their homes as costs rise everywhere else. Lawmakers also say protections are built in to make sure funding for law enforcement and first responders is not disrupted.

Critics, though, are asking the obvious question. If billions in local property tax revenue disappear, how do cities and counties pay for everything else? Roads. Parks. Infrastructure. Libraries. Community services. Those potholes that they fix so quickly. 🤣

Property taxes are one of the main funding sources for local government. Opponents worry that without a clear replacement plan, communities could face service cuts or new forms of taxation down the road. Some also point out that renters would not directly benefit, even though they ultimately help cover property taxes through rent.

So what happens next?

The proposal now heads to the Florida Senate. If the Senate approves it, the measure would go on the November 2026 ballot as a constitutional amendment. That means it would need at least 60 percent voter approval to pass. If voters sign off, the changes would take effect in 2027.

In other words, this is far from final, but it is moving.

What Is Shredfest and Why Should You Care?

Hillsborough County’s Free Document Shredding Event Helps Protect Against Identity Theft

Shredfest is Hillsborough County’s free community shredding event, where residents can bring old tax returns, bank statements, medical paperwork, and other documents with personal information to be destroyed onsite by industrial shredders.

So why should you care?

Because identity theft isn’t some distant headline. It usually starts with something small. A discarded statement. An old file. A stack of paperwork that sat just a little too long in a drawer before finding its way into the trash.

Shredfest exists to close that gap.

Instead of tossing sensitive documents into your regular garbage can, you can bring them to a supervised event where they’re shredded right in front of you. It’s convenient. It’s free. And for many people, it’s peace of mind.

Now, I understand why some folks might still pause. Even when something is shredded onsite, there’s always the question of what happens next. Is it recycled? Hauled off? Processed further? It’s not that anything suspicious is happening. It’s just that when it comes to your personal information, a little healthy skepticism is natural.

But whether you attend or not, the bigger point stands. Sensitive documents should not sit around forever. Protecting your identity starts with what you do at home.

Shredfest is simply one option to help you do that.

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

More Days to Dance

NOAA opens public comment on longer Atlantic red snapper season, decision could affect Florida recreational fishing in 2026

If you’ve ever blinked and missed red snapper season, you know the frustration. On the Atlantic side, the recreational window has sometimes been just a couple of days. You plan all year and then it’s gone.

Now that could change.

Federal fisheries officials have opened a public comment period on a proposal that could lead to a longer recreational red snapper season in the South Atlantic, including Florida. The idea would give states a bigger role in managing the season through a pilot program, which supporters say could mean better data and more fishing days.

Backers argue snapper populations are healthier than federal estimates suggest and that expanded seasons would help anglers and local coastal businesses.

Critics urge caution. They warn that extending the season too quickly could put pressure on a species that took years to rebuild, especially if the science is off. They say sustainability has to come first or tighter restrictions could follow later.

For now, it’s in the public comment phase. After feedback is reviewed, regulators will decide whether to move forward.

For Southshore anglers, this one matters. More days on the water is the goal. The question is how to get there without setting the clock back.

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

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

New menu items, promos, specials, events- feature them here. This is the place to tell 30,000 readers in Southshore what you've got. Only 20 spots for the year. Claim yours today.

If you’ve got a restaurant, food truck, or even a lemonade stand, it could be featured here. Email us at [email protected]

Local Sports

The Sumner boys basketball team’s season came to an end last night at the regional semifinal against Sarasota. Congratulations to these young men on a stellar season and well-earned district championship!

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.