The Ruskin Christmas Tree

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Featured Story

The Ruskin Christmas Weed

This one’s been circulating on social media, and while we can’t confirm every detail, it’s a Southshore story worth sharing.

On the corner of US 41 and 14th Ave in Ruskin, what began as a harmless joke has quietly grown into a Christmas tradition with a surprisingly heartfelt meaning. Years ago, as the story goes, a single weed pushed its way through a crack in the pavement, stubborn, scrappy, and doing what weeds do best.

A local family spotted it and, in a moment of holiday humor, decided to decorate it. They hung a simple red bulb on that lonely little weed, not realizing that one small act would spark something much bigger.

That weed is long gone now, but the spirit behind it stuck. Every year, right around the holidays, a small Christmas tree appears on that same corner. It stands there as a tribute to Ruskin’s original “Christmas Weed,” a reminder that even the simplest gestures can grow into something meaningful.

What started as a joke has become a symbol of unity and cheer, proof that Southshore’s Christmas spirit isn’t tied to perfect trees or fancy lights. Sometimes all it takes is a weed, a red bulb, and a community that knows how to find joy in the unexpected.

Winter (Break) is Coming

Southshore, consider this your early warning. In a little over a week, the school doors will swing open, and every kid from Apollo Beach to Wimauma will come bursting home like they’ve been shot out of a peppermint cannon.

Right now, your house is peaceful. Enjoy that. Because soon the snacks will disappear, the Wi-Fi will buckle, and someone will ask you what day it is at least seven times before noon.

To help you get ready, here are a few easy holiday games you can prep now and roll out once the kids are officially home.

Southshore Holiday Scavenger Hunt

Make a quick list:

• Something shaped like a snowflake

• A decoration that doesn’t light up anymore

• Anything that jingles

• A neighbor’s inflatable Santa or penguin

Hand the kids a list next week and let them burn some energy.

Gingerbread Engineering Challenge

Stock up on graham crackers, icing, and cereal.
Challenge the kids to build a gingerbread house that can survive:

• A sibling

• A light breeze

• Uncle Mike

Creativity counts. Eating the supplies… also counts.

Hot Cocoa Relay

Set aside cocoa mix, cups, and towels.
Next week, have the kids scoop, mix, run, stir, and deliver cocoa as fast as possible — without spilling.

Spoiler: they’ll spill.

Holiday Movie Bingo

Print bingo cards with squares like:

• “Christmas miracle”

• Random snowfall

• Someone burns cookies

Winner picks the next movie (within reason).

Enjoy the Quiet While It Lasts

This is your last calm stretch before Winter Break officially begins. Rest up, prep the games, and maybe hide the good chocolate.

Southshore Story Time

The Grinch That Stole Southshore

Part 2: Riverview Fights Back

By morning, chaos hit Riverview.

Winthrop called an emergency meeting. Moms from Panther Trace formed search parties powered by caffeine and raw determination. Someone tried to call the HOA president, but he said Christmas decorations were “not at the top of his enforcement list,” which honestly shocked everyone.

The only witness was a retiree walking their dog at Sun City Center who said,
“He smelled like gasoline… and heartbreak.”

Helpful? No.
On-brand? Absolutely.

Residents launched theories:

• “It’s a jealous neighbor.”
• “It’s teens.”
• “It’s the ghost of unfinished construction on 301.”
• “It’s the man who keeps complaining about early Christmas decorations.”

But the truth was worse.

Much worse.

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

Holiday Safety

Fire departments across Tampa Bay recently teamed up to show how quickly holiday traditions can turn dangerous. One spark on a dry Christmas tree can set a whole room on fire in seconds. A turkey fryer that gets too hot can turn a backyard into a hazard faster than you can grab the seasoning.

The message is simple. A little caution goes a long way.

Water real trees often and keep them away from heat. Check your lights before plugging them in and avoid overloading outlets. Stay close when cooking, especially if you are frying. And keep a fire extinguisher handy just in case.

As we decorate, cook, and celebrate here in Southshore, a few small safety steps can make sure the season stays merry, bright, and completely flame-free.

Southshore Spotlight

Mary & Martha House Fashion and Home Goods Store

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.

(We’re giving our services database a well-deserved makeover. A brand-new layout is on the way, and trust us, you’re going to love it.)

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

“Keep it Local!”

Foodies Only

Louie Beans Fundraiser

We are partnering with Mary & Martha house & Florida Home Partnership to give back to our community. Help fill our box! Bring an unwrapped gift from now until December 13th.

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

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.