Time to Take a Trip

Want to get your business in The Southshore Circle? Let’s talk!

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

Spring is in the air, and The Southshore Circle is pollen out all the best stories! 🌸😆

In Today’s Edition:

• A Dreamscape For the Break 

• The Stampede is Coming

• Lions, Tigers, and Bears…in Wimauma 

Off The Beaten Path

This isn’t in the Southshore, but sometimes you have to go around the corner for the full story. With spring break rapidly approaching, you might be looking for an adventure that won’t drain your wallet. If you’re willing to drive 2.5 hours north, Ravine Gardens State Park could be the perfect getaway.

Picture this: two 120-foot ravines, pedestrian suspension bridges, bubbling springs, and tunnels of azaleas in full bloom. And that’s just the beginning. This historic park feels like stepping into a portal—a place where you leave the sun-soaked beaches behind and immerse yourself in shady, colorful trails surrounded by craggy gullies.

It’s an ideal spot for anyone looking to stretch their legs, soak up some nature, and enjoy a peaceful experience away from the crowds. Whether you're hiking, snapping pictures of the vibrant blooms, or just soaking in the views from the bridges, Ravine Gardens offers the kind of hidden gem experience you won’t want to miss. So, pack a lunch, grab your camera, and make a day of it. This spring break, a little adventure goes a long way!

The Mustangs Are Up and Running

It’s been a long time coming, but this fall, Aquilla J. Morgan High School will open in Wimauma as the largest high school in Hillsborough County. The Mustangs, decked out in Denver Bronco colors, will roam a sprawling 359,000-square-foot campus on West Lake Drive. And with a $176 million price tag, this school isn’t just big—it’s got the budget to match.

Leading the charge is Principal Brittney D. Wilhelm, who’s no stranger to the Southshore. After stints at Beth Shields Middle and Lennard High, and most recently as principal at Jefferson High, she’s back to steer the Mustangs in the right direction (and, let’s be honest, keep 3,500 teenagers from wandering the halls like lost cattle).

The school isn’t just about size—it’s packing serious amenities. Students will enjoy a two-story media center, a 973-seat auditorium, and a gym that holds 3,400 people (because even PE class deserves a stadium). Athletes get a turf field, a full track and field complex, and dedicated facilities for football, baseball, softball, tennis, and basketball. Meanwhile, future chefs, mechanics, and artists will have access to top-notch career and technical education labs.

Most importantly, the opening of Aquilla J. Morgan High will help relieve overcrowding at Lennard and Sumner, giving students more room to breathe—and hopefully, shorter lunch lines.

This fall, the Mustangs are set to hit the ground running. And with a campus this big, they better have good stamina.

Elmira’s World

Did you know that Wimauma is home to a trio of lions just casually hanging out? No, they didn’t escape from a zoo— they’re living their best lives at Elmira’s Wildlife Sanctuary, a rescue that provides forever homes for exotic and wild animals in need.

And if you’ve ever wanted to meet some of these incredible creatures (without needing a safari passport), March 1st is your chance! Elmira’s is hosting its 2nd annual Wildlife Market & Fundraiser, featuring vendors, food, games, raffles, discounted tours, and—of course—plenty of exotic animals.

This isn't your typical weekend market. Here, you can shop, snack, and support a great cause—all while making eye contact with a lion who’s silently judging your snack choices. The event helps fund the care and enrichment of the sanctuary’s residents, so every dollar spent goes toward keeping these animals happy, healthy, and far away from your backyard.

Mark your calendar, bring the family, and prepare for a wild time. And if you leave without at least one cool animal fact, did you even go? Check it out!

What’s washing up on the shore this week:

• Riverview Tap House Paint Party
  Paint. Sip. Create a breathtaking silhouette mermaid masterpiece! Date & Time: Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 7:00 PM Location: 10656 New East Bay Rd, Gibsonton

• Brian Ray Live at Jerry Dock’s Side
  Come out for great food brews and live music on the river, Date & Time: Friday, February 21, 2025, 5:00 PM Location: 9808 Vaughn St., Gibsonton

• Caffeine and Chrome Car Show
  Classic Cars and Coffee at Gateway Classic Cars of Tampa, Date & Time: Saturday, February 22, 2025, 9:00 AM Location: 351 30th Street NE, Ruskin

• Lucaya Lake Club Birthday Bash Market 
  Vibrant Pop-Up Market in the heart of Lucaya Lake Club! Celebrate the creativity and community spirit of local artisans, makers, and small businesses, Date & Time: Saturday, February 22, 2025, 10:00 AM Location: 11305 Lake Lucaya Dr, Riverview

• Live Music Night
  Enjoy live music and Foxtail Coffee, Date & Time: Saturday, February 22, 2025, 6:30 PM Location: 12350 U.S. Hwy 301 S, Unit 108, Riverview

• Cacao Ceremony |Breathwork| Sound Alchemy
  Self-care and healing, Event by Apollo Beach Wellness Spa, Jo Anne Cobb and Mandi Rose. Date & Time: Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00 PM Location: 256 Apollo Beach Blvd, Apollo Beach

The Rumor Mill:

• Quiet this week

Meet your neighbor: Jo Anne Cobb - The Breathwork Whisperer 

In today’s edition of meet your neighbor we are featuring Jo Anne Cobb owner and founder of Cup Of Jo Cobb LLC.

Jo Anne is a somatic release breathwork practitioner and meditation facilitator. That may sound like a mouthful, but it’s a whole lot easier than saying “person who helps you breathe your stress away so you don’t snap at your boss.”

Jo Anne’s journey into breathwork started with childhood anxiety, and after years of meditation, breathwork found her—kind of like how lost socks magically find their way under the couch. Certified in 2022, she’s since helped countless men and women let go of stress, self-limiting beliefs, and all the mental baggage that comes with being a functioning adult.

She offers 1:1 sessions, group and couples sessions (because deep breaths are better than deep arguments), and monthly breathwork events at Apollo Beach Wellness Spa. You can work with her in person or virtually—so whether you’re in town or just need to exhale from the comfort of your couch, she’s got you covered.

A Jersey girl turned Florida local, Jo Anne has called Florida home since 2012. She lives in Apollo Beach with her husband of almost 21 years and their 15-year-old son. She’s a big fan of the beach, paddleboarding, Jeep rides, and theme parks.

Want to breathe a little easier? Find her at cupofjocobb.com 

Instagram :@cupofjocobb_breathwork or Facebook: Cup Of Jo Cobb

Schedule a session at calendly.com/cupofjocobb 

Or just call (813-944-9890)—she won’t make you do breathing exercises over the phone (unless you ask).

Go ahead—take a deep breath. You deserve it.

Foodies Only:

• We’re full

Local Sports:

Soccer

After a stellar season, the Riverview Sharks boys' soccer team battled to the very end but fell just short in the regional final, losing by a single goal to Palm Harbor University. It was a tough loss, but their dedication, skill, and teamwork made for an unforgettable season. Congratulations to the Sharks on an incredible run—you made Riverview proud! ⚽🦈 

Basketball

The Sumner girls faced a tough challenge against Haines City, and while the loss stings, it doesn’t take away from their incredible season and impressive run to the regional quarterfinals. They’ve shown nothing but heart and determination all season long—well done, Lady Stingrays! 🏀💪

Meanwhile, the East Bay girls are continuing to make history! After securing a close win over Gulf Coast, they’re moving on to the regional semifinals, where they’ll face the number 2 ranked Clearwater. We know they’ll bring their A-game—let’s keep cheering them on! 🌟🏀.

• Tuesday 2/18 East Bay @ Clearwater

The Neighborhood Post:

• Coming Soon

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