We Are Southshore

Sunday, March 16th, 2025

March 16, 2025

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WE ARE SOUTHSHORE

It’s The Southshore Circle, because stalking neighbors is weird—read this instead.

In Today’s Edition:

More Than a Name

If you've lived here a while, you'll likely remember the original Apollo Beach water tower. In 2017, it was repainted to reflect the area's updated name, "Southshore." Of course, Apollo Beach still exists, along with the other towns that collectively form Southshore, but does this unified name truly represent who we are?

I've personally embraced the name—but after a recent post featuring this picture, it's clear opinions are mixed. Some residents strongly dislike the change, feeling it diminishes their town's unique identity and heritage. Others appreciate the sense of community and connection the new name provides, recognizing the blurred boundaries between Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Riverview, and surrounding areas. Clearly, there's no easy consensus, and it's a conversation worth having.

I'm genuinely curious: If you live in the Southshore area (Apollo Beach, Gibsonton, Riverview, Ruskin, Sun City Center, or Wimauma), what's your perspective?

Leave a comment or drop us a line—we'd love to hear your thoughts!

Spring Fling Fashion Fundraiser

Join the GFWC Sun City Center Woman’s Club for an afternoon of style, music, and inspiration at the Spring Fling Fashion Fundraiser on March 29th from 2–4 PM. This special event, hosted in partnership with The Teal Turtle Boutique from Apollo Beach, will showcase the latest fashion trends—all for a wonderful charitable cause.

Enjoy live music performed by talented local artist Cyndi Burger as you explore exciting spring styles. This will be hosted by special guest speaker, Casana Fink, Miss Florida 2024 and a University of Florida graduate, who will share her insights and inspire attendees with her personal journey and achievements.

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to mingle, shop, and support the community!

Event Details:
📅 Date: March 29, 2024
🕑 Time: 2:00–4:00 PM

For more information or to reserve your spot, please email: 📧 [email protected]

Community Update: Urban Service Area Expansion

In a previous issue, we discussed the proposed expansion of Hillsborough County's Urban Service Area (USA). On March 13th, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held a critical public hearing and voted on several comprehensive plan amendments that could significantly shape the future of our area.

These amendments, including HC/CPA 24-44, 24-46, and 24-47, address plans for growth, infrastructure, and community resources in areas like Wimauma and Balm. The outcomes of these votes will impact local development, services, and quality of life for years to come.

The next meeting will take place on May 8th where a determination will likely be made on the expansion proposal. Stay tuned as we continue to follow these developments closely and keep you informed of how they affect our community.

As always, your voice matters. Feel free to share your thoughts or concerns with us.

What’s washing up on the shore this week:

  • St. Patrick’s Dinner

    Corned Beef, Cabbage, Potatoes, Carrots, Roll and Dessert, Date & Time: Sunday, March 16, 2025, 2 PM Location: 7240 US Hwy 301, Riverview

  • St Patrick’s Day Meal

    Served noon to 6 pm, Date & Time: Monday, March 17, 2025, 3 PM Location: 5120 N US Hwy 41, Apollo Beach

  • St. Patrick’s Day @ Salty Shamrock

    Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style. Date & Time: Monday, March 17, 2025, Starting at 11 AM Location: 6186 N US Hwy 41, Apollo Beach

  • GFWC Ruskin Women’s Club “Rummikub” Game Night

    $10 ticket donation per person/BYOB/snacks provided, Date & Time: Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 6:30 PM Location: 503 S US Hwy 41, Ruskin

  • Bell Creek Nature Preserve native garden workday

    Volunteers to help maintain the native plant garden at Bell Creek Nature Preserve. Date & Time: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 8:00 AM Location: 10940 McMullen Rd, Riverview

  • Wacky Wednesdays

    Come and show off your singing or non-singing talents. A night devoted to Karaoke. Date & Time: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 6:00 PM Location: 6656 US Hwy 301 S, Riverview

  • Bell Creek Nature Preserve native garden workday

    Volunteers to help maintain the native plant garden at Bell Creek Nature Preserve. Date & Time: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 8:00 AM Location: 10940 McMullen Rd, Riverview

The Rumor Mill:

  • Rumor has it the roadwork on US 301 wrapped up early and the road is now open. We haven’t driven down there so, just a rumor at this point.

The Southshore Spotlight:

Chase Longenecker

In today's spotlight, we're featuring a local teen who's chasing big dreams and scoring impressive goals both on and off the field.

Chase Longenecker, a junior at East Bay High School in Gibsonton, is an Apollo Beach native whose family is actively involved in the community. Beyond excelling academically, Chase plays for the MLS Next Academy with the West Florida Flames, one of Florida's top soccer clubs.

While pursuing his dream of playing soccer at the collegiate level and beyond, Chase is also developing his entrepreneurial spirit. He's the proud founder of Ultimate Shine, a car detailing service where every detail matters.

Keep chasing greatness, Chase!

Follow at Instagram:@chases_cardetailing

Foodies Only:

  • Louie Beans grows from food truck to brick and mortar footprint. Location: 1406 Blossom Bayou Circle - Ruskin

Local Sports:

It’s Spring Break. Sports are off and we’re all in search of a beach with less than 3,000 peope on it.

We Know a Guy…or Gal:

Coming Soon (The Database is almost complete)

Monthly Raffle Winner

This month we’re giving away two $25 Gift Cards. Without further ado, the winners are…

***Please keep an eye on your inbox for instructions.

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

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