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A Storm of Stories Brewing in Southshore

Good Morning Southshore The Southshore Circle’s got news so hot, it’s melting this cold front!

In Today’s Edition:

• Grand Reopening of a beloved local business

• We’ve Got our Own Pipeline

• Even Sea Turtles are moving to Southshore

The Fish House is Back!

We covered this in our last edition, but anything worth doing once is worth doing twice.

After months of resilience and determination, The Fish House in Ruskin is ready to reopen its doors. Last year’s devastating storms left the beloved restaurant with significant damage, but instead of bowing out, the Fish House team turned their focus outward, becoming a pillar of support for the community.

Now it’s our turn to show them the same love. Join them for their grand reopening on Thursday, January 30th, starting at 11 AM, located at 1902 W Shell Point Rd. Ruskin. Expect fresh seafood and plenty of local spirit. Let’s pack the house, clear their shelves, and remind them why Southshore is the best community around!

South Hillsborough Pipeline Project: A Lifeline for Growing Communities

To meet the water demands of South Hillsborough County's rapidly expanding population—expected to grow by over 350,000 residents in the next two decades—Tampa Bay Water is constructing the 26-mile South Hillsborough Pipeline. Once completed in 2028, the pipeline will deliver up to 65 million gallons of water daily, connecting the Tampa Bay Regional Surface Water Treatment Plant in Brandon to Hillsborough County's Lithia Water Treatment Plant.

Currently in the design phase, the project has identified easements and plans public meetings later this year to share updates with residents. While construction may cause some disruptions, Tampa Bay Water is committed to keeping the community informed every step of the way.

For more updates, visit southhillsboroughpipeline.com.

Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles Recovering at Apollo Beach Rehab Center

Apparently, even Florida’s wildlife isn’t immune to surprise cold snaps. A group of cold-stunned sea turtles—basically the reptile equivalent of people complaining about the office AC being set too low—was recently rescued and sent to Apollo Beach for some much-needed R&R. And no, they’re not binge-watching Friends on the couch; they’re at the TECO Manatee Viewing Center’s rehabilitation facility, getting the care they need to warm up and recover.

The turtles, which hail from the St. Augustine area, were victims of Florida’s version of winter, which is like “Game of Thrones” but shorter and with fewer dragons. When water temperatures dip too low, these cold-blooded creatures basically go into a state of shock, which is a bit like you trying to function before your morning coffee.

The facility’s staff is working hard to rehabilitate the turtles with heat lamps, medical care, and possibly some turtle-sized Snuggies (okay, maybe not the Snuggies). Once they’re feeling like themselves again, they’ll be released back into their natural habitats to swim, eat jellyfish, and do whatever it is sea turtles do when humans aren’t watching.

In the meantime, the Manatee Viewing Center is open to the public, so you can stop by and learn more about their work. And who knows—you might even catch a glimpse of a manatee or two, just chilling out like the gentle sea potatoes they are.

Want to help the turtles? Donations to support their care can be made directly through the center’s website: TECO Manatee Viewing Center.

What’s washing up on the shore this week:

• Boy Band Evolution
  A musical journey from Barbershop Quartets to Modern Hits, blending timeless classics with today's greatest hits. Date & Time: Sunday, January 26, 2025, 2:30 PM – 4:15 PM Location: Sun City Center

• Family Story Times with Hillsborough County Public Library
  Engaging story sessions for children of all ages, fostering a love for reading. Date & Time: Various dates and times between January 26 and February 2, 2025 Location: Multiple library branches in Hillsborough County

• Chamber Wine Down at Apollo Beach Society Wine Bar
  A networking event hosted by the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce, offering an opportunity to connect with local businesses and community members. Date & Time: Monday, January 27, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Location: Apollo Beach Society Wine Bar

• Military Organizations Connect
  A gathering for military organizations to network and collaborate on community initiatives. Date & Time: Thursday, January 30, 2025, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Location: Gibsonton Community Center

The Rumor Mill:

• Is a new coffee chop coming to Riverview? Did someone say Caribou Coffee, Dutch Bros Coffee, and you can never have enough Starbucks.

• Whispers of a Southshore sports complex expansion…Phase II

• Mystery investor eyeing retail space at the Yard at Waterset?

Meet your neighbor:

• Coming Soon.

Foodies Only:

• This section is taking a snow day.

Local Sports:

Soccer

Lennard Boys' Soccer faced a tough Palmetto team in the first round of districts and unfortunately came up short. Sumner had a bye this week and will take on a formidable Strawberry Crest squad on the 27th. East Bay’s hopes of advancing were dashed by a loss to Braden River. However, Riverview triumphed over Plant, securing a spot in the District Championships on the 29th.

In round one of district play, the Lennard Girls' Soccer team defeated Manatee, moving on to the semifinal round, where they were bested by Lakewood Ranch. The East Bay Girls’ team, unfortunately, didn’t see postseason play after a season plagued with upsets, resulting in a 0-11 record. Sumner Girls had a bye in the first week, then faced off against Durant, handing them a 2-0 defeat. They will now face a tough Newsome team for the District Championship on Monday night at 7 PM. Riverview took on Alonso in round 1 but was unable to secure a win.

Let’s rally behind our remaining Southshore teams as they continue their march toward a State Title!

• Monday 1/27 Sumner @ Strawberry Crest 7pm for the District Semi-Final

• Monday 1/27 Sumner (Girls) vs. Newsome 7pm District Championship

• Wednesday 1/29 Riverview vs. Palm Harbor University 7pm District Championship

Basketball

We enter the final week of the regular season before district play begins. With many of our local teams vying for the same district title, this is shaping up to be an exciting postseason!

• Tuesday 1/28 Lennard vs. Robinson 6:30pm

• Tuesday 1/28 Riverview vs. Tampa Bay Tech 6:30pm

• Tuesday 1/28 East Bay vs. Leto 6:30pm

• Thursday 1/30 Lennard vs. Steinbrenner (@Gaither HS) 6:30pm

• Thursday 1/30 East Bay vs. Gaither 8pm

• Thursday 1/30 Sumner @ Sickles 8pm

• Thursday 1/30 Riverview vs. Freedom 6:30pm

The Neighborhood Post:

• Coming Soon