Wednesday, November 20th, 2004

Author

Rashad Freeman
November 20, 2024

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JUST THE TIP?

Has the service industry gotten drunk with power? That’s food for thought and you don’t need to tip us for it.

In Today’s Edition:

  • Has tipping become more than just an option for good service?

  • Light parades are setting sail

  • Two Southshore schools make a run at a State Title

Are Tips Missing the Point?

The Circle is running a poll to see how the community feels about tipping, and if you think it’s stuck its toe way over the line, you’re not alone.

National data shows that tip percentages have been on the rise in recent years, thanks to what the industry lovingly calls tipflation. What started as a COVID-era adjustment now seems more like a permanent tax on our guilt. Nowadays, some places don’t even flirt with the idea of 15%—they go straight to suggesting 25%, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a wild 40% lurking in the options.

Let’s be real: there’s only so much people will tolerate before tipping goes from “thank you for the service” to “are you kidding me right now?” There’s a breaking point where the so-called price of convenience becomes anything but convenient. Even worse, we’ve entered the Twilight Zone of tipping for things that don’t even make sense.

Case in point: I recently swung by a local joint to pick up a to-go order. As I prepared to swipe my card, I was met with the question: “How much would you like to tip?” Tip? For what? I’d already paid a price that presumably included the time spent preparing, cooking, and packaging my meal. Was I supposed to tip for the honor of walking into the building?

Look, I get it—when a waiter keeps my drink filled, remembers my name, and brings my food with a smile, they’ve earned that tip. But tipping for picking up my own food? That’s a bridge too far. Heck, it’s a whole suspension bridge, and a hill that I’d gladly dig my own grave on.

If businesses want to charge more for their products or services, fine—just be honest about it. Don’t hide inflation in the form of a tip to appeal to my philanthropic sensibilities.

What's the ideal percentage for tipping?

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Boat Parades Are on The Way

Thanksgiving is around the corner, but this is Florida…more specifically Southshore. What does that mean? It means as soon as the last feather is gone and the table is clean, it’s time to get out some Christmas lights.

The annual boat parade in Apollo Beach hosted by Tampa Sailing Squadron, will take place this year on December 14th at 6pm. The Riverwalk will have their own parade on December 21st at 6:15pm.

Both of these events will be on our calendar as they get closer, along with other opportunities to see lights and extravagant Christmas decorations. Tis the season!

Southshore Teams go Regional

Under the bright lights, Sumner High School’s sophomore sensation, quarterback Antonio Balaguer, put on a performance to remember, racking up 255 yards and two touchdowns with 14 completions out of 23 attempts. But despite his heroics, the Stingrays fell just short in a nail-biter, losing 27-34 to the Newsome Wolves.

Junior standout Taesean Robinson was an unstoppable force through the air, hauling in 118 yards and two touchdowns on only four receptions. Meanwhile, senior powerhouse Jaheim Hudson kept the ground game alive, bulldozing his way to 50 yards and another touchdown on just nine carries. Despite their efforts, Newsome’s relentless rushing attack ultimately proved to be the difference-maker.

Over in Orlando, East Bay squared off against the high-powered Edgewater squad in a fierce postseason battle. Unfortunately for East Bay, Edgewater’s electrifying offense couldn’t be contained, as the Indians fell 7-35.

Senior quarterback William Boyd displayed grit and determination, throwing for 146 yards and a touchdown while completing 8 of 12 passes. But the relentless Edgewater defense brought constant pressure, leaving little room for heroics. On the other side, Edgewater’s three-star quarterback, Carter Emanuel, dazzled the crowd, firing four touchdown passes and amassing 160 yards on 10 of 12 completions in a near-flawless performance.

Both Sumner and East Bay battled through tough competition to earn their spots in the postseason. While the final scores may not have gone their way, these teams have plenty to be proud of. Congratulations to both programs for an incredible season, and we can’t wait to see them back on the field next year, hungrier than ever!

What’s washing up on the shore this week:

The Rumor Mill:

Rumor has it a Wing Snob is on it’s way to Riverview. Maybe it’ll open in time for our wing off!

Meet your neighbor:

  • Soon we’ll feature local businesses with a bit of backstory. Everybody should be friends, right?

Foodies Only:

  • We’re still in search for the best wings. And there’s only one way to figure that out. You guessed it, a blind tasting. Stay tuned, we have our fingers covered in wing sauce but pretty soon we’ll have an answer…or heartburn.

Local Sports:

  • In the Basketball season opener, Eastbay takes down Lennard, 62-55 in a nail biting back and forth. Sumner defeats Spoto in a 67-57 victory. Riverview falls victim to Bloomingdale (score redacted to protect the innocent)

  • Soccer is just heating up as Riverview heads to Lennard after dominating the powerhouse Newsome in what is sure to be a backyard brawl on Friday night. Eastbay will host Sumner on Thursday as they attempt to get their season back on track.

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