
Apollo Beach and Ruskin — your local wire.
Apollo Beach and Ruskin — your local wire.
Latest reporting from the Community desk.
Latest reporting from the Community desk.
Latest reporting from the Community desk.

Community
Hillsborough County's Pet Resource Center has waived all dog adoption fees after its population hit 320 dogs, a five-year high at 177% of capacity, with adoptions down 146 from last summer.
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Community
Hillsborough County's Pet Resource Center has waived all dog adoption fees after its population hit 320 dogs, a five-year high at 177% of capacity, with adoptions down 146 from last summer.

Community
Hillsborough County's Pet Resource Center has waived all dog adoption fees after its population hit 320 dogs, a five-year high at 177% of capacity, with adoptions down 146 from last summer.

Community
A teacher at Dorothy C. York PreK-8 Innovation Academy in Apollo Beach felt a shock when lightning struck near the school during Wednesday dismissal; HCPS confirmed the teacher was not directly hit and is expected to return to work.

Community
HCFR Battalion Chief Brian Muldowney, who serves Apollo Beach and Ruskin, reflects on losing his brother and cousin, both FDNY firefighters, as the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks approaches.

Community
Tampa Electric has asked the Florida Public Service Commission to approve a 1.5% residential rate cut starting in January 2027, building on an 11-12% reduction that took effect in August when the utility's storm recovery charge ended early.

Community
A petition demanding Hillsborough County upgrade its 40-year-old Pet Resource Center has topped 5,200 signatures, and advocates plan to confront commissioners at a Thursday, Sept. 10 budget meeting as the Rays stadium deal squeezes the community investment tax budget.

Community
New automated "smart pond" technology is generating tradeable stormwater nutrient credits that Hillsborough County developers can purchase to offset treatment requirements for new construction, as stricter state rules that took effect in late 2025 make traditional on-site ponds harder to build.

Community
Hillsborough County began replacing the picnic shelter at the Ruskin Commongood Boat Ramp on Thursday, Sept. 3, with the shelter expected to be unavailable for about a month.

Community
Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center in Ruskin is hosting an Observe the Moon Night Paddle on Sept. 19 and a Fall Fright Fest on Oct. 3, while also recruiting volunteers and seeking a new nonprofit board director for the 160-acre preserve.

Community
The Eagle Audubon Society opens its 2026-2027 season on Monday, Oct. 19, with monthly programs, beginner birding outings, field trips and ongoing volunteer work at the Camp Bayou Butterfly Habitat in Ruskin.

Community
Waterset's September calendar features a Food Truck Fest on Sept. 11, Cars & Coffee on Sept. 12, three Community Development District board meetings, outdoor yoga and weekly knitting at the Apollo Beach community.

Community
Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation brings its Best Shredder skateboarding contest to Apollo Beach Skate Park on Saturday, Sept. 19, headlining a fall lineup that includes a seniors outdoor trip from Ruskin and after-school programs at both local recreation centers.

Community
The Firehouse Cultural Center in Ruskin hosts Rock & Roll for Rescue, a Jack Willhite comedy concert benefiting C.A.R.E. animal shelter, on Sept. 20 at 3 p.m. with $25 tickets and a donation drive at the door.

Community
The Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce is accepting vendor applications through Oct. 14 for the 36th Annual Ruskin Seafood Festival, scheduled Nov. 14-15 at E.G. Simmons Park with free admission and booth fees ranging from $125 to $425.
©2026 Apollo Beach-Ruskin Tribune
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©2026 Apollo Beach-Ruskin Tribune
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©2026 Apollo Beach-Ruskin Tribune
Powered by Surround Sound Media