Southshore Roads

Is it just me, or are all the roads in Hillsborough County about three drops of rain away from collapsing into a hidden underground aquifer?

From crumbling asphalt to patch jobs that look like they were done blindfolded with a shovel and a dream, there’s a real warzone vibe happening out there. The county. The state. Whoever’s in charge needs to do better—because these days, getting from Apollo Beach to Riverview feels like competing in a pothole-themed obstacle course.

Road closures, detours, last-minute lane changes—it’s become the new normal. And Southshore? We deserve better.

🚧 What’s Being Done (Supposedly)

According to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), a few key projects are in the works around the Riverview area:

• US 301 Intersection Improvements at Big Bend Road and Symmes Road
  Designed to (finally) improve traffic flow and reduce your daily “why is this light so long” stress.

• US 301 Repaving from Balm Road/Paseo Al Mar to Whitt Road
  This stretch is getting resurfaced to fix worn-out pavement—and not a moment too soon.

• New Traffic Signal at Ambleside Boulevard
  Aimed at making US 301 less of a high-speed game of chicken.

Plus, Hillsborough County is planning upgrades at Balm Riverview Road and Rhodine Road, which include new sidewalks and ADA-compliant features to help everyone navigate safely.

📞 Speak Up: Who to Contact

Tired of dodging potholes like they’re landmines? Let someone know.

• Hillsborough County Public Works
  📞 (813) 635-5400
  🌐 hcfl.gov/publicworks

• FDOT District Seven
  📞 (813) 975-6000 or (800) 226-7220
  🌐 fdottampabay.com

The squeaky wheel gets the smooth asphalt—or at least that’s the hope.

🛣️ Final Thoughts

Look, we get it. Roads don’t get repaved overnight. But when detours are permanent and potholes start developing their own zip codes, it’s time to hit pause and ask: Where’s the accountability?

Southshore, it’s on us to speak up, report the issues, and keep pushing until our roads get the attention—and repair—they desperately need.

Because we shouldn’t need off-road tires to make it to Publix.