By LOIS KINDLE
The Greater South Shore Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 2026 Annual Chamber Banquet Jan. 30 at Little Harbor’s Sunset Bar & Grill. Themed Southern Sunsets, the event was filled to capacity with 200 guests who came to enjoy a nice meal, connect with fellow members and honor the chamber’s 2025 award winners.
“From the beautiful waterfront setting to the heartfelt moments and well-deserved recognition, the night was truly a celebration of everything that makes SouthShore so special — our people, our partnerships and our community spirit,” said Melanie Davis, the chamber’s executive director. “This year’s event was particularly meaningful for me because it’s my final banquet, and it allowed me to shine a light on people who have done so much for this community this past year.”
Surrounded by the Rev. Tom Campbell, left, and Melanie Davis, the SouthShore Chamber’s executive director, right, Earl Bush—co-owner of Sweet Tea Tiki mobile food truck—is all smiles after being named 2026 Honorary Mayor of SouthShore at the chamber’s 2026 Annual Awards Banquet.
The 2025 awards and their recipients included
• Helping Hands for Business: Shawn Ferguson, Hillsborough County Small Business Development Center.
• Lovely Spirit: Rosemary Leist, Flipside Realty by Design.
• Front Page Friend: Lois Kindle, The Observer News.
• Rock Solid Impact: AdventHealth Riverview.
• Guiding Light: Lea Manningham, Girls of the World.
• Home Grown, Hustle & Heart: Ginger Morrison.
Special congratulations went to Earl Bush, co-owner of Sweet Tea Tiki Bar, for his appointment as the chamber’s 2026 Honorary Mayor of SouthShore.
Melanie Davis, executive director of the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce, addresses a capacity crowd of 200 during the 2026 Annual Awards Banquet, Jan. 30 at Little Harbor’s Sunset Bar & Grill. The banquet marked the culmination of her 20th year with the chamber.
“I’m very honored to add my name to the many great people who came before me,” said the fifth-generation Ruskinite. “I thank God, my wife and all my great friends. I’m thankful for this opportunity and look forward to having fun and doing great things in the community.”
AdventHealth Riverview and Friends of the SouthShore Library were recognized as major event sponsors. Others included Nadere Photography, Florida Foam Factory, Sunset Bar & Grill at Little Harbor and Grease Monkey – Ruskin.
Davis also thanked the banquet’s committee members who committed their “time, creativity and dedication” to successfully bring the evening together—Melissa Canfield, Kristen Fuhs, Lea Manningham, Ray Monahan, Heidi Neal, Bonnie Peacock and Sherell Bennett.
“Thanks to everyone who attended, supported and helped make this night so memorable,” Davis said. “It was like a giant reunion—a wonderful mix of longtime members and new.
“Evenings like this remind us why our chamber is so unique— and why the connections we build together truly matter,” she said.
In other news
The SouthShore Chamber will host its annual Spring Expo at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center, 1906 Haverford Drive, Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. to noon.
The free expo will feature 50 vendors who will share information about the goods and/or services they provide the community and enjoy the opportunity of meeting visitors in person. Here’s a partial list of the businesses and organizations expected to be there.
NADERE PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOS
Lea Manningham, founder and CEO of Girls of the World Inc., is overjoyed to hear her name called as the SouthShore Chamber’s Guiding Light Award recipient during its 2026 Annual Awards Banquet, in recognition of her lifelong and exemplary commitment to lighting a path forward for others and walking alongside them with strength, courage and unwavering dedication.
Health & Wellness
• Fox & Friends Animal Hospital
• HCA Florida SouthShore Hospital
• United Healthcare
• Manatee ER at Sun City Center
• LifePath Hospice
Local Businesses & Services
• Grease Monkey
• The Observer News
• Cardinal Roofing
• Sunset Bar & Grill
Community & Nonprofits
• Community Foundation Tampa Bay
• C.A.R.E. animal shelter
• Sun City Center Woman’s Club
• Seniors in Service
• Alzheimer’s Association
Housing & Senior Living
• Shadetree Apartments
• Imperial Candlelight
• Freedom Plaza
• SunTowers Retirement Community
• Cypress Creek Assisted Living
Elected & Public Offices
• Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez
As always, the expo will include door prizes and lots of free tchotchkes. Visitors and vendors alike will have the opportunity to win prizes on site.
For more information, call the chamber at 813-645-1366.