The Gabber: March 10, 2022

Digital subscriptions provided by the City of Gulfport THE GABBER.COM No. 2751

March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

Gulfport Family Flees Ukraine; Seeks Refuge On Monday, Feb. 28 Gulfport Garage owner Eric Cudar and fiance Ulyana Fylypovych flew to Poland to meet Fylypovych’s sister, Hayla Hamota and her two young daughters.

It wasn’t a traditional happy reunion at the airport. They didn’t meet at the airport at all – Cudar and Fylypovych met a bundled Hamota and her frightened 10- and 12-yearold daughters at the Poland/Ukraine border. The family walked into Poland to meet their Gulfport family in an accepting – but unfamiliar – country.

Like many Ukrainians, Hamota’s family left their home because of the Russian attacks on Ukraine.

Escaping the attacks and repeated bombing isn’t simple.

“Immigrant visas to the United States are processed for citizens and residents of Ukraine at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv,” reads the U.S. Embassy website in Ukraine.

This is good news for refugees, but the process is clogged, and achieving immigrant status doesn’t happen overnight.

“I’m in a panic right now; I cannot

ERIC CUDAR

By Abby Baker

Hamota’s family includes Gulfport Garage owner Eric Cudar. He and his fiance, Ulyana Fylypovych, flew to Ukraine to aid Hamota’s escape to Poland with her two pre-teen daughters.

think because I know I will be leaving her in a few days,” Fylypovych said.

“She [Hamota] is like many Ukrainians: tough and stoic, but this is

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breaking everyone,” an emotional Cudar told The Gabber.

Both Cudar and Fylypovych returned to Florida Monday (Mar. 7) Ukraine Family continued on page 7

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publisher’s note Being Neighborly

Publisher

Cathy Salustri Loper cathy@thegabber.com

Editor

editor@thegabber.com

Creative Director Joey Neill

Advertising Director Chris Madalena

chris@thegabber.com

Operations

Patrick Graney

info@thegabber.com

Reporters & Contributors Abby Baker, Events Editor & Breaking News Mike Sunnucks,

Politics, Police, and Courts Gabby Reeder, Beach News & Events Jeff Donnelly, Theater Morgan Banno, Food Nano Riley, Environment Jon Kile, Columnist Resie Waechter, Outdoors & Fitness Serving Gulfport, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg West, Downtown St. Petersburg, Kenneth City, Tyrone, Tierra Verde, St. Pete Beach, Pass-A-Grille, Treasure Island, Pinellas Point, Madeira Beach, Pinellas Park Owners Barry Loper and Cathy Salustri Loper Deadlines Friday at 5 p.m.

thegabber.com @gabbernews @gabbernews @gabberlife The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers, advertisers, or employees of the Gabber. The Gabber is not liable for any errors in advertising beyond the cost of the first printing of any advertisement. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced or copied without permission of the publisher.

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BARRY LOPER

2908-B Beach Blvd. S. Gulfport, FL 33707 727-321-6965

Once upon a time, I wrote opinion column for the paper. I came to love the discussion “Hard Candy” spurred on Thursday mornings (even if I received a few angry letters here and there.) A community that shares differing opinions translates to an engaged community, and an engaged community is an empowered community. I used to tell people I didn’t need them to think like me; I only wanted the column to make them think.

Newspapers should function not only to give you the news, but to stimulate discussion about the news.

With that in mind, I’m pleased to announce that Ian O’Hara has agreed to pen an opinion column for The Gabber. Ian and I don’t always see eye-to-eye, but I like that. He makes me think. It is my fondest hope that he will make you think, too. Please join me in welcoming Ian to Team Gabber as he pens a regular opinion column for us, “Letters From Your Neighbor.” Ian’s column will discuss his thoughts on local happenings, city news, and broader topics. As someone who’s worked for various political candidates and knows his community on a granular level, I suspect Ian will have both popular and unpopular opinions. I look forward to reading both, and I hope “Letters From Your Neighbor” gives you yet another reason to open the Gabber (or a browser window) on Thursday morning.

Speaking of Team Gabber, some of you may have noticed we stopped running food pieces from Jen Ring a while ago. We didn’t mention it at the time, but Jen had to stop because her scleroderma had worsened and she couldn’t work. Jen’s spent the last few months as a full-time resident at Tampa General, but Friday morning she received a badly needed double lung transplant. While she’s going to take a few months to recover, we’re all grateful for the organ donor and surgeon who saved her life, and we look forward to a much healthier Jen returning to work with us (and not just for her tasty photos and food reporting, but because she’s a genuinely wonderful person and we’re happy she’s around!)

Thanks for reading and supporting us, –Cathy

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theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

voices No Dogs to Rescue As another resident of Gulfport and a person looking to give an adult miniature dachshund a home, carrying a leash and a checkbook in my pockets, and applications on file, I visited every booth with “rescue” on its sign. I wholeheartedly agree with your other writer, Karen Medve, in her letter (Mar. 3). Not only were there no adoptable dachshunds to be rescued at “Get Rescued”, there were few adoptable dogs to be seen. Where were all the dogs that need homes? Where was DARE [Dachshund Adoption and Rescue]? Has not “Get Rescued” been named the biggest dog rescue event in all of Florida?

Perhaps Ms. Medve is right: This event should be renamed. May I suggest “The Everything Market for the Dog You Can’t Rescue”.

Very disappointing. -The dogless Susan Masztak

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Mayor Welch Proposes a Fresh Take on Tangerine Plaza Last month marked five years since the Walmart Neighborhood Market at Tangerine Plaza shuttered its doors, leaving a large swath of St. Petersburg without a grocery store. Mayor Ken Welch pledges to find a solution. “For too long, residents in this neighborhood have lacked access and proximity to healthy food options,” Welch said. “That is why I am working with city staff to learn more about proposals for Tangerine Plaza established under the previous administration to make informed choices about how best to proceed.” These USDA-designated areas of low income/low access have more than tripled during the same five-year period evidenced by 2020 census

data that shows seven adjacent census tracts compared with two in 2015. Former mayor Rick Kriseman and current District Six council woman Gina Driscoll perfected the fine art of virtue signaling by giving residents a Food Policy Council and a proclamation claiming food as a human right.

Each action has good optics attached to it. Neither action puts food in the stomachs of those who need it. Our city has had five years to solve this problem. This is not five years with a stubborn property owner who will not budge, but five years of no movement on a property the City owns. Let’s reject aspirational change and virtue signaling that confuse doing something with doing the right thing. Let’s hope our new administration gives nutrition insecurity the attention it deserves. –Wendy Wesley, RDN, St. Petersburg

Voices continued on page 10

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theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

news Wheels in the Park

Gulfport Woman Who Uses Wheelchair Rates Local Parks for Accessibility For people who use wheelchairs or have physical limitations, showing up to a public park or beach is a toss up whether they’ll be able to enjoy it.

Beth Stombaugh knows this firsthand.

The Ohio native-turned-Gulfportian, born with the most severe type of spina bifida, has used a wheelchair her entire life. Growing up, her parents had to carry to sandy shores, and she had to rely on others to overcome what her wheelchair couldn’t.

That’s why she’s working with what she only describes as a “major tourism website” to rate the local parks in St. Petersburg.

“I’m mostly focusing on mobility impairments since I can do that fairly well,” Stombaugh said. “Some of them are very good and some have a ways to go.”

Her goal is to go through most of the parks and beaches in St. Pete and Clearwater to determine whether they’re accessible for people with mobility, visual, or sensory impairments.

“I’m not allowed to name the website at this time because the project is not complete,” Stombaugh said.

“But it is a major tourist website for St. Petersburg and Clearwater.”

One can speculate. After all, everyone wants to visit St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

BETH STOMBAUGH

By Abby Baker

Beth Stombaugh is a former special education teacher, a Columbus Ohio native, and an advocate for people with disabilities.

Mobi mats (roll-out ramps for wheelchair accessibility on the beach), beach wheelchairs (preferably electric), ADA-compliant bathrooms, braille signs, and accessible parking are all things people with disabilities must consider.

Right now, there’s no easy way to find out if a city offers these accommodations.

She’s also a wildlife photographer, something she’s incorporating into her work with the parks. Stombaugh’s reports will come with photos of the outdoors.

She says Sawgrass Lake Park is accessible, and for a small beach, Gulfport Beach is reasonably acces-

sible. Albert Whitted Park? Not so much.

The parks legally must have these assets, but oftentimes, change is complaint driven, she says.

Before her move to the Sunshine State, Stombaugh worked as a special education teacher for 24 years at an inner-city school in Columbus, Ohio.

Working with youth with disabilities is something close to her heart.

Once upon a time, Stombaugh was a young girl using a wheelchair in the Midwest.

Her parents moved her to a mainstream public school after kindergarten for a chance at a better education.

Stombaugh was an alternate in the Paralympics and on the United States Wheelchair Swim Team when she was in high school and college.

She competed across the U.S., in England, and Venezuela.

When she’s not visiting parks, Stombaugh spends time in Gulfport with her two dachshunds.

“I love it here, the people are very accepting and I’ve been enjoying that,” Stombaugh said. “I would like to see more ADA compliance here, but we’re working on it.”

Stay tuned to thegabber.com for updates on Stombaugh’s accessibility project. Once the online parks project is completed, we’ll post the results.

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Gulfport Gets Wi-Fi at Beach and Parks

Thanks to the Feds, Wi-Fi’s Coming to a Park Near You

By Mike Sunnucks

CITY OF GULFPORT

Gulfport will get new and improved Wi-Fi at city parks and the beach area.

Gulfport City Council approved spending some of its federal COVID relief money to expand and improve Wi-Fi connections and service to city parks, buildings, and the beach area.

The initial costs of the wireless

project will not exceed $60,000 but the city will also pay $299 per month for Wi-Fi at two buildings and $36.99 per month at the parks included in the plan.

The initial money coming from Gulfport’s $6.18 million allocation

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from the American Rescue Plan Act (the federal COVID relief package passed last year). The recurring monthly costs will be part of the city’s ongoing technology budget.

The council voted 5-0 at its Mar. 1 meeting to approve the spending program.

The City will install new – or improve existing – wireless internet to Gulfport parks, the rec center, Catherine Hickman Theater, and the beach.

The effort to bring Wi-Fi services to Gulfport parks will require “heat mapping” to determine how much equipment the City needs to install.

The City will also replace faulty access point systems at the beach area.

Veterans Park, Clymer Park, R. W. Caldwell Park, Trolley Market Square, Chase Park, and Tomlinson Park Complex will also get new or improved Wi-Fi.

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theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

night. They left behind not only the uncertainty and fear in Eastern Europe, but also uncertainty and fear for their Ukrainian family.

“It’s terrifying for me to leave my family here,” Fylypovych said. “She [Homota] has no one here; she does not know this country and she does not know the language.”

Cudar thinks the family’s best bet is achieving refugee status in Canada. He’s paid for an Airbnb in Poland, where 42-year-old Hamota and her daughters can stay for several months – until the money runs out. That’s not a long-term solution; Cudar, the Gulfport Garage owner known for local philanthropic works with his business, spent a large chunk of money on the Airbnb.

“I can’t afford to stay here much longer,” Cudar said on Friday, his voice cracking. “When it comes to the kids I’m very emotional. They may never see their father again.”

The girl’s father, 45-year-old Andrei volunteered to fight in the Ukrainian military. They lost contact with him a

ERIC CUDAR

Ukraine Family continued from cover

Hayla Hamota and her 10 and 12-year-old daughters fled their home in Ukraine and traveled to Poland, where they met Gulfport Garage owner Eric Cudar and his fiancé Ulyana Fylypovych, as Hamota and her daughters walked across the border. Now, they wait.

few days ago.

Back home, Cudar’s neighbor, Judy Ledoux, offered the family an apartment in Gulfport if they make it to the U.S. That future is unclear at the moment, though the gesture remains.

“I want to do anything I can to help,” Ledoux told The Gabber. “Eric was always very good to me, and very good to my husband.”

Cudar met Ukraine-native Fylypovych in 2013 after she came into

theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

Gulfport Garage as a customer.

“She’s the love of my life; she’s just a blessing,” Cudar said.

Fylypovych accepted Cudar – including his two Gulfport-famous ringtailed lemurs – as family. Now, he wants to help his extended family.

Ledoux’s in the process of creating a GoFundMe. Until then, anyone who wishes to donate can contact Cudar at ealanc@gmail.com.

“Anything helps, even prayers,” Cudar said.

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Gulfport Council Votes Itself an Even Higher Raise Council will vote a second time on the higher raise on Mar. 15 Gulfport City Council may get a larger pay raise than citizens expected.

Gulfport City Council voted 3-2 at its Mar. 1 meeting to raise their pay to $20,000 for mayor and $15,000 for council members. That’s an increase from the proposal Council approved at its Feb. 15 meeting, at which Council approved a pay raise, put forward by Vice Mayor April Thanos, that would have raised mayoral pay from $14,400 to $15,000 annually and council compensation from $10,800 to $13,500 per year.

At the Mar. 1 meeting, Council was slated to vote a second and final time on the pay raises approved at the February meeting. At that meeting, Henderson had pushed for a $28,500 pay level for mayor and $23,000 per year for council members.

At the Tuesday, Mar. 1 meeting, the pay push took a twist.

Councilmember Michael Fridovich (Ward IV) introduced the $20,000 and $15,000 pay raise plan, an idea forwarded by Councilmember Christine Brown (Ward II) at the Feb. 15 that did not move forward.

It moved forward at the Tuesday meeting.

Brown, Fridovich and Henderson voted for the $20,000 and $15,000 pay levels.

“I’m standing by my numbers. I

JUNE JOHNS

By Mike Sunnucks

On Feb. 15, council voted to raise the mayor’s pay by $600/year and other councilmembers by $2,700/year; at the Mar. 1 meeting, voted 3-2 to increase it even more.

thought they were good numbers,” said Brown who looked at other Pinellas County jurisdictions and their pay levels for elected officials.

“I feel like its good place to be in the mix of all of the other cities in the area,” she said.

Vice Mayor Thanos and Councilmember Paul Ray (Ward III) opposed the new pay raise measure.

They had voted for the Feb. 15 increase.

Thanos and Ray said the city should take the pay raise issue to a special committee or charter committee for review.

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“I don’t think the council or Senate or anyone should be voting themselves a raise. It just looks disingenuous,” Ray said.

Because the Council changed the amount of the pay raise, they will have to vote a second time – at its Mar. 15 meeting – to finalize the pay raise.

The proposals also tie council and mayoral pay to cost of living increases for rank-and-file city workers. Under the proposed compensation package, if City of Gulfport employees get cost of living raises, the council will, too.

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theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

Opinion: Lingering in the Background Letters From Your Neighbor You may or may not know that I ran for Ward 4 City Council and didn’t win, but I would like to make our community better. Maybe this column will bring forward conversations and ideas that will matter to us as neighbors.

Under the current makeup of our city council, the real serious issues will not come forward. City Council focuses on noise ordinances, pay raises, permits, signage, volleyball, boat tournaments, and other feel-good issues. Those things keep people talking – and we are – but the real issues linger in the background. We have some larger pressing matters and long-term issues such as delinquent accounts, dereliction rates, parking, zoning, and lobbying for home rule. I believe that the gentlemen and gentlewomen on our dais have good intentions for Gulfport, but as we know from last month’s meeting, it seems to be a burden to them.

Mayor Sam Henderson said “what the job has become is the issue” and “we make policy decisions”; councilmember Michael Fridovich – my Ward 4 representative – agreed, saying, “it is getting out of hand.” Councilmember Christine Brown also agreed, telling everyone “there is a great deal of stress and responsibility” and “there is an underbelly of hate in our community.”

So does that mean that some of them need to change their perceptions of what they do as councilmembers, or do we need a systemic change in council and city administration? The above comments show that they are weary and uncomfortable in their positions – and for good reason. Should these councilmembers retire or resign? The threat on Mayor Henderson’s life is a serious matter. More people are willing to imply violence in today’s world, so could this be the reason why their perceptions have changed? Or could it be emotional collectivism that draws the members of the dais to a common

cause of self-preservation?

I understand that the high emotion rot has taken a toll on the current council, but they need to focus on the issues at hand. There are ways that Council can communicate with their constituents (outside of phone and email) such as surveying and questionnaires. We as constituents have expectations – old and new – such as energy policy, sewage, sidewalks, roads, playgrounds, dog parks, the senior center, and ecological factors. This is the real infrastructure of the City of Gulfport. Our City is progressing forward and must follow with the times. We have an antiquated system, and we need to improve it sooner rather than later.

Sometimes, what we do not do is worse than what we do.

Sincerely, Your neighbor, Ian O’Hara

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By Ian O’Hara

Ian O’Hara writes Letters From Your Neighbor, a regular opinion column about things happening in Gulfport and beyond. Email him at ian@thegabber.com.

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theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

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Voices continued from page 3

Displeasure With Council Comments This week [Gulfport] Council addressed a proposal to fund an infrastructure study that would evaluate additional middle housing within city limits to help address the housing crisis. The study included a review of expected growth in infrastructure demand from accessory dwelling units as the initial phase of a broader affordable housing strategy. Gulfport’s median household income is $52,700, below the state average of $63,000. The workforce consists of many service workers coping with large rent increases.

Accessory Dwelling Units would be one step toward increasing housing supply with lower rents due to their smaller size. Councilmember Paul Ray grew red-faced as he angrily interrupted “You will destroy the character of Gulfport... I bought my house a long time ago because all the houses were one story....[muffled] this would lead to Section 8 housing.” Ray’s ward includes Stetson University where students need housing options.

Councilmember Christine Brown, also opposed, remarked “If my neighbor had that in my backyard, I feel like I’m not living in a neighborhood, I’m living in a commune...

I don’t agree with it.” When it was

later remarked that she herself has an ADU in her backyard she nodded her head yes. All opposing councilmembers had approved the City’s most recent 2018 Comprehensive Plan that agreed to “allow flexibility for the provision of garage apartments in single-family districts” (Policy 1.4.3) showing a marked policy reversal that sets back affordable housing initiatives in a community that needs it. Video: gulfport.granicus.com/player/ clip/1437 (starts at 2:10:45) –Greg Simek, Gulfport

Gratitude in Pink On behalf of the board of the Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce, I’d like to extend a big thank you to everyone who helped make the 2022 Pink Flamingo Home & Garden Tour a success. Most notably, we want to thank the homeowners who shared their homes and gardens with the tour, enthusiastically and without hesitation. I’ve heard so many positive comments about the homes and how wonderful people thought they were; the tour really reflects the best of Gulfport!

The GMC would also like to thank the City of Gulfport for co-sponsoring the tour; we feel the support of the city as we show off what’s great about Gulfport. Thank you, too, to Stacey Purcell and Gulfport Realty for donating transportation for the

preview party, the Boca Ciega Yacht Club for hosting the preview party and check-in, and the restuarants (including the North End Taphouse) for donating food for the preview party. We’ll see you at GeckoFest! – Barbara Banno, Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce President

The Gabber welcomes and encourages letters and commentary. One letter per person, per month. All letters must be signed with your real name and city, and should be as brief as possible (ideally <250 words). We may edit letters for content, clarity and length. We will not print letters that incite violence, include personal attacks on private citizens, or that are intentionally misleading or inaccurate. Letters sent to the Gabber for print will also appear online and on the Gabber’s social media pages.

Commentary posted to the Gabber’s website and social media pages may also be used in print.

Opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of the Gabber owners, advertisers, or staff. Send letters to news@thegabber.com or mail them to 2908-B Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL, 33707.

Help Wanted: City Hall & Politics Reporter The Gabber seeks a city hall/ politics reporter for Gulfport and surrounding areas. Must have experience working with city government or BA in journalism. Help keep your neighbors informed about what's happening at city hall!

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theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

Boomerangs Enter 50th Year with a Bang Senior Softball Team Celebrates 50 Years on April 2 “So we Senior Seniors, as we mature through 1981, hope to leave this legacy for you Junior Seniors to carry on at least to the year of our Lord, 2000.” –Jack Welker, president of the Gulfport Boomerangs, in a letter dated May 18, 1981 On April 2, the Boomerangs celebrate their 50th anniversary by unveiling a 50th anniversary flag and banner; a speech from Gulfport Mayor Sam Henderson, in which he dedicates April 2 as Boomerang Day; a tribute to players who cannot play any longer and to deceased members; and a hot dog cookout.

For $20 annually (13 cents per game) the co-ed softball team invites women 45 and older and men 55 and older to come out to Hoyt Field Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings at 7:30 a.m. for practice and games.

The Gabber spoke with the current president of the Boomerangs, Rob Sumner, about his experience with the active team. The shortstop began competing in his 20s, with previous experience playing baseball for PONY League, Little League, his high school team, his college team, and the American Legion. Sumner said after his 20s he took a softball break to focus on family and his career.

As most avocations do, the sport called him back. Sumner joined the Boomerangs in 2018 after seeing an open call in The Gabber. With a little push from his wife, Sumner grabbed a bat and a mitt. Four years later, he was elected president.

Sumner emphasized the community he found with the team.

“Not only do I like the exercise, the competition, and just love the game, the camaraderie is a big reason I keep coming back,” he said.

“I was welcomed whole-heartedly.

Everyone who turns out is an instant teammate and friend.”

When the Boomerangs formed in 1972, the team set out to emphasize the spirit of softball, but

CATHY SALUSTRI

By Gabby Reeder

Team member of the Boomerangs, Bob Kirby, steps up to the plate during a recent practice.

also the importance of health and wellness. That message carries through to the team today.

“We are supported by every elastic wrap, brace, and medical apparatus known to man. There is enough titanium on the field on any given day to build an airplane,” Sumner said. “As a matter of fact, we are looking for a sponsor, maybe a chiropractor, or orthopedic appliance clinic.”

In addition to promoting health and wellness, the team is adamant about accommodating each player to create an open and inclusive space.

“We have pinch runners for players who have mobility issues,” Sumner said. A pinch runner runs bases for someone who might not be able to, or might have difficulty getting there. For example, if someone has a leg brace on, they

might not be able to get to the bases, but they can still bat, so the team will use a pinch runner.

Sumner added that the Boomerangs play two innings at a time. Each game depends on the turnout of players; sometimes they break into two teams.

If more players show up, they’ll split into three, but Sumner said most games consist of five infielders and around four to six outfielders.

“Each game provides a new adventure! My favorite is turning a double play with a 92 year-oldcatcher. It just cannot get any more special than that. Additionally, I have seen at least three triple plays in the short time I have suited up,” Sumner said.

Catch the 50th anniversary game at Hoyt Field, 2300 57th St. S. on Sat., April, 2.

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theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

727-560-3674

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Overheard at Gulfport City Council The most lively discussion at the Mar. 1 Gulfport City Council meeting occurred when the council changed course on a proposed pay raise for the mayor and council. Currently, Gulfport pays its mayor $14,400 annually and other councilmembers $10,800 per year. Council voted 3-2 to raise those levels to $20,000 and $15,000, respectively, after approving pay levels of $18,000 and $13,500 at its Feb. 15 meeting.

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“So when you have an ordinance and you haven’t locked in the money to begin with and you all go out on recess and come back... a cynic might think ‘oh gosh, maybe they got all their ducks in a row back in the back room’.” —Lee Stapella on Council changing numbers on pay raises after a recess “Is that a formal accusation?” —Mayor Sam Henderson, to Stapella “No, I said hypothetically a cynic might consider when you disappear out of the public view and come back with different number that the ordinance is no longer a single subject ordinance [and] it might require third reading.” —Stapella, answering Henderson and suggesting a need for another reading and vote on the pay raise at the next meeting “Captain Lundh, I enjoyed my recess speaking to you out back.” —Henderson, to Gulfport Fire Captain James Lundh, in response to Stapella’s comment

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theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

Pride on the Beach

The Women Behind Gulfport’s Lesbian Radio Resurrect Gulfport’s Original Pride Gulfport is the spot of not one, but two pride festivals each year.

ProSisters, a lesbian radio station and queer information site, started the original festival in 2018. They coined it Gulfport Peace, Love & Pride and invited the entire community to the Gulfport Casino Ballroom.

“It was great, it was very well accepted. It felt good having people come and celebrate our little city,” Lynn DiVenuti, of ProSisters said.

“We don’t have gay bars here in Gulfport, because everyone is accepted everywhere.”

On Sunday, Mar. 13, Gulfport’s waterfront will see the return of Gulfport Peace, Love & Pride.

ABBY BAKER

By Abby Baker

The Herstory Peace, Love & Pride took a break in March 2021 amid COVID-19 concerns.

“It was bittersweet, but my conscience wouldn’t allow it,” DiVenuti said. “We would never want to be the reason someone got sick.”

That same year, Gulfport Pride, sponsored by OutCoast.com Gay Florida Travel, took place. Many people assumed the May festival was Gulfport’s first Pride, perhaps because of the excitement of stolen vibrators, subsequently well-attended vibrator races, and all-day events at downtown Gulfport bars.

But DiVenuti and her ProSisters partner Amy Oatley know the scoop.

“That’s not the first Pride,” DiVenuti said. “We are the first Pride here in Gulfport, and we’re proud of that.”

Before ProSisters forged ahead with Pride, they held the Peace, Love & Women’s Festival. It was a celebration of women, with an emphasis on queer women.

But Pride is a broader celebration of all, says DiVenuti.

“The last two years, there weren’t really events to promote,” Oatley said. “ProSisters is all about pro-

Gulfport’s Peace, Love & Pride Festival returns after a year’s hiatus.

moting and informing the community about events, so we’re happy that people are able to participate in safe fun now.”

Rain or Shine The focus, aside from rainbow festivities, is music.

Peace, Love & Pride will take place inside as well as out. The area near Gulfport Beach will be a sprawling spot for vendors and music. Inside the Gulfport Casino, people can enjoy a cash bar and lounging area.

theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

The festivities will kick off with songs and a mini-march by the The Gulfport Gecko Amalgamated Marching Band.

Groups such as Hot Tonic, Rum Syndicate, Elysian Sex Drive, Urban Gypsies of Florida, and DiVenuti herself will play the Casino stage all day.

“Rain or shine, we’ll be out there,” DiVenuti said with a laugh.

Proceeds benefit the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation.

Gulfport Peace, Love & Pride Festival Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. 12-7 p.m.

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13

Giving Treasure Island a LIFT

New Initiative Helps Unhoused Population Find Help

By Gabby Reeder

TRIP BARRS

Fire Chief Trip Barrs and Police Chief John Barkley, leaders of the LIFT Program

“We call them our residents without addresses,” Treasure Island Fire Chief, Trip Barrs, said.

The Treasure Island Police Department and the Treasure Island Fire Department partnered to help homeless people attain needed services in 2019. Recently, the departments expanded their programs to introduce The L.I.F.T. program. The Life Inter-

vention Focus Team serves to assist vulnerable populations with medical treatment, mental health assistance, and rehabilitation programs for issues relating to substance and drug abuse.

Police Chief John Barkley told The Gabber that between 10 and 12 unhoused individuals call the island home.

“We spend a lot of time and a lot

THE NORTH END TAPHOUSE HAS A DELI-STYLE MENU WITH LOCALLY BREWED BEERS AND MORE. We have live entertainment every day and Open Mic every Tuesday, located in the Village Courtyard.

Mar 10 Gage Mooney .................................. 7-10 Mar 11 The Rum Syndicate ....................... 7-10 Mar 12 Leify Green ....................................3-5:30 John Allen James ........................... 7-10 Mar 13 Dead Set Florida................................3-6 Mar 14 Team Trivia .................................. 8:30-10 Mar 15 Open Mic............................................. 7-10

2908 1/2 Beach Blvd S Gulfport, FL

Mar 16 Hot Tonic ...............................................6-9

The North End Taphouse now has a Speakeasy room with limited seating. Open Friday and Saturday nights 7 to midnight only. First come first serve. Enjoy all the libations and treats you’ve come to love from the taphouse in a quaint and intimate setting.

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of our services, a lot of police time with them, a lot of EMS and ambulance services with them, which takes away officers’ and firefighters’ from doing other things,” Barkley said. “What we wanted to do is try to find long term solutions to this.

Arresting the homeless person isn’t going to solve anything.”

The foundation is currently undergoing the process of obtaining legality and 501(c)3 status.

“What we’re trying to do is direct resources for those that want help,” Treasure Island Police Chief, John Barkley, said.

“It’s just frustrating to us because we’re just not equipped or set up to provide the social services that are necessary. So, a lot of the citizens are frustrated that we’re not actively fixing the problem,” Barkley explained that the police and fire departments do what they can, transport injured people to the hospital, arrest those that commit crimes, but the unhoused individuals always return to Treasure Island.

Instead of repeating the same motions, Barr told The Gabber the police and fire departments set out to, “find a way to provide those all-encompassing services, in the social services realm that will actually help them if they want to get out of the homelessness that they’re in. So to that end, we want to empower the citizens that are so active in bringing it to our attention, [to] give them an opportunity to really be a part of the solution, the long-term solution.”

Currently, police and firemen serve as the founders and brains behind L.I.F.T. Once granted approval, Barr mentioned “commission appointed citizen volunteers” will take over to run necessary daily operations for L.I.F.T. “As a fire chief it makes me feel good to know that we’re doing something to kind of curb the EMS calls that we get that are just for somebody sleeping on the sidewalk,” Barrs said.

theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

arts Seven Questions: Jane Bunker

Artist Paints Flowers, Donates Earnings to Scholarship Fund for Black Students Jane Bunker’s iconic lily paintings and the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Museum are intertwined at this point.

Now in her fourth year, Bunker will once again sell her lily paintings to benefit the museum’s scholarship program, the Woodson Warriors.

For Bunker, the reward comes from seeing the high school seniors and college students who make up the scholarship roster succeed each year.

GN: When did you become an artist?

JB: My parents said they could give me a box of crayons and they wouldn’t hear from me for the rest of the day. Basically the whole first part of my life was focused on painting. I majored in art but I didn’t think I could make a living as an artist so I went back to school to be a psychologist and I worked as a psychologist for about 15 years before I went back to painting in 1992.

Do you think your career as a psychologist effects your art?

Very much so, the two are very intertwined. Both bring me a tremendous amount of joy.

Why lilies?

A lot of my previous work was more focused on landscape. I thought everything was quite beautiful …

When we moved here to Florida I wanted to do something to raise money for college scholarships.

The lilies felt like a gift to the African American community, and they’re also very sensuous and spiritual to me.

Will you ever stray from flowers?

I don’t know how long I’ll be passionate about lilies. If I went off, I’d do something slightly more abstract, but if I head in that direction, I’m not sure how marketable the work would be and I want to be able to raise money for the cause.

DUE WEST PHOTOGRAPHY

By Abby Baker

Jane Bunker sells her lily paintings to raise money for The Woodson Warriors Scholarship Fund.

How did you get involved with the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Museum?

Years ago when I was a psychologist I worked with support groups for women in crisis. That was one of the highlights of my career. I knew at this point that I wanted to provide service to the African American community. When I moved here with my husband I met Terri Lipsey Scott (Executive Director of the Woodson) and the rest is history.

You’ve been a part of the Woodson Warriors Scholarship Program since its inception. How does it feel to see the students grow?

It’s amazing. Some of them are graduating now, we have no dropouts and they all have high GPAs with majors that will lead them to good careers. It’s also amazing to

theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

see the sense of family they have together and how they support one another. It’s the highlight of my life, working with these young people.

You’re the only white artist whose shown at the Woodson, a predominately Black space. Do you feel that crosses a line?

The only reason I’m shown there is because my work is in support of the African American community. I’m honored to be in that space, but I also realize that I’m only in that space to raise money.

Fiore: Paintings by Jane Bunker, Glass by Edelweis Walker Chihuly Collection, 720 Central Ave., St Pete. Mon.-Sat; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 12-5 p.m. moreanartscenter. org/fiore

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Gulfport Senior Center 5501 27th Ave. S. • 727-893-5657 •

/gulfportseniorcenter

Annual registration required. Free, residents; $50, non-residents. All programs subject to change without notice. Mon.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Fri, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Stop by, join our weekly newsletter, or like us on Facebook for a full calendar of events.

Fitness Center now open! To provide physical distancing, we’ve limited capacity, so call to register for a spot.

Supplemental food assistance for qualifying Gulfport Seniors in need is available at the Senior Center. Pantry is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Proper verification required prior to use of the pantry.

GEMS (Gulfport Extended Mobility Service) provides affordable Door-to-Door transportation service, rides to medical appointments, shopping, and much more for Gulfport residents, 55 years of age or older or disabled. 727-893-2242.

Medical Equipment Lending Program provides gently used wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches and other medical equipment to seniors who need it. Supplies limited.

SPECIAL EVENTS Monday Mile Walking Club Start your week on the right (or left) foot with a walking group that meets in different locations every week.

Mondays, 8 a.m. Call for location.

Health Talks Dr. Christina McCoy of Labrador

Primary Care discusses the most effective ways to boost your energy. Mar. 10, 12 p.m.

Rhythm & Groove Jam Session Let’s make music together at our new monthly hootenanny. Bring your instrument & join others for a casual jam group. Open to all instruments and experience levels – and listeners.

Mar. 10, 3 p.m.

Memory Screenings Worried about your memory? St. Anthony’s Memory Disorder Clinic offers free and confidential memory screenings. Mar. 14; call for required appointment.

EPIC Social Club LGBTQ+ individuals often face many challenges as they age. Join us to discuss these challenges and to offer mutual social support through conversation and connection. Mar. 14, 6 p.m.

Wellness Wednesday: Monthly Wellness Checks Make your health a priority & track your progress with these free screenings.

Mar. 16, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Learn Your iPhone & iPad Learn the basic functions of your Apple iPhone or iPad. Mar. 17, 1 p.m. Registration required.

In the Kitchen with Chef Jack Improve your culinary skills with step-by-step guidance

from the Soup Guru, Chef Jack. Mar. 17, 4 p.m.; registration required.

HCA Lunch & Learn Ava Dobin, Director of Infection Prevention at HCA Palms of Pasadena, has tips on preventing infection at home or in the hospital. Mar. 22, 2 p.m. Registration required.

EPIC Coffee Club Join other LGBTQ+ seniors for a warm cup of coffee. This month we’ll look back at memories, so bring in photos of yourself you’re comfortable sharing. Mar. 23, 8:30 a.m.

Happy Birthday to YOU! Celebrate this month’s birthdays with friends, food, and fun – whether it’s your birthday or not. Mar. 23, 3 p.m.

Matinee Movie Take a break and enjoy a movie with friends. Call for title. Mar. 25, 1 p.m.

Spring Fling Field Day Meet at Chase Park for a fun-filled day packed with outdoor games, food, and fun! Mar. 29, 10 a.m.

GEMS GETAWAYS Columbia Café & Tampa Bay History Center Mar. 24. $35; $30, GEMS members.

Gulfport Public Library 5501 28th Ave. S. • 727-893-1074 • /gulfportlibraryfl Mygulfport.us/gpl • Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

All programs free and subject to change.

Science in the Garden Meeting in the Reading Garden for our weekly Science Club for Grades K-5. Mondays, 4 p.m.

Storytime in the Park Join Miss Cailey at Clymer Park for outdoor Storytime fun! Enjoy books, songs, rhymes and bubbles. Bring a chair or blanket if you want to sit during the program. Activities for toddlers and caregivers, but we always welcome additional siblings and family members. Thurs., 10:30 a.m.

Grab & Go Crafts for Grades K-5 Want to get creative with the kids during spring break? Pick up a craft kit; we have a variety!

Available Mar. 14, 10 a.m.; limited supply.

Get Growing City horticulturist Toffer Ross joins us to answer all your questions about native gardening in Florida. Learn how to

16

shrink your lawn and create a biodiverse habitat for pollinators while adding natural Florida beauty to your yard! Mar. 15, 11 a.m.

SHINE Presentation: Medicare Part C Information and counseling about Medicare Parts A, B, C, & D. Mar. 16, 1 p.m. 727-8931073 for individual appointment with a SHINE counselor.

Gulfport Library Book Club Discuss James Baldwin’s “Go Tell It on the Mountain”. Borrow a print copy from the library or download the audiobook from Overdrive/Libby. Mar. 17, 2 p.m. 727-893-1073.

Babytime For little ones under 2 years old and their caregivers. We will sing, read, enjoy lap bounce rhymes, and learn baby signs. Older siblings also welcome. Mar. 25, 10:15 am.

Murder in the Afternoon Mystery Series: Do you love a whodunit? Join this weekly miniseries with the first two episodes of a four-part series released by Silverprint Pictures. Visit the events page on the website for episode descriptions, or call. Mar. 23, 12 p.m.

Sew Easy Use assorted fabric, thread, and stitches to make a beginner sewing project! Mar. 25, 1 p.m. Limited supplies; registration starts Mar. 18. Call or email library. programs@mygulfport.us.

Grownup Movie Series Watch an Irish coming-of-age comedy drama about a working class boy growing up in Northern Ireland in the ‘60s & ‘70s. Call for title. Apr. 2, 1 pm.

theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

Catherine Hickman Theater 727-893-1070 • 5501 27th Ave. S. Gulfport Comedy Night Frank Santorelli of The Sopranos, Tim Moffett, and host Lesley Smith. Mar. 12, 6 p.m. $25 at Casino and Eventbrite. 727-371-9677

Clean Stand-Up Comedy Donnie Stopa, Rodney Norman, and host Jeremy Lamont Mar. 17, 7 p.m. $25 at Casino and Eventbrite.

Gulfport Casino Ballroom 727-893-1070 • 5500 Shore Blvd. S. Soul Night Dance to those funky disco grooves & beats. No partner needed! Mar. 11: 7 p.m., lesson; 8 p.m.-12 a.m., dance. $10. Swingtime. info Peace, Love & Pride Proudly celebrating our diversity with live bands outside the Casino, vendor booths, and a cash bar inside. All welcome! Sponsored by ProSisters Radio, prosisters.com, and the City of Gulfport. Mar. 13, Noon-sunset. gulfportpride.com; 727-2899365.

The Impacs Sock Hop Featuring special guest Steve Santo. Mar. 18, 7 p.m. (6:30 p.m. doors open) $15 or $25/2, advance (Casino or Gulfport Beach Bazaar); $20, day of. 10:00am-2:00pm

Gulfport Health & Wellness Expo Health screenings, wellness class demos, legal information, prescription drop-off, door prizes, and samples. Hosted by Gulfport Senior Center Foundation. Free Admission. Mar. 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 727-893-1244 Ballroom Dance Featuring Daniel Fugazzotto. Mar. 20: 6 p.m., lesson with Carol Baker; 7 p.m., dance. $10; Casino Weekly Dances Ballroom Lessons: Tues., 12-3 p.m. $10 Argentine Tango: Tues., 6:30 p.m., $10 Swing: Weds., 7 p.m. $10 Latin Night: Thurs., 7 p.m. $10

Recreation Center 5730 Shore Blvd S. • 727-893-1068 • mygulfport.us/recreation/rec Annual registration: $3 residents, $25 nonresidents Basketball Adult: Wed., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. & Thurs.

6-8:30 p.m.

Pickleball All levels: Tues., 6-8:30 p.m. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Beginner: Tues., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Intermediate & Advanced: Mon., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Table Tennis Tues.. & Thurs., 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Game Room Mon., Wed., & Fri., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

PROGRAMS Afterschool Program Registrations Continue! Register now for 2021-22 school year child care program for kids entering kindergarten through age 14.

Bus transportation available from Pasadena Fundamental, Gulfport Montessori and Douglas Jamerson Elementary. Program runs until 5:30 p.m., with extended hours until 6 p.m. for an extra charge.

Please contact the Recreation Center for more details.

Teen Night Registrations Continue! Available for middle and high school students 17 and younger. Recreation, social activities, field trips, cooking projects, guest speakers and service projects. Teens can use the gymnasium, game room and outdoor area. Mon., Wed., & Fri.: 6-9 p.m. Rec Center membership required: $3, residents; $25, nonresidents.

Tot-Time Registrations Continue for handson preschool program for children ages 3-5.

The program aims to make learning fun for children and helps prepare them for kindergarten. Two, three and five-day options available on a monthly basis. 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; register Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Proof of residency required for Gulfport residents.

CLASSES Call instructor for more information. Want to teach a class? Call John: 727-893-1079.

Ballet and Tap Tues.: Ages 3-6, 5:45 p.m.; ages 7-16, 6:45 p.m. $40/month. Lisa Walker: 727-742-2594.

Essential Oil Thurs., Mar. 24, 6:30 p.m. $10/ class. Jennifer: 813-263-3919.

Essentrics Aging Backwards Recommended for active adults 60 years and above. Thurs., 10 a.m. $50/month. Lauren: 248-875-7030 Essentrics Toning Thurs., 9 a.m. $50/month.

Lauren: 248-875-7030 F.I.T Tennis Fri., 6 p.m. Free for beginners, ages 21 and up. Chase Park, 5313 27th Ave. S. Mo: 727-515-1454.

Hula Hoop Fitness Second & fourth Thursday, 6:30 p.m. $35/month; $10/class. Maria: mestrada1987@gmail.com.

Tennis Tues. Adult lessons. Chase Park, 28th Ave. and 53rd St. S. $15. Mo: 727-515-1454.

Yoga Moves Hatha Yoga Fri., 9:30 $12/class; $40/month. Denise: 727-251-8868 Youth Hip Hop Ages 6-8: Fri., 6:30 p.m.; ages 9-16, Fri., 7:30 p.m. $40/month. Lisa Walker: 727-742-2594 Watercolor with Patsi Wed., 10 a.m. $55/ month. Patsi: artistpsychic@gmail.com Zumba Thurs., 6 p.m. $20/month; $6/class.

Magda: 727-214-7868

Get the city app by visiting MyGulfport.us/cityapp theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

17

Every morning when I wake, the voice of Bill Gates or George Soros comes into my head telling me what to do.

Life is so easy now.

The Morean’s Giant Kiln Only Fires Once a Year

By Abby Baker

ABBY BAKER

PLEASE GET VACCINATED The implanted chips are wonderful!

Out of the Fire, Into the Morean

(PS. I like George better, such a charming Hungarian accent) - Vaxxed and Happy

The anagama is a colossal stone kiln only fully used once a year for one communal ceremony. It sees small flames yearly, but the full shebang is reserved for January.

Watch for It!

Coming Soon Gulfport Antiques & Collectibles Call De Ann for more information:

727-224-5126

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Gulfport Welcome Center

Come and share your knowledge and love of all things Gulfport with our many visitors!

Short shifts available daily.

Email: volunteer@visitgulfportflorida.com Phone: 727-344-3711

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The clay tumblers, abstract objects, and tea sets that sit in the Morean Center for Clay Out of the Fire are all new to this world.

The pieces that make up this collection were created at the ceremonial anagama, or cave kiln, lighting in January 2021. Once a year, the towering kiln fires with moldings from artists (some local) and many from other parts of the country.

“This is a high drama ceremony; another world,” Morean Clay Center executive director Valerie Scott Knaust said.

Knaust herself is a clay artist who once practiced at the Morean Center for Clay. It’s a place where artists in residence spend one to two years creating, teaching clay classes, and honing their skills.

“I fooled around and fell in love,” Knaust said.

Out of the Fire This year’s anagama kiln firing was like all the others. They held it in January, for obvious weather reasons.

Most of the participating artists are renowned professors and creators such as Matt Long, the head of the ceramics department at Ole Miss. But Jordan Kramer, one of the artists with a hand in the mix, is a

23-year-old fresh-faced ceramics artist from North Carolina happy for the opportunity.

“It was such great energy, even though it was a smaller crew than normal because we’re trying to be COVID safe,” Kramer said. “It feels like everyone is so invested in the firing and that’s the best thing about this art form, it’s the community.”

Her piece hangs in the whitewashed exhibit room near its sisters.

The Location The Center, in the Warehouse Arts District, lives in a brick building that once served as the Seaboard Freight Train Depot of St. Pete. The 1926 historic landmark became the St. Petersburg Clay Company in 2000, but now is home to the artists and art that make up the Morean Center for Clay.

Outside, pieces of elaborate clay works sit almost everywhere, including a chunk of the Berlin wall.

Exhibits like Out of the Fire often bring in clay-appreciating visitors.

“We pay our artists in residence and sell their work so they don’t have to get big-kid jobs,” Knaust said. “So they can just keep creating.”

Out of the Fire Morean Center for Clay, 420 22nd St. S., St. Pete. Wed.Sat.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

food Fun at the Salty Nun

It’s a Mix of Stella’s Signature Green and Salty’s Atmosphere On Thursday, Mar. 3, The Salty Nun was too new to even pop up on Google maps. Nevertheless, people found a way.

The restaurant at 2501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (formerly Swingers) hosted a full house for a preview.

It wasn’t foolproof; people had to order at a food truck instead of the tables and they were short staffed.

But the menu was delicious. The seafood was fresh and the menu items colorful and creative. I’m looking at you, espresso-rubbed beef.

I ordered the #10 Can Nachos and the Bang Bang Shrimp. Co-owner Barbara Banno told me not to over-order if I decided on the nachos, because, well, they’re huge.

She wasn’t wrong.

When the nachos hit my spot at the bar, the server slapped a giant upside-down tin can twice and lifted it to reveal a mountain of tri-colored chips, queso, chili, pico, and sour cream.

They were crunchy and cheesy and made better with $3 beer and live music from Steph Callahan.

The shrimp was a beach bar favorite in the middle of downtown St. Petersburg with spicy, fried prawns atop white rice.

But the real draw is the sense of family the constantly changing Grand Central District often lacks.

The Salty Nun’s the brainchild of Stella’s in Gulfport owner Barbara Banno and former Salty’s owner JP Brewer. The business duo formed the concept for the bar and restaurant over drinks one night, and the opening saw that dream come to life.

It was hard to miss both Banno and Brewer zig-zagging through the signature Stella’s green decor. In between restocking paper towels and aiding swamped bartenders, the Gulfport women stopped and said hello to what felt like everyone in

ABBY BAKER

By Abby Baker

Ordering the nachos? Beware: They’re huge.

the restaurant.

“It’s very exciting, and scary at the same time,” Banno said.

Oh, and they left a handful of

leftover swings from the shuttered Swinger’s Bar hanging out front.

The concept wasn’t lost on enthusiastic bar-goers.

un dries • Kitchen & Serveware • Gourmet Foods • Gifts, Cards, Books • Stella’s Gear and Souvenirs 2908-A Beach Boulevard (in the heart of the Village) 727-303-0976

theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

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Coconut Charlie’s More than St. Pete Beach Bar Coconut Charlie’s sits in the middle of St. Pete Beach near Bamboo Beach Bar and Postcard Inn, but their menu is more refined. During the last week of February, Coco Charlie’s introduced a fresh menu.

I, being a vegetarian, only sampled the veggie options, albeit slim.

For an appetizer, the restaurant introduced burrata panzanella.

Fresh micro basil topped a sphere of oozing burrata, and halved heirloom tomatoes sprinkled the plate, finished with a thick drizzle of balsamic glaze. Easily, this was my favorite dish.

Coconut Charlie’s added another burrata dish to the menu: the roasted wild mushroom fettuccine entree. This savory dish combined the sweetness of balsamic reduction with the sharp sting of red onions, and threw in some shitake and oyster mushrooms to level out the taste with an earthy palette. On top of the mixture was a hefty ball of burrata,

GABBY REEDER

By Gabby Reeder

The tasty combo of croutons, balsamic glaze, fresh tomatoes, and burrata.

My favorite dish.

a handful of micro basil and a purple flower. Pretty to look at and tasty to eat.

What better way to end a meal than with dessert? The gregarious staff served coconut chantilly cake with a raspberry glaze. The moist

cake melted in my mouth. The bitter tang of the raspberry glaze cut the sweetness of the coconut. Now, I’m not the biggest fan of the flaky fruit; however, I would recommend this cake to anyone who enjoys the combination.

The 2022 Gulfport Little League season is underway!

Join us for our home games at the gorgeous Tomlinson Field, 1820 55th St S. Thanks to our loyal sponsors who make this possible

MVP Sponsors

League Sponsors Gulfport Lions, Gulfport Boomerangs, AARP Florida Team Sponsors Beach Bazaar. Caldwell Realty, Stella's Community Sponsors American Legion Post 125, Gulfport Family Restaurant, Let It Be Ice Cream, Neptune Grill, Robinson MD Service Sponsors City of Gulfport, Gulfport Beaches Law, The Gabber

Home Game Schedule 3/2 WED 6:30 3/3 THUR 6:30 3/5 SAT 10:00 3/12 SAT 10:00 3/23 WED 6:30 3/26 SAT 10:00 3/26 SAT 12:30

3/30 WED 6:30 4/2 SAT 10:00 4/7 THUR 6:30 4/13 WED 6:30 4/16 SAT 10:00 4/16 SAT 12:30 4/21 THUR 6:30

4/23 SAT 10:00 4/27 WED 6:30 4/28 THUR 6:30 5/5 THUR 6:30 5/7 SAT 10:00 5/11 WED 6:30

ALL HOME GAMES AT GULFPORT'S TOMLINSON FIELD

www.GulfportFLLittleLeague.org • gulfportlittleleague18@gmail.com (727) 768-2844 • facebook.com/gulfportlittleleague18 20

theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

worship Good Shepherd Old Catholic Church

17th St. & 29th Ave N St. Petersburg 345-7777 Friday 7PM

Beth-El Shalom Messianic Congregation

ShalomAdventure.com JewishHeritage.net Rabbi@JewishHeritage.net

Paradise Lutheran Church

on Treasure Island 10255 Paradise Blvd, Treasure Island

2728 53rd St. S. Gulfport, FL 33707

Wednesdays March 9 - April 6

(Entrance on 28th Ave.)

Where ALL are welcome at the Lord’s table.

Come and See...

Sunday Mass 9:30am www.goodshepherdocc.net 727-403-7178

Lent Services 6pm

Sunday Service

10am with Holy Communion

727-360-5739

paradiseluth102@gmail.com paradiselutheran.com

Unitarian Universalist

St. Vincent’s Thrift Shop AN EPISCOPAL CONGREGATION 330 85th Avenue • St. Pete Beach Reverend Omar Reyes

Sundays 10:00am Holy Eucharist Wednesdays 11:00am Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing “St. Alban's is an inviting faith community striving to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

So, no matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.”

727-360-8406 • www.StAlbanStPeteBeach.org

United Fellowship

5124 Gulfport Ave S. 33707

Hours 10 AM to 2PM Wednesday to Saturday

During the pandemic join us Sundays on Zoom.

Discussion -10:30 Program - 11:00 For Zoom directions email us at uuunited@earthlink.net

Affiliated with

St Vincent’s Episcopal Church

5441 9 th Ave N. • St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Sunday Services 10AM Misa en Español: Domingos 12PM

“You need not think alike to love alike.”

- Francis David, 1534

uuunited.org

MALIBU 9.5

$649

MALIBU 11.5

$749

MALIBU TWO

$829

MALIBU TWO XL

$999 MADE IN AMERICA

theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

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the gabs Have you ever cried on your birthday?

Photos by Abby Baker

Nicole MacKinnon, Connecticut: “I have. It was because I knew I was moving soon. I was 18 so it was a long time ago. I moved from Connecticut to Rhode Island and it was a big change.”

Gail Elliot, Delaware: “When I was kid, yeah. I was, like, seven and I didn’t get the partner I was hoping for at a party.”

Sunya Orlofske, Dunedin: ”My most recent birthday … I actually found out I was pregnant on my birthday when I was performing here, [at] Sumitra. I had a couple of drinks and was playing my flute and feeling happy. It was a surprise for sure and I was like ‘wah!’ It was a good cry though.”

Gina Spano, St. Petersburg: “I cry every year on my birthday. I’m breaking that tradition this year. Hopefully. We’ll see.”

PVC FENCE PANELS CLEANED FROM $11 A PANEL

free quote & DEMO (727) 360-7070 22

theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

crossword

Solution on page 27

Les Girls

gabber on vacation

Solution on page 27

DOC KANE

sudoku

Doc Kane and Echo Bartlett took themselves – and The Gabber – on vacation to Key West. Pictured: A replica of the Southernmost Point, which also isn’t technically the southernmost point (civilians can’t get to the real southernmost point.) The important thing is, they had a great time and they’re back now, serving up brews at Gulfport Brewery + Eatery.

Have you taken the Gabber somewhere? We want to see your pictures! Please send a high-resolution photo and a brief description to news@thegabber.com.

theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

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GULFPORT

North End Taphouse

2908 1/2 Beach Blvd. S. Friday, March 11: The Rum Syndicate, 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 12: Leify Green, 3 p.m.; John Allen James, 7 p.m.

Sunday, March 13: Dead Set Florida, 3 p.m.

ST. PETE BEACH

Woody’s Waterfront 7308 Sunset Way Friday, March 11: J.D. Early, 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 12: J.D. Early, 7 p.m.

Chill Restaurant and Bar 357 Corey Ave. Friday, March 11: Motel Funk, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 12: Magic, 6:30 p.m.

TREASURE ISLAND Ricky T’s Bar and Grille

10601 Gulf Blvd.

Friday, March 11: Cornfused, 5 p.m.; Big Brother Band, 8 p.m.; and Matt Weiss, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 12: Rob Tyre, 4 p.m.; Kevin Toon, 5 p.m.; and Hurricane Shane , 8 p.m.

Sunday, March 13: Kevin Toon, 5 p.m.; Kyle Rhode, 8 p.m.

MADEIRA BEACH

Daiquiri Shak Raw Bar & Grille 14995 Gulf Blvd.

Friday, March 11: Kevin Toon, 5 p.m.

Saturday, March 12: Jeff Gurney, 6 p.m.

Sunday, March 13: Crossfire Creek, 2 p.m.

Lucky Lizard Taphouse

14953 Gulf Blvd.

Friday, March 11: Seth Campbell, 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 12: Jay Brown, 1 p.m.; Gene the Singing Machine, 6 p.m.

Sunday, March 13: Karaoke Night, 3 p.m.

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theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

things to do

Masks Recommended

Social Distancing Observed

Vegan Options

Dog-Friendly

Virtual

Paddy’s Day, Gulfport Pride + Kiwanis Baby Shower Find links for these events — and many other things to do — online at thegabber.com/events.

Soulful It’s the funkiest night in Gulfport. Gulfport’s Soul Night invites dancers and drinkers to the Gulfport Casino Ballroom for a night of throwbacks. Take a Hustle Dance lesson at 7 p.m., then dance like you mean it at 8 p.m. Costumes encouraged. Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. 7 p.m. $10. mygulfport.us

ABBY BAKER

Friday, March 11

Saturday, March 12 Run, Forest, Run Nothing like a Saturday morning run (maybe jog) to get the blood flowing. Join other Boyd Hill fun runners by the flagpole at the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center for just that. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Pete. 9 a.m. stpeteparksrec.org Spring Cleaning Keep both sides of Gulfport’s scenic Clam Bayou beautiful. Kayaks and walkers welcome at the 2022 Great American CleanUp. Register at either Clam Bayou Nature Park or Perry Bayview Community Park for a morning of community cleaning. Clam Bayou Nature Preserve, 4099 34th Ave. S., St. Pete. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. kpbcares.org

painting session. They supply the paint and teach you traditional mandala techniques, so come create a personal treasure. Beach House 5317, 5317 Gulfport Blvd. 1-2:30 p.m.

727-303-0354.

Get your Green On! The St. Pete Pier jams out for St. Patrick’s Day at the inaugural ShamROCK Festival. The lineup: Guns & Roses Tribute, The Broken Hearts: a Tom Petty Tribute Band, Irish dancers, and much more.

St. Pete Pier, 800 2nd Ave NE, St Petersburg. 1-9 p.m. ShamROCKfestStPete.com Remember Jerryanne Gulfport invites friends of Jerryanne Hindman

to come remember her life. Hindman passed away in January of this year, but her memory lives on.

Enjoy snacks and share memories and light refreshments. Speakers include Muzi Michaels, Roger Bell, and Jennifer Terrana from the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation. The Historic Peninsula Inn, 2937 Beach Blvd. S. 3-6 p.m. 727-346-9800.

Gay is OK Opposers of the Don’t Say Gay Bill (legislation that will forbid LGBTQ discussion in classrooms) are invited to rally at St. Petersburg City Hall. This is a unified, peaceful protest against anti-gay antics in our

state. Michele Rayner, State Representative and candidate for Con-

For Mom, For Baby The Gulfport Kiwanis Club offers baby and toddler supplies to expectant mothers and families with children 5 and under at a community baby shower and resource fair. This drive-through event gives mothers a chance to claim backpacks of supplies for infants and toddlers, offers baby health development information, and has raffle giveaways. 49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S. 12-2 p.m. flkiwanis.org Rock On Transform a stone into a work of art at this mandala rock

theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

25

Things To Do continued from page 25 gress (CD-13) and Caprice Edmond, Pinellas County School Board Member, District 7 will speak. Political signs, rainbow flags, and anything that shows pride are encouraged.

St. Petersburg City Hall, 175 5th St. N. St. Pete. 4 p.m. 727-893-7111 Laughs All Around What do you get when you combine a mobster bartender, a funny farmer, and a singing ventriloquist? Loads of laughs.

Gulfport Comedy Night features Frank Santorelli, Tim Moffett, and Lesley Smith, a ventriloquist and singer whose best friend is a bird named Shirley. Come by for a fun three-person show. Catherine A. Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. 6 p.m. $25. mabramczyk@comcast. net Sunday, March 13 Museum Sundays Make your weekend historic, for the cost of a ballpark hot dog. The St. Petersburg Museum of History offers $6 admis-

26

sion every Sunday until June with no reservations or pre-purchased tickets required. Just visit the St. Pete Pier and get ready to dive into the timelines and stories of the Sunshine City. St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 2nd Ave. NE., St. Pete.

12-5 p.m. $6. historystpete.org Gulfport Peace, Love and Pride The Gulfport holiday returns after a one-year hiatus. The Gulfport Gecko Amalgamated Marching Band starts the day with marching band-goodness, then local bands hit the stage. This is a festival based on diversity and LGBTQ+ pride, and the vendors reflect that. Don’t forget rainbow gear! Gulfport Peace, Love and Pride is sponsored by ProSisters Radio, a non-profit 501 (c) 3 online radio station headquartered in Gulfport. They donate their net proceeds to the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation. Gulfport Casino & Waterfront, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. 12-7 p.m. 727-289-9365

Wedding Bells Tying the knot soon?

Tampa Bay Watch and former Gulfport Gecko Queen Jon Ziegler will bring you a wedding show with vendors from all over Tampa Bay. Meet photographers, bridal shop owners, florists, DJs, and everyone you may need for your big day. Spots are limited per hour. Tampa Bay Watch, 3000 Pinellas Bayway S., St. Pete.

1-5 p.m. 727-867-8166.

Wednesday, March 16 Leading Lasses Discover the stories and history of Ireland’s most influential women. Often times, their histories get buried, but this is a chance to learn about the historically important female icons in Irish history, arts, and politics.

Join instructor Ruth Kelly at the CEC-Flamingo room and learn all about these powerful women and how they’ve changed the trajectory of Ireland’s history. This is a two-session class, so strap in. Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Pete. 10:30 a.m. eckerd.edu/olli

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF ST. PETE BEACH, FLORIDA MUNICIPAL ELECTION MARCH 15, 2022

AVISO PÚBLICO CIUDAD DE ST. PETE BEACH, FLORIDA ELECCIONES MUNICIPALES 15 DE MARZO DE 2022

The said election shall be for the following candidates:

Dichas elecciones serán para los siguientes candidatos:

COMMISSIONER – DISTRICT 1

COMISIONADO DEL DISTRITO 1

(Vote for One)

(Vote por Uno)

Terri Finnerty

Terri Finnerty

Christopher Graus

Christopher Graus

VOTER POLLING LOCATION

LUGAR DE VOTACIÓN PARA LOS VOTANTES

The following polling place shall be open on Election

Se abrirá el siguiente centro de votación el Día de las

Day (March 15, 2022)

Elecciones (15 de marzo de 2022)

From 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

De 7:00 a. m. a 7:00 p. m.

PRECINCT 405 – DISTRICT NO. 1

PRECINTO ELECTORAL 405, DISTRITO N.O 1

Community Center Gymnasium, 7701 Boca Ciega

Community Center Gymnasium, 7701 Boca Ciega

Drive, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706

Drive, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706

Please call 727.363.9220 with questions.

Llame al 727.363.9220 si tiene preguntas.

Amber M. LaRowe, City Clerk

Amber M. LaRowe, secretaria de la ciudad

theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

solution

ADVERTISING DEADLINE FOR NEXT THURSDAY’S ISSUE IS FRIDAY BY 5 p.m.

The 2022 The Gabber’s Pet Calendar 2022 Pet Calendar

This pet calendar doesn't feature only cats and dogs – beloved pets of all types grace these gorgeous pages.

A portion of the proceeds go to Friends of Strays.

2908-B Beach Blvd. S. • Gulfport, FL 33707 727-321-6965 • thegabber.com

Calendars are available for $5 at: Gulfport Beach Bazaar 3115 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport

theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

Gabber Office

2908-B, Beach Blvd S, Gulfport 27

CLASSIFIEDS

If you have questions about advertising, please email us at advertising@thegabber.com or call 727-321-6965! Deadline: Friday 3 p.m.

Electrical

MAYNARD ELECTRIC

Accounting

• Room Additions • Lightning Protection • Fuses to Breakers • Mobile Homes • Circuits Added • Phone Wiring • Ceiling Fans • Security Lighting & More

CLEAR NUMBERS BOOKKEEPING Virtual bookkeeping for small businesses and nonprofits. Monthly packages customized to your needs or one time cleanups. Payroll available. QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor.

10+ years experience.

Call/text to 727-248-0714 or email to nspence@clearnumbers.biz

Caregivers

HOMEWATCH CAREGIVERS OF ST. PETE BEACH

Serving the greater St. Petersburg area.

Family owned and local business. Providing in-home personal aid companion care, after surgery care, 24-hour care, dementia care, postpartum support, childcare, to name a few. 727-914-7472 hwcg.com/StPete-Beach AHCA #299995153

CAROL’S ERRANDS & MORE

Do you need help with daily activities? I can be of assistance to you! Shopping, Meal Planning/Meal Prep, Transportation To & From Appointments, Help Around the Home, and More. 727-365-0884 Cleaning / Housekeeping

A TOUCH OF CLASS JANITORIAL SERVICE

Residential and commercial cleaning Family owned and operated since 2001.

Licensed and insured. Sanitize and clean bathrooms and kitchens, floors, ceiling fans, vacuum, mop, clean baseboards, window seals and empty trash. Also, ovens, refrigerators, laundry and dishes. Free estimates 727-322-1300

Window Cleaning, Pressure Washing, Soft Washing, and more!

Licensed and Insured

727-698-1213 Abccleanexteriors.com

24 Hour Service

FREE ESTIMATES

525-0677

Licensed Bonded Insured St. Lic. #EC0002881

SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT!

and Organizing • General • Detailed • Spring Cleaning • Organization of any closet or room • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

35+ Years Experience 10% OFF YOUR FIRST CLEANING Call Today for a Free Estimate

727-712-7883 Computer Service

COMPUTER SERVICES 727-343-2838

727-687-7999 CourtesyElectricFL@gmail.com

5030 78th Ave. N. Suite 12, Pinellas Park, FL 33781

COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR LICENSED AND INSURED EC-13008313

Heat / Air Conditioning

In-Home Services: Internet Security, Training, Virus & SpyWare Removal, Maintenance & Repair, Data Recovery. (PC & Mac).

Gulfport Computer Repair Fast Friendly Service

727-388-3493 2321 49th St S

Mon-Thu 10am-5pm

15 Years in Gulfport 45 Years Experience

Computer Sales

Fax, Copy, Print

Handy Person CLEAN UP CLEAN UP CLEAN UP Handy helper. Skilled labor, anything around the house from A-Z. Weeding, rock gardens cleaned, mulch, sod and plants installed.

Small trees planted and removed. Pressure washing. Free estimates. 30 years experience. Start the New Year off right.. St. Pete / Gulfport area. James: 407-244-6045.

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Submit your events online at

thegabber.com

theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

HAT SHOP IN JOHN’S PASS

Home Improvement

TAMPA BAY FLOORS & CARPETS CLEANING SOLUTION

Needs part time sales clerk. Experience preferred. Day and night shifts available. Great pay and fun atmosphere. 727-430-0276

HELP WANTED

We offer Marble, Vinyl, Ceramic, Grout Cleaning, All Kinds of Carpet Cleaning. We Clean Upholstery, Also Power washing. We Cover All Your Cleaning Needs. We are fully Equipped We are 24:7 Emergency Flooding Service COVID Fumigation Available 727623-7948 Or 813-750-9851

AFFORDABLE CONCRETE PATIOS, WALKWAYS, DRIVEWAYS, & REPAIRS

Custom Concrete Patios, Custom stairs, walkways, driveway extensions, slabs. 35 years experience. Call Mark for a free estimate 813-859-2023 Miscellaneous Service THE TRASH QUEEN Overwhelmed with the mess? Clean up/clean out, inside and out.

Recycling, organizing, and yard work. Free estimate from Kathy, Trashologist, licensed/ insured, with truck/trailer. Call/text 845-8663867. Responsible, reasonable, and ready!

Moving & Hauling

Must be strong, able to climb ladder to access boxes/bins in loft, clean out/organize sheds x2, deconstruct cabinet, assemble boxed shelving, some painting, some general gardening, chopping/hacking, spray painting, power washing, you name it. Able to follow gentle instructions, able to hear cursing, truck helpful, light carpentry helpful, call Meg to negotiate. 727-345-4214 Painting

ARNEY’S PAINTING INC.

30 years experience. Painting expert plus wallpaper hanging and removing. Lic. #C9579. Call Arney 727-900-3459

MASTERS PAINTING * WHEN QUALITY COUNTS

Trust Masters Painting. Making Happy Customers for 42 yrs. Pressure Cleaning, Waterproofing, Honest, Reliable. 727-344-1674 or 727-5106804. References, Guaranteed. Lic.#C4749.

CHARLES JUNK HAULING & DEMOLITION Junk & trash removal. Low, low prices guaranteed. Daily specials. Kitchen, bath, shed, fencing, etc. Demolition. 727-831-0507.

PINNIX PAINTING INC. Interior , Exterior.

In Business Locally Since 1980. Free Estimates. Commercial, Residential. References Upon Request. Lic. #C4334. 727-6411888. We appreciate your business.

Lawn & Landscape

BYRON JOHNSON PAINTING PLUS, INC.

EXPERT SPRINKLER REPAIR

Rich Moseley, irrigation contractor. 25 years experience. Reasonable rates. Well & pumps.

727-439-0792. Lic.#C8312. BBB Accredited.

IRRIGATION STAIN REMOVAL

Remove ugly rust-colored irrigation stains from PVC fence, siding - stucco - wood, pavers, railings, windows and most other surfaces around your house or business including signage. Cars, too. Free estimate and demonstration. Surprisingly low prices. Call/text 727-3607070 Email RustStainRemoval@icloud.com

Time to refresh the interior/exterior of your house or business? High Quality, Professional Painting. Free estimates. Lic.#9894.

Insured. 727-365-1088 Plumbing

PROFLO PLUMBING 727-902-7077

Certified Arborist

Planting • Trimming Tree & Stump Removal Cabling/Bracing • Pruning/Shaping

727-220-0226 AnAffordableArborist@gmail.com

Help Wanted: Handyman/painting at Menorah Life. Our 5-star rated center enriches the lives of others and we need help renovating rooms, painting, etc. Contact Wayne Roach at menorahlife.org

O’Neill’s Marina is looking for a fishing enthusiast to join our family.

We have a part-time position in our bait shop 12pm-7pm Saturdays and Sundays, and fill in as needed. This position is perfect for an active retired person looking for a little extra spending $.

Please send resume and cover letter to:

alysia@oneillsmarina.com or stop by to fill out an application.

Positions Wanted

SHINE DESIGN

Hi, I'm CJ & we do it all!! Housekeeping, pet sitter, errands, & appointments. Moving to the beaches. Give me a ring at 813-370-5111.

Thanks to all the locals.

#CFC1430429 State-certified, residential/ commercial service. Senior and military discount. $25 off service with ad. Locally owned and operated.

Automotive

AFFORDABLE PROMPT • RELIABLE Licensed & Insured

Lee Claxton, I.S.A.

HANDYMAN HELP NEEDED

Help Wanted

EXPERIENCED HOUSE CLEANERS NEEDED!

Busy cleaning company looking for experienced house cleaners. Must have 1 year experience. License a plus, but not necessary. $15/hour. $100 sign-on bonus after 30 days. 727-743-0701.

TOYOTA PASEO COUP 1997 Toyota Paseo coup 1997 Lady Driven Florida vehicle, Only 116k original miles, No Accidents , Cold A/C, New tires, Runs and Shifts perfect. $2750.00 obo 727-748-9117

General GULFPORT LIONS CLUB Available for parties, weddings, meetings. Great waterfront location with full facilities. Call Jean for info and dates. 727-366-6341.

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED LINE ADS ONLINE! THEGABBER.COM

theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

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General DEE'S KARAOKE NOW @ LEGION POST 125 Dee's Karaoke MOVED from Mondays at Legion 305 TO: American Legion Post 125,6440 5th Ave. S. Gulfport, FL. 33703 on SATURDAY Nights 6-9 pm. Would love to see you there.Nice people, big room, good food.Questions-727-560-0557.

RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY COURSE

The Coast Guard Auxiliary in Gulfport will hold a Recreational Boating Safety class on Saturday March 12, 2022 from 9am to 5pm at 3120 Mariam St. S. Cost is $40 . Contact Marty Richardson at 630-674 5352 or merichardsonjr@att.net

Yard / Garage Sale

WHAT NOT YEARLY SALE

Club Chalet Community Yard Sale, 54th ave.

N, St. Petersburg, Saturday, March 12th, 8am to 2pm. Small furniture & appliances, cloths, tvs, books, dishes, lines & much more. Public welcome. Lunch available.

MOVING SALE Sat. 3/12 8-3. Rattan love seat, secretary desk, household items and clothes. 927 Alcazar Way South, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 LARGE YARD SALE 7AM-2PM Thurs-Sat. Mar 10-12. 1437 56th St. So. Gulfport Collectibles Brick Brac Household Items Little of Everything. Too Much To Mention.

COMMUNITY YARD/ BAKE SALE

Patriot Square Condominiums (3590 40th Ave S, St. Petersburg) - Entrance off 37th St. S, adjacent to Broadwater Park in Skyway Marina District with over 200 units contributing. Saturday, March 12, 8AM-NOON. Over 200 units contributing. Grilled hot dogs, too!

HUGE RUMMAGE SALE Crystal Lake Manor Clubhouse; 4100 62nd Ave N in Pinellas Park. Saturday and Sunday March 12 & 13. A lot of everything.

Furnished Rentals

1/1 CONDO FOR LEASE PER APRIL 7 Pleasant, spacious, 1/1 condo in active 55+ community. Lanai overlooks pretty courtyard.

Gated, 2 pools, tennis court, sauna, shuffleboard, and clubhouse. In the Skyway District of Saint Petersburg. $1600 per month, including cable and internet. Non-smoking.

One-year lease. 415-525-6851 text/call Real Estate For Sale

Place your classified line ads online!

Deadline for classified ads is 3 p.m. Friday for the following week’s issue.

Need Some

Extra Luck Buying or Selling Your Home?

I

GULFPORT

6202 7TH AVE. S. $750,000 - UNDER CONTRACT

1.3 ACRE LOT NEAR WESLEY CHAPEL $65,000

727-418-8948

neldasellsfla@gmail.com

Nelda Hamm

3037 Beach Blvd. S. 505 Pasadena Ave. S.

theGabber.com

Their life deserves more than five lines.

We make sharing it affordable.

Remember your loved ones forever with us.

• Free obituaries available; prices range from $10-$300 • Obituary on Legacy included In partnership with

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theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

Real Estate Snapshots

Other Gulfport Home Sales Last Week

Here’s What Sold in Gulfport Last Week

$407,000 6060 Shore Blvd. S. #911 (Downtown) This 1,255 square foot, 2/2 condo sold the same day it listed. $335,00 6113 12th Ave. S. (Stetson Neighborhood) This 969 square foot, 3/1 house sold after one day. $249,000 6075 Shore Blvd. S. #304 (Downtown) This 1,060 square foot, 1/1 condo sold after two days.

CATHY SALUSTRI

$385,000 5513 18th Ave. S. (Tangerine Neighborhood) This 784 square foot, 2/1 house sold after two days. $300,000 5980 Shore Blvd. S. #908 (Downtown) This 1,170, 1/1 condo sold after three days. $257,000 6331 10th Ave. S. (Stetson Neighborhood) This 968 square foot, 2/1 house sold after six days. $335,000 5205 Tangerine Ave. S. (Tangerine Neighborhood) This 987 square foot, 2/1 house sold after 11 days.

1918 58th St. S. (Tangerine) This three-bedroom, two-bath house, built in 1951, sold for $625,000 after seven days on the market. It has 1,568 square feet.

$295,000 1102 Gray St. S. (Stetson Neighborhood) This 824 square foot, 2/1 house sold after 67 days $225,000 2601 46th St. S. (Marina Neighborhood) This 1,082 square foot, 2/1 house sold after 145 days on the market.

We all enjoy our colorful town, but not as much as our colorful agents at Gulfport Realty.

So if you’re feeling playful and want a chance to win some Gulfport Money, just cut out the character (for a larger cutout stop by the office), color it, and send us a funny photo of it displayed in our town or yours.

Email to GulfportStacey@gmail.com or text to 727-744-0636.

10 $100 prizes to be given away. Deadline to enter is May 13, 2022.

You can’t win if you don’t try - and don’t forget to call when you’re ready to buy!

727-289-5500 • 2902 Beach Blvd S • GulfportRealty.com theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022

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theGabber.com | March 10, 2022 - March 16, 2022