The Gabber: April 28, 2022

Digital subscriptions provided by the City of Gulfport THE GABBER.COM No. 2758

April 28, 2022 - May 4, 2022

Ball in the Family

By Abby Baker

ABBY BAKER

“I’d say it’s brought us together,” Herb Wright said.

Gulfport Little League player Ayden Wright wants to be a professional baseball player or an engineer when he grows up.

Herb Wright, his father and GLL head coach, sighs and hopes for the latter, but he’s loved working alongside his son for the past four years.

Like Father Like Son Wright, a chatty kid who lives in his baseball shirts, started playing as a toddler in t-ball for Northeast Little League.

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“It’s a decent sport,” Wright said. “I like it a lot.”

He attends St. Petersburg Christian School and will begin playing baseball for his school next year, a year earlier than they let most elementary-aged students.

“He really wanted to play; he loves baseball and fishing,” Herb said.

“Those are the only two things he wants to do.”

It was three decades ago that Herb himself was a St. Petersburg kid who only wanted to play baseball.

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He played with Baypoint Little League, and slung his bat with Trevor Mallory, a St. Pete native and retired Toronto Blue Jays baseball player. Flash forward, and Mallory’s the president of Gulfport Little League.

Mallory spearheaded the return of Gulfport Little League.

Herb enrolled his son in Gulfport’s league, and when Mallory invited Herb to coach, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

“Some of the kids we started with

Father/Son continued on page 8

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Reporters & Contributors Abby Baker, Events Editor & Breaking News Monroe Roark, News + Politics Amanda Hagood, Books Nano Riley, Environment Jon Kile, Columnist Resie Waechter, Outdoors & Fitness

REMEMBER: Today is the first day of the rest of your life!

Win Where?

Business Recycling

Anyone who has ridden or driven around Gulfport in the last year has certainly seen the Winway construction sites, both pending and finished. These expensive, ersatz Gulfport houses are now taking up whole blocks (just go to 26th Avenue and 53rd Street). The extent of Winway’s real estate share is one of the reasons that real estate and rental costs have skyrocketed. However, my deeper concern is that continuing “Winwayization” of Gulfport will undermine what Gulfportians hold dear: its diversity, particular economic, and its weirdness, or funkiness, or whatever you want to call it. Sometimes Winway buys property before it ever reaches the market. Therefore, I hope those who are planning to sell their house or property look first for other buyers who might be more interested in keeping Gulfport qua Gulfport. – Barbara Maltby, Gulfport

I am writing to “The Gabber” today on behalf of my Environmental Advocacy class at Stetson University College of Law. For my environmental project, my classmate and I wanted to implement a recycling program at Caddy’s Treasure Island. We chose Caddy’s because I am a Treasure Island local and my classmate’s best friend works there as a server. Before we would go in to have a meeting with the general manager, (who unfortunately ended up leaving before our project was complete) my classmate and I wanted to do some background research into what local Treasure Island restaurants recycled. The unfortunate truth we found out: The majority of them did not. The road to getting a recycling program is tedious and initially not cost-efficient. However, in the long run, this is clearly the best option to protect our local beaches. Through the Energy, Climate Change and Economic Security Act of 2008, the

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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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Florida Legislature has established a statewide recycling goal of 75% by 2020. Unfortunately, after peaking at 50% in 2014, the recycling rate has continued to decline since that time.

The recycling rate in 2018 was 49%.

There are a few reasons why Florida is not achieving its recycling goal. Most people assume they know what is recyclable and what is not. This is leading to a mess at facilities across the state, and tons of cardboard, glass, and metal that could be reused ends up sitting in a landfill instead. Additionally, recycling needs to be somewhat clean, meaning there should be no leftover residue or moisture. 30% of things people put out for recycling does not actually get recycled, and it’s classified as trash. Officials say that just a little more work done by citizens will keep mounds of trash from the landfills, and back to the recycle stream instead. –Emily Thompson, Treasure Island; and Lillian Johnson, Gulfport

Council, Please Fix Water, Trash Bill Inequities I‘m pleased to note that our beloved Gulfport is currently flush with COVID-19 recovery compensation and other grant money, enough so that Council pay raises and sundry city amenities and services are being readily funded. Now is the ideal time to also give singles, including seniors on limited incomes,

and small Gulfport households a break. How about Council addressing and updating the long-delayed and neglected issue of utility bills?

Residents who barely use half the monthly water limit allowable as a base cost have long been unfairly charged and affected. Why must one pay the same amount for water usage as those who use twice as much? Plus, if only one garbage pickup a week is needed why shouldn’t that bill be adjusted down from those who require two? Less use, less service should equal lower utility charges, otherwise those who are less of a burden on resources and services are subsidizing those who max them out. This is not rocket science. The billing system can be tweaked. Gulfport can fix this.

All it takes is attention and will by the Council and city manager to do the right thing. Environmentally and economically, those who tread more gently on earth deserve support and a raise, too! –Jude Bagatti, Gulfport

Protecting Paradise Editor’s Note: In honor of Earth Day, we asked our e-newsletter readers what changes they’d made or planned to make to protect our corner of paradise. Here’s what they told us: Today is my first full paycheck on my new job. At work day’s end, I will order spring water five-gallon monthly delivery service and will or-

der two top five gallon pumps from Am*z*n. We will now make use of the cabinet-ful of aluminum, steel, and plastic water bottles that have been gathering dust for so long.

Yay Mother Earth and Her waterways! Gratitude to my employer for paying a living wage to make these purchases possible, too. –Pat Harbachuk, Diana Hall Tanner, Jackie O’Donnell (Pharmacy Technician staying with us while she completes her internship at W*lg**ns) and Bunny Harbachuk (Canine member of the house)

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.

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news Short-Term Neighbors, Long-Term Problems

With No Control Over Short-Term Rentals, Gulfport Struggles to Govern

By Monroe Roark

MONROE ROARK

While short-term rentals like this one along Beach Boulevard South are legal, many in Gulfport fly under the radar.

If you want to rent a house in Gulfport for a week, there seems to be plenty to choose from – far more than what many local residents want to see.

A few hundred short-term rentals are available in the city, many of which are in locations that make that very practice illegal, city officials noted at the April 19 City Council meeting. But policing the matter is easier said than done.

Barbara Miszaros, who, along with her husband, has owned a home in the Stetson neighborhood for 15 years, told the council she is serious about “how to combat the ever-increasing number of non-code-compliant short-term rentals popping up everywhere in our neighborhoods.”

She lives across from a single-family home that she said had several different individuals or

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groups staying in it over the same number of weeks, in an area not permitted for such use.

“I had a very thought-out plea I was going to bring tonight about how to stop this commerce from damaging the peace of our full-time residents,” she said, waving a piece of paper with her prepared remarks.

“But after speaking with a code enforcement officer, I realized that I wasted my time.”

She learned that a number of steps must be taken before any action can be taken, such as taking photos of the various rental activities, recording the dates and times of the activities, and appearing before a magistrate to see it through.

“Gulfport has knowledge of over 200 short-term rentals within the city,” she said, citing a statistic she said she received directly from the

city’s lone code enforcement officer.

“I don’t know if all of those were in or out of code; maybe that was just to illustrate the enormity of his job.

What I do know is that we have had an ordinance on the books concerning short-term rentals for five years if not longer. Why does Gulfport create ordinances that the city can’t or won’t enforce?”

Mayor Sam Henderson told Miszaros that the ordinance to which she referred requires at least 30 days to qualify as a short-term rental, and that council can do little or nothing to change it.

“The state usurped our ability to change that ordinance by as much as a comma or a semicolon without losing the ability to govern at all, meaning we couldn’t have an ordinance that even addressed shortterm rentals if we altered it,” he said.

theGabber.com | April 28, 2022 - May 4, 2022

“What that has left us with is just “I’d really like to see you follow up dealing with it on a complaint-drivon that because I’m losing sleep,” en basis besaid Miszaros.

“The state usurped our cause we can’t “I understand,” Thachange it withnos replied. “I’ve got ability to change that out losing all on my block.” ordinance by as much as one control.

That City manager Jim was a robbery a comma or a semicolon O’Reilly said that without losing the ability about five or six years of home rule.”

Council memago the city considto govern at all...” ber April Thaered retaining a comnos, who has dealt with this issue pany to deal with short-term rentdirectly as a homeowner, said the als. “We brought you a budget cost number of rentals is actually closer at that time,” he said. “It didn’t move to 500, “and probably 90% of them any further.” are not in areas that allow it.”

He acknowledged that Miszaros Acknowledging the difficulty in was correct about the process, saying managing the problem using only that Thanos and her neighbors dealt the current city staff, Thanos noted with an issue on their street. that other municipalities have con“They did everything they were tracted with outside companies to supposed to do,” said O’Reilly. “But do the work for them, and that she the way the business model is set would look into that option further. up for that situation, they only rent

READ THE FULL ISSUE ONLINE!

in 30-day increments.”

O’Reilly said the situation contains “a lot of moving parts” and that with the statute in place the city at least has something. But there is a considerable amount of illegality going on.

“These people are not registered because they are not legal,” he said, referring to the owners of the rentals in question. “If they are not in the mixed-use or waterfront redevelopment area, or up off Gulfport Boulevard, they are operating illegally. They aren’t going to come in and get a business license. They do not want to tell us they are doing this.”

That makes it an enforcement issue, he said, and that requires the appropriate resources which the city currently does not have.

“You’ll have to fund that,” he told the council. “I have a very minimal staff and we provide a lot of services.”

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theGabber.com | April 28, 2022 - May 4, 2022

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For These Gulfportians, Black Lives Still Matter Gulfport Protesters Celebrate 100 Weeks Like clockwork, a group of silent protesters meets at the busy corner of Gulfport Boulevard and 49th Street South each week with sun-faded signs shouting a common message: Black Lives Matter.

Gulfport resident Phyllis Plotnick rounded up a group of silent protesters, motivated by the death of George Floyd, a Black man murdered by Minneapolis police in May, 2020.

For two years – and 100 – weeks, they’ve continued to meet.

“It’s the every day acts of racism that keep me going,” protester Liz Snow said. “Why would I stop protesting just because there’s not a nationwide newsworthy story?”

With as few as five protesters and as many as 25, the majority of the passers-by responses are positive, the group says, but some, they say, are not.

“I believe racism in this country is alive and well,” said Marge Keller.

“Sometimes we get the finger, but we see positivity 1,000 times more.”

The group doesn’t engage more than a wave or a sign wiggle when passers-bys honk in solidarity. Despite this, their presence isn’t unnoticed.

The corner they stand on each Tuesday is a roadway where St. Petersburg and Gulfport meet. Pro-

ABBY BAKER

By Abby Baker

The Gulfport silent protesters meet weekly on the corner of Gulfport Boulevard and 49th Street South.

testers, many of whom began protesting in May 2020, say strangers have brought them coffee and donuts in the winter and water in the summer.

“This was something I felt I needed to do during the time George

Floyd died, and just something I still have to do now,” said Susan Canty.

The Gulfport Black Lives Matters group meets every Wednesday at 4 p.m. outside the Advance Auto Parts at 4901 Gulfport Blvd. S. They welcome everyone.

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are the same kids we have now,” Herb said. “We’re growing together, me and the kids.”

That includes his son. Wright’s hit seven home runs this season – at press time, Gulfport had an undefeated season: 11-0 with one tie. One of those home runs was over the fence in Seminole, something that Herb’s not yet seen a kid manage to do since the league’s return.

“It melts my heart,” Wright’s mother, Carla Mobley-Wright, told The Gabber. “He’s doing so well.”

ABBY BAKER

Father/Son continued from cover

Gulfport’s Back After returning to existence in 2018, GLL boomed. The first year there were only two teams; but in 2019, the league saw six teams and more than 80 kids.

COVID-19 threw a wrench in that growth, says Mallory.

“People were worried about coming back after COVID,” he added.

“But now we’re coming back. Parents are trying to register now, but it’s the middle of the season. We’ll see what happens next season.”

This year, Gulfport Little League has three teams and more than 40 kids.

Most of those are Gulfport and St. Petersburg residents. GLL has boundaries that cover Gulfport and parts of St. Petersburg.

“We have pretty strict boundar-

Gulfport Little League is back for the fourth year after a hiatus. Participation numbers continue to climb, said president Trevor Mallory.

ies,” Mallory said. “If there’s an inciwe wouldn’t be where we are today.” dent where someone really wants to According to Mallory, the longest play for us, we’ll make an exception.” sponsor of Gulfport Little League Mallory says city support makes is Caldwell Realty, the name on Gulfport Little back of the “We’re growing together, the League possible. players’ jerseys. me and the kids.”

“I know the imO’Maddy’s Bar portance of giving kids the opportuni& Grille is the largest sponsor in ty to play,” Mallory said. “What keeps terms of funding. me coming back is the love we get See the game schedule and regisfrom the city. Without the City of Gulfter for the summer season at tshq. port and its people and businesses, bluesombrero.com/gulfportll

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theGabber.com | April 28, 2022 - May 4, 2022

Overheard at Gulfport City Council

CATHY SALUSTRI

Snippets of things said and heard at the April 19 Gulfport City Council meeting.

Brown’s (Ward II) question about what Gulfport is doing with increased revenue

“We want to keep Gulfport weird for everybody.” –Laura Oldanie, speaking during public comment in favor of affordable housing

“I’ve got one on my block.” –Councilmember April Thanos (Ward I) to a citizen who complained about a non-compliant short-term rental house across the street from her home

“Paying your bills. Inflation is eating it up.” –City Manager Jim O’Reilly, in response to Vice-Mayor Christine

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and leave a mess. It has gotten worse and worse over the years. I wish I had taken a camera yesterday but I didn’t. I was shocked at the trash and the deplorable situation. Cans filled with trash. Containers. Boxes in which they had brought their alcohol beverages. I just couldn’t believe it. People came by and said, ‘We’ve never seen it this bad’.” –Phyllis Marcum, speaking about the beach pavilions

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Wet and Wild

Drained, Drilled, and Dredged

By James Schnur

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI LIBRARY

A fishing party caught this large devil ray in the waters near St. Petersburg in December 1931.

As we move past the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day, we should remember some environmental transformations from Pinellas’ past.

Noise and Congestion of Yesteryear Today’s clogged roadways and overbuilt landscape frustrate many who pine for a more pastoral Pinellas.

Those staying at the first hotel on the lower Pinellas peninsula expressed

their noisy dissatisfaction for an entirely different reason. In 1886, the sound of countless fish flapping along the coastal flats kept guests awake at the Waldorf Hotel in Disston City, a simple wooden structure once situated along Gulfport’s waterfront.

When the Orange Belt Railway reached St. Petersburg in 1888, the sounds and smoke from the locomotive engine filled the air. The railroad did not bother David Griner while he

lived in his remote cabin along the shoreline of the otherwise unsettled Coffee Pot Bayou, though something else did.

Griner abandoned his cabin long before Perry Snell developed the North Shore and Coffee Pot Bayou areas. Griner told William L. Straub, a newspaper editor and early historian, that he had to move “in disgust because he was kept awake nights by the racket of the fish.”

Before the 1920s land boom, wildlife and sea creatures abounded. Straub wrote in his 1929 “History of Pinellas County“ that pioneer settlers shared the terrain with bears and panthers, local waters teemed with fish, and flocks of birds filled the air. Straub described turtle-egg hunting along the beaches as “a good sport.”

When mentioning how fish had largely disappeared from Pinellas waters by the 1920s, Straub claimed that the decline in wildlife and aquaculture occurred mostly due “to the march of progress and development, bringing with it the dredge, the out-board motor boat, and various accompaniments of civilization.”

Draining the Swamp (and Lakes) If you traveled throughout Pinellas County in 1912 – the year we gained independence from Hillsborough – you would have noticed the hundreds of small freshwater lakes covering much of the peninsula, not the

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culverts and retention ponds we see nearly all of the freshwater that once today; these lakes sustained wildlife occupied a lake 12 times larger than and nourished early settlers.

Boca Ciega High School’s campus Many of the bogs, swamps, and into Boca Ciega Bay via Long Bayou. lakes in lower Pinellas began to vanish After World War II, farmers and before the 1930s. This happened not growers in the Seminole area wanted due to drought, but instead through a large freshwater lake. In a case of human engineerreverse engineering. The two prima- ...the finger was pointed ing, crews built ry reasons for their at Boca Ciega and Tam- an earthen dam d i s a p p e a r a n c e pa Bay, two of the most across Long Bayou were the mosqui- contaminated estuaries in 1949 (you know it toes they attracted as Park Boulevard) in America. and the abundance and created Lake of muck on their bottoms, the latter Seminole from what was once the used to fertilize citrus groves and upper reaches of a brackish bayou. truck farms.

As Lake Seminole filled with fresh The most egregious example of water, plans for the present route draining a swamp and lake estuary of US Highway 19 meant the end of in Pinellas took place in 1915. Through a popular marsh and farming area the sale of bonds, authorities built in St. Petersburg. Located east of a network of basins and canals that 34th Street between Central Avenue led to the removal of Lake Largo, a and 31st Street, the shallow estuary freshwater body of nearly 500 acres known as the Goose Pond disapbetween Largo Central Park, East Bay peared as new structures replaced Drive, and Starkey Road. Only a few the soggy land and truck farms. Cenremnants of the former lake’s wettral Plaza, a popular shopping destilands remain in the Largo Central nation, opened there in late 1952.

Park Nature Preserve. Canals diverted

theGabber.com | April 28, 2022 - May 4, 2022

Giving Islands the Finger On Thanksgiving Day 1921, a turkey of an idea came to Oldsmar. A few thousand spectators gathered on land just east of the county line to watch as drilling began in a quest for oil. A century ago this spring, the drill had reached more than 1,000 feet into the earth. Plans to pump more than a thousand barrels of oil a day soon faded, and all that remained was the damage to the Floridan Aquifer.

A different type of pumping occurred along the Gulf Beaches before the 1930s. Dredges started sucking the sand from Boca Ciega Bay to give small sandbars and barrier islands “fingers” wide enough for a road and homes on either side. By the time lawsuits and court cases ended most of the dredging in the late 1960s, the finger was pointed at Boca Ciega and Tampa Bay, two of the most contaminated estuaries in America.

Much has happened to our environment since the first Earth Day in 1970; indeed, much happened long before then as well!

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Affordability Probability

With Rental Prices Soaring, Forward Pinellas Talks Options Home prices in Pinellas County are going up, up, up.

That’s not news to most local residents, but it was emphasized during a discussion at the Gulfport City Council’s April 19 regular meeting about the lack of affordable housing in the area.

Linda Fisher of Forward Pinellas, citing statistics by the Pinellas REALTOR® Organization, informed the council that the median home price in Pinellas County as of March was $411,000. That is a 24.5% increase in the past year. She then displayed a Zillow listing at that price — a two-bedroom, two-bath ranch house in average condition.

The estimated mortgage on such a house is $2,200 per month according to Zillow, but Fisher said that would be an ideal case in terms of financing and would not include property taxes.

Townhomes and condominiums are somewhat lower, with a median price of $233,000. That’s a 26.2% hike in a year. Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Gulfport has almost doubled in that time to $1,700 per month, Fisher said.

“This picture is the same throughout Pinellas County,” she noted.

Fisher gave average salary figures for various essential professions, from teachers and public safety personnel to delivery, warehouse and grocery store workers. Based on the widely accepted standard that housing should cost no more than 30% of gross income, the numbers show that almost no one in these professions can afford to live here right now.

“This is a problem everywhere,

Lisa Pence 12

CATHY SALUSTRI

By Monroe Roark

Along with home sales, rental prices have increased. Forward Pinellas and the Tampa Bay Planning Council want to work with cities and Pinellas County to create affordable housing.

and it’s bigger than just providing a for making more units affordable. A small number of affordable housing local government that chooses this units,” said Fisher. “We need to find option would need to establish the a way to make housing more affordterms for the bonus — income level able.” of residents, percentage of units in The discussion shifted to what a development, for example — in its municipalities can do in this regard, land development regulations. and a few regulatory tools were A municipality can provide what mentioned.

The Fisher called “reaSome people will see sonable regulatory most common, according to Fisher, relief” by relaxing the rental price of a is a density bonus. property claiming to be some standards in This is an incenareas that would “affordable housing” normally require tive Gulfport can and wonder, “afford- a variance. Those choose to offer a developer in the include lot size, able to whom?” form of allowing parking, landscapadded density at a site in exchange ing, and other requirements.

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theGabber.com | April 28, 2022 - May 4, 2022

own zoning ordinance,” said Fisher, adding that the 100% threshold will eventually be lowered to 10% under the terms of the bill passed earlier this year. She pointed out that Forward Pinellas is opposed to the use of industrial property this way, as it would preferably be set aside for development that provides high-paying jobs.

The purpose of Fisher’s presentation was for the council to have the benefit of her and her organization’s expertise as it navigates this tricky issue. As Mayor Sam Henderson pointed out after her presentation, some people will see the rental price of a property claiming to be “affordable housing” and wonder, “affordable to whom?” He added that many homeowners see such so-called developments next door and assume they will produce bad neighbors.

A plan is being formulated by which the county and all of cities can participate, along with groups such as Forward Pinellas and the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, in meeting this problem head-on as a unified group. That was good news to council member Paul Ray. “The only way to achieve this for a small city like Gulfport is to partner with the rest of the county,” he said.

“There is no silver bullet,” said Fisher. “But our goal is to create more housing and different types of housing to make it accessible to all income levels.”

Or, as resident Laura Oldanie said during public comment time when speaking about this issue: “We need to keep Gulfport weird for everybody.”

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13

Letters From Your Neighbor Charm Exodus

By Ian O’Hara

Our City of Gulfport and its character is not about housing stock and commercial facilities, but our people, its diversity, and its charm. What our city is about is art, food, drink, caring, and pride in our weirdness. What I’m seeing in the past couple of years has been an affordability gap for these people who created our charm and our weirdness. A lot of people have approached me and asked me, why?

Here are a few answers: home insurance increases; high demand for property and low inventory of property; proximity to water; limited land; low mortgage interest rates for the past five years; remote work-from-home issues; the cost of building materials; and supply chain issues.

I believe our three biggest are: Issue 1: Corporate and investment buying for gain by means of vacation or seasonal rentals. Some examples why rents are up in Gulfport are Airbnbs, short-term leases, second and third home options, and pure investment properties.

Issue 2: Northern and western migration to Florida. Three causes of that migration are the climate, the cost of living comparable to where they come from, and low taxation in Florida. Two major effects of that are their ability to pay above market rate and their willingness to pay above market rate.

Issue 3: Population growth in all social categories. So, here are some interesting numbers. On the Wall Street Journal’s real estate page, Nicole Friedman reported that, as of February 1, the national median cost of a home was $397,000 and the national median cost of a home is more than the national median income. On average, Tampa Bay buyers paid $27,000 over asking prices, said an article in the Tampa Bay Times.

For the year 2020-2021, 53.3% of home buyers paying cash. Municipally, the Times also reports that rental prices have increased 16.3%, as well as 43% above asking price. Finally, the Times reports that regionally, homes sell for 18.8% above asking price in 2021, the highest since 1987.

So, let’s explore all of the potential options for possible correction on affordability. I want to emphasize that I do not agree with all the options, but here they are: • Land banking • Remove month to month leases • Rent control or rent stabilization • Zoning changes such as up-zoning for multi-family units • Limiting corporate or investment structure The current numbers are 79% for the year 2020-2021 for pure investment purchases a 533% increase since 2011, the New York Times reported last month. With the rising rates of rent, we are now seeing the

individuals who bring us the charm leave, so could this be the beginning of the charm exodus? What our city is is the people who live here, not the buildings we live in, and if we cannot afford to live here, it will no longer be what it is.

So, let my favorite Realtor (Stacey Purcell) say, “Location, location, location!”

Your neighbor, 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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Biz News: Gulfport’s Hotel, McMahon Gallery + 2D Cafe What’s Next in Business for Gulfport and St. Pete For the fourth time in two years, the Historic Peninsula Inn is under contract.

This time, a Miami-based cocktail bar and hotel group owned by co-founder Gaston Gonzalez is considering purchasing the building.

In addition to the Peninsula, they hope to purchase the restaurant next door, Backfin Blue, and say the building is under contract as well.

(Backfin Blue had not yet responded to The Gabber’s inquires at press time.) The end goal is to expand the two properties into one cocktail bar and inn called Casa Florida.

The Gulfport contract is still pending and will not get finalized until Gonzalez returns in mid May. “We’re going to respect the historic parts of the hotel, we work with the community, work with the neighborhood,” Gonzalez said.

If the inn becomes Casa Florida, it will undergo renovations, change Isabelle’s Restaurant (and lose the name) and go from a bright canary yellow to the signature Miami pink.

Peninsula Inn owner Veronica Champion isn’t convinced the deal will go through.

“Until it’s done, it’s all just kicking tires,” Champion told The Gabber.

Three Years of Brenda The Brenda McMahon Gallery and the woman who runs it, Brenda McMahon, are part of many Gulfport Merchants Chamber art-related events.

This May, her shop celebrates three years.

In 2019, the downtown Gulfport gallery (2901 Beach Blvd. S.) was nothing more than an empty room in a two-story blue building.

Opening a small gallery was a risk she wanted to take.

“I was walking down Gulfport on a market day and the vibe was so intense. I walked in, asked If I could afford the space and that was it,” McMahon said.

McMahon housed the works of 10 artists on the opening date; and to-

2D CAFE ST. PETERSBURG

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2D Cafe St. Petersburg is a doodle-filled coffee, wine and pastry spot on Central Avenue.

day she has 21. She started her Artist of the Month program in 2020, doubled her in-house art classes, and worked on the committee that revamped Art Walk and created themed First Friday Art Walks.

“It’s a beloved place; I’m so grateful and humbled by the people here,” McMahon said.

Coffee in 2D Walk into 2D Cafe in St. Petersburg at 2105 Central Ave. and you’re

theGabber.com | April 28, 2022 - May 4, 2022

immediately immersed in the black and white artwork of Chad Mize.

The cafe (inside the former SwahRey location) is meant to look like a page out of a child’s coloring book, with wall to wall two dimensional doodles.

The menu on the other hand, is anything but two dimensional. It offers European desserts, wine and coffee, sandwiches and other lunchtime bites.

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arts Tuned In

This St. Pete Chorus Sings for Change; Next Week, They Sing for Ukraine It’s not a choir, it’s a chorus, says One City Chorus founder Jon Arterton. A chorus, he adds, invites everyone to sing and has no religious affiliation.

Arterton founded the nonprofit social justice singing group, One City Chorus, with his husband James Mack in 2016, right after Donald Trump became president. It was a divided time, Arterton said, and a social-issue based chorus offered an inexpensive way to bring people together.

At the first rehearsal, 60-70 people came to the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Museum to sing – no auditions needed.

“It was simple. We put out fliers saying that we’re going to sing songs about justice and equality,” Arterton said. “Word spread and after a couple seasons we were substantial enough to perform at the Palladium.”

In 2020, COVID-19 forced the chorus to stop performing and meeting. They met again only after the COVID-19 vaccination became available. They started rehearsing in a larger space: Lakewood United Methodist Church. One City hopes to eventually “go home” to the museum, Arterton said.

Arterton and his husband, Mack, are no strangers to choruses like the one they founded in St. Peters-

JON ARTERTON

By Abby Baker

One City Chorus, a social justice group, sings uplifting music and donates their earnings to charity.

burg. The duo had a classical music chorus in Cape Cod called The Outer Cape Chorales before they moved to Florida.

Mack was born into the Southern Baptist Church and sang in the religious choir until he came out when he was 21.

“Singing in the church wasn’t really an option anymore,” Mack said.

“So singing again finally after all those years was healing to me.”

Arterton has a long list of musical successes, including founding The Flirtations, a gay a capella group who performed in Carnegie Hall and twice being a Vocal Fellow at the Tanglewood Music Festival.

Today, he’s the Director of Music at the Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg.

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ly loved this city; it reminded us of Cape Cod,” Arterton said. The couple moved to Gulfport. “We were here two months and thought maybe we needed something to bring people, black and white people, together to sing.”

Currently the chorus has 60 members and is climbing back to normalcy, but Lynette Hardy, chorus member and Woodson Museum administrative assistant remembers the early days of One City.

Back in 2017, she volunteered to open the doors of the museum to allow the chorus to rehearse. Soon, she began singing herself.

“One thing about me is I love to sing, I like the music we sing, and I like the people,” Hardy said. “The thing that’s important about the chorus is the people that we bring together.”

The chorus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends on the kindness of strangers. On May 1, One City is performing at Lakewood United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg.

The concert is free, and donations will benefit UNICEF (the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund).

One City Chorus Benefit Concert for the People of Ukraine Lakewood United Methodist Church, 5995 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St. S., St. Petersburg. May 1, 4 p.m.

theGabber.com | April 28, 2022 - May 4, 2022

Rejoys for Womanhood

Gulfport Artist ‘Rejoys’ Creates Eccentricity with her Work

By Abby Baker

REJOYS

A main motif is feminine energy, Rejoys says.

The first thing you notice is her electric-blue hair.

The second thing you notice about the artist who goes by Rejoys [Rebecca Schlabach] is her art. She crafts earrings out of mini troll dolls, paints canvases with scenes from the subconscious, and wears her art on her sleeve.

For a chunk of the artist’s life, Rejoys lived in melting pots of the world and traveled with her art collection since she debuted as an artist in the 1980s. In 2022, she’s settled in a downtown Gulfport apartment filled wall-to-wall with canvases.

Her subject of choice? Women.

“I paint women because I am a woman. Most of them are stories of my life,” Rejoys said. “I paint what I think and what I feel, and sometimes there’s other peoples stories, but most of them I’ve experienced.”

The shades she uses for her women aren’t seen on actual people: Blue, pink, and yellow skin, with

rainbow hair and Dalí-like surrealism, it’s reminiscent of a dream you can’t remember.

According to Rejoys, none of it is supposed to follow a linear timeline. She paints herself in a coma that really happened, in the ‘90s, with pink hair and shades and a bohemian dress. She paints the women that used to be her hair-

dresser and people she’s never met.

Often, she includes hidden images in the shadows.

Rejoys is also known for her clothing creations.

“I make art because that’s all I ever wanted to do,” Rejoys said.

From 1976 to 1983, she owned two salons in both Michigan and Colorado, but she dropped it all for a full dive into the art world.

“I loved it. I started with a line of clothing and had my first showing in Atlanta in 1986,” she said.

She lived and worked as a French Quarter artist in New Orleans, spent her winters in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, lived in Canada, showed in Manhattan, among other things.

“You always go back home, but I quit doing that a long time ago,” Rejoys said. “I just went further into my art.”

The ‘80s and ‘90s were huge for Rejoys.

“It was great back then. Maybe the economy was better, maybe there was more of a culture for artists, maybe there’s just more of us now,” Rejoys said.

Either way, she moved to Florida and took up residence in Gulfport 10 years ago, a place that she recognized as a “sleepy art town with a fishing problem.”

She sells her work and tells her stories around Gulfport.

See more of Rejoys online at rejoysart.com.

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pets

Kim-Possible Need a calm pup to take long, slow walks? Kimmie’s your gal. Some might call her “senior” but we prefer to think of this 12-year-old, 15-pound chiweenie as “vintage.”

Howard the Cat Do you want a sedate cat that eschews you for naps in the sun, or do you want a cat with personality? One who expresses emotion – happy emotion – when you come home every day, who keeps you laughing with his shenanigans? This one year old domestic shorthair cat loves toys so much, he’s almost a dog.

The Adventures of Milo and You We don’t know what adventures Milo had before he came to Pet Pal from another shelter last month, but he had so many mats, Ohana Dog Spa took pity on him and groomed him. After six weeks of love and patience, Milo’s out of pain (the matted fur was close to the skin, and that hurts) but now this seven-year-old Australian shepherd mix is ready for his next adventure.

The Shadow Knows Wait, where’d she go? You’ll find this five-year-old domestic shorthair wrapped in a cat-made blanket fort. She will come out for scritches and nose boops.

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theGabber.com | April 28, 2022 - May 4, 2022

the gabs What is your favorite thing to eat in Pinellas County?

Photos by Abby Baker

Teri Latimer, New York: “Stella’s. Everything I’ve had is wonderful.”

Wendy Ohlendorf, Gulfport: “I’m vegan, so I love Golden Dinosaurs. I get the vegan BLT, and I’ve been vegan for over 40 years so I’m not really sure if it tastes like the real thing.”

A Little Good News

Sierra Espinoza, Gulfport: “I’m the chef at Gulfport Brewery + Eatery. When I do my specials, the crab rangoons are really good. Maybe the 420 tacos.”

Harris Williams, Ohio: “I love the French onion soup at Shrimpys. Oh wait, or the vegan shepherd’s pie at Mary Margaret’s.”

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Let us share your good news!

Photos printed as space allows.

Free – email goodnews@thegabber.com.

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19

gabberlife Egg-Cellent Easter

Snapshots from Gulfport’s Annual Fun in the Sun Day

JAMI ROWELL

Gulfport’s annual Fun in the Sun Day is an egg-centric, Easter-themed celebration and egg hunt.

Gulfport celebrated Easter Sunday in the usual way, with the annual Fun in the Sun Day at the Gulfport Recreation Center.

JAMI ROWELL

By Abby Baker

Gulfport councilmember Christine Brown cheeses with the Easter bunny.

On Sunday, April 17, eager egg hunters collected more than 8,000 eggs – and 10 winners collected Easter baskets.

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crossword

Solution on page 27

Fore To Aft

sudoku

a little good news

Solution on page 27

CITY OF SOUTH PASADENA

South Pasadena’s Vice Mayor Thomas Reid recently took home the Florida League of Cities’ “Home Rule Hero” award for his work to protect the authority of local government. “Home Rule” simply means a city’s ability to solve local problems without the state’s hand in its business. FLC recognized Vice Mayor Reid for “his advocacy for municipal decision-making to help ensure that communities have a voice in governing the issues that impact them,” according to Carley Lewis, South Pasadena City Clerk.

Send your good news – awards, births, graduations, honor rolls, or anything else of which you’re proud – along with a photo to news@thegabber.com.

theGabber.com | April 28, 2022 - May 4, 2022

21

GULFPORT

North End Taphouse 2908 1/2 Beach Blvd. S. Wednesday, April 27 Hot Tonic, 6 p.m.

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Saturday, April 30 Elly and Company, 6 p.m.

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Saturday, April 30 Big Band Theory, 1-5 p.m.

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Submit your events online at thegabber.com

theGabber.com | April 28, 2022 - May 4, 2022

things to do

Free

Film Festival, Beekeeping + Cinco De Mayo

Vegan Options

Dog-Friendly

Virtual

Saturday, April 30 Farm Day Want to work? The St. Pete Youth Farm needs volunteers willing to get their hands dirty on Global Youth Service Day. Workers will tend the garden and crops at St. Petersburg’s place for plants.

Volunteers can take home some of the harvest. St. Pete Youth Farm, 1664 12th St. S., St. Pete. 9 a.m. stpeteyouthfarm.org

Find links for these events — and many other things to do — online at thegabber.com/events.

Thursday, April 28-Sunday May 1 The Sunshine Screen The 17th Annual Sunscreen Film Festival is the weekend for independent film fanatics. For four days, the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Film Commission presents panels, workshops, parties – and awards – all centered around film and filmmaking. See the full-blown lineup with times online. AMC Sundial 20, 151 2nd Ave. N., St. Pete. $10-150 sunscreenfilmfestival.com

Chamber of Commerce hosts its April mixer at the Daiquiri Shak.

This is a chance to meet chamber members and talk business. Registration includes one free drink and appetizers. Daiquri Shak, 14995 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. 5-6:30 p.m. $10-15. timbchamber.org Hang Tight You don’t need to be grounded to practice aerial yoga.

The Centre on St. Pete Beach offers aerial yoga classes for all skill levels. Get in a hammock and stretch! The Centre SPB, 7525 Blind Pass Road, St. Pete Beach. 6 p.m. $22-30. thecentrespb.com

Tacos and Margs Anyone? Sample sips of tequila and go on a taco hunt for the 3rd annual The Taco & Tequila Crawl in downtown St. Petersburg. This is an all-afternoon fiesta that gets wristband holders a taco and a tequila shot at each stop.

There’s also a vote for the winning margarita and the best taco. Participating places: Park & Rec, The Avenue, Crafty Squirrel, Pour Judgment, Five Bucks Drinkery, One Night

Things To Do continued on page 24

Thursday, April 28 Coyote 101 The coyote incites both fear and curiosity in Floridians.

Learn more about the species from Pinellas County Animal Services’ Jordon Sinick at the Gulfport Public Library. An adaptable animal, the coyote’s home gets smaller the more Florida develops real estate.

Gulfport has frequent sightings – protect your animals and learn at this free class from the Circle of Friends. Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. 1 p.m. mygulfport. us

Green with Envy The Centre on St. Pete Beach is throwing a belated 420 Festival in Horan Park. Veg out on the lawn (bring chairs, blankets, snacks) and listen to Josh Heinrichs and Badda Skat live. There will be 420 contests, a med lounge and vendors. Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach. 12-5 p.m. $1050. thecentrespb.com

THE NORTH END TAPHOUSE HAS A DELI-STYLE MENU WITH LOCALLY BREWED BEERS AND MORE.

Mix and Mingle Thinking about doing business on the beach? The Treasure Island & Madeira Beach

theGabber.com | April 28, 2022 - May 4, 2022

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT every day and OPEN MIC every Tuesday, located in the Village Courtyard.

Apr 28 Steve Isaac ..................... 6-9 Apr 29 Tommy and Mimi ....7-10 Apr 30 Vibrant Gray ................. 3-6

Square Grouper Conspiracy ...................7-10

May 1 David Massey .............. 3-6 Bandingo ......................8-10 May 2 Team Trivia ............8:30-10 May 3 Open Mic .......................7-10

2908 1/2 Beach Blvd S Gulfport, FL

May 4 Hot Tonic ......................... 6-9

23

Things To Do continued from page 23 Stand and Thirsty First. Downtown St. Pete. 1-6 p.m. $20-38

5995 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. S. 4 p.m. onecitychorus.org Monday, May 2

Sunday, May 1 Mayday Those who remember Gulfport’s Springfest have a chance to re-live the fun for May Day in Clymer Park. Celebrants are encouraged to dress as faeries, elves, trolls, and gnomes and participate in the traditional maypole dances and a march through a tiny village. There will be ribbons, miniature houses, and everything fantastical you can think of. Clymer Park, 5501 27th Ave. S. 1-5 p.m. Witches of Gulfport Facebook page.

Voices for Change One City Chorus returns with a smaller chorus, but the same hopeful sounds. This is a social justice-based group that sings for a better world, and to raise awareness. They’ll take a goodwill collection for UNICEF, a charity current aiding Ukrainian causes. Lakewood United Methodist Church,

Saturday

Buzzing with Albert Interested in beekeeping? Gulfport resident and beekeeper Albert Risemberg has had his Registered Treatment Free Beekeeper registration for eight years, and he’s ready to share his knowledge on ethical honey harvesting. Albert will discuss honey, beekeeping startups, and the ins and outs of his 10 home hives.

Donations to the Sustainable Urban Agricultural Coalition welcome.

Enoch D. Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave., St. Pete. 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 3 Bromeliad Power The Annual Bromeliad Auction for the Florida West Coast Bromeliad Society is the place to be for flower lovers. Auction items will include unusual or hardto-find bromeliads along with bromeliad-related items such as art-

work, posters, ceramics, and books.

The auction will be in two parts: a live auction and a silent auction.

Come, bid early, and bid often. Good Samaritan Church, 6085 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park. 7:30 p.m. lsheetz@ tampabay.rr.com Thursday, May 5 Cheers to Cinco St. Pete’s Sunken Gardens is throwing a Fiesta in the Garden. Enjoy margs, Mexican appetizers, live music, and learn about the garden’s new history center from a docent. The famed flamingos will be available for selfies. Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th S. N., St. Pete.

5:30-7:30 p.m. $45. 727-551-3100.

Movies in the Park Preserve the ‘Burg May movies are back! Catch an outdoor showing of “Summer of Soul” along the waterfront. Kyah Robinson plays live music, and food vendors have food, beer, and wine for sale.

North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr. NE., St. Pete. 5:30 p.m. Donations encouraged. preservetheburg.org

April 30th 2022 11am-3pm

Live Music in our Courtyards with Erin Boone and Thomas Joel!

Free Parking, over 15 local pop-up artists/makers, and good vibes!

Shopping Local has never felt this good. Questions? Call 727-946-6168

24

theGabber.com | April 28, 2022 - May 4, 2022

worship Unitarian Universalist United Fellowship

AN EPISCOPAL CONGREGATION 330 85th Avenue • St. Pete Beach Reverend Omar Reyes

During the pandemic join us Sundays on Zoom.

Sundays 10:00am Holy Eucharist Wednesdays 11:00am Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing

Discussion -10:30 Program - 11:00 For Zoom directions email us at uuunited@earthlink.net “You need not think alike to love alike.”

- Francis David, 1534

uuunited.org

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Sunday Service

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

“St. Alban's is an inviting faith community striving to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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727-360-8406 • www.StAlbanStPeteBeach.org

Good Shepherd Old Catholic Church

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"Her treatments got me back on the golf course" “I hurt my back playing golf. I went to the chiropractor.

I went to the pain institute. I went to the spine institute.

Nothing helped. The pain was debilitating, I went six or seven months without playing.”

This was the case of John R. John would go on to explain that on a scale of one to ten his pain was well over a nine every single day. Regardless of your age, back pain, whether caused by a sports injury, longstanding arthritis or even specific conditions like scoliosis, can severely impact the quality of your life. In short, it stops you from doing the things you love with the people you love and that’s not a great way to live.

On top of that, general practitioners, specialists and surgeons are all too eager to prescribe medications whose side effects are often detrimental to your recovery or recommend invasive surgeries that often have less than desirable outcomes.

Fortunately for the people of the St. Petersburg, Dr. Rebecca Gibbons and her team at Achieve Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine have pioneered non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical innovative medical solutions that actually treat your pain!

“My patients are also people who would normally require surgery but would either have a difficult time going under the knife or have simply decided that they would rather explore other options. There is more to healthcare than prescription pills, elimination diets and scalpels,” shares Dr. Gibbons. “By offering several integrative therapies we are able to combat your pain from several angles ensuring the best possible outcome.”

John easily attested to this claim, “I highly recommend her to anybody. I am very thankful that I met Dr. Gibbons and she was able to help me because I can play golf again!”

Each new patient that comes to AAIM receives a comprehensive consultation and then is prescribed a very personalized treatment program that is tailored to their specific needs and goals. “While every treatment I perform is based on a framework cultivated from years of education and experience, no two cases are the same and so every person under my care is treated that way," tells Dr. Gibbons.

One of the modern medical solutions Dr. Gibbons offers is O3 Regenerative Therapy™ which uses prolozone, a technique that involves injecting a solution of natural anti-inflammatory medications, vitamins and ozone into degenerated or injured joints, and into areas of pain. It’s with these injections that John found himself back on the green.

"Unlike other solutions to chronic pain, O3 Regenerative Therapy™ corrects the pathology of the problem, allowing the body to heal itself naturally. This is a wonderful alternative to more traditional methods and incredibly safe and highly successful.”

Dr. Gibbons and the team at AAIM are using O3 Regenerative Therapy™ to treat a myriad of chronic pain issues including neck pain, arthritis, knee pain, plantar fasciitis, chronic injuries and so much more!

To schedule a consultation and evaluation call (727) 272-3587

Achieve Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine 701 49th St. N St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Visit www.ACHIEVEACUIM.COM to learn more and to take advantage of their NEW PATIENT OFFER 26

theGabber.com | April 28, 2022 - May 4, 2022

solution

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

THE STORAGE HOUSE 727-327-9598

C ity O f G ulfpOr t M eetinGs

TheStorageHouse.com 1219 49th Street South • Gulfport

City Clerk’s Office • May 2022

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8~5 / Sat 8~2

NEED MORE SPACE? We’re The Moving Place!

24-Hour Access • First-Floor Convenience • Climate & Non-Climate Controlled units available

We are a small family owned business and will not increase your rates every 6 months like a corporate facility.

May 3, 2022

City Council – 6:00 pm (In-person and Zoom)

May 4, 2022

Planning and Zoning Board – No Meeting

May 10, 2022

Senior Citizens Advisor y Committee – 8:00 am Senior Center – 5501 27th Ave. S.

May 11, 2022

Board of Adjustment – 6:00 pm

May 17, 2022

City Council – 6:00 pm (In-person and Zoom)

CALL TODAY FOR OUR BEST RATES!

We sell boxes, locks, and moving supplies.

All meetings are open to the public and are held in the City Hall, City Council Chambers, 2401 53rd Street South, In Person, unless otherwise noted. Meetings may occasionally be added, cancelled or rescheduled after this list is published. Please check the city’s website mygulfport.us for updated information and log in instructions to participate in the Council Meetings through Zoom.

theGabber.com | April 28, 2022 - May 4, 2022

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CLASSIFIEDS

Accounting

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

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

Computer Service

Handy Person

Gulfport Computer Repair

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

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

HANDYMAN SEMI-RETIRED All types of repairs. Small jobs welcome. Quality work at reasonable prices. Honest. Reliable. Free estimates. John: 727-410-2201 Heating & Air Conditioning

COMPUTER SERVICES 727-343-2838

In-Home services: Internet security, training, virus & spyware removal, maintenance and repair, data recovery. (PC & Mac) JS COMPUTER REPAIR Mobile computer repair – $40 per visit/hour – 727-643-0697; jmswebservices.com Electrical

Home Improvement

727-687-7999 CourtesyElectricFL@gmail.com

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

COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR LICENSED AND INSURED

CUSTOM PATIO'S, DRIVEWAY EXTENSIONS, WALKWAYS & REPAIRS

Absolute Concrete solutions, custom patios, walkways, driveway extensions, storage building slabs, custom stairs, wheelchair ramps, all types of concrete repairs.

Over 35 years experience. Call Mark 813859-2023 for a free estimate.

EC-13008313

Lawn & Landscape

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

Licensed and Insured

727-698-1213 Abccleanexteriors.com

• Room Additions • Lightning Protection • Fuses to Breakers • Mobile Homes • Circuits Added • Phone Wiring • Ceiling Fans • Security Lighting & More 24 Hour Service

FREE ESTIMATES

525-0677

Licensed Bonded Insured St. Lic. #EC0002881

SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT! PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED LINE ADS ONLINE!

THEGABBER.COM

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theGabber.com | April 28, 2022 - May 4, 2022

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 727-360-7070 Email: RustStainRemoval@icloud.com

SEASONS BEST PAINTING & CONTRACTING, LLC Interior/Exterior Painting And Power Washing Services. Over 25/Years of Experience. 727-506-3677 Licensed/Insured. LIC #C-11623 Plumbing

PROFLO PLUMBING 727-902-7077

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

Professional Services

Search Services of Florida, Inc.

AFFORDABLE PROMPT • RELIABLE Licensed & Insured

Lee Claxton, I.S.A. Certified Arborist

AnAffordableArborist@gmail.com

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 845-866-3867. Responsible, reasonable, and ready!

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

SKIP’S MOVING & PICKUP DELIVERY

Mondays and Tuesdays. Have 14 foot box truck, willing to help. 727-320-3297 Painting

BYRON JOHNSON PAINTING PLUS, INC.

Time to refresh the interior/exterior of your house or business? High quality, professional painting. Free estimates. Lic.#9894.

Insured. 727-365-1088

ARNEY’S PAINTING INC.

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

Provides emotional, social, and spiritual holistic care. Non-medical, non-judgemental, education, & demystification according to needs, values, and priorities.

Compassionate listener. Educate about the normal & natural state of dying. Legacy projects upon request. Contact Nancy, caretaker relief: 727-564-8499

For Sale FLOOR OR WALL TILE - 327 SQ FT. 15 full boxes, 18 inch tile, onyx silver. $150, pick up only. Pinellas Park. 352-400-1238 General GULFPORT LIONS CLUB Available for parties, weddings, meetings. Great waterfront location with full facilities. Call Jean for info and dates. 727-366-6341

TELL EVERYONE YOUR MOM IS THE BEST

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

727-220-0226

END OF LIFE SUPPORT

AFFORDABLE ESTATE PLANNING

Jeffery Shibley, Esquire. 45 years experience. A complete plan for married couples $500. House calls only. stpetewills.com.

Call me at 727-800-2726

Help Wanted

OLDER WORKERS NEEDED

Paid office admin/clerical training for older workers through AARP Foundation SCSEP. Must be 55+, low income, Pinellas resident, unemployed & looking for a job. Basic computer skills and proficiency with email & smartphone functions required. Call 727547-0534 for information.

Mother's Day is almost here and you forgot a card. Again. This year, tell Mom – and everyone! – how much you love her and what she means to you. For $15, get your message printed with a color headline... and love. Call 727-321-6965 by Monday, May 2 at noon to place yours.

Health & Fitness

• Silver Sneakers • Renew Active • Indoor Cycling • Yoga & More • Massage • Physical Therapy • Personal & Small Group Training

575 75th Ave, St Pete Beach 727-367-0075 www.iamfitforlife.com Legal Notice

LAWN TECH

All Seasons Lawn & Landscaping is looking for qualified technicians to join our team.

We have been in business for 30 years. Applications taken at 101 Pasadena Ave S., St. Petersburg, FL 33707. If interested, please call Scott @ 727-638-8080

LEGAL NOTICE FICTITIOUS NAME LEGAL NOTICE FICTITIOUS NAME Notice is given that CANDACE COLT, AUTHOR desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of “CANDACE COLT, AUTHOR” located in PINELLAS County, Florida, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations.

Positions Wanted

Lost & Found

SEMI-RETIRED CARPENTER At discount prices! Free estimates. Frame and finish work. Gulfport and Pinellas Park areas. Call the Door Doctor. Gus: 727-644-6194.

AVAILABLE FOR HIRE Professional cleaning lady & inside painting. Call Sandra 709-0513

theGabber.com | April 28, 2022 - May 4, 2022

FOUND: TEDDY BEAR

Found Saturday, April 16 at intersection of 34th Street and 9th Avenue North. Looked loved and lonely and misses his or her owner. Call to identify and reunite. 727-3216965.

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Yard / Garage Sale

Real Estate For Rent

YARD SALE KNICKKNACKS & PADDYWACKS

CHARMING TOWNHOUSE STYLE CONDO FOR RENT

3215 Tyrone Blvd on service road. 11 a.m.

- 4 p.m. every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Collectable Asian decor, Disney pens, jewelry, dolls, solar lights, and so much more.

HUGE SALE - 100 PARK STREET SOUTH

Friday 4/29 and Saturday 4/30 from 8 a.m.

- 2 p.m. Tools, furniture, decorative and household items. All good stuff. No Junk.

Near Stetson on golf course. 2bd/2bth, cable & internet included, one pet allowed.

Available 5/1, partially furnished or unfurnished. Washer & dryer, photos on realtor. com. 1308 Pelican Creek Crossing, $1850/ month. 727-483-0490 Real Estate For Sale

I

Place your classified line ads online!

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

GULFPORT

6202 7TH AVE. S. • $750,000 - SOLD Furnished Rentals 2/BD 1/BA WATERFRONT UPPER UNIT ON SHORE BLVD. Available April 26, 2022 through January 3, 2023. Parking, cable, utilities included. Utilities in excess of $100/ month passed on to the tenant. On-site Laundry, 90-day minimum lease. Small, non-shedding dogs welcome. $3,900/ month. Contact JenM@hjmholdings.com 1/BD 1/BA WATERFRONT LOWER UNIT ON SHORE BLVD. Available April 22, 2022 through January 3, 2023. 90 day minimum lease. Parking, cable, utilities up to $100 tenant pays anything over. Onsite Laundry, small non-shedding dogs welcome. $2,200/month. Contact JenM@ hjmholdings.com

FOR RENT 2BD/2BA WATERFRONT CONDO AT TOWN SHORES

CONGRATS TO CAROLE AND CLAUDE!

WELCOME TO GLORIOUS GULFPORT!

727-418-8948

neldasellsfla@gmail.com

Nelda Hamm

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

I LIVE and SPECIALIZE in Town Shores...

Call me TODAY and see how I can help you SELL or BUY your home.

Furnished, covered parking, cable, gas utility included. 55+ community. No pets.

Six month minimum lease, $1900/month.

Call Jerry: 727-688-7337

• Open House 4/30 and 5/1 11am-2pm Diplomat • Buyer looking for 1250 sf 1st floor any Town Shores Building Call if you are ready to SELL!

Submit your events online at thegabber.com 30

theGabber.com

theGabber.com | April 28, 2022 - May 4, 2022

Real Estate Snapshots

Here’s What Sold in Gulfport Last Week Other Gulfport Home Sales Last Week 6216 Fairway Blvd. S. (Pasadena Yacht & Country Club) This 2,341-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-and-a-halfbath home, built in 1990, sold for $1,000,000.

ABBY BAKER

2607 Miriam St. S. (Marina) This 1,482-square-foot home, built in 1951, has three bedrooms, two baths – and a fireplace. It listed and sold for $450,000.

4937 28th Ave. S. (Waterfront District) This 700-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bath condo, built in 1955, listed for $325,000 and sold for $376,000.

3041 Dupont St. S. (Waterfront District) Although listed for $650,000, this 1,348-square-foot, three-bedroom, threebath home, built in 1950, sold for $760,000 after three days on the market.

SELL

6150 Gulfport Blvd. S., #310 (Stetson) This 1,069-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath home, built in 1973, sold for $285,000 – $35,000 over the asking price.

5960 30th Ave. S., #407 (Town Shores) This 1,120-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath home listed for $249,000 and sold for $250,000 in one day. The condo dates to 1971.

727-289-5500

2902 Beach Blvd S • Gulfport GulfportRealty.com

theGabber.com | April 28, 2022 - May 4, 2022

BUY 31

Meet Elaine.

She wanted to foster new and meaningful relationships, to share her art, and to be involved.

Living with her oldest son and daughter-in-law wasn’t providing the colorful life she needed. Now, at 92, she’s more engaged than ever, and happily living out her passions.

“She’s got friends there. She does her painting, which she wasn’t able to do before, because there really wasn’t a place for her to paint at my house. She teaches art there, and painting … she’s in her element. She’s amazing.” – Linda L., Elaine’s daughter-in-law

Call 727-202-3474 for a virtual or in-person private consultation today. Learn more about our community and hear from Elaine and her family: Hover phone camera over the QR code or visit wrcsafe.com/bocaciegabay.

1255 Pasadena Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33707 INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE Skilled Nursing at The Springs, Operated by Summit Care Inc.

FLORIDA ASSISTED LIVING LICENSE #0083

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theGabber.com | April 28, 2022 - May 4, 2022