The Gabber: June 9, 2022

Digital subscriptions provided by the City of Gulfport THE GABBER.COM No. 2764

June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

Peninsula Sells for Almost $3 Million

By Abby Baker

ABBY BAKER

Former owner Veronica Champion is happy to sell.

The Historic Peninsula Inn, the only hotel in Gulfport, officially sold to Miami hotel group Casa Florida on June 6.

Former inn owner Veronica Champion wasn’t shy about her elation

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when she announced the sale. Casa Florida owners say for safety reasons, they prefer to not release the official cost of the building, but add that it was close to $3 million.

“Today was a huge day for me; I

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sold the Peninsula Inn,” Champion said at a June 6 Gulfport Merchants Chamber meeting. “I love that building, I love this town, but they have a vision and have brought a team,

Peninsula Inn continued on page 7

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

Businesses, People, and Places You Love 2908-B Beach Blvd. S. Gulfport, FL 33707 727-321-6965 Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Cathy Salustri Loper cathy@thegabber.com

Advertising Director Barry Loper

barry@thegabber.com

Creative Director Joey Neill

joey@thegabber.com

Features & Events Abby Baker

abby@thegabber.com

News & Politics Monroe Roark

monroe@thegabber.com

Operations

Patrick Graney

patrick@thegabber.com

Of course, The Gabber for so many reasons: Smiles, frowns, and other expressions, too! I love the Salmon GBLT with a side of edamame salad at the Backfin Blue (please, no Miami pink building!) Oh! And the meatloaf, too. Tom Nicholls is terrific and Mark O. gets more complaints than one man should ever have to deal with! Thanks for asking! –Carole Gabrio, Gulfport

SunRunner In regard to the actions taken by St. Petersburg and Pasadena for the “special lanes” for buses, it is my opinion that the money could have been used for better things, like math textbooks, in the schools. Why have the two cities decided that restricting a full lane of traffic for two buses an hour, 16 hours a day, when

the lane could be used for 300 cars per hour, 24 hours a day? What is so important about the limited bus service to the area that only runs for about one mile in Pasadena and five miles in St. Pete? It appears that no one familiar with traffic flows and volumes was involved with this decision. Nothing is gained, and more crowding on the roads is the only result. The city management should reconsider these ill-advised actions.

–Victor Carr, Gulfport My wife and I travel several times a week from downtown St. Petersburg to visit our daughter and her family in Gulfport. We use 1st Avenue North and 1st Avenue South on our trip.

We think reducing one lane in each direction on these avenues for the new SunRunner buses will increase congestion and slow down traffic on these two main east-west avenues.

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority projects 4000 riders daily, up from

Reporters

Mike Sunnucks, Crime Amanda Hagood, Books 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.

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@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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theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

the current 2800, and a saving of 15 minutes. But for the few hundred additional bus riders who may use the new SunRunner system, we feel tens of thousands of citizens will be inconvenienced and have their travel times increased. We already notice the difference, especially at rush hour, as construction is reducing some lanes.

So a policy is being implemented that may benefit the few, but will definitely inconvenience many. –John Childers, St. Petersburg

Correction In the May 26 edition of The Gabber, we printed a statement that the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce – of which The Gabber is a member – “is one of the largest in Tampa Bay.” Since then, a reader brought to our attention that, according to the Tampa Bay Beaches Business Journal, they are the 23rd largest chamber in the Tampa Bay area. The Gabber regrets the error.

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 in-

No Hard Questions

accurate. Letters sent to the

I have recently wondered, with COVID showing signs of increasing at record rates, do Gulfport politicians and police have any responsibility in keeping us as safe as possible? The interview with April Thanos was a puff piece. She would have probably answered any question about her job but those weren’t the questions. The politicians and police chief need to be asked important questions. They never are. –Bruce Plesser, Gulfport

online and on the Gabber’s so-

Gabber for print will also appear

A Little Good News Let us share your good news!

Photos printed as space allows.

Free – email goodnews@thegabber.com.

New Baby • Engaged • Save The Date Student of the Month • Dean's List Graduation

theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

cial 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 New and Improved

Here’s What to Expect at Gulfport’s New Senior Center

By Monroe Roark

CITY OF GULFPORT/HARVARD JOLLY

The current center has about 3,000 registered members and serves 400-600 people each weekday. This is done from a facility built in 1983 and is in dire need of an overhaul. Here’s what the new Gulfport Senior Center will include.

A new senior center in Gulfport has been an idea for several years – but it’s not just an idea anymore.

“I believe I first started looking into it and surveying people about it in 2014,” said Gulfport Senior Center Director Rachel Cataldo. “It has come a long way since then. What I keep trying to tell people is that it is not a rumor anymore. It is actually happening.”

The current center has about 3,000 registered members and serves 400-600 people each weekday. This is done from a facility built in 1983 and in dire need of an overhaul. Not only that, but the senior community has significantly increased over the years and, according to recent estimates, by 2030 the number of senior citizens in the United States could outnumber those under the age of 18 for the first time ever.

Fundraising for a new $13.1 million senior center began in earnest at the beginning of this year, and Cat-

aldo expects construction to start in 2024, although she would love to be able to start sooner.

City Manager Jim O’Reilly noted at the May 17 City Council meeting that officials have communicated with the office of U.S. Rep Charlie Crist about possible congressional appropriations for the project, while Mayor Sam Henderson said he has reached out to a few Pinellas County commissioners and invited them to see what is being planned in hopes of getting county funds.

“We are using a lobbyist for the federal and state funding, and a fundraising company for the local, corporate, and private philanthropists,” Cataldo said, who added that the primary naming rights for the new building could possibly be revealed in the fall.

The new senior center will be built right next to the current one. Construction will begin in the parking lot and road immediately to the south, facing the library. After it is complet-

theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

ed, Cataldo’s department will probably shut down for two-three weeks to move everything over to the new building, after which the old building will get demolished, although the Catherine Hickman Theater will remain intact. In the end, there will be three separate buildings in the complex with parking and green space in between.

A key detail in this process is that senior services will not be interrupted during construction with the exception of the move into the newly completed building.

“I had several priorities when we were looking at designing the new center. One of them was that we cannot be shut down for construction,” said Cataldo. “That kind of limited us on where we could do it, but at the same time it is so important that we don’t shut down for 12-18 months. It is just not possible.”

Another important item for Cataldo is the implementation of univerSenior Center continued on page 8

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theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

and I couldn’t be more confident that they are the right team.”

Casa Florida plans to transform the yellow Gulfport building [2937 Beach Blvd S.] into a pink hotel and cocktail bar. Co-founder Gaston Gonzalez says it will be much like its sister, the Casa Florida in the Miami River area, which was built in 1898.

Gulfport’s Casa Florida has closed Isabelle’s Restaurant and will open a new kitchen and cocktail bar. They also hope to open a coffee bar.

“We want to use a little of everything from everywhere; local bread, local beer,” Gonzalez said. “Our brand though, is cocktails. There’s not a strong cocktail culture here in Gulfport and we want to add that.”

The original Casa Florida is, like the Peninsula, an historic building that Gonzalez says is a hidden gem.

The property went under contract in April, prompting worried and angry Facebook posts – and suggestions that Peninsula management said news of the sale might be untrue. Despite this, the owners are adamant about their plans to preserve and celebrate the building’s history.

Gonzalez says his group is familiar with the art of revamping properties while maintaining historic character.

“We’re not here to change everything; we preserve historic places,” Gonzalez said. “We’re here to learn and enjoy what we do.”

CASA FLORIDA

Peninsula Inn continued from cover

The Miami Casa Florida is known as a trendy pink paradise in the Miami River area.

The hotelier does plan to cover the yellow paint with a muted blush, Miami-style.

The team includes Gonzalez, co-founder Eduardo Suarez, Director of Operations Sergio Levi, and a handful of others, including family who will begin the heavy task of transforming the hotel.

When do they start?

“Today, as soon as possible,” Gonzalez told The Gabber. He’s a

former Miami bartender from Argentina who worked his way up in the hospitality industry.

The hotel group will keep the staff, but will also bring some of their own on board.

“We don’t just want to show people from Florida, Gulfport; we want to show Gulfport, Florida,” Gonzalez said. “I fell in love with this community when I first visited in 2016.”

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Senior Center continued from page 5

CITY OF GULFPORT/HARVARD JOLLY

sal design for the project. This will be reflected in multiple ways.

For example, the new center will be in the middle of the parking lot rather than in a corner or on one side where residents might have to walk an exceptionally long distance from their vehicles. There will be two entrances to the facility, but no back door.

Various regulations related to the Americans with Disabilities Act will be expanded upon and magnified. All bathroom facilities will be geared for handicapped access, and whereas in the current center some hallways are impossible to navigate through when a wheelchair is com-

ing from the other direction, all corridors in the new center will be wide enough for two-way access.

Specific enhancements noted on the City’s website include a more discreet food pantry being incorporated into the design to eliminate the possible embarrassment and stigma for its users. Extra meeting rooms and office space will allow the Center to offer space to third-party resources (veteran services, legal assistance, Medicare and health insurance assistance, benefit application assistance, and the like), which will create a “one-stop shop” concept. Outdoor activity space and large meeting rooms are being add-

ed to accommodate all senior center activities.

Use of the current senior center is free for Gulfport residents and $50 per year for those who live outside the city limits (the fee is waived for veterans). Cataldo noted that most out-of-town users are very impressed with the low cost, and others who initially balk at the price are informed that it is all-inclusive while many senior centers charge for each individual activity.

Anyone interested in making a donation to the new senior center is encouraged to contact Cataldo at 727-893-1231 or stop by the center and see her in person.

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theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

Nano Knows Gardening

Challenged by Your Florida Yard? Just Ask Nano!

In our new gardening Q&A, expert Florida gardener Nano Riley helps you with tough gardening questions. Send your turfgrass frustrations, tree problems, and knowing what to plant to garden@thegabber. com. Photos welcome, too.

Dear Nano, I just moved to the area and want to fertilize my grass, but my neighbor told me I can’t fertilize after June 1.

I’ve never heard of this – this doesn’t make sense. Surely my neighbor’s mistaken, right?

-New to Florida Dear New, Welcome to Florida, where gardening is different. Our rainy season is in full swing by the first of June, when hurricane season officially begins. That means we get huge downpours most every afternoon, and much of that rainwater fuels what’s called “non-point source” pollution, ending up in the bay, nearby rivers, lakes, and retention ponds. The nitrogen in lawn fertilizers carried along from your lawn (and everyone else’s) can cause harmful algae blooms. Excess nutrients consume all the oxygen in the water, threatening wildlife and leading to fish kills – an unpleasant, smelly mess. That’s

why there’s a ban on using nitrogen fertilizers from June 1 through September; garden centers must pull these products from the shelves.

By the way: Lawns originated in medieval times when rulers cleared land around their castles to prevent sneak attacks. They became a feature among the wealthy, and in the post World War II suburban housing boom, everyone wanted one. By the 1980s, commercial lawn services proliferated. Many homeowners associations even required a certain amount of landscape be devoted to these useless plots of turf.

If you fancy a lawn, they’re quickly becoming unpopular in the face of climate change. Las Vegas recently made lawns illegal because they waste water in the ongoing Western drought. Despite the city’s shady streets and verdant lawns, it’s still in the Mojave Desert, and such greenery is as phony as a movie set. In Florida, 50% of municipal water is used on lawns….that’s about 900 million gallons daily.

Here in Florida, with its sandy soil, lawns are expensive and difficult to maintain, despite specially designed heat-tolerant grass, zoysia and Bermuda. Lawns are a monoculture, they don’t support native wildlife, and keeping them perfect is costly and often requires toxic chemicals.

And watching landscapers firing up gas powered riding mowers for a 10 x10 patch of turf, is, well, ridiculous.

We’re a “fly by” state, where many migrating birds pause on their way south for the winter. Why not skip the large lawn for some carefree native plants, and enjoy the show?

Nano Riley knows gardening. She’s a lifelong gardener with a passion for Florida plants and the environment, and a Florida gardening writer.

Have a Florida gardening question? Nano knows the answer. Send ‘em to garden@thegabber.com.

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For the Birds

Seabird Rescuers Capture and Release Injured Animals from Skyway Fishing Pier Fishing culture in Bradenton and St. Petersburg isn’t going away anytime soon, and seabirds will continue to become tangled in fishing lines.

“If no one helps or intervenes it’s essentially a death sentence for the bird,” said Jeanette Edwards, Friends of the Pelicans founder. Edwards, a Bradenton angler, has found as much as 100 feet of fishing line in a brown pelican’s throat.

That’s why she began her mission in 2014, after coming across a handful of decomposing pelicans tangled in line on a mangrove island near her home.

In 2018, she incorporated Friends of the Pelicans and began a widespread education and rescue operation with help from volunteers.

Edwards’ nonprofit organization deploys more than 70 volunteers through Bradenton and the Skyway Fishing Piers.

She’s found pelicans are the main victims, but fishing line doesn’t discriminate.

“It’s a torturous way to die,” Edwards said.

All types of birds that live or migrate through the Gulf beaches can become tangled, but pelicans commonly dive and swallow live lines while looking for food. When the lines are cut or naturally break, the bird is left with an injury and a mouthful of line.

“Since we started, one of my goals was to employ a rescuer on the Skyway Pier… it’s hard to ask people to work every day for free,” Edwards said.

FRIENDS OF THE PELICANS

By Abby Baker

Volunteers scout the Skyway Fishing Piers and Bradenton areas daily. Oftentimes, they find dead and severely injured wildlife.

Then she met Rahat Khan in 2020. He’s the only paid employee of Friends of the Pelicans; he patrols daily. He’s armed with a net on the Skyway Fishing Pier.

Edwards came across Khan while on a particularly difficult rescue at Fort De Soto.

“I was trying to rescue the bird and having trouble and he was just standing on the rocks nearby; I didn’t notice him,” Edwards said. “He grabbed the net from me and threw it over the bird. That was it.”

While catching birds and removing deadly lines is necessary, Edwards believes that large-scale change will come from education. She travels through Florida, talking about what to do if you come across a pelican or

other bird in distress.

On June 23, Edwards will speak at the Gulfport Public Library.

“A lot of people are afraid of pelicans and won’t do anything if they see one that needs help,” Edwards said. “Pelicans are actually the easiest to deal with. They may bite you, but they won’t stab you like a heron.”

She hopes her upcoming Gulfport event will inform those who live by and visit the Gulf – and save a few feathery lives in the process.

Friends of the Pelicans always needs capable volunteers on the water.

Friends of the Pelicans Event June 23, 1 p.m. Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport.

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theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

Nadine Smith: One of Time’s ‘100 Most Influential People’ The St. Pete Resident is a Black Queer Woman and LGBTQ+ Activist St. Petersburg’s Nadine Smith is one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2022.

She’s also the Black, queer, and female co-founder of Equality Florida, a Sunshine State-based advocacy group fighting for LGBTQ+ rights.

Smith sits on the list with other notable Floridians (including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who Smith publicly opposes) as well as celebrities such as Amanda Seyfried and Pete Davidson.

The panhandle native began her career working with both international and American LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, such as IGLYO – The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Youth & Student Organization.

“Growing up in the panhandle certainly prepared me for activism,” Smith said “I went to high school in the ‘80s when there were no outwardly gay role models or teachers…

It was a difficult time to be yourself.”

Though she’s proud of her Time Magazine nomination, Smith is more concerned with Florida’s red-leaning legislation.

“DeSantis is infringing on our most basic freedoms as Americans,” Smith said. “He has a right-wing, dystopian vision of our state… there

NADINE SMITH

By Abby Baker

“It feels great to be recognized by Time, it’s certainly a reflection of the incredible organization [Equality Florida] that I’m grateful to be a part of,” Smith said.

was a time when you could disagree with people, but understand the moral basis they were debating on.”

Equality Florida (along with the National Center for Lesbian Rights and others) is in the middle of a lawsuit against DeSantis. The groups

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hope the legal action will work to overturn the recently passed “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

When Smith isn’t fighting for LGBTQ+ equality on the political battlefield, she enjoys camping with her wife and son.

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theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

11

Power Up

Gulfport Generators Could Keep City Buildings Operating Post-Hurricane

By Monroe Roark

SHELLY WILSON

After Hurricane Irma, much of Gulfport was without power for days, if not longer.

When people gravitate to City buildings for air conditioning and to charge their cell phones next time, the City wants to be ready.

With hurricane season here, Gulfport officials with vivid memories of how Hurricane Irma affected Gulfport in 2017 have plans to improve readiness in one key area.

City manager Jim O’Reilly told City Council during a May 17 review of the capital improvement budget that the City has ordered three new generators. These replace some older equipment and add locations for power at city facilities during outages. He recounted some of the more trying aspects of the 2017 storm that left most of Gulfport without electricity for an entire week.

“Irma taught everyone in this area a lesson,” he said during an interview with The Gabber. “We weren’t back up and running as quickly as we’d like to have been. It was an issue we needed to address.”

As he said to Council, Gulfportians who don’t evacuate for a major storm will gravitate to city buildings when the power goes out at home. They need a place with air conditioning and a way to charge their phones so they can keep in touch with family and friends.

FEMA’s emergency facility generator grant asks Gulfport to pay 25% of the full cost, according to Mike Taylor, Principal Planner for the City. Gulfport’s budgeted $84,000 for its portion, O’Reilly said.

“Right now the documents are in review with FEMA,” said Taylor. “There will be three new generators for the City Hall complex. One is for the fire department, one for the police department, and one for City Hall and the public services building.”

A fire department generator went

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out of commission recently, so the City moved the generator at the lift station by the recreation center to the fire station, as the ongoing lift station overhaul will include a new generator. With the installation of the three new generators, the old generator will move to the library.

In the wake of Irma, Gulfport City Hall had to close for a full week.

“We couldn’t have employees in because we didn’t have air conditioning,” said O’Reilly. “The senior staff was here. We ran a lot of extension cords.”

Gulfport residents gathered at three main locations that week.

“A lot of folks didn’t have access to water, air conditioning, or some basic necessities. They came to the marina looking for power, to charge their phones, and get out of the heat,” said O’Reilly. “People went to the library, the senior center, whatever was the closest proximity in their neighborhood. The senior center had partial power to serve as a place for a food pantry and some air-conditioned space. But it wasn’t fully operational. In the future, the new generators will be able to do that.”

The City has no generator at the recreation center, however.

“It’s in a flood zone. That’s the first place we evacuate. Once we have a tropical storm warning, I don’t even let the kids go there. They go to the library.”

The City received the FEMA award about 18 months ago. O’Reilly acknowledged that FEMA doesn’t have the fastest turnaround, so there’s a possibility that the 2022 hurricane season could be well underway before the equipment arrives. But once the generators are installed, Gulfport will have a better level of readiness.

“We had some different expectations of how fast we would get back on the grid,” O’Reilly said of the response to Irma. “That being said, in any of these types of situations you need to be prepared to take care of yourself. Lesson learned.”

theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

Growing Pains

Clymer Park Tree Has a Little-Known Origin as Memorial The orange geiger tree in Clymer Park is a memorial for all, says Gulfport Councilmember April Thanos.

It may just appear another of the food forest’s leafy growths, but it was originally a memorial requested by Gulfport Food Forest Founder Crea Egan for Gulfport poet Stone Handy at a Gulfport Council meeting in January.

“Crea and a few others asked that we do something for Stone Handy, who worked a lot in the forest,” Thanos said. “Eventually, it became a memorial tree in general for people who have died.”

Many in Gulfport consider it a “COVID-19 memorial tree,” but it has no official distinction other than a memorial honoring those that have died in the community.

“We’re looking to have a plaque made to put it there as a community memorial tree,” Gulfport Public

TIM O’CONNOR

By Abby Baker

City staff say they will soon add a plaque to mark the tree’s significance.

Works Director Tom Nicholls told The Gabber. The tree’s growing at the south end of Clymer Park. As orange geiger trees typically do, it will

eventually blossom with orange or yellow flowers.

Thanos said she’s heard no potential plaque talk at City Council.

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13

How Gulfport Businesses Used the PPP

PPP Money Kept Gulfport Going Through the Pandemic, Local Businesses Say

By Monroe Roark

PASADENA YACHT & COUNTRY CLUB, VIA FACEBOOK

The company that owns the Pasadena Yacht & Country Club requested $483,600, which allowed the club to keep every employee on the job through the pandemic, according to PYCC head Jeff Paonessa.

The past two years have been a nightmare for many business owners as the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the U.S. economy. Many closed their doors for good, while others are just now climbing out of the gigantic hole the pandemic and shutdown created.

The federal government devel-

oped several programs to assist individuals as well as business owners. One of them was the Paycheck Protection Program, through which loans from the Small Business Administration helped businesses keep their workforce employed during the pandemic.

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ppp-loan.info, the SBA released a list of all the businesses that received PPP loans, the loan amounts, and bank and business details. The Gabber used that website’s search engine, along with ProPublica, a nonprofit journalism site, to see which local companies received assistance and how it was used. The list is long, but here is a sampling of some businesses who received assistance – and how much – in our print coverage area.

• O’Maddys Inc.: $367,924 • Gulf Communications & Electronics Inc.: $304,663 • Treasure Island Yacht Club of Pinellas County LLC: $278,352 • Fortunatos Gulfport Inc.: $133,058 • 56th & Shore LLC: $72,500

theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

• Pasadena Produce & Deli: $64,600 • Gulfport Garage Inc.: $23,000 • Southwest Pinellas Storage Center LLC: $15,100 • Custom House Decor LLC: $7,500 Every company on the list noted that the money would be used for payroll. When applying for the funds, companies were required to report how many employees were affected.

The Urban Gypsies only requested $9,700 for its two employees. At the time, the only two on the payroll were Barney Waterbury and his late wife Leta, who succumbed to breast cancer last year. Both were musicians; Leta was also a massage therapist.

“We were done for two years,” said Barney Waterbury of the shutdown’s effect on their business.

“We were pretty much dead in the water.”

They had built a massage therapy clinic on the front of their house on Tangerine Avenue, which now houses two massage therapists who work for Waterbury. He is gradually getting back into the musical side of things, having been a professional musician for four decades – with a caveat: “I won’t play indoors,” he said, “because people are still getting sick.”

He found the PPP process fairly straightforward and simple, although he credits his late wife with handling the details.

“She was my businesswoman,” he said.

But the money came quickly, and just in time. “We would have crashed without it.”

The largest amount listed for a Gulfport company was $483,600 for Hawkeye Equity LLC, the company that owns the Pasadena Yacht and Country Club. That money allowed the club to keep every employee on the job through the pandemic, according to PYCC head Jeff Paonessa.

When the shutdown started, everything but the actual golf course was closed for six weeks, and some parts of the facility did not reopen for four or five months. It took some creative thinking to keep the staff of nearly 90 employees busy, but it

was a productive time nonetheless.

“People were able to golf every day through COVID,” said Paonessa.

“But all other services — the gym, the restaurant, the bars, the pool, the kids’ areas — had to shut down.”

Golfers walked or rode in single-passenger carts to get in a round, and a no-contact system was developed to allow the players to go from their cars straight to their golf carts or the course itself.

“There were no group events,” said Paonessa. “But I think it was great to allow people to get outdoors and not go stir-crazy.”

Employees from other areas of the club were repurposed so they

could keep working. Some were assigned carpet cleaning or painting tasks, which they could accomplish by themselves or with appropriate social distancing. Employees replanted parts of the golf course, repainted the gym, and took apart the kitchen for a total cleaning. Projects that typically would have required closing anyway were accomplished without a huge negative impact on the bottom line.

“The place was completely clean and painted by the time it was all done,” said Paonessa. “The PPP allowed us to keep every employee employed, plus [pay] periodic bonuses through the pandemic.”

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Biz Beat: Pool Bar, Coffee Shop + Jax Expands Here’s What’s New (and Coming) to St. Pete and Gulfport

By Abby Baker

More Jax

Get Wet Just in time for Pride month, Cocktail St. Pete – a Central Avenue gay club – broke construction on a new LGBTQ+ friendly pool bar.

They’re calling it The Wet Spot Pool Bar and Day Club. It’s on the same property as Cocktail, but will have a different bar with the same owners (and the same rooster logo) as Cocktail.

“If all goes well we’ll be open for

Melanie Posner. The work by the Tampa Baes [an Amazon Prime lesbian reality show] cast member features rainbow representation on an otherwise plain wall of the Central Avenue building.

Day drinkers can look forward to a watery new spot to sun themselves; it’s just a matter of how fast the St. Pete gay bar group can build their spot in the sun.

Cool Beans

ABBY BAKER

Gulfport’s Jax In And Out, Neighborhood Café is expanding into the space next door as early as this summer.

Owner Jax Taylor says the expanded space [4928 Gulfport Blvd. S] will offer more seating, ADA-compliant bathrooms, and lower countertops for wheelchair accessibility.

Previously, the space housed R.A.C Computers.

“This was more of what I had in mind when I opened four-and-a-half years ago,” Taylor said.

Jax is in the middle of renovating and has yet to get permit approvals from the City of Gulfport.

Taylor adds that post-renovation, Jax will have more dinner options and extended hours.

The Jax food pantry, which provides free food donations to anyone in need, will move to the added dining area.

summer,” said Kaitlyn Lampasso, a bartender at Cocktail. “As soon as the pool is open, we’re open.”

Stacha Madison is the owner of The Blend, a St. Pete coffee shop.

The Central Avenue location is her fourth store.

It’s unclear how long construction will take, as the crew only broke ground this May, but the new downtown pool bar is well on its way to having the pool’s frame carved out.

In preparation of the new summer spot, owners commissioned a mural by LGBTQ+ St. Pete muralist

The Blend, a St. Petersburg coffee shop, opened a fourth location at 6730 Central Ave. S. on May 19.

Owner and Seattle transplant Stacha Madison says she’s yet to hold an official grand opening, but her doors (and walk-up window) are open for business.

Madison owned a Seattle coffee stand before she moved to the Sunshine State. She opened the first Blend at 490 First Ave. S. in St. Petersburg three years ago.

“My goal was not to do coffee when I moved to Florida,” Madison said. “But then my daughter said ‘mom, there’s really no coffee like ours here’.”

Madison’s daughter may have moved to Arkansas, but Madison still juggles her brand of local coffee, sourced from farmers in Peru, Nicaragua, and Brazil.

Most days, Madison can be found brewing coffee and running the window alongside her staff.

Submit your events online at thegabber.com 16

theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

arts New Juice

Six Emerging Artists Get a Spot in the St. Pete Limelight for ‘Fresh Squeezed’ Pour yourself a fresh perspective, Fresh Squeezed 6: Emerging Artists in Florida, returns for its sixth year.

If you’ve yet to hear about the six featured artists in the St. Petersburg’s Morean Art Center exhibit, you’re probably not alone.

Each year, the Morean selects Florida creators who have yet to exhibit their work in a non-student solo show. This year, more than 150 artists applied, Morean Chief Curator Amanda Cooper told The Gabber.

“The Morean is often an organic space for artists who want to go on and show in museums, and we created Fresh Squeezed in 2016 as a way to do that intentionally,” Cooper, who has held her curator position since 1999, said.

This year’s lineup includes Eugene Agyei (Gainesville), Macy Higgins (Tampa), Morgan Janssen (Sarasota), Lauren Mann (Clearwater), Sam McCoy (Tallahassee), and Sheherazade Thenard (Orlando).

How do they narrow submissions down to only six artists?

“It’s not easy,” Cooper said. “We narrow it down to 20, and then meet again and narrow it down to five or six artists. It’s hard, but we look forward to getting a finger on the pulse of new art.”

Lauren Mann, a 22-year-old recent Bachelor of Fine Arts grad from the University of Florida, was thrilled to learn her submission of quarantine-inspired paintings made the cut.

“I created them during the time of COVID-19, when I was grappling with isolation. My work deals with

READ THE FULL ISSUE ONLINE!

LAUREN MANN

By Abby Baker

The Morean Center for Art presents ‘Fresh Squeezed 6: Emerging Artists in Florida’, a state-wide exhibit for artists who’ve yet to hold a non-student solo exhibition.

“Discomfort Food” by Lauren Mann.

some not-so-happy topics in bright colors,” Mann said. “Cutting my hair, eating. You see the look on my face and know the things I went through.”

Mann’s paintings are shown alongside work in other mediums, including photography by Tampa artist Macy Higgins and sculpture work from Morgan Janssen.

According to Cooper, many Fresh Squeezed alumni accomplish notable things in the art world after their

Morean debut.

Matthew Cicanese was named as one of Forbes Magazine’s”30 Under 30” in 2021. The same year, Lauren Mitchell was featured in the Orlando Museum of Art “The Florida Prize in Contemporary Art” exhibition.

“We hope to show new artists the ropes,” Cooper said.

Fresh Squeezed, at the Morean Arts Center [719 Central Ave., St Pete], runs through June 23.

ISSUU.COM/THEGABBER

theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

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Everglades Gothic

T.L. Finlay’s ‘Girls Without Tears’ Paints Chilling Portrait of Evil You can’t go home again, as the saying goes. After reading T.L. Finlay’s new novel, “Girls Without Tears” (forthcoming August 2022 from Crooked Lane Books), you may just decide you don’t want to.

Noa Romwell has a successful career, a high rise apartment in Miami, a new boyfriend, and a life-threatening condition: Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis (CIPA), a genetic mutation which leaves her body unable to feel pain or to sweat. After years of enduring ignorant comments about her CIPA from folks in her remote hometown, Everglades City, she’s happy with life in the big city, where nobody knows her secret.

But then home comes calling.

The 6-year-old daughter of her high-school boyfriend, Zack, has mysteriously disappeared and the entire hamlet is stricken. Noa feels compelled to join the search, even though it means facing the guy who broke her heart, his self-centered wife, and a host of other uncomfortable relationships from the past. Things move from Mayberry to mayhem quickly as Noa finds herself embroiled in a deadly drama that includes a secret affair, a murder, torture, and, of course, the last person you’d ever suspect.

The book has many strengths. Finlay has a way with the South Florida landscape, painting scenes that hover evocatively between beauty and dread: “I’d all but forgotten the

AMANDA HAGOOD

By Amanda Hagood

Finlay’s cover says it all: expect an atmospheric kidnapping story with more than a few disturbing themes.

aura of the Everglades,” Noa recalls, out with a search party, “how every single atom is in a defensive stance.

Everything is sharp ­– from the spiky tips of the palm branches to the dried out blades of grass. The wind blows, igniting a chorus of off-key whistling across the miles and miles of sawgrass.”

The book also raises some important points about the continued prevalence of ableism in our society.

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Beyond the high school bullying she endures, Noa’s condition routinely leads her to be passed over for opportunities at which she might have excelled. Finlay captures what it might be like to live with the weight of other people’s prejudices on your shoulders.

But this is all wound around a plot that feels downright Gothic and some impressively evil villains whose behavior seems under-explained and a bit artificial. With the rich premise and wonderfully brooding landscape Finlay creates, it seems as though the plot could have been resolved in many ways without the use of such extreme devices (ahem, a torture-basement…in south Florida?).

I ultimately left the book feeling more shocked than satisfied, but, like a trip down the actual Tamiami Trail, I found the journey pleasant in a creepy sort of way. Always remember, as my editor says, Florida isn’t trying to kill you… but it could.

If it wanted to.

theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

Turtle Time

Gulfport Artist Invites Students to Paint, Create Sea Turtles

By Abby Baker

PROJECT TURTLE

Students at Lee Academy for Academically Gifted Students contributed drawings and animation to Planet Turtle.

Children from as far as India’s Bay of Bengal are submitting artwork for Project Turtle, Gulfport artist Paula Allen’s (otherwise known as Pollyzoom) new wildlifemeets-art project.

Allen, an animation artist and teacher, came up with the idea after discussing the plight of the turtles with local Sea Turtle Trackers.

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2022!

She decided to create a program that encourages children to paint, draw, and animate messages centered around protecting sea turtles during nesting season.

They’re cute, but they’re also cryptic. Many showcase colorful turtles with plastic on their shells, salty tears, and anti-plastic messages.

“I’ve lived on the beaches a long time, and I’ve talked to the Sea Turtle Trackers who have had a hard time getting people, and hotels, to comply with helping the turtles,”

Allen said. “This is a way to get the message out.”

Her work for this project is funded through a micro grant from the Gobioff Foundation. She’s already worked with students from Tampa’s Lee Academy for Academically Gifted Students, and she’ll work with students at the Morean Arts Center Summer Camp in St. Pete from June 6-10.

Artwork created at the Morean will line the children’s Gallery for the Planet Turtle Community Art Project at the Morean.

Bay of Bengal (one of the largest sea turtle nesting sites in the world) sent artwork for the project. Allen says it’s difficult to teach animation or online artwork from across the world, their paintings are included in the project alongside the animations from Florida students.

“Kids can pick up animation very easily, I can’t teach it all in one visit, but I can have kids do the drawings, and they’re very beautiful drawings,” Allen said.

Allen says as a Gulfport resident, she hopes to bring Project Turtle to Gulfport somehow.

“I’d love to work with Gulfport kids, eventually teach them and incorporate Project Turtle here,” Allen said.

For now, it’s back to the drawing board.

See all the artwork at pollyzoom. com.

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theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

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the gabs How are you celebrating Pride Month?

Photos by Abby Baker

Paula Adams, Gulfport: “I’m an artist so I have a full scale of Pride artwork.”

Rob McCabe, Gulfport: “As the Gulfport Poet Laureate, I’m doing a Pride spoken word event and attending some open mic readings.”

Erica Doll, St. Petersburg: “I made a cake that looks like the lesbian Pride flag when you cut it open. You can buy it at Golden Dinosaurs. This is my first Pride month since coming out as pansexual, so it’s a big one.”

Vanessa Moore, Spring Hill: “I work at Sans Market in St. Pete and we just “Pride-afied” the place.”

Now Accepting Applications Learn to Sail this summer if you are 13 to 21.

Call 727-459-7900 20

Submit your events online at thegabber.com

theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

crossword

Solution on page 27

The Stuff

gabber on vacation

Solution on page 27

BERNIE HARTMAN

sudoku

We love to celebrate love!

Bernie and Kathryn Hartman brought The Gabber along to Grand Cayman Island to help celebrate their 58th anniversary.

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.

A Little Good News Let us share your good news! Photos printed as space allows.

Free – email goodnews@thegabber.com.

New Baby • Engaged • Save The Date • Student of the Month Dean's List • Graduation

theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

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theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

things to do

Free

Vegan Options

Dog-Friendly

Virtual

Game of Shrooms, Mural Tour + Gulfport Disco Saturday, June 11

TED LOCASCIO

Art from Ted LoCascio will be among neon creations at Atelier de SoSi’s “LIT” art show.

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

Friday, June 10 Do Say Gay Florida may have passed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, but artists are still screaming in rainbow. The MIZE Gallery invited creators to submit art that speaks, screams, and yells gay. Featuring work by Rhys Meatyard, Amy Ilic-Volpe, Jay Hoff, Chaz Mize, and other LGBTQ supporting artists.

MIZE Gallery, 689 Dr. MLK Jr St. N. , St. Petersburg. 6-9 p.m. facebook. com/mizegallery Disco Ball Days Time to get funky at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom. Come down to the waterfront for a dance lesson from 7-8 p.m. and then an old-school disco dance party from 8 p.m. to midnight. Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. 7 p.m.12 a.m. $10. mygulfport.us It’s Lit ​​Atelier de SoSi will be alive with neon this summer. The St. Pete

gallery will feature “LIT,” an art show featuring neon works and glowing creations. Participating artists were asked to create their luminous work with Pride month in mind. On exhibit through July 22, but don’t miss the opening reception. Atelier de Sosi, 2380 6th Ave. S., St. Petersburg.

7:30-10 p.m. atelierdesosi.com

The Mushroom Games It’s a simple game of “where’s that mushroom?”

Game of Shrooms is a scavenger hunt organized by Gulfport artists, who create mushroom art and hide it through the city. Artists and organizers will post clues about their shrooms on the Facebook page, and seekers will try to find them!

It’s simple finders/keepers rules, and anyone who collects the mushroom-themed art keeps it as a prize.

Happy hunting! Gulfport. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Game of Shrooms Facebook page Put a Mural on It You’ve passed the colorful murals in downtown St. Petersburg, but what do you know about them? Take a walking tour centered around the city’s painted walls. You’ll learn the back story of each work of art as you get your steps in. Florida CraftArt, 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 10 a.m. $1119; reservations required (size limited). floridacraftart.org Boozy Brunch Come stroll through downtown over mimosas, shots, bloody mary specials, and your favorite brunch items all while danc-

Things To Do continued on page 24

un dries

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

theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

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Things To Do continued from page 23

ing reception featuring work from Barb Beyhl and live music from Bud Good. St. Pete Artworks, 635 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 5-9 p.m. stpeteartworks-onlinestore.com/featured-exhibition

ing your brunch-lovin’ butt off. A ticket includes four brunch items, drink specials, and a Brunch Crawl Signature Digital Crawl Map to keep you on track. Restaurant locations to come, but they’ll all be in downtown St. Pete. This is a rain or shine event, brunch-lovers. Parks & Rec DTSP, 100 4th St. S., St. Petersburg. 1-6 p.m. eventvesta.com/ events/16966/t/tickets

Deuces, St. Pete The Sunday Deuces Sidewalk Market is celebrating Juneteenth. Head to 22nd Street South for a sidewalk market featuring hip hop artist Queen of Ex and the Orijin Foundation. It’s a chance to shop small St. Pete businesses and enjoy local artists. 833 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg. 1-6 p.m. deuceslive.org

Second Saturday Art Walk On St. Pete’s Second Saturday Art Walk, the city is an art-lover’s oyster. Stroll The Central Arts District, EDGE District, Grand Central District, Warehouse Arts District, Uptown Arts District, and downtown Waterfront District as you browse St. Pete’s galleries and creative spaces. St. Pete’s Artworks will hold an open-

READ THE FULL ISSUE ONLINE!

Tuesday, June 14 Free Yoga Alert Join yogis on the sands of Madeira Beach every Tuesday night. Yoga instructor and

beach dweller Nancy will teach a class near Caddy’s, and yogis can expect 10% off their bar tab after the class. Caddy’s Madeira Beach, 14080 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach. 7 p.m. 727-308-7888 Wednesday, June 15 Off to See the Wizard Happy birthday, Judy! In celebration of American film icon Judy Garland’s wouldbe 100th birthday, St. Pete Beach’s Beach Theater is hosting a free, outdoor film screening in Horan Park.

This week, the vintage theater will show “Summer Stock.” Food trucks will offer quick theater bites (not just popcorn.) Bring a blanket and enjoy this lesser-known Garland film after sunset. Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach. 7 p.m. spbeachtheatre.org

ISSUU.COM/THEGABBER

TORCH SONG

by Harvey Fierstein

The life of Arnold Beckoff, a torch-song singing, Jewish drag queen living in New York City, is dramatized over the late 70s and 80s. Torch Song follows Arnold’s odyssey to find happiness.

All he wants is a husband, a child, and a pair of bunny slippers but a visit from his overbearing mother reminds him that he needs one thing more: respect.

June 9-19 Thurs-Fri-Sat @ 8PM, Sat & Sun @ 2pm Catherine Hickman Theater, 26th & Beach Tickets $20 online, $25 cash at the door www.GulfportCommunityPlayers.org Daniel Harris as Arnold Beckoff

24

Performance rights Samuel French

theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

worship Good Shepherd Old Catholic Church

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.”

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theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

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a different kind of doctor A local doctor provides truly compassionate care and proven solutions for chronic pain and complicated conditions.

Do you ever wonder what it is that makes some doctors so incredibly compassionate while others have a bedside manner better suited for the DMV?

In the case of Dr. Rebecca Gibbons, RN, DOM, AP of AAIM Achieve Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine it is a case of true empathy. “I worked in hospitals as an RN for over 15 years and saw how patients suffered from pain and other chronic conditions. Some people were able to find relief with medications, injections or surgeries but many times we would see them come back within days, weeks or months. I saw their lives were not only filled with discomfort but their days were filled with doctors appointments, hospital stays, ER visits, prescription refills and physical therapy. That is no way to live. Not only does it take a toll on the person but it also takes a toll on their family members as well.”

Dr. Gibbons also had a personal experience with pain. “I had suffered from severe back pain and did not feel comfortable taking medications because of the way they made me feel. A friend recommended I see an acupuncturist. After a series of treatments I was able to get relief from the pain. I was able to sleep again and the anxiety that I was feeling had also subsided.”

After her incredible experience with the healing arts she made the life changing decision to become an Acupuncture Physician, “Acupuncture quite literally changed my life and I want to share that with as many people as I can,” she proclaims.

"As an RN, I saw so many people who had been given a disheartening prognosis, prescribed medications and told ‘this is just something your are going to have to learn to live with. But now as an Acupuncture Physician, I am able to integrate both eastern and western medicine to treat those who have chronic pain, neuropathy and other chronic conditions.”

Understanding that Eastern Medicine excels where Western Medicine fails, Dr. Gibbons set forth to develop treatment protocols for all variations of Peripheral Neuropathy (including diabetic and chemotherapy-induced) and back pain and now has an 80% success rate in treating this once difficult to manage condition.

Dr. Rebecca Gibbons has a long history of treating complicated, difficult to understand conditions.

She understands how tragic it can be if left untreated.

Dr. Gibbons and her staff specialize in treating chronic pain, complicated neurological conditions, autoimmune diseases and infertility that may leave other professionals scratching their heads.

For more information about Dr. Gibbons and what she treats, visit WWW.ACHIEVEACUIM.COM Ready to schedule? Call (727) 272-3587 for a consultation today.

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727-272-3587

theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

solution

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

theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

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CLASSIFIEDS

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

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

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

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

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 Furniture Repair FURNITURE REPAIR & REFINISHING I can do on-site work. Been in business for 38 years. Specialize in repairs for wooden furniture. Call Jim at 727-667-7113.

Electrical

AC ELECTRIC 727-345-3108

Over 30 years. Experience. Residential & Commercial. New or Remodel Work, Service Upgrades, Lightning Arrestors, Fans and Lighting Installed. State License #ER0007653.

Handy Person 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.

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.

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

HANDYMAN WORK SMALL JOBS

Retired individual looking for odd jobs, errands, indoor painting, minor repair work.

Reasonable prices. Gulfport, St. Pete. Call or text 724-462-4324.

Lawn & Landscape AFFORDABLE PROMPT • RELIABLE Licensed & Insured

Lee Claxton, I.S.A. Certified Arborist

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

Licensed and Insured

727-687-7999

Abccleanexteriors.com

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

727-698-1213

A TOUCH OF CLASS JANITORIAL SERVICE

Get a free estimate 727-322-1300. We desire to provide a service that meets all specific needs. Satisfying and affordable, dependable, experienced, reasonable and professional. We empty trash, floors, window seals, laundry, refrigerators, ovens, windows etc.

Licensed and insured since 2001.

CourtesyElectricFL@gmail.com

COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR LICENSED AND INSURED EC-13008313

MAYNARD ELECTRIC • 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

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

727-220-0226 AnAffordableArborist@gmail.com

TREE SERVICE BY PAYLESS

Tree removal, trimming, stump grinding. Also do yard work, mulching, weeding, and yard clean up. Call for estimate: 727-641-9033.

IRRIGATION STAIN REMOVAL

Remove ugly rust-colored irrigation stains from vinyl fencing and most surfaces around your house or business, including signage. Free estimate and demonstration. Call/text 727-360-7070.

Email: ruststainremoval@icloud.com

SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT! 28

theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

USCG AUXILIARY RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY COURSE

The Boat America class will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at the C.G. building in Gulfport at 3120 Mariam St. S. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Florida Boating Safety ID. Contact Marty Richardson at 630-6745352 or merichardsonjr@att.net for more information.

Moving / Hauling SKIP’S MOVING & PICK-UP DELIVERY Mondays and Tuesdays. Have 14 foot box truck, willing to help. I’m the guy who moves everybody in and out of Towne Shores. 727-320-3297.

CARLITO’S WAY LANDSCAPING & HOME CARE SERVICES Free Estimates! Prepare for the rainy season by having your gutters cleaned. I offer reasonable prices and a variety of other services, such as mulching, small tree & palm trimming or removal, SOD installation, and more!

Call/Text me at 813-997-5478.

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

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.

Heating & Air Conditioning

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

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

The Perfect Part-Time Job! Flexible Hours...Tell Us When You Want To Work...

Supplement Your Income By Helping A Senior!

Call Us Today At (727) 401-4700!

License #: 234757, 299994709

Card of Thanks POWERFUL PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Holy Spirit, you who solves all problems, who lights all roads so that I can attain my goal, you who give me the divine gifts to forgive and forget all evil against me and that in all instances of my life you are with me, I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things and confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you, even in spite of all material illusions. I wish to be with you, in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy toward me and mine. The person must say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. After 3 days the favor requested will be granted, even if it may appear difficult. This prayer must be published immediately after the favor is granted, without mentioning the favor, only your initials should appear at the bottom. TTD General GULFPORT LIONS CLUB Available for parties, weddings, meetings. Great waterfront location with full facilities. Call Jean for info and dates. 727-366-6341.

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

Help Wanted

“Same rates seven days a week”

NO SERVICE CHARGE EVER! CAC1815513

727

709-7979 www.AirPhillips.com

QUALITY AT WORK

Luke Phillips

3914 6th St S St. Petersburg

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!

LADIES FASHION ACCESSORY SHOP LOOKING FOR HELP

Bobbles & Bags in John’s Pass needs part-time help in the evenings, 4-9 p.m.

Great pay, great atmosphere. Call 727430-0276.

WEEKEND GRILL COOK AND SERVERS NEEDED Popular BBQ Morning Market Vendor seeking reliable and experienced grill cook and servers for St. Petersburg Saturday and Sunday Morning Markets.

Pay negotiable. Must have transportation and a valid drivers license. If interested, call Brady at 727-688-6221.

theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

Let us share your good news!

Photos printed as space allows.

Free – email goodnews@thegabber.com.

New Baby • Engaged Save The Date • Graduation Student of the Month • Dean's List

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Real Estate For Rent ROOM FOR RENT Private entrance, private bath, quiet neighborhood. Half a block to bus line. Walk to beach and downtown Gulfport. Furnished or unfurnished. $1200/ month includes water, cable, & electricity.

Sorry, no fur babies. Contact donnainfl@ gmail.com with questions.

Real Estate For Sale

I LIVE and SPECIALIZE in Town Shores...

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

$399,900

Spectacular Sunrises & Sunsets on the Water

Buyer looking for a NEW forever home in The Lancaster or The Manchester.

CALL ME IF YOU ARE READY TO SELL!

Their life deserves more than five lines.

Stories live on.

We make sharing it affordable.

Tell theirs.

Remember your loved ones forever with us.

• Free obituaries available; prices range from $10-$300 In partnership with Share your loved one’ s story.

• Obituary on Legacy included obituaries@thegabber.com | 727-321-6965

CONDO 890SQFT FSBO GULFPORT SHORES 2900 45th St. S. #11. Refurbished throughout. Breathtaking views on Boca Ciega Bay, see Zillow ad for pictures/specifics. Navigate to FSBO. Built 1962. Pay closing/2022 taxes. Open House Sat./Sun., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Appointments: 727-322-2650.

Place your classified line ads online!

Coffee is for Closers!

In partnership with

Motivated, local salesperson wanted.

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

theGabber.com 30

Send a resume and letter of interest to barry@thegabber.com theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

Real Estate Snapshots

Other Gulfport Home Sales Last Week

Here’s What Sold in Gulfport Last Week

6060 Shore Blvd. S., #505 (Town Shores) This 1981 condo has 1,255 square feet, two bedrooms, and two baths. It listed for $550,000 and sold for $570,000.

2649 Tifton St. S. (Marina) This 1,472-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bath home, built in 1955, listed for $544,000 and sold for $520,000.

ABBY BAKER

1102 60th St. S., #601 (Stetson) This 1,440-square-foot home, built in 1951, has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It listed for $489,900 and sold for $476,000.

914 59th St. S. (Stetson) This 1,006-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bath home, built in 1954, listed for $319,000 and sold for $317,000.

2925 53rd St. S. (Waterfront District) This 1,164-square-foot, three-bedroom, onebath home, built in 1966, listed for $625,000 and sold for $612,000.

CUTE CUTE CUTE

5140 Newton Ave. S. (Tangerine) This 1957 home has 822 square feet, two bedrooms, and one bath. It listed and sold for $325,000.

2960 59th St. S., #508 (Town Shores) This 1973 condo has 815 square feet, one bedroom, and one bath. It listed for $217,000 and sold for $225,000.

Just Listed

STILL AVAILABLE

YOU WON’T BELIEVE YOUR EYES

OPEN WATERVIEW

2619 56th St. S.

3-2-2 Art District

4716 29th Ave. S.

3-2-Carport Marina District 1496 York St. S. 3-2 C-Block • Corner Lot UPDATED

$399,900

6020 Shore Blvd. S. #904 2-2 Open Floor Plan High End Updates

$425,000

4612 Yarmouth Ave. S. 2-1 C-Block Home Over the Top Renovation Screen Porch & Lagoon

$425,000

PENDING THIS WEEK:

4612 Yarmouth Ave S • 3031 Beach Blvd. S. • 2902 53rd St. S.

5419 Delette Ave. S.

3-2-2 Detached Art District

SOLD THIS WEEK:

1840 51st St. S.

2902 Beach Blvd S.

www.GulfportRealty.com

(727) 289-5500

#1 Listing Agency in Gulfport! theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022

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theGabber.com | June 9, 2022 - June 15, 2022