The Gabber: July 7, 2022

Digital subscriptions provided by the City of Gulfport THE GABBER.COM No. 2768

July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

Rentals Less Than $1,200 Near Gulfport

By Abby Baker

JACK MAYNARD

Jack Maynard and Doug Hazelman own four rental properties within Gulfport ranging from $800-1,250.

Not even Gulfport’s Gecko Queen is immune to the rising rent prices in Gulfport.

Elizabeth Hendricks, the current Gecko Queen, has to move out of her Town Shores condominium by October of this year. She’s renting,

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and her landlord is selling.

Hendricks pays $1,450 for her two-bedroom rental. She’s currently searching for a similar price and size within Gulfport, but can’t find anything.

“If I have to move out of the area,

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I’ll be just devastated,” Hendricks said. “Gulfport is my life and if I have to drive 30 minutes to go to the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market, I’m not sure If I would.”

For many people, $1,200 is a

Rentals continued on page 6

voices

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

A Good Kid’s Life Cut Short 2908-B Beach Blvd. S. Gulfport, FL 33707 727-321-6965 Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Cathy Salustri Loper cathy@thegabber.com

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Creative Director Joey Neill

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Features & Events Abby Baker

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News & Politics Monroe Roark

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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.

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

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Kenneth City in Chaos

Thanks for your courage to share your story and Mitchel’s life story. I know you must miss him so terribly!

–Susan J. Hilger, via Facebook It takes courage and the heart of a warrior to protect her child even after his horrific death. I am sorry Mitchell has lost his battle but there may be others who will benefit from your words. In our family, his name was Brad and he loved animals and volunteered numerous hours to rescue them. –Lisa Liberi McGarvey, via Facebook This is such an important piece of sharing. Thank you to Mitchell’s family. –Karen King Watson, via Facebook Such an important article. Thank you. –Melissa Zodda, via Facebook We lost two nephews and a niece this past year. Seen numerous friends lose loved ones to their drug of choice being laced with fentynal.

–Donna Puckett, via Facebook

Letters From Your Neighbor Bravo to Ian O’Hara for asking important questions of our City regarding delinquent code enforcement, marina, and utility fines. I, too, would like to see his questions about accountability and collection answered. To whom can we speak for understanding and resolution? –Phyllis Plotnick, Gulfport Really liked “Is This True?”. The City keeps crying they don’t have money while they are not being fiscally responsible. I have always paid my slip rent on time, but then they give you flack when you want to return. It bothers me they want to put more lifts for powerboats in our BCYC basin. I think there is a need to also make room for sailboats. –Richard Walters, Gulfport

I’ve communicated with the Town of Kenneth City mayor, town manager, two members of the town council, and other residents. Our city is in chaos. Go ask questions of Megan Zemaitis, Kenneth City councilmember, and the mayor.

One side: “I quit because of a hostile work environment, initiated by a councilmember and allowed by the Mayor.” Other side: “Staff members quit before the truth of town accountant’s contract comes to public knowledge. There’s been illegal activity. We had to hire ImagineThat because the council doesn’t have the expertise to deal with chaos.” Residents, you need to watch the town YouTube videos. Those don’t lie! –Keren Thillet-Thomas, Kenneth City

SunRunner In response to Levi Kidder’s letter to the editor in a recent Gabber, I’d like to point out that I wasn’t complaining about buses. I was complaining about the exclusive use of a onemile, bus-only lane in South Pasadena and a three-mile bus-only lane in St. Pete. Both of these exclusions do not improve public transportation. They only restrict the use of pavement that all the citizens have paid for through their taxes. I, personally, am all in favor of expanded public transportation. But this action is only for the two buses per hour that traverse these roads. And I’m sure that the 10 or 20 people riding the bus at any given time don’t really notice any “improvement in service”, while every motorist will notice being restricted from using empty lanes. As a side note, historically, automobile companies in the early 1900s bought the bus line and the trolley lines so they could close them down, so more people would have to depend on cars to get around. This information is from an article I read many years ago about Baltimore and why the trolleys stopped running there. –Victor Carr, Gulfport

theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

Trump Flag Destroyed I hope the writer of the letter regarding the Trump flag being destroyed takes the time to reread the letter she wrote, and then perhaps might see the hypocrisy of her words. She “first agrees 100% that it is wrong to destroy someone’s property“ then tries to justify the act of destroying the flag because the “neighbors we’re insulted, and the their values are also insulted”, then goes on to insult people who have voted for Trump, by calling them dumb enough to believe the big lie. ( whatever the big lie means). Hmmm, who is insulting whom? In 2016 Trump received approximately 63 million votes, in 2020, approximately 74 million votes. So, in your opinion approximately 70 million voters are dumb. And those terrible people should not be allowed to fly a flag of their choice, one that you claim “advertises hate.” The only hate I sense is coming for you espousing that your beliefs “trump” those that are in conflict with yours (sorry, I couldn’t help myself). When I see a Biden sign I thank God we live in a democracy; when I see a Trump flag, I thank God we live in a democracy.

Where you see hate, I see democracy in action. You say that “you put your flag in jeopardy of others who believe another way” Why? Who gets to make that judgment? You? Why can’t I fly a Pride flag, American flag, a Trump or Biden flag, and not be threatened because in your words “others believe in another way“? I say shame on you; look deep in the mirror before you cast aspersions. –Michael Whitcraft, St. Petersburg

Lions Club Help Gulfport Lions has been a “neighbor” here in Gulfport for over 70 years. During the past three years the Lions Club and its associated Foundation has helped the local Gulfport community with donations totaling over $10,500. These recipients have been the Local Police Santa Fund, $4,600; Gulfport Historical Society, $1,250; Little League, $1,500; Senior Center,

$2,500; and miscellaneous other smaller donations for such things as Halloween parties, etc. We also have given four $1,000 scholarships to Boca Ciega High School seniors. Now we need your help.

Our building, located at 4630 Tifton Drive South (behind the Marina) is in need of major repairs. We are beyond grateful for the funds we have currently received from our major contributor, RW Caldwell Company and the Hornsleth families. We also had sizable contributions from Bruce Donath, and Al and Suzie Stalb, and other local residents. Their generosity has helped us repair our roof but we need additional monies to repair our ceiling, our lighting, our kitchen stove and a good outside painting job. Our estimated goal is $25,000. Please help us with these essential building repairs by sending your contributions to Lions Club of Gulfport; 4630 Tifton Dr. S., Gulfport, FL 33711. –Jill Coyne, Treasurer, Lions Club Foundation, Inc.

The Ballerina and the Artist

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.

What a wonderful feature on former member artist Toni, and her devotion to her mother, and her art. While we miss Toni, we honor her desire to spend precious time with her family. –Creative Clay, St. Petersburg I was lucky to have spent time with Toni at Creative Clay. I volunteered with Toni and she was a delight!

Thank you for a lovely compassionate story. –Holly Saks-Levine, via Facebook What a beautiful story/life together.

–Linda Kenney, via Facebook Great writeup on our friends Rose and Toni! You guys are amazing. (Love the digital version!) –JP Spiering

Criminalize Masturbation ad The Monty Python bit made me spew coffee on the paper this morning! –Susan Kerr, via Facebook

theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

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news The Race Is On!

Here’s What You Need To Know About Pinellas County Elections and the Primary A number of key county-wide races are on the ballot in the coming months as voters are only a few weeks away from going to the polls for the 2022 primary election.

The voter registration deadline is July 25 for the primary, scheduled for Aug. 23. Early voting locations will be accessible Aug. 13-21, and the deadline to request a mail-in ballot is Aug. 13.

As of July 4 the county reported 688,541 registered voters: 242,991 Republicans; 237,261 Democrats; and 208,289 listed as “other.”

District maps for the Board of County Commissioners and the Board of Education are virtually identical. Each contains four mapped districts, of which two (Districts 6 and 7) are the southernmost in Pinellas County and within The Gabber’s regular print readership area. There are also three at-large districts (1-3) for which there are no specific district residency requirements; everyone can vote for them regardless of where the voter lives.

The office of Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Julie Marcus recently released a list of candidates who put their names in the hat during the June qualifying period.

Three candidates have qualified for the District 2 BCC seat. Debbie Buschman and Brian Scott are the Republicans, and incumbent Pat Gerard is the lone Democrat. Gerard is seeking a third term on the board.

Districts 6 and 7 will each have one unopposed candidate, since only one qualified in each. Kathleen Peters is on the ballot for District 6 and Rene Flowers is the only choice in District 7. Both are incumbents; Peters is a Republican and Flowers is a Democrat, but both will face zero opposition in either the primary or the November general election.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED COURTESY OF PINELLAS COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS

By Monroe Roark

It’s election time again! The voter registration deadline is July 25 for the Aug. 23 primary. Early voting locations will open Aug. 13 and be available through Aug. 21. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is Aug. 13.

The Board of Education has two at-large races in the works. Lisa Cane, Brad DeCorte, and Bronson Oudshoff are vying for the District 2 seat, while District 3 is a showdown between Keesha Benson, Dawn Peters, and Carl Zimmermann.

In District 6, the candidates are Brian Martin, Stephanie Meyer, and Kimberly Works. District 7 candidates are Maira Di Fiore Solanki and Caprice Edmond.

All school board races are nonpartisan.

Peters, Meyer, and Edmond made

theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

their ballot positions by collecting petition signatures while all others paid the designated qualifying fee, according to Marcus’s office.

Florida is a closed primary state.

Only voters registered with a political party can vote in that party’s primary election. All voters are eligible to vote in nonpartisan contests.

For nonpartisan contests, if no candidate wins the majority of the vote in the race (50% plus one vote), the two candidates receiving the most votes will have a runoff on the general election ballot.

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reasonable price tag for renting a one-bedroom apartment. For service workers and artists, it’s often not an option to pay much more in rent.

In 2019, $1,238 was the median rent in Florida, according to The American Community Survey by the United States Census.

Stacey Purcell of Stacey Purcell Gulfport Realty says she’s seen the cost of rentals nearly double in the last few years. In that same breath, she says her Gulfport real estate business has lost 70% of rentals to homeowners buying properties.

“Five years ago a one bedroom would have looked like $850,” Purcell said.

She gets calls everyday from potential renters looking for properties.

“All I can do to help them is look up the place on Zillow and find out who owns it,” Purcell said. “There really are no rentals.”

A lot has changed in two years. Today, rental offerings priced at $1,200 and lower are slim.

A Zillow search on June 25 revealed that the least expensive rental in Gulfport was $1,300 for a 500-squarefoot apartment. Zumper reports that the average rent for a one-bedroom in Gulfport is $1,540 - a 24% increase compared to 2021.

Here’s a list of rentals priced $1,200 and under in Gulfport:

THE WAVERLY AT GULFPORT

Rentals continued from cover

A grey apartment complex on 22nd Avenue South, The Waverly at Gulfport, offers apartments from $850.

(Disclaimer: Not all listed are currently available at press time.)

A room in a four-plex apartment complex at 5508 11th Ave. S. is available for $1,200 on realtor.com. It’s a one-bedroom, one-bathroom with a shared backyard. The listing says the quadplex is walking distance from Gulfport Beach.

Bay Pointe Tower at 880 Oleander Way S. is technically in South Pasadena, but borders Gulfport. The apartment complex has studios and one bedrooms ranging from $930$1,105 and 416-630 square feet, according to apartments.com. Rent

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The Waverly at Gulfport is the grey apartment complex at 4601 22nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg. It’s advertised on apartments.com as the Childs Park area. The website states that the apartments (one or two bedrooms) start at $850 a month.

Gulfport residents Jack Maynard and Doug Hazelman have four apartments in Gulfport. All of their properties are occupied and range from $800-$1,250. They’re currently selling their properties, and the fate of the renters will be up to the new buyers.

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theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

Can Early Alzheimer’s be Detected Through Blood Tests?

USF Study Hopes to Find Out with $3.2 Million Grant

By Abby Baker

spinal fluid tests are the more common ways of detecting those early signs, according to Medical News Today. However, these tests are not readily accessible.

COGNITIVE AGING LAB, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

St. Pete researchers may have found a way to prevent Alzheimer’s.

Since 2019, The University of South Florida has been the main site of the Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training (PACT) study. The study has one goal: Researchers hope to examine if computerized brain training can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in older adults who show no early signs of dementia.

“We call them brain games,” said Yesenia Bustamante, Communications Specialist with the USF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences. “Sometimes people find them frustrating, sometimes boring. It’s meant to exercise the brain.”

Volunteers come in periodically every three years for computer training games and end the study with an MRI that determines their progress – or decline.

The study does not stop there; The PACT study received an additional $3.2 million from the National Institute on Aging for a study that will hopefully determine if onset Alzheimer’s can be detected through simple blood tests.

Brain imaging procedures and

Principal investigator Jerri Edwards, PhD with the Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training (PACT) study.

“We need another 2,000 healthy older adults to volunteer for the PACT study,” said Dr. Jerri Edwards, the principal investigator on the study.

PACT has 1,800 participants and

requires another 2,000 volunteers for the blood test study. The study staff will search for participants aged 65 and up with no signs of cognitive impairment.

Bustamante says the university often gets inquiries from adults who are already showing signs of early impairment – but they can’t accept those people as patients.

“We get a lot of people who sign up because maybe their mom passed away from Alzheimer’s, or they want to help people in the future,” said Bustamante.

While USF Tampa and St. St. Petersburg campuses are the primary testing sites for PACT, the study is also ongoing at Clemson University, University of Florida, University of North Florida, and Duke University.

But it can’t happen without 2,000 more willing participants, who investigators hope to recruit over the next year.

“Participants will now not only be contributing to our work on how to possibly prevent dementia, but also advancing efforts to develop blood tests for early detection of the disease,” Edwards said.

Those who want to participate can call 813-974-6703 or email pactstudy.org.

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Kenneth City Mayoral Recall

Residents Petition to Recall Some on Council, But Will They Get the Signatures?

By Monroe Roark

MONROE ROARK

The recall petition for Kenneth City mayor, Robert Howell, needs a minimum of 306 signatures.

Efforts continue in Kenneth City to fulfill the legal requirements for a special election this fall and an opportunity to boot the current mayor from office.

About 15 people are going door to door almost daily in an attempt to add signatures to a petition to recall Mayor Robert Howell, according to Jeffrey Pfannes, who lost

the 2021 election to Howell and is organizing the current initiative.

A number of signatures were obtained at a June 21 public event at James P. Ernst Park where the gazebo was adorned with signs reading “Save Our Town” and “Why Did They Quit?” among others. The latter phrase was in reference to the recent slew of staff resignations at

Town Hall.

According to the town’s code, the recall petition must be backed by at least 10% of the registered voters in the last regular election.

That number is 3,056, so the recall petition would require 306 signatures.

The reason Howell is the sole target of the current recall effort

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theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

can be traced to when his posiincluding recall elections,” said tion and those of the councilmemDustin Chase, a spokesman with bers get decided in elections. Vice the Board of Elections. “Because mayor Kyle Cummings and counwe don’t know what the municicilmember Bonnie Noble have also pality’s laws are, we would never raised the ire of this group of conbe in a position to tell someone cerned citizens, but Cummings’ the number of petitions required seat will be up for grabs again in or even the deadlines.” the next regular election – March Chase said his department will 2023 – while Noble won her seat only get involved in overseeing the in March of this year and cannot be actual election should it come to recalled until she pass, as it typically “Watch the town has served at least contracts with Kensix months. neth City to handle YouTube videos,” Council elections she said, referring to all of its regular elecare every year, with tions.

Town Council meettwo of the four Since town clerk ing archives. “Those Ana Cabezas resigned seats up for election at one time. earlier this month, Jodon’t lie.”

Noble and Megan cilyn Martinez is hanZemaitis won this year, both undling the duties of that office on an opposed. Cummings and Barbainterim basis. ra Roberts won in 2021, which is Pete Cavalli, whose final day as also when Howell won the maytown manager was June 26, told The oral race. The mayor serves three Gabber that the petitioners have 30 years, which means Howell has days from when they began their nearly two years left – unless the campaign to have the minimum recall succeeds. number of signatures turned in.

During his conversation with Pfannes said that if the current The Gabber, Pfannes noted more petition deadline is not met to force than once that the petition siga November special election, his natures were being gathered to group can continue working toward meet guidelines set by the Pinellas a March recall next year. If that were County Board of Elections. successful, Noble’s seat could be inBut that office does not oversee cluded along with Howell’s, he addthis process. ed.

“The City Clerk in Kenneth City Amid a whirlwind of allegations is the legal supervisor of elections thrown about by both sides of a for all municipal-related contests, hostile work environment at Town

Hall and illegal activity within its offices, Keren Thomas has one piece of advice to her fellow Kenneth City residents which she shared on social media.

“Watch the town YouTube videos,” she said, referring to Town Council meeting archives. “Those don’t lie.”

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Back to the Drawing Board for Gas Plant/Trop Site St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch Says City Will Regroup To Get it Right After careful consideration and extensive communication with city staff regarding the city’s needs, current economic trends, and changing workforce needs, Mayor Ken Welch announced on June 29 that the city is canceling the Request for Proposal issued two years ago and launching a new RFP process.

“I think it is providential that 40 years after a community was uprooted in the successful pursuit of baseball,” Welch said at a press conference, “we now have the opportunity to bring the promises of jobs and equitable development to fruition on what I believe, and many people believe, to be sacred land.”

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By Frank Drouzas, Weekly Challenger

The Gas Plant neighborhood was filled with homes, churches, businesses, a library, a theater, schools, playgrounds, and cemeteries.

The mayor said he is impressed Supply chain and labor issues by the efforts of the two finalists are impacting the cost of capital in the current RFP process — Sugar projects, and there continues to be Hill Community Partners and Mida need for intentional equity and town Development — who have equitable development, highlightlistened to the community and ed by the city’s Disparity Study have responded with “their vision and the Structural Racism report, of development on which were comThe mayor called this pleted after the isthese 86 acres,” the mayor said. suance of the RFP. a generational proj“However, our Also, the commuect and said that it environment has nity’s desire for changed in many shouldn’t be rushed at equity is reflected the last minute after in the Community ways since the initial RFP was Benefits model addecades of debating issued in July of opted by the city and planning.

2020,” Welch said, council last year. “and we must ensure that the RFP Welch will hold more commumeets our current environment nity conversations to get further and realities and incorporates the input from residents, as the previmost up-to-date information.” ous discussions and presentations The pandemic affected the powere limited due to the pandemic. tential need for office space and “Significant progress is being the cost of rental housing, and made with our partners toward home ownership has skyrocketed, developing the right model for the he explained, bringing a higher prihistoric Gas Plant area redevelopority to the need for affordable and ment focused on inclusive progworkforce housing both onsite and ress for our entire city,” Welch said. offsite.

Gas Plant continued on page 14

theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

How You Can Get Your Kids the COVID-19 Vaccine

Here’s a Guide for Parents Who Want Their Preschoolers Vaccinated

By Monroe Roark

DAVID KANTER

Gulfport parents Shaheen Mamawala and David Kanter drove to Pasco County to get their son, Malachy, the COVID-19 vaccine. Malachi turns one this week.

Pinellas County’s youngest residents now have access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced June 17 that it’s authorized emergency use of the Moderna and the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines for the prevention of COVID-19 to include use in children as young as 6 months of age. On that same day, health officials in Pinellas County released information on the vaccines’ availability and how parents can access them for their children.

The Gabber reached out to the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County for further details, and public information officer Tom Iovino said both vaccines will be available at local pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, and Publix as well as at pediatrician offices and “federally qualified health centers.” He noted that in Pinellas, those centers are primarily Evara Health locations.

“It would be best for parents or guardians to call before visiting to ensure the vaccines are available,” said Iovino.

The county health department has a web page, covid19.pinellascounty.org/vaccines, devoted solely to COVID-19 vaccine information. It

states that the vaccine for children is to be delivered as early as June 27 and, in addition to those mentioned above, will be available to health care providers who place orders through Florida SHOTS. According to the FDA report, the agency amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Moderna vaccine, (previously authorized for adults 18 and older) as well as the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (previously authorized for ages 5 and older).

FDA officials said the evaluation and analysis of the safety, effectiveness and manufacturing data of these vaccines was “rigorous

theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

and comprehensive,” and that the known and potential benefits outweigh the known and potential risks in the pediatric populations authorized to use them.

The Moderna vaccine is administered as a primary series of two doses, one month apart, to individuals 6 months through 17 years of age.

The vaccine is also authorized to provide a third primary series dose at least one month following the second dose for individuals in this age group who have certain types of compromised immune systems.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is administered as a primary series of three doses, in which the initial two doses are administered three weeks apart followed by a third dose administered at least eight weeks after the second dose in individuals 6 months through 4 years of age.

“Many parents, caregivers and clinicians have been waiting for a vaccine for younger children and this action will help protect those down to 6 months of age. As we have seen with older age groups, we expect that the vaccines for younger children will provide protection from the most severe outcomes of COVID-19, such as hospitalization and death,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. “Those trusted with the care of children can have confidence in the safety and effectiveness of these COVID-19 vaccines and can be assured that the agency was thorough in its evaluation of the data.”

11

A First Generation Story

She’s a First Generation Queer Woman and This Year’s BranchOut Scholarship Winner Abby Baker

ABBY BAKER

From left to right: Gulfport LGBTQ Resouce Center Board President Susan Gore, board member Sally Otto, and Nathalie Marcelin.

At 24 years old, Nathalie Marcelin is working full time as the coordinator of and Coordinator for Diversity, Inclusion, and Collaboration at Stetson College of Law. After she leaves work at 5 p.m., she drives to the Tampa campus of the University of South Florida, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in social work.

That schedule doesn’t leave a lot of time for a twenty-something, but Marcelin believes it’s worth it.

The West Palm Beach transplant and St. Pete resident is also the 2022 recipient of the LGBTQ Resource Center BranchOut Scholarship. She was awarded $2,500, more than double what the scholarship offered at its inception three years ago.

“I help create a sense of belonging for people who are traditionally not represented, especially within the law community and Stetson as a whole,” Marcelin said. “I love my job.

It’s really rewarding … especially as a Black queer person, I often feel out of place in work settings.”

12

According to LGBTQ Resource Center Board President Susan Gore, the money came from an anonymous library supporter and donor.

Before this year, the scholarship was for $1,000.

“We are committed to going forward with that number, even without a donor next year,” Gore said.

“Money in, money out.”

Though Marcelin is a young graduate student, the BranchOut scholarship is available to any LGBTQ+ student of any age, even if their education is vocational, or if they are a returning student.

“You can be going to truck-driving school, [or] any type of accredited program; we want to support all types of people,” Gore said. “What we care about is the leadership shown by our applicants.”

Marceline is a first-generation Caribbean American university student. Her parents urged her to become a doctor, but she knew she was interested in therapy and social work. At 18, she moved out and

came out. It was a proud moment, but coming out as queer caused financial insecurity: She lost direct financial aid from her parents.

“I put myself first,” Marceline said.

“Through scholarships, I put myself through school.”

Her family relationship has since been repaired, and is still healing.

“My mother, she may not know the right language, but she’s trying and she loves me unconditionally,” Marceline said.

Marceline is slated to graduate from USF in 2024. When she’s done, she hopes to create safe spaces for queer people and people of color in her community as a counselor.

“I want to start a nonprofit organization, a therapeutic farm where people can come, garden, and practice therapeutic exercise such as yoga and meditation,” she said. “A place of rest in a world that tries to erase Black and queer people.”

Marceline admits it’s not the most traditional approach, but it’s one to watch.

theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

Letters from your neighbor: An evening in San Francisco

By Ian O’Hara

Three members of the San Francisco School Board were recently recalled. I was a bit surprised and shocked, so I thought, why not look into it. The constituency of San Francisco is largely progressive Democrats – 83% – and 17% “other”. Looking into it further, the largest issue amongst the constituency was the schools not opening.

What the school board focused in on for the past two-and-a-half years were cultural war issues, name changes, merit versus lottery, what they should read or not read, and pay and benefit increases. Also, the mayor of San Francisco, London Breed, sued the school system of San Francisco for grievous incompetence, and for not having the schools open.

Her quote in court, “Private schools are open without issues, why aren’t we?” The response from school board member Allison Collins was, “We are not opening schools because it is det-

rimental to children’s and teachers’ health and wellness.”

Is this part of a general parental revolt that we are seeing nationwide? Or even progressive voters recognizing that school closures are unhealthy for children and will create a hole in academic progression?

Breed said, “They are not doing the fundamental job, which is educating our children.”

Here’s the breakdown of the School Board recall: Allison Collins, 76%; Gabriel Lopez, 72%; and Faavuga Moliga, 69%.

If the voters could have recalled all of them, I believe all of them would have lost. Due to county statute, only three could be up for recall.

Breed now has the opportunity to appoint their successors. Hopefully, it will be a benefit to the children of San Francisco. A collective statement from the three recalled school committee members said, “White

theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

supremacists are enjoying this, and the recall is all about this. “ I believe this is part of the culture war within the Democratic party between the progressives and the pragmatists. Could this be the bellwether or is it just an odd anomaly?

Sincerely, 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.

13

THE WEEKLY CHALLENGER

Gas Plant continued from page 10 The City hopes to select a new proposal before the year ends, and the Sugar Hill and Midtown groups are encouraged to resubmit proposals.

“I’ve instructed my staff to target the release of a new RFP by mid-August, with the selection of a master developer by the end of this year,” the mayor said.

Welch could not say with certainty if the Tampa Bay Rays, who call Tropicana Field home, will be involved in the redevelopment process or if the project will include a stadium at all. The Rays, under their current agreement with the City, will play at Tropicana through the 2027 season. The mayor called this a generational project and said that it shouldn’t be rushed at the last minute after decades of debating and planning.

“A few more months is a relatively short time to make sure that we are choosing the right path,” he said.

The future of the Rays has been a big question mark for years now, with various proposals including moving across the Bay to Tampa, relocating to a new downtown St. Pete waterfront stadium, and even splitting their home games between Tampa Bay and Montreal.

Still, Welch remains hopeful for the future of the project.

“The Rays stadium question has

St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch announced June 29 that the city is canceling the RFP issued in July 2020 and launching a new RFP process.

to be answered,” he said, “and the partnership with the Rays has to be rebuilt. This is the community’s vision for 86 acres, and the Rays’ vision has to work with that. I’m very optimistic that it can. We’ve had very productive conversations, so we feel a new RFP is what we need to do right now to set our path straight, and we can get that done this year,” he said.

Mayor Welch has instructed staff

un dries

to target the new RFP release for August. The City will also hold community outreach events as the RFP is developed and through the decision-making process once the RFP has been issued.

They will also be soliciting feedback online. A form to provide input is available on the City’s website at stpete.org/gasplant, where you can also follow the redevelopment process.

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theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

Biz Beat: Coco Wood Grill, Seminole Vet

New Restaurant Hits Redington Shores and Seminole Vet Clinic Gets a Fresh Start

By Abby Baker

native to the other restaurants,” he added. “We hope people try different things.”

Dr. Canavan’s New Spot

COCO WOOD GRILL

Coco Wood Grill opened this May in Redington Shores.

Ever Had Swordfish?

For Chris Lazorcheck and Jennifer Melendez-Lazorcheck, the six weeks have been a labor of love.

“It’s worth it, though,” Lazorcheck said.

The Philadelphia couple are the owners of Coco Wood Grill, an upscale seafood restaurant in Redington Shores. Previously, the building housed several other restaurants, the latest being The Lobster Pot. “People know us as the the old Lobster Pot building,” said Lazorcheck. “Being in the slow season, the locals have been phenomenal in their support. I’m happy where business is trending for us, but I’d like to attract more.”

Coco Wood Grill opened May 16 and will hold a ribbon cutting on July 20 at 5 p.m.

Married couple and business partners Lazorcheck and Melendez-Lazorcheck have been in the restaurant industry for more than 30 years. They also co-own Coyote Crossing, a Mexican spot in suburban Philadelphia.

In Florida, they are mixing traditional cooking styles with fresh ingredients, seafood, and island

flavors. The Redington Shores restaurant offers several vegan and vegetarian dishes as well, such as the Smoked Vegetable Lasagna.

They bought the Pinellas property in September, 2020 to be closer to their daughter, who is University of Tampa student.

“My wife and I may be driving the bus, but none of this would be possible without our wonderful staff,” Lazorcheck told The Gabber.

Not sure where to start on the menu?

Lazorcheck recommends the macadamia-crusted swordfish.

“We’re here to provide an alter-

This summer, Care Animal Hospital of Seminole got a new owner: Dr. Nicole Canavan.

Canavan, who previously worked at a vet clinic on St. Pete Beach, purchased the Seminole clinic from Dr. Kenneth Newman, who retired this year.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Canavan said. “I wasn’t sure I’d be able to with all of my student loans.”

She did it, and kept on the same small staff that served under Dr. Newman.

Canavan bought the business and added some modern modifications that she felt the clinic needed, including a newer X-Ray machine and dental equipment.

“It’s amazing, I love it,” Canavan said. “It’s so different working for yourself, I can structure things and accommodate people who I want.”

The clinic has two receptionists and two veterinary technicians, but Canavan’s the only veterinarian in the building.

“I just want readers to know we’re a small, family-owned practice and I’m trying my best to be as accessible as possible,” she said.

Canavan added that the clinic’s motto is “Where pets are family.”

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FRIENDS OF STRAYS

Scaredy Cat? Not really – Wednesday’s partially deaf, so she’s not always going to hear people approaching her. That means you need to learn to communicate with her differently, and many people don’t want to take the time, which is why she’s been in a shelter for months. This 3-year-old kitty can hear loud noises, but no doors opening or footsteps, so she needs a human who can learn to get her attention without scaring her. When someone is patient and respectful, Wednesday’s an affectionate, friendly cat. Despite her hearing loss, she’s a chatterbox with a raspy little meow. She will thrive in a home where she doesn’t have to compete for attention.

Man, Oh, Manny! Manny’s a big, lazy boy with a riveting gaze – and matching personality! Meet this 2-year-old, 10 pound kitty in person for the full Manny experience (he’s hanging at Pet Food Warehouse at 1830 61st Ave. N. in St. Pete; 727521-6191).

All pets spayed, vaccinated, micro-chipped and dewormed. 2911 47th Ave. N., St. Pete. 727-522-6566; friendsofstrays.org.

Morris (Not the Cat!) This blocky-headed boy only gets aggressive with his love, and all he wants is ear scritches and cuddles, so if you want a buddy with whom you can binge “Yellowstone” or even old “Friends” episodes, he’s your good boy. You must own your home to adopt this 5-year old, 69-pound dog.

Casey at the Bat! This sweet 2-yearold boxy-headed mix wants to join your team. She’s only 32 pounds, and most of that is her heart of gold.

She’s super-social and super-ready to go home with you. You must own your own home to adopt Casey.

All pets spayed, vaccinated, micro-chipped and dewormed. Pet Pal Animal Shelter, 405 22nd Ave. S., St. Pete. 727-328-7738; petpalanimalshelter.com.

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He Can Be Our Wingman Anytime Meet Goose! This 5-month-old, 37-pound boxy-headed puppy is as sweet as they come and would love to grow up by your side. You must own your home to adopt Goose.

theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

gabberlife Strolling Along

Snapshots of Life in Gulfport

CATHY SALUSTRI

ABBY BAKER

By Gabber Staff

Eliora Babjak and mom Malory skate by for a paper from a neighborhood box.

Peppers sprout outside Golden Dinosaurs Vegan Delicatessen in Gulfport. They’re free for the picking!

Anyone can have their photography in the Gabber Newspaper. See something print worthy? Send your high resolution photos and a brief description

to abby@thegabber.com. Your handiwork may just show up in the Thursday Gabber, or on our Instagram, @Gabberlife.

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arts A Book To Die For

Lucy Burdette’s 12th Keys Mystery Offers Great Summer Read Picture this life: You live on a houseboat in Key West, with the love of your life, pets, and great neighbors. Your job is to eat food and write about it.

You have great neighbors.

Occasionally you find a dead body, but hey, that’s the price of paradise, right?

This is how the most recent Lucy Burdette cozy mystery starts. Actually, it’s how every one of her wonderful Key West Food Critic mysteries start.

One would think that at some point, law enforcement would have some sort of meeting about why this woman keeps stumbling over dead bodies, but that’s also true of almost every popular cozy series and most British procedurals. Nevertheless, Lucy Burdette’s books make me happy and, honestly, right now we can all use a little light reading.

What’s so delightful about the Key Lime Food Critic mysteries? The setting. The characters. The food. And, of course, the writing.

Burdette sets the books in Key West, which, for about the last century, is not uncommon. But she crafts a sense of place that puts you in line at Cuban Coffee Queen, or zipping along on your scooter to Houseboat Row.

18

CATHY SALUSTRI

By Cathy Salustri

Who doesn’t want to live on a houseboat in Key West, write about food, and solve an occasional murder? No one, that’s who, which is why Lucy Burdette’s latest is a joy to read.

You cannot read one of her books without being a part of the moment – or without wanting to plan a trip to the Keys.

As for the characters, Hayley Snow – the food critic who finds dead bodies like a dowsing rod finds water – starts the series a little bit of a hot mess, but by her 12th book – “A Dish to Die For” – she’s a seasoned food critic, married to a police officer (and yes, the department, by this point, has noticed her propensity for finding dead people), and a fully developed character who takes

you along for her ride. She’s not the only character you’ll come to love: There’s her neighbor, Miss Gloria, an 80-something bespangled buddy who helps solve murders, and her mother, a caterer who follows Hayley to the island, round out the “strong women” cast of characters.

Of course, the book has men, too – Lorenzo, the fortune-teller, Hayley’s husband, her shrink friend, and a tertiary character, David Sloan, who actually exists and may just be the definition of a 19th-century Florida booster in real life as well as the book.

The restaurants are also real – and well-worth a visit. Unwittingly, Burdette’s writing an insider’s guide to Key West restaurants. Burdette has persuaded me to try Bad Boy Burrito and Cuban Coffee Queen, and Geiger Key Marina – an off-the-beaten-path favorite with the best cole slaw I’ve ever tasted – makes an appearance in this book.

Finally, Burdette’s books are fun.

She clearly doesn’t take things too seriously – there’s a sly knock on Tim Dorsey in the book which, as I abandoned “Mermaid Confidential” to read Burdette’s, made me chuckle. She embraces tropes without veering into the ludicrous, and I can’t think of a book more worthy of your summer afternoons.

theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

Jimmy’s Gone

Jimmy Breen, St. Pete Muralist and Warner Bros. Illustrator Dead at 37

By Abby Baker

RACHEL JOLLEY

Jimmy Breen working on a mural he completed at Euro-Bake in St. Pete in 2021.

It was rare to see Jimmy Breen without a mustache-framed smile on his face.

The 37-year-old muralist and illustrator is a household name in the St. Petersburg arts community, and on June 20, he was reported dead. The cause of death has not been publicly released.

To the people close to him, Breen was a source of light in an already sunny city.

“He used to say to me and probably others … ‘love you baby’!” said Breen’s close friend Stephen Schrutt. “That’s something I can hear him say when I think of him. He was just himself.”

Breen worked a full-time gig with Warner Bros. as a merchandise illustrator for items like t-shirts and posters. A lucrative career with a name like Warner Bros. isn’t a bad situation for an artist, but Breen stayed involved in the local life.

Schrutt, the owner of Hunger + Thirst Group, a restaurant group that operates Avenue Eat + Drink, Park & Rec, and No Vacancy, met Breen more than 10 years ago at a testimonial video interview for a marketing agency Breen worked with.

“I thought he was a very genuine and smart young guy who was filled with positive energy,” Shrutt said.

“We used to do these burger-of-themonth videos and he would always get me hyped up, like I was a food network personality.”

Work was work, but the two became close.

“I think he was the true definition of how people will always remember how you make them feel,” Shrutt said. “He’s a local legend and made the art community and city better, no doubt!”

Breen was the talented hand behind Pinellas staple murals such as the Lucky You mural on Central, the You Good? piece on Sunshine Kitty Catfe, the No Vacancy artwork, and many others. In Gulfport, his company, Wax & Hive, did much of the

theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

interior art for Gulfperk Coffee Bar. Though he was known as a muralist, Breen attended the University of South Florida for graphic design. He eventually opened Wax & Hive, a St. Pete creative design company that he co-owned with Anthony Freese.

“Working with Jimmy was a dream and something I hoped would last forever,” Freese said. “I’ll be eternally grateful for the time we had together. It’s never easy losing a friend and creative partner.”

The group disbanded during COVID-19, but many remember his role, including SHINE Mural Festival director Jenee Priebe. Priebe met Breen in in 2019 after SHINE partnered with Wax & Hive. That year, the two painted the Lucky You mural as a symbol of luck and the gratitude they felt to live in St. Petersburg.

“He was so kind, so generous, so incredibly positive all the time,” Priebe said. “He approached everything with an open mind.”

Along with a long list of family and friends, Breen left behind his wife, Julia Breen.

The family is in the process of assembling a community gathering on July 23, what would have been Breen’s 38th birthday. The details are still in the works.

His family asks that in lieu of flowers, those who want to pay their respects can send a donation to the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, a 501 (c)3 nonprofit close to the St. Pete local’s heart.

“He was a true artist who was just his true self at all times and so damn talented,” Shrutt said.

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Thursday, July 7 Dog City Duo, 6:30 p.m.

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Thursday, July 7 DJ Trivia of Tampa, 7 p.m.

Saturday, July 8 Seth Campbell, 7 p.m.

Submit your events online at thegabber.com

theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

things to do

Free

Vegan Options

Dog-Friendly

Virtual

Hopeful Art, Running Clubs + Town Hall Find links for these events — and many other things to do — online at thegabber.com/events.

Through July 27 Hope Floats Gulfport artist Dianna Marlene is showcasing a combination of paintings, photographs, and poetry for her latest show, Rising from the Ashes. Marlene will display a large collection of personal art she hopes will incite hope among the current Ukrainian/Russian war and COVID-19 concerns. Along with Marlene’s collection, see work from Cheri LaBell, Mary Ann Clynick, Ann Shuri, and a handful of other local artists. Marlene’s husband and Gulfport’s first poet laureate Peter Hargitai wrote a poem that pairs with the visual art; it, too, will be on display, along with the rest of the exhibit. “I hope people find beauty in the little things,” Marlene says. Catherine A. Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave., S, Gulfport. Through July 27: Mon-Thurs, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. mygulfport.us

Muddy Waters This isn’t the event where you wear your best running gear. America II Extreme Mud Wars 2022 invites athletes to get dirty at St. Pete’s Lake Vista for a full day of muddy events. Teams of 6-10 will compete in eight events. Not in the mood to grapple in the mud? Beer sales and a portion of registration fees benefit great local charities.

Produced in partnership with TASCO, the City of St. Pete’s teen program for arts, sports, and technology. Lake Vista Park, 1401 62nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $55100. tampabayclubsport.wixsite. com/extreme-mud-wars/home Skunk Apes, Loop Road, and Storytime Ever heard of Lucky Cole? If you have, you already plan to attend the Second Saturday Art Walk. If you haven’t, well, come meet Everglades legend, unusual photographer, and

gifted storyteller Lucky Cole. If you’ve ever been in the bathroom at Joanne’s Blue Crab on the Tamiami Trail, you’ve seen his art. Got a tale?

Join in on the fun with the open mic.

The Factory, 2622 Fairfield Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 5-7 p.m. rosstarr@ aol.com Judy’s Opening Night Let artist Judy Vienneau tell you a visual story with wire figures and mixed media through her eccentric, layered pantings. In Visual Storytelling, Viennea presents pieces that portray concepts of human interaction and pressing environmental issues.. One series shows scenes from pandemic isolation, and another series illustrates her interpretation of various classic proverbs. It’s complicated, it’s out there, and it’s classic Vienneau. See the opening reception, Visual Storytelling: Explorations in

Things To Do continued on page 22

Friday, July 8 So You Had a Rainy Day An art exhibit just in time for rainy season. “Rain and Thunder” features work from Gail Hoffman, Lalo, John Hutcherson, and many more. Come opening night for a drizzle of conversation with the artists. Bonus points for gallery owner Chad Mize if it actually rains. MIZE Gallery, 689 Dr. MLK Jr St. N., St. Petersburg. 6-9 p.m. 727-251-8529 Saturday, July 9 Training Run Get your morning run on with a trail running group at Boyd Hill. Every second Saturday of the month, Healthy St. Pete and the St. Pete Running Company host a free run (or walk) through the park’s trails. Watch out for the gopher tortoises! Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg. 9 a.m. stpeteparksrec.org

theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

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Things To Do continued from page 21

LUCKY COLE

Lucky Cole at the St. Pete Second Saturday Art Walk.

Mixed Media and Wire Sculpture during the St. Pete Second Saturday Art Walk. St. Pete ArtWorks, 635 Central Ave., St Petersburg. 5-9 p.m. info@earthbeatdesigns.com Christmas in July St. Jean Creative, a St. Petersburg photography studio, is opening on Central Avenue.

To celebrate, the studio giving the community the chance to meet Santa – in July. St. Jean’s throwing a week-long (July 9-July 15) fundraiser benefiting Seaside Seabird Sanctuary. But before that, come to the studio ribbon cutting for a sneak peek at the summer in paradise set, meet Santa, and book a session early for a discount. After Santa leaves, the studio is setting up for a Halloween Witch and Warlock set. St. Jean Creative, 4755 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. stjeancreative.com Tuesday, July 12 The Book Peddlers This month’s Gabber Book Club talks about “The Swamp Peddlers” by Jason Vuic.

22

Vuic’s look at Florida history showcases the Florida tradition of selling cheap swampland to unsuspecting buyers. The group meets just in time for Sea Dog’s happy hour, so come hungry (and thirsty.) Led by Gabber book reviewer and enthusiast Amanda Hagood. Sea Dog Cantina – Gulfport, 2832 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. 6:30 p.m. facebook.com/ groups/2892739014293706 Run for Fun Everyone (mostly everyone) could use a little runner’s motivation. Gulfport Brewery + Eatery hosts a run club every Tuesday led by bartender and running guru Brynn. Finish off your run with BOGO brews. The route is your choice of a one mile, two miles, or five miles through Gulfport. Gulfport Brewery + Eatery, 3007 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. 6:30 facebook.com/GulfportBrewery Wednesday, July 13 Coffee Talks are back with St. Pete performer Nan Colton. This talk dissects the works of Austrian pho-

tographer and writer Igne Morath.

Learn how Morath got her start in journalism and became a renowned photographer who captured many stories from behind her lens. Refreshment service begins in the membership garden at 10 a.m. and the coffee talk presentation starts 30 minutes later. Stick around for a Q&A with Colton. Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete, 255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. 10 a.m. $10-20. mfastpete.org/event/coffee-talks-withnan-colton-finding-your-voice Talk of the Town Can’t get enough town discussion? Gulfport Ward III Councilmember Paul Pay invites residents (old-timers and newbies alike) to get to know their town, speak on local issues, and ask pressing questions at a public town hall. Everyone is welcome at this open discussion. The topics of the night get determined as residents raise issues and questions. Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. 7 p.m. facebook.com/ events/551164923078489

theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

Lunch 7/7 Discovery @ 11AM s Rental 7/19 Lifecare v Dinner @ 4PM 7/26 Open Day

House / One Sale 3-5PM

theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

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the gabs What do you think of people going barefoot in public?

Photos by Abby Baker

Ani Loggins, Key West: “As long as it’s not in a restaurant, feel free to be barefoot.”

Marie Michetti, Boston: “Go for it. Especially in Gulfport.”

Travis Huntley, St. Petersburg: “The earth is our energy and our feet are where the energy enters. If I put rubber on my feet I am literally and physically disconnecting myself from mother earth.”

Tanya Hurlburt, St. Petersburg: “I say people should wear shoes, right? It’s hot. Who wants to walk on the hot pavement without shoes?”

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Submit your events online at thegabber.com theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

crossword

Solution on page 27

Visa Euphoria

a little good news

Solution on page 27

KRISTA BLOOMBERG

sudoku

theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

Gulfport residents Justin Surratt and Amanda Brameister got engaged on St. Pete Beach on June 10. On the sly, Justin hired a photographer and invited Amanda’s family to find a hiding spot to witness his proposal. This picture captures the happy couple FaceTiming the bride-to-be’s mother to share the happy news.

Have some good news to announce? Tell us about your births, college acceptances, honor roll, engagements... if it makes you happy, it makes us happy! Please send a high-resolution photo and a brief description to news@ thegabber.com.

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

Beth-El Shalom Messianic Congregation

ShalomAdventure.com JewishHeritage.net Rabbi@JewishHeritage.net

Good Shepherd Old Catholic Church

Paradise Lutheran Church

on Treasure Island 10255 Paradise Blvd, Treasure Island

2728 53rd St. S. Gulfport, FL 33707 (Entrance on 28th Ave.)

Where ALL are welcome at the Lord’s table.

Come and See...

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

Sunday Service

10am with Holy Communion

727-360-5739

paradiseluth102@gmail.com paradiselutheran.com

Unitarian Universalist

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

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

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

727-360-8406 • www.StAlbanStPeteBeach.org

Hours 10 AM to 2PM Wednesday to Saturday

During the pandemic join us Sundays on Zoom.

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

Affiliated with

St Vincent’s Episcopal Church

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

Sunday Services 10AM Misa en Español: Domingos 12PM

Their life deserves more than five lines.

We make sharing it affordable.

“You need not think alike to love alike.”

- Francis David, 1534

uuunited.org

Stories live on.

Tell theirs.

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

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United Fellowship

5124 Gulfport Ave S. 33707

Special worship rates starting as low as $25/week.

Send an email to: advertising@thegabber.com

theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

solution

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

LIFE’S STRESSES WEIGHING YOU DOWN? The experienced professionals at Infinity Massage got your back (and arms, legs, neck) 5702 Gulfport Blvd S Suite #6 • Gulfport, FL 33707 • MM 40710 Phone: 727-560-3485 • InfinityMassageTherapy.com SERVICES INCLUDE: Swedish/Relaxation Massage • Deep Tissue Massage Couples Massage • Four-Hands Massage ALSO OFFERING: Aromatherapy • Cupping • Paraffin Wax Treatment CBD Infusions • Deep Tissue Enhancements • Theragun

Christian Beach MA 93920

Duncan Alexander

GET OUT OF THE SUMMER HEAT INTO A MASSAGE RETREAT !

MA 93705

CALL OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE TODAY TO START YOUR HEALING JOURNEY. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU.

theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 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 Cleaning / Housekeeping

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

Licensed and Insured

727-698-1213 Abccleanexteriors.com

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

COMPUTER SERVICES 727-343-2838

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.

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; jscomputerrepair.com

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

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.

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

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.

QUICK AND EASY

Pressure washing driveways and sidewalks, exterior window washing, plus other quick services. Dependable service. Free estimates. Call or text Terry: 850-865-1102.

Heating & Air Conditioning

ST PETE DUCT CLEANING & SANITIZING

Kill COVID, mold, & viruses in A/C system or home. Hospital safe, purifies air.

Office: 727-341-1217. Cell: 727-251-5151. www.stpeteductcleaning.com

727-687-7999 CourtesyElectricFL@gmail.com

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

COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR LICENSED AND INSURED EC-13008313

MAYNARD ELECTRIC Specializing in AirBnb/VRBO, vacation rentals, and condos.

Glenda 863-205-0944 Leslie 863-512-3445 28

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

FREE ESTIMATES

525-0677

Licensed Bonded Insured St. Lic. #EC0002881

SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT!

“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

theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

Home Improvement

AFFORDABLE PROMPT • RELIABLE Licensed & Insured

BLINDS, DRAPES, SHADES, & SHUTTERS INSTALLATION SERVICE

Installation and repair of all window treatments. Jim Richardson. Phone/text: 727-504-5909. Email: jrjruf@gmail.com. I can also measure all your windows for blinds or drapes. Over 25 years experience. Licensed/insured.

AMERICAN BUILDERS GROUP LLC

Residential/Commercial. All phases of remodeling or renovations. Roofs, kitchens, baths, room additions, new construction, doors, windows, stone or concrete work, flooring, and much, much more. Free estimates. CCC 1333727 CGC 059964. 727410-7323.

DARCY ROOFING LLC

Residential/Commercial. All roofing types - T.P.O., tapered systems, shingle, metal, tile, & flat roofs. Great prices, best warranties. Our general contracting division also does kitchens, baths, additions, new construction, and much, much more. Free estimates. CCC 1333727 CGC 059964.

727-410-7323.

Lee Claxton, I.S.A. Certified Arborist

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

727-220-0226

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

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.

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 845-8663867. Responsible, reasonable, and ready!

USCG AUXILIARY RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY COURSE The USCG Auxiliary will hold a Boating Safety Class on Saturday July 9, 2022 and August 20, 2022 at 3120 Mariam St. S. in Gulfport. Class is from 9 a.mm to 5 p.m. Contact Marty Richardson at 630-6745352 or merichardsonjr@att.net for more information.

Moving / Hauling

Lawn & Landscape

TREE SERVICE BY PAYLESS

PINNIX PAINTING, INC. In business locally since 1980. Interior, exterior, commercial, residential. Free Estimates. Lic. #C4334. Call 727-504-1508.

Help Wanted

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS GULFPORT MERCHANTS CHAMBER

Gulfport Merchants Chamber is seeking a full-time Director of Operations to foster relationships among the business community, advocate on their behalf, and support economic growth in Gulfport. A job description and application are available at visitgulfportflorida.com/careers. Submit resumes to Careers@visitgulfportflorida.com

STYLISTS NEEDED

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

Hairdesign in St Pete is looking for three hairstylists to join our team. Incentives: Two stylists can split a chair rental. Chair rental is $150/week. Call 727-418-6109 for details.

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 Town Shores. 727320-3297.

Positions Wanted

Painting

MASTERS PAINTING * WHEN QUALITY COUNTS

Trust Masters Painting. Making happy customers for 42 yrs. Pressure cleaning, waterproofing, honest, reliable. 727-3441674 or 727-510-6804. References, guaranteed. Lic.#C4749.

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.

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

theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

DOG WALKING/PET SITTING SERVICES

Retired, living in Gulfport. Dog walking services and pet sitting services available. Call James: 724-462-4324.

General

FOR SALE PICK UP ONLY

Whirlpool washer and dryer, large size, works great, $200 for pair. Frigidaire refrigerator/ freezer, 30”x60”, perfect for garage - $75.

Call or text 727-504-9356 for details.

WE MIGHT HAVE YOUR PHOTO

We found a bunch of physical photos from our Take the Gabber on Vacation feature. We don’t want to trash your photos, so call 727321-6965 and give Patrick your name. He’ll check for your photo and get it back to you.

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

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Yard / Garage Sale

Real Estate For Sale

GARAGE SALE SAT. 7/9 - 8 A.M.-1 P.M.

CONDO FOR SALE KENNETH CITY, SENIOR COMMUNITY

5928 19th Ave. S., Gulfport. Furniture, luggage, various home items, school supplies, and more. Come by and make us an offer.

No early birds, please.

Clearview Oaks ground floor condominium, #305, $149,000 furnished. 2 bedrooms/1 bath, inside laundry, hurricane shutters, new hardwood and ceramic floors, Florida room w/lake view, designated parking in front, low maintenance fee, pet friendly, club house. Call/text 847-826-7489.

Furnished Rentals 2BD/1BA WATERFRONT UPPER UNIT ON SHORE BLVD. Fully furnished. Large balcony with magnificent views. Two parking spaces, cable, utilities included. Laundry on-site. Small non-shedding dog welcome. $2600/month. Available: 8/1/22 - 1/3/23.

60 day minimum. Contact jenm@hjmholdings.com; text 619-458-0022.

1BD/1BA WATERFRONT LOWER UNIT ON SHORE BLVD. Cozy, fully furnished. Private patio with water view. 1 parking space, cable, utilities included. Laundry. Small non-shedding dog welcome. $2100/month.

Available: 9/15/22- 1/3/23. 60 day minimum. Contact jenm@hjmholdings.com; text 619-458-0022.

2BD/2BA HOUSE WITH SMALL OFFICE Two parking spaces. Hardwood/tile floors, W/D, nice patio. Quiet neighborhood, 2 blocks to Art District, 5 blocks to beach, near Stetson Law. Good for small family or roommates. Unfurnished. $3300/month.

Contact jenm@hjmholdings.com; text 619458-0022.

Real Estate For Rent HOUSE FOR RENT - PASADENA GOLF CLUB ESTATES 3/2, 1300sqft pool home w/fenced yard, mature landscaping, W/D, & large driveway for boat/RV. Quiet, safe neighborhood. Furnished seasonal includes lawn, pool service, trash, & water. $3200/month. Close to shopping & beaches, pets ok. Available Aug 1. 813-508-2951.

Place your classified line ads online!

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

PAY LESS TO SELL YOUR HOME! Only 3-4% Commission!

Jeff Thomsen, Realtor Realean Real Estate

727-222-0099 JeffThomsen.com

I LIVE and SPECIALIZE in Town Shores...

Open House

7/9 • 11AM-2PM • GROTON #304 FANTASTIC MARINA & WATER VIEW! UPDATED 2BR/1BA - TONS OF STORAGE

$315,000

7/10 11AM-2PM DIPLOMAT #805 SPECTACULAR OPEN WATER VIEW! RARE 2BR/2BA SPLIT FLOOR PLAN MOTIVATED SELLER!

$399,900

CONDO FOR RENT 1 Bedroom/1 Bath condo for rent in South Pasadena, partially furnished. Application/Condo Association approval required. $1,500.00/mo. Contact Charlie at 727-331-3324.

Real Estate Wanted

SLR MOBILE HOME RESALES

We specialize in sales in mobile homes on lease land (mobile home parks). Thinking of selling? Exposure is everything - our experience and marketing tools will sell your home. Will list your mobile home today. Call Thomas Morrow 727-859-6500.

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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theGabber.com

theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

Real Estate Snapshots

Here’s What Sold in Gulfport Last Week

ABBY BAKER

5949 17th Ave. S. (Stetson) This 1,952-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath home, built in 1952, listed for $499,000 and sold for $475,000.

Other Gulfport Home Sales Last Week

1120 55th St. S. (Tangerine) This 1971 home has 986 square feet, three bedrooms, and one bath. It listed for $350,000 and sold for $365,000.

JUST LISTED!!!

SMACK DAB IN THE ARTS DISTRICT!

BY THE SEA, BY THE BEAUTIFUL SEA

INCOME, INCOME, INCOME

SOLD

4612 Yarmouth Ave S (To some really happy people)

2-1-1 Garage

3-2-1

$399,000

$1.28M

5302 29th Ave S

544 72nd Ave S

2902 Beach Blvd S.

4-3 Corner Lot

$775,000

2802 Clinton St S

www.GulfportRealty.com

PENDING

2619 56th St S

(For some really excited people)

(727) 289-5500

#1 Listing Agency in Gulfport! theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022

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theGabber.com | July 7, 2022 - July 13, 2022