The Gabber: September 1, 2022

Digital subscriptions provided by the City of Gulfport THE GABBER.COM No. 2776

September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

Pirates Hammer Seminole in Shortened Game

By Monroe Roark

MICHAEL WHITING

When both high school coaches agreed to call the game due to storms in the third quarter, Boca Ciega had 27 to Seminole High’s 0.

The Boca Ciega Pirates only needed the first half to pick up their first regular-season win of 2022.

After racing out of the gate to put up a 27-0 lead before halftime, the

HOME LOANS

Pirates were about to return to the field for the third quarter when the Thursday night game was halted due to lightning. The stands emptied and everyone waited for a few

minutes until both coaches agreed to call the game and make Boca Ciega 1-0 on the season.

The game began with some conPirates continued on page 8

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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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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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Grand Re-Opening of the Gulfport Arts Center October 7 thru Mid-December art@gulfporthistoricalsociety.org gulfporthistoricalsociety.org

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 | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

voices Wrong Way Homes I greatly resent Winway Homes coming into our neighborhood and destroying our old homes and trees, and then replacing them with houses that are out of proportion in size and character to the surrounding homes. When I see their sign on a lot, I think: WrongWay Homes: Erasing Gulfport’s character, charm, and history one lot at a time. –Eric Folsom, Gulfport

A Poll Workers Advice on Voting I’ve worked the polls in Pinellas since early 2020, and I believe these steps will help people get in and out of the polls more efficiently. Review the information on votepinellas.gov.

On the home page the red blocks allow the following: 1. Register or update your voter registration 2. Check your current voter status 3. Request a mail-in ballot or request to stop mail ballots 4. Verify your correct precinct (some have changed) 5. Volunteer to become a poll worker Under “Election Information” you can find a list of acceptable forms of identification. Florida law requires a valid picture and signature iden-

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

tifications. Some acceptable forms of ID don’t have a signature, just a picture (for example, the Concealed Weapon Permit or VA ID cards) If your ID doesn’t have a signature, you’ll be asked for a second acceptable form of ID with a signature. I recommend using your drivers license. Check the list on votepinellas.gov. The signature on your drivers license is your official signature and when you sign the inspector will compare to the signature on file. Please look at your signature before coming to the polls. I know that my signature on checks is not like my official signature, and I had a mail-in ballot rejected. My signature on the ballot envelope did not match the signature on my drivers license. Once you send in a mail-in ballot, you can check the status on votepinellas.gov. You can also check the early voting dates and locations. The last thing is your current address. If you’ve moved and your drivers license isn’t updated, or you haven’t updated the address on the voters list in votepinellas.gov, you’ll have to spend more time with the clerk or assistant clerk to verify your address before voting. This takes about five-10 minute to update. Finally, our next election is Nov. 8.

1. Check your precinct; some people have new polling stations

2. Check the acceptable forms of Identification 3. Does your current address match on your ID and voters registration card?

4. If you do not have internet access, call 727-464-8683 –Paul Skinner, Gulfport The Gabber welcomes and encourages letters and commentary. One letter per person, per month. All letters must be signed with your real name and city, and should be as brief as possible (ideally <250 words). We may edit letters for content, clarity and length. We will not print letters that incite violence, include personal attacks on private citizens, or that are intentionally misleading or inaccurate.

Letters sent to the Gabber for print will also appear online and on the Gabber’s social media pages. Commentary posted to the Gabber’s website and social media pages may also be used in print.

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

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thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

news Talks Between Gulfport, Boca Ciega Yacht Club on the Horizon The Lawsuit That Held Up Discussions Was Dismissed With Prejudice A judge dismissed the lawsuit that has held up talks between the City of Gulfport and Boca Ciega Yacht Club. Both groups can now resume addressing their respective goals for BCYC’s portion of the marina area – but there’s no set timetable for when any kind of new agreement could be reached.

The judge dismissed the lawsuit, filed by Samantha Ring, with prejudice, according to an order filed in July with the U.S. District Court.

Ring initially brought suit against the club but later added the City of Gulfport as a defendant. Her 2020 suit alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding her dog, which she claimed was a bee-killing service animal. “Dismissed with prejudice” means Ring cannot file the lawsuit again.

Gulfport and BCYC had been in discussions regarding whether the club would continue its current lease on the City-owned property or another arrangement would be pursued, but those conversations paused when the litigation began.

The club pays $2,000 per month under its lease agreement, which is now month-to-month.

In April of 2021 BCYC Commodore Roger Gilmore received a letter from City Manager Jim O’Reilly stating that the City Council intended to terminate the lease and return the property to solely municipal uses.

That decision was rescinded two months later and O’Reilly informed Gilmore that the City wished to pursue a new lease agreement.

O’Reilly informed the council at its Aug. 16 regular meeting about the dismissal of the lawsuit, noting that he and City Attorney Andrew Salzman meet with BCYC leaders the following week to hear what they had to say. Both men made it clear that they would not be advancing any proposals but would simply hear BCYC’s side.

Gilmore submitted a proposal

SHELLY WILSON

By Monroe Roark

BCYC has a month-to-month lease for the property. Now that the lawsuit brought against them and the City of Gulfport by a former member has ended, the City and the club can resume discussions about a different agreement.

Aug. 19 to all of the members of the City Council as well as O’Reilly and Salzman. A copy was also hand-delivered to The Gabber office.

O’Reilly told The Gabber Aug. 26 that Gilmore’s action changed the tenor of his and Salzman’s meeting with BCYC because that action put the ball in Council’s court. O’Reilly said he could not proceed on the City’s behalf until the council took action, whether it be to terminate the lease or come up with a new agreement. As long as BCYC is content to operate on the month-tomonth lease, there is no legal urgency for the council to do anything, O’Reilly said.

One project proceeding at the marina is the improvement of the dry boat storage area that was approved last year. That work is expected to include the installation of a shell-based impervious surface, secured decorative fencing, automatic roll gates, water and electric, numbered spaces, and security lighting. It was noted at the time that the marina’s dry boat storage facility generates about $85,000 per year.

Gilmore said he and his organization were prepared to do “whatever

thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

the City wants us to do.” While he expects to present a more formalized proposal in the near future, he doesn’t expect any action soon given the city’s busy agenda.

“We will follow whatever direction we receive from the City,” said Gilmore.

Members of the City Council have their opinions on what should be done regarding Gulfport’s relationship with the BCYC. During the Aug. 16 meeting Mayor Sam Henderson and Councilman Paul Ray both indicated that they had already let O’Reilly know what their positions were, although they shared no specifics.

On a larger scale, Vice Mayor Christine Brown suggested adopting a formal marina master plan “so we know where we’re going as a group.”

“We have such a beautiful place down there and it’s such an integral part of the community,” she said.

Councilwoman April Thanos agreed with that idea. Ray said if it were done, it should be “with a ton of public input.”

“Council needs to decide what it wants to do with that particular area,” noted Salzman.

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Gulfport’s $16.5 Million-Budget Approval Set for September

The Budget Increases, but Rising Property Values Means Millage Likely Won’t The Gulfport City Council is a month away from approving a budget for the 2023 fiscal year, which starts Oct. 1.

City Manager Jim O’Reilly submitted a proposed budget to the council July 14, one day before the deadline set in the city charter. First and second readings of the 2023 millage rate and budget adoption have been scheduled for Sept. 6 and 20, during regular City Council meetings, so that Council can adopt the budget prior to the Sept. 30 deadline in the charter.

As of Council’s Aug. 16 regular meeting, the proposed new general fund budget amounts to $16,587,000. That represents a 7% increase from the previous fiscal year’s budget of $15,425,500.

While the budget numbers are going up, property values have risen even more – 15.21% in Gulfport as projected by Pinellas County’s appraisers, as noted in a Gulfport city staff report.

The City’s millage rate is proposed to remain at 4.039 for the 11th consecutive year, with increased property values generating an estimated $697,000 in additional revenue, according to City officials. The expected 17.08% increase in the Waterfront Redevelopment District should generate an extra $103,239.

The vast majority of the budget increase comes from what O’Reilly likes to call “people costs.” City employees will get a 6% pay raise

CATHY SALUSTRI

By Monroe Roark

Gulfport City Council will approve a new budget next month.

this year to help stem the tide of inflation on their personal bank accounts. Inflation has been reported in double digits recently in the Tampa Bay region.

“70% of your budget is people costs,” O’Reilly told the council at its most recent meeting. “The price of fuel is also very volatile. I never thought I’d be budgeting these kinds of numbers per gallon.”

The City has about $3.7 million in the bank, which O’Reilly said is “excellent” and pointed out that ARPA funds are not included in that amount because by law ARPA money cannot be put into a city’s reserves.

“What this reflects is that you [the council] were very conservative in spending during COVID,” he said. “When we closed, we did not do a lot of special things and we saved money on events. A few years ago we talked about reducing the reserve to 16%. Now we are back at 23 and closer to 25.”

Reflecting the ongoing conversation about short-term rentals and the potential violations involved, O’Reilly said he included an additional code enforcement officer in the budget in case the council wanted to go in that direction.

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thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

Primary Results for Pinellas, Florida State Elections Some Winners, But Some Races Have Run-Off in November

By Monroe Roark

PINELLAS SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS

Take a look at who won – and who didn’t – in the Aug. 23 Pinellas and Florida primary elections.

Now that the 2022 Florida primary election is in the record books, some winners can breathe easy with no more contested races, while others get ready for the November general election.

Races in Florida are plurality contests, which means a majority vote is not necessary to win a race with more than two candidates and there are no runoffs. The most obvious example of this for local voters is perhaps the Republican primary for the 13th Congressional District seat, currently held

by Charlie Crist, in which Anna Paulina Luna bested four other candidates and won with 44.5% of the vote.

James Judge picked up the GOP nomination in the 14th Congressional District with 52.5%. The Democratic winner for that district was Kathy Castor with 90%. Both congressional districts have candidates from a variety of parties vying for the chance to go to Washington.

Pinellas County candidates who are unopposed in the primary or general election are not listed on the ballot. That is why current county commissioners Kathleen Peters (R-District 6) and Rene Flowers (D-District 7), who represent south Pinellas, were absent even though

they were up for re-election this year. Neither of them were challenged in the primary or the general election.

Incumbent Dave Eggers won the Republican primary for the District 4 seat in north Pinellas with 68% of the vote. There is no Democrat challenger, so he will remain in office.

Brian Scott is the Republican winner for the District 2 at-large seat on the Board of County Commissioners.

He will face incumbent Pat Gerard in November.

Pinellas County School Board seats are nonpartisan and decided during the primary election, although runoffs are in play for those who do not get a majority of the vote.

Keesha Benson finished just ahead of Dawn Peters in District

3, 40% to 38%, so those two will square off in November. The same is true in District 6 with Stephanie Meyer (47%) going up against Brian Martin (38%).

Lisa Lane retained her District 2 at-large seat and Caprice Edmond won re-election in District 7. Both garnered a majority of votes.

Local judicial races in the 6th Circuit also require a majority. Della Cope was the top vote-getter in a three-person race in Group 1 with 44% and will face Megan Roach in November. Outright winners included Kathy Hessinger (Group 13), Cynthia Newton (Group 22), and Keith Meyer (Group 27).

Primary winners in the State House District 58 races were Republican Kim Berfield and Democrat Bernie Fensterwald. Berny Jacques won the GOP primary for District 59 and Michele Rayner was the Democratic primary winner for District 62.

In five statewide races on the Pinellas County ballot, each of the overall winners carried Pinellas.

That includes both nominees for agriculture commissioner: Republican Wilton Simpson and Democrat Naomi Blemur.

There were Democratic primary challenges in three other key statewide positions with Republican incumbents. Crist won the chance to face Ron DeSantis in November for governor. Current congresswoman Val Demings will try to unseat Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate, and Aramis Ayala will square off against Ashley Moody.

The general election takes place Nov. 8; the deadline to register to vote is Oct. 11.

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siderable rain, leading to several penalties and some unsure footing by both teams. The rain subsided by the second quarter, but the players had to deal with the wet field until the final whistle.

The Pirates got on the board early, thanks to excellent special teams play. Seminole was forced to punt midway through the first quarter from its own end zone, but Frederico Freeman burst through to block the kick and carried the ball into the end zone as smoothly as if it were a planned play. Joseph Geiger’s extra point made it 7-0.

The Pirates defense scooped up a fumble on the third play of the ensuing drive, giving the home team great field position at the Seminole 20. Six plays later, Zahir Favors took the ball across the goal line from 1 yard out with 5:35 left in the first quarter.

Favors scored with another run on the first play of the second quarter, capping a very short drive that was set up by a muffed punt in the rain that gave Boca Ciega the ball inside the red zone. A shanked Seminole punt allowed the Pirates to start at the Seminole 26 on a later possession, and that drive concluded with another Favors 1-yard score. He finished with 129 yards on 20 carries in the shortened game.

Another Thursday area matchup also fell victim to bad weather, but with a positive outcome. Lakewood opened at home against Northeast and led 28-0 when the game was stopped in the third quarter. Anthony Colandrea passed for 305 yards and three touchdowns for the Spartans.

The third Thursday game was a shutout like the other two, although with the local team on the wrong end of the score. The Hollins Royals ventured up I-4 to Disney’s Wide World of Sports for a game against Green Mountain High from Colorado, and it was a long bus ride back home, as the Royals fell 47-0.

The remainder of the week’s action took place Friday as usual. St. Petersburg rolled over Tar-

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MICHAEL WHITING

Pirates continued from cover

pon Springs 48-12 in a road game.

Gibbs also was on the road and lost a close one to Palmetto 26-20.

St. Petersburg Catholic opened the regular season at home but was outmatched by Cambridge Christian in a 38-0 defeat.

A full slate of local games is on the schedule for Sept. 2. Gibbs travels to the northeast corner of the state to face St. Augustine

while St. Petersburg Catholic ventures a few miles north to play at Indian Rocks Christian. Hollins will be in Hillsborough County squaring off against Land O’Lakes, and St. Petersburg is once again on the northern end of the county at Palm Harbor University. Lakewood hosts Palm Beach Central and Boca Ciega is back at home against Pinellas Park.

thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

How We Got to GeckoFest

A (Fairly) Brief History of Gulfport’s GeckoFest and Gecko Ball

By James Schnur

CATHY SALUSTRI

The 2012 Gecko Season theme was Geckos in Wonderland, and Jon Ziegler got into the theme. Here he is at that year’s GeckoFest.

Gulfportians will celebrate the 22nd annual GeckoFest this Saturday. Since its beginnings in 2001, this end-of-summer event has allowed crowds to rally around this area’s favorite reptile, dress in costumes, sing, dance, and celebrate.

“Game Night” is this year’s theme.

A Tranquil Town and Failed Fireworks Although this popular festival now receives widespread attention,

its beginnings in 2001 remind us of how much Gulfport has changed – including in weird and wonderful ways – since the beginning of the millennium. A journey back in time a generation ago reveals how a less-than-impressive fireworks performance led to a quirky and impressive cultural explosion.

Gulfport experienced a bit of a cultural identity crisis throughout much of the 1990s. As St. Petersburg’s leaders tried to shed that city’s multigenerational reputation

as “God’s waiting room” with developers transforming their downtown and them banking on the promise of a newly-completed dome for a yetto-arrive baseball team, Gulfport remained a quiet destination.

For example, residents repeatedly advocated for a community theater, starting in 1992. Multiple delays stalled the project. Finally, in December 2000, the Catherine A. Hickman Theater opened as a cultural beacon just north of the library.

The following summer, Gulfport’s Fourth of July fireworks celebration left much to be desired. Community leaders expressed their displeasure, and the company that supplied the less-than-exciting pyrotechnics promised to deliver another shipment for an event later that summer.

Laying the Gecko Groundwork Marlene Shaw, the city’s events manager at the time, was tasked with booking a band to accompany the fireworks at this first late-summer celebration. Hoping to add more flair, Shaw reached out to the community.

Frank Hibrandt, who saw the artistic potential within Gulfport long before the city’s cultural heritage

GeckoFest continued on page 10

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transformation, suggested calling the event “Gecko Fest,” with Shaw immediately agreeing.

Local artist and longtime resident Elizabeth Neily had a different opinion. Reminding them that geckos are as native to Florida as out-ofstate transplants, Neily suggested “Mullet Festival” instead. When votes were tallied that summer, the hanging chads unanimously favored the gecko over the mullet, and a new tradition began.

The first fall event in 2001 may have been a gecko-themed festival, but it also included a bit of a mullet mutiny, one staged with a smile by Neily and others.

CATHY SALUSTRI

GeckoFest continued from page 9

GeckoFest’s Growing Popularity The City-sponsored event changed colors quicker than a lizard as the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce nurtured it and encouraged the area’s business community to take an increasingly active role.

Without the chamber’s involvement, this event might have disappeared due to municipal budget cuts.

Annual GeckoFest themes amplified the community’s creativity as the event grew in popularity. The 2007 GeckoFest even stole a little cannon thunder from the Big Guava across Tampa Bay as a restored 1937 vessel in Boca Ciega Bay did its best Gasparilla-styled invasion imi-

Gulfport’s first Gecko Queen, Faun Weaver, pictured with her court in 2013.

tation by shooting scorched hot dog buns into the air.

Fortunately, Boca Ciega already had a well-established reputation as a haven for pirates to protect the town, one that has lasted at least since the high school opened in 1953.

By this time, colorful costumes and balloons – along with noisemakers ranging from rattles to kazoos – had become the norm. From 130 vendors in 2007 to more than 170 two years later, the 2009 festival attracted approximately 15,000 attendees.

Adding a Ball Just Before Fall The year 2009 marked the debut of the first Gecko Ball, held at the former Bellini’s, now Sea Dog Cantina. The following year, the Gecko Ball moved across the street to the Historic Peninsula Inn and added its first themed celebration, “Geckos in Wonderland.” Funds from this 2010 event benefited Gulfport’s Centennial Celebration that October.

Gecko gatherings continued to flourish throughout the 2010s. The Gecko Ball and Gecko Pub Crawl

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thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

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were embraced by the community, along with GeckoFest. Face-painters, performers, and musicians brought excitement to the late August/early September event each year.

The Ball moved to the Casino in 2013. Whether it was during “Gecko Gras,” “20,000 Geckos Under the Sea,” or the groovy “Geckostock,” the annual crowning of the Gecko Queen became a highly anticipated event.

An Unexpected Pause and New Excitement Then COVID-19 hit. After the July 2020 decision to cancel Gecko-re-

lated gatherings, social media participants filled the void with their “Paint the Town With Geckos” initiatives to keep the lizard-loving legend alive.

Although the 20th anniversary celebration was canceled, the community and Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce welcomed the resumption of Gecko Season in 2021. Ironically, a City-sponsored fireworks display helped to rekindle the event, one that filled the skies much better than the summertime dud that had allowed GeckoFest to begin two decades earlier.

Grab your masks, get in your costumes, and enjoy another historic GeckoFest on Saturday!

thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

THE GABBER.COM 11

Pay Cuts for Gulfport Teachers Who Improved School Gulfport Teachers Required to Work Less, School Board Says Now that Gulfport Montessori Elementary School’s grade has improved from a D to a C, will the school’s teachers actually get a pay cut?

Yes and no.

Correspondence from both the school and the Pinellas County School Board’s central office indicates that teachers will not get paid as much in the 2022-2023 school year as they did last year, but PCSB representatives told The Gabber the responsibilities and work schedule also will not be the same.

District compensation analyst Carly Ferguson responded to a citizen’s inquiry about possible pay cuts at the school by pointing out some of these differences. Schools that receive either D or an F automatically require extra support, she said, while those schools that achieve a C but had a D or F the prior year also get additional support, although not as much as a D or F school gets. That additional support means extra weekly planning for teachers and an extended school day, for which they get paid their base hourly rate in addition to their annual salary.

A teacher working at a school that’s no longer required to have additional support will not receive a reduction in their base pay, Ferguson stated, but teachers who want to keep the additional compensation they previously received have the option of transferring to another school that needs additional support.

JUNE JOHNS

By Monroe Roark

Gulfport Montessori Elementary School staff and students raised the school’s grade from a D to a C. Their reward? Teachers and staff will now make less money. There’s a good reason, Pinellas County School Board reps told The Gabber Newspaper.

As for GMES specifically, The Gabber received a copy of an email sent by principal Ashlea Zeller to all teachers at the beginning of August with details about the upcoming school year.

Instructional staff will not receive a $3,000 recruitment/retention bonus for the 2022-23 school year, she said, although those who taught at the school last year will receive a performance bonus of $1,500 for increasing the school grade. That payment will be handed out in late September or early October, and it will be prorated for those who worked only a portion of the school year.

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school, Zeller said, and as such its teachers work an additional 45 minutes one day a week for structured planning. They are compensated for that time.

That means a pay cut of $1,500 per year, plus an hourly reduction in pay for the four days for which staff is not required to work the extra 45 minutes. For the lowest paid teachers in Pinellas County Schools, this reduces their overall pay by almost $4,700; for the highest paid teachers, this means a pay reduction of almost $7,000. Support and administrative staff will receive other changes to their pay based on the school’s grade.

An inquiry from The Gabber to Zeller about whether any GMES teachers transferred to other schools to retain the extra compensation was forwarded to the district office, and spokesperson Isabel Macarenas said that three of last year’s teachers have moved elsewhere in the district for that reason.

The bottom line is that in terms of dollars and cents, teachers who have returned to Gulfport this year are making less than last year, but, as PCSB says, this is because they’re not required to work as many hours.

thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

Renaissance Dad

On Archery, Travel Ball, and Acting

By Jon Kile

JON KILE

We thought after four performances in two days, our daughter would be ready for a break. Instead, she’s ready for Broadway.

Parents today feel a lot of pressure to help their offspring find their passion. Social media magnifies this pressure, as we watch our comrades invest in activities like sports teams that travel to other states, horses, dirt bikes, or backyard trapeze setups.

My memory is fuzzy, but I think we signed our son up for t-ball shortly after he learned to walk. I do vividly remember coaching one of his teams when an 8-year-old revealed that his parents had hired him a “batting stance coach.” This particular boy, who showed lukewarm interest, said that his parents wanted him to try out for the travel team. I have no doubt that his well-meaning parents were simply worried their boy would be left behind if they didn’t give him every advantage.

Travel sports started as a way for elite kids to play other elite kids. A 2018 article in The Atlantic confirmed what I suspected: Travel leagues are now so commonplace it’s no longer about elite kids; it’s about signing up kids whose parents can afford it.

I won’t minimize the camaraderie the kids get from taking road trips with their teammates, but we can’t pretend they’re all getting drafted or offered Division I scholarships.

I sympathize with parents who feel the pressure to give their children the opportunity to have the best possible experience. Our kids have tried baseball, scouts, karate, art camps, photography, soccer, and a host of other things, hoping for something to stick.

For our daughter, it’s theater. For

years she’s taken dance classes with fluctuating enthusiasm. When we signed her up with an established youth theater company, things fell into place. Her first role was as a comedic henchman in 101 Dalmatians.

The final week involved an intense six straight days of five-hour rehearsals, followed by four ticketed shows. I expected her to be ready for a break. Instead, she was ready to head to Broadway. She’s doubled up on her dance classes and added voice lessons. It’s not cheap, but don’t tell that to my college buddy who keeps not one, but two, horses for his daughter in a barn outside Seattle (turns out the first horse’s passion wasn’t competition).

Our son was a tougher one to

guide. Our philosophy has always been that our kids don’t have to do something they don’t want to do, but they have to do something.

When he asked to do archery, we took him to Brandon to try it out. (I confess, my wife took him because I was afraid I’d end up driving him to Brandon every week.) Turns out, he genuinely enjoys it, and yes, I’m now driving to team practice in Brandon every week. There’s some irony in the fact that the only kind of archery is “travel archery” and it’s all about his stance.

The boy also loves to fish and play golf. What dad will argue with that?

I think the highlight of his young life was catching his first bonnethead shark and winning a tournament at fishing camp. This has the added benefit of literally putting food on the table. After years of taking group lessons through the First Tee youth golf program at Twin Brooks, he’s joined his middle school golf team.

Watching our kids shine at things they enjoy is one of the most rewarding parts of parenting. It’s a far greater feeling than I’ve had for any accomplishment of my own.

And I’ll admit that I’m a little less judgy of those parents who travel far and wide for their kids’ activities. But stop me if you see me shopping for a 1,000-pound animal.

I don’t have anywhere to put it.

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thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

13

Jolly Green Preview

Can’t Wait ‘Til Saturday’s Unveiling? Here’s a Gecko Sneak Peek

RAY DOMINGO

By Cathy Salustri

RAY DOMINGO

LINDA DOMINGO

According to Domingo, G. Gordon had a few too many.

G. Gordon McFly (left) going through the epoxy stage of life.

That pink’s the skateboard, because how else is a gecko going to get around?

A Ray Domingo original. That’s how one City official described the more-than-$30,000 giant statue of a skateboarding, ear-phone-wearing, green gecko.

Domingo, a Gulfport artist whose sleek aquatic murals and paintings sell for upwards of $50,000, approached the City of Gulfport and other art supporters about creating a piece that would speak to Gulfport’s eclectic side and give Gulfport a new landmark and selfie spot. His pitch: a sculpture of a giant gecko, riding a skateboard and listening to music. The City agreed to kick in half the cost of the sculpture plus the cost of the base, if Domingo could raise the rest of the monies needed. He did, and the jolly green gecko is almost ready for its unveiling at – where else? – GeckoFest 2022.

The statue costs less than many of Domingo’s works.

“It’s a work of love from Ray,” his wife, Linda Domingo,

told The Gabber. “He loves Gulfport and all it represents.”

The new, casino-adjacent sculpture will stand 14’ tall.

He’s flanked on one side by a much smaller statue of Morris the Cat. No, not the cat food cat – this statue’s an homage to a beloved beach cat who died decades ago.

Some say Morris’ spirit never left the beach and his ghost sometimes makes itself known along the beach.

The Gecko Parade, which starts by the Caddy’s stage at 6:10 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 3, will end at the statue. The grand unveiling will take place immediately following the parade, which should happen around 6:45 p.m., according to Justin Shea, Gulfport’s cultural events facilities supervisor.

The gecko’s full name is G. Gordon McFly. What does the G stand for?

“Why,” Domingo says, “it’s Gulfport, silly.”

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thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

gabberlife #GabberLife: Gecko Ball Game, Set, and Match Game on for the 2022 Gecko Ball

ABBY BAKER

By Abby Baker

Gecko Game Night was the theme at Gulfport’s Gecko Ball on Saturday, August 27. The Casino Ballroom was crawling with colorful costumes.

ABBY BAKER

LARRY BUSBY

All hail the Queen! Gulfport, Meet your new Gecko Queen, Betty Pearson!

Byron Chalfont with daughter, Siri Chalfont. Siri is the inspiration behind her parents’ restaurant, Siri’s Gourmet Burgers and Pizza. On Saturday, she attended her first Gecko Ball.

Another Gecko Ball, another Gecko Queen.

On August 27, Gulfport celebrated Gecko Ball with a “game night” themed costume gala, a raffle, and the heavily anticipated Gecko Queen crowning.

In between dominos, chess pieces, Candyland pieces, and

even a couple of Ouija boards, Elizabeth Hendricks relinquished her spot as Gecko Queen and crowned Betty Pearson as her successor.

See more Gecko Ball and other event photos on The Gabber’s Instagram, @gabberlife – and tag us in your own!

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15

crime Man Accused of Forcing Gulfport Employee Into Traffic When Police Tried To Question Him, He Tried To Flee

By Mike Sunnucks

For the second time in a month, police have arrested Gulfport resident Ray Rodriguez. On Aug. 14, St. Petersburg police arrested Rodriguez for allegedly resisting an officer. The St. Petersburg Police Department wanted to question Rodriguez in relation to an alleged aggravated assault that happened in Gulfport.

According to the arrest report, a SPPD officer contacted Rodriguez, 63, near Clam Bayou Nature Park just before 9 a.m.

SPPD said Gulfport PD notified them of an alleged assault involving Rodriguez.

According to St. Petersburg police, officers contacted Rodriguez near 46th and Miriam Streets South, but Rodriguez fled on foot from them after first starting to record the law enforcement interaction.

The victim, who works for the City of Gulfport, “is claiming that the suspect caused the victim to swerve,” Ashley Limardo, a public information specialist with SPPD, told The Gabber. “The victim filed a report to document the incident.”

One officer followed Rodriguez in a patrol car while two others were on foot. The Gulfport man eventually complied with police and got on the ground, according to the SPPD incident report.

Police have arrested Gulfport resident Ray Rodriguez for allegedly resisting an officer. St. Petersburg Police wanted to question Rodriguez in relation to an incident involving a Gulfport city employee that took place in St. Pete; when officers attempted to question Rodriguez, he fled.

Rodriguez is a frequent and vocally strident critic of the Gulfport Police Department, Gulfport government, and the Boca Ciega Yacht Club.

Rodriguez also routinely speaks

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at Gulfport City Council hearings contending those three groups are corrupt and conspiring against him.

Gulfport police arrested Rodriguez at the Aug. 2 Gulfport City Council meeting after he forcefully opened a door at Gulfport City Hall and damaged an adjacent wall with the door stopper and door handle.

Gulfport officers, including Chief Robert Vincent, pursued Rodriguez after that incident and arrested him after a short pursuit. He faces criminal mischief and a resisting an officer charges related to that incident.

Attorneys representing Rodriguez from the public defender’s office have not yet responded to a request for comment.

thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

business beat New and improved galleries + Earth Origins Business News from Gulport and St. Pete

By Jen Ring

JEN RING

Deserie Valloreo stands next to her work in her new gallery and studio space, DRV Gallery.

Deserie Valloreo Opens Gulfport Gallery Oct. 6 Although Deserie Valloreo has never owned a gallery before, DRV Gallery isn’t her first business.“I’ve had a variety of businesses – mostly in the wellness space,” Valloreo told The Gabber. “I’ve always felt this desire to paint, but I never knew how to get started.”

Valloreo got started in 2017 when she took a painting class with Gulfport artist Judy Dazio. Five years later, she’s opening a gallery and studio on Gulfport Blvd.

The 1975-square-foot space includes a storage room, three studios spaces, and gallery space.

Valloreo, who paints landscapes in acrylics, has her studio here, and Florida-inspired watercolor artist Curtis Whitwam signed up for a six-month period starting in October.

The gallery plans to show work from seven resident artists, including Valloreo, Whitwam, Gulfport jeweler and sculptor Doug D’souza, book artist Ted Wray, and a few more painters.

“I wanted to fill [the gallery] with things that I love,” says Valloreo.

“The beach is definitely one of those.

Music. Nature. Those are a lot of the things you’ll see in the gallery when we open.”

Valloreo’s DRV Gallery hosts a soft opening Oct. 6 with yoga for artists in the morning. The Jazz Librarians perform at the grand opening ribbon cutting Oct. 24.

Soft Water Re-Opens with Two New Art Shows After closing for a summer remodel, Carrie Jadus and Mark Aeling’s Soft Water Studios reopens as Soft Water Gallery in St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts District Sept. 8.

The duo spruced things up, hired new gallery director Lisa Lippincott, and created a climate-controlled space that will allow them to host scheduled exhibitions and revolving shows throughout the year, including summer.

According to Lippincott, the City of St. Pete’s recent growth and the

thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

extension of Soft Water’s lease prompted these changes, which will transform Soft Water from a co-op gallery space into a more formal gallery.

The gallery re-opens Sept 8, at 6 p.m. with a new collection of Jadus’ Blue Nudes, presented as Blue Nudes III. The theme of the artists’ reception is blue, to match the cool background of the paintings in this series. The gallery plans to serve blue-tinted champagne for the occasion, and guests are encouraged to wear blue. The exhibit runs through Oct. 1.

Two days later, In the Abstract, featuring abstract paintings by Steph Gimson and geometric sculptures by Kenneth Charles Lichtenberger, opens during Second Saturday ArtWalk (Sept. 10, 6-9 p.m.); the exhibit runs through Nov. 5.

Soft Water Gallery, 515 22nd St. S., St. Pete. Thurs.-Sat., 12-6 p.m. 727327-3473, softwatergallery.com St. Pete’s Earth Origins Named Retailer of the Year The closest “health food” store to Gulfport and South Pinellas, Earth Origins, has earned the honor of “Retailer of the Year”. One of three brands belonging to the Healthy Edge Retail Group, a company dating to 1935, the store – which has other locations in Florida, including two in Sarasota and headquarters in Palm Harbor – merged several brands into the Earth Origins label in 2010.

Vitamin Retailer Magazine named Healthy Edge Retail Group 2022 Retailer of the Year. The trade magazine interviewed the people behind Healthy Edge to learn the secret to their success. According to Healthy Edge’s Vice President of Purchasing, Jeff Shackelford, the secret is employee education and community service.

“We are constantly working to improve who we are and what we can do for each community we serve,” Shackelford told Vitamin Retailer Magazine.

17

arts Black and White

Meet Artist Betsy Lester, Then See Her Gulfport Exhibit Friday Night

By Abby Baker

BETSY LESTER

band, and lived in Saudi Arabia for a month.

She and her husband moved to Puerto Rico for a seven year spell.

When they eventually moved to the Tampa Bay area, Lester knew it was time for a change.

So, in 1992, the globetrotter enrolled at Eckerd College, seeking a Bachelor of Arts. She then earned her MFA at USF. She teaches art at both schools today.

“My intention [was] to study all things art-making and find meaning in a transitional time. As Virginia Woolf put it, I needed a ‘room of one’s own’ after a 20-year sabbatical from college. Flying around the globe, as a Delta, and Overseas National Airways flight attendant, I saw the world. Now it was time to seek meaning in those memories... to make art,” Lester said.

When Lester’s husband of 36 years died, she swore she’d never marry again.

“Then I met Tom [Kaltenbaugh); Lester with her Contain Yourself series, on exhibit as part of the Black and White art we’ve been married 12 years and 12 show at the Catherine Hickman Theater, Sept. 1-30. years feels like yesterday,” Lester In Tampa, people can find Betsy black and white (and gray), a theme told The Gabber.

Lester’s art at the Neiman Marcus at near and dear to Lester’s heart.

If you’ve seen a Gulfport or St. Pete International Plaza. Her work hangs “Black and white cuts to the parade in the last year, chances near designer coats and pointed chase,” Lester said. “What you see are you’ve seen the couple. Lesfootwear, but she’s no snob. She’s is what you get. It’s ter leads the Gulfport an artist who wants to be seen. about the physical na- “Memories, bits and Gecko Amalgamated She’s also a former international ture of opposites.” pieces of memories Marching Band with flight attendant, an art teacher at The St. Pete artists’ inhabit the images.” her batons, wearing a Eckerd College and the University of black, white, and gray stuffed animal gecko South Florida, and the drum major wooden pieces will show alongside hat. Kaltenbaugh is in the back, of the Gulfport Gecko Amalgamated other Women Caucus artists, such playing the trumpet.

Marching Band. as Judith Segall and Karen Carasik.

Most days, you can find her work“I have plenty of balls in the air,” Lester’s own contribution to the ing away in her studio at The ArtLofts Lester said with a laugh.

Gulfport exhibit will feature familiar above Florida CraftArt. For now, she’s From Sept. 1-30, Lester will eximages, such as shopping bags and content staying involved in the local hibit her Contain Yourself series at rudimentary houses. It’s intentional. life, teaching, and making art. the Catherine Hickman Theater in “My work has what you call house“I always say that my most memGulfport. Lester’s work is part of isms,” Lester said. “Memories, bits orable moment is just around the the Black and White exhibit, a show and pieces of memories inhabit the corner,” Lester said. of work from the Women’s Caucus images.”

The Black and White Art Show for Art Florida, an organization for Born in Pennsylvania, but a Jersey Sept. 1-30. Catherine Hickman Thewhich Lester serves as vice presigirl at heart, Lester started her caater, 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport. dent. reer as a flight attendant. She travMon., 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs., 8 All the work in the exhibit is in eled the world, met her first husa.m.-9 p.m.; Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

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thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

Storm at The Dalí

This Catastrophe Fiction is... Surreal – Literally It’s hurricane season in Pinellas.

And that means downpours, floods, and … surrealism? These elements come together in Rebecca Lowry Warchut’s debut novel “Catastrophe Theory” (Woodhall Press, October 2022), which brings a simmering family drama inside the unbreachable walls of St. Pete’s iconic Dalí museum – in the middle of a category five storm.

At 18 years old, Vera comes to St. Pete for a surgery to save her sight.

But her mother, Eliza, has an ulterior motive: She wants to visit Vera’s biological mother, Lucia, who is the assistant director of St. Pete’s Dalítorium (Warchut’s clever rendering of our own Dalí museum). As their fateful visit unfolds, we learn of Eliza and Lucia’s youthful obsession with the famous surrealist, their pact to care for the infant Vera, and the heart-wrenching conflict that drew them apart. Young love blossoms when Vera meets Lucia’s assistant, and teenage antics ensue.

Trouble arrives with the appearance of Vera’s long-lost father, a talented magician – and equally accomplished thief.

And this is all before the hundred-year hurricane traps everyone inside the museum.

If it sounds a little like a soap opera, it is. And the characters can feel, at times, a bit one-dimensional, doomed to extravagantly repeat their own worst character traits: Lucia, for instance, spends much of

VIA REBECCA LOWRY WARCHUT, MODIFIED BY AMANDA HAGOOD

By Amanda Hagood

Rebecca Lowry Warchut’s debut novel takes readers through a richly imagined family drama that unfolds among Dalí’s surreal images – in the heart of a storm.

the book obsessively focused on a promotion, even when it hurts those around her. And Vera, sight restored, goes on a teenage spree that would put Ferris Bueller to shame.

Even so, the book absolutely sparkles with imaginative touches that proclaim the author’s love and deep knowledge of her subject. Her descriptions of Dalí’s work are luminous, and her insight into his life and work equally fascinating. In her own surrealist experiment, she imagines the Dalítorium filled with a dozen deepfake Dalís – screens that conjure an electronic ghost of the artist. Deepfake Dalí always seems to know what the characters are thinking, hilariously flickering to life with just the right

quotation for their soul-searching.

Then there’s catastrophe theory itself, a mathematical premise examined in Dalí’s later work, exploring how small shifts contribute to sudden, dramatic change. It is also an important theme in the novel, as the characters ponder how small choices in their interconnected histories have brought them to this perilous point.

As sensational as its plot can be, the “Catastrophe Theory” raises heartfelt questions: What does it mean to be a family? How can we learn to trust again when our hearts are broken? And if the Big One finally came along, what would we want to save?

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Monday. Sept. 5: Matt Knabe, 4:30 p.m.

thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

things to do

Free

Things to Do in South Pinellas Sep. 1-8

Vegan Options

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live music on two stages. Downtown Waterfront District, Beach Boulevard South, Gulfport. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. geckofest.com Labor Day Weekend: Saturday, September 3— Sunday, September 4

KUHNMI VIA FLICKR [CC2.0]

Get your gecko on at the 22nd Annual Gecko Fest Saturday, Sept. 3.

Friday, September 2 Small Town, Big Art This month’s First Friday Art Walk in Gulfport doesn’t have a theme this month (that happens once a quarter), but it will have lots of art and live music up and down Beach Boulevard, per usual. Waterfront District, Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. 5-9 p.m. visitgulfportflorida.com Creative Clay The school year has begun, and so has Creative Clay’s Friday Art Market. Head to Creative Clay’s Courtyard this Friday to hear live music from Emily Turnage and see artwork made by Creative Clay member artists and Pinellas County Schools’ Transition student artists.

“The new Transition crew is excited to practice their employment skills (display and set up, customer service, and money management) at the year’s first market,” Transition Art Educator Lauren Gentry said in a press release. “Transition artists will have greeting cards, buttons, and placemats to start the sale with

more products to come in the future.” Creative Clay, 1846 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. creativeclay.org Saturday, September 3 22nd Annual GeckoFest Gulfport’s end-of-summer celebration comes to a close with the 22nd Annual GeckoFest. Festivities include a costume contest, a gecko parade, street performers, an outdoor market, and

Powerboats at the Pier The P1 2022 St. Pete Powerboat Grand Prix comes to St. Pier Pier this Labor Day weekend. The Visit St. Pete/Clearwater-sponsored event brings three days of powerboat races to downtown St. Pete. Over 30 competitors have registered to participate. The St. Pete Pier, 600 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg. Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. p1offshore.com Ribbit While powerboats race past the St. Pete Pier, check out the latest exhibit at Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. The Ribbit Exhibit helps you distinguish between Florida native frogs and those nasty invaders.

Play with live tree frogs, learn how to protect Florida’s native species of frogs, and find out what to do when you encounter a non-native species.

Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center at the St. Pete Pier, 700 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $0-5. tbwdiscoverycenter.org.

Labor Day: Monday, September 5 Party on the Beach Caddy’s Treasure Island hosts a Labor Day par-

Things To Do continued on page 22

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Things To Do continued from page 21 ty with a wing eating competition, starting at 1 p.m. Treasure Island police, fire, and public works departments are all participating in the contest. The winner takes home a trophy, and Caddy’s donates to the charity of their choice.

Don’t forget to bring the kids, because there’s face painting from 12 -2 p.m. and a photo op with an antique police and fire truck. For the adults, there’s a 50/50 raffle, with 50% going to the winner, and the other 50% going to Treasure Island police, fire, and public works departments. Caddy’s Treasure Island, 9000 W. Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. cli.re/20764labor-day-party Or Party in Gulfport Don’t feel like driving all the way out to Treasure Island? You can party right here in Gulfport. Caddy’s Gulfport is throwing their own Labor Day party. It’s not in the sand, but it’s close enough. DJ Fabian is in the house from 1-6 p.m., Mai Tais are on spe-

cial, and the cornhole tournament lasts all day. Caddy’s Gulfport, 3128 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. eventvesta.com/events/20765labor-day-party Tuesday, September 6 Artists’ Workbench: Joyce Curvin Florida CraftArt’s Artists’ Workbench series continues. Each week, a different artist turns Florida CraftArt into their studio, giving visitors a rare glimpse into their process in this interactive exhibition. This week, Joyce Curvin sets up her workbench and demonstrates how she makes her signature papier-mache animal sculptures. Florida CraftArt, 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Through Sept.

10: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. floridacraftart. org Wednesday, September 7 Secret Cinema Find out which of seven films folks voted to see at Mastry’s Brewing in St. Pete Beach.

1/2 price Clothing Sale EVERY Thursday (Mens, Womens, Kids, Infants)

The choices were “Creature From the Black Lagoon”, “Dr. No”, “Cabaret”, “Pink Floyd’s The Wall”, “E.T.”, “Reservoir Dogs”, or “Dazed and Confused.” Be prepared to watch any one of these seven movies, because you won’t know the winner until the film is rolling. The screening is free, but you’ll need beer money – and they’d like you to RSVP. Mastry’s Brewing Co., 7701 Blind Pass Rd, St Pete Beach. 7:30 p.m. spbeachtheatre.org Thursday, September 8 Yappy Hour Start your weekend on Thursday with Second Thursday Yappy Hour. Grab a beer and hang out with your pup on the patio, or the pawtio as Pinellas Ale Works calls it.

For every beer you purchase, PAW donates a dollar to Pet Pal Animal Shelter. There’ll be a raffle, along with samples and merch from the CBD store of St. Pete and Fetch Pet Care Northeast. Pinellas Ale Works, 1962 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 6-8 p.m. petpalanimalshelter.com

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Hours 10am to 2pm • Wed. through Sat. • 5124 22nd Ave. S., Gulfport, FL, #727-321-7215 22

thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

FRIENDS OF STRAYS

Matcha Made in Heaven This petite tabby came to Friends of Strays in April. At first, shelter life scared her, so she spent some time de-stressing in a foster home.

Matcha’s foster human had the chance to see Matcha’s personality in action. Turns out, Big Bang Theory fans will love her, because she’s a little Sheldon: She loves routine (also, sunbathing, but the routine is clutch for this kitty.) With love, attention, and a regular schedule, she’ll seek you out and curl up in your lap. Bonus: Someone has paid her adoption fee on her new lucky human’s behalf – all you need to do is come meet her and decide what time she’ll take her breakfast!

FRIENDS OF STRAYS

pets

Chillaxin Little Man Like all our kitties, Turner wants a forever home. Like many – but not all – cats, he’s a chill dude. Add to that his relaxed physique and handsome face, this affectionate grey tabby believed in life balance. Sure, he’ll Netflix and Chill with you, but he’s not averse to a rousing game of “hand under the blanket.”

For more information on adopting a cat, or to donate, reach out to the shelter directly. Friends of Strays, 2911 47th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-522-6566, friendsofstrays.org.

POLICE OFFICERS’ PENSION BOARD – TRUSTEE OPENING The City of Gulfport is accepting applications from Gulfport residents to serve as a volunteer on the Police Officers’ Pension Board. The Pension Board meets quarterly to evaluate legal issues affecting pensions and review the funds’ operations and investments to ensure the best possible outcome for the plan. Volunteer applications may be obtained at City Hall or online at mygulfport. us under Departments, City Clerk, Resources. For more information on the Board, go to the website for the Pension Plan at www.resourcecenters.com , and select Gulfport Municipal Police Officers’ Trust Fund from the Pension Plan tab and follow the Trustee Resources link. For additional appointment information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.

thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

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the gabs What’s your favorite beach?

Photos by Jen Ring

Betty Murphy: “It would be Sunset Beach. That’s where I take everyone when they come here.”

Latreca Ali: “St. Pete Beach all day long.”

Steve Stamberger: “Madeira Beach. It’s very quaint and nothing’s on it, but if you want soething to drink, Johns Pass is just a hop and a skip away. So you’re getting the best of everything.”

Bill Lyle: “Fort DeSoto North Beach.”

Rhonda R.: “My favorite beach is Treasure Island.”

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thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

crossword

Solution on page 27

Memorial Day

gabber on vacation

Solution on page 27

ROB STANABLE

sudoku

We are totally playing with a full deck at the 2022 World Seriers of Poker in Las Vegas at Bally’s Hotel and Casino. Rob Stanable and Nick Martz brought us along FTW. We love to take risks!

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

thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

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

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

Beth-El Shalom

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

ShalomAdventure.com JewishHeritage.net Rabbi@JewishHeritage.net

“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.”

Messianic Congregation

727-360-8406 • www.StAlbanStPeteBeach.org

Good Shepherd Old Catholic Church 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

United Fellowship

During the pandemic join us Sundays on Zoom.

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

- Francis David, 1534

uuunited.org

St. Vincent’s Thrift Shop 5124 Gulfport Ave S. 33707

Hours 10 AM to 2PM Wednesday to Saturday

Affiliated with

St Vincent’s Episcopal Church

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

Sunday Services 10AM Misa en Español: Domingos 12PM

Paradise Lutheran Church

on Treasure Island 10255 Paradise Blvd, Treasure Island

Sunday Service

10am with Holy Communion

727-360-5739

paradiseluth102@gmail.com paradiselutheran.com

Special worship rates starting as low as $30/week.

Send an email to: advertising@thegabber.com

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Their life deserves more than five lines.

We make sharing it affordable.

Stories live on.

Tell theirs.

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

thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

solution

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

thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 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 SERVICES 727-343-2838

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

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 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.

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

SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT!

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED LINE ADS ONLINE! Window Cleaning, Pressure Washing, Soft Washing, and more!

Licensed and Insured

Computer Service

Gulfport Computer Repair Fast Friendly Service

727-388-3493 2321 49th St S

Mon-Thu 10am-5pm

15 Years in Gulfport 45 Years Experience

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Computer Sales

Fax, Copy, Print

Home Improvement

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.

THEGABBER.COM

727-698-1213 Abccleanexteriors.com

Heating & Air Conditioning

Handy Person CLEAN UP CLEAN UP CLEAN UP Handy helpers. 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. Locally St. Pete /Gulfport: 407-2446045. 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.

CLEAN UP YARD - CLEAN OUT HOUSES Tree work and yard work, big/small tree removal, hauling, trim/rake, pressure cleaning, handyman. Call Sylvester: 727-4608721 or 727-482-9433.

OUR REPUTATION IS YOUR GUARANTEE

ESTABLISHED 1989 FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

727-544-3800

CCC 1333650

Lawn & Landscape

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. ruststainremoval@icloud.com

thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

Lawn & Landscape

THE TRASH QUEEN Overwhelmed with the mess? Clean up/clean out, inside and out. Recycling, organizing, and yard work.

Free estimate from Kathy, Trashologist, licensed/insured, with truck/trailer. Call/ text 845-866-3867. Responsible, reasonable, and ready!

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

Painting

ARNEY’S PAINTING INC.

AFFORDABLE PROMPT • RELIABLE Licensed & Insured

Lee Claxton, I.S.A. Certified Arborist

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.

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 PINNIX PAINTING, INC. In business locally since 1980. Interior, exterior, commercial, residential. Free Estimates. Lic. #C4334.

Call 727-504-1508.

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.

Marine Repair Help Wanted

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

Supplement Your Income By Helping A Senior!

Miscellaneous Service

Call Us Today At (727) 401-4700!

License #: 234757, 299994709

NOTARY SERVICES - $10

The Gabber now provides Notary Services (in office only) at 2908-B Beach Blvd S., Gulfport. Our Notary Public is not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, and may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.

thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

For Sale

PERSIAN KITTENS AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

I have six kittens available. Silver Shaded Chinchilla Persians. Comes with full health certificate, 1st vaccinations. For inquiries call or text 727-685-9901.

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

Pass-a-Grille Beach Community Church

THRIFT SHOP

17th Ave & Pass-a-Grille Way FALL OPENING Sat., Sept. 3 @ 9 a.m.

Regular Hours: Tues., Thurs., Sat. 9 a.m. - 12 Donations Welcome September thru May 15, 2023

GOLF CART WANTED Gulfport resident looking to purchase a used golf cart. Looking for a non-lifted cart with newer batteries. For local use, desire a reasonable price.

Want to give my dog rides. Please call/text 727-278-7623 or email juliecom@aol.com.

Lost & Found LOST: PACKAGED PLUMERIA CUTTING My daughter brought me a package with a plumeria cutting from her recent trip to Hawai’i. Somehow it jostled out of the stroller while walking nearby Stella’s. Hoping someone found it and will return it to me.

Offering the finder plumeria cuttings in replacement of this lost, special-to-me cutting. Contact: karentremmel@gmail.com

Yard / Garage Sale ESTATE SALE INSIDE Saturday Sept 3, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Large amounts of housewares, home decor, pictures, small appliances, costume jewelry, and tools. 7600 Sun Island Dr., #301, (Presidential bldg), South Pasadena, 33707.

ESTATE SALE Estate Sale. Furniture, decor, kitchenware, clothing, etc. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 3 at 2015 Gray St. S., Gulfport, FL.

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Place your classified line ads online!

Accommodations Wanted

IDEAL TENANT LOOKING FOR LONG-TERM RENTAL

Quiet professional who works at home, doesn’t smoke or drink, looking for in-law, cottage, guest quarters in which to make a treasured home. Last rental 17 years. Impeccable references. Call only (no texts): 239224-4110 or email unmani@protonmail.com.

Furnished Rentals

SEASON RENTAL IN TOWN SHORES 2BR/ 2BA. Updated and beautifully furnished condo. High floor allowing panoramic view of Boca Ciega Bay. Covered parking, all utilities/cable except electric. New flooring.

Pool/clubhouse. Seasonal 6/mo lease $2300/month. No pets/smoking. Text 860995-0330.

Their life deserves

Stories live more than fiveon. lines.

Tell theirs.

We make sharing it affordable.

Share your loved one’s story.

Remember your|loved ones obituaries@thegabber.com 727-321-6965

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

forever with us.

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

Real Estate For Rent

CONDO FOR RENT IN PASADENA

2 bedroom / 2 bath, dishwasher, disposal, free cable, heated pool, private patio.

No dogs allowed. Tenant pays electric only. $2,200 first, last, and security. Text: 727-5433291.

theGabber.com

Real Estate For Sale

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

Jeff Thomsen, Realtor Realean Real Estate

727-222-0099 JeffThomsen.com

CONDOMINIUM FOR SALE, SOUTH GULFPORT WATERFRONT Most favored Town Shores, Buckingham building. Unit #304.

Master and living room access balcony. 2 bedroom, 2 bath. 1255 sq.ft. Southern exposure. Fantastic view of Boca Ciega Bay. Covered parking. Mirrored living room wall.

Available now. Make offer. 727-643-6308, 810-610-7693.

Real Estate Wanted

SHORT TERM RENTAL NEEDED Writer with small dog seeking short-term apt or house w/hi-speed internet from January 1 thru March. No studio. Gulfport or SPB. Contact wes@wesleywhittaker.com

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C ity O f G ulfpOr t M eetinGs City Clerk’s Office • September 2022

September 5, 2022

City Hall Closed – Labor Day

September 6, 2022

Council Meeting – Millage Rate/Budget Hearings & Regular Meeting - 6:00 pm (In person and Zoom)

September 7, 2022

Planning and Zoning Board – No Meeting

September 13, 2022

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

September 14, 2022

Board of Adjustment – 6:00 pm

September 20, 2022

Council Meeting – Final Millage Rate/Budget Hearings & Regular Meeting - 6:00 p.m.

(In person and Zoom)

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

thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

Real Estate Snapshots

Here’s What Sold in Gulfport Last Week Other Gulfport Home Sales Last Week 4716 29th Ave. S. (Marina) This 1,224-squarefoot home, built in 1960, has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It listed at $598,376 and sold for $575,000.

CATHY SALUSTRI

5980 Shore Blvd. S., #505 (Town Shores) This 1,450-square-foot condo, built in 1972, has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It listed at $460,000 and sold for $465,000.

5900 Shore Blvd. S., 303 (Town Shores) This 1,450-square-foot condo, built in 1972, has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It listed at $389,000 and sold for $371,000.

2616 48th St. S. (Marina) This 2,413-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-bath home, built in 1925, listed at $695,000 and sold for $610,000.

2902 Beach Blvd S.

The Gabber lists real estate sales every week, as space allows. This may not be a comprehensive list of all homes and condos sold in Gulfport, and often does not include commercial properties or business sales.

www.GulfportRealty.com

#1 Listing Agency in Gulfport!

thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022

(727) 289-5500 31

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thegabber.com | September 1, 2022 - September 7, 2022