The Gabber: January 5, 2023

By Monroe Roark

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

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Cathy Salustri Loper cathy@thegabber.com

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Barry Loper barry@thegabber.com

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Joey Neill joey@thegabber.com

News & Politics

Monroe Roark monroe@thegabber.com

Features & Events

Cameron Healy cameron@thegabber.com

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Patrick Graney patrick@thegabber.com

Reporters

Mike Sunnucks, Crime Amanda Hagood, Books & Environment Jon Kile, Columnist Joe Opaleski, Columnist

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When the biggest highlight in your life for the past 30 years has been your weekly bridge night out with the "girls," what do you do when one of your foursome inconveniently dies? If you are Connie, Leona and Millie, you "borrow" the ashes from the funeral home for one last card game. The wildest, most exciting night of your lives involves a police raid, a stripper and a whole new way of looking at all the fun you can have when you're truly living.

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.

Thurs-Fri-Sat@ 8 PM, Sat & Sun@ 2PM Catherine Hickman Theater, 26th & Beach Tickets $20 ONLINE, $25 cash at the door www.GulfportCommunityPlayers.org

Recycling Questions

I read the article about recycling. I wish for more details about specific glass to sand. Does Gulfport recycle glass to sand? If so, where does the sand go? I believe this part of recycling is important and perhaps there could be an information screen at the Casino that might explain Gulfport’s future plans for its coastal areas, as an info-commercial that people can view. One side of the Casino has pictures of what’s happening in the Casino. Why not use another side to show Gulfport past to future, i.e., preps for

storms, drain issues, how to get sand. If Gulfport truly recycles glass to sand, this information needs disseminating, because I think the community needs to be helping and bringing awareness of the need to change how we treat refuse is important. –Bradford Daniel, “Lt. Dan.”, Gulfport

Crime Statistics

As a Gulfportian I would like to be informed re: police activity in Gulfport. I would be more alert in my surroundings if suspicious activity had taken place in certain areas. It’s

about citizens safety and awareness. –Frances Culbertson, Gulfport

A Wrap on Season Two

Massive thank yous to all staff, cast, and crews. Your professionalism and artistry have been a blessing and a inspiration. To all our sponsors, advertisers, volunteers and ticket buyers, I remain extremally honored and humbled by your love and support. All the best for a safe, healthy and fantastic new year. –Ward Smith Producing Artistic Director The Off-Central Players

The Gabber welcomes and encourages letters and commentary. One letter per person, per month. You must sign your real name and city to your letter, and letters should be less than 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 may also appear online and on The Gabber’s social media pages. We may also use commentary posted to The Gabber’s website and social media pages 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.

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

Through the Roof Nefarious Claims Drive Insurers Out of Florida

By Monroe Roark

State Rep. Linda Chaney’s report to Gulfport City Council at its Dec. 20 regular meeting was dominated by the attention given during the legislature’s recent special session to improving Florida’s property insurance situation in the wake of the latest hurricane season.

A Republican and a resident of St. Pete Beach, Chaney represents House District 61, which includes Gulfport, the beach cities, and the western portion of St. Petersburg.

“The goal of the special session was to stop the excessive litigation that we have in the state of Florida, that we’ve been experiencing for years, driving up our costs, and the activity by the bad actors,” she said, citing the actions of many attorneys and roofers who team up to make claims that should never have been made.

She then described what she called a typical scenario:

A company researches databases to find areas where storms have been prevalent in recent years. A van stops in one such neighborhood and a number of young people get out to start knocking on doors.

“A storm came through here five years ago,” begins the pitch. “I bet you have roof damage.”

The homeowner, thinking of all the insurance premiums paid over the years, thinks he or she deserves some repair work and encourages the team to take a look. As Chaney points out, it is amazing how every roof that is checked out seems to have some kind of damage, even if only a couple of shingles.

The assessors report the damage and tell the homeowner a free new roof is available. The homeowner is then instructed to sign an assignment of benefits, which takes him or her completely out of the process. Then an attorney instructs the in-

surance company that this house must have a new roof. The insurance weighs the $20,000 cost of a roof against $50,000 or more for litigation and chooses the less expensive option.

“What that has done is create a litigious environment where insurers are leaving the market,” said Chaney. “When we have less insurance companies to choose from, it drives rates up.”

The legislator said undoing this entire process is not something that will happen quickly, but the first steps have been taken. Legislation passed in the recent special session has reduced the amount of time in which a claim can be made.

“It used to be, even if seven years ago a storm came through, you could file a claim for roof damage. That really doesn’t make sense,” said Chaney. “If you have a dam-

Although Hurricanes Charley (the aftermath of which is pictured) and Ian landed south of Gulfport, that may not stop companies from encouraging property owners to file an insuance claim for a new roof. That’s part of why insurers are leaving Florida; here’s what the State’s doing to change that.

PIXABAY

Qualifying Paperwork Shines Light on Gulfport Candidates

By Monroe Roark

Qualifying to run for municipal elected office typically requires disclosures and government forms, and Gulfport City Council is no exception.

The Gabber requested the qualifying packets for each of the six candidates who qualified in December for the March election for Wards II and IV; the city clerk’s office provided them via email.

There are four candidates for the Ward II seat: incumbent Christine Brown, Christopher Butler-Jones, Jonathan Micocci, and Greg Simek.

The two candidates for the Ward IV seat are incumbent Michael Fridovich and Ian O’Hara.

To run for a seat on the council, each candidate must live in that ward for at least a year. The city charter also requires that each candidate submit at least 10 signatures of registered voters in the city to support his or her qualifying efforts. In the information The Gabber received, only the packets from Brown and Fridovich listed the individual signatories by name and address. Brown listed herself among the names on her report.

Each candidate is also required to provide primary and secondary sources of income, as well as real

property or intangible property owned. This led to a wide range of answers among the six candidates.

Brown is a teacher at Boca Ciega High School as well as a current Gulfport City Council member, and those are her two primary sources of income. She offered no secondary income sources or real property, and listed a tax-deferred annuity as intangible property. She claimed two creditors and no business interests.

Butler-Jones listed Comfort Cafe in Gulfport as his primary source of income and no other financial information. His campaign’s treasurer is listed specifically as “Kristopher Butler-Jones” in more than one place on campaign forms.

Simek’s primary income sources are a company called Body LLC and his Veterans Administration benefits, according to his paperwork. A pair of LLCs are listed in the category of real property.

Micocci reported income from commissions through Suncoast Group Realtors, a trust distribution from Boston Financial Management, social security benefits, and rental income through Airbnb. An

entity called Grand Media is listed in the secondary income category.

Ian O’Hara’s primary income source is from his position as a Winn Dixie meat clerk, according to his paperwork, and there is no other financial information.

Fridovich listed VA and social security benefits as his primary income sources, with no secondary or real estate-related income.

Only the two incumbents submitted any required financial information regarding the most recent campaign contribution reporting period, as it was in November and before qualifying. Brown cited a $308 loan she made to her own campaign, and Fridovich submitted a waiver showing no campaign activity for the November reporting period.

All qualifying information for the six candidates is a public record and can be accessed via the Gulfport City Clerk’s office site.

Don’t miss The Gabber’s candidate forum Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Catherine Hickman Theater. Candidates will discuss issues, so if you want to know how they feel about a certain issue relating to Gulfport, email elections@thegabber.com.

aged roof, you pretty much know if it’s leaking.”

In the last regular session the legislature shrank that time frame to two years, and the special session resulted in a further drop to only one year.

“So, if you have damage, file a claim,” said Chaney. “If you don’t have damage, don’t file a claim.”

Because insurance companies watch their books and track their profits and losses like any other industry, and some are still responding to storms from years past in addition to the most recent hurricanes such as Ian and Nicole, Chaney said it’s no surprise that companies are leaving the Florida market. But she believes the recent legislative action will slow that down.

“We have sent the message that we are no longer going to be a litigious state for property insurance claims,” she said. “That message is getting into the market so eventually insurance companies are going to start to come back. Those were the goals for us.”

The state also increased the amount of reinsurance it will provide for insurance companies to cover their liabilities in the current volatile market, and the legislature voted to stop one-way attorney fees, Chaney said.

“If somebody comes to your house and says, ‘I’m going to give you a free roof,’ and you know you don’t need a roof and that’s not really a legitimate claim, you now could be on the hook for your own attorneys’ fees for that claim,” she said. “Hopefully, that will stop some of those claims.”

The practice of issuing an assignment of benefits has also been stopped because, as Chaney put it, it was a middleman that drove up costs. Florida is joining a large number of other states that have ceased this practice.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has been empowered and funded more than before, with additional authority to discipline insurers who make questionable claims, she said.

“Insurance companies must now review and acknowledge a claim in seven days, not 14. That includes hurricanes,” she said. “If that’s not happening, OIR has the ability to fine these insurance companies and shut them down if necessary. We are trying to get more insurance

companies to come in, so they are going to look very closely and make sure that’s what needs to be done.”

Another new requirement is for insurance companies to provide physical inspections within 30 days instead of 45, and to decide whether to deny a claim within 60 days, not 90. Chaney said binding arbitration has been added as an option in policies should a homeowner choose to go in that direction instead of to court.

Chaney also addressed the status of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation in her presentation to council. She called state-funded Citizens “the insurer of last resort,” which should only be available to customers who cannot get insurance anywhere else.

“We raised that bar,” she said. “If you can find insurance within 20% of the Citizens rate, we want you to move there because we have to depopulate Citizens.”

She went on to point out that if the growth of Citizens continues and a severe storm comes through the state with a large number of claims, Citizens will have the ability to put a special assessment on every single Floridian, including the ones who do not even use that company.

More attention is likely to be given to the property insurance issue when the legislature convenes this month for its regular session.

“If you don’t have damage, don’t file a claim.”

For Whom the Road Tolls (For Less!) Savings to Come for Frequent Toll Users

By Monroe Roark

Local residents who are frequent users of toll roads in and around Pinellas County will see something extra in their wallets in 2023.

State Rep. Linda Chaney reported to Gulfport City Council at its Dec. 20 regular meeting that a 12-month plan was approved at the state level allowing motorists with 35 or more toll transactions per month to do so at half-price. The discount will be credited each month for those customers with transponders on their vehicles.

On Dec. 15, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 6A, establishing the Toll Relief Program through the Florida Department of Transportation. The governor originally proposed the legislation last September and it passed during the legislature’s recent special session, officials said.

The Toll Relief Program began Jan. 1 and runs through Dec. 31, 2023.

“I promised Floridians that I would find additional ways to provide toll relief for Florida families,” said DeSantis. “With this legislation, we are keeping that promise to help hard-working families keep more money in their pockets. I applaud the Florida Legislature for prioritizing this during the special session.”

Under the Toll Relief Program,

drivers who use SunPass or other Florida-based transponders and have 35 or more qualifying toll transactions per month will receive a 50 percent credit to their account. This program is expected to benefit approximately 1.2 million drivers and will save the average commuter nearly $400 in the 2023 calendar year.

“This program provides impactful cost savings to Floridians and directly benefits individuals and families by helping with today’s financial challenges,” said Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez. “This is an essential move forward in giving commuters much-needed relief and I commend Gov. DeSantis, FDOT, and the Florida Legislature for continuing to prioritize Florida families.”

“For many Floridians, tolls are an unavoidable cost of commuting to work five or six days a week,” said Senator Nick DiCeglie. “This bill is a common-sense solution that provides relief at a time when Floridians need it the most. I’m thankful the

governor supports this legislation to make tolls more affordable for commuters across the state.”

“FDOT is thrilled to offer the Toll Relief Program to help Floridians with the challenges of rising costs of life,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue. “Customers are at the center of all we do at FDOT, and this program will truly make an immediate impact on the everyday lives of our customers.”

The 2023 Toll Relief Program builds upon the SunPass Savings Program debuted by DeSantis in August, which was expected to provide almost $40 million in savings to those who use Florida’s Turnpike System and FDOT-owned toll facilities. The SunPass Savings Program was approved for six months, but has now sunset as the Toll Relief Program begins.

State officials reported that, since its introduction, the SunPass Savings Program has saved an average of 371,000 commuters more than $13.3 million.

Crossing the Skyway as part of your daily drive? It just got a whole lot cheaper.

Rosewood Remembered

What We Learned From One of Florida’s Most Violent Race-Related Tragedies

By James Schnur

Publisher’s Note: On the 100th anniversary of the murders at Rosewood, Florida, The Gabber has devoted several pages to a retelling of the massacre. It is our hope that by shedding light on the darkest parts of our history, we will not ever travel the same path. Readers who want to learn more should visit rememberingrosewood.org.

As Floridians begin the new year, another significant event in Florida’s history crosses the century mark. During much of the 20th century, the word “Rosewood” held little meaning to most people in our state. An elderly few remembered, but most never knew, and those who did tried to forget.

By the 1990s, “Rosewood” took on an entirely different significance in the lexicon of Florida and much of the world. This happened not because of the aromatic scent of certain trees that provided the word’s origin, but because of the pungent scent of hatred that occurred during a scorched-earth, racist fit of rage in Levy County in the first week of January 1923.

Long before phrases like “woke” and “critical race theory” became common parlance, Black people living in Rosewood woke up to a

reign of critical racial violence that not only canceled their cultural institutions and community, but also encouraged state leaders to silence discussion of what happened during the Florida land boom.

Florida Dreams

During the early 20th century, Florida offered opportunities for new beginnings to many people. The sto-

ries of seasonal visitors arriving by railroad, invalids seeking relief from tuberculosis, and those wanting to live in a subtropical paradise with endless sources of freshwater and abundant citrus groves, filled promotional literature from those times as well as history books today.

Another group also pursued their Florida dream, albeit a different one. Black people migrated from Georgia, Alabama, and other southern

THOUGHT EXPERIMENT

IF EVERY HEAD OF STATE WERE A WOMAN WOULD THERE BE A. MORE WARS

THE SAME NUMBER OF WARS

FEWER WARS

EMPOWERED WOMEN OUR ONLY HOPE

A home in the Black settlement of Rosewood on fire, January 4, 1923.

FLORIDA MEMORY

states. Some settled in Levy County, near the railroad line that once closely followed the path of State Route 24 past Bronson and Otter Creek on the way to Cedar Key. They chopped down the tall cedar trees that became pencils in local mills, harvested turpentine from thick for-

ests of pine, and lived in peace near their white neighbors at the settlement of Rosewood.

Early Florida Nightmares

The amicable relations between the races in Rosewood amounted

to more of a carefully maintained racial détente than a friendship between people with equal opportunities to pursue their Florida dreams. By 1900, with the closure of nearby pencil mills, many of the white residents of Rosewood moved to Sumner, a settlement a little more than two miles to the southwest.

During the 1910s, incidents of lynching and racial violence increased in Florida. Black men who had won the right to vote under the 15th Amendment were disenfranchised in increasing numbers due to literacy tests and other attempts to silence their voice. Governors Park Trammell (1913-1917) and Sidney Catts (1917-1921) proudly embraced white supremacy and considered the growing political clout of the Ku Klux Klan in Florida an asset, not a liability.

Voter Fraud Claims

Set the Stage

Black people exercising their right to vote in Florida a century ago

Rosewood continued on page 10

A lonely road sign along State Route 24 identifies the former site of Rosewood.

JAMES SCHNUR

risked their lives. This became obvious to much of America on November 2, 1920. On the day that voters nationwide cast their ballots for Warren G. Harding’s pledge of a return to “normalcy,” Black people in the Orange County settlement of Ocoee learned that voting led to a “normalcy” common before the Civil War. On a day known by many historians as the “single bloodiest day in modern American political history,” the Ocoee massacre targeted Black people who tried to cast a ballot.

Self-appointed vigilantes “policed” their view of election integrity by burning down most of Ocoee’s Black people community, killing a still-unknown number of Black people (that number certainly surpassed the once-accepted number of 30) and transformed the area into an all-white “sundown town” soon thereafter. These election “enforcers” even took the body of one man to Orlando, where they hung it atop a light post to send a message to anyone who questioned their “freedom” to maintain the status quo in Florida.

“They Went to Killin’ Everything”

Not inspired by anger about Black people voting, the massacre at Rosewood followed another path common for vigilante justice at the time: a claim by a woman that an unknown Black man had come to her home and assaulted her. Frances “Fanny” Taylor, a 22 year-old, married white woman in Sumner, screamed in her home. A neighbor soon arrived with revolver in hand, and found the young mother scratched and bruised.

Shortly after the neighbor located Fanny’s baby safe in the other room, rumors in Sumner about claims of assault soon transformed into stories about robbery and rape. This incident occurred a day after a large Klan gathering in Gainesville, less than 50 miles away, had included a cross-burning near a banner reading “First and Always Protect Womanhood.”

Many details of what followed have disappeared from the record. Some believe a white man with whom Taylor had an affair had in-

flicted her wounds. White people in Sumner and throughout Levy County pointed their fingers in a different direction, toward Rosewood. The sheriff summoned a posse and deputized many angry men, some of whom brought along their detection dogs.

The situation quickly deteriorated. Vigilantes soon seized one man, tortured him, shot him in the face, and hung his disfigured body to send a message. Some took pieces of the man’s clothing as a souvenir. Mobs gathered, set homes and churches aflame, and exercised their brutal injustice.

Some white people tried to protect their neighbors, a story not told by most mainstream newspapers that instead painted Rosewood as a place where armed-and-dangerous Black people bore responsibility for their fate.

As violence continued and many Black residents sought safety in alligator-infested swamps and hammocks, Gov. Cary A. Hardee tried to quiet news accounts of the massacre. The damage was al-

Many Black people in Rosewood harvested turpentine from nearby pine trees.

ready done: White vigilantes began to arrive from other parts of Florida, even from neighboring states, hoping to restore their version of “law and order” in Levy County.

On January 7, 1923, after nearly all Black people had fled the area, a mob burned most of what remained of Rosewood to the ground. A few white people and a still-uncertain number of Black people had perished during this week of violence that had eradicated a settlement of more than 300 people.

“They went to killin’ everything,” was one of many powerful quotes survivors shared with Gary Moore about the massacre. Moore wrote an account of the incident, published by the St. Petersburg Times (now the Tampa Bay Times ) on July 25, 1982. More than 59 years after the terrorists canceled Rosewood’s community, Moore captured fragmented and incomplete memories that had never previously appeared in a single Florida history textbook.

Reconstructing Shattered Memories

Similar to Ocoee after 1920, Black people avoided the area around the largely abandoned Rosewood settlement, as well as Sumner and Cedar Key. Along with their physical diaspora, Black people who left Rosewood tried to suppress memories of this event, did not pass them along through oral tradition, and silenced younger generations when they had questions about sketchy

childhood memories of leaving their homes.

Government officials also did their share to obscure the event, and their complicity. Cary Hardee wanted to celebrate the state’s potential as a place for those seeking to invest in the Florida dream and to move to places like St. Petersburg. Hardee sought to quash any stories about racial disturbances that might scare white transplants or the nonwhite laborers, cooks, builders, and laundresses necessary to turn these transplants’ dreams into a reality.

An all-white grand jury that convened in Bronson in February 1923 failed to recommend any charges, despite the testimony of eight courageous Black witnesses. Southern papers generally justified the mob violence as a necessary measure to protect “womanhood”; northern papers reduced the events to proof of the South’s “backwardness,” rather than as yet more evidence of the

nation’s poor record on race relations.

Moore’s 1982 article rekindled memories. A decade later, scholars painstakingly did their best to collect more memories, publishing a two-volume documented history in December 1993, nearly 71 years after the incident. Many scholarly and popular histories, along with a 1997 feature film, have shared the story of what happened at Rosewood, with varying levels of accuracy and literary license. But they have helped preserve memories of an important event in Florida history.

Rosewood Matters

In May 2004, Gov. Jeb Bush was present for the dedication of a historic marker along State Route 24. The two-sided message on this marker summarized a terroristic chapter of Florida history that, at the time, people on both sides of the aisle agreed should be remembered.

Cary A. Hardee, Florida’s governor during the Rosewood massacre, did not want news of Rosewood to dampen excitement about Florida during the land boom.

FLORIDA MEMORY

95 Years of Love (But Lots of Game, Too) Nonagenarian Tennis Champ Honored by St. Pete Club

By Monroe Roark

Tennis is a sport that virtually has no age limit. Jim Mackey has proven it.

After picking up a racket at 50 years of age, the St. Petersburg resident was a force in the sport for decades, winning multiple national championships in singles and doubles at an age when some Americans have trouble walking across a tennis court, let alone competing in a match on one.

The 97-year-old, who retired from playing only two years ago, was honored Dec. 6 at the St. Petersburg Tennis Center along with former doubles partner Bob Meyerdierck, who was out of town and unable to attend. The duo won the USTA National Grass Court Championships and the USTA National Clay Court Championships in the men’s 85 division in 2011, finishing that year ranked first in the nation in their age group.

Since his 65th birthday, Mackey has won 13 national championships and finished as runner-up an equal number of times. That’s a total of 26 national finals he has played over the years.

Tennis has changed somewhat since he started playing in the late 1970s, particularly the equipment. “I started with a T-2000,” he said, re-

ferring to his first racket. “That’s the one Jimmy Connors used.”

For years Mackey worked out on the courts at Jack Puryear Park on the eastern end of 62nd Ave. N. He also taught lessons there at various times.

One morning at the park he met a man who was watching his daughter hit balls being propelled from a

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ball machine. The girl loved tennis but did not have the option of a tennis academy or an expensive coach.

The man asked Mackey and his friend Leo Toulon if they would spend some time on the other side of the net returning her shots. The two men volleyed whatever she sent their way.

“She was only 12, 13, 14, somewhere in there,” said Mackey. “Her best shot was her two-handed backhand. She’d knock you down with it, I tell you. She was tough.”

Her name was Danielle Collins, and that two-handed backhand is still her best shot, except she uses it now on the professional tour. After graduating from Northeast High and winning two NCAA singles titles in college, she turned pro and has been ranked as high as seventh in the world, with her biggest achievement to date a runner-up finish at the Australian Open last January.

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Macular degeneration finally forced Mackey to hang up his racket for good, but not until the age of 95. He proved definitively that tennis can be enjoyed regardless of age. As he put it: “It’s a lifetime sport.”

Jim Mackey (right) with St. Petersburg Tennis Center director Jack Bailey.

ST. PETERSBURG TENNIS CENTER

Keep-on-Giving Trees

St. Pete Residents Can Recycle Holiday Trees Into Mulch

By Monroe Roark

If you live in St. Petersburg and need someone to haul away your Christmas tree at no cost, here’s your chance.

City officials announced a onetime citywide collection on Saturday, Jan. 14. All lights, ornaments, garland, tree stands, plastic tree disposal bags, and other decorations must be removed first. Strands of Christmas lights can get tangled in recycling machines and cause significant equipment damage. City officials recommend reducing waste by reusing lights and ornaments or donating them.

The tree should be placed outside for collection before 7 a.m. Jan. 14 in the same location where trash is usually collected. That means if trash is picked up at the curb, put the tree at the curb. If trash is collected in the alley, put the tree in the alley.

Do not put the tree inside a trash or recycling container, and do not lean the tree against electrical poles, trash containers, water meters, etc.

An added benefit for residents is that the collected trees will be turned into mulch, which will be offered for free at the city’s various brush sites.

If you miss the collection, residents can also drop trees off at any

Fun Fact: Christmas trees get recycled into mulch, and sometimes that can mean sparkly mulch!

of the following locations:

• 1000 62nd Ave. NE

•7750 26th Ave. N.

•2500 26th Ave. S.

•4015 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. S.

• 2453 20th Ave. N.

Brush sites are open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you bring a tree, you will need a photo ID and water bill for proof of residency. More information is available at stpete.org/brushsites.

Anyone who misses the collection event can also request a special pickup of their Christmas tree by submitting a request at stpete.org/service or by calling the Sanitation Department at 727893-7398 during normal business hours.

Residents of apartments and condos should check with property managers for proper disposal of Christmas trees.

CATHY SALUSTRI

Queen of Naps Sure, it’s the first week of the year, and everyone’s resolved to move more, but — stay with us here — what if you made a resolution to take more time for self-care, including naps? Then you have to meet Queen

She’s not averse to toys, but really, that’s just to work up the energy for more naps. Think she’s right for your family? Set up a meet and greet with Friends of Strays. friendsofstrays.org/ adopt

ing, long walks, snoozing on the couch, and giving you kisses. She’s a treeing walker coonhound and will do best in a home that isn’t an apartments, condo, or townhome. Come meet Ethel, your newest walk and nap and snuggle buddy!

you’ve ever loved a hound, you know about the sonorous song of the happy hound, and this 51-pound, 2-yearold would just love to sing you the song of her people. She’s into all the usual hound things: sniffing, track-

Zaniest Dog on Three Legs Zane came to Pet Pal from another shelter just before Thanksgiving, and he had a leg injury that required amputation, but he’s recovered and ready

PET PAL PET PAL

to stretch his remaining legs. Yup, he loves walks and chasing toys in the yard. He’s a 1-year-old, 50-pound Siberian Husky or Siberian Husky mix. Home ownership required, and he’s not suited for apartment life.

The Doctor Is In Dolittle’s an outgoing guy with a big heart and big personality. Shelter staff tells us they’ve heard rumors this 3-yearold, 14-pound chihuahua-terrier mix can talk to your other pets, so when you adopt him, let us know if this is true.

For Whom the Bell Purrs Pet Pal staff rescued Bell while she and her litter of kittens were living outside. The kittens, if course, all found homes right away, but this 1-year-old calico’s still waiting for her purr-ever person. Meet her at Pet Food Warehouse, 1830 61st Ave. N., St. Pete; 727-521-6191. petfoodstpete.com.

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

MD • 727-300-0933 KAREN MONROE M.D.

Thursday, Jan. 12 • 7:00pm

Leigh Davis

Dr. Lillian Dunlap

PET PAL PET PAL

Grapefruit Leagues at the Trop, Disney

Because of Ian, the Rays Will Train at Home and at Wide World of Sports

By Monroe Roark

Tampa Bay Rays fans will have more opportunities in 2023 to see the team just a few miles down the road.

Officials announced Dec. 20 that most of the Rays’ home games on their Grapefruit League schedule during spring training will be played at Tropicana Field. This comes on the heels of the team’s decision to conduct the first phase of spring training at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports complex.

The Rays’ spring training home for more than a decade has been in Port Charlotte, but the team announced in December that it would not be possible to train there this coming year due to heavy damage at the Charlotte Sports Park facility from Hurricane Ian. The plan is to clean up and repair the complex in time to return in 2024.

Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report Feb. 14 with early arrivals set to show up Feb. 6. The Rays will operate their big league camp at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex from then until March 1. There are plans for a Feb. 28 home game there as well.

The team is essentially making

a return visit to St. Petersburg for spring training, having played their spring home games at Al Lang Field from 1998 to 2008 before the move to Port Charlotte.

The minor league camp will be based out of the Disney complex in Lake Buena Vista throughout spring training.

Ticket information for the Rays’ spring training games will be released in January. Some minor changes to the Grapefruit League schedule are expected due to the

relocation of the games.

“We are thankful for Disney’s willingness and ability to accommodate our unexpected spring training needs,” Rays president Matt Silverman said in a statement. “ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will provide our players and coaches with first-class facilities for their annual ramp-up to the season.”

The Atlanta Braves used the Disney facility for 22 years, most recently in 2019, before moving their spring training operations to CoolToday Park in North Port. The multifield Disney complex will give the Rays the space they need for their spring training workouts.

The Rays also have history at “The Stadium,” formerly known as Champion Stadium. Tampa Bay previously hosted six regular-season games at the Disney ballpark, sweeping a series against the Rangers in May 2007 then winning three games against the Blue Jays in April 2008.

“We are thrilled to be bringing Major League Baseball back to Walt Disney World Resort,” Faron Kelley, vice president of Disney Sports, said in a statement. “We’re always looking for top-tier events, like the Rays’ spring training, for our guests to enjoy at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.”

Tropicana Field will host Tampa Bay Rays spring training games.

CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG

Shooting for the Stars Boca Ciega High’s Girls Basketball Team Ready For the Season

By Andrew Hill

There is no “I” in team... Teamwork makes a dream work.

Such slogans will need to be embraced by the Boca Ciega High School girls basketball team, which lost eight seniors to graduation or transfer prior to the 2022 season.

So far, seventh-year coach Cheryl Greene said she and assistant coach Arian Odem like what they see.

“We are playing really well as a team,” Greene said. “There are good vibes and good energy. The camaraderie is spectacular. They are willing to learn and listen.”

Greene said last year’s 19-6 team was very skilled and teamwork was not heavily depended upon for victories. Most notable of the departures from the 3A-9 district championship team could be Olivia Delancey, who averaged 25 points per game and is now part of the St. Petersburg College squad.

Greene said highlights on both ends of the floor will likely come from My’Ah Thompson and junior Maliyah Byrd, the Pirates’ lone two returning starters. Both ladies, Greene said, are skillful shooters and strict defenders.

“Ma’Ah has been elected senior captain, and we’re definitely looking for her to score big, Maliyah as well,” Greene said. “Both are great dribblers and ball handlers.”

CATHY SALUSTRI

Another basketball quip is “you can’t coach height,” and Greene describes the Pirates’ height as “decent.” Skyy Dorsey transferred back to Boca Ciega for her senior year and, like freshman Maria Ciro, is listed as 5’10.

Ciro has already impressed early this season.

“She had nine blocks in her first game,” Greene said.

Another defensive standout is Azaria Hall, a junior who has fa-

miliarity with the Pirates program after playing on the junior varsity team for the past two seasons.

The Pirates’ 2022 roster is rounded out by Juniors Tiffany Nelson, Julianna Holmes, Passion Salmon and Kierra Weaver.

One of the matchups Boca Ciega has circled this season is Clearwater, the school which ended the Pirates’ tournament play last season. The two will tangle on Jan. 11 in Gulfport.

Despite losing eight seniors last year, the Boca Ciega High girls basketball team coaches like their chances for the upcoming season.

business beat

Doctors, Chefs, and Pirates, Oh My! New

Businesses (And a New Chef!) in Gulfport & Tierra Verde

By Cameron Healy

The Doctor Will Be In – Soon

Keep an eye out for the opening of Labrador Primary Care Center. The third location of Labrador Primary Care resides next door to the Dunkin’ at 5602 Gulfport Blvd. S. in Gulfport.

On Jan. 19, 2022 the center hosted a ceremony for the construction of the new facility. As the year finishes up, the building is still in the works, but looks to be finished soon.

Labrador Primary Care Center 5602 Gulfport Blvd. S., Gulfport. drlabrador.com

Ahoy, Matey!

Batten down the hatches and climb aboard to try American cuisine and comfort food from this pirate-themed entertainment bar, Jolly Roger’s Grub & Pub.

This restaurant pays tribute to Tampa Bay’s pirate heritage by incorporating pirate-inspired menu items. Perhaps start your night out with some “Shiver me tenders” then look at entrees such as their “Scally wag ribs.” Or possibly you’re thinking of ordering one of their famous “Hamb’ARGH’gers,” since this is the home of the Tampa Bay’s award-winning ultimate burger of 2022.

According to their “pirate code,” this is an adult-oriented environment where situations are rated “ARRR,” so they suggest parents to be cautious when entering with their little buccaneers. The menu does include a section for these youngins that include items such as “I want McDonald’s” and “My parents hate me.”

If you’re looking for a fun new restaurant, Jolly Roger’s Grub & Pub might be the place to be. It promises a good time, with daily specials and regular events.

Jolly Rogers Grub & Pub 32 Madonna Blvd., Tierra Verde 727-498-6736, jollyrogerspub.com

Peninsula’s New Chef Has Impressive Chops

The Historic Peninsula Inn welcomes chef Nate Hardin to their team as their new executive chef partner.

According to the Inn, Hardin has more than a decade of experience in the commercial kitchens. He spent time at various restaurants serving as the Chef de Cuisine at Highball & Harvest at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes, and as the Executive Sous Chef at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar in Miami Beach.

The Tampa native served as the Executive Chef closeby at Armature Works, but now he makes a new home at the Historic Peninsula Inn right here in Gulfport.

“We are really excited to bring

an executive chef from Tampa to Gulfport,” said Partner Manager Chi Charrak. “And bring some good foods with reasonable prices as well.”

Charrak told The Gabber he is excited for what Hardin plans on bringing to the table, new ideas and food.

Changes are definitely happening to the entire menu for the better. The brunch and dinner menus will completely change, and the snacks and bites section of the menu will be slightly modified.

“He cooks really well and his food is really delicious,” Charrak said. “Everything that Chef Nate makes is fantastic.”

Stop by the Historic Peninsula Inn to taste Chef Nate’s newest and latest creations for Gulfport.

The Historic Peninsula Inn, 2937 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport.

Hardin is ready to serve Gulfport his best creations.

THE HISTORIC PENINSULA INN

arts

A Big, Fat, Greek Thriller A Thrill Ride

From a Gulfport-Grown Author

By Amanda Hagood

Whether it’s harvesting sponges in a canvas suit, or retrieving a golden cross on Epiphany, Tarpon Springs is famous for its diving. But when you dive into Emilie Richards’s poignant thriller The House Guests (Mira Books, 2021), set in this historic Pinellas town, you’ll find more than quaint traditions (or marine invertebrates). You’ll discover a riveting domestic suspense that gets darker and richer the deeper you swim.

The story begins with two mothers struggling to keep their families together. Cassie, a Tarpon Springs native, has just moved home from New York with her angsty step-daughter Savannah in tow; both are haunted by the mysterious death of Cassie’s husband. Amber, a single mom with a troubled history, works hard to support her teenage son Will –while keeping them both well off the radar. After a bizarre coincidence brings the two families together, an unlikely friendship blooms. But just when their lives seems to be getting on track, the past comes back to haunt them, placing all they love in grave danger.

Richards, who grew up in Gulfport, vividly remembers an elementary school trip to Tarpon Springs, where she was fascinated by the city’s Greek traditions. This heritage figures prominently in The House Guests: Much of the action takes place in Cassie’s family’s traditional Greek restaurant, and Greek cuisine and holiday traditions abound. This in itself makes the book quite enjoyable (it doesn’t hurt that Cassie’s favorite thing to cook is baklava).

At more than 500 pages, The House Guests is a hefty volume. Like a good Polaroid picture (minus

the shaking), the characters develop slowly and vividly. Richards weaves complex and a sympathetic portraits of people wrestling, not always gracefully, with grief. Even teen drama queen Savannah, who starts the book by spending $800 she finds on the ground to throw a rager while her mom is away, learns to channel her anger and bewilderment at her father’s death into a kind, if misguided, quest to help Will find his father. In the end, I wanted to hug her.

It was no surprise, then, to hear that Richards puts a lot of effort into her characters. She credits at

least some of her acumen for human nature to growing up in postWWII Gulfport, where kids roamed freely and got to know lots of neighbors and townsfolk.

“It taught me a lot about human nature,” she says. She works extensively through character sketches and autobiographies in preparation for plotting out their actions. “But even so,” she adds, “they still surprise me when I’m actually writing them.”

Me, too. In fact, by time the novel’s climactic scene rolls around –trapping Amber, Will, and Cassie in the restaurant’s kitchen with a dangerous killer – I found myself pretty invested in the hope that these lost souls might, to quote The Brady Bunch, somehow form a family and overcome their past.

But they’ll have to survive it first…

Emilie Richards dives deep into troubled but compelling characters in The House Guests (Mira Books, 2021). But hold your breath – it’s a long trip and a doozy of an ending!

AMANDA HAGOOD

She credits at least some of her acumen for human nature to growing up in post-WWII Gulfport, where kids roamed freely and got to know lots of neighbors and townsfolk.

Calling All Hamilfans and Hamil-haters

Five Reasons You Should Cross the Bridge to See ‘Hamilton’

By David Warner

Maybe you’re a Hamilfan: You’ve seen Hamilton multiple times. Or maybe you’ve succumbed to the hype and the awards (Pulitzer, Tony, Emmy, Grammy) and are seeing the show for the first time during its run this month at the Straz. Or perhaps you’re a hater: You despise Hamilton because a) It’s not true history! or b) It’s that hip-hop stuff and that’s not music! or c) It couldn’t possibly be that good!

Here are five reasons why this Hamilfan still believes.

The Words

If you’re a newbie, listen to the original cast album and read Lin-Manuel Miranda’s lyrics, because there are lots of words, often sung or spoken really fast, and, in the hip-hop tradition, some brilliant rhyming. (I’m particularly fond of the exchange between young Alexander Hamilton and the man who will become his deadly rival, which moves from “Are you Aaron Burr, sir?” to “You punched the bursar.”) The sound mix at the Straz isn’t the best, either, so a little pre-show prep is useful.

The Music

It’s not just hip-hop. Miranda draws from multiple musical influences: I hear echoes of The Emotions, Beyoncé, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Gilbert & Sullivan, even ’60s pop rock. (King George’s infectious ditty “You’ll Be Back,” sung with gleeful ferocity by Peter Matthew Smith, recalls The Turtles’ “Happy Together.”) And there are songs — like “It’s Quiet Uptown,” sung after the loss of Hamilton’s young son — that are heartbreakingly lovely.

The Staging

From my perch in the mezzanine, I was more aware than ever of the brilliance of Andy Blankenbuehler’s choreography and the masterful staging by director Thomas Kail.

Moving in a style that can shift in seconds from sinuous to military, the ensemble is remarkably in sync with the action and each other. And I will never cease being amazed by the “rewind” in “Satisfied,” in which script, actors, and music literally go backwards in time.

The Performers

As Hamilton, Edred Utomi is a charismatic presence with a welcome light touch, and David Park’s prancing-dandy footwork as Thomas Jefferson was a delight. The women in this production were particularly strong; I was especially impressed by Yana Perrault as Peggy Schuyler, played not as the hapless tagalong sister, but as a woman with her own ironic point of view, and by her take on Maria Reynolds, so seductive that we understood how she could lure Hamilton to cheat on his wife.

Two of the standout performances on opening night were by local heroes. Deejay Young, a graduate of Tampa’s Blake High School, brought passion and urgency to the key role

of Aaron Burr. Jon Victor Corpuz, a Patel Conservatory alum, played the dual roles of Jon Laurens and Philip Hamilton with convincing impetuousness and sharp, clear vocals.

And Yes, The History

OK, George Washington wasn’t Black. And maybe Alexander Hamilton wasn’t all that.

But Hamilton isn’t meant to be a history lesson. It does, with its intentionally race-blind casting and polyglot score, succeed in bringing new voices into the narrative. And I realized on watching it this time that it gets to a key dichotomy in American politics that, for better or worse, still obtains today: the tension between ambition and compromise.

Sometimes that tension can lead to monumental agreements, even if behind closed doors, as in the now-iconic “The Room Where It Happens.”

But sometimes it leads to a duel.

Hamilton Straz Center, Tampa. Through Jan. 22; times vary. strazcenter.org.

Edred Utomi (center) and the Broadway touring company of Hamilton.

JOAN MARCUS

things to do

Art Markets, Comic Con, and Cooking Classes

Thursday, January 5 & Saturday, January 7

Sunshine City Dancers Attention all dancers! Sunshine City Dancers is holding auditions for women who have experience in dance, jazz, cheer, drill team, and who can dance a choreographed routine while also marching one to three miles for parades. They’re looking for women above the age of 18. For the auditions, bring the proper indoor shoes and/or dance shoes and a water bottle. Auditions can last up to two hours. Thursday: Premier Dance Academy, 132 N. Starcrest Dr., Clearwater. 6:30 p.m., Saturday: Bayou Dance Club, 6541 102nd Ave. N., Pinellas Park. 10:30 a.m. 727-919-1099.

Thursday, January 5

Italian Language Classes It’s never too late to learn another language. Check out these Italian language classes provided by the Italian American Society of St. Petersburg. Two-hour classes every Thursday

will teach beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of Italian. The course is free, but you will have to purchase the course’s textbook.  Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport. 6 p.m. 727893-1231, iasosp.org

Friday, January 6

Grief Share Meeting It’s not easy losing someone important, which is why Richard and Beverly Hayes are holding a grief share group. This is a 13week group session for anyone who needs a shoulder to lean on. All are welcome to join any time throughout the 13 weeks.  Cornerstone Community Church, 6745 38th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 727-6434503, griefshare.org

Artist of the Month Join the opening reception of the Brenda McMahon Gallery’s artist of the month. During Gulfport’s First Friday Art Walk, come to the gallery and enjoy the art of realism painter James Rivoli. Rivoli creates realistic and detailed

paintings of local waterways, vintage cars, and architecture. Check out his work for the entire month of January.  Brenda McMahon Gallery, 2901 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. 5 p.m.-9 p.m. 518-692-7742, brendamcmahongallery.com

Laugh Your Bums Off Let’s start the new year with a good laugh. Spend Friday night with your friends and one of St. Pete’s best comedians at this comedy night hosted by comedian Forrest Beers. Secure your tickets online! The Studio@620, 620 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 8 p.m. $10. 727-8956620, thestudioat620.org

Saturday, January 7 & Sunday, January 8

Craft Art Festival Do you love art and nature? Check out the 29th Annual St. Pete Beach Corey Area Craft Festival. This outdoor, two-day event invites everyone to experience contemporary art from more than 100 of the nation’s most talent-

Learn more about preserving firsthand recollections of U.S. military veterans at the Veterans History Project information session.

ABBY BAKER

ed craft artisans. You can expect to see a variety of ceramics, clothing, jewelry, paintings, and photography all on display. There will also be a green market full of plants, flowers, handmade soap, and gourmet spices.  350 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. artfestival.com

Get Your Comic Con On St. Pete Comic Con is here! Time to cosplay as your favorite characters with your friends and family. Voice actors of various anime show and movies, comic artists, and Florida’s top cosplayers plan to make an appearance at the two-day event. Save your spot online so you don’t miss out on the special guests, vendors, and all the activities.  St. Petersburg Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $25-125. stpete.floridacomiccons.com

Saturday, January 7

Sip + Stretch Here’s to your new favorite combo: wine and yoga. It’s

the only guided, full-body stretch exercise where you are rewarded with wine. You’ll receive a flight of three wines, one before the session, one in between two stretch sets, and one after the exercise. Mats will not be provided so prepare to bring your own.  MUST Wine Loft, 442 2nd St. N., St. Petersburg. 12 p.m. $25. 727-289-6418, mustwineonline.com

Sunday, January 8

Sunday Morning Market Spend your Sunday morning leisurely shopping at the Corey Avenue Sunday Market. The market has up to 75 vendors with products such as organic and local vegetables, gourmet treats, and lots of local craft art. Enjoy the live music of local artists as you stroll by different vendors.  Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. coreyave.com

Tuesday, January 10

Veterans History Project Are you an American veteran? Do you know

someone who is? Join the veterans history project information session hosted by volunteer coordinator Michael Lyons. This project intends to preserve firsthand recollections of U.S. military veterans in order to directly demonstrate what they saw, experienced, and felt during their service. All veterans are welcome, as well as those who want to learn more. St. Pete Beach Public Library, 365 73rd Ave., St Pete Beach. 11 a.m. 727-363-9238, spblibrary.com.

Prep, Cook, + Eat New year means trying new things! Join this local cooking class with registered dietitian Wendy Wesley as she teaches you how to cook jumbo crab and shrimp cakes. This is a great hands-on cooking class that incorporates nutrition education. Sign up online and all the ingredients and equipment will be provided at the class.  Allendale United Methodist Church, 3803 Haines Road N., St. Petersburg. 6 p.m. $39. 727-5276694, wendywesleynutrition.com

TAMPA BAY’S LARGEST MONTHLY VINTAGE MARKET

Photos by Cameron Healy

Karen Robinson, Ruskin: “To be able to control the only person on earth that I have control over: myself.”

Verna and Bill Tabscott, Gulfport: “To be more in love with my sweetheart.”

Colby Stratman, St. Pete: “To talk to more people in terms of exposing myself to more ideas and cultures.”

Aurora Motes, Bayshore: “Create more than I consume.”

worship

AN EPISCOPAL CONGREGATION

330 85th Avenue • St. Pete Beach

Unitarian Universalist United Fellowship

Good Shepherd Old Catholic Church

Reverend Omar Reyes Sundays 10:00am Holy Eucharist Wednesdays 11:00am Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing 727-360-8406 • www.StAlbanStPeteBeach.org

During the pandemic join us Sundays on Zoom.

“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.”

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

Computer Service CLEAR NUMBERS BOOKKEEPING

Accounting

Caregivers

PRIVATE DUTY NURSING CARE SERVICES

Qualified RN, 20+ years of experience. Offers care in comfort of patients, in their own home, or in a facility such as hospitals or nursing homes. Offers compassionate care, reliable, trustworthy. Excellent references. Please contact 727-709-0513.

HOMEWATCH

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/ St-Pete-Beach AHCA #299995153

Electrical

SEMI-RETIRED CARPENTER At discount prices! Free estimates. Frame and finish work. Clearwater, Gulfport and Pinellas Park areas. Call the Door Doctor. Gus: 727644-6194.

PROFESSIONAL LOCAL HANDYMAN Bathrooms, kitchens. drywall, painting, custom high-end finishing. Any job undertaken, honest pricing. Insured, reliable. 347-9730814.

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.

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. 727-410-7323.

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.

TREE

BY PAYLESS

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

IRRIGATION STAIN REMOVAL

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

Lawn & Landscape

GROUP MEETS

THURSDAYS

Pasadena Community Church / Life Enrichment Building / Classroom 3c, 227 70th St. S., St. Petersburg, Fl 33707. Free, no registration, 7 p.m. Call 727-410-1569 for more information. Website: https://dbsatampabay.org

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.

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 ARRON’S HAULINGONE CALL HAULS IT ALL

Full service removal of junk/trash for your home or business. Appliances, furniture, TV, carpet, concrete, yard debris, paints/chemicals, overgrown lawns, etc. Hoarding, eviction, foreclosure clean outs. 727-623-7219.

Painting

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

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

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

THE PEARL - HIRING FULL TIME

Experienced Line Cook, Prep Cook, Dishwasher. Email resume to thepearlrestaurant@gmail.com. The Pearl Restaurant, 5802 28th Ave. S., Gulfport, FL 33707

Card of Thanks

POWERFUL PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Powerful Prayer To The Holy Spirit, you who solves all problems, who lights all roads so that I can attain my goal, you who give me the divine gifts to forgive and forget all evil against me and that in all instances of my life you are with me, I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things and confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you, even in spite of all material illusions. I wish to be with you, in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy toward me and mine. The person must say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. After 3 days the favor requested will be granted, even if it may appear difficult. This prayer must be published immediately after the favor is granted, without mentioning the favor, only your initials should appear at the bottom. 4AA

For Sale

NEW WHEEL CHAIR

Never been used. Perfect for the right person. $150. 727-366-1033.

General

GULFPORT LIONS

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

This is a notice that the limited liability company Flow Wellness & Healing Arts LLC, is hereby doing business under the name of Flow Wellness.

preferred. Call 404-822-4327.

Plumbing

PETE S.

Real Estate Snapshots

Here’s What Sold in Gulfport Last Week

2122 Premier Dr. S. (Pasadena Yacht & Country Club)

This four-bedroom, three-bath home listed and sold for for $750,000. It has 2,388 square feet and dates to 1958.

Other Gulfport Home Sales Last Week

3128 59th St. S., #405 (Town Shores)

This 815-square-foot, one-bedroom, one-bath condo, built in 1972, listed and sold for $259,000.

Treasure Island Home Sales Last Week

145 104th Ave., #9 (Amadeus Condos)

This 1996 condo has two bedrooms, two baths, and 955 square feet. It listed for $635,000 and sold for $615,000.

10265 Gulf Blvd., no unit number given (Westwind Resort)

This two-bedroom, one-bath condo, built in 1967, has 795 square feet. It listed and sold for $470,000.

450 Treasure Island Causeway, #602 (Treasure Island Tennis & Yacht Club)

This 1974 condo has one bedroom, one-and-one-half baths, and 885 square feet. It listed for $315,000 and sold for $310,000.

St. Pete Beach Home Sales Last Week

3201 De Bazan Ave. (Don Ce Sar Place)

This 1,980-square-foot home, built in 1960, has three bedrooms and three baths. It listed for $850,000 and sold for $825,000.

6500 Sunset Way, #510 (Silver Sands)

This 1983 condo has two bedrooms, two baths, and 1,470 square feet. It listed for $725,000 and sold for $715,000.

6600 Sunset Way, #306 (Silver Sands)

This 1985 condo has two bedrooms, two baths, and 1,470 square feet. It listed for $725,000 and sold for $690,000.

510 72nd Ave. (Corey)

This 1987 home has two bedrooms, two baths, and 1,214 square feet. It listed for $719,760 and sold for $685,000.

9450 Blind Pass Road, # 603 (Weatherly The Condo)

This two-bedroom, two-bath condo, built in 1977, has 1,160 square feet. It listed for $599,000 and sold for $585,000.

CATHY SALUSTRI

8001 Sailboat Key Blvd. S., #302 (Coral Point)

This two-bedroom, two-bath condo, built in 1990, has 1,265 square feet. It listed for $570,000 and sold for $540,000.

5500 Gulf Blvd., #4236 (Tradewinds)

With 300 square feet, this standard hotel room, built in 1990, listed for $305,000 and sold for $285,000.

Madeira Beach Home Sales Last Week

448 137th Ave. Circle (Gulf Shores Harbor)

This 2014 home has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and 2,026 square feet. It listed and sold for $1.8 million.

300 150th Ave., #507 (Town Center)

This under-construction condo will have three bedrooms, three baths, and 2,107 square feet. It listed and sold for $1,032,430.

300 150th Ave., #300 (Town Center)

This under-construction condo will have two bedrooms, two baths, and 1,407 square feet. It listed and sold for $850,000.

300 150th Ave., #301 (Town Center)

This under-construction condo will have three bedrooms,

two-and-a-half baths, and 1,682 square feet. It listed and sold for $850,000.

300 150th Ave., #406 (Town Center)

This under-construction condo will have two bedrooms, two baths, and 1,306 square feet. It listed and sold for $825,000.

300 150th Ave., #200 (Town Center)

This under-construction condo will have two bedrooms, two baths, and 1,407 square feet. It listed and sold for $689,430.

300 150th Ave., #402 (Town Center)

This under-construction condo will have three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths, and 1,306 square feet. It listed and sold for $649,940.

13101 Gulf Blvd., #1705 (Madeira Bay Resort)

This 2020 condo has two bedrooms, two baths, and 762 square feet. It listed and sold for $615,000.

3101 Gulf Blvd. Boulevard, #1607 (Madeira Bay Resort)

This 2020 condo has two bedrooms, two baths, and 762 square feet. It listed for $615,000 and sold for $605,000.

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.

South Pasadena Fir e Depar tment Annual Open House Event

tment