Announcements

Join Gulfport’s Community Yard Sale

Gulfport’s permit-free, citywide yard sale is back! Gulfport residents, dust off your stuff and clear out the clutter on Saturday, January 16 (rain date, Sunday, January 17). Sign up by January 8 at 3 p.m. and get your Gulfport address on the brochure, which will also be printed in the January 14 issue of the Gabber. The easiest way to register is at mygulfport.us/gulfport-city-wideyard-sale. You can also fill out a form at Gulfport City Hall, 2401 53rd St. S. or at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. Questions? Call Kristin Ossola at 727-893-1118. Want even more exposure for your yard sale? Get an additional half-priced classified ad in the Gabber. Call the office by Friday, January 8 at 5 p.m.: 727-321-6965.

January is National Mentoring Month

Do you have 30 minutes a week to make a difference for a child? There are more than 800 students in Pinellas County Schools on a waiting list for mentors. Some people mentor two or three students a week to make sure students receive the help they need. Just 30 minutes a week can make a big difference with social, emotional and educational support. Mentoring is virtual for the remainder the 2020-2021 school year. Visit pcsb. org/mentor.

Drop Those Dead Batteries

If you’ve got old rechargeable batteries, the Gulfport Public Works Department at the 49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S. is now an official collection site. They accept batteries weighing 11 pounds or less, and cellphones – with or without their batteries. For more, including a complete list of what they accept, call the Public Works Department at 727-893-1089 or visit call2recycle.org.

Gulfport Candidate Debates

The Gabber Newspaper and the Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce will host the Gulfport Candidate Debates in the Catherine A. Hickman Theater February 11. Brittney Sherley, vice president of the GMC, and Cathy Salustri Loper, publisher of the Gabber, will co-moderate. Social distancing and mask protocols enforced; two seats will separate people not in the same bubble. Doors open at 5 p.m. for ticket holders; at 5:30 p.m.; remaining seats open to walk-ins. The Gabber and the GMC will stream the event as a Zoom webinar so those who cannot attend can see the debates and submit questions. Submit questions prior to the event at elections@thegabber.com. If you wish to attend via Zoom, please email elections@thegabber.com and ask to be added to the list; you’ll get a link shortly before the event.

Find COVID Testing

Community Health Centers of Pinellas and the Florida Department of Health offer COVID-19 testing at locations throughout the county. Visit covid19.pinellascounty.org/ testing for sites and hours.

Calling All High School Fisherfolk

High school fishing clubs and teams can now apply for the Florida Sport Fish Restoration R3 Fishing Grant through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This grant program helps recruit new anglers to ensure the future of fishing in Florida, and awards up to 30 high school fishing clubs or teams $500. Participating clubs and teams also get lessons and activities on fisheries conservation and resource management, plus a chance to win prizes by completing the Pure Fishing Conservation Project. The deadline to apply is January 15 at 5 p.m. Submit applications to R3Fishing@MyFWC. com or mail to FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, Attn: High School Fishing Grant, 620 S. Meridian St., Tallahassee, FL 32399.

Be a Part of History

Do you have some extra time? Looking to get out of the house? The Gulfport Historical Society has some open volunteer opportunities in December. They need volunteers to docent at the museum, as well as painters to get the Art Center ready for its grand opening. They also need people to donate paint (or gift cards to a local hardware store) – for the gallery walls. Additionally, they need help with some handyman projects at the Art Center. COVID protocols in place with masks and social distancing. Email info@gulfporthistoricalsociety.org.

Little Free Pantry Needs Food

The Little Free Pantry located just outside the St. Pete Beach Library, 7470 Gulf Blvd., would appreciate any donations. Visit spblibrary.com for more or call 727-363-9238.

Don’t Be a Scam Victim

Scammers are getting more creative during the pandemic, preying on folks of all ages, backgrounds and incomes. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is here to help, protect and educate consumers on fraud at the gas pump, through telemarketing schemes and sham cause. If you have concerns about charities, consumer issues, or are a victim of fraud, visit floridaconsumerhelp.com or call 1-800-help-fla or 1-800-fl-ayuda en Español.

Senior Center Pantry Needs Donations

Got extra food? If you do, the Gulfport Senior Center Pantry needs it. They’re looking for non-perishables like tuna, peanut butter, dry cereal, pasta sauce, soups and canned meats. Any Gulfport resident 50 and older can use the pantry. The Senior Center keeps the pantry open from 1 to 3 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. If you have food to donate, drop it off anytime. If you could use food, bring your photo ID, a utility bill, or bank statement (to prove residence) and your SSI proof of income. Wondering if you can use the pantry? Call Rachel at 727-893-1231.

Check Out Child Care

Kids in kindergarten through age 14 can now register for the 2020-2021 School Year Child Care Program at Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S. The program provides transportation from Pasadena Fundamental, Bear Creek, Gulfport and Douglas Jamerson Elementary. The Recreation Center participates in the Afterschool Nutrition Program, a part of the Child Care Food Program, to provide nutritious snacks to children in after-school programs at no extra charge. Call 727-893-1068 for more.

Saving Water Pays

Did you know St. Petersburg residents can get a rebate for rain barrels and rain gardens? The City of St. Petersburg developed the Rainwater Rebate Program to help folks conserve water and reduce stormwater runoff. Residents may be eligible for up to $100 for installing water-saving features. Email rainwaterrebates@stpete.org or call 727-893-7341 to learn more.

Drivers Wanted

Meals on Wheels needs you…to drive. The Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center, as part of the Neighborly Dining & Meals on Wheels program, delivers meals to those who need it, provided they’re at least 60 years old. Little problem: They don’t have enough drivers. People who can volunteer to deliver meals should visit neighborly.org.

Get Gulfport on the Go

Check out the newest way to connect in Gulfport: an app for iOS and Android. The official City of Gulfport app gives residents a simple way to ask questions or report potholes, signs, trash or debris, code violations and more. Users can submit GPS data and photos, keep track of requests and find direct links to utility bill payment, the city calendar, frequently asked questions, the city employee directory, sanitation department, newsletter sign up and more. Email info@mygulfport.us, call 727-893-1118 or visit mygulfport.us/ cityapp.