Digital subscriptions provided by the City of Gulfport THE GABBER.COM No. 2691
January 14 - January 20, 2021
Oldest Art Festival in South Pinellas Goes Virtual By Abby Baker
LILLIAN DELGADO
For the first time in 48 years, the Annual Art Festival Beth-El – normally held at Temple Beth-El in South Pasadena – will take place online only, through a virtual gallery specifically curated for COVID-19 times. The juried, invitational art festival, normally only a weekend long, will last from Saturday, January 30, at 12 p.m., through Sunday, February 7 at 5 p.m. Art Festival continued on page 23
Gulfport Council News P.5
Student Journalism Exhibit P.24
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Editor
Shelly Wilson
shelly@thegabber.com
Creative Director Joey Neill
Advertising Director Chris Madalena
chris@thegabber.com
Reporters & Contributors Abby Baker, News & Events Jeff Donnelly, Theater Sheree Greer, Advice June Johns, Photographer Jon Kile, Columnist Ryan McGahan, News Gabrielle Reeder, Gabs & News Nano Riley, Environment Jen Ring, Food & Culture Lynn Taylor, Literary Arts
Social Media & Operations Leah Petrakis
leah@thegabber.com
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thegabber.com @gabbernews @gabbernews @gabberlife The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers, advertisers, or employees of the Gabber. The Gabber is not liable for any errors in advertising beyond the cost of the first printing of any advertisement. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced or copied without permission of the publisher.
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horseandjockeypub.us theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
voices Santa and His Elves Say Thanks Dear Editor: The Gulfport Police, on behalf of Operation Santa, would like to thank all those who made Operation Santa 2020 a success by making donations. This year Operation Santa helped put a smile on the faces of 250 children in 90 families. Every donation, whether large or small, makes a difference to the children in Gulfport who might not have had much under the tree at Christmas. This was only possible through the generous outpouring of donations of toys and money from organizations, businesses and individuals. Santa and his elves would like to thank all who contributed. And thanks to the Gabber, as always. – Gail Biron, Gulfport Police Department
Bring Back the Police Blotter Dear Editor: Just wanted to thank all of you Gabberites for keeping the paper running so smoothly especially during the COVID transition. We especially enjoy the history and arts articles and events announcements are vital. However, one thing that we’d truly like brought back is the police blotter. Without it, we must rely on rumors and less reliable sources. It is needed to help keep our town safe. – Doug and Lynda Porter CORRECTION: In the article on Gulfport’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display [“Bada Bing, Bada Boom,” January 7, 2021], a photo of 1-year-old Mila Johnson ran with the wrong photo credit. Her father, Chris Johnson, took the photo. The Gabber apologizes for the error.
The Gabber encourages letters and commentary. Be brief and sign your real name. Email letters to news@thegabber.com or mail them to us at 2908-B Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL 33707. Any email sent to the Gabber may be used in print. If you do not want your letter published online or in print, you must let us know in the letter. Commentary posted on our social media channels may also appear in the paper. Opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily represent the views of the publishers, staff or advertisers.
WE WANT YOU
TO HELP US CHOOSE GULFPORT’S NEXT COUNCILMEMBERS. Apply now for the Gulfport Citizen Election Board – email your full name and address to elections@thegabber.com.
ZAIYA HIGH VIBES
IMAGINE
It is my personal belief that the Universe-God-Source (or whatever you call the Creative Love Energy) does not bless or punish us. I believe the Divine Energy simply responds to our own energy and vibration. In other words, I believe I create my own heaven and my own hell right here on earth as a reaction to my words, thoughts and actions. That sounds awfully powerful for a simple little human being, doesn’t it? I believe if we knew how truly powerful we are we would literally change the world (for the good). So, in 2021 my intention is to create a blissful life through the practice of meditation, grounding, and gratitude, and living a life based in love and not fear. Stop by Zaiya and check in from time to time – I’ll let you know how it’s going!
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theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
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announcements 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. 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 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.
Campaign Kick-off and “Fill the Jeep” Food Drive You are invited to meet Ward 2 Incumbent Christine Brown and shine a light on the giving spirit of Gulfport. Social distancing practices will be in place. Drive by, walk by or ride by and “fill the Jeep” with non-perishable food and hygiene products to benefit the Gulfport Senior Center Food Pantry.
When: Saturday, January 16th, 2021 from 9:00am – 1:00pm. Where: 2802-53rd Street South the blue house on the corner
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theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
news Here’s What Happened at Gulfport Council At the January 5 Gulfport City Council meeting, council was in and out of the Catherine Hickman Theater in under an hour. They discussed mutual aid agreements with other Pinellas County law enforcement agencies, removing late fees for library loans and whether or not the citizen-run Board of Adjustment behaved appropriately. Read about those stories on pages 12 and 15, but before you do, check out “Overheard at Council.”
Gulfport Renews Mutually Beneficial Policing By Cathy Salustri
GULFPORT POLICE COMMANDER MARY FARRAND
While every police department operates within their own city limits, on occasion officers have to leave their city to do their job. Technically, they can’t do that unless all the cities involved agree. Pinellas cities renew those agreements, called mutual aid agreements, with each new term of the Pinellas County Sheriff. At the January 5 Gulfport City Council meeting, council unanimously agreed to renew its mutual aid agreement with Pinellas police departments. This allows other Pinellas police departments to respond to Gulfport-related calls if needed. It also allows Gulfport to investigate and make arrests for Gulfportrelated crimes in other cities and the unincorporated areas. This doesn’t mean that Gulfport officers will conduct routine patrols in other cities, or that other cities’ police officers will do so in Gulfport. If they happen to see a crime taking place, say, on their way to work, Gulfport Police Chief Rob Vincent told council, the officer can take action – provided they’re driving a police car. On other words, if a Gulfport police officer sees someone blow a red light in Clearwater, they can’t do anything about it if they’re driving their husband’s Kia.
Overheard at Gulfport City Council “We’re five days into the new year and we still don’t have hover cars.” – Mayor Sam Henderson “It seems to me we don’t have check valves on any of our drainage pipes… there’s no reason to be getting two or three foot of water in some of these houses.” – Bob Canning, who wanted the city to install pumps to pump out water of areas the city filled to make land where water once stood. This historically underwater land now have houses on them. “There weren’t three defective hydrants.” – Henderson, about allegations made during a December 2020 council meeting that Gulfportian Pat Dunham’s home perished in a fire because three hydrants failed. “The whole process? Seven to 12 minutes. They did everything they were supposed to do.” – Gulfport Fire Captain James Lundh, about the city’s efforts to extinguish the fire at Dunham’s residence. “Is there any kind of process you go through for fire hydrants for making sure the condition is good?” – Henderson, asking Lundh about the fire hydrants. Lundh answered yes. “We maybe overestimate how interesting people find us.” – Henderson, in a council discussion on whether or not to discontinue people calling in for public comment via Zoom during council meetings. Council agreed to make no changes.
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A Virtual Parade: MLK Weekend Festivities Move Online No matter how important the cause, a packed Martin Luther King Jr. parade in COVID-19 times is a no-go for the City of St. Petersburg. “COVID has forced us to do a lot of things differently than we’ve done before, this is no different,” Ben Kirby, St. Petersburg Communications Director, said. “Public health is our number one priority.” In an effort to avoid the crowds, the City of St. Petersburg will sponsor the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Big 2021 Celebration, hosted by Advantage Village Academy, online throughout the holiday weekend, Friday, January 15 through Monday, January 18. The traditional MLK banquets and an interactive “history hunt” will all be online, as will the weekend’s typical highlight – the parade. How, exactly, do you have a virtual parade? There will be no beads or floats, but the hour-long, prerecorded parade presentation will consist of interviews from regional and city officials such as Congressman Charlie Crist and St. Petersburg Deputy Mayor Kanika Tomalin. “We want this to be fun for the kids,” Toriano Parker, CEO of Advantage Village Academy, said, “not just long clips of talking. I want it to be interactive and draw them in, which may be tough this year.” Intermingled will be previous St. Petersburg MLK parade footage and standout clips from Advantage Village Academy. “I think it will be a lot more appreciated this year,”
CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG
By Abby Baker
A bad year for the bead necklace industry. The City of St. Petersburg will post the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Big 2021 Celebration online, including the annual MLK parade. Photo of the 2020 MLK Dream Big Parade.
St. Petersburg Director of Urban Affairs Nikki GaskinCapehart said. “It’s really going to honor Dr. King and his legacy.”
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Sunday, January 17, 5 p.m.: Dream Big Creative Dance Showcase at the Campbell Park Field. This will be a socially distant event with limited attendance. The performance will be recorded and accessible at the link below.
Monday, January 18, 11 a.m.: Dream Big Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Virtual Parade Monday, January 18, 1 p.m.: MLK Day of Service History Hunt Check out all the events at mlkdreambig.com.
theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
John’s Pass Seafood & Music Festival Canceled By Gabber Staff
PIXY
Unfortunately, 2021 is looking a lot like 2020 so far. The latest local event to fall victim to COVID cancellation is the John’s Pass Seafood & Music Festival scheduled for January 22 through 24. “Due to the increasing risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic it has been decided to cancel the John’s Pass Seafood Festival,” organizers stated in a press release Wednesday, January 6. The festival is an annual institution, drawing huge crowds for fresh seafood, live music, vendors and other special events, and usually takes place in October. Organizers postponed the event until January, “in hopes the pandemic would be more manageable,” they said. Alas, without a wider vaccine rollout, average daily COVID-19 cases in Florida are at their highest point since the pandemic began. “Special considerations had been made to assure social distancing and less congregated areas, especially in the food court area,” the press release read, “but the recent surge has created great concern and for that reason the event has been canceled.” However, for arts fans, there is some good news. The John’s Pass Arts Weekend will go on, featuring 80 of the area’s artists and craftsmen and the over 100 shops, restaurants and attractions, from Friday, January
22 at 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, January 24. “Fourteen of the area’s restaurants will also be present to provide the local flavors we all love,” read the
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release. “Join in a fun and socially distanced event that will help support our local businesses and artisans. The event is free and family friendly.” More at johnspass.com.
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Batter Up! Alternative Baseball is Recruiting in Tampa Bay Winter has set in, which, by Florida standards, does not mean a whole lot weather-wise but it does mark the inching closer of baseball season. Taylor Duncan, Commissioner/ Director of the Alternative Baseball Organization, has kicked his operation into high gear as he builds new teams for the late-spring/early summer start to his league’s 2021 season. The Alternative Baseball Organization, a 501c3, bills itself as a “baseball experience” for teens, 15 and up, and adults with autism and other disabilities to gain social and physical skills for success in life – on and off the diamond. “America’s Pastime is the perfect place for our players to learn lessons through the game they can adapt into their personal and work lives,” says Duncan, who conceived the league in 2016. While he had always wanted to play traditional sports growing up, Duncan was often denied those opportunities due to misconceptions of what someone with autism can and cannot accomplish. Duncan has issues with anxiety and with his speech, and those factors, along with developmental delays and the social stigma, kept him out of competitive sports when he was younger. “I played one year of youth rec ball in ‘08 where I had a great coach who was much more into the fun and the mechanics of the game,” Duncan says. “We learned through our experience it was so much more than just winning and losing. In ‘09, I was cut from the game when a new coach took over whose obsession was winning. Yet, I never gave up. I still loved the game.” For those with autism, services tend to plateau after high school with little to no help in suburban and rural areas, making a path toward independence much more difficult to navigate. Duncan started Alternative Baseball to give others on the spectrum and with special needs the opportunity to be accepted for who they are and, he says, “to encourage them to be the best they can be!” Cut to 2021, where ESPN’s “Baseball Tonight” and NBC’s “Today Show” have both featured Duncan’s league and he was honored as a Community Hero at an Atlanta Braves game in 2019. Now Alternative Baseball is planning its post-pandemic comeback by building new teams across the area. Duncan and his crew secured managers to start new teams serving Pinellas, Polk, Hillsborough and Pasco Counties, adding to the roster of established teams in Seminole and Volusia County, Panama City Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando/Kissimmee. The league provides equipment and resources, but the new teams here in the Tampa Bay region are actively recruiting players and volunteers before they can go into full swing. The league welcomes players of all levels of experience. “We take them from where they start out, whether they require to be pitched to slow overhand or hit off a tee,” Duncan says,
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TAYLOR DUNCAN
By Jeff Donnelly
Commissioner/Director of the Alternative Baseball Organization, Taylor Duncan, swings for the fences with his baseball league for teens and adults with autism and other disabilities.
“and help develop their physical and social skills. “We’re like a family here,” he adds, “so what are you waiting for?” Find more at alternativebaseball.org.
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theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
Many Questions and Few Answers on Coronavirus Vaccine People who live in a skilled nursing/ long-term care facility, work in one, or work as first responders started getting vaccinated against COVID-19 in mid-December. When Pinellas started vaccinating other people the week of January 4, the rollout process could have gone smoother. Within moments of the noon go-live date for scheduling vaccine appointments, the county’s scheduling system – which used a Outlook 365 platform – collapsed. Phone lines rang busy or went unanswered. Clearly, the demand for the vaccine currently outweighs supply. The Gabber reached out to the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County to get answers to basic questions about who can get the vaccine, and how. Here’s how the first part of the vaccine distribution works. If you live or work in a skilled nursing facility, the state has already contacted your facility. This is per Governor DeSantis’s executive order. If you are a frontline healthcare worker, the state has sent doses to major hospitals around Florida. Those hospitals, in turn, distributed the doses to other hospitals in their area. If you are 65 or older, the state sent Pinellas County 3,000 doses. Various venues (the VA, for example) allowed people to make appointments to get the vaccine. The Health Department has no appointments available, although at press time the Gabber had heard anecdotal reports of facilities with a venue available, as well as reports of residents who registered and got vaccinated in neighboring counties. If you have an underlying health condition that makes you highrisk but are 64 or younger, that’s where this gets tricky. Tom Iovino, Public Information Officer for Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County, said those people should “talk to their doctors about the possibility of getting vaccinated through their local hospital,” but when we called a local doctor they expressed surprise, saying that they had no idea how to make that happen. Iovino referred the Gabber to the Agency for Healthcare Administration, but calls and emails
US SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
By Gabber Staff
“We are working on a limited number of vaccines across the state. We are waiting for more doses to arrive,” Tom Iovino, Public Information Officer for Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County, said in a phone interview Monday.
to their communications office went unanswered; if they respond, the Gabber will update this article online at thegabber.com. If you are an essential worker, it’s not yet your time. Plus, everyone from teachers to gun range employees classify as “essential” according to cisa.gov; according to Iovino, Governor DeSantis will determine
the hierarchy, and as new doses become available, DOH in Pinellas will have a new appointment-making procedure in place. “Due to the troubles we had last week, we’re looking at establishing a more robust platform,” Iovino said. Stay updated at thegabber.com, covid19.pinellascounty.org and ahca. myflorida.com.
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NEW ORLEANS ADVENTURE MAR 27-31, 2021—5 DAY
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TAMPA BAY BEACHES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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By Gabber Staff
Members of the Sea Turtle Trackers, in front of their “Turtle Patrol” truck, recently accepted the check on the organization’s behalf.
Taste of the Beaches may have looked a little different this year, but one thing remained the same: part of the proceeds went to help a local nonprofit. This year’s lucky recipient is Sea Turtle Trackers, Inc., which, in partnership with the state and local communities, “works to assure a suitable habitat for sea turtles, people and the ecosystem of the islands and their surrounding waters,” according to a press release from the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce, who hosts Taste of the Beaches. “As ‘Protector of the Beaches’ the chamber was happy to partner with such a worthy organization,” the chamber announced. Learn more about the organization at seaturtletrackers.org.
JAN 30, SAT—WILD FLORIDA—Drive Through Safari with Walk Through Park, plus Airboats & Animal encounters, Lunch on own, fee for rides & encounters…$89 FEB 1, MON—MANATEES & STRAWBERRIES—TECO Viewing Center, Lunch at Plant City Fred’s Market, a stop at Parksdale Farms & more…$59 FEB 5, FRI—TAMPA BAY DOWNS—Horseraces & great lunch, big fun!...$78 FEB 6, SAT—OLDSMAR FLEA MARKET—Acres & Acres of Bargains!...$39 FEB 14, SUN—VALENTINES DAY ON THE CALYPSO BREEZE…$69
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theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
obituaries Knight, Janet, 59, resident Beachway Mobile Park, passed away December 11, 2020 at home. Originally from Nashville, TN, she moved to St Petersburg in 2018 and to Gulfport in 2020. Predeceased by father, Clyde Knight Jr. Survivors include mother, Marcella Osborne, and sister,
Stacy, both of Lake City, South Carolina; brothers Larry Knight, St. Petersburg, and Scott (Tammie), Gulfport; stepmother, Gloria Knight (Bob Honaker), St. Petersburg; and best friend, Michael Smith. Celebration of life will be held at later date.
announcements Make a Difference for an LGBTQ Senior One in five seniors experience the loneliness of social isolation, and LGBTQ individuals are more likely to experience it, according to EPIC Generation. That’s why the organization created the Friendly Caller Program, which fosters multigenerational connections in the LGBTQ community through regular phone calls by trained volunteers. These volunteers offer social support, share meaningful conversations, promote lasting friendships and provide community referrals. Learn more or sign up to volunteer at MyEPIC.org/ Generations or call 727-328-5524.
Get Ready for ReadOut 2021 ReadOut 2021: A Festival of Lesbian Literature put out a call for submissions for this year’s event, to be held via Zoom on Friday, February 26 through Sunday, February 28. This year’s theme is “Lesbian Voices Persist and Prevail.” ReadOut 2021 will be a hybrid of live streaming, prerecorded readings, entertainment and chat opportunities between sessions. Well-known lesbian authors including Sally Bellerose, Elana Dykewomon, Sheree Greer, Sue Katz, Rose Norman, Jean Redmann and Susan Stinson are slated to present panels on themes like elder lesbian writings, Black women writers, mystery, fiction and the intersection of friendship and careers as lesbian authors. The deadline for submissions is February 1. Visit mygulfport.us/readout for more.
Need a Little Help? Pinellas County has a large resource of assistance information, including food pantry distribution sites, financial assistance, eviction/foreclosure
assistance information, internet access help, pet care assistance and more. Text your zip code to 211 Tampa Bay Cares at 898211 or dial 211 24 hours a day, or visit covid19.pinellascounty.org/ where-to-get-help for more.
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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.
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.
theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
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Council Says BOA ‘Did Their Job’ in Variance Denial By Cathy Salustri
WIL KOVACS
Pat Dunham sought a variance to rebuild after a house fire in March 2020.
At first blush, this sounded like a classic case of “you can’t fight city hall” but, after council asked questions, it sounded more like something fell down in the process of getting parts of long-time Gulfportian Pat Dunham’s house rebuilt. In 2020, Pat Dunham’s house had a fire. When she applied for a variance to rebuild an outbuilding, the city’s Board of Adjustment told her no. Whoever built the outbuilding as a garage didn’t apply for a permit to build it, so when it burned down, Dunham had to get it permitted. According to city staff, the city code disallowed rebuilding exactly as it stood before the fire, so Dunham applied for a variance. Although Dunham submitted a signed and notarized application including a drawing upon which the BOA based its ultimate denial, Dunham said she didn’t see the submitted drawing until two days after the BOA denied the variance. “I couldn’t draw a picture out of thin air, so I gave them a picture and said, ‘this is something like what I want to do,’” she told Gulfport City Council on January 5. Mike Taylor, Gulfport’s planner, tried to create a drawing from the photo. He placed it on a site plan for her house. Because the drawing violated code, and because Dunham had the option of rebuilding within code, the BOA denied the variance to rebuild the garage. Dunham appealed to council, who heard her request at the first meeting of the new year. She argued the city’s drawing showed the building in the wrong place, and that she didn’t see the drawing the community development department submitted to the BOA before the hearing. “I am here tonight to beg you to go before the variance committee again,” she said at the January 5 meeting. “That’s all I’m asking for; I don’t think it was presented properly.” “What was it that you signed and got notarized for the variance?” Ward 1 Councilwoman April Thanos asked her. Dunham said “it was probably” a document asking to allow her to “rebuild what was there.”
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“That falls within the realm of what you’re responsible for getting together,” Henderson told her. “You never provided a drawing of any kind before that happened?” “Nope,” she said. “I’m sorry it’s been a hardship,” he said, “but it feels like it was undertaken without all the ducks being in a row. There is some accountability to make sure this stuff is right before you get to that hearing.” Council couldn’t vote based on whether they thought the city should issue a variance. Rather, staff told council, they had to vote as to whether the members of the BOA “did their job based on the evidence provided.” “You don’t have to agree with their findings or disagree with their findings,” City Attorney Andy Salzman said. He also added that the BOA didn’t allow Dunham to rebuild to former specifications due to hardship because “if you can build something without a variance, then you don’t have a hardship.” “The point of this board is to vote on whether the BOA did their job,” Gulfport Mayor Sam Henderson said. “I know this is not what you want to hear, Ms. Dunham, and I know losing your house in a fire is a hardship [but] it’s going to be very hard to overturn something when nothing was done incorrectly. We don’t have the ability to overturn the board [if they acted appropriately].” Council voted 4-1 that the BOA did base its decision on presented evidence. Thanos attempted to abstain, but could not because she had no basis to abstain, so instead she cast the lone dissenting vote. “Ms. Dunham, I’m sorry it went the way that it did, but at least you can get started [rebuilding],” Mayor Henderson said. She can rebuild her main house and, if she desires, a garage or carport that conforms to city code. However, if she wants to build the garage exactly as it stood before the fire, she will need to wait one year to re-apply for a variance, as well as pay the application fee again. The Gabber is looking into why Dunham’s variance was denied and will report on it at a later date.
theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
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mayor’s corner: seeing the good
CATHY SALUSTRI
Written January 6, 2021 by Sam Henderson If you turned on the TV or the radio, surfed the web or spoke to anyone today then you know that as you read this our democracy is being
tested in D.C. It is an ugly scene, but hopefully we pass the test. But in Gulfport today, the sun was out and the air was crisp. People were working in their yards, checking out downtown, going to
school and doing their jobs. It was a beautiful day here. We had a council meeting on Tuesday where there were disagreements, as there should be, and then everyone went home; back to their lives. The world is not the bleak, divided, hateful place that we are shown too often on one screen or another. The goodness in the world is in the hand that holds the door open for you, in the eyes of the person who waves and smiles from behind their mask on Beach Boulevard, and in the words and embraces of those who care about us. When much if the world is mayhem, bear in mind that it is not the whole world. In Gulfport, we are a ragtag community of people who chose to be here because we like friendly places, copper sunsets, dogs in strollers, being ourselves and living life in the slow lane. Let’s all take a little bit of Gulfport with us when we step out into the harder world, and let our kindness be more contagious than the strife that we encounter.
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theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
Book ‘Em, Gulfport! Generation X and Baby Boomers no doubt remember Lieutenant Bookman, the hard-boiled library investigator who chases down Jerry Seinfeld for a 20-year-overdue copy of “Tropic of Cancer.� Kramer calculated the late fines could cost Jerry as much as $50,000. In reality, libraries won’t charge $50,000 for a late or lost library book. And, in Gulfport, soon they won’t charge anything. “Fees incurred by library patrons were never intended to be a revenue stream, but rather a deterrence to keeping materials out past the due date,� Dave Mather, Gulfport’s Library Director, explained in an agenda memo to Gulfport City Council. “That deterrence sometimes has the opposite effect. Especially for lower income families.� Fines don’t cover the cost of collecting them, according to multiple studies Mather presented in the January 5 council agenda packet. They do, however, keep lower-income people from using the library. Because of this, the libraries in the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative want to move away from charging late fees. In South Pinellas, those libraries include not only Gulfport, but Gulf Beaches, St. Pete Beach, and all the St. Petersburg public libraries. Each city must vote individually to move away from charging late fees. “By moving to a fine-free cooperative, PPLC member libraries reinforce their commitment to equity and inclusion and remove barriers to resources for many community members,� Mather’s memo to Council continued. “Fines for overdue materials discourage customers from accessing the invaluable resources that our libraries offer such as free technology, literacy and lifelong learning.� Although the Gulfport Public Library collected slightly more than $1500 in late fees last fiscal year (October 1, 2019-September 30, 2020), Mather said the library’s COVID-related closure kept those numbers lower than in prior years – the library collected more than $5,000 for FY18-19. Even so, he said, the library hoped to offset the loss of that money by accepting passport applications, which should start sometime in 2020. Should this come to
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pass, the library will get $35 for every passport application it accepts, which means that if the library accepted 150 passport applications every year, it would collect about the same amount as it did in late fees for FY18-19. The “no late fees� policy will not apply to lost or damaged books, Gulfport City Manager Jim O’Reilly said. If someone loses a book, they still must pay to replace it, but people who return their copy of “Tropic of Cancer� a few days – or decades – late can still borrow books or use library services without paying a fee. “It’s becoming a trend nationwide,� O’Reilly said shortly before council unanimously agreed to stop charging fees for late books, DVDs and other materials. Don’t go crazy keeping your copy of “Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail� just yet – this doesn’t go into effect until October 1. Look for this article on thegabber.com for links to more information. And if you never saw “The Library� episode of Seinfeld, it’s season three and yes, you can get it on DVD from the Gulfport Library.
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theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
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Recreation Center 5730 Shore Blvd S. • 727-893-1068 • mygulfport.us/recreation/rec Annual registration: $3, residents; $25, non-residents Basketball (Adult) Wed., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Thurs. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Game Room Mon., Wed., & Fri.: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Pickleball All levels: Tues., 7:30-8:30 p.m. and Thurs., 9 a.m.-1 p.m Beginners: Tues., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Intermediate & Advanced Players: Mon., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Table Tennis Tues. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
PROGRAMS After School Program Available for kindergarten students through 14 years old. Bus transportation from Pasadena Fundamental, Bear Creek, Gulfport Montessori and Douglas Jamerson Elementary. Program ends at 5:30 p.m., with care until 6 p.m. for an extra fee.
Teen Night Available for middle and high school students 17 and younger. Recreation, social activities, field trips, cooking projects, guest speakers and service projects. Teens can use the gymnasium, game room and outdoor area. Mon., Wed., & Fri.: 6-9 p.m. Rec Center membership required. Tot-Time A preschool, hands-on program for children ages 3-5. The program aims to make learning fun for children and helps prepare them for kindergarten. Two, three and five-day options available on a monthly basis. 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; register from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Proof of residency required for Gulfport residents.
CLASSES Call instructor for more information. Want to teach a class? Call John: 727-893-1079. Ballet and Tap Ages 3-6: Wed., 6:30 p.m.; ages 7-16: Wed., 7:30 p.m. $35/month & $15 registration. Lisa Walker: 727-742-2594.
Essential Oil Jan. 21, 6:15 p.m. $10 Jennifer: 813-263-3919. Full-Body Fitness Tues. & Thurs., 6:15 p.m. $50/month; $10/class. Jessica: 727-569-6307. Hula Hoop Fitness Thurs., 6:30 p.m. $35/ month; $10/class. Maria: mestrada1987@ gmail.com. Tennis Chase Park, 28th Ave. and 53rd St. S. Tues., Thurs., & Fri., 5-8 p.m. $10. Private lessons available. Jack (727-280-4276) or Mo (727-515-1454). Walking Club Fri., 8:45 a.m. John: 727-8931079 Youth Hip Hop Ages 6-8: Fri., 6:30 p.m.; ages 9-16, Fri., 7:30 p.m. $35/month & $15 registration. Lisa Walker: 727-742-2594. Zumba Thurs., 6 p.m. $20/month; $6/class. Magda: 727-214-7868.
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theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
Gulfport Public Library
5501 28th Ave. S. • 727-893-1074 •
/gulfportlibraryfl
Mygulfport.us/gpl • Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. All programs free and subject to change.
Babytime Online If you have little ones under 2, please join us in singing songs, reading books, enjoying lap bounce rhymes and learning baby signs. Fri., Jan. 22, 10 a.m. via Facebook.
a two-box limit per vehicle. Sat., Jan. 30, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. in the parking lot. Circle of Friends Annual Meeting Members, check your email for login info for this virtual meeting. Tue., Jan. 26, 7 p.m.
Book Club Live Talk about The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. Audiobook or ebook from Hoopla; print copies at the library. Wed., Feb. 17, 2 p.m. via Facebook; login info at mygulfport.evanced.info/ signup/calendar
Paper Plate Owls Grades K-7 can make adorable owls with markers, paper plates and embellishments. Kits available Wed., Jan. 13.; limit two per home. Fri., Jan. 15, 4 p.m. via Zoom. 727-834-1134.
Circle of Friends Book Donation Drop-off: Bring your gently used and new books and magazines (no encyclopedias). They have
Tiny Houses: Beginner Sewing Make handsewn tiny house magnets or keychains using fabric scraps and embellishments.
Supplies limited; kits available Mon., Jan. 25. Wed., Jan. 27, 2 p.m. via Zoom & Facebook Live Virtual Science Club Join us biweekly online for a fun DIY experiment from the comfort of your own kitchen using common household items. Appropriate for grades K-5. Mon., Jan. 25, 4 p.m.; take-home kits available Jan. 21. Virtual Storytime Join us virtually for our storytime. Follow @GulfportLibraryFL for books and rhymes and felts and more! Storytime videos posted weekly on Facebook. Thu., Jan. 14, 10:15 a.m.
Multipurpose Senior Center 5501 27th Ave. S. • 727-893-5657 •
/gulfportseniorcenter
Annual registration required. Free, residents; $50, non-residents. All programs subject to change without notice. Mon.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Fri, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Fitness Center now open! To provide physical distancing, we’ve limited capacity, so call to register for a spot.
Call us to get the zoom link for these activities. Virtual Bingo It’s fun and easy, and you can play it on your smart phone, computer, tablet, or traditional phone. Use a virtual bingo card or pick up a paper card at the Center, get a pen or bingo dauber, and you’re ready to play! Jan. 15, 1 p.m. Trivia Mania Put on your thinking cap and join a game of virtual trivia. Test your knowledge and win prizes. Jan. 20, 1 p.m. iPhone 101 Learn the basic functions of your Apple iPhone or iPad. Jan. 21, 1 p.m. Gentle Mindful Yoga This class includes yoga for healthy aging with an emphasis on alignment, strength, balance, flexibility, breathing and agility. Wed., 9 a.m. Intermediate Spanish Practice and improve your Spanish. Thurs., 10 a.m.
Writer’s Workshop Sharpen your pen, sharpen your mind! Whether this is your first attempt at writing or you’re an accomplished author, together our group encourages, supports, and advances each other’s writing. Fri., 10 a.m.
Find these activities on Spectrum GTV Channel 640 or at youtube. com/thegulfportseniorcenter In The Kitchen with Chef Jack: Spartan Sausage Chowder Improve your culinary skills with step-by-step guidance from the Soup Guru! Holiday Soup: Jan. 19, 1 p.m. Call or email gpseniorcenter@ mygulfport.us for the ingredient list. Chair Exercise with Pat Focus on stretching muscle groups and moving skeletal joints without pain in this gentle exercise routine that uses several exercise methods, including yoga, isometrics, neuro-plasticity, and Tai Chi. Mon., 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Yoga with Barbara Newborn We are true healers of our body, mind and spirit. Learn
theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
meditation, sound healing and how to breathe with slow body movements. Tues., 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wellness Movement with Noa SpectorFlock Explore movement to better use the whole body to create efficient movement. Weds., 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wisdom Healing Qigong By the many methods of Wisdom Healing Qigong, you’ll be inspired and empowered to transform any illness or condition into wellness. Thurs., 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Chair Yoga A gentle class is for beginners and experienced practitioners alike and provides a fun, nurturing environment to increase flexibility, strength, balance and relaxation. Fri., 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Parking Lot & Outdoor Events Monday Mile Walking Club Start the new year off on the right (or left) foot. Bring a friend, invite a neighbor or walk solo with Walter. Meet in the Center’s south parking lot. Jan. 25, 9 a.m.
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theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
pets Pet Pal Animal Shelter
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like Jillian are rescued at just days old and bottle fed for weeks, they are extra loving and friendly. This kitten is one of four raised by foster moms for weeks. She and her brother, Jackson, are twins. They are vetted and microchipped, and will be at PetSuperMarket in Pasadena on January 16.
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theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
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things to do
DF
V
MR
SD
VT
Plant a Tree and Stroll Through History By Abby Baker
Find links for these events — and many other things to do — online at thegabber.com/events. Friday, January 15 Plant a Tree on Arbor Day with the City of Gulfport Get some fresh air this Arbor Day! The City of Gulfport will plant a tree to celebrate the green holiday, naturally. Per tradition, children from the School Year Child Care Program will recite poetry and educating the public about seedlings. Stick around for the complimentary sabal palm and sweet gum saplings and bring your own baby tree home, for free. Gulfport Municipal Marina, 3:45 p.m. MR SD Saturday, January 16 New Finds at the Citywide Gulfport Yard Sale Get off my lawn, but not today. Thrift through Gulfport
residents’ offerings from dawn to dusk at the City of Gulfport Citywide Yard Sale. Have stuff to sell? You don’t need a permit, but you do need to register online. City of Gulfport, dawn till dusk. Outdoor Abstract Art for Autism Sale Add this one to your list, Gulfport shoppers. In conjunction with Gulfport’s Citywide Yard Sale, the Gulfport Arts Center will sponsor an art sale featuring pieces from students of Abstract Art for Autism by Studio Duvoe. In between browsing through one-of-a-kind, original works, check out furniture and art supples from the City of Imagination building. This is a donation-based sale; proceeds will go to the artists as well as the Gulfport Arts Center renovations and programing. 2726 54th St., Gulfport, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Get Your IndieFaire On In typical Gulfport fashion, Beach Boulevard
January 16th
will be awash with vendors offering crafts, jewelry and high end art for IndieFaire, a fairly new event on the third Saturday of every month. Hosted by the Gulfport Merchants Chamber, it’s a fun, family friendly event with live music, street performers and uniquely designedfor-the-occasion morsels created by our local restaurants for dine-in or walk about eating. Beach Boulevard, Gulfport, 5-9 p.m. Take a Stroll Through Gulfport’s History Get your tennis shoes ready, history buffs. The Gulfport Historical Society will be leading a walking tour through the history of Gulfport, musing over the tales, artifacts and history of the town. Meet the tour guides at the Gulfport History Museum and become immersed with the secrets of this Pinellas County gem. Gulfport History Museum, 5301 28th Ave. S. 3 p.m. $10 MR Saturday, January 16 – Sunday, January 17 Fly High at Annual Kite Festival Kite or no kite, come be amazed by dragons, spaceships, sea creatures and more as they take to the sky on the Treasure Island. Weather permitting, flyers will be soaring their sails all weekend long for the annual Treasure Island Kite Festival. For those that are not seasoned flyers, and not content to just watch the fun, experts from Revolution Kites and Prism Kites will give demonstrations and flying lessons. Treasure Island Beach, Treasure Island Causeway. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, January 18 Gulfport Democratic Club Online Meeting Gulfport democrats, unite. The January Gulfport Democratic Club meeting will be held via Zoom this month. The group will introduce Ward 2 and Ward 4 candidates for Gulfport City Council. Discover voting options and learn more about the candidates, all with just a click. Online, 7-8 p.m. VT
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theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
worship Unitarian Universalist
17th St. & 29th Ave N St. Petersburg 345-7777 Friday 7PM
United Fellowship
During the pandemic join us Sundays on Zoom.
Beth-El Shalom
Discussion -10:30 Program - 11:00
Messianic Congregation
For Zoom directions email us at uuunited@earthlink.net
ShalomAdventure.com JewishHeritage.net Rabbi@JewishHeritage.net
“You need not think alike to love alike.” - Francis David, 1534
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Clothes–Collectibles–Gifts Household Goods A Ministry of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church Proceeds go back into the community.
St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church Join Us For
Sunday Services 9:30am
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3747 34th Street South • St. Petersburg 727-867-7015
Sunday Sermon Drive-In Paradise Lutheran Church on Treasure Island invites you to join us 10am every Sunday at our Drive-In services. Sunday's services will include music and communion while you join us from the safety of your car.
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theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
MADE IN AMERICA
21
the gabs
ABBY BAKER
ABBY BAKER
What has been the best thing about 2021 so far?
Rob Fournier, River Rouge, Michigan: “Meeting this handsome guy, Mark.”
ABBY BAKER
Becky Michel, Carver, Minnesota: “Getting on a plane and coming to Florida.”
ABBY BAKER
Mark Darby, Mulberry, Florida: “Meeting Rob.”
Aviva Fredholm, Plant City: “I adopted a Doberman Pinscher puppy, named Zuzu from ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ She has beautiful long legs and the sweetest brown eyes and that’s all.”
Visit theGabber.com and click on the YouTube link to view more of The Gabs! 22
theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
arts
Through the Artists’ Eyes Palm Harbor-based artist Joyce Curvin’s papier-mâché recyclable pets may not be the most weighty works in the festival, but in dark times, a colorful wiener dog figurine can help. “I think initially when the virus happened it was hard to create things that were fun and happy,” Curvin said. “I have to be happy when creating these and it was such a strange time, so there was a lot of refocusing.” Her work will be featured in the Beth-El festival for the eighth year in a row, but Curvin, like many of the other artists, is new to the world of virtual showings. “It’s a weird time for everything, and my work doesn’t photograph as well as just seeing it in real life,’’ the artist said. “But I would do anything for the festival and the people who run it. It’s just always a fabulous time.” All the way in River Falls,
LISA KATTENBRAKER
“This will hopefully be the only year we do this,” Ann Sobel, Art Festival Beth-El co-chair, said. “We didn’t think it would be safe with the normal amount of people we have attending.” A safe bet, considering that the event typically hosts up to 10,000 attendees and anywhere from 150 to 170 galleries from Friday through Sunday. This year the festival has about 65 to 70 artist galleries. “It’s a new website and we had to input everything manually, so this year we do have a limited number of artists and pieces,” Sobel said. “It’s the artist’s responsibility to ship the artwork down or drive it down, depending on the size of the collection.” Artists and art buyers can navigate the website for free. Dedicated shoppers can pre-pledge a minimum of $500 to become a Purchase Award Patron, and peruse the website a week early, starting on Saturday, January 23. “We have quite a few patron awards, so we’re hoping for a good turnout despite all the differences this year,” Sobel said. Instead of a traditional gallery-style event, patrons will navigate through an online hallway of six categories: 2D art, jewelry, glass, ceramics, sculpture and wood.
Art Festival continued from cover
Wisconsin, Douglas Sigwarth, co-artist with his wife, Renee, at Sigwarth Glass Studio, is for once, not preparing for a south-bound trip to the festival. “This is a complicated issue. On one hand, we as artists prefer to sell our work one on one for that face-to-face connection,” Sigwarth said. “The connection is kind of the draw, but we’re thrilled that the show can go on.”
theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
Sigwarth has been entering glass blown vessels, wall mounts and sculptural pieces to Beth-El for the past six years. “The best way to describe what happened this year is that we had to pivot, and we had to pivot fast,” Sigwarth said. “The website was always something that we’re going to get to eventually.” Get in on the virtual gallery action, early or not, at artfestivalbethel. com.
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Student Journalists Show Their Work Perhaps there’s never been a more important time for free press and thoughtful journalism. Locally, the next generation of journalists is already showcasing what they can do. Each year, students enrolled in the Journeys in Journalism program, a magnet program with students in Melrose Elementary, Johns Hopkins Middle and Lakewood High School, participate in a photojournalism exhibit at Studio@620 in downtown St. Petersburg. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s event was live streamed. “Ultimately the students are in charge of the content that they cover, which is one of the fun parts about the program,” Andres Faza, journalism instructor at Johns Hopkins, said, “The cool thing about this exhibit is that it’s a year’s worth of photojournalism work and then we pick from that year.” The art exhibit demonstrates students’ relationship with the everchanging world. This year photos ranged in subject from COVID precautions, to Black Lives Matter artwork and students’ passions. “I’m so proud of our student journalists for the work they’ve done throughout the year, especially during this year and the circumstances they’ve come up against. They’re learning to do journalism from home, socially distanced and safely,” Faza said. Organized by Crystal Pruitt, the journalism program coordinator for Journeys in Journalism, Marcus Grayson and Joseph Parler, adjunct instructors at
GABRIELLE REEDER
By Gabrielle Reeder
Using a green screen, Nahshon Cooper, background left, and Gloria Privis stand behind coordinators Andres Faza, foreground left, Crystal Pruitt and Marcus Grayson.
Johns Hopkins Middle School, and Faza, this year’s opening night was broadcast live Friday, January 8. Nahshon Cooper, an eighth grader at Johns Hopkins, was selected to co-host the event along with Pruitt. “I’ve been studying all last night,” Cooper said the day of the opening. “I stayed up until three trying to read the words so I don’t mess up for the livestream.” Seventh grader Gloria Privis operated the sound and cameras from the control room. “I tried to do something else, but that’s not mine. I really like this and I feel like it’s really about me. Even though you can’t see me,” Privis said.
VOTE Dr. Mike Bauer for Gulfport City Council
The artwork will be at Studio@620 until January 30. Visit throughoureyes. swell.gives/photo for virtual tours and to purchase artwork. Admission to the physical gallery is free and reservations are mandatory. Reserve a visit at thestudio@620.org. “I always tell students when they are trying to decide what they want to do, that you can’t go wrong with a career in journalism [or] communications, because the simple foundation is writing and you need writing in just about every job,” Pruitt said. Students interested in applying for the Journeys in Journalism program can visit pcsb.org/journalism to fill out an application.
Why’d it have to be Sweets?
Work with businesses to resolve parking issues. Establish walkways between parks and greenspaces. Plan for sea level rise. Obtain resident input on all critical issues. Protect small businesses, cottages, trees, and the waterfront.
www.DrMikeBauer.com Political advertisement paid for and approved by Michael R. Bauer for Gulfport City Council Ward 2
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Gulfport’s Local Bakery
New menu items daily Custom orders 2901 Beach Blvd. S., Suite 105 afriendwhobakes.com
theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
Lit Bits
By Lynn Taylor
January 13 saw the first Gabber Book Club meeting of the new year, featuring “Grounds for Murder” by local author Tara Lush. Ahead of the meeting, the Gabber Book Club created a Facebook group to share interesting info about the book, the book club, and, since coffee was a big part of “Grounds for Murder,” an article about coffee snobs. February’s book, “Everything Inside,” is a collection of stories by Haitian author Edwidge Danticat set in Miami, Port-au-Prince and an unnamed country in the Caribbean. The book won The National Book Critics Circle Award and The Story Prize. The Gabber Book Club is open to everyone interested in exploring the literary landscapes of Florida and the work of Florida writers. The group meets at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month, via Zoom (for now). Learn more at Tombolo Books.com or join the Gabber Book Club Facebook group.
CATHY SALUSTRI
Gabber Book Club Returns With New Reads and a Facebook Group
Writers in Paradise Evening Reading Series Goes Virtual Eckerd College is hosting its popular Evening Reading Series virtually this year after the 2021 Writers in Paradise Writers Conference was canceled due to COVID-19. As always, the series of readings by instructors from the writing conference is free. The virtual readings kick off on January 17 with Ana Menendez, Michael Koryta, Major Jackson and Sterling Watson. Night 2 of Virtual Writers in Paradise 2021 on January 18 features work by Les Standiford, Emily Bernard, Ann Hood, Andre Dubus III and Laura Lippman. Readings begin both nights at 6 p.m. and are available on the Writers in Paradise YouTube channel. Book + Bottle Book Club Returns Book clubs and wine are a natural fit but Book + Bottle is adding a twist to the return of their book club: this month’s book is also about wine. The featured selection,
Check out more on Gabber Book Club selections, like January’s “Grounds for Murder,” at the club’s new Facebook group.
“Bruno: Chief of Police,” is the first in a series of mysteries set in the French wine country, and is lauded as a fun and interesting mind-teaser for wine enthusiasts. Copies are available for purchase at Book + Bottle, 17 6th St. N. prior to the event on January 28, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Take control of your end of life decisions
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New Year’s Special. Walks/Visits starting at $12. Call and book now!!!
Here in our firm we offer much more than Personal Injury Represenation. We have some of the most competitive rates in Pinellas County for Wills, Living Wills, Health Surrogates. COMPETITIVE RATES. WE OFFER 50% DISCOUNT FOR VETERAN AND ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY. OUR WILL PACKAGE IS $300.00 (INCLUDED IS WILL, LIVING WILL, & HEALTH SURROGATE)
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theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
727-345-3788 HitchensLaw.com • M-F 9-5
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crossword
Solution on page 31
Hidden Fruits
gabber on vacation
Solution on page 31
LAURA MULROONEY
sudoku
Chad Lance recently enjoyed exploring the deep historical roots of Savannah, Georgia’s waterfront district. After a busy day of time travel to the early beginnings of Savannah’s development, Chad relaxed with the Gabber as he listened to the bustling river business. Have you taken the Gabber somewhere? Or maybe stayed at home? We want to see your pictures! Please send a highresolution photo and a brief description to news@thegabber.com.
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theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
CLASSIFIEDS Accounting
CLEAR NUMBERS BOOKKEEPING Virtual bookkeeping for small businesses and nonprofits. Monthly packages customized to your needs or one time cleanups. Payroll available. QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor. 10+ years experience. Call/text to 727-248-0714 or email to nspence@clearnumbers.biz
If you have questions about advertising, please email us at advertising@thegabber.com or call 727-321-6965! Deadline: Friday 5 p.m. SEMI-RETIRED CARPENTER At Discount Prices! Free Estimates. Frame and Finish Work. Gulfport and Pinellas Park Areas. Call the Door Doctor. Gus, 727-644-6194. Caregivers
ATTN: LITTERBUGS
May the Powers That Be, please make Litterbugs (too cute of a name) think about what they are doing when they trash our beautiful city. Your trash hurts the earth, and it’s marine life. Card of Thanks PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (Never Known to Fail) - Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, star of the sea, help me & show me here you are my mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3) times. Holy Spirit, you Who Solve All Problems, Light All Roads, So That I Can Attain My Goal. You Who Gave Me The Divine Gift To Forgive And Forget All Evil Against Me And That In All Instances In My Life You Are With Me. I Want In This Short Prayer To Thank You For All Things As You Confirm Once Again That I Never Want To Be Seperated From You In Eternal Glory. Thank You For Your Mercy Towards Me and Mine. L.M.G. Help Wanted
HAIRDRESSERS/ HAIR STYLISTS
Hair Stylist Wanted for a New Aveda Salon in St Petersburg. Please send an email to info@ luminatesalonspa.com or Call 727-331-5722
Non-Medical Home Care • Private Duty Personal Care • Companionship Homemaker Services • No Contracts No Minimum Hour Requirement Licensed, Bonded, Insured Nurse Owned & Operated
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COMPUTER SERVICES 727-343-2838
In-home services: Internet security, training, virus & spyware removal, maintenance & repair, data recovery. PC & Mac.
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Computer Problems? No Problem! In-Home Service FREE Phone Consultation Virus/Malware Removal Setup • Repair • Tutoring Courteous, Competent, Reliable Service
Handy Person HANDYMAN SEMI-RETIRED All types of repairs • small jobs welcome • Quality work at reasonable prices • Honest • Reliable • Free estimates • John, 727-410-2201 CARPENTER DEPENDABLE! Have Tools Will Travel Trustworthy. Doors, Decks/Eaves/ Rotted Wood, Etc. 30 Year Gabber Advertiser. Free Estimates, Lic. C-5754. 727-821-9973.
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.
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theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
Home & Condo Maintenance
D.C. STRONG
Home & condo maintenance • Interior & Exterior • Experienced in all work, A-Z • Call Dennis Strong 727-301-4530 • Licensed & Insured
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City Of Gulfport City-Wide Yard Sale Addresses*
Saturday, January 16 from Dawn to Dusk
Stetson Area • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
5920 Tangerine Ave. S. 1829 60th St. S. 5926 Tangerine Ave. S. 5919 19th Ave. S. 5825 tangerine Ave. S. 1115 61st St. S. 6145 9th Ave. S. 702 Gray St. S. 1002 Hull St. S. 801 Gray St. S. 1207 Gray St. S. 5817 20th Ave. S. 1708 59th St. S. 5920 19th Ave. S. 1212 61st St. S. 1013 Hull St. S. 5825 20th Ave. S. 1201 60th St. S. 1205 Freemont St. S. 5818 21st Ave. S. 926 62nd St. S. 1008 Hull St. S. 28th Ave. S. to Gulfport Blvd.
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
2232 56th St. S. 2229 Premier Dr. S. 5301 28th Ave. S. 2403 58th St. S. 5148 25th Ave. S. 5525 27th Ave. S. 5108 26th Ave. S. 5703 25th Ave. S. 2701 56th St. S. 5848 23rd Ave. S. 2301 54th St. S. 2732 Beach Blvd. S. 2225 Beach Blvd. S.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
5814 26th Ave S. 5830 23rd Ave. S. 5202 23rd Ave. S. 2414 York St. S. 2614 58th St. S. 2632 Beach Blvd. S. 5031 28th Ave. S. Apt. A 2720 Beach Blvd. S. 5501 27th Ave. S. 2413 54th St. S. 5626 Gulfport Blvd. S. 2507 51st St. S. 2520 58th St. S. 2310 52nd St. S. 5820 27th Ave. S. 2725 54th St. S. 2601 49th St. S. 5732 23rd Ave. S. 2514 York St. S. North of Gulfport Blvd.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
5127 12th Ave. S. 5101 13th Ave. S. 5129 16th Ave. S. 1431 57th St. S. 5600 15th Ave. S. 5522 17th Ave. S. 5414 Jersey Ave. S. 1902 54th St. S. 1711 54th St. S. 5626 13th Ave. S. 5318 Jersey Ave. S. 5722 17th Ave. S. 1902 53rd St. S. 1801 56th St. S. 1725 51st Way S. 5143 13th Ave. S. 5013 20th Ave. S.
• • • • •
5418 13th Ave. S. 5701 Tangerine Ave. S. 5214 18th Ave. S. 5310 16th Ave. S. 5009 18th Ave. S. Marina District
• • • • • • • • •
2900 45th St. S. 4601 29th Ave. S. 2633 Upton St. S. 2701 45th St. S. 2703 45th St. S. 4737 Del Rio Way S. 4825 Coronado Way S. 2625 Quincy St. S. 2702 45th St. S. Townshores to 28th Ave. S.
• 5925 Shore Blvd. S. #115 (Lancaster Build.) • 5840 30th Ave. S. #105 • 3032 Clinton St. S. • 5719 29th Ave. S. • 5301 30th Ave. S. • 5317 30th Ave. S. • 5118 29th Ave. S. • 5213 Delette Ave. S. • 2825 54th St. S. • 2813 57th St. S. • 3026 52nd St. S. • 5657 Shore Blvd. S. • 5659 Shore Blvd. S. • 3032 52nd St. S. • 3011 54th St. S. • 2831 56th St. S. • 2819 53rd St. S. • 5731 Shore Blvd. S. • 2925 53rd St. S.
*AREAS ARE NOT IN ANY ROUTE ORDER
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theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
Home & Condo Maintenance
AFFORDABLE PROMPT • RELIABLE Licensed & Insured
Lee Claxton, I.S.A. Certified Arborist
Planting • Trimming Tree & Stump Removal Cabling/Bracing • Pruning/Shaping
(727) 381-ROOF (7663)
4576 10 Ave N., St Petersburg 33713
Family Owned Since 1964 St. Lic. #RC0066692 Insured
Lawn / Landscape TREE PRUNING & DEBRIS CLEANUP Serving South St. Petersburg • Free Estimates • 727-308-8650
727-220-0226 AnAffordableArborist@gmail.com
Furnished Rentals
TOWN SHORES OF GULFPORT KENMORE 103 Beautiful one bedroom deluxe. Nicely furnished and outfited. Easy clean ceramic floors. Gas stove and furnace. Cold A/C. Open feeling. Handy carport. Steps to pool. Annual lease: $1,200 per month + electric. Available now. To see call Dann: 727-687-4089 General GULFPORT LIONS CLUB Available for parties, weddings, meetings. Great waterfront location with full facilities. Call Jean for info and dates. 727-366-6341.
Miscellaneous Services
THE TRASH QUEEN Overwhelmed with the mess? Clean up/clean out, inside and out, recycling and organizing, and we do mulching and weeding! Free estimate from Kathy, Trashologist, licensed/insured, with truck/trailer. Call/text 845-866-3867. Responsible, reasonable, and ready!
EXPERT SPRINKLER REPAIR
Rich Moseley, Irrigation Contractor. 25 Years Experience. Reasonable Rates. Well & Pumps. 727-439-0792. Lic.#C8312. BBB Accredited.
Irrigation Stain Removal We remove ugly rust-colored stains from PVC Fencing, house siding, signs, mailboxes, painted wood & concrete/ stucco, cars.
free quote & DEMO (727) 360-7070
PETE’S HAIR DESIGN--CHAIR RENTALS Three available. $150/week. Four weeks off bonus. Two can split a chair. 6620 Central Avenue. 727-418-6109. Moving / Hauling
CHARLES JUNK HAULING & DEMOLITION Junk & Trash Removal. Low, Low Prices Guaranteed, Daily Specials. Kitchen, Bath, Shed, Fencing, etc. Demolition. 727-8310507. Painting
MASTERS PAINTING When Quality Counts. Trust Masters Painting. Making Happy Customers for 37yrs. Pressure Cleaning, Waterproofing, Honest, Reliable. 727-3441674. References, Guaranteed. Lic.#C4749. PINNIX PAINTING INC Interior , Exterior. In Business Locally Since 1980. Free Estimates. Commercial, Residential. References Upon Request. Lic. #C4334. 727-6411888
EXTERIOR PAINTING BY MASTERGUARD PAINTING
30 Years Painting in Pinellas County. Sherwin Williams Products used with a lifetime guarantee. Licensed and insured. Discounts for Seniors, Veterans and First
theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
Responders MASTERGUARD PAINTING LLC Call Steve at 727-424-4303 Pets / Animals
PAM ART Will paint your pet from a photo. $40. Also do fun ‘day of dead’ portraits. Call 727-323-5651 or EMail me: Pamela.Masuk1@gmail.com. See some of my art on Instagram or Facebook @ Pammasukart.
MURPHY’S DOG WALKING SERVICE
If your looking for a Professional, Reliable, Insured Dog Walker, Please contact me, We can set up a personalized plan to take care of your pet. Daily, Weekly rates. Starting at $12 a walk or visit. www.Murphysdogwalking.com email: Murphysdog walking727@gmail.com 508-310-3435 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. Positions Wanted CAREGIVER AVAILABLE IN YOUR HOME I am a professional, reliable and caring individual that can assist with multiple tasks in your home. Health maintenance, cooking, cleaning, and necessary errands. Min of 4 hours, max of 8 hours. References available. South Gulfport. Call Sarah 386-8641686.
Yard / Garage Sale
GULFPORT CITYWIDE YARD SALE TOWNSHORES IVANHOE 5955 30th Ave S. MOVING SALE-EVERYTHING FOR SALE Queen bedroom set, dining room set. Mirrors, lots of pictures, tables, lamps – if it’s in the condo it’s for sale! Town Shores, The Hampton (#105) 5960 30th Ave. S., Gulfport. 12-5 p.m. Fri., Jan. 15 & Sat., Jan. 16. No early birds – I won’t be here! MOVING SALE - 8576 W. GULF BLVD. TREASURE ISLAND SAT 1/16 & SUN 1/17-8 a.m. Furniture, kitchenware, art, beds/ bedding, deck furniture--Florida “beachy” decor--must see! There’s something for everyone! GULFPORT CITYWIDE YARD SALE Collectibles, plants, household items. 5813 25th Ave S. GULFPORT CITYWIDE YARD SALE Art, Antiques, Collectibles, Ladies Clothing, Lamps, Books, Picture Frames, Bric-a-Brac--Much, much more!! 9am-2pm (please no early birds) 2501 56th St S. (knock on door on 25th Ave S side).
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED LINE ADS ONLINE! theGabber.com 29
Real Estate For Sale
The Market is GREAT! Call me for a FREE market evaluation on your home
Dina Gamma, RealtorÂŽ
727-410-5035
gammadina10@gmail.com
Thinking of Selling? Call me!
AFFORDABLE GULFPORT
For Sale or Rent Located in South Pasadena, in the famous waterfront Chateaux Tower. PENTHOUSE 2 bed 2 bath unit on the 16th floor featuring gorgeous open water views and is totally remodeled. Available for $535K, or rent $2850/mo. We also have a 4th floor corner unit for $399k (currently rented with good income). Call 702-580-1552
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED LINE ADS ONLINE!
Beachway Park Mobile Homes
Over 55 / No Pets / Co-op Share Included Furnished / Low Maintenance $200 Mo.
2/2 • Split Bedrooms Across from Pool • $65,000
March City Council Elections Disregarding state and national elections, local government requires local stewardship. Changing the council make-up would possibly create a disruption and change of philosophy and community-direction during this, a most unusual time. The present council has a balance in social representation that clearly reflects the image and issues of Gulfport, and, it’s important that this balance not be upset. Gulfport is evolving. Growth and change are unavoidable, zoning a critical issue. Opinion suggests, having a council with “Gulfport knowledge� and clear leadership in representing the best interests of ALL the community as a whole is vital. As experienced members of this council both Michael Fridovich and Christine Brown have consistently demonstrated their ability to be valuable contributors as well as an independent thinkers; always having the best interests and future of the city of Gulfport as their only priority. This is not the time to change dance partners. PAID FOR BY PAUL INNIS, RESIDENT / TAXPAYER
2/1 • Split Bedrooms No Back Neighbor • $69,900 2 ½ • Beautifully Remodeled No Rear Neighbor • $80,000
Bill & DeAnn Meredith
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theGabber.com theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
solutions
DEADLINES HAVE CHANGED! 5 p.m. Friday for next Thursday’s issue.
We Are Moving!
Starting in early January 2021, our new office will be located at 6641 Central Avenue within the West Central Shopping plaza!
Marie Drew mdrew@remax.net
727-657-1259 MarieDrew.com
YOUR GULFPORT LOCAL EXPERT! ERT!! ERT theGabber.com | January 14, 2021 - January 20, 2021
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FREE
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(877) 880-1212 | CoastDental.com *Free Professional Take-Home Teeth Whitening. ADV – Free Whitening Special – Marketing 2020. $25 value. Must schedule and show for an appointment at Coast Dental & Orthodontics by January 31, 2021. Offer expires 1/30/2021. Offer limited to one per customer. Minimum fee only. Fee may vary with complexity of case. ADDITIONAL CHARGES MAY BE INCURRED FOR RELATED SERVICES WHICH MAY BE REQUIRED IN INDIVIDUAL CASES. (FL PATIENTS ONLY - THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT.) The dentists and hygienists are employees or independent contractors of Coast Florida, P.A., Coast Dental, P.A., (Adam Diasti, DDS, DN12490). Coast Dental Services, LLC complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. © 2020 Coast Dental. All rights reserved. CD-103226 R 11/2020
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