Announcements

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.

Book a Storytime

Looking for something to do with the little ones in your life? Book a Story Time at the Gulfport Library! For 15 minutes, Miss Abigail will read, sing and dance with your family – you can even ask for a specific theme. Call 727-893-1074 to book a time.

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.

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.

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.

Watch the Watchers Virtually

Gulfport’s Neighborhood Watch has gone virtual, which means no matter where you are you can participate via Facebook. The group meets Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Find the group on Facebook by searching for “Gulfport, FL Community Crime Watch.” The meetings and group offer Gulfport residents a monitored way to learn about burglaries, stolen vehicles and more. Call 727-893-1022 or email Gulfport’s volunteer coordinator Jim Wright at jwright@mygulfport.us if you want more information.