Gulfport Debates!

Gulfport Debates!

On February 11, the Gabber, in partnership with the Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce, will host candidate debates at the Catherine Hickman Theater. We encourage all voters and those impacted by the actions of Gulfport City Council to attend, either in person or via Zoom.

The debate, moderated by GMC Vice President Brittney Sherley and Gabber publisher Cathy Salustri Loper, will include questions from the chamber, Gabber readers and staff, and Gulfport voters. Candidates will deliver an opening statement, answer general and candidate-specific questions, debate each other on two specific issues, and offer a closing statement. After the debate, the Gabber’s Citizen Election Board (who will have already interviewed the candidates individually) will release the paper’s official candidate recommendation to voters.

The debate will follow City of Gulfport’s COVID-19 safety protocols. Because of that, theater will seat at least 35 people, although because of families and quarantine bubbles that get advance tickets and require less social distancing, more seats may be available. The doors open at 5 p.m. for ticket holders, and ticket holders must check in by 5:30 p.m. to claim their seats. At 5:30 p.m., we will open the doors to anyone without a ticket.

To get the Zoom link, in-person tickets, or to submit a question for a single candidate or all the candidates, email elections@thegabber.com.

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.

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.