Announcements

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 causes. 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.

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.

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, 727-582-7781, or visit covid19. pinellascounty.org/where-to-gethelp for more.

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.

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.