From St. Pete to the Super Bowl

Lakewood/USF Alum Coming Up Big For Chiefs

By Monroe Roark

A former star at Lakewood High School played a key role Sunday night, Jan. 29, in helping the Kansas City Chiefs win the AFC Championship and earn a berth in Super Bowl LVII.

On a frigid Kansas City evening, the Chiefs defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 on a field goal with three seconds left. The home team’s leading receiver was Marquez Valdes-Scantling, with six receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown.

The game was tied at 13 in the second half when Valdes-Scantling caught a 19-yard scoring pass from Patrick Mahomes to give the Chiefs the lead.

This was the third time the fifthyear wide receiver had played in a conference championship game, having done so in 2019 and 2020 for the Green Bay Packers in the NFC. But this is his first trip to the biggest game in the sport.

He starred for Lakewood in 2011 and 2012, with 28 catches for 600 yards and six touchdowns as a junior, while posting 50 receptions for 800 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior.

From there he went to North Carolina State, starting a few games as a true freshman before missing some time with an injury and then racking up more receiving numbers as a sophomore before transferring to the University of South Florida. There he finished in the top ten in most career receiving categories despite playing only two seasons.

In the spring of 2018 the Packers selected him with the final pick in the fifth round, and he became the

15th Lakewood alum taken in the NFL draft. He spent four seasons at Lambeau Field before signing with the Chiefs as a free agent. So nearly all of his passes as a pro have been thrown by one of two likely future Hall of Famers: Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers.

The Super Bowl is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 12, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. EST and the game will be televised on FOX.

Puzzle and Pets

Gulfport’s Best Puzzle Tournament and Pet Mayor Candidates

By Cameron Healy

Paw-litics

Gulfport pet mayor candidates showed up for their spotlight meet and greet with Robert Boyd from ABC Action News.

The Gulfport Historical Society and Friends of Strays teamed up to continue the tradition of Gulfport’s pet mayor election.

Anyone can vote for our fearless paw-litical leaders. Each vote costs $1. All the proceeds benefit the Gulfport Historical Society and Friends of Strays.

Puzzled Puzzlers

The Gulfport Senior Center held their fifth annual jigsaw puzzle tournament on Jan. 31.

Eleven teams of four worked together to strategically complete a 500 piece puzzle of a taxi in a city surrounded by pink flowers.

After the two hour limit, first place went to Team Canada! Only three out of the four were from there. The team’s uniform had a Canadian maple leave with their slogan: Canadians are Puzzling.

Team Crazy Quilters didn’t place, but were thrilled to have finished the puzzle and had fun.

Happy Valentine’s

Valentine’s Decor Around Gulfport

Gulfport 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. Stop by, join our weekly newsletter, or like us on Facebook for a full calendar of events.

Fitness Center now open! To provide physical distancing, the hourly capacity is limited. You must call to pre-register.

Supplemental food assistance for qualifying Gulfport Seniors in need is available at the Senior Center. Pantry is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Proper verification required prior to use of the pantry.

GEMS (Gulfport Extended Mobility Service) provides affordable Door-to-Door transportation service, rides to medical appointments, shopping, and much more for Gulfport residents, 55 years of age or older or disabled. 727-893-2242.

Medical Equipment Lending Program provides gently used wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches and other medical equipment to seniors who need it. Supplies limited.

Special Events

Medicare & Health Insurance Assistance

Frustrated trying to navigate the insurance world? We have you covered! Make your appointment today.

Memory Screenings Worried about your memory? St. Anthony’s Memory Disorder Clinic offers free & confidential memory screenings.

SNAP Benefit Assistance Feeding Tampa Bay will meet with you to help you apply for SNAP benefits.

Gulfcoast Legal Assistance Do you need assistance, with lifetime planning docs, Medicaid/Medicare issues, Social Security issues, food stamp issues, family law issues, consumer/debt collection Issues, or housing/ contract Issues? Call to make an appointment with a legal representative. By appointment only.

Rhythm & Groove Jam Session Let’s make music together at our new monthly hootenanny. Bring your instrument & join others for a casual jamming group. Open to anyone & everyone, all instruments, all levels of experience, & listeners. D Hall. Feb. 9, 3 p.m.

Senior Prom Show up to dance the night away. Tickets $20 each, $25 at the door. Purchase tickets at the Senior Center and the Casino. Proceeds to benefit The Gulfport Senior Center Building Campaign Fund! Casino. Feb. 13, 7 p.m.

Death Talks: Meet the Death Doula Take the mystery & fear out of death and dying with these end-of-life discussions. Room 107. Feb. 14, 3 p.m. Wellness Wednesday Monthly Wellness iPhone / iPad Instruction Class Learn the basic functions of your Apple iPhone or iPad. Presented by the Gulfport Library. MUST Pre-register. Rm. 107. Feb. 21, 1 p.m. Happy Birthday to YOU! Come celebrate this month’s Birthdays with friends, food, & fun whether it’s your birthday or not. D Hall. Feb. 22, 3 p.m.

Checks Make your health a priority & track your progress with these free monthly wellness screenings. Th Lobby. Feb. 15, 9 a.m. Farmer’s Market Bring your tote bags & help yourself to some healthy, fresh fruits & vegetables. N. Parking Lot. Feb. 15, 11:30 a.m.

In the Kitchen with Chef Jack: Thai Chicken & Vegetables Improve your culinary skills with step-by-step instruction from Chef Jack. MUST pre-register. D Hall. Feb. 16, 4 p.m. Clubhouse Chatter Open discussion about the MLB season & your hometown Ray’s. Rm. 106. Feb. 17, 10:30 a.m.

Art Adventures: Ancient Art of Batik Explore the ancient by decorating an egg using the original batik method. Bring your curiosity and love of adventure – creativity will just happen! MUST pre-register. Rm. 106. Feb. 17, 1 p.m. OTC with Cliff Your OTC (Over-The-Counter) benefits allow you to order drugs & supplies at no cost. Swing by and let Cliff help you place your order. Lobby. Feb. 21, 9:30 a.m.

EPIC Coffee Connections EPIC Generations invites LGBTQ+ adults for coffee, friendship, & support. Rm. 106. Feb. 24, 10 a.m.

Movie Matinee Take a break from the hustle & bustle and enjoy a movie on the big screen. Call for movie title. Theater. Feb. 24, 1 p.m.

Gems Getaways

Manatee Viewing Center Bring a bag lunch. Feb. 15; $15 members / $20 non-members. Seaside Seabird Sanctuary & Lunch at The Joint. Feb. 22; $10 members / $14 non-members.

Mondays

Monday Mile Walking Club 8 a.m., call for location

Spanish Conversation 8:30 a.m., Room 107

Chair Exercise/Yoga 9:30 a.m., Theater Lobby

Spanish for Beginners 10 a.m., Room 107

Stretch & Strength 10 a.m., Casino

Wisdom Healing Qigong 11 a.m., Theater Lobby

Mahjong 12 p.m., Room 107

Dominos 1 p.m., Theater Lobby

Strength Training & Aerobics 1:30 p.m., Dining Hall

Chair Volleyball 3 p.m., Dining Hall

TUESDAYS

Gulfport Senior Citizens Harmonica Club

9 a.m., Room 107

Line Dancing for Beginners 10 a.m., Neighborhood Center

Tai Chi 10 a.m., Casino

Gulfport Quilting Club 10 a.m., Room 106

Texas Hold ‘Em 11 a.m., Theater Lobby

Contract Bridge 1:30 p.m., Theater Lobby

New Horizons Band of Gulfport Jazz Practice 4:30 p.m., Room 107

New Horizons Band of Gulfport Concert Practice 6 p.m., Dining Hall

WEDNESDAYS

Senior Moments 8:30 a.m., Room 107

Gentle Mindful Yoga 10 a.m., Neighborhood Center Investment Discussion Group 10 a.m., Room 107

Stretch & Strength 10 a.m., Casino Bunco 10:30 a.,m., Theater Lobby

Widowing Tribe 12:30 p.m., Room 107

Canasta 1 p.m., Theater Lobby

Bingo 1:30 p.m., Dining Hall

Intermediate Spanish 6 p.m., Room 106

Cardio Drumming 5:30 p.m., Dining Hall

Gulfport Toastmasters 6 p.m., Room 107

Thursdays

Guided Meditation 10 a.m., Room 107

Tai Chi 10 a.m., Casino

Texas Hold ‘Em 11 a.m., Theater Lobby

Contract Bridge 1:30 p.m., Theater Lobby

Strength Training & Aerobics 1:30 p.m., Dining Hall

Italian Language Classes 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., various rooms

Fridays

Wellness Movement 9 a.m., Room 106

Beginners’ Yoga 9 a.m., Casino

Gulfport Writers’ Workshop 9:30 a.m., Room 107

Knitting & Crocheting 10 a.m., Theater Lobby

Chair Yoga 9 a.m., Casino

Bridge Instruction 12:30 p.m., Room 107

Dominos 1 p.m., Theater Lobby

Catherine Hickman Theater 727-893-1070

The Laramie Project This play is about the reaction to Matthew Shepard’s murder and contains strong language & mature themes. Tickets and info at GhostLightYC.org. Feb. 10, 11, & 17: 8 p.m. Feb. 11,

5501 27th Ave. S.

12, 18, & 19: 2 p.m. Special benefit performance for LGBTQ Resource Center on Saturday, Feb, 18: 7:30 p.m. $20 & up

AARP Tax-Aide Free, individualized tax preparation for low-to moderate-income taxpayers. Call 727-755-3112 to request an appointment. There will be no walk-in tax preparation. You will need to bring your important documents to the site. For everyone's safety masks are required. Call 1-888-687-2277 for additional information or visit https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/. Mondays & Fridays (except Feb. 17, 20), 10 a.m.

Teen Space Spend time with friends and make new ones. Play games, make art, watch movies, or just hang out. Activities vary – and what we do is up to you! Ages 1218 only. Tuesdays, 4 p.m.

Storytime Join us for stories, rhymes, music. Thursdays, 10:15 & 11 a.m.

Garden Grandpa If you have little ones in grades K-5, join us the first Wednesday of the month in the Reading Garden. Mr. Albert will share his knowledge of gardening and sustainability through storytelling and hands-on fun. Mar. 1, 4 p.m.

Come & Go Craft Drop in for creative, self-directed crafting. For all ages, but some pieces might be on the small side. Supplies are limited and are on a first come, first served basis. Crafting located on children’s area tables.

Feb. 4, 10 a.m.

Grown-Up Movie Series One of the greatest musical icons and composers of her time, Lydia Tár, leads a prestigious orchestra in Berlin. Making history as the first female conductor in Germany, she must live up to her name as she records her latest symphony. Rated R. Call 727893-1074 for title. Mar. 4, 1 p.m.

STEAM Club STEAM is short for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Join us for a special visit from the Great Explorations Children's Museum outreach team who will introduce us to the science of bubbles, explosions, and reactions. Feb. 22, 4 p.m.

SHINE Presentation: Medicare Basics Presentation on Medicare Parts A, B, C, & D and what they mean to you. FMI, visit www.floridashine.org. Feb. 15, 1 p.m.

Gulfport Book Club Discuss “Nemesis” by Philip Roth. Available as print and audio. Feb. 16, 2 p.m.

Craig Pittman: “The State You’re In” The Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Library welcomes the award-winning writer to speak at our annual meeting. This native Floridian zeros in on the uniqueness of our state with humor but also with an eye on environmental solutions. Refreshments served at 6:30 pm prior to the program. Feb. 16, 7 p.m.

ReadOut: A Festival of LGBTQ Literature

This year’s theme is Literary Queeries – valuing the literature, one presentation at a time! Celebrate published and emerging authors with panels, individual readings, and workshops. For additional information and a detailed schedule of events visit https://readout.lgbtqgulfport.org/ . Live at the Library and Zoom. Feb. 17-19.

Gulfport Casino Ballroom 727-893-1070 • 5500 Shore Blvd. S.

Disco Party Feb. 10: 7 p.m., hustle lesson; 8 p.m., dance. $10.

Senior Prom Prom attire encouraged! Benefiting Gulfport Senior Center Building Campaign Fund. Tickets available at Casino & Senior Center. Feb. 13, 7 p.m. $20 pre-sale; $25 at door

Sock Hop with The Impacs Advance tickets available at Casino & Beach Bazaar. $15 / $25 for two. Tickets purchased day-of: $20.

Annual registration: $3; $25, nonresidents

Pickleball

Intermediate and advanced Mon., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Beginners Tues., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

All levels Tues., 6-8:30 p.m. and Thurs., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Adult Basketball Wed. & Fri., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thurs., 6-8:30 p.m.

Table Tennis Tues. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Game Room Mon., Wed., & Fri., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Programs

School Year Child Care Program Registration continues for the 2022-23 school year child care program for kids entering kindergarten through age 14. Bus transportation available from Pasadena Fundamental, Gulfport Montessori, and Douglas Jamerson Elementary. Program runs until 5:30 p.m., with extended hours

Music & Dancing with Carol Baker & Daniel Fugazzotto Feb. 19: 4 p.m., lesson; 5 p.m., dancing. $15 / $25 couples

Casino Weekly Dances Ballroom Lessons: Tues., 12 p.m. $15 / $25 couples

Argentine Tango: Tues., 6:30 p.m., $10

Swing: Weds., 7 p.m. $10

Latin Night: Thurs., 7 p.m. $10 until 6 p.m. for an extra charge. Please contact the Recreation Center for more details.

Teen Night! Registrations continue for the 2022-2023 Teen Night Program for teens in 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: $3; $25, nonresidents.

Classes

Call instructor for more information. Want to teach a class? Call Jami: 727-893-1079.

Ballet Tues., 5:45 p.m., ages 5-7; 6:45 p.m. intermediate ballet, ages 8-16. $40/ month. Lisa: 727-742-2594.

Tap Tues., 7:45 p.m., intermediate. $20/ month. Lisa: 727-742-2594

Essentrics Toning Thurs., 9 a.m. $30/ month. Lauren: 248-875-7030

Danskinetics Tues., 10 a.m. $6/class or $20/month. Carol: 845-654-0609

Hatha Yoga Wed., 6:15 p.m. $12/class or $40/month. Denise: 727-251-8868.

Nia Mon., 10 a.m. $15/class, $40/month.

Christine: 727-692-1896

Youth Hip Hop Fri., 6:30 p.m., ages 7-9; 7:30 p.m., ages 9-16. $40/month. Lisa: 727-742-2594.

Hula Hoop Fitness Second & fourth Thursday, 6:30 p.m. $10/class. Maria: mestrada1987@gmail.com

Tai Chi Gung Mon. 6:30p.m. and Fri. 10 a.m. $15/class or $50/month. Call Kare 727-262-0880

Zumba Thurs., 6 p.m., $6/class, $20/ month. Magda: 727-214-7868.

Devilishly Delicious Tyrone’s Newest Taco Joint Big on Flavor

By Cathy Salustri

One of us walked up and wanted the spiciest tacos on the menu. Another of us wanted the blandest.

We all wanted tacos.

And, as promised, Torchy’s Tacos delivered some “damn good” ones.

At the Jan. 30 media event, the St. Pete High Green Devils marching band greeted the crowd, as did a diaper-clad devil (we’re assuming there was a non-diaper-clad human inside the costume, and kudos to them for braving the warmest day this month in a furry red suit). As we walked into the restaurant, the staff hooted, hollered, and clapped for us.

This is not the reception most reporters get walking in anywhere, and we welcomed it. Turns out we were the first-ever customers at the first-ever Florida Torchy’s Tacos. It was the honor we didn’t know we needed after a long Monday at the office.

Torchy’s Tacos, a chain in 13 states, made Florida its 14th state when it opened on Feb. 1, and St. Pete’s Tyrone eatery marks its first Florida location.

While we almost always prefer locally owned businesses to chains, there’s no denying that chain restaurants employ local people, and, in

Torchy’s case, have the means to do some good: The company supports charities such as Make-A-Wish, and their website’s clear on two policies: ethically sourced foodstuffs and disposables made from 100% renewable materials (they’re pretty proud that their cooking oil gets turned into car fuel, so… 87 miles per taco, then?)

But how does the food taste?

In a word: good

Our table tried the chicken fajita taco (solid!), beef fajita taco (not as tasty as the chicken fajita taco, but still pretty great), green chile pork (also pretty great), Crossroads (tasty, and also a nice touch of the ‘Burg in the name), shrimp (spicy!) and the Mo Faux (you really can’t go wrong with Beyond “meat”, even if it would be healthier to eat actual beef.) Our table agreed: the spicy sauces had more than a little kick, the drinks were delightful (the Camarena Cooldown was the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with blue Curacao, tequila, and lime juice), and the street corn would have been a lot better had we not already gorged ourselves on tacos (next time, we’ll leave room, we swear!)

Torchy’s also serves breakfast tacos (because if you don’t have tacos for breakfast, can you even call yourself a taco lover?) and cocktails.

It feels a little odd to be able to get hard liquor at a counter-service taco joint, but it works. Plus, if the line for Portillo’s is making you crazy (what is up with that, anyway?), what better time to hop next door and chill with a taco or two (and trust us, two is more than enough – these are filling)?

And, hey, if their mascot looks a lot like the Little Devil from Richie Rich? Well, that makes the tacos even better.

Torchy’s Tacos, 2314 Tyrone Blvd. N., St. Petersburg. torchystacos.com

Solution on page 27

International Economics gabber on vacation

David Shiner traveled to the United Arab Emirates to run the Dubai Marathon. While there, he visited the recently completed Burj Dubai, a 160-story-tall building, which makes it the tallest in the world. Note the old-school Gabber Newspaper he has in his hand!

Have you taken The Gabber somewhere? We want to see your pictures! Please send a high-resolution photo and a brief description to news@ thegabber.com.