St Pete Police Search Gulfport Marina in Homicide Case, and announcements

By Abby Baker

Beginning at noon, on Tuesday, February 16, the St. Petersburg Police Department and St. Petersburg Dive and Marine Rescue Team investigated the area around the Williams Pier for evidence in an ongoing homicide case, police said.

“We are searching for evidence in one of our ongoing investigations,” said SPPD spokesperson Yolanda Fernandez. “We cannot say what the evidence is or what case, but it is an open case.”

According to Gulfport Police Department’s Public Information Officer Thomas Woodman, St. Petersburg Police are using a GPD boat. Gulfport Police shut down the pier for the investigation. “We are just assisting them in that way,” Woodman said. Police anticipated the search would wrap up Tuesday. “It’s unlikely they will be there tomorrow,” Fernandez said on Tuesday.

Get Gulfport on the Go

Check out the newest way to connect in Gulfport: an app for iOS and Android. The official City of Gulfport app gives residents a simple way to ask questions or report potholes, signs, trash or debris, code violations, among other things. Users can submit GPS data and photos, keep track of requests and find direct links to utility bill payment, the city calendar, frequently asked questions, the city employee directory, sanitation department, newsletter sign up and more. Email info@mygulfport.us, call 727-893-1118 or visit mygulfport.us/ cityapp.

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 wealth 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.

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.

Have a Blast at Gulfport’s Teen Night

Register now for Gulfport’s Teen Night Program for teens and middle school kids to age 17. Teens enjoy recreational and social activities, as well as monthly field trips, cooking projects, service projects and overnight lock-ins. The teens get to use the Gulfport Recreation Center’s gymnasium, game room and outdoor area on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m.

Annual registration costs $3 for residents/$25 non-residents. For more, call John at 727-893-1079.

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.

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.

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.

Curbside Reading at the Library

Don’t feel safe going back into public places? The Gulfport Public Library has you covered at the curb! You can pick up requested materials — books, reemployment forms, tax forms, your copy of the Gabber, what have you — at the curb. You can either reserve books online, via email, or by calling the library, Pick up materials Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Get more details at mygulfport.us/gpl.