The Gabber: February 29, 2024

Candidates

but money speaks a bit

With less than a month until the Mar. 19 Gulfport city council elections, the Ward I candidates turned in another round

2908-B Beach Blvd. S. Gulfport, FL 33707 727-321-6965

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Cathy Salustri Loper cathy@thegabber.com

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Reporters

Amanda Hagood, Books & Environment Morgan Banno, Food & Dining

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Pasadena, St. Petersburg West,

St. Petersburg, Kenneth City, Tyrone, Tierra Verde, St. Pete Beach, Pass-A-Grille, Treasure Island, Pinellas Point, Madeira Beach, Pinellas Park

Barry Loper

Police Concerns

As a longtime resident of Gulfport, 1958-2013, I was stunned by Gulfport Police Department’s handling of the off leash dog going after two bicyclists. It doesn’t matter who you are, every person has the right to use the streets of Gulfport safely.

To tell somebody to use other streets because of a dog running loose is ridiculous. It certainly doesn’t solve the issue. It’s also a slap in the face to all the responsible dog owners who are respectful of others property and follow the laws. That’s what being a good citizen is

all about in your community.

For the owner, and her colorful language, it just shows her lack of intelligence and disregard for others. As for reporting offenses more often so it becomes more of a priority, well murder doesn’t happen that often in Gulfport either, thank God. The law is the law. You shouldn’t have to wait until people get a bite from that dog before the owner is warned or cited. There’s such a thing as being proactive, but maybe that concept doesn’t exist in Gulfport anymore. Very sad.

—Krista Rauch, former Gulfportian

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opinion

Pirate Dispatch

A Message From BCHS Principal Jennifer Gil

By Jennifer Gil

Greetings Pirate Community and Supporters,

We are well into the second semester and the Pirate Ship is sailing forward full speed ahead. We returned from winter break with a slew of successes to celebrate. Prior to the winter break, students sat for cycle two assessments in biology, algebra, geometry, U.S. history and ELA (English language arts). Students showed a positive trend in ELA, algebra and U.S. history; they maintained achievement in geometry and fell one point over last year in biology. BCHS U.S. government students took the Florida civics exam and outscored the district and the state for the third administration in a row.

Last month at the Dr. MLK Jr. Breakfast, BCHS students took home more than 50% of the awards given to high school students. Later on that morning the BCHS band, basketball team, and football team marched in the Dr. MLK Jr. Day parade. Our Pirates continue to excel in all areas academic, artistic and athletic. Check out the quarter three highlights below:

Boca Ciega High Quarter Three

• Nine visual art students received Scholastic Awards for their work in photography (three gold, one sliver, and five honorable mentions).

• The Surrealist Exhibit at the Dalí Museum selected the artwork of two students for display.

The academic team took first place in their match against Pinellas Park, Tarpon Springs, and Dunedin.

• 13 CWMP HOSA students placed within the top five for their respective medical skills at regionals. Five of the 13 students have qualified for states.

• BCHS placed fourth in the inaugural PCS Guys Read Competition.

• BCHS is in third place (of 17) for Pinellas Education Foundation Schol-

arship applications.

• The academic team took first place in the match against Lakewood, Seminole, and Clearwater.

• At the Superintendent’s Cup (or districts for academic teams), BCHS came in fifth place (of 16 schools).

• The girls’ wrestling team is back-toback PCAC champions, are district champions for the third year in a row, have a regional champion and have qualified three wrestlers for the state competition.

• BCHS students passed out more than 200 Valentine’s Day carnations to Menorah Manor and Samson Nursing Home residents.

• Drama student, Payton Bradley’s play,  The Recital, was chosen to be performed in a professional workshop reading at the Lift Every Voice: New Play Festival this year.

• Senior Robbi Medici signed and is committed to pay football at Florida Atlantic University.

• Senior Antwan Scott was selected as a Pinellas County Grades and Grit Athlete.

We are so proud of our Pirates and all their accomplishments.

Community and Parental Opportunities

BCHS is part of your community.We welcome you to be part of our school.

Listed below are a few opportunities for parents and community members to involve themselves with at BCHS:

• School Advisory Council (SAC). Council of parents, staff, students and community members who meeting monthly for the purpose of driving school improvement and the management of SAC funds. SAC meets the 2nd Monday of the month at 6 p.m. in the Student Activities Room (front office).

• Volunteer. We need volunteers in a variety of areas that include the College and Career Center, athletics, fine arts and even clerical assistance in the office.

• Mentor. Mentoring can have the biggest impact on young lives. BCHS receives mentors for students in the Take Stock In Children Scholarship program, students who struggle, students connected to the College & Career Center and/or students engaged in special interest clubs like Girlfriends or the 5,000 Role Models club.

You may ask, how can you support us? Here are three simple ways:

• Share the good news in this email with your family, friends and community.

• Follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram).

• Attend BCHS events and athletic contests when you hear about them.

Thank you for your time, be kind and pass along that Pirate Pride!

Pirate Dispatch: Boca Ciega High update from BCHS principal Jennifer Gil. Read about the school’s accomplishments in quarter three.

BOCA CIEGA HIGH SCHOOL

Marinas, MadDogs, and McMansions

Feb. 20 Gulfport City Council

By Patrick Heinzen

A one-ordinance agenda means a short meeting right? Well, not always. At the two-hour Feb. 20 Gulfport City Council meeting, the council looked at everything from updates about the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center Foundation to issues with the Chase Park dog park.

Never Too Old

The meeting opened with a presentation from Larry Kennedy, the president of the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center Foundation. He began by introducing the board of directors, and cleared up a common misconception: The Foundation is not the senior center. Their goal is to raise money to support the senior center. This includes a $100,000 donation each year for the next five years for the construction of the new center. Through events (21 in 2023), memberships, sponsors, and grants, they are able to raise enough money — and more, he said — each year to make this possible.

Off the Deep End

To work towards improving the marina, the City hired Stantec to do a study on what the Gulfport community wants. Through a series of surveys and meetings with the community and the City, Stantec will deliver a final concept plan near June. While their goal is to work towards what the community wants, some audience members were not so sure about the plan.

“I don’t know why we need to do this to our marina, but I rarely use it,” said Charlotte Downey. “Why are we pushing for this?”

“What is really behind this?” asked Karen Love. “I don’t know if the City wants to use this space to make more money or use this space to give us more space.”

New Public Safety Complex

“This is a great project,” said Councilmember Ian O’Hara (Ward IV). “It will enhance our community and bring our police and fire into the 21st century.”

O’Hara is talking about the concept for a new public safety headquarters off of 49th Street. The City hired Harvard Jolly to create a plan for a shared lot for Gulfport’s police and fire departments to share. This includes a separate police station and two-story fire station, as well as shared spaces for training and exercise.

Mad Dogs

During the public comments section, multiple residents spoke about issues they say they see with Gulfport’s big dog park. They told Council the park’s condition is an issue. Specifically, they said the ground was torn up and re-sodding the park was expensive and ineffective. Towards the end of the meeting, Councilmem-

ber April Thanos (Ward I) mentioned research she had on new ground cover, and presented it to the council to talk about in the future.

Ordinance 2024-01: More Houses

The lone ordinance of the night looked at splitting up one lot, at 2838 53rd St S., into two. Many years ago, two smaller lots merged. According to City documents, the house sold after it fell into disrepair. The new owner wants to split up the lots and build on them.

“I object to this,” said Richard Fried. “We’re just going to be building another McMansion or two of them. I think it’s rich that some ... on the council want to talk about workforce housing and affordable housing and you’re going to be voting on building on these lots that are unaffordable to working people.”

Mayor Sam Henderson said the council would not vote on building anything, but simply splitting the lot in two.

Council approved the ordinance.

At the Feb. 20 Gulfport City Council Meeting, Council heard about updates to the marina and dog park, among other things.

CATHY SALUSTRI

Follow the Money continued from cover spent on their campaigns. While many donors may have contributed multiple times, only their totals are shown here, unless they contributed both a standard donation and an in-kind donation. This article also includes all the reported expenses. The only donors shown are those who donated more than $50 in total.

April Thanos Contributions and Expenditures

Total number of cash or check donors: 91

Donations, including in-kind donations: $12,793.43

Donations, without in-kind donations: $10,720

Top Donor

Gerry O’Reagan: $650

$500 to $300

April Thanos, Caron Schwartz, and Gulfport Democratic Club: $500

DRV Art Gallery: $481.50 (in-kind donation: event space)

Leonard Guckenheimer: $450

Great Aunt Louise’s: $300 (in-kind donation of food catering)

Marilyn Schwartz: $300

$250 to $240

Chris Kieff, Douglas MacGregor, James

Kass, June Johns, Brenda Pobasco, and Bryan Beckman: $250

Devin Neitzant: $240

$200 to $110

Judith Ciurcak, Terry Engelgau, Anna Gramberg, Judyth Lybrand-Kuhn, Loralee Wenger, and Fredrick Yaekle: $200

Amy Tripi: $174.90 (in-kind donation of stamps)

Marlene Shaw: $150 (in-kind donation of a musician) and $112.58 (inkind donation of food and drink)

Maureen Kilroy: $150

Christine Crosby: $142.10 (in-kind donation of party supplies)

Amy Tripi: $114.69 (in-kind donation of post cards)

Mary Hanrahan: $110

$100 Donors

Pamela Frank, Elizabeth Levine, Karen Love, Jennifer Webb, Phyllis Plotnick, April Arnesen, Eileen Lewis, M.D. Circhowski, Pinellas County Democratic Veterans Caucus, Sylvia Foster, Elizabeth Congo, Doug Landau, Christina Opel, Stephen Lyons, Elizabeth Wood, Brenda Brunelle, Shannon Hunt, Karen Hughart, Harley Broe, Ingrid Brendeberg, James Mack, and Rose-Marie Seawall: $100

Susan Gore: $100 (in-kind donation of a room rental)

Expenditures

Total expenditures: $8,785.20

Key Lime (texts and postcards): $2,892.50

The Gabber Newspaper ads: $2,160

Good Guys Signs: $1,662.85

Town Talk II LLC Ad: $358

Jax In and Out (catering): $330

Vistaprint (design doorhanger): $247.88

City of Gulfport (filing Fee): $172.52

Office Depot (supplies): $147.87

Campaign Partner (website hosting and domain name): $142.5

PayPal (bank fees): $109.61

Vista Print (card design and cards): $103.78

DRV Art Gallery (event venue): $100

FDP (voter database): $100

Sticker Mule (buttons): $59.92

Total Wine (refreshments): $51.17

Walgreens (event supplies): $34.24

Truthfinders (background check and data monitoring): $32.04

Ace Hardware: $24.59

Family Dollar (event supplies): $17.39

Beach Bazaar: $13.20

USPS (stamps): $13.20

Save-a-Lot (event supplies): $11.94

Tom Bixler Contributions and Expenditures

Total number of cash or check donors: 43

Donations, including in-kind donations: $15,786.43

Donations, without in-kind donations: $15,110.31

Top Donor

Tom Bixler: $2,000

$1,000 to $800

Ben Ottinger, Theresa Mann, Waterfront Engineering (principals: Daniel and Jan Anseeuw), Poul Hornsleth, Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association, and Jeffrey Paonessa: $1,000

Joe Guenther: $1,000 (two $500 inkind donations of food)

Dave Flack: $822.31 (in-kind donation of signs)

$500 to $300

Jim Shatz, Raffa Investing (editor’s note: Listed on reports thusly, but according to the SEC, the name is Raffa Investment Advisors), Paulo

Gytsenko, and Michael Fagan: $500

Gini Fagan: $400

David Hastings: $300

$250 to $150

Alan Stalb, Kelli Garcia, Matt Spiggs, Eric Garcia, Minkoff Complex Properties, and Conservative Pinellas. (Editor’s note: Listed on reports thusly; actual name is Protect Conservative Values, as per the Florida Division of Elections.): $250

Dan Liedtke: $200

Cleo Esposito: $200

Mike and Gini Fagan: $176.12 (in-kind donation of stickers)

Barbara Rodgers: $150

$100 Donors

Bradley Pilot, Ernest Stone, Byron Chalfont, Jeff Fusco, Michael Thorton, Rhonda Wright, Jeffrey Plummer, David Kanter, and Ron Rush: $100

$50 Donors

Jeri Reed and Carol Carter: $50 Expenditures

Total expenditures: $7,633.34

The Gabber Newspaper  ads: $3,052.50

Gulf Coast Imprinting (mailers): $1993.25

Alex Duensing (campaign manager): $750

Town Talk ads: $537

CMA Merchant Bill (Xoom PayPal fees): $243.08

Olympus Printing (business cards and name tag): $231.12

USPS (stamps): $202

Dirt Cheap Signs (banners): $183.14

City of Gulfport (filing fee and public records fee): $177.62

Lee Clifton (photos): $125

Home Depot (sign holders): $37.90

Walmart (supplies): $30.68

Hartland Checks: $26.36

Regions Bank (campaign account opening deposit): $25

The Younger Generation

Overheard: Feb. 20 Gulfport City Council

By Patrick Heinzen

“It’s called a trap phone!” —Councilmember Christine Brown (Ward II), talking about how she thinks drug dealers carry two phones.

“Finally getting some younger blood on board! Us old people can’t do it forever.” —Larry Kennedy, President of the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center Foundation, talking about new board members.

“When is the golf cart raffle? I bought my ticket and I’m anticipating being the winner.” —Christine Brown, asking about the golf cart raffle that follows the Multipurpose Senior Center Foundation’s Golf Contest.

“The fun thing about going last is everyone asks all the questions.” — Councilmember Paul Ray (Ward III) when it was his turn to ask ques-

Overheard: Feb. 20 Gulfport City Council comments include drug dealers, getting old, and banning books.

tions about the new public safety building.

“This book is one of the books that I’m sure will be banned if people have the chance.” —Susan Gore, the former president of the LGBTQ Resource Center, holding up a book called ‘Perfectly Queer’.

“I’m really honored that we’ve been able to help them where we could. I really hope that this new scenario works out. She definitely deserves some praise.” — Mayor Sam Henderson, talking about the transfer of ownership of Lincoln Cemetery

CATHY SALUSTRI

Awareness for Trafficking What to Know About the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Crisis

By Mike Sunnucks

Gabrielle Triplett is not only a dedicated volunteer with Selah Freedom; she’s also a survivor and program graduate.

Selah Freedom is an anti-human trafficking nonprofit organization. This organization helps victims of human trafficking in the Tampa area build new lives away from pimps, prostitution, and addiction.

As a survivor, Triplett immensely relates to the young women and men looking to escape the criminal underworld of trafficking.

Gabrielle Triplett’s Story

Triplett said her family moved to Florida from Maryland when she was 12 or 13. But her journey into the world of trafficking and prostitution started in her 20s after an addiction resulted in her being a person without a home.

“My trafficker approached me as someone who was interested in me,” she said, noting his promises of safety and protection.

After being trafficked, Triplett said she felt like many others she helps now.

“I just considered myself a prostitute. I put myself in this situation,” she said.

One day, her trafficker found out she planned to break free of his grips. She had a harrowing escape.

“He shot me in the chest,” Triplett said. “It sparked a police investigation.”

Time with Selah Freedom

She later graduated from Selah’s program for trafficking survivors.

This program helps survivors stay sober, earn GED degrees, and potentially earn an associates degree. Additionally, the program assists with everything from jobs and housing to medical and dental care, as well as obtaining driver’s licenses.

Triplett joined Selah in 2019. She serves as an awareness and volunteer advocate. She said her experiences help her connect with other survivors seeking help.

“It’s been very helpful. They see me. They see there is hope,” she said.

Triplett said awareness of programs and support structures are key to convincing victims there is a way out. There are plenty of wider misnomers and misconceptions, including that victims are frequently kidnapped.

As a survivor, Gabrielle Triplett works every day with Selah Freedom to spread awareness of the Tampa Bay human trafficking crisis. She is a volunteer advocate and program graduate.

SELAH FREEDOM

On the Rise

Tim McClintick, a sergeant with the St. Petersburg Police Department, supervises the agency’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit.

He said sex and forced labor trafficking are both on the rise.

“It is definitely on the rise locally,” McClintick said.

Human trafficking is a $150 billion criminal industry worldwide with the sex trade making up $99 billion of that total, according to the International Labor Organization.

Kassy Brewer, awareness development coordinator for Selah in Pinellas County, spoke about the local level of this issue. Brewer said the Tampa-St. Petersburg metro area is top in the state for human sex trafficking.

Florida is the third worst U.S. state for the issue. Only California and Texas have more cases and reported victims, according to Wisevoter research.

“Tampa has more strip clubs than Las Vegas,” Brewer said.

Vulnerability in Victims

McClintick said social media allows pimps and traffickers to target more potential victims. Florida’s affordable housing shortage pushed more people into homelessness situations that could make them vulnerable to trafficking.

“It cuts across all ages, all races, all genders,” he said.

Sex trafficking doesn’t only affect women and girls, but also young men and boys. McClintick explained how trafficking rings often move prostitutes and escorts between the Tampa Bay area, Orlando, Miami, and Jacksonville. Sometimes, they follow big sporting events, such as the Super Bowl, or large conventions.

Triplett says that model is common.

“My trafficker would take me to different areas,” Triplett recalled. “We might be in Tampa for a weekend, for a week or two before moving to another city.”

McClintick said drug dealers will

sometimes take advantage of a person’s addiction. They turn monetary debts into exchanges of sex for substances at first. Then, it transitions into prostitution.

“We have people who will take advantage of that,” he said.

Most trafficked prostitutes are ages 18 to 40 — though there are underage sex and child pornography rings in the darkest corners of the internet and society, McClintick said.

“We’ve mostly dealt with local victims,” he said.

He noted that some of the forced labor trafficking relates to agricultural work.

Triplett said most victims she worked with were born in the U.S.

and the Department of Justice report that 63% of those trafficked domestically are American citizens.

Officials at Selah see underage victims and recently upped their awareness outreach at local schools. They hope to expand their assistance efforts in Pinellas County.

“They can be as young as 6 to 9 years old — which is difficult to hear,” Brewer said.

Brewer pointed out how sex traffickers also target girls ages 12 to 14 via social media.

Police and anti-trafficking groups estimate as many 500,000 “predators” are online at any time with half of victims of “online exploitation” are 12 to 15 years old.

Trafficking continued on page 12

AND SAVINGS ADD UP

Gulfport Police Department officers receive human trafficking awareness training.

MONROE ROARK

Trafficking continued from page 11

One in seven kids report an online predator approached them.

Underreported, Unrecognized

Human trafficking — including its prostitution and other sexual components — is also underreported.

“A lot of times victims go unrecognized,” McClintick said. “One of the hardest things is to get accurate numbers behind trafficking.”

They see me. They see there is hope.

McClintick said societal stigmas, past traumas, and criminal records, as well as intimidation and threats by traffickers, dissuades many victims from coming forward.

A significant number of trafficking victims faced abuse, sometimes sexual, and traumatic situations during their childhoods, and have been in foster care. Others have past criminal records related to their substance addictions or prostitution and other crimes they were compelled to commit.

McClintick said some migrants entering the U.S. are forced into sex and other work to pay off debts to smugglers.

Traffickers and pimps will also threaten to notify immigration agencies to have victims deported, or that if they talk to police they will get arrested for their crimes.

All that discourages victims from coming forward, along with direct threats of violence and other retribution.

Police and advocates say it is especially difficult for male victims to come forward because of gender and societal stigmas. Most programs, including housing, focus on women and girls.

Those helping victims — including at Selah and other nonprofits —  also face challenges with providing housing for survivors.

Brewer said there is an acute shortage of beds, specifically for those who have escaped prostitution and other trafficking locally, statewide, and nationally. She said in 2022, there were slightly more than 1,600 beds nationally  dedicated for trafficking survivors.

What’s Happening in Gulfport?

In Gulfport, Police Chief Robert Vincent said human trafficking hasn’t been an issue within the city.

“I think that is primarily because Gulfport does not have the type of service industry or housing that would attract those seeking trafficking opportunities,” Vincent said.

Gulfport Police Department officers receive training, as per State requirements. Florida law also re-

quires training for workers in tourism and other service industries.

Vincent said there are a number of awareness courses online.

“This is good information for anyone with friends or family who work in any type of service industry,” Vincent said.

Heightened Awareness

Awareness efforts extend to Tampa International Airport and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. Both airports partner with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection to better spot trafficking.

“TPA regularly trains its employees — in particular, its Police and Guest Experience teams, which interact with the public the most — to look for signs of human trafficking. We often have heightened awareness, including extra signage, during events such as the 2021 Super Bowl,” said Emily Nipps, communications director at the Tampa International Airport.

Michelle Routh, public relations director at St. Pete-Clearwater Airport, said TSA talked to airport tenants about the issue in January as part of Human Trafficking Awareness month and that signs offering information for those seeking help are posted in airport restrooms.

She also suggests people put the national human trafficking hotline number (1-888-373-7888) into their phones, so they can report suspicious activity quickly.

According to TSA, agency personnel train annually to help spot trafficking at airport checkpoints. Suspicious activity is then reported to local police and federal law enforcement.

A TSA awareness program — dubbed the Blue Campaign — also includes an indicator card showing some of the signs that some are being trafficked or part of a prostitution ring. Those include physical signs such as bruising, deference to another person, and lacking their own identification, travel documents, or money.

Dr. Shoopak

Dr. Gutu

Women’s Rights

Women’s History Month and My Mother-in-Law’s Bedroom Set

By Cathy Salustri

Women’s rights have changed a lot throughout the past century. I’ve lived a blessed life. My grandfather came to the United States as a child, and everything about his life, and the lives of most of his sons, was lived to make the lives of everyone who came after him, better. On my mother’s side, I was always taught that women could do what they wanted, be who they wanted, and love who they wanted.

Growing up that way, it was hard to imagine that women, at one point in our history, had few paths, but we did.

My mother-in-law had only one path: marriage. Born in 1930, prematurely, the doctor told her mother not to bother taking her home, because she wouldn’t make it. Ann’s father agreed; why bother? Her grandmother — who clearly had a backbone of steel — saved my mother-in-law’s life, taking her home and creating a makeshift crib in a dresser drawer. She nursed Ann to enough health that she joined her family as a healthy — but tiny — young girl.

Girls, though, didn’t have many op-

tions in the 1930s. Women’s rights weren’t what they are now. Ann went to high school, always tinier than anyone else, and found her way through life. Girls didn’t go to college; her father believed that. Instead, Ann worked at a bank. She met my father-in-law, who fell in love with this diminutive, top-of-the-pyramid cheerleader. He took care of her for the rest of his life, which surrounded hers on both ends.

The one thing my mother-in-law did in her whole life that couldn’t be tied to a man was buy her own bedroom set. A bureau, a dresser, and a mirror. She married, raised two children, sent them both to a private college, then finagled the finances so her husband

could retire early. Given the chance, she could have been a shrewd CPA or investment counselor. The world, of course, did not afford many women born in 1930 that chance. To the world, she was a mother, a wife, a partner.

But to that bedroom set, she was a woman. To the bundle of wood that she called hers for almost 70 years, she was the woman who gave them a purpose and a place.

Her whole life, that’s what I remember most. I think about that a lot when I think about her. She had no agency — the moment she took her first breath, men tried to deny her a chance to live. Later, much of the world saw her as an accessory to a man. Too young to burn her bra, too proper to march on Washington, my mother-in-law reclaimed her identity in the only way she could: She bought her own bedroom set. In her mind, it was a dowry she could bring to a marriage.

And now she’s gone, but the bedroom set remains.

The world has changed. Mostly. Women go to college now; we can live alone. We’re free to buy a dresser at IKEA or have one custom-made. When I look at the set, it seems old-fashioned. It’s in storage — she died last year — because we don’t know what to do with it. We’d love to keep it, but we don’t need it. And we can’t bring it to a charity for sale in a thrift store; this set needs to be needed. It needs to be with someone who can love it the way Ann did, who understands what it signals for women everywhere.

It needs to be a part of someone else’s future, because that’s the only way we can remember our past.

For Women’s History Month: This bureau represents so much more than a place to store clothes.

BARRY LOPER

Ex-Wives, Fishing, and Recycling Random Quotes from Gulfportians

By Chris Shablak

Anyone

some cold fat?

“Borrowed… hijacked… It was a long time ago.” —Sarah Jane, talking about Steve Wynn’s car in Las Vegas

“Why is it when fishing on the bank you try and cast out to the middle of the river, but when fishing from a boat you cast as close as you can to the bank?” —Avid sportsman Brian Herman

“Squeeze your cans.” —Mike Vasco’s recycling advice to the girl visiting his house

—Rob Jackson, talking about the slice of bacon in the bloody mary at Stella’s

Banjo Resonates with Voters

Gulfport’s 2024 Pet Mayor

By Cameron Healy

The only election that truly matters — Gulfport Pet Mayor — finally announced a winner. Gulfport’s 2024 Pet Mayor is Banjo.

Like many years, the underdog continues to come out on top. In the last minute of the election, Banjo slid into first place.

The rest of Gulfport’s elected pet officials include Rudy as the Chief Rescue Paw-fficer; Charlie as the Paws & Recreation Paw-fficer; Kona Babies as the Kitty Manager, and Lipton as the Small Business Paw-fficer.

All the candidates for Pet Mayor this year raised a total of $5,171.56 for Gulfport Arts and Heritage (GAH) and Friends of Strays. According to GAH, Banjo raised $1,547 with Rudy not too far behind with $1,493. Charlie placed in third with a total of $734.56 — this includes an all-coin donation of $110.56.

Meet Banjo

Banjo is a 9-year-old paralyzed rescue, Gulfport’s first Pet Mayor with a physical disability.

“He is expanding the realm of paw-ssiblities,” said Blaise Benson, one of Banjo’s human companions.

Banjo and his family moved to Gulfport in 2016 when he was 1 year old. Three years ago, Banjo found out he had Stage 5 IVDD, which paralyzed his back legs. But all was not lost: You can find Banjo wheeling around town with his family.

“He’s disabled... but he does not let it bother him a bit,” one of his human companions, Ed Benson, said. “He loves to get out there and sniff, loves the water, and loves his people.”

At the Very Informal Wagging In ceremony on Feb. 24, Ed recalled Banjo knew everyone was there to celebrate him. Ed said they missed Pet Mayor deadlines two years in a row, but finally made it on time this year. They say third time’s the charm.

Banjo is the first disabled Pet Mayor in Gulfport. “He is expanding the realm of paw-ssiblities,” said Blaise Benson, one of Banjo’s human companions.

The Bensons didn’t realize how serious a business Pet Mayor campaigning is. Blaise created some campaign posters for Banjo. Ed said Ka’Tiki in Treasure Island put up Banjo’s signs.

Possible Vice Mayors?

Banjo is a dog that needs a minute to warm up to anyone. During the election, his family was happy to see Banjo immediately make friends with Lipton and Meatball. Ed said Banjo loves cats; he has a cat sibling at home.

“We’d like to have Meatball and Lipton be his Vice Mayors,” Ed said.

Perseverance and Inspiration

GAH honored Banjo with a new dog tag saying, “Mayor Banjo” on one side, and “Gulfport Pet Mayor 2024” on the other.

“It’s actually a noticeable change in him,” Ed said about Banjo’s victory.

“He’s got a little more pep in his step.”

Blaise said Banjo’s best quality as Pet Mayor is his perseverance. Ed agreed and added that Banjo’s best quality is the inspiration he gives to everyone around him.

CAMERON HEALY

Satirical Misadventures

‘God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater’ at freeFall Theatre

By Nona Edelson

Kurt Vonnegut’s God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater at freeFall Theatre is a socially satirical journey through the misadventures of its main character, Eliot Rosewater, set to music.

The production is based on Von-

negut’s 1965 novel, adapted into a musical in 1979 by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater focuses on the younger Rosewater, son of Senator Rosewater of Indiana. He tries to set to right

the social inequities he sees in postWorld War II America. He tries to make amends for his part in a tragedy he unwittingly created during his time as a soldier in Germany.

Robert Teasdale captures the esArts continued on page 18

‘God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater’ at freeFall Theatre is a socially satirical journey through the misadventures of Eliot Rosewater.

THEE

Arts continued from page 17 sence of Eliot’s complex character, both tortured and yet innocently hopeful, albeit oblivious to the chaos he creates for his family.

His wife Sylvia is a socialite who is emotionally tortured by his PTSD-inspired actions. Hannah Laird plays Sylvia. She delivers some of the most beautiful melodies of the production. Laird and Teasdale deliver a poignant and touching duet in Act II, “Eliot/Sylvia” that draws its sorrow from the euphonic richness of Laird’s voice.

God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater

The play opens with the hiring of recent law school grad Norman Mushari, played by real-life law student Cameron Kubly. Kubly currently attends Stetson Law School and is editor-in-chief of the Law Review.

Mushari uses his position to try to carve out a fortune for himself. He uses the Rosewater’s predicament with Eliot’s misguided philanthropy to his advantage. He later locates the lesser-known Rosewater heirs in Rhode Island and hatches his greed-driven plan to usurp Eliot as heir to family fortune.

Act II introduced two delightful characters: Fred (Matthew McGee) and Caroline Rosewater (Sara DelBeato). They sing their peppy song “The Rhode Island Tango,” which added an uptempo to the musical numbers.

Post-War Life

We learn early in the production, through Eliot’s last therapy session with his psychiatrist (played by Lulu Picart) that Eliot is haunted by his actions in the war. When he was sent into a supposedly SS-occupied building and instructed to kill, he killed three innocent firefighters.

Subsequently, in his post-war life, after finding out that his maladies are “incurable,” he left his wife in New York. He tours the U.S. in an attempt to make amends. First, he befriends and enriches the lives of a group of volunteer firemen from California, then Texas. The ensemble members James Martin Roberts and

Watch this performance at freeFall Theatre from now until Mar. 10.

Matthew McGee play these men. Later, he becomes the savior of the entire town of Rosewater, Indiana, the humble but dilapidated town of his family’s origins.

Heather Baird plays the town sex worker, Mary Moody. Sara DelBeato portrays the unsophisticated and homely Diana Moon Glampers. She tries to school Sylvia on the importance of midwestern snacks — like Cheese Nips.

Credit to Vonnegut

Vonnegut fans will recognize the unusual name of Moon Glampers from his 1961 short story Harrison Bergeron . This character was the nation’s Handicapper General. He made sure all citizens were equal by covering up their talents, intelligence, and appearance to level the playing field. Although Vonnegut was known for recycling character names, the literary illusion can serve as a reminder of society’s past attempts to mandate equality.

In addition, Eliot glorifies the career of science-fiction writer, Kilgore Trout (played by Cameron Kubly). He buys all his books and promotes him. This is a nod to Vonnegut’s own patronage of his pet sci-fi writer Theodore Sturgeon. Matthew McGee played a con-

vincing Senator Rosewater, both in-person and on the six monitors on the set and in the upper areas of each side of audience seating.

freeFall Theatre’s Latest Production

The simply, yet symbolically rich set, designed by Tom Hansen, reflects the multi-faceted story. The stage was set in the center, and ran the length of the theater, dividing the audience into two sections, stadium style. On each end of the stage were a cabinet of cubes containing various buildings, representing different locations in the play. One side represented the law firm, which represented the Rosewaters. The other side was for the piano. This is where Music Director Michael Raabe and cellist George Alexander provided accompaniment for the musical numbers.

The main prop was a huge, oblong coffee table with large puzzle-like shapes of the individual states of the U.S. They split into three parts and were sturdy enough for actors to sit on. Actors separated three areas of the country as the setting changed geographically.

God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, freeFall Theatre, 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Through Mar. 10. 727498-5205, freefalltheatre.com.

THEE

The Pearl in Gulfport’s Oyster A Casual Fine Dining Experience

By Morgan Banno

I was ecstatic when The Pearl Restaurant announced their move from Treasure Island to Gulfport. Known for their exotic proteins, hand-crafted Moroccan fare, and superb service, The Pearl has already made a name for itself in the Gulfport community.

Moroccan Chef Karim Chiadmi spearheads this family-owned and operated restaurant. His studies have taken him across the world, perfecting his dishes.

The Pearl Restaurant

Touted as “upscale yet casual,” The Pearl’s menu boasts Mediterranean and Moroccan eats along with pastas, steaks, and some of the wildest game available (think camel, ostrich, antelope, and elk). The best part? It’s a fine dining establishment, but without the stuffy pomp and circumstance, located in Gulfport’s Town Shores Market.  Moroccan food draws influences from Arab, Berber, French, Spanish, and Portuguese cuisines. With borders along both the Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans, seafood is a staple. Moroccan cuisine is famous for its warm spices and rich flavor profiles, many of which incorporate lots of cinnamon, cumin, sweet paprika, turmeric, ginger, saffron, and harissa. One of the most predominant seasonings in Moroccan food is ras el hanout — a spice blend that incorporates up to 80 different spices! Each family and restaurant in Moroccan cuisine has their own version, and no two are alike.

Why We Love it

Chef Karim crafts his dishes at The Pearl with care, and you taste it in every bite. Warm bread arrived with an herbaceous olive oil dipping sauce. The soup du jour, a chickpea and vegetable soup served in tomato broth, was light and vibrant. The

bruschetta popped with ripe tomatoes, capers, and balsamic glaze over seasoned crostinis. We enjoyed it all before our entrees arrived. Our server, Malik, recommended a handful of chef’s specials for the evening. We settled on the fish tagine and Bob’s Executive Chicken. The halibut tagine special was outstanding — fresh, moist, and bursting with warm flavors, herbs, and olives, served alongside fluffy couscous. Bob’s Executive Chicken is named after a long-time Pearl customer and is Chef Karim’s version of chicken piccata, served with a sherry and lemon-butter caper sauce. The scalloped potatoes tasted heavenly, the salads were crisp, and the beignet ice cream sundae was drool-worthy. We washed it all down with signature espresso martinis. You truly can’t go wrong with any menu item at The Pearl.

What to Expect

Expect nothing less than superior customer service at The Pearl. Chef Karim walks the floor when he’s not preparing food and happily discusses his culinary inspirations. The menu also showcases something for all palates, be it vegetarian pasta, fresh fish catch, or a host of meat cuts cooked to perfection.

On Tuesdays, Chef Karim pulls out all the stops and serves sushi (only one kind of roll is available) and you don’t want to miss it. In the near future, guests can look forward to a live music lineup, Moroccan belly dancers, and cooking classes. For the current list of weekly specials, give them a call.

The Pearl Restaurant, 5802 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. Tues.-Sat., 4-9 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday. 727-360-9151, thepearlfinedining. com.

The halibut tagine special is stewed in tomatoes with aromatics and veggies.

MORGAN BANNO

gabs

This year is a Leap Year. What do you do with the extra day in February?

Wear blue and yellow to celebrate Leap Day William.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD MD

CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT

ON-SITE BLOOD DRAWS • GENERAL SICK VISITS

CARDIOLOGY SERVICES • FLU SHOTS • PT/INR

B-12 SHOTS • SPORTS PHYSICALS• WELL WOMAN EXAMS

I reject this definition of time.

Take risks and do something I wouldn’t normally do.

Nothing different. It’s a day.

GEL JOINT INJECTIONS • PRP (PLATELET RICH PLASMA)

WELLNESS SCREENINGS • ELECTROCARDIOGRAMS

WOUND CARE • PHYSICAL THERAPY

NON-SURGICAL FRACTURE MANAGEMENT, ETC.

Last Week’s Question and Results: What is your favorite restaurant on Shore Boulevard in Gulfport?

O’Maddy’s (46%)

Neptune (29%)

The Tiki on Shore (19%)

The Breeze (6%)

Top Brass

gabber on vacation

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

INGRID BREDENBERG

Berkeley Grimball and Ingrid Bredenberg took The Gabber Newspaper to Stockholm, Sweden.

things to do

Art Exhibits, Barbecue, and Books

Thursday, Feb. 29-Sunday, Mar. 3

Fully Committed Watch as one actor plays 32 characters — all denizens of a ritzy New York restaurant. The Off-Central, 2260 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg. Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. $20-35. 727-202-7019, theoffcentral.com.

Thursday, Feb. 29

Leap Year Run  Spend your extra day of the year running with friends at the Leap Year Run. Lace up your sneakers and run for fun. Earn special prizes, enter raffles, and check out store discounts.  St. Pete Running Company, 6986 22nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 6:30 p.m. 727-800-5043, stpeterunningco.com.

Love & Bossa Nova Daniela Soledade and Nate Najar bring you a night of soulful Brazilian music. You’ll feel like you’re in Rio de Janeiro with this intimate performance of bossa nova music. The Studio@620, 620 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 7 p.m. $20-25. 727895-6620, thestudioat620.org .

Friday, Mar. 1-Sunday, Mar. 3

Vintage Marché  Visit one of Tampa Bay’s largest vintage markets this weekend. Vintage Marché opens for one full weekend each month, displaying curated vintage items from all over the country. Want to beat the crowd? Get tickets for their first Friday dibs night — online or pay at the door.  Vintage Marché, 2906 34th St. S., St. Petersburg. Fri., 4-8 p.m. $5-10., Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 727-289-1828, vintagemarche727.com.

Book Lover’s Paradise Expand your book collection at the Florida Antiquarian Book Fair. Booksellers from across the country open pop-up bookshops with books for all age groups with all genres and topics.

Find maps, prints, postcards, literary ephemera, autographs, and other collectables. Proceeds benefit the St. Petersburg Public Library. The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Fri., 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $110. 727-234-7759, floridaantiquarianbookfair.com.

Friday, Mar. 1

Open Archaeology Lab Explore the world of archaeology with Florida Public Archaeology Network’s professional archaeologists. Learn about the past as you sort, identify, and clean artifacts from nearby archaeological sites. Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. 1 p.m. 727-453-6500, weedonislandpreserve.org

Vintage Motorcycle Paintings Experience hyperrealistic paintings by Kitty Zehnder. Her paintings capture intricate details of vintage motorcycles. Join the opening reception for this artist’s showcase with live music from Nate Najar. Visit the exhibit from Mar. 1-23. DRV Gallery, 5401 Gulfport Blvd. S., Gulfport. 6 p.m. 727-382-7004, drvgallery.com.

Kissy Simmons Listen to USF Alum Kissy Simmons perform jazz music, R&B classics, and favorites from the Disney catalog. She is best known for her nine years in the role of Nala in Broadway’s The Lion King. freeFall Theatre, 60999 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 7 p.m. $20-35. 727-4985205, freefalltheatre.com

Saturday, Mar. 2

Beach Cleanup Take care of Florida beaches. Join the Trash Pirates every first Saturday of the month for a beach cleanup. Archibald Beach Park, 15100 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach. 8-10 a.m. 727-237-2970, madeirabeachfl.gov.

Neighborhood Yard Sale Saturday is the perfect day for a good ol’ yard sale. Browse secondhand items at the Isle of Palms annual community yard sale. Find clothes, electronics, furniture, home decor, knick knacks, and more. Isle of Palms, 115th Avenue, Treasure Island. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. mytreasureisland.org.

BBQ & Blues Taste the best barbecue and listen to soulful music at the second annual BBQ & Blues festival. Try a dish from each Tampa Bay food truck. Enjoy live entertainment from local performers.  Tropicana Field Lot 1, 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg. 12-5 p.m. $40-125. 833480-7467, saturdayshoppes.com.

Sunday, Mar. 3

Indian Shores Market Spend your Sunday morning wandering this beach market! Check out Tampa Bay vendors selling their finest products ranging from hand-crafted art to special pet treats to unique boutique items. Town of Indian Shores Municipal Center, 19305 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 727-300-6551, thebeachmarkets.com.

Farm-Fresh Market Shop locally grown and farm-fresh goods, plants, food, drinks, and herbal medicines at the 49th St. Makers & Growers Market. Enjoy live music and the spirit of community at this market. Red Feathers Studios, 1301 49th St. S., Gulfport. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 727-5600608.

St. Pete Indie Flea Find handmade and vintage goods. Many vendors sell items such as art, plants, jewelry, collectors items, handmade gifts, and more. This family-friendly market includes various food trucks, drinks, and music from DJs. Fairgrounds St. Pete, 2606 Fairfield Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 12-4 p.m. theindieflea.com.

Sunday Matinee with Nan Colton

Gulfport’s Senior Center hosts popular playwright and actor Nan Colton. Watch as she impersonates a variety of historical personages including Mary Cassatt. Catherine Hickman Theatre, 5501 27th Ave., Gulfport. 4 p.m. $20. 727-4980697, mygulfport.us.

Monday, Mar. 4

New Novel Alert Be the first to read  The New Couple in 5B at this launch event with the author Lisa Unger. This is a thriller novel about a couple inheriting an apartment that has a creepy past. Hear her conversation about the novel with Tampa Bay Times editor Colette Bancroft.  Coastal Creative, 2201 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 7 p.m. $2935. 727-755-9456, tombolobooks. com.

Tuesday, Mar. 5

Yes, Chef Learn a new recipe with the First United Methodist Church’s kitchen crew. All are welcome to attend this cooking class series every Tuesday. On the final night of class (Mar. 19), students come together to plan and prepare a dinner to enjoy together after. First United Methodist Church, 2728 53rd St. S., Gulfport. 6 p.m. 727-321-3620, gulfportumc.org.

Fresh Ink Creative Pinellas teams up with American Stage to bring staged readings of adventurous, diverse, and inclusive plays. Enjoy the performance of Coconuts, a comedy following two stranded strangers on a deserted island. The Auditorium at Creative Pinellas, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo. 7 p.m. 727-5822172, creativepinellas.org.

Wednesday, Mar. 6

Beach Market Support small businesses at the Madeira Beach Wednesday Market. Take in relaxing beach vibes as you shop. Listen to live music, and enjoy delicious lunch and drinks from food trucks. 15000 Madeira Way, Madeira Beach. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. tampabaymarkets.com.

Raymond P. Raftery

Raymond P. Raftery age 97, of Gulfport, died at home peacefully in the presence of his son Paul, and his soulmate, Peggy Brennan. Ray was born in Revere, Massachusetts, on Apr. 4, 1926, and lived in Peabody with his wife Jacqueline (Gover) for many years before she passed in 1999.

Ray served in the U.S. Navy during W.W.II, and retired from New England Telephone after 34 years.

Ray is survived by his son, Paul and daughter-in-law, Diane Raftery of North Fort Myers and Salem, Massachusetts, his soulmate, Peggy Brennan, his grandsons, Kevin and Shawn Raftery, and great-granddaughters, Lauren and Marin, all of Florida. Ray was also married to Kathy Carlin in 2001. She passed in 2009.

Ray will always be remembered for his kindness and remarkable sense of humor! We will always treasure our memories of fun and laughter.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to: Hope House Ministries, P.O. BOX 358, Port Jefferson, N.Y. 11777. hmm.org.

Visitation at Anderson Mcqueen Funeral Home Tyrone Chapel, 7820 38th Ave. N., St. Petersburg.

On Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral Mass at Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 5800 15th Ave. S. Gulfport. On Friday, Mar. 1, 2024 at 10 a.m.

Bobbie R. Cox

Bobbie R. Cox was born in October 1938 to Mattie Parker Rae in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

She attended Istrouma High School, where she met and later married her lifetime love, Richard M. Cox.

They were married for 65 years and had three daughters, Vivian Lynn Cox of Sonoma, California; Catherine Cox Powers of Orange, Texas, and Marsha Cox Marrullier of Redington Beach.

Bobbie was a passionate LSU Tigers Football fan famous for her LSU spirit shrines and home football gatherings. Like a tiger, Bobbie fought ovarian cancer for a year and a half and passed away on Feb. 8, 2024 at her home in Gulfport, surrounded by her family. She will be missed deeply and greatly by all those who knew her.

Bobbie is survived by her husband, Richard M. Cox, her three daughters and their spouses, five grandchildren and their spouses, eight great grandchildren, and brother-in-law, Wilton Cox and his spouse.

As we think of our continuing journey in this life, we promise never to forget you, we will honor your memory by living our lives as you would want us to, and we will take the joy (joie de vivre) and pleasure you had in life and share it freely with others.

The family wishes memorial contributions be made to: Cancer Research Institute, give.cancerresearch.org/donate.

17th St. & 29th Ave N

St. Petersburg 345-7777

Friday 7PM

Beth-El Shalom

Messianic Congregation

ShalomAdventure.com

JewishHeritage.net

Rabbi@JewishHeritage.net

Good Shepherd Old Catholic Church

2728 53rd St. S. Gulfport, FL 33707 (Entrance on 28th Ave.)

Where ALL are welcome at the Lord’s table. Come and See...

Sunday Mass 9:30am www.goodshepherdocc.net

727-403-7178

Paradise Lutheran Church on Treasure Island

10255 Paradise Blvd, Treasure Island

Sunday Service

10am with Holy Communion

727-360-5739

paradiseluth102@gmail.com

paradiselutheran.com

AN EPISCOPAL CONGREGATION

330 85th Avenue • St. Pete Beach

Reverend Omar Reyes

Sundays 10:00am Holy Eucharist Wednesdays 11:00am Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing

“St. Alban's is an inviting faith community striving to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So, no matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.”

727-360-8406

• www.StAlbanStPeteBeach.org

St. Vincent’s Thrift Shop

5124 Gulfport Ave S. 33707

Hours 10 AM to 2PM

Wednesday to Saturday

Affiliated with St Vincent’s Episcopal Church

Unitarian Universalist United Fellowship

CLASSIFIEDS

If you have questions about advertising, please email us at advertising@thegabber.com or call 727-321-6965! Deadline: Friday 3 p.m.

DAYCARE OPENINGS

Accounting

CLEAR NUMBERS BOOKKEEPING

Virtual bookkeeping for small businesses and nonpro ts. Monthly packages customized to your needs or one time cleanups. Payroll available. QuickBooks Online Certi ed ProAdvisor. 10+ years experience.

Call/text to 727-248-0714 or email to nspence@clearnumbers.biz

Caregivers HOMEWATCH CAREGIVERS OF ST. PETE BEACH

Providing in-home health care services to the greater St Petersburg Area. Personal, companion, complex care, post-surgery, respite care, and more. Family and veteran owned local business. Accepting private pay, VA, and Long-term health insurance. Licensed, insured, and bonded; all employees are W2. Free consultation: 727914-7472. Hwcg.com/St-Pete-Beach.com. AHCA #2999995153.

HANDS N HEART IN HOME CARE LLC.

With over a decade of service, we believe in fostering independence while delivering exceptional care. Services: short errands, light housekeeping, bath/shower, feeding, meal planning, medication reminders, doctor’s appointments. Contact us at HandsAndHeart4You@yahoo.com or call 727481-4722 or 727-623-2410.

Mimi's Daycare has two openings for infants to 18 months. Have 22 years of experience, licensed. By Tyrone Mall, call or text Myriam: 305-505-7832.

Computer Service

JS COMPUTER REPAIR

Mobile computer repair – $40 per visit/hour – 727-643-0697; jscomputerrepair.com

AC ELECTRIC 727-345-3108

Over 30 years experience. Residential & commercial, new or remodel work, service upgrades, lightning arrestors, fans and lighting installed. State license #ER0007653.

New construction, additions, remodels, service upgrades, replace existing panels, replace devices and lights, all of your electrical requirements with quality work at a fair price. Over 25 years in business. 10% discount for seniors and veterans, $85 service calls. EC13001724. Call 727-235-3303.

Handy Person

SEMI-RETIRED CARPENTER At discount prices! Free estimates. Frame and finish work. Clearwater, Gulfport, and Pinellas Park areas. Call the Door Doctor. Gus: 727-644-6194.

HANDYMAN/ HOME REPAIR SERVICES

No job too big or too small. I show up when I say I will. I don’t expect to get paid till the job is done and you are satisfied. 25+ years of experience. Please call 727-314-5431. Thanks - Captain Tanner.

LOCAL HANDYMAN FOR HIRE Specializing in changing doors, tile repair, pressure washing, painting, hanging curtains, chimney & fireplace cleaning & maintenance, , you name it. License and insured. islandwidemaintenance.com. Call or text 631-445-2073.

CLEAN UP CLEAN UP CLEAN UP XERISCAPING/PLANTS MULCH

Skilled labor, anything around the house from A-Z. Weeding, rock gardens cleaned, lawn maintanence, leaves removed, mulch, sod, and plants installed. Small trees planted and removed. Pressure washing. Electrical consults available. Free estimates. 30 years experience. Locally St. Pete /Gulfport: 407244-6045. James: 407-244-6045.

HANDYMAN SERVICES Electrical: ceiling fans, lighting, switches, outlets, and other devices. Plumbing: faucets, valves, and other fixtures. Door locks and cabinet hardware. Flips to problem solving and rental punch lists. References upon request. David: 727-851-7548.

Home Improvement

team will clean-up/clean-out, inside and out. Organizing, dumping, recycling, odd jobs, yard and maintenance work. Free estimate! We are licensed and insured, with truck and trailer. Call/text 845-866-3867.

AMERICAN BUILDERS GROUP LLC

Residential/Commercial. All phases of remodeling or renovations. Roofs, kitchens, baths, room additions, new construction, doors, windows, stone or concrete work, flooring, and much, much more. Free estimates. CCC 1333727 CGC 059964. 727-410-7323.

DARCY ROOFING LLC

Residential/Commercial. All roofing types - T.P.O., tapered systems, shingle, metal, tile, & flat roofs. Great prices, best warranties. Our general contracting division also does kitchens, baths, additions, new construction, and much, much more. Free estimates. CCC 1333727 CGC 059964. 727410-7323.

KEITH THE ROOFER

“Quality Through The Roof.” Free estimates, 24-hour emergency service available. Residential & Commercial. 20+ years experience. All types of roofs. Lic. # CCC 1334641. Call 727-768-5140.

AFFORDABLE CONCRETE PATIOS, WALKWAYS, DRIVEWAY EXTENSIONS, & REPAIRS

Custom concrete patios, driveway extensions, custom steps, & all types of concrete repairs. Storage Building slabs. Over 35 years experience. Call Mark for a free estimate: 813-859-2023.

MASSEY ROOFING SERVICES

Providing quality roofing services on all our jobs, big or small. I give honest, hassle free quotes at a great price. Call Jon to schedule your free estimate: 727-477-5313. Lic # CCC1332486

JEFF’S FENCE & REPAIR

We offer affordable and fast fencing installation & repair services to Tampa Bay. Masterful with a wide range of materials, techniques, designs. We offer exceptional services & competitive pricing. Call/text Jeff (727) 831-7143. See our reviews & photos at www.pinellasfencing.com.

Contact:

Great work with great prices. We do it all. Check us out on Google at Good Riddance Landscaping. 727-265-6454.

TURLEY’S TURF

Residential & Commercial lawn maintenance, $25/cut. Serving the Gulfport area for 20 years. Professional, reliable, local. Call Turley’s Turf - 727-560-2743.

IRRIGATION STAIN REMOVAL

Remove ugly rust-colored irrigation stains from vinyl fencing and most surfaces around your house or business, including signage. Free estimate and demonstration. Call/text 727-360-7070. ruststainremoval@icloud.com

James Fox Tree Service

Owner/Operator for over 25 years “We

Miscellaneous Service NOTARY SERVICES - $10

The Gabber Newspaper now provides Notary Services. In office only at 2908-B Beach Blvd S. in Gulfport. Our Notary Public is not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, and may not give legal advice or accept

Moving / Hauling

HB HAULING SERVICES

Hauling Services Available. We do everything from junk removal, demo, debris removal, estate clean out, and so much more. 12ft. dump trailer. Mention The Gabber and get a discount. Call or text Kenny Baschuk at 727-793-5816 for free estimates.

JUNK REMOVALFULL SERVICE

Big or Small, We Haul it All. Eviction/ hoarder/property cleanouts. Shed/fence removal, carpet removal, garage/storage clean outs. Too much stuff, let us help! Fully Licensed and Insured. Free estimates. Lamy’s Hauling and Removal Service. 727501-6464. Lamyshaulingandremoval.com.

SKIP’S MOVING Have 14 foot box truck, willing to help. I’m the guy who moves everybody in and out of Town Shores. Available Monday thru Sunday. Call: 727-320-3297.

Painting

SEASONS BEST PAINTING & CONTRACTING, LLC Interior/exterior painting and power washing services. Over 25 years of experience. 727-506-3677. Licensed/insured. Lic. #C-11623 ARNEY’S

30 years experience. Painting expert plus wallpaper hanging and removing. Lic. #C9579. Call Arney: 727-900-3459.

PINNIX PAINTING, INC. In business locally since 1980. Interior, exterior, commercial, residential. Free Estimates. Lic. #C4334. Call 727-504-1508.

#CFC1430429 State-certified, residential/ commercial service. Senior and military discount. $25 off service with ad. Locally owned and operated.

Center Mark Sieg, LCSW, CAP 727- 251- 2319

marksieg@gulfportcounselingcenter.com

Bobbles

Commission only. Must be a self-starter, make cold calls in person, amiable personality, and familiar with Mac and Google docs. Local resident, able to travel throughout S. Pinellas. Must be able to lift 25lbs and provide own phone & laptop. Ability to work from home or office. Send questions or qualifications to: info@theGabber.com

Donations Welcome Venmo @gabbernews

PART TIME SALES ASSOCIATE

Retired and looking for something to do, extra income, or just need a PT job? We are an upscale boutique in John’s Pass for 40 yrs. Sales/Customer service experience required. $13hr + incentive plan. Call 727709-1970 & leave message. Email resume: mailboat@wildtimecaribbean.com

90’s Dodge pickup tailgates: $25 ea. ‘67’68 Mustang fenders: $50 ea. Truck cap for Chevy shortbed: $100. Other various Mustang parts. Call 727-455-5719.

STANDUP PADDLEBOARD Riviera 9.2, green. $200. 727-656-5420.

Quantum Edge 2.0, iLevel compatibility, fixed mount R. 4.5mph, 138 lbs, battery charger included. $1000. Call: 912-7772947.

ITEMS FOR SALE Antique mosaic tile lamp: $250. Beauty and the Beast toy tea set: $40. Ceramic apothecary jars with tops: $20. Asian stone sculpture: $40. Elfa Utility Wire Over the Door rack and baskets: $40. Ethan Allen ladder back chairs: $125. Call 727-667-3271.

Legal Notices

NOTIFICATION OF NONJUDICIAL SALE OF VESSEL

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT MARINER’S COVE SMI OPCO, LLC. D/B/A MARINER’S COVE MARINA, 5018 31ST AVE S., GULFPORT, FL 33707 HAS A POSSESSORY LIEN AGAIN THE VESSEL DESCRIBED BELOW UNDER FLORIDA STATUTE 328.17, FOR PAST DUE STORAGE AND ASSOCIATED FEES: BOAT DESCRIPTION: 2013 28’ SEA RAY HIN: SERV1597J213

REGISTRATION #: FL5302PL THIS VESSEL WILL BE SOLD AT PUBLIC AUCTION.

DATE OF SALE: 03/14/2024

TIME OF SALE: 12:00 PM

PLACE OF SALE: 5018 31ST AVE S., GULFPORT, FL 33707

TERMS: FULL PAYMENT REQUIRED – HIGHEST ACCEPTABLE BIDDER

FORMS OF PAYMENT: CASH OR CASHIER’S CHECK

ADDITIONAL TERMS: VESSEL MAY BE INSPECTED 60 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE START OF THE AUCTION. ALL BIDDERS MUST BE REGISTERED IN ADVANCE. MARINA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ANY BID NOT DEEMED ACCEPTABLE. VESSEL IS BEING SOLD IN AN “AS IS” CONDITION – MARINA DOES NOT EXPRESS OR IMPLY ANY WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE. SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WILL HAVE A MAXIMUM OF 24 HOURS AFTER THE CLOSE OF THE SALE TO REMOVE THE VESSEL FROM THE PROPERTY.

NOTIFICATION OF NONJUDICIAL SALE OF VESSEL

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT MARINER’S COVE SMI OPCO, LLC. D/B/A MARINER’S COVE MARINA, 5018 31ST AVE S., GULFPORT, FL 33707 HAS A POSSESSORY LIEN AGAIN THE VESSEL DESCRIBED BELOW UNDER FLORIDA STATUTE 328.17, FOR PAST DUE STORAGE AND ASSOCIATED FEES: HIN: USDA10CPF203

REGISTRATION #: FL9570NA THIS VESSEL WILL BE SOLD AT PUBLIC AUCTION.

DATE OF SALE: 03/14/2024

TIME OF SALE: 12:00 PM

PLACE OF SALE: 5018 31ST AVE S., GULFPORT, FL 33707

TERMS: FULL PAYMENT REQUIRED –HIGHEST ACCEPTABLE BIDDER FORMS OF PAYMENT: CASH OR CASHIER’S CHECK

ADDITIONAL TERMS: VESSEL MAY BE INSPECTED 60 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE START OF THE AUCTION. ALL BIDDERS MUST BE REGISTERED IN ADVANCE. MARINA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ANY BID NOT DEEMED ACCEPTABLE. VESSEL IS BEING SOLD IN AN “AS IS” CONDITION – MARINA DOES NOT EXPRESS OR IMPLY ANY WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE. SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WILL HAVE A MAXIMUM OF 24 HOURS AFTER THE CLOSE OF THE SALE TO REMOVE THE VESSEL FROM THE PROPERTY.

Musical Instruments

BUYING OLD MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

I buy old guitars & old musical instruments. The older, the better. Any condition. Please call or text 937-767-2326.

Pets / Animals

WATERCOLOR PET PORTRAITS

Would you like to immortalize your pet? Give an unusual gift? Let me paint your pet’s portrait! Visit Art by RennySpencer on Facebook. 8x10 - $200; 11x14 - $325. Call or text 559-769-3144.

Wanted

BUYING LARGE VINTAGE COSTUME/ FINE JEWELRY

Wanted old costume jewelry, even broken stuff - will pay cash. Call or text 305798_3350. I will meet you wherever it’s convenient to you.

Yard / Garage Sale

MULTI UNIT SALE - PHILLIP BENJAMIN

TOWER 250 58th St. N. March 2, 9 a.m. - noon. Household goods, furniture, arts & crafts, and so much more.

ESTATE SALE

Town Shore Diplomat Building, #204, Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Furniture, artwork, jewelry, etc.

TWO FAMILY YARD SALE

Sat., March 2, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 5331 4th Ave. S., St. Petersburg. Household items, furniture, crafts, and more.

GARAGE SALE - SAT., MARCH 2 2501 49th St. S. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Rain date: March 9. Lots of household misc., pots, pans, tools, toys, bar stools, large pictures, furniture, & other assorted items.

THREE DAY ESTATE SALE

1616 Winchester Rd. N., St. Pete. Corner of 60th St. N. & 17th Ave. N. Fri. March 1Sun. March 3. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. House full of furniture, knicknacks, household items, paintings, and a whole lot more. Everything must go.

tance to the beach & great night life. 3002 DuPont St. S., Gulfport FL. Know anyone? Please reach out for a private tour or more info. $650,000. Ben Samari, Luxury and Beach Realty, 240-426-8371.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & LEASING SERVICES

Property owners! The Blue Waters Team from Berkshire Hathaway o ers full service management: marketing, tenant screening, leasing, 24/7 maintenance and a dedicated website, rentahomewithus.com. Ashtin Brock and Dan Heroux: 727-422-3686. We maximize your investment potential!

55+;

5621 12th Ave. S. (Tangerine)

This 1951 home has two bedrooms, one bath, and 780 square feet. It listed for $299,900 and sold for $283,000.

5935 30th Ave. S., #210 (Town Shores)

This two-bed, two-bath condo, built in 1972, has 1,120 square feet. It listed for $265,000 and sold for $260,000.