Dolls, Bears and Dog Washes

By Abby Baker

Find links for these events — and many other things to do — online at thegabber.com/events.

Friday, February 25 - Sunday, February 28

ReadOut 2021: A Festival of Lesbian Literature Get your rainbow bookmarks out! It’s once again time for a Gulfport Public Library favorite, ReadOut 2021: A Festival of Lesbian Literature. This year, the action will be via live stream with authors, prerecorded readings of your favorite lesbian novels, entertainment from LGBTQ musicians and poets with community chat chances in between. readoutfestival.wixsite.com/ home

Saturday, February 26

“Protecting Places of Worship” Zoom Presentation Leaders from Central Florida-based places of worship are invited to a virtual zoom presentation with speakers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Florida and Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security

Agency. This is a high-profile program dedicated to keeping violence out of all holy places, regardless of faith. 1-3 p.m. zoom.us/meeting/ register/tJYuf-qrrz0uGNWvRqDmjDqBdDSY0kZyoAFY

St Petersburg Fine Arts Festival

A Weekend for the Arts: St. Petersburg Fine Arts Festival It’s time to find a new feature piece for the house, or maybe a set of amethyst earrings to be the talk of the office. Explore over 100 vendors at the eighth-annual St. Petersburg Fine Arts Festival. South Straub Park will be transformed into an out-

door gallery of canvases, jewelry, glass, mixed media and more. South Straub Park, 198 Bayshore Dr. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday, February 27

Book Signing at the Tap House: The eXtreme Middle Party Scott Flood, a Gulfportian history buff, will sign his book, “The eXtreme Middle Party,” where he dives into the United States class divide and American healthcare system. Support local authors, and grab a beer while you’re at it. The North End Tap House, 2908 Beach Blvd S. 3 p.m.

Dolls and Bears: Annual Sale Get in kids, we’re going to the 40th Annual Doll and Bear Show and Sale. The St. Petersburg Doll Club is hosting this kid-friendly, plush event. All proceeds will go to local charities. The Minnreg Hall, 6340 126th Ave. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sunday, February 28

Soaps on, Doggos It’s time to wash the dog, and use someone else’s bath, for charity! The Dog Bar staff are washing furry companions: $7 for small dogs, $10 for medium dogs and $15 for large dogs, including a doggy manicure and ear cleaning. Proceeds go to Passion 4 Pits Rescue. The Dog Bar, 2300 Central Ave. 1-5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 2 See your council in action Gulfport City Council will hold its regular council meeting with an in-person or virtual option. Get the agenda from the city on Fridayat mygulfport.us, by emailing ldemuth@mygulfport.us, or call 727-893-1012. Watch at mygulfport.us/councilmeetings or Gulfport TV 640. Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S., 6 p.m.