The Long and Winding Road

All About the Beatles in Florida

By Amanda Hagood

Bob Kealing’s new book Good Day Sunshine State (University Press of Florida, 2023) captures the youthful spirit of the Beatles in the Florida portion of their legendary 1964 tour. But it also explores the more revolutionary side of the tour, which worked to integrate music venues in the segregated South.

Everyone knows that the Beatles made history with their American debut on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. But did you know that the Fab Four spent nearly two weeks of that legendary American tour in Florida?

Beatles fans will delight in veteran rockumentarian Bob Kealing’s new book, Good Day Sunshine State: How the Beatles Rocked Florida (University Press of Florida, 2023). Kealing’s 244 pages are packed with anecdotes and quippy quotes. He also profiles of a broad range of Floridians whose lives were forever changed by the Beatles’ visits to Miami, Jacksonville, and the Keys in 1964.

Revolution

Kealing’s account contains plenty of delightful Beatles trivia. Did you know, for instance, that frenzied teens would hurl jelly beans at the boys during concerts? This was due to a rumor that the (much softer) British equivalent – jelly babies – were their favorite snack.

But the book also delves into the weightier side of the American tour, including the band’s firm anti-segregation stance. By contract, they played only fully integrated venues. Landing right in the midst of the United States’ Civil Rights movement, the tour provides a fascinating glimpse into how these mop-topped pranksters helped to catalyze social change.

I’ve Just Seen a Face

A real strength of the book is Kealing’s remarkable ability to sketch lively characters out of archival materials. John, Paul, George, and Ringo appear in all their boyish splendor. But there are fascinating intimations – a quote here, an incident there – of the more complicated superstars they would become by the end of the decade. Just as engaging are Kealing’s portraits of everyday Americans. There’s Kitty Oliver, a young Black teenager attending a concert for the first time in a heretofore all-white venue. Or Sergeant Buddy Dresner of the Miami Beach Police, who had the delicate task of shepherding the band through their South Florida stay – while fending off countless devious teen fans.

And, of course, it wouldn’t be a real Florida adventure without a hurricane! Notorious Hurricane Dora makes a dramatic appearance in the final chapters of the book, very nearly quashing the band’s climactic show in Jacksonville.

The Long and Winding Road

As with any lovingly researched, richly detailed history, some readers may find the texture of Good Day Sunshine State a bit dense at times. If the book were a Beatles song, it would have the deliberate stride and lyrical density of “Come Together” rather than a light poignancy of “Yesterday” or the racing drive of “She Loves You.” But whatever your taste or tempo, sticking with this book is worth it for the rich sense of this remarkable historical moment it evokes.

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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

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

Gulfcoast Legal Assistance Do you need assistance, with lifetime planning docs, Medicaid/Medicare issues, Social Securi- ty 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.

Mental Wellbeing One in five Americans will experience a mental illness during their lifetime. Today, we will discuss mental health, why it is important, the most common types of mental illness, and how you can maintain positive mental health. MUST Pre-register. Rm. 107. Apr. 20, 1 p.m.

In the Kitchen with Chef Jack: New England Clam Chowder Improve your culinary skills with step-by-step instruction from Chef Jack. MUST Pre-register. D Hall. Apr. 20, 4 p.m.

Sages Presents: Phoney Baloney Phoney Baloney is a fast-moving collection of true stories about scammers and how they steal from seniors. A diverse group of friends meet regularly at their local community center and swap tales of chaos and peril brought on by simply answering the phone. Enjoy the commentary of our "Greek chorus" observers - Miss Jessica Filcher and Sgt. Moe Monday as they point out tips to turn the tables on tricksters and outsmart scams. Reserve Tickets at www. sagestheater.org Theater. Apr. 22, 2 p.m.

Happy Birthday to YOU! Come celebrate this month’s Birthdays. D Hall. Apr. 26, 3 p.m. EPIC Coffee Connections EPIC Generations invites LGBTQ+ adults for coffee, friendship,

& support. Rm. 106. Apr. 28, 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. Apr. 28, 1 p.m.

HCA Lunch & Learn: Stroke Awareness May is Stroke Awareness Month, an opportunity to learn what a stroke is and how to spot the warning signs. Join us for a Lunch and Learn about the risks of stroke and ways to lessen the risk for you and your loved ones. MUST Pre-Register. D Hall. May 2, 2 p.m.

The Girls’ Club A social group of senior single lesbians who just wanna have fun! Meet for a cup of coffee & chit chat and to plan monthly social events to do together. Rm. 107. May 2, 3 p.m.

Meet a Podiatrist: Top 3 Foot Problems

Learn about the causes for heel pain, fungal toenails, and corns and how to fix them. Must pre-register. Rm. 107. May 4, 12:30 p.m. Gulfport ROCKS! Join the party and create some fun rock art. All supplies provided. MUST Pre-register. Sponsored by Moore Medicare Options. Rm. 106. May 5, 1:30 p.m.

Gems Getaways

Discover Weedon Island & Lunch at El Cap Apr. 26; $8 GEMS Members / $10 NonGEMS Members.

Catherine Hickman Theater 727-893-1070 • 5501 27th Ave. S.

SAGES performance of “Phoney Baloney” a comedy about outsmarting phone scammers. Free and open to the public. Visit sagestheater. org. Apr. 22, 2 p.m.

Gulfport Casino Ballroom

727-893-1070 • 5500 Shore Blvd. S.

Sock Hop with the Impacs Apr. 21, 7 p.m. Advance tickets available at Casino & Beach Bazaar. $15 / $25 for two. Tickets purchased day-of: $20.

Contra Dance with Tampa Friends of Old Time Dance Apr. 23, 3:30 p.m., Contra lesson; 4 p.m., dancing with band & caller. tampabaycontra.com. $10 admission

Balroom Dance With USA Dance Apr. 24, 7 p.m. DJ and dance hosts, plus a lesson. $7, USA Dance members, $10 non-members

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

Baby Time For children two and younger and their caregivers with infants & young toddlers. Older siblings also welcome. Tuesdays, 10:15 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.

STEAM Club: Visit from DunnDee Farms

STEAM is short for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Special guest DunnDee FArms will be in the Library Garden. Recommended for Grades K-5. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For additional information call 727-893-1074. Apr. 26, 4 p.m.

COF Presents: The Importance of Pollinators: Allison Davis of Noble Nectar Apiaries tells about the life cycles of honeybees and other pollinators as well as how important a role they play in our survival. Sponsored by the Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Public Library. Apr. 27, 1 p.m.

Trivia Night Hosted by Gulfport Librarian Alex, a prepared list of questions will be shared with players, who will compete to answer the most questions correctly. Team play is an option with enough attendees. Apr. 27, 6 p.m.

Sew Easy: Quilted Potholders use scraps of fabric to make colorful potholders. Registration required, signups begin April 21. Call 727-893-1074 or email library.programs@ mygulfport.us. Apr. 28, 1 p.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. May 3, 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.

May. 6, 10 a.m.

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

Summer Program Registrations for the 2023 Summer Program have begun for children who will complete Kindergarten thru age 14. The 10-week program is May 30th – August 4th. Hours of registration are Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Summer camp hours are from 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. with extended hours available until 6 p.m. for an additional fee. There will be 25 available spots for the discount rate for Gulfport residents in need of assistance. Eligibility requirements for the discount is either a letter from the child’s school verifying the child’s acceptance of free/reduced lunch or a letter verify- ing the child’s acceptance of assistance from financial aid or a related program. Detailed pricing is currently available at the Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S. Call 893-1068 for any questions.

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: 727893-1079.

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

Cardio Tennis Tues. & Thurs, 6 p.m.; Adult

Grown-Up Movie Series lessons are at Chase Park, 28th Ave. & 53rd St. S. $15/class. Mo: 727-515-1454.

The Fate of all possible worlds rests on an exhausted mother. Starring Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Winner of 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Rated R. Call 727-893-1074 for title. May 6, 1 p.m.

Get Growing City horticulturist, Toffer Ross, answers all your questions about gardening, trees, and landscaping in Florida. May 10, 11 a.m.

SHINE Presentation: Medicare Basics Presentation on Medicare Parts A, B, C, & D and what they mean to you. FMI, visit www.floridashine.org. Call 727-893-1073 to make Individual appointments. May 17, 1 p.m.

Book Club This month’s selection is “Beloved” by Toni Morrison. Available as print and audio. May 18, 2 p.m.

Lego Club It's time to build! Join us for some Lego creativity and see what construction challenges we have for you this week. Recommended for Grades K-5. Children must be accompanied by an adult. May 20, 2 p.m.

Essentrics Toning Thurs., 9 a.m. $40/ month. Lauren: 248-875-7030

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

F.I.T Tennis Fri., 6p.m.; Free for true beginners age 21 and up. Lessons are at Chase Park, 28th Ave & 53rd St. S. Mo: 727-5151454.

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: 727742-2594.

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 727-2620880

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

If You Could Say One Thing to Gulfport City Council, What Would You Say?

Photos by Cameron Healy

Sudoku

Solution on page 26

Solution

Getting Around gabber on vacation

Treasure Island resident Paul Shann took The Gabber Newspaper to Somerset, England. He decided to take us along to the Alfoxton House, an 18th-century country house. 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.