The Gabber: May 5, 2022

Digital subscriptions provided by the City of Gulfport THE GABBER.COM May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

No. 2759

Call Me Gramps Abby Baker

ABBY BAKER

On the first Monday of every month, Gulfport’s ‘Garden Grandpa’ makes an earthly appearance.

He’s been called “Garden Claus” and “the garden gnome,” but Albert Risemberg prefers his title as Gulfport’s Garden Grandpa.

The 61-year-old Gulfport resident teaches his nature classes monthly on the outdoor patio of the Gulfport Public Library. He’s brought jars of

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earthworms, a sealed container of bees, and sprouting roots, all with the intent of teaching something not found in the classroom.

Former youth librarian Cailey Klasson invited him to teach a worm class as part of her weekly science club back in January. He showed up

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with a cowboy style hat and a coat full of fake bugs to really wow the kids.

Despite the science club ending due to Klasson’s resignation, Garden Grandpa stuck around. The “grandpa” status came after his first

Gramps continued on page 6

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Reporters & Contributors Abby Baker, Events Editor & Breaking News Monroe Roark, News + Politics Mike Sunnucks, Crime Amanda Hagood, Books Nano Riley, Environment Jon Kile, Columnist Resie Waechter, Outdoors & Fitness

Serving Gulfport, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg West, Downtown St. Petersburg, Kenneth City, Tyrone, Tierra Verde, St. Pete Beach, Pass-A-Grille, Treasure Island, Pinellas Point, Madeira Beach, Pinellas Park

I have been glancing at The Gabber since it appeared in my inbox, but only glancing. Today (seventh day after leg surgery, which keeps me from walking and other regular activities) I had plenty of time to read the entire publication. I saw the story about the Wednesday Black Lives Matter protesters. I am excited to join them upon full recovery and owe it all to you. Thanks! –Billie Jo Owens, St. Pete Beach

On the “Winwayization” of Gulfport I am writing to second the recent letter from Barbara Maltby about Winway Homes. I am a Florida native and though I grew up in this area, I have lived in both Key West and Tallahassee and have watched this happen in every corner of Florida. I watched places I love destroyed by greedy developers who care not at all about the local culture or style of the places they see as a profit center rather than as a community. Winway builds homes that are inappropriately out

Utility Bill Inequities In the April 28 issue of The Gabber, Jude Bagatti expressed concern over utility bill inequities. Gulfport’s city manager sent her an email about her letter to the editor, which she forwarded to us.

Thank you for your correspondence – Yes, the Mayor and City Council are presently working on possible adjustments to the City’s Water Billing Costs for those customers utilizing less than the present minimum of 2,000

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of scale with the rest of the homes in Gulfport and could be found in any “McMansion subdivision” anywhere in Florida. I have watched my entire life as these developers move in, destroy the unique “old Florida” character of the community, then move on once they have extracted their profits. There does not seem to be any way to stop them as long as people are willing to buy their homes but, like the letter writer, I am sad every time I see another Winway sign go up and I mutter to myself “Winway. Ruining Gulfport one house at a time.”–Melissa Raulston, Gulfport

Lisa Pence

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@gabbernews @gabbernews @gabberlife The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers, advertisers, or employees of the Gabber. The Gabber is not liable for any errors in advertising beyond the cost of the first printing of any advertisement. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced or copied without permission of the publisher.

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gallons. At their March 1, 2022 City Council meeting, the Council received a presentation from Stantec Consulting Services to provide a Water and Sewer Rate Structure Analysis. Subsequent to the presentation the following steps and recommendations were made: · Explore potential revenue recovery options. · Update miscellaneous fees (St. Pete & Pinellas conducting cost studies). · Exploration of ARPA funding. · Tier structure modifications and tier price increases. · Incorporate Council direction on options to address revenue recovery.

· Stantec update financial plan and FY 2023 rate increase needs with latest St. Pete rate estimates. · Develop implementation plan and testing for rate structure modifications for FY 2023. · Stantec returns in Summer 2022 for complete rate recommendations for FY 2023.

I anticipate that Stantec Consulting will return in early summer to present City Council with feasible potential option to implement such changes to the present rate structure. –Jim O’Reilly, Gulfport City Manager Read this article online at thegab-

ber.com to see Jude Bagatti’s response.

Correction In the April 28 article, “Short-term Rentals; Long-term Problems” we unintentionally misrepresented how the City of Gulfport defines short-term rentals. Here’s what we should have explained: “Mayor Sam Henderson told Miszaros that the ordinance to which she referred restricted short-term rentals ‘to a minimum of 30 days’ in areas not zoned for short-term rentals, and that council can do little or nothing to change it.” The Gabber regrets the error.

The Gabber welcomes and encourages letters and commentary. One letter per person, per month. All letters must be signed with your real name and city, and should be as brief as possible (ideally <250 words). We may edit letters for content, clarity and length. We will not print letters that incite violence, include personal attacks on private citizens, or that are intentionally misleading or inaccurate. Letters sent to the Gabber for print will also appear online and on the Gabber’s social media pages. Commentary posted to the Gabber’s website and social media pages may also be used in print. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of the Gabber owners, advertisers, or staff. Send letters to news@thegabber.com or mail them to 2908-B Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL, 33707.

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news Park & Pray

St. Pete Beach Fines Church for Allowing Parking; Must Pay Church $250,000 Pass-A-Grille Beach Community Church has offered free parking for beachgoers. Seemingly out of the blue, the City of St. Pete Beach objected in 2016; the City started fining the church in 2020.

The church fought back, and the final result was what many Americans would consider a victory for religious liberty and property rights. After the church was granted an injunction in 2021, the case was later settled in its favor and last month a federal judge ordered the City to pay more than $250,000 to cover the church’s legal fees.

There will be no appeal. According to church spokesperson Jeanne Haemmelmann, the City had 14 days to respond and chose not to do so.

“The check is already in the church’s possession,” she added.

The Gabber reached out to St. Pete Beach City Hall for a comment but there was no response by press time.

Pass-A-Grille Beach Community Church, at 107 16th Ave., has owned its current location since 1957, and its 70-plus parking spaces sit one block from the public beach. As

MONROE ROARK

By Monroe Roark

St. Pete Beach officials admitted it had not issued citations to any other establishments where people park and use the beach.

part of its ministry to the community, the church allows beachgoers to use the parking lot for free when church is not in session.

In 2016, the church began accepting freewill donations from those parking in the lot; it used

the money to fund the church’s youth mission trips. Church youth also distributed spiritual leaflets, prayed with people, and shared their faith with those interested in learning more. A court disagreed with the City’s objection, citing

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theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

that the youth group’s practice of seeking donations was a protected activity and consistent with the church’s religious beliefs.

The City issued a $1,000 fine in 2020 for allowing general public parking in the lot, and the church faced a $500 fine every time it allowed parking by someone who was not there for “legitimate church purposes,” according to a statement from church attorneys, who added that the renewed offensive began when “an elected city official conspired with a neighbor of the church.”

A preliminary injunction was filed in August of that year by the law firm Dalton + Tomich, which is composed of religious liberty and land use attorneys among others.

The action alleged that the City violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), which “protects the church’s right to use its parking lot in accordance with its religious mission to show biblically-based hospitality,” the attorneys said.

Rev. Dr. Keith A. Haemmelmann, the church’s pastor, expressed his frustration at that time regarding the City’s attempts to restrict the church’s mission.

“The City does not consider the many youth whose lives have been changed because of the donations that people freely give to support our mission endeavors. The

church is not the church if ministy group, such as the Rotary Club, try and discipleship are defined by to use its building? Would it be a entering a church building, then ‘legitimate church purpose’ if the leaving, because the church will church hosted a Boy Scout troop be penalized if you visit a friend, that held their meetings at the walk the beach, or church? What if break bread with ...the renewed offensive the Boy Scouts a neighbor,” Rev. began when “an elected initially met at Haemmelmann the church, but city official conspired said. “The church then went across with a neighbor of the the street to the is not a commercial operation, beach to work on church.” no matter what a swimming merit codes a municipality adopts. Our badge? What if, instead of working calling as followers of Christ is to on the swimming merit badge, the build the Kingdom of God on earth, scouts went over to the beach just not a fiefdom on the beach. Withto swim and have fun?” out the ability to reach a workable With an injunction in place, the solution with the City to continue church was able to allow the pubusing our parking lot as we have lic to continue to use its parking for many years, the only viable oplot. While the case later settled, tion was to ask the court to conthe City contested the church’s firm our rights under federal law.” request for attorney fees. In addiCity officials admitted at a heartion to getting that money back, ing that it had not issued citations Jeanne Haemmelmann said the to any other establishments where church received $15,000 to repeople park and later leave the plenish most of the $18,000 it premises to go anywhere else. lost during the period the parking The attorneys noted that in lot was closed. granting the church an injunction “This fee award is an examin 2021, the court asked, “…Would ple of the financial penalties loit be a ‘legitimate church purpose’ cal governments must pay when if members of the church’s youth they violate the RLUIPA,” said one group began a meeting inside the of the church’s attorneys. “This Church but then chose to contincase is yet another reminder of ue their meeting across the street how RLUIPA helps level the playat the beach? Would it be a ‘legitiing field for religious institutions mate church purpose’ if the church and assemblies in the land use allowed a non-religious communiand zoning context.”

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class, and he welcomed it.

“I didn’t have access to my grandparents growing up, a lot of people don’t, when I’m teaching here in Gulfport I say ‘I can be your grandpa if you don’t have one,” Risemberg said.

Despite having two sons but no grandchildren of his own, Risemberg fits the bill with his silver beard and ability to break into song and story at any moment.

“My oldest son jokes, ‘this isn’t legit, you’re not really a grandpa,” Risemberg said. “I just say ‘yeah, you should hurry up and make it legit’.”

When his sons were growing up, Risemberg pulled them out of Boy Scouts, put off by the amount of religion in the organization. He wanted them to learn about nature and respect for wildlife without bias.

Despite working the heavy schedule of an airplane mechanic, Risemberg took them camping, taught them lessons, and recorded “Daddy Stories” on cassettes. The tapes were recordings of him telling his

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ABBY BAKER

Gramps continued from cover

Albert Risemberg is Gulfport’s “Garden Grandpa.”

two sons the stories of the day. and his mother buys honey from the “Martin had to go to the dentist, Gulfport farmer. so the story was ‘The Shark with Risemberg was blown away when the Toothache,’ it was everything he knew all the answers in his class. that happened to him that day but “Something about the way he through the eyes was speaking you of whatever animal “You never know what’s can tell he was I chose,” he said. going to spark in a kid.” really thinking “They would get about what I was some good lessons through that.” teaching,” Risemberg said. “You He’s bringing that same energy never know what’s going to spark to the kids in Gulfport, and he’s no in a kid.” stranger to teaching.

On May 2, he focused on teachThe local farmer taught one seing the importance of roots. mester of yoga at Gulfport Elemen“I brought ginger because it’s tary and also 700 students at Frontangible, kids may not know the tier Elementary School. He hosts ginger root but they know Ginger earthworm farming classes from his Ale, ginger cookies,” Risemberg home and founded Gulfport’s Moon said. “Life comes from roots; they Landing Yoga. should know that.”

Most kids love the demonstraNext up, he’ll teach about shells, tions, but a few are really stuck on complete with a conch-blowing the idea of farming and sustaindemonstration, which isn’t comability. One student lives down the pletely out of the ordinary for the street from the Garden Grandpa, Garden Grandpa.

theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

Money in the Bank

According to Auditors, Gulfport City Staff Managed Finances Well

By Monroe Roark

If you want to do a deep dive into the audit just released for the City of Gulfport’s most recently completed fiscal year, a 160-page document awaits you on the city’s website.

If that sounds like a bit too much, one of the accountants who audited the city presented a more concise version at the City Council’s April 19 meeting by one of the accountants responsible for it.

Known officially as the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), it covers the 12-month period ending Sept. 30, 2021. David Alvarez, CPA, a partner in the firm of Carr, Riggs & Ingram provided the report.

In his overview, Alvarez said the firm found nothing negative. The

project satisfied state requirements and showed the city in a positive financial position.

Gulfport’s own policy requires that the City keep a minimum general fund balance that is at least 16% of the general fund original budgeted expenses for the respective fiscal year.

For the end of the 2021 fiscal year, the fund balance was $4,600,399, while unassigned fund balance was $4,033,413, far above the minimum percentage.

“You have been very fiscally responsible,” Alvarez told the council.

Gulfport’s three employee pension plans are solid, he reported. The general pension plan is 121% funded, with the police pension plan at 99% and the fire pension plan at 96%.

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Property tax revenue increased about $350,000 over the previous year – without a change in the millage rate. Penny for Pinellas revenue increased $180,000; the half-cent sales tax produced $132,000 more than before, noteworthy, Alvarez said, because of the number of businesses still feeling the effects of the pandemic during that time.

“Through that period of COVID, sales tax was strong within the City of Gulfport,” said Alvarez.

The city’s enterprise funds — water, sewer, sanitation and the marina — increased a total of $1.1 million.

The unassigned fund balance rose $1 million to its current level.

The audit reflected a $250,000 grant for the Casino and $253,000 in CARES Act funds, although American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were not included in the report as the City had yet to spend any of that money by the end of the fiscal year.

The significant revenue increases got the attention of some council members.

“What are we doing with the extra money?” Vice Mayor Christine Brown (Ward II) asked.

Without missing a beat, City Manager Jim O’Reilly replied, “Paying the bills.” After the laughter subsided, he added, “Inflation is eating it up.”

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Notes from Gulfport City Council

By Monroe Roark Editor’s Note: We’ve run several full-length articles about the April 19 council meeting online and in print; what follows are a few smaller discussions and housekeeping items discussed at that same meeting.

You can always read our comprehensive Gulfport City Council coverage online at thegabber.com.

CATHY SALUSTRI

Housekeeping Items from the April 19 Meeting

Board Appointments Several board appointments were up for consideration at the Gulfport City Council’s April 19 regular meeting, and Gulfport Council decided across the board that the citizens already serving in those positions were the best choices to continue serving. It approved a resolution reappointing three members of the Board of Adjustment for two more years: Joe Guenther, Caroline Woodruff, and Richard Glueck. Their terms expire in April of 2024.

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Returning to the Planning and Zoning Board/Local Planning Agency are Jennifer Cowan, Mary Hanrahan, and Jo Gonzalez-Hastings. They will also serve two-year terms.

Council also reappointed Mitchell Carney to the Firefighters’ Pension Board to serve four more years, and Marjorie Milford will serve three more years on the Gulfport General Employees’ Pension Board.

Pensions Speaking of pensions, Gulfport Council approved the first reading of an ordinance that provides a one-time cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for current pensioners. City Manager Jim O’Reilly said the City can take action once every three years if the pension plan allows it, and an audit report earlier in the meeting confirmed that Gulfport’s pension plan is in excellent shape.

There is no financial impact to the budget, since the money is coming from the plan for those receiving pensions at this time.

Special Magistrate Gulfport Council voted to renew a contract for special master services with local attorney Jim Thaler. A Gulfport resident and faculty member at Stetson College of Law, Thaler’s served as a special master for Gulfport since 2012, with his con-

tract being renewed every year. The latest contract pays Thaler $162 per hour on an as-needed basis.

Council Conduct Another annual renewal approved at the meeting was a resolution establishing policies for the elected officials themselves, as well as public comment at council meetings. The matter was discussed at the April 5 meeting and there was a consensus to amend some sections.

The policies include allowing three minutes per speaker during public comment and not allowing public comment on pending bid protests or quasi-judicial hearing. Policies also include time allowed for each councilmember to optionally make reports on their activities outside the meeting, and for council to offer “guidance and direction” to the city manager for future discussion and to address issues raised during public comment.

Finally, the rules will allow the council as a whole to ask the city manager to provide more information or take action, but, the policies stipulate, “if the request cannot be accomplished within the approved budget or City Council priorities or if it will involve substantial staff resources, the city manager will report to the city council at a subsequent council meeting and request further direction.”

theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

Miracles in the Outfield

This Special Needs Baseball Team Slides into First Season Miracle by the Bay Baseball began this April – just in time for the Florida heat.

Director Matthew Walker says the main snag, though, is baseball field clay caught in his wheelchair tires.

Walker is the 27-year-old man behind Miracle by the Bay, a Madeira Beach-based organization dedicated to providing events and community resources for people with disabilities. He has cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and muscle tone.

He got the idea for Miracle by the Bay while playing for a disability baseball league at the age of 17. A decade later, he runs Miracle by the Bay and the organization’s baseball team, a separate entity run by the same people, Walker says.

He founded the team with Kyle Snyder, a retired Tampa Bay Rays player who often attends games and works with players. Most of the time though, Walker coaches along with his father, Steven.

The baseball league’s main mission is to provide a fun, safe space for players ages 10-50. Walker notes the age range spans a larger age bracket than the typical special needs league deliberately.

“We chose that group because a lot of people are aged out of special need leagues before they get a real chance to play,” Walker said.

theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

MIRACLE BY THE BAY

By Abby Baker

The special needs organization is headed by 27-year-old Matthew Walker.

The league’s St. Petersburg field (1600 72nd St. N.) is composed of clay, a terrain that can be tough on tires.

Eventually Walker would like to build a completely ADA accessible field, and with the participation success of the first season, he thinks it might not be long before that’s possible.

“We’re growing, and we’re growing rapidly,” Walker tells the Gabber. “Being able to do this and do it the right way is awesome.”

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theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

Flooding Tide

Understanding Gulfport’s Floodplain Management Plan To get the best out of life in a coastal community, it is prudent to also plan for the worst.

That’s why local governments throughout Pinellas County, including Gulfport, operate with a floodplain management plan. They also participate in a community rating system (CRS) offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) which aims to reduce flood risk – and can also lead to reduced flood insurance premiums.

Gulfport City Council voted at its April 19 regular meeting to adopt the annual report for the City’s floodplain management plan as part of the county’s multi-jurisdictional report. Also approved was an annual report for the accompanying public information program that keeps local residents in the know, especially in the coming months during hurricane season.

Under the rating system, cities and counties get points for activities they perform, and then get placed in specific classifications based on their score.

On a scale of 1 (best) to 10 (worst), Gulfport currently has enough points to be considered a Class Six community, according to Mike Taylor, Gulfport’s principal planner in the Community Development Department and the point person for Gulfport’s participation in these programs.

“Most communities are probably a seven or an eight,” he said. “Pinellas County is trying right now for a three. They have the people and resources to do that.”

A key factor for participation in the CRS program is the number of repetitive loss properties a city has. Those are properties with two or more losses due to flooding in any 10-year period. If there are 10 or more, a floodplain management plan is required. Gulfport currently has 13.

“That’s actually not bad,” said Taylor, noting that every community in Pinellas has sufficient repetitive loss properties to require a plan.

FEMA

By Monroe Roark

According to Mike Taylor, the City of Gulfport’s point person for FEMA programs, roughly one-third of Gulfport falls inside the 100-year floodplain.

“It doesn’t take much to get to that caused 85% of Gulfport to lose number.” power for about a week. That inThe county has a floodplain mancluded City Hall and the 49th Street agement plan approved by the state Neighborhood Center, which houses as well as FEMA, and FEMA allows the Public Works Department. cities to follow the county’s lead and “It very severely limited the serdo this on a cooperative basis. That vices we provide,” said Taylor. “We takes a lot of work off the backs of could do it, but it took longer befloodplain managers like Taylor, who cause we couldn’t use our computis a one-man show for Gulfport in ers and had to use paper.” that regard.

The City made changes to mitiThis participation pays off for gate the risks, including installing Gulfport in the way of funding for generators at City Hall and the 49th specific projects related to flood Street Neighborhood Center. mitigation, flood proofing, or even As for the public information porthe purchase of flood-prone propertion of the plan, the City uses varties. Taylor pointed ious public out“About a third of the out that City projreach methods to ects of late includ- City is within the special keep residents up ed the hardening flood hazard area or the to date. This typiof City Hall and the cally starts in the 100-year floodplain.” fire station, where summer, at the onmaterials were installed to proset of hurricane season. vide added protection against wind Taylor puts out a brochure once damage. You can see the results of a year that is inserted in every resthis work by observing the outside ident’s utility bill, along with three shutters on windows at various City specific letters that are sent to buildings. property owners in the city’s 100Anytime a project is undertaken year floodplain. FEMA encourages under such a hazard mitigation promunicipalities to send out repeated gram, the cost is split 75-25, with messages, he noted.

FEMA paying the bulk of it.

“About a third of the City is within The program was in play in recent the special flood hazard area or the years due to Hurricane Irma, which 100-year floodplain,” he said.

theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

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Gulfport’s Waffle Spot Gets Outdoor Seating Plus, an Indoor Mural Featuring a Woman of Color

By Abby Baker

ABBY BAKER

Pop Goes the Waffle has a new face in the building, painted by Tampa muralist Carlos Pons.

Things are popping over on Tangerine Avenue.

Pop Goes the Waffle added a dog-friendly outdoor seating area, plus a tangerine-inspired mural for the restaurant on Tangerine Avenue.

With City of Gulfport approval, Pop Goes the Waffle added outdoor seating on their covered patio area last week. The breakfast dessert restaurant now has four two-tops that are easily pushed

together for large parties.

“We may add fans in the summer; of course, those may not combat this Florida heat, but we’ll do our best,” said Sara Fludd, owner of Pop Goes the Waffle. “Also, the patio is dog-friendly, really, we encourage dogs. We’re dog lovers ourselves,” Fludd said.

She’s added canine-friendly waffles on the to do list.

It’s just another step towards Fludd’s dream-made-reality: Her cafe at 5004 Tangerine Ave. S., Pop Goes the Waffle, opened this March after serving from a food truck and out of Tampa Bay coffee shops. To celebrate her new location, the cafe added an indoor mural painted by Tampa muralist Carlos Pons. He’s known for his Ybor City murals that commonly feature people of color.

Pop Goes the Waffle’s mural is classic Pons; she’s a Black woman surrounded with cascading tangerines and vines, a homage to Tangerine Avenue.

“I told him I wanted a beautiful Black woman on my wall,” Fludd told The Gabber. “I saw his Ybor work before I owned this location, and I always knew I wanted one of my own.”

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theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

Seven Questions with Councilmember Paul Ray

Ray Loves his Doorbell Camera and Talks About Changing Gulfport

By Gabber Staff

GN: What’s your best day ever?

PR: June 26, 2015 when same-sex marriage is made legal nationwide with Obergefell v. Hodges decision.

I was driving home when NPR announced it, I began to cry with tears of happiness. Although we had already been together 16 years, it was the validation of our relationship that was so positive.

Your house is burning and you can only bring one thing (barring family and pets); what do you grab?

My laptop, as it has everything I need to remember.

What is one thing you’d like to see change in the Gulfport/St. Pete area?

Wesley brought me to Gulfport over 22 years ago. He had grown up playing on the beach, hanging with friends and his aunt and uncle who lived on the north side of Gulfport.

have many business owners who go above and beyond when it comes to giving back to the community.

We have a City in which many do the Tables Event, Dine out for Life, Gecko Festival, to mention just a few, which raise enormous amounts of money for various communities.

LAURA MULROONEY

For the Gulfport residents who follow local politics, Paul Ray is a familiar face and the Ward III representative for Gulfport. In this edition of The Gabber’s Seven Questions, Ray gets honest about his reaction to the legalization of gay marriage, how the city has changed, and his husband of more than two decades.

Gulfport councilmember Paul Ray.

We came here and visited his family, walked along the beach and went to Sharp A’s/Cheshire Cat and generally enjoyed a much different version of Gulfport than now. Being from Cape Cod, I felt an immediate love for Gulfport. We vowed we would move here someday, and about nine years later we finally made it here.

I got involved with the community on the GMC volunteering and planning events and got to know many of the wonderful people in town.

Change is inevitable but managing that change in a positive manner is the driving force behind my being on the city council.

What’s the most important locally owned business in our community?

Defining importance is difficult, we

What’s your favorite outdoor place along Gulfport and the beaches?

I love Clam Bayou. I have enjoyed boating, kayaking and walking the bayou and parks; for me it is a hidden gem in our own backyard.

What’s your favorite phone app?

The Ring doorbell and the Ring cameras app. I love being able to see who is coming to the door, delivering packages, etc. The ability to speak to them via the phone is a great feature. Brings a great sense of security.

Who is your hero?

My husband Wesley of 22 years. He had a rough time growing up and yet through all of it he not only persevered but came out better for it.

So many people facing problems become bitter and unhappy, with him it was the complete opposite. I find that kind of fortitude to be beyond admirable and humbling.

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gabberlife Make it Rain for Ukraine

Gulfport Fundraiser Raises Money for Gulfport/Ukraine Family

JUNE JOHNS

Fundraiser volunteer Mike Fedele and event organizer Denise Keegan O’Hara set up raffle prizes for the fundraiser.

By now, Gabber readers know that Gulfport residents Eric Cudar and Ulyana Fylypovych brought their Ukrainian family to Florida after the start of the Russia-Ukraine war.

The family, a mother (Halyna Hamota) and her two young daughters traveled for days, flew to Mexico, crossed the Mexico border, and fi-

JUNE JOHNS

By Gabber Staff

Cheryl Schwartz adds a decorative touch to the event table.

nally made it to Gulfport to start the next chapter of their life.

Starting from scratch isn’t cheap, so on April 26, Denise Keegan held an art sale, raffle, and fundraiser at the North End Village (the three-story blue building at 2901 Beach Blvd.

S.) to benefit the Ukrainian family.

She sold her artwork and donated

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the funds for more than two months, the Gulfport artist said.

According to Keegan, the event raised more than $6,000 for the family of three.

“Thank you to the donors, Gulfport, my girlfriends here in Gulfport, and just everyone involved,” Keegan said.

Submit your events online at thegabber.com

theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

arts I Can’t Afford Florida

Jorgensen Short Film Describes an Unaffordable St. Pete

“Landemic” is Gulfport filmmaker Victoria Jorgensen’s latest short film and doubles as an art installation.

2002 after seeing an ad in The Gabber, her walls were painted – to her distress – “chartreuse and grape jelly.” But she loved it, and she wanted to have a place of her own in Gulfport, so she bought it immediately.

Today, that same house is worth eight times what she paid for it.

“People see this town and they love it, but they change it,” Jorgensen said. “Then Gulfport’s no

longer weird and exciting, it’s like everywhere else.”

She asks one important question, where do priced-out locals go? In “Landemic”, there’s no clear answer, but the filmmaker has one.

“I think people need to be a little more sentiment, a little less greedy,” Jorgensen said. “We can jack up the rent and make more money but let’s think about people first.”

Voted “One of the Best Independent Art Galleries” ~ St. Pete Life Magazine

AMANDA FULLERTON

Gulfport Filmmaker Victoria Jorgensen thinks what happened to her hometown of Key West is happening in St. Petersburg: Locals simply can’t afford it anymore.

That’s the basis of her latest short film, “Landemic,” a three minute, 39 second production that features past and present shots of St. Pete, with Jorgensen narrating it with a series of poems.

With the help of filmmaker Devin Rice, Jorgensen pairs parts of “new” St. Petersburg (Central Avenue’s BurgerFi and luxury downtown apartments) with her family’s antique photographs.

“The knowledge of wet, sun, movement … arrival, now departure,” Jorgensen says in her film.“I don’t want to live in your tall buildings vacant of spirit.”

The short was picked up by the Dunedin Film Festival last January, but its shining moment was an installation and performance showing at the Creative Pinellas Arts Annual.

Jorgensen projected it on the walls of the Creative Pinellas and included things she felt counted as Sunshine State memorabilia (a taxidermied deer, a leopard print rubber flip flop) with a performance from Alice Ferrullo.

Unless the full installation is commissioned again, the film will live on as a digital reminder of raising rent and housing costs in Pinellas.

Jorgensen grew up in Tampa, but she was born in Key West. She knows what it’s like to watch a place become a tourist attraction, and she fears the same will happen to Gulfport and St. Petersburg.

“It’s hard to watch. This is about the natives that are leaving their home state, people are coming from New York and up north and staying, buying up the place,” Jorgensen said.

“Lots of people are struggling with changing their whole lives.”

When she first bought her home in

VICTORIA JORGENSEN

By Abby Baker

GALLERY Representing 20 regional artists including Artist of the Month and watercolorist, Amanda Fullerton.

Celebrating our 3 YEAR Anniversary on May 6th!

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theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

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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, we’ve limited capacity, so call to register for a spot.

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 Monday Mile Walking Club Start your week on the right (or left) foot with a walking group that meets in different locations every week.

Mondays, 8 a.m. Call for location.

Tech Talk Series In this three-month series, you’ll learn the basic functions of your computer, how to use Word, Excel, Facebook, and other social media sites, and how to design your own web page. MayAug. Tues., 1 p.m. Registration required.

Gulfport ROCKS! Spend time with friends and create some fun rock art. All supplies provided. May 6, 12 p.m. Limited space; must pre-register.

Memory Screenings Worried about your memory? St. Anthony’s Memory Disorder Clinic offers FREE & CONFIDENTIAL memory screenings. Call 727-893-5657. May 9, appointment only.

EPIC Social Club LGBTQ+ individuals often face many challenges as they age. Join us monthly to discuss these challenges and to offer mutual social support through conversation and connection. May 9, 6 p.m.

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea & Pastry Party Mothers, daughters, sisters, and aunts join us for a special afternoon tea in your honor. RSVP to 727- 893-5657 by May 4. May 11, 2 p.m. Limited space; must pre-register.

Health Talk with Labrador Primary: Simple Steps To Help Prevent Falls Dr. Labrador will give you tips to help prevent falls, boost your balance, & maintain independence. May 12, 12 p.m.

16

Rhythm & Groove Jam Session Bring your instrument & join others for a casual jamming group. Open to anyone & everyone, all instruments, all levels of experience, & listeners. May 12, 3 p.m.

Art Adventures: Exploring the Arts, Past & Present Learn to build a geometric shape then turn it into a solid form to be painted or decorated. May 13, 10 a.m. MUST pre-register.

Make Your Home Fit You Come learn simple tips for older residents or people with disabilities to live safely & comfortably by enabling where you live to be a “lifelong home." May 17, 2 p.m.

Wellness Wednesday: Monthly Wellness Checks Make your health a priority & track your progress with these free monthly wellness screenings. May 18, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. iPhone / iPad Instruction Class Learn the basic functions of your Apple iPhone or iPad, Presented by the Gulfport Library.

May 19, 1 p.m. MUST pre-register In the Kitchen with Chef Jack: Chicken O’Brien Corn Chowder Improve your culinary skills with step-by-step instruction from the Soup Guru. May 19, 4 p.m.

GEMS GETAWAYS The Florida Aquarium & Columbia Restaurant May 12. $42; $37 GEMS members Out-to-Lunch Bunch: Miller’s Ale House May 19. $8; $6 GEMS members Penny Lane Beatles Museum & Carver’s Fish House May 26. $20; $15 GEMS members)

MONDAYS Monday Mile Walking Club 8 a.m. Call for location Chair Exercise 9:30 a.m., Theater lobby Stretch & Strength 10:30 a.m., Casino Wisdom Healing Qigong 11 a.m., Neighborhood Center Mahjong 12 p.m., Room 107 Dominos 1 p.m., Theater lobby Chair Yoga 1 p.m., Casino 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 Gulfport Quilters 10 a.m., Room 106 Tai Chi 10 a.m., Casino Continuing Level 1 Spanish 10:30 a.m., Zoom 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 Gentle Mindful Yoga 9:30 a.m., Neighborhood Center Investment Discussion Group 10 a.m., Room 107 Stretch & Strength 10:30 a.m., Casino Canasta 1 p.m., Theater lobby Watercolor Painting 1 p.m., Room 106 Bingo 1:30 p.m., Dining Hall Beginner Spanish 2 p.m., Room 107 & Zoom Cardio Drumming 4:30 p.m., Dining Hall Bunco 6 p.m., Room 107 Intermediate Spanish 6 p.m., Room 106

THURSDAYS Art Summer Open Workshop 9:30 a.m., Room 106 Guided Meditation 10 a.m., Room 107 Tai Chi 10 a.m., Casino Texas Hold ‘Em 11 a.m., Theater lobby Acrylic Painting 1 p.m., Room 106 Strength Training & Aerobics 1:30 p.m., Dining Hall Contract Bridge 1:30 p.m., Theater lobby Computer & Smartphone Assistance Call for appointment Italian Language Classes 6 & 7 p.m., various rooms

FRIDAYS Gulfport Writers’ Workshop 9:30 a.m., Room 107 Wellness Movement 9:30 a.m., Room 106 Knitting & Crocheting 10 a.m., Theater lobby Clubhouse Chatter 10:30 a.m., Room 106 Healing Yoga Therapy 11 a.m., Casino Bridge Instruction 12:30 p.m., Room 107 Dominos 1 p.m., Theater lobby Chair Volleyball 1:30 p.m., Dining Hall

theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

Gulfport Public Library 5501 28th Ave. S. • 727-893-1074 • /gulfportlibraryfl Mygulfport.us/gpl • Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

All programs free and subject to change.

Murder in the Afternoon Mystery Series Do you love a whodunit? Join us for our weekly mini-series. Visit our Events calendar or call for description of episodes.

Weds., except May 18, 12 p.m.

SHINE Presentation: Medicare Part C Information and counseling about Medicare Parts A, B, C, & D. May 18, 1 p.m. 727-8931073 for individual appointment.

Grown-up Movie Series This biopic tells the story of Venus and Serena’s father, Richard Williams, who coached them from an early age to aspire to greatness. PG-13.

May 7, 1 p.m.

Get Growing Toffer Ross, City horticulturist, answers your questions about gardening, trees, and landscaping in Florida.

Reading Garden. May 10, 11 a.m.

Clay Petal Planter Use a ceramic pot and clay to make a colorful planter! All supplies/ equipment provided. Registration required, opens on May 5. Call 727-893-1073 or email library.programs@mygulfport.us. May 12, 2:00 p.m.

Gulfport Library Book Club Discuss O Pioneers! by Willa Cather. Available as a print copy from the Library or downloadable audiobook from Overdrive/Libby. May 19, 2:00 p.m.

Sew Easy: Eyeglass Case Use assorted fabric, thread, and stitches to make a beginner sewing project. This month we will make an eyeglass/ sunglass case. Limited supplies; registration starts May 13. Call or email library.programs@ mygulfport.us . May 20, 1:00 p.m.

COF Presents Urban Forestry Learn about the maintenance and management of a diverse, healthy and sustainable urban forest within Pinellas County. Find out how it is created, grows, is maintained and how you can help support the Gulfport urban forest.

Presented by Carolyn Cheatham Rhodes, Environmental Program Mgr. II and Urban Forester. May 26, 1:00 p.m.

Gulfport Casino Ballroom 727-893-1070 • 5500 Shore Blvd. S. Swing Time's Disco Party Get ready for the Soul Train! Disco Party is the second Friday of every month. No partner needed. May 13, 7:00 p.m-12:00 a.m.: 7 p.m. lessons; 8 p.m. music & dancing. $10. www.swingtime.info

Sock Hop with The Impacs Last show of the season! Buy advance tickets at Casino & Beach Bazaar. May 20, 7:00-10:00 p.m. Tickets $15, $25 for two in advance. $15 at door.

Casino Weekly Dances Ballroom Lessons: Tues., 12-3 p.m. $10 Argentine Tango: Tues., 6:30 p.m., $10 Swing: Weds., 7 p.m. $10 Latin Night: Thurs., 7 p.m. $10

Recreation Center 5730 Shore Blvd S. • 727-893-1068 • mygulfport.us/recreation/rec Annual registration: $3 residents, $25 nonresidents Basketball Adult: Wed., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. & Thurs. 6-8:30 p.m.

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

Beginner: Tues., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Intermediate & Advanced: Mon., 9 a.m.-1 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 continue for our 2022 Summer Program, open to children who’ve completed kindergarten through age 14. The 10-week program runs from May 31-Aug. 5, from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., with extended hours until 6 p.m. (for an extra fee). The program has 25 spots for the discounted rate for Gulfport residents in need of assistance; verify eligibility with either a letter from the child’s school verifying the acceptance of free or reduced lunch or a letter acceptance of assistance from financial aid or a related program.

Register Mon.-Fri., from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Teen Night Registrations Continue! Available for 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, residents; $25, nonresidents.

VPK Program We are currently accepting VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) Vouchers for the 2022-2023 School Year. VPK is free for all Florida children who turn 4 by Sept. 1.

VPK runs from 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., starting Sept. 6. Apply only at elcpinellas.net; after applying, bring the certificate of eligibility to pre-registration, which takes place Mon.-Fri., from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

CLASSES Call instructor for more information.

Want to teach a class? Call John: 727893-1079.

Ballet and Tap Tues.: Ages 3-6, 5:45 p.m.; ages 7-16, 6:45 p.m. $40/month. Lisa

theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

Walker: 727-742-2594.

Essential Oil Thurs., May 19, 6:30 p.m. $10/class. Jennifer: 813-263-3919.

Essentrics Aging Backwards Recommended for active adults 60 years and above. Thurs., 10 a.m. $40/month. Lauren: 248-875-7030 F.I.T Tennis Fri., 6 p.m. Free for beginners, ages 21 and up. Chase Park, 5313 27th Ave. S. Mo: 727-515-1454.

Hatha Yoga Starts Wed., May 4, 6:15 p.m. $12/class or $40/month. Denise: 727-2518868.

Hula Hoop Fitness Second & fourth Thursday, 6:30 p.m. $35/month; $10/ class. Maria: mestrada1987@gmail.com.

Tennis Tues. Adult lessons. Chase Park, 28th Ave. and 53rd St. S. $15. Mo: 727515-1454.

Yoga Moves Fri., 9:30 $12/class; $50/ month. Denise: 727-251-8868 Youth Hip Hop Ages 6-8: Fri., 6:30 p.m.; ages 9-16, Fri., 7:30 p.m. $40/month. Lisa Walker: 727-742-2594 Zumba Thurs., 6 p.m. $20/month; $6/ class. Magda: 727-214-7868

17

Finding Art in a Beach Town

Suntan Art Center in Pass-a-Grille Showcases Local Artists

By Abby Baker

DOUG D’SOUZA

Artist Doug D’souza sells his work at the Suntan Art Center.

Resting coolly in the shadow of the towering pink Don CeSar, the Suntan Art Center has been St. Pete Beach’s place for art for more than 50 years.

A lot’s changed since the found-

ing of the nonprofit in 1963, but the one thing that hasn’t is the art classes, workshops and education in the two-story white building on St. Pete Beach.

“Driven almost completely

through volunteer support, Suntan offers support and assistance to the beginning artist as well as the professional,” Suntan’s website says.

On Tuesdays, the Suntan studio has open studio time for members to work on their projects in a collaborative environment.

There’s daily painting classes taught by artists such as Gulfport-based painter Jack Providenti, jewelry-making workshops, yoga, and a bevy of other of hands-on classes.

Suntan started as the Starving Artist Yard Sale, an art market that brought the community to the artists. Today, that same art sale has become the Suntan Art Mart, a weekend occurrence year round on Pass-a-Grille.

However, it’s not just art at the center; the building gets used for other community events and activities.

Toastmaster classes are a staple at the center. Less regularly, paranormal teams operate out of the aging building.

The main goal, though, is art for everyone, from beginning artist to professional.

See the class lineup at suntanart. org

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theGabber.com | MayAVENUE 5, 2022 -&May 11, 2022 ON COREY BLIND PASS

A Gecko Divided

The City’s Buying a Ray Domingo Original, but Some Have Concerns

By Abby Baker

ABBY BAKER

Gulfport artist Ray Domingo thought his plans for a 14foot, music-playing, skateboarding gecko would be well received by the city.

He was half right.

The City of Gulfport pledged $16,000 from the city budget toward the construction of the sculpture, plus the installation of the base west of the Gulfport Casino Ballroom. Domingo must raise the funds for the remainder of the project.

He estimates the total cost at around $36,000.

Some Gulfport residents disagree with the City’s part in the funding; they told The Gabber they feel the money could be better used elsewhere.

“This money needs to be spent dealing with parking issues, or fixing the sewers; it’s frivolous,” Gulfport resident Margo Rose told The Gabber. “The City has a tremendous amount of issues they need to address beyond another sculpture.”

Fellow Gulfport artist Michael Fedele agrees.

“Gulfport needs more fixing on certain more important issues, not more art ... no disrespect to the artist,” Fedele added to a Facebook conversation.

Gulfport artist Ray Domingo is the designer of downtown’s Domingo’s offering gecko posters (in exchange for a $100 future 14-foot gecko sculpture. donation); for $1,000, donors will have their names ento begin. Once the sculpture is completed, it will be a Citygraved on the completed sculpture’s plaque. The enthusiowned piece of public art, despite Domingo’s local fundraisastic artist says he’s raised almost half of what he needs to ing efforts. raise – onequarter of the total money needed, – to build the Councilmember Michael Fridovich (Ward IV), told Gulfport gecko.

City Council in April he thought the City should pay the en“I don’t understand the negativity toward something like tire cost. He reaffirmed his support in an April this,” Domingo said.

It’s not all negativity, though – “This money needs to be 29 phone interview. “$36,000 is not a lot of money for a piece some people love the idea, includ- spent dealing with parkof artwork,” Fridovich said. ing resident Debbie Stevenson, who ing issues, or fixing the For now, Domingo is continuing to fund expressed her opinion on a post The sewers, it’s frivolous” raise. He will spend several weeks in Tampa Gabber made on Facebook. working with sculpting design company, Grand Theming “I love it.. It’s so perfectly Gulfport. The City spent about Studios. It’s the painter’s first time working on a structure the same amount, the $16,000, on the faded, torn, and of this size, and he’s seeking council from Grand Theming, missing flag/banners. My vote would be for the City to pay who has worked with Universal Studios and the Tampa Bay the total amount,” Stevenson said.

Buccaneers.

Justin Shea, Gulfport Cultural Events Supervisor for the “I’m certainly hoping for the best,” Domingo said.

City of Gulfport, says the installation of the base has yet

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For more information: VisitGulfportFlorida.com/first-friday-art-walk theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

19

food Tacos, Mi Amor

Tacos My Love is Busy, Authentic, and (Partly) Vegan Tacos My Love held its grand opening on May 5 but the Mexican restaurant was slammed for weeks prior.

I walked in on Sunday, hungry with high expectations.

Owner Pedro Rosales told me he’s selling some of the best vegan cuisine in the area and using scratch ingredients to do so.

“You’re eating Mexican food and you don’t even know it’s vegan,” Rosales said.

It wasn’t my first time there; I’ve been in the building’s former business, the Mid Peninsula Seafood Market.

The vibe is completely different: there’s rose wallpaper, neon signs, and fresh flowers on each table. It has the upbeat trendy feel of South Tampa’s Green Lemon with a more

ABBY BAKER

By Abby Baker

Jackfruit is a meat substitute. At Tacos My Love, it’s a menu staple.

It is time to apply for the

Gecko World Grant!

Gecko World grants will be awarded to local organizations within the city of Gulfport or with programs that benefit the community of Gulfport. Parameters and rules are included in the application.

Applications available at

visitgulfportflorida.com/grants

20

hometown energy.

I’ve never sampled jackfruit before, despite the meat substitutes’ growing status in the vegan world.

But if I tried it anywhere, it should be at Tacos My Love, considering Rosales and his wife, Karina Moreno, own Jackfruit Land, a company that specializes in the fruit.

The nachos were layered with cheese, sour cream, beans, and a jerky-like, slightly ham-tasting element: jackfruit.

The jackfruit wasn’t my favorite, but I know what the real deal tastes like. The steak burrito, though, was a game changer. It’s a Tex-Mex explosion of rice, beans, and steak – wrapped in cheese and salsa.

Not exactly authentic, but worth it, and other menu items make up for the blended options.

“We have Tex-Mex options because, well, they’re delicious,” Rosales said. “But when you’re married to a beautiful Mexican woman, she’s going to hold you accountable to have authentic Mexican cuisine.”

His wife, Moreno, didn’t just give

him ideas for the food; she gave him the idea for the name ‘Tacos My Love.’

“They have a popular phrase in Mexico, ‘Mexico Mi Amor,’ and we played with that,” Rosales said.

New Yorker-turned-Floridian Rosales says he’s had more than 200 tables come in since the soft opening on April 28, with 60 of those tables requesting all-vegan options.

The meatless bites, understandably, are a tad on the pricey side.

“I give you a menu that’s affordable and expensive,” Rosales said.

The biggest issue right now is the lack of staff, despite the business owner paying $5 over standard minimum wage for all positions.

Once the kinks are worked out, Rosales has high hopes for his brand. The St. Petersburg location will become one of six, he says.

He’s targeting areas such as Tampa, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch.

For now, it’s best to make a reservation – and try the jackfruit.

theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

crossword

Solution on page 27

Broadway Musings

gabber on vacation

Solution on page 27

STACEY PURCELL

sudoku

Stacey Purcell took The Gabber to Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, where she showed her support of Ukraine and the oldest independent weekly paper in Florida.

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.

theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

21

GULFPORT

North End Taphouse

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2908 1/2 Beach Blvd. S. Friday, May 6: Shaun Hopper, 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 7: Bud Good, 3 p.m.; Steve Isaac, 7 p.m.

Sunday, May 8: Christian Walker, 3 p.m.

ST. PETE BEACH

Chill Restaurant and Bar 357 Corey Ave. Wednesday, May 4: Mikey O., 6 p.m.

Friday, May 6: Carlos & Joe, 6:30 p.m.

TREASURE ISLAND Caddy’s

9000 W. Gulf Blvd.

Wednesday, May 4: Justin Walker, 5 p.m.

Thursday, May 5: Miguel Lantigua, 5 p.m.

Friday, May 6: The Foundation, 5 p.m.

Saturday, May 7: Paul Anthony Band, 5 p.m.

Sunday, May 8: Logan Grant & the Show Ponies, 5 p.m.

MADEIRA BEACH

Lucky Lizard Taphouse

14953 Gulf Blvd.

Friday, May 6: Josh Magwood, 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 7: Louie, 7 p.m.

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theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

things to do

Free

Vegan Options

Dog-Friendly

Virtual

May Markets, Jalapeno Competition + Ukuleles Find links for these events — and many other things to do — online at thegabber.com/events.

Thursday, May 5 Red Hot Cinco Holy guacamole! It’s Cinco De Mayo at Caddy’s on Treasure Island. Enjoy a mariachi band at 2 p.m. and turn up the heat with a jalapeño eating contest at 5 p.m.

Winner takes home $200 cash; the runner up snags $100. Caddy’s Treasure Island, 9000 West Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 727360-4993 Plein Art Painting Gulfport artist and impressionist painter Jack Providenti is teaching the art of plein-art (outdoor) painting at the Suntan Art Center. Beginner painters are welcome. Suntan Art Center, 3300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 1 p.m. $130140 suntanart.org/courses Meet Clyde Butcher See the world through nature photographer Clyde Butcher’s eyes and then meet the artist. Butcher will sign books, talk about his travels, and discuss his work in black and white. Come early for the pre-event book signing.

James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, 150 Central Ave., St. Pete. 7 p.m. $10-20; free, members. thejamesmuseum.org

Bayou Blues on the Beach Live music? Think Shrimpys on Fridays.

Each week the St. Pete Beach spot plays NOLA-inspired music alongside their usual wild-caught seafood meant as a homage to New Orleans.

Shrimpys Blues Bistro, 9524 Blind Pass Rd. St. Pete Beach. 6:30 p.m. shrimpysbluesbistro.com Saturday, May 7 Spa Saturday Families and self care-lovers can take part in a Family Wellness & Spa Day. Make your own facial scrubs, try out the massage chairs, and indulge in healthy food demonstrations all day. There’s even a yoga class for good measure. Azalea Recreation Center, 1600 72nd St. N., St. Pete. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $5. 727893-7899. Registration required.

Downward Goat Yoga and farm animals are a surprisingly fun mix.

Goat Yoga Tampa is bringing a cast of hooved yogis for an hour of morning yoga at Cage Brewing.

Goats will jump, play, and nibble while you get a good stretch. After the class, enjoy a beer or wine on the house. Bring your own mat and leave the standing on people’s backs to the goats. Cage Brewing,

2001 1st Ave. S., St Pete. 11 a.m. $40. goatyogatampa.com Warehouse District Market Walk the Pinellas Trail in the Warehouse Arts District and The Deuces neighborhood in search of fresh finds at the St. Pete Sprint Popup Market.

Shop more than 150 local vendors and artists, do yoga on the trail and sample local bites at nearby food trucks or one of the local dining spots – 22 South Food Hall or Bayboro Brewing – just in time for Mother’s Day. Warehouse Arts District, 515 22nd St. S. 3-8 p.m. deuceslive. org Drama at the Opera Want to experience a night at the opera in St. Pete? Book a ticket to the elegant Moulin Rouge-themed gala featuring sumptuous French charcuterie dinners, elegant desserts, an open bar with specialty cocktails, decadent swag bags, and world-class operatic performances. St. Petersburg Opera Company, 2145 1st Ave. S., St. Pete. 6:30 p.m. $300. stpeteopera.org/gala Picnic with Mom Spend Mother’s Day by the beach. Fresh Factory

Things To Do continued on page 24

THE NORTH END TAPHOUSE HAS A DELI-STYLE MENU WITH LOCALLY BREWED BEERS AND MORE.

Friday, May 6 Drum Circle Join other drummers on the first Fridays of the month for an organic music experience. Spoilers: it includes drums. The Giving Tree Drums and Hip Expressions team up to welcome all levels of drummers.

Bring instruments, or borrow one of theirs and play, dance, and sing the night away. Arrive at 6 p.m. for a 30-minute Middle Eastern Drumming Class. Sacred Lands, 1700 Park St. N., St. Pete., 1700 Park St. N., St. Pete. 6 p.m. hipexpressionsinfo@ gmail.com

theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT every day and OPEN MIC every Tuesday, located in the Village Courtyard.

May 5 The Tortugas...................6-9 May 6 Shaun Hopper............ 7-10 May 7 Bud Good ...........................3-6 Steve Isaac ..................... 7-10 May 8 Dead Set Florida.........3-6 May 9 Team Trivia .............. 8:30-10 May 10 Open Mic .......................... 7-10

2908 1/2 Beach Blvd S Gulfport, FL

May 11 Hot Tonic .............................6-9

23

Things To Do continued from page 23 is bringing their Build-a-Bouquet event – a self-guided bouquet-making class – to St. Pete Beach. Participants will sit on picnic blankets on the beach and craft their bouquets and homemade charcuterie boards.

Upham Beach Park, 6850 Beach Plaza, St. Pete Beach. 6 p.m. $85. thefreshfactory.com Saturday, May 7–Sunday May 8 Antique Finds Looking for your dose of vintage? The Vintage Marché hosts its monthly antique indie market the first weekend of May. Browse furniture, clothing, jewelry, and antiques for cheap, or at least, thrift-ed prices. Vintage Marché, 2200 2nd Ave S., St. Pete.

Sat., 9-6 p.m., Sun, 9-5 p.m. 727914-7707

Eckerd is a mixed blend of “uke” history and a workshop on everything from basic chords to classical, pop, folk, and bluegrass. Led by instructor Clare Innes, all music makers are welcome. 1:30 p.m. $25. Email registrar@eckerd.edu with question; sign up online. eckerd.edu/olli/

Tuesday, May 10 Uke Class Looking to get into music? The Ukulele is a good place to start. This online class by OLLI at

Thursday, May 12 Hula 101 Get your hips into the hoop for this bi-monthly hula hoop class at the Gulfport Recreation Center.

It’s a fun fitness experience hosted by Maria Estrada, an expert local hula performer. Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S. 6:30 $10. mygulfport.us/recreation/rec

LIFE’S STRESSES WEIGHING YOU DOWN? The experienced professionals at Infinity Massage got your back (and arms, legs, neck) 5702 Gulfport Blvd S Suite #6 • Gulfport, FL 33707 • MM 40710 Phone: 727-560-3485 • InfinityMassageTherapy.com SERVICES INCLUDE: Swedish/Relaxation Massage • Deep Tissue Massage Couples Massage • Four-Hands Massage ALSO OFFERING: Aromatherapy • Cupping • Paraffin Wax Treatment CBD Infusions • Deep Tissue Enhancements • Theragun

BECOME MOM’S FAVORITE AGAIN! Christian Beach MA 93920

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MA 93705

CALL OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE TODAY TO START YOUR HEALING JOURNEY. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU.

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theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

worship 17th St. & 29th Ave N St. Petersburg 345-7777 Friday 7PM

Unitarian Universalist AN EPISCOPAL CONGREGATION 330 85th Avenue • St. Pete Beach Reverend Omar Reyes

Beth-El Shalom

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

ShalomAdventure.com JewishHeritage.net Rabbi@JewishHeritage.net

“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.”

Messianic Congregation

727-360-8406 • www.StAlbanStPeteBeach.org

Good Shepherd Old Catholic Church

During the pandemic join us Sundays on Zoom.

Discussion -10:30 Program - 11:00 For Zoom directions email us at uuunited@earthlink.net “You need not think alike to love alike.”

- Francis David, 1534

uuunited.org

St. Vincent’s Thrift Shop 5124 Gulfport Ave S. 33707

Hours 10 AM to 2PM Wednesday to Saturday

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

United Fellowship

Affiliated with

St Vincent’s Episcopal Church

5441 9 th Ave N. • St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Sunday Services 10AM Misa en Español: Domingos 12PM

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

Their life deserves more than five lines.

Special worship rates starting as low as $25/week.

Send an email to: advertising@thegabber.com

theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

Stories live on.

We make sharing it affordable.

Tell theirs.

Remember your loved ones forever with us.

• Free obituaries available; prices range from $10-$300 In partnership with Share your loved one’ s story.

• Obituary on Legacy included obituaries@thegabber.com | 727-321-6965 25

the gabs What should the minimum wage in Florida be?

Photos by Abby Baker

Becki Borowski, Buffalo, New York: “I think people are suffering. They can’t afford things. It should be at least $15.”

Lori Barilla, Gulfport: “I’m going to go with $15 because of inflation, but I think right now, that’s asking too much of small businesses.”

Allie Hochman, North Carolina: “I think it should start at $15 an hour. Honestly, with the affordability of everything in Florida, it should start that way and go up to $20 in five years.”

Melissa Loven, Delaware: “It seems like everything is always changing, and when I worked minimum wage it was never enough. I’d say we’re heading toward $15, but it’s a complex question.”

EXPERIENCE COUNTS – AND SAVINGS ADD UP Find out about the Competitive Rates and Special Benefits available through our agency for all your insurance needs! Ready to learn more?

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HOME • FLOOD AUTO • BUSINESS COMMERCIAL

26

727-344-4500 6524 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33710

A Little Good News Let us share your good news!

Photos printed as space allows.

Free – email goodnews@thegabber.com.

New Baby • Engaged • Save The Date Student of the Month • Dean's List Graduation

theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

solution

ADVERTISING DEADLINE FOR NEXT THURSDAY’S ISSUE IS FRIDAY BY 5 p.m.

pets

Hope Springs Eternal And indeed it may, but hopefully this beautiful kitty cat won’t be here eternally. This sweet, 7-year-old domestic shorthair has a temporary home at Pet Food Warehouse (1830 61st Ave. N., St. Pete; 727-521-6191, petfoodstpete.com).

Abigail’s Exercise Plan This energetic 30-pound, 7-monthold, black mouth cur can help you work off that pandemic weight, because she is ready to run, romp, and play. Don’t worry, though – she’ll have plenty of energy left to flop down on the couch and cuddle with you.

Buckaroo Bonzo Volunteers call shelter favorite, Bonzo, smart. He wants to please his humans. Bonzo walks on a leash and wants a home where he can be part of everything you do (we see great dog beach days ahead!) The Pit Project and his sponsor, Eileen Donovan, has brought his adoption fee down to $75. You must own your home to adopt this one-year-old, 43-pound blocky-headed pup.

All pets spayed, vaccinated, micro-chipped and dewormed. Pet Pal Animal Shelter, 1830 61st Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727521-6191; petpalanimalshelter.com.

theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

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CLASSIFIEDS

Accounting

CLEAR NUMBERS BOOKKEEPING Virtual bookkeeping for small businesses and nonprofits. Monthly packages customized to your needs or one time cleanups. Payroll available. QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor.

10+ years experience.

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

Caregivers

RESPITE CARE

End of life Doula can provide emotional or non-medical, physical comfort, or can “hold space” while you take a much needed break. There are many ways I can help. Call Nancy to discuss your needs at 727-5648499. Please leave a message and I will call back immediately.

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

Computer Service

Handy Person

Gulfport Computer Repair

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

Fast Friendly Service

727-388-3493 2321 49th St S

Mon-Thu 10am-5pm

15 Years in Gulfport 45 Years Experience

Computer Sales

Fax, Copy, Print

COMPUTER SERVICES 727-343-2838

In-Home services: Internet security, training, virus & spyware removal, maintenance and repair, data recovery. (PC & Mac) JS COMPUTER REPAIR Mobile computer repair – $40 per visit/hour – 727-643-0697; jmswebservices.com

CLEAN UP CLEAN UP CLEAN UP Handy helper. Skilled labor, anything around the house from A-Z. Weeding, rock gardens cleaned, mulch, sod, and plants installed.

Small trees planted and removed. Pressure washing. Free estimates. 30 years experience. Start the New Year off right. St. Pete / Gulfport area. James: 407-244-6045 HANDYMAN SEMI-RETIRED All types of repairs. Small jobs welcome. Quality work at reasonable prices. Honest. Reliable. Free estimates. John: 727-410-2201

RETIRED, RECENTLY RELOCATED

Looking for odd jobs, errands, handyman with indoor painting and minor repair work.

Reasonable prices. Gulfport, St. Pete. Call or text 724-462-4324 Heating & Air Conditioning

Electrical

HOMEWATCH CAREGIVERS OF ST. PETE BEACH

Serving the greater St. Petersburg area.

Family owned and local business. Providing in-home personal aid companion care, after surgery care, 24-hour care, dementia care, postpartum support, childcare, to name a few. 727-914-7472 hwcg.com/StPete-Beach AHCA #299995153

CAROL’S ERRANDS & MORE

Do you need help with daily activities? I can be of assistance to you! Shopping, meal planning/meal prep, transportation to & from appointments, help around the home, and more. 727-365-0884 Cleaning / Housekeeping

727-687-7999 CourtesyElectricFL@gmail.com

5030 78th Ave. N. Suite 12, Pinellas Park, FL 33781

COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR LICENSED AND INSURED EC-13008313

MAYNARD ELECTRIC • Room Additions • Lightning Protection • Fuses to Breakers • Mobile Homes • Circuits Added • Phone Wiring • Ceiling Fans • Security Lighting & More 24 Hour Service

Window Cleaning, Pressure Washing, Soft Washing, and more!

Licensed and Insured

727-698-1213 Abccleanexteriors.com

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FREE ESTIMATES

525-0677

Licensed Bonded Insured St. Lic. #EC0002881

“Same rates seven days a week”

NO SERVICE CHARGE EVER! CAC1815513

727

709-7979 www.AirPhillips.com

QUALITY AT WORK

Luke Phillips

3914 6th St S St. Petersburg

SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT! PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED LINE ADS ONLINE!

THEGABBER.COM

theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

Home Improvement

Moving / Hauling

CUSTOM PATIO'S, DRIVEWAY EXTENSIONS, WALKWAYS & REPAIRS

CHARLES JUNK HAULING & DEMOLITION Junk & trash removal. Low, low prices guaranteed. Daily specials. Kitchen, bath, shed, fencing, etc. Demolition. 727-831-0507.

Absolute Concrete solutions, custom patios, walkways, driveway extensions, storage building slabs, custom stairs, wheelchair ramps, all types of concrete repairs.

Over 35 years experience. Call Mark 813859-2023 for a free estimate.

Search Services of Florida, Inc.

SKIP’S MOVING & PICKUP DELIVERY

Mondays and Tuesdays. Have 14 foot box truck, willing to help. 727-320-3297 Painting

Lawn & Landscape

BYRON JOHNSON PAINTING PLUS, INC.

Time to refresh the interior/exterior of your house or business? High quality, professional painting. Free estimates. Lic.#9894.

Insured. 727-365-1088

Help Wanted

ARNEY’S PAINTING INC.

OLDER WORKERS NEEDED

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

AFFORDABLE PROMPT • RELIABLE Licensed & Insured

Lee Claxton, I.S.A. Certified Arborist

Planting • Trimming Tree & Stump Removal Cabling/Bracing • Pruning/Shaping

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 Plumbing

PROFLO PLUMBING 727-902-7077

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

Professional Services

727-220-0226 AnAffordableArborist@gmail.com

IRRIGATION STAIN REMOVAL

Remove ugly rust-colored irrigation stains from PVC fence, siding - stucco - wood, pavers, railings, windows and most other surfaces around your house or business including signage. Cars, too. Free estimate and demonstration. Surprisingly low prices.

Call/text 727-360-7070 Email: RustStainRemoval@icloud.com Miscellaneous Service THE TRASH QUEEN Overwhelmed with the mess? Clean up/clean out, inside and out. Recycling, organizing, and yard work.

Free estimate from Kathy, Trashologist, licensed/insured, with truck/trailer. Call/text 845-866-3867. Responsible, reasonable, and ready!

Paid office admin/clerical training for older workers through AARP Foundation SCSEP. Must be 55+, low income, Pinellas resident, unemployed & looking for a job.

Basic computer skills and proficiency with email & smartphone functions required.

Call 727-547-0534 for information.

BRIDGE TENDERS NEEDED AT THE JOHN’S PASS BRIDGE

Part time, four days on/four days off, 8 hour shifts, 2 p.m.-10 p.m. $13/hr, paid training, gorgeous view. Call Sam Miller, Supervisor, 813-508-3611

DOG BATHER/ GROOMER NEEDED

Pet grooming shop needs part-time help Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays. Experience preferred, but willing to train. Pay negotiable based on experience. Email hairofthedoginc@aol.com or call 727-5773500

CARETAKER WANTED

DDOG sitting with Janine Mullaney www.dogdaysofgulfport.com

AFFORDABLE ESTATE PLANNING

Jeffery Shibley, Esquire. 45 years experience. A complete plan for married couples $500. House calls only. stpetewills.com.

Call me at 727-800-2726

theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

In-home caretaker for a mentally challenged LGBTQ male. Part-time, 3 days per week, 4 hours per day. Choose your days and hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. $15/ hr. cash. Includes some cleaning, cooking, and bathing supervising. In Gulfport, call 813-713-5767

ISO PART TIME COMMERCIAL CLEANER

10-15 Hours a week. Start $16 per hour.

Must have clean driving record and a valid driver’s license. Early morning or evening hours with weekends. Please text 727-656-2907 or email acleaningservicesfla@gmail.com

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Positions Wanted

AVAILABLE FOR HIRE Professional cleaning lady & inside painting. Call Sandra 709-0513

WILLING AND ABLE HELPER, LIGHT GARDEN WORK

Repotting, weeding, clearing, trimming, watering. I am an able-bodied female who loves being outdoors. I can use your tools and offer my helping hands. Local lady, raised in St. Pete, friendly, happy nature. 727-370-7920

For Sale

POOL ITEMS FOR SALE

Pool pump & motor, 2 hp, 2-speed, under a year old, hardly used. High rate sand filter for pool, only used 6 months. $250 each or both for $400. 727-768-3769. Good condition ladder, price negotiable.

BIG STAGHORN FERN FOR SALE 6.5 ft diameter, about 20 years old. Comes with heavy duty chain ready to hang. $1100. Call 727-409-6210 EXCELLENT CONDITION INFLATABLE KAYAK IN GULFPORT $450. Excellent condition inflatable kayak w/pump, paddles, drop-stitch floor for best tracking. Advanced Elements. Paid $629 kayak, $250 floor (year ago). 26 lbs. (30x17x8” folded), easy to carry.

Accommodates 250 lbs. 10’5” long, 32” wide.

Fresh to saltwater. 413-446-6866 General GULFPORT LIONS CLUB Available for parties, weddings, meetings. Great waterfront location with full facilities. Call Jean for info and dates. 727-366-6341 Happy Mother’s Day

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY WINI FREED

Mom, to the world you might just be one person, but to me you are the world.

Thanks for being the best mom EVER! I love you, Shannon

HAPPY 67TH MOTHER’S DAY, MOM (ARLENE SAMUEL)

You are an amazing role model, raising three kids by yourself. You should be very proud, as we know it wasn’t always easy. We can’t wait to celebrate your 96th birthday with you.

Lots of love, Lynda, Daryl, and Glenn Wanted

FOUND: TEDDY BEAR

Found Saturday, April 16 at intersection of 34th Street and 9th Avenue North.

Looked loved and lonely and misses his or her owner. Call to identify and reunite.

727-321-6965.

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BUYING VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY I MAKE HOUSE CALLS

Buying Vintage Costume Jewelry from the 1980s back. I make house calls or you can bring your items to The Pinellas Farmers Market Icot Center on Sunday. Call Kaye anytime 239 560 2816. I am available Monday through Saturday.

Real Estate For Sale

5213 NEWTON AVE S. OPEN HOUSE 5/7

1 p.m. - 4 p.m. see this 1,259 sqft 2br/2ba block home with garage. Terrazzo floors, expansive kitchen, and split bedrooms.

Pocket doors in livingroom & kitchen open to lanai. Non flood zone. $575,000. Sharon Lardieri, Century21 Integra - 727-455-3556

Yard / Garage Sale

GARAGE SALE SAT 5/7

6459 17th Pl. N., St. Pete 33710, 9 a.m.

- 1:00 p.m. Furniture, household items, books, 11’6” paddle board, paddle board racks, kennel, puzzles, lawn mower, picture frames, 5th wheel hitch, jeep side rails. No early birds.

I LIVE and SPECIALIZE in Town Shores...

Call me TODAY and see how I can help you SELL or BUY your home.

Commercial Properties For Rent

GP BUNGALOW 2BR/1BA

Newly refinished terrazzo floors. Located on a quiet, dead-end st. near Clam Bayou.

The new bike trail is just 60 seconds from the front door! $1350/month, available now. 727-488-1431 Furnished Rentals LEASE KENMORE 103 Beautifully furnished one bedroom deluxe. Ceramic Floors, carport, dishes, bedding, cold A/C, gas heat, cable, internet, all Town Shores amenities.

Bring toothbrush and clothes. Available June 1. $1,400/month ($1,300 w/PD checks) + electric. Call Dan: 705-327-2499 2/BD 1/BA WATERFRONT UPPER UNIT ON SHORE BLVD. Available April 26, 2022 through January 3, 2023. Parking, cable, utilities included. Utilities in excess of $100/ month passed on to the tenant. On-site Laundry, 90-day minimum lease. Small, non-shedding dogs welcome. $3,900/ month. Contact JenM@hjmholdings.com 1/BD 1/BA WATERFRONT LOWER UNIT ON SHORE BLVD. Available April 22, 2022 through January 3, 2023. 90 day minimum lease. Parking, cable, utilities up to $100 tenant pays anything over. On-site Laundry, small non-shedding dogs welcome. $2,200/month. Contact JenM@hjmholdings.com

• Open House Sat., May 7 11am-2pm Diplomat • Buyer looking for 1250 sf 1st floor any Town Shores Building Call if you are ready to SELL! Real Estate Wanted

NEED A GREAT REALTOR?

List your home with me and save BIG with low commission rates! Please consider me for all of your Real Estate needs. Greg Graham, Realtor, Charles Rutenberg Realty, 1545 Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33764.

727-698-9017

Place your classified line ads online!

Deadline for classified ads is 3 p.m. Friday for the following week’s issue.

FOR RENT 2BD/2BA WATERFRONT CONDO AT TOWN SHORES

Furnished, covered parking, cable, gas utility included. 55+ community. No pets. Six month minimum lease, $1900/month. Call Jerry: 727-688-7337

theGabber.com theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

Real Estate Snapshots

Other Gulfport Home Sales Last Week

Here’s What Sold in Gulfport Last Week

6318 Pasadena Point Blvd. (Pasadena Yacht & Country Club) This 6,338-square-foot home, built in 2001, has five bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths. It listed for $3.1 million and sold for $2.7 million.

6337 Vista Verde Dr. E. (Pasadena Yacht & Country Club) This 2,626-square-foot home, built in 2003, has three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. It listed and sold for $800,00.

ABBY BAKER

5940 Pelican Bay Plaza S. #702 (Pasadena Yacht & Country Club) This 1,912-square-foot condo, built in 1983, has two bedrooms and two baths. It listed for $700,00 and sold for $690,000.

2714 53rd St. S. (Waterfront District) This 1,587-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath home, built in 1955, listed for $649,900 and sold for $615,000 after one day on the market.

5002 28th Ave. S. (Waterfront District) Although listed for $675,000, this 1,358-squarefoot, two-bedroom, two-bath home, built in 1919, sold for $748,000.

1710 58th St. S. (Tangerine) This 1,476-square-foot, three-bedroom, two and two-half-bath home, built in 1952, listed for $350,000 and sold for $399,000.

5144 11th Ave. S. (Tangerine) This 738-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bath home sold for $325,000 – $26,000 more than the asking price – after three days on the market. The home dates to 1952.

JUST LISTED

1840 51st St S • $299,000

Gulfport Marina District

3BD/2BA Mid-Century Conc.Block New Metal Roof. Beautifully Landscaped.

2850 59th St S #107 • $205,000

5108 Tangerine Ave S • $600,000

2902 53rd Ave S • $499,000 SOLD THIS WEEK

5002 28th Ave S - Full Price - $949,000 1212 Freemont St S - Full Price - $599,000 4716 29TH AVE S • A Must See!

2902 Beach Blvd S.

www.GulfportRealty.com

(727) 289-5500

#1 Listing Agency in Gulfport! theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022

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Meet Elaine.

She wanted to foster new and meaningful relationships, to share her art, and to be involved.

Living with her oldest son and daughter-in-law wasn’t providing the colorful life she needed. Now, at 92, she’s more engaged than ever, and happily living out her passions.

“She’s got friends there. She does her painting, which she wasn’t able to do before, because there really wasn’t a place for her to paint at my house. She teaches art there, and painting … she’s in her element. She’s amazing.” – Linda L., Elaine’s daughter-in-law

Call 727-202-3474 for a virtual or in-person private consultation today. Learn more about our community and hear from Elaine and her family: Hover phone camera over the QR code or visit wrcsafe.com/bocaciegabay.

1255 Pasadena Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33707 INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE Skilled Nursing at The Springs, Operated by Summit Care Inc.

FLORIDA ASSISTED LIVING LICENSE #0083

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theGabber.com | May 5, 2022 - May 11, 2022