The Gabber: May 11, 2023

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

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Cathy Salustri Loper cathy@thegabber.com

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Barry Loper barry@thegabber.com

Creative Director

Joey Neill joey@thegabber.com

News & Politics

Monroe Roark monroe@thegabber.com

Features & Events

Cameron Healy cameron@thegabber.com

Operations

Patrick Graney patrick@thegabber.com

Reporters

Mike Sunnucks, Crime

Amanda Hagood, Books & Environment

Jon Kile, Columnist

Lisa Leveroni, Beaches

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Deadlines Friday at 5 p.m.

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.

Hate Crime on Gulfport Beach

I’ve said numerous times to certain council members (yes, you, April,) put a foot patrol downtown to maybe, just maybe deter this type of behavior. They had foot and bike patrols 20 years ago when we first moved here, but as April responded to me, “the merchants don’t want a police presence.” Well, maybe next time this happens it could have a more tragic outcome; someone could be carrying. After all, this is Florida. Enough said. Wake up.

—David Godhsalk, Gulfport

Why She Donated to The Gabber

My husband and I visited Gulfport in 2020 for the first time because we had just decided to sell our condo in Tulum, MX and were looking for a place to call home in Florida. I had all but given up on the entire state when a friend suggested we check out Gulfport, where her brother lived.

We knew we found someplace very special. After finding very little for sale at the time we opted to build and after a very (very!) long process it looks like our home will be ready by July of this year. I am hyper-aware of how many locals are probably (and understandably) a little wary of all the new people coming in. But…I want to tell everyone, which is what I truly believe, is that the reason people like us are coming is because we love Gulfport for what it is — its quirkiness, it’s comfort with being perfectly imperfect, its welcoming and caring people and I sincerely hope that we will only make it better!

I read The Gabber Newspaper faithfully (and send clips to my husband!) because it reminds me of all of the reasons why we are so excited to soon call Gulfport home — at least for a good part of the year (still have family including my 87 year old mother in Chicago.)

I just wanted to tell you how important I think what you do is! I am a 40+ year marketer (PR, Advertising and an author) so I have had a front row seat to see how difficult it has been to stay in journalism! –Patty Rocks, future Gulfportian

Correction: Demolition of Shore Boulevard Building

An earlier version of this article reported the building getting demolished sat between Hurricane Eddie’s and O’Maddy’s. Because of, well, physics, that’s not really possible. The Gabber Newspaper regrets the error.

The Gabber Newspaper encourages letters (one per person, per month). Include your real name and city, and please keep it short – <250 words. We may edit letters for content, clarity, and length. We don’t print letters that incite violence, include attacks on private citizens, or that intentionally mislead people. Letters may appear online and/or in print. Comments on The Gabber’s website and social media may get printed. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of The Gabber owners, advertisers, or staff. Send letters to news@thegabber.com or 2908-B Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL, 33707.

REMEMBER: Today is the first day of the rest of your life!

Gulfport Short-Term Rental Enforcement

Vice Mayor Paul Ray Sets the Record Straight

By Gulfport Vice Mayor Paul Ray, Ward III

During the April 18 Gulfport City Council meeting, a significant contingent of people attended, represented by a speaker who voiced concerns over misinformation regarding a plan that the City of Gulfport put in place to combat short-term rentals (STR). They were concerned that the City purchased a software package from Granicus called “Host Compliance” and hired an additional code enforcement officer with the intent to go after all the illegal STRs in Gulfport.

Clarifying the Process

I wanted to once again clarify the process that Council directed the city manager to put in place and set the record straight. Both the city manager and myself (as I, and others, worked with code enforcement, the city attorney, and the city manager to put together the strategy) said we would not take a draconian approach to code enforcement on STRs and, in fact, would keep it as a complaint-driven initiative.

We stated that a complainant would have to provide evidence that it was an STR. If the police get contacted regarding an infraction (parking blocked, disturbing the peace, altercations, etc.) and the caller said it was a STR, then the Granicus software and code enforcement would come into play.

If the code enforcement officer, through use of the software, deemed that it was, in fact, an illegal STR, then the process of the code violation would commence and could end up in front of the magistrate.

Due to the concern from this group, I posted on Facebook asking those who attended the council meeting and others to contact me. Several people responded; I communicated the above explanation.  To reassure them that whatever they’d heard was incorrect, I explained the process. They thanked me for clarifying and allaying their fears. Furthermore, I explained that I am not fan of an overabundance of STRs as they can have a negative impact to the very “community” the STR renters come to visit, but that on a controlled basis STRs do, in fact, contribute positively to the local economy and property values. I reiterated that the Florida state legislature has tied our hands when it comes to any modification to our grandfathered ordinance.

Contact Vice-Mayor Ray

I felt that it was important to set the record straight. Anyone requiring additional assistance can always reach me at 727-826-7209 or email at pray@mygulfport.us.

PAUL RAY

Guns, LGBTQ+, and Local Government Home Rule

New Florida Laws Loosen Restrictions on One, Tighten on the Others

By Lisa Leveroni

On May 5, the final day of a 60-day legislative session, Florida’s supermajority Republican lawmakers celebrated, along with Democrats and Governor Ron DeSantis. The celebration began as the session ended at 11 a.m. with Governor DeSantis touting the accomplishments of this body in passing an extraordinary number of bills signed into law.

One such law states that the current governor of Florida need not resign office in order to run for president.

Others, whether you own a business, serve in your city’s or county’s government, or are a concerned citizen, will have an effect on the quality of your life.

New Florida Laws in a Nutshell

• Tax breaks on baby diapers

• Allowing people to carry con cealed firearms without a permit or training

• Expanding HB 1557, the “Parental Rights in Education” (aka “Don’t Say Gay”) law, to include limiting how students can use their preferred personal pronouns in school, and expanding the law to include all grades

• Reducing the number of weeks from 15 to 6 for an abortion, with exceptions for rape or incest

• Increasing the cost of homeowners insurance and utilities

• Providing more affordable housing for homebuyers and residents

• Denying medical care to children with gender dysphoria

• Banning transgender healthcare

• Limiting medical treatment for LGBTQ+ seniors

• Barring state universities from programs encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Continuing local fair living wage ordinances

• Allowing all Florida students access to vouchers for private schools, which could reduce public school funding

• Imposing additional term limits on school board members, from 12 years to 8

• Eliminating some renters rights

According to Pinellas county officials, some of these new laws will place burdens on and possibly tie the hands of local city government commissions, city workers, and

local businesses.

“This will result in a weaker voice for the people in cities throughout Florida, a trickle-down increase to taxpayers and a detriment to their quality of life,” Mary Beth Henderson, mayor of Redington Shores, told The Gabber Newspaper . No less than five other beach mayors expressed similar concerns to this reporter.

New Laws for Florida City Governments

• Reducing city autonomy by overruling local ordinances resulting in limited “home rule” for local government

• Preempting local control over short-term rentals (30 days or less)

• Allowing “advertising platforms” like VRBO and Airbnb to operate without regulating occupancy, zoning, or plan for code en-

• Creating increased opportunity for real estate speculators, developers, and attorneys

• Allowing a court of law to award up to $50,000 in attorney’s fees to a plaintiff if the court rules that an ordinance is “arbitrary or unreasonable” encouraging frivolous lawsuits

• Requiring the city or county to suspend any ordinance pending a court ruling

New Laws for Florida Businesses

• Expanding tax breaks for Florida businesses

• Imposing  more state oversight on business hiring practices

• Nullifying development agreements with the Walt Disney Company and imposing state oversight of its signature monorail transportation system (SB 1604)

• Limiting migrant labor

• Giving the State power to reject diversity and equity in business and medicine

Republican legislators have reserved more than $10 million in their $117 billion budget to fight lawsuits brought by opponents to some of these new laws. And the legal battle begun by Governor DeSantis against the Walt Disney Company continues, while the legislature’s next regular session doesn’t begin until January 2024.

Get Down to Business! New Business Funding Program in St. Petersburg

By Monroe Roark

City officials in St. Petersburg unveiled a new program designed to provide funding for businesses in the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area.

Mayor Ken Welch announced May 2 the start of the South St. Petersburg CRA Microfund Program. He said the City will distribute more than $1.35 million during four application rounds.

In this month’s first round of funding, officials will divide and distribute $350,000 to 45 accepted applicants. This includes five early-stage startups and 40 eligible businesses in south St. Petersburg.

The application period opens May 9 and closes Wednesday, May 31, or until maximum program numbers are met.

“Business owners can use funding from the South St. Petersburg CRA Microfund Program to make targeted improvements without

providing any upfront capital,” said Welch. “Small businesses drive our economy. We believe this could be a game changer for our South St. Petersburg businesses as they work to compete, survive and thrive. This is what inclusive progress looks like.”

Funding levels include $10,000 for existing brick-and-mortar and existing family childcare businesses. Existing home-based businesses and shared commercial spaces are eligible for $5,000 increments. Early-stage startups could receive $2,500.

The Microfund is a no-match program, according to City officials. It offers personalized capacity building through increased education, mentoring, and networking in exchange for CRA funding. This means business owners can make targeted improvements without having to provide upfront capital.

For more information on the South St. Petersburg CRA Microfund Program and eligibility requirements, visit www.stpete.org/microfund.

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch.

Graduation Around the Clock

Seniors to Get Diplomas at All Hours

By Monroe Roark

Graduation season is here for high schools in Pinellas County. However, not everyone who wants to attend their school’s special event will be able to do so.

Gulfport City Councilmember Christine Brown (Ward II), a teacher at Boca Ciega High School, expressed her concerns regarding the less-than-ideal schedule under which 17 traditional high schools in the Pinellas County public school system will conduct graduation exercises. Fifteen of those senior classes will receive their diplomas at Tropicana Field in downtown St. Petersburg.

Brown took part of her regular comment time at the end of the May 2 council meeting to encourage citizens to make note of the upcoming Boca Ciega High graduation, scheduled for May 16, then mentioned that it would be a morning event. This caught at least one of her peers by surprise.

“It’s in the daytime?” asked April Thanos.

“Yes,” said Brown. “It’s kind of crazy.”

Brown went on to point out that many teachers cannot attend the Tuesday morning event because they have to be in class with students who are still in school.

“It’s sad for the graduates because they don’t get to see all their teachers there,” she said. “And it’s clearly two weeks before the other kids are done.”

Brown did not mention how a weekday morning graduation could be a hardship on family members who work, but it is highly likely that she was disturbed about that as well.

“It’s kind of crazy how the county does it,” she said. “I don’t know what’s going on up there, but they need a little guidance, in my opinion.

Here are the dates and times for high school graduation exercises at Pinellas County’s 17 traditional high schools. All are at Tropicana Field unless otherwise listed.

Saturday, May 13: Palm Harbor University High, 4:15 p.m.; Largo High, 7:15 p.m.

Monday, May 15: Hollins High, 7:30 a.m.; Gibbs High, 10 a.m.; Northeast High, 12:30 p.m.; Pinellas Park High, 3 p.m.; St. Petersburg High, 5:30 p.m. (Clearwater High graduation is at 7:30 p.m. at Baycare Ballpark.)

Tuesday, May 16: Osceola Fundamental High, 7:30 a.m.; Boca Ciega High, 10 a.m.; Seminole High, 12:30 p.m.; Tarpon Springs High, 3 p.m.; East Lake High, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 17: Countryside High, 7:30 a.m.; Lakewood High, 10 a.m.; RJ Technical High, 12:30 p.m. (Dunedin High graduation is at 6 p.m. at Ruth Eckerd Hall.)

Find more information – including lists of valedictorians and salutatorians as well as stories spotlighting seniors at various schools – at pcsb. org/graduation.

Despite the dissatisfaction over scheduling, Brown made a final pitch on behalf of the Class of 2023.

“There will be a bunch of new graduates [from Boca Ciega],” she said. “They’re going to be out there. Hire them. Help them.”

Check out Pinellas high school graduation schedules. In St. Pete, Tropicana Field will host graduation exercises for 15 Pinellas County high schools.

CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG

Big C to State: Hands Off Our Laws

The Barrier Islands Governmental Council Speaks Out on State Pre-Emption

By Lisa Leveroni

At the end of Florida’s most recent legislative session, the State of Florida passed a slew of laws that take power from cities and counties, and, along the beaches, the Big C isn’t too happy. They also aren’t happy with changes to requirements about beach renourishment.

Just What Is the “Big C”?

The Barrier Islands Governmental Council, or the Big C, is a group of 11 mayors of cities located on

Pinellas County’s west coast, a body of land comprised of barrier islands. These 11 cities range from as far north as Clearwater to as far south as St. Pete Beach. They include Belleair Beach, Belleair Shores, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, North Redington Beach, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, Madeira Beach and Treasure Island.

Incorporated in 1990, The Big C was created to stimulate and enhance communication between the

barrier island cities. The Big C focuses on common issues such as tourism; air and water quality; and beach preservation, renourishment, and access. It also pays attention to public safety, waterway regulation, the marine environment, density, and taxation, the latter based on residents and visitors alike. The goal of the Big C is to unite in one voice to county, state and federal government while still respecting the autonomy of each city. The Big C meets publicly at 9 a.m. on the last Big C continued on page 17

The Big C focuses on issues all beach communities share, like beach renourishment. Right now, they’re not happy with the governor’s pre-emption of local laws, like short-term rentals.

Police News

Recent Incidents in Gulfport, St. Pete

By Mike Sunnucks

GPD Breaks Up Fight Between Students

On April 24, Boca Ciega High School called Gulfport Police to break up a sizable fight between students.

According to the Gulfport Police Department, the fight broke out from an on-campus altercation during students’ lunch period.

Another student sprayed pepper spray on several female students before fleeing the scene, according to Gulfport Police Department.

“Multiple officers responded to the scene to calm the disturbance. Parents responded to take some of the juveniles home,” Gulfport Police Department said in a statement.

Police Chief Robert Vincent took one student briefly into custody after witnessing “her spray another girl in the face with pepper spray.”

Later, they released her to a parent.

Gulfport Police Department’s Sergeant Thomas Woodman listed 10 students involved in the fight. He said the officers made no arrests.

Boca Ciega High School has two police officers on site, provided by the Gulfport Police Department.

Pinellas County Schools has not yet responded to details on the incident.

Shooting at Hilton Hotel Parking Garage

On May 1, a 29-year-old woman and 25-year-old man were shot at the Tru by Hilton Hotel parking garage in

downtown St. Petersburg. The parking garage is on the side of the building which comes out on 17th Street North.

St. Pete police sent dispatched officers to the Hilton Hotel parking garage near Central Avenue and 16th Street at 12:30 p.m.

According to the department, the man worked as a valet for the hotel.

“They suffered non-life threatening injuries and remain in stable condition at a local hospital,” said the St. Petersburg Police Department in a statement on the daytime shooting.

St. Petersburg Police Department believes this was a targeted shooting. They are still searching for the shooter. Contact the St. Petersburg Police Department if you

have any information on the incident.

St. Pete Woman Killed in Hit-and-Run

A 28-year-old St. Petersburg woman was killed in a hit-and-run accident in a crosswalk on U.S. 19 early Saturday morning, May 6.

At 2:15 a.m., Gelineau walked across 34th Street South and 18th Avenue South near Interstate 275. That’s when a blue 2006 Lexus RX330 hit her, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department.

“Gelineau was struck by the front of the vehicle while she was in the crosswalk,” SPPD said in a statement on the incident. “The Lexus fled the scene and was later found in the area.”

The SPPD reported Gelineau was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver is still unknown, leaving the investigation ongoing.

So far this year, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported 17 pedestrian deaths on streets and highways in Pinellas County. The department reported 232 pedestrian deaths statewide this year.

Out of the 17 deaths in Pinellas County, three are reported as hitand-run incidents. In all of Florida, 80 of the 232 incidents were hitand-runs.

Gulfport Police Officers break up fight between students at Boca Ciega High School.

MONROE ROARK

Overheard at Gulfport City Council’s May 2 Meeting

By Monroe Roark

Here is some of what we overheard at the Gulfport City Council May 2 meeting.

State of the Marina

“You have three clubs on what is proba bly some of the best land in Gulfport. It’s beautiful. A small minority of people, many of whom do not live in Gulfport, basically have control over it. … All of this land has got to be public land. I don’t know why it hasn’t been public land. There’s nothing better than going down and seeing the boats go in and out.” –

Rick Gilbert

Editor’s Note: Boca Ciega Yacht Club has disputed the “many of whom do not live in Gulfport” claim, but The Gabber News paper has not seen the Club’s membership roster.

Short-Term Rentals

“I agree that there should be rules around the use of short-term rentals, but the majority of Superhosts on the AirBnB platform are teachers who supplement their income by renting out a room in their home. That’s how I started in 2015. I was working for a nonprofit … making a very low wage, and I supplemented my income by renting out a room in my house. That was great because it helped me save a down payment to buy a house. I think there needs to be clear and separate rules for someone like me and my family, with inflation, that rents a room in my house. … There’s no differentiation in rules that could help families be able to afford the high cost of living as housing prices go up versus someone who is just coming in as a company and buying up the block.” – Kathleen

Kaiyoorawongs

Boca Ciega Yacht Club

“This afternoon the city attorney and I received from

the Boca Ciega Yacht Club the lease that we had worked on with them last week. Their board approved it last night. The city attorney and I will review it this week and place it on your agenda for May 16.” – City Manager Jim O’Reilly

“It was a very good meeting. We discussed a lot of the points that were brought out and to come to an agreement on almost everything. We will have that to you, if possible, at your next meeting. … There is an issue that will come before you as to the description of the property. We did not reach an agreement. We feel that we received direction as to what it should look like, and they feel that it should look a little different. Other than that, all of the other terms have been agreed to.” – City

Attorney Andrew Salzman

Gulfport City Council P&Z Board Opening

“The city clerk is advertising for a Planning and Zoning Board alternate. We hope to have the appointment on your agenda the first week in June. We have gotten five or six applications to this point. It is a total council appointment.” –

O’Reilly

Early Exit for Personal Reasons

“With that being said, folks, I had a death in the family last night – I lost my little brother. So since we’ve gotten through the things that I thought were going to be the most difficult this evening, I’m going to turn it over to our capable vice mayor and let you continue the meeting while I go make some arrangements. That you very much. Have a good one, and I’ll talk to you soon.” – Mayor Sam Henderson at the midway point of the meeting, after council approved the RV ordinance’s second reading

Toxic When Citizens Abuse City Staff

By Monroe Roark

Gulfport officials plan to push back hard when rude citizens mistreat city employees.

Revisiting a discussion from a few months ago, Mayor Sam Henderson told everyone at the Gulfport City Council’s May 2 regular meeting that the time was past due for such action. He cited an incident from just a few days prior to

prove his point.

“At the volunteer luncheon the other day, we had one of our folks –who has been to this meeting and used the ‘N’ word standing here at the microphone – standing down there cussing and hollering at people who are volunteering their time for a charitable cause,” said Henderson. “I think allowing this

to progress is just going to invite more of it. So I’d really like to put our foot down hard when it comes to people abusing that right.”

Henderson did not give the person’s name. But it became apparent that he described Jesse Lee, who has clashed publicly in the past with city officials. Lee used the exact racial slur to which Hen-

A recent altercation at the Gulfport Casino once again highlighted the topic of what to do about abuse of Gulfport city employees.

derson referred at a council meeting last September. This was just before he pled guilty to a felony battery charge over an altercation with a Gulfport police officer.

Lee, 39, was arrested shortly before noon April 27 at the Casino Ballroom, according to a police report. The arrest affidavit stated that Lee was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, had no visible mental health issues, and was not armed.

The narrative of the affidavit stated that Lee “did then and there, without being authorized, licensed or invited, willfully enter upon or remain on the property of the City of Gulfport located at 5500 Shore Blvd., as to which notice against entering or remaining on said property was given by actual communication from [Gulfport police] Chief Robert Vincent via City Manager James O’Reilly, an authorized representative of [the city, which owns the property]. Subject refused to leave the property after several requests.”

Henderson said that after several previous talks regarding volatile and defamatory exchanges either in person or via email, he wanted the city to respond with force in this particular case.

“We’ve gone too far,” he said of leniency when rude citizens mistreat city employees. “Once people are receiving phone calls at their home on the weekends, when people are being harassed offsite, when people are receiving a number of emails that are well outside the norm of somebody that can communicate their thoughts and make requests – at some point we’ve got to push back on that.”

The mayor added that he wants to see this policy exercised consistently going forward.

City Attorney Andrew Salzman said that one form of necessary action is the creation of a standardized response to requests for public records. That includes noti-

fication to the petitioner that the request was received and will be addressed in a reasonable manner.

“The City can’t stop working on what it’s doing just to respond to a public records request,” said Salzman. “We also need to make sure we are very clear in our response. We can respond to a public records request, but we are not answering questions during a public records request. There has to be a way to just be adamant about that and have consistency in that.”

Salzman added that people who feel the City is not responding to their requests appropriately have avenues through which they can seek relief.

“But you are right,” he told Henderson. “We have been dealing with behavior that has been very frustrating for the City to respond.”

The mayor gave credit to those who deal with the City properly.

“We have 99% of people being reasonable – willing to disagree while maintaining some kind of decorum and being respectful to the people they’re talking to,” he said. “Then you have what I would say is a very few bad apples. It’s just flat-out unkind, it’s intrusive. The tone is just to be mean.”

Salzman pointed out that some dispatches to the City can get dismissed when they are just defamatory or profane rants from citizens. He said the City may eventually have to let a judge dictate how such communication should get handled.

“My concern is – and the city manager has said it many times –we have an obligation to provide a safe work environment,” said Henderson. “There are points where I feel like we should push harder for that. The set of rules that we have to live by as elected officials is different from our employees.”

Salzman mentioned that he would bring a proposed ordinance in a couple of months regarding

safety issues. He specified the creation of non-public forum areas within government facilities. This would make it illegal for someone to berate employees in a customer service setting of a City department under the guise of free speech.

“For example, at the finance department, individuals can’t just come in and make threatening comments or feel that it is free speech. If you declare it as a non-public forum, they don’t have the right to do that,” he said. “Obviously, here, during your meetings, it is always a public forum. Sidewalks are always a public forum when people protest. There are other areas that are considered public forums. But that doesn’t give people the right to stop the City’s ability to provide their services.”

Several clients in other municipalities have adopted such measures, Salzman added.

“We are trying to make sure we protect everyone here,” he said. “Even as elected officials, you are not subject to defamatory comments. Truth is a defense to anything. There is more that is expected from criticism, but not defamation or allegations of criminal activity. You shouldn’t be subject to those situations. That’s when you can have somebody removed from a public meeting if they won’t cooperate.”

O’Reilly noted that he has been party to council members being verbally abused.

“It’s a fine line between emails and verbal altercations,” he said. “These are still acts that put me in an awkward position between my responsibility to protect the employee and the behavior that’s coming from the outside.”

Henderson said that council members are expected to tolerate a level of criticism; it comes with the job.

“But for our regular day-to-day employees to feel like their workplace is made toxic by a few people that just don’t understand how to treat another human being with an ounce of respect – whatever we can do to curb that, I’m in favor.”

“These are still acts that put me in an awkward position between my responsibility to protect the employee and the behavior that’s coming from the outside.”

according to gulfport

Pizza, Views, and — of Course – Pickleball What’s on Gulfport Minds and Mouths This Week

By Chris Shablak

“We are just a couple blocks past the ‘end of scenic area’ sign.” -Lee Farber, taking a break offstage, talking about his new home in the Old Northeast

“It’s a big fad even though it’s been around since 1965; started on a volleyball court.”  –Janet Mattingly talking about pickleball (Editor’s note: Close. One source says three dads invented it on a badminton

court; another source says two dads invented it on that same badminton court. Most sources agree that at least two dads invented the sport on an abandoned pickleball court off the coast of Washington.)

“When I see customers taking the pizza crust home, I know I’m doing the right thing.”

-Tommy Luciano, owner of Tommy’s Hideaway

city whys

Question: Every Thursday morning, an independent landscaper mows at Osgood Point. The City told me he is authorized to mow, but why, when the city already mows it? He has no pattern and really just blows leaves around. What deal does he have with Gulfport?  –Name Withheld

Answer: We asked Gulfport’s Director of Public Works, Tom Nicholls, about this.

“The City does contract out certain areas for mowing,” Nicholls said, “and this particular contractor mows the inside area of Clam Bayou and the Coast Guard Station every two weeks.”

Gulfport staff mows the right of way areas outside the park proper, which entails the ROW on Miriam Street. So, to answer our reader’s question, yes, two different groups mow the area, but each mows a different part of the area. Why?

“By contracting out a portion of our mowing, staff time can be dedicated to the many maintenance responsibilities of the parks division,” Nicholls told The Gabber Newspaper

Do you have a question about something in your community? Send it to The Gabber Newspaper , and we’ll do our best to get you the answer. Email your questions to news@thegabber.com or drop them off at our office (2908-B Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport – right across from Stella’s). If you don’t want us to use your name in the newspaper, let us know when you submit your question. We edit the questions for clarity, syntax, and grammar, so the question you read may differ slightly from what someone submitted. The Gabber Newspaper will not alter the intent of the question.

business beat

Direct, Private, and Affordable Lab Tests

Any Lab Test Now Officially Opened in St. Pete

By Cameron Healy

Receive private and affordable lab testing in St. Petersburg. Any Lab Test Now opened a new location in the Tyrone Marketplace Shopping Center. The St. Pete location held its grand opening on May 12. The St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce hosted the official ribbon cutting ceremony.

The company’s website states Any Lab Test Now is “one of the nation’s predominant retail health franchising opportunities that provides direct access to lab testing services.”

“This new Any Lab Test Now location is bringing an incredible resource to the residents and business owners in the community,” CEO Clarissa Bradstock said. “We give consumers access to thousands of tests at a transparent price by way of a proven business model that has worked time after time in markets coast to coast.”

Clients receive direct lab tests ranging from clinical

to paternity to alcohol testing. The most popular tests include:

• General health with an annual checkup panel, diabetes maintenance, basic food allergy test, thyroid, and testosterone tests.

• DNA tests; specifically, paternity and ancestry tests.

• STD tests such as HIV, herpes, gonorrhea, and hepatitis C and B.

• Drugs and alcohol through urine, hair, saliva, and fingernail tests.

• COVID-19 tests with nasal swabs, PCR, antibody, and testing for travel usage.

Interested clients can call to schedule an appointment or fill out a simple form online.

Any Lab Test Now, 6812 22nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 727-5132305, anylabtestnow.com

Any Lab Test Now officially opens new St. Pete location.

PIXABAY

Big C continued from page 9

Wednesday of every month.

According to current Big C president, MaryBeth Henderson (mayor of Redington Shores) the Big C faces issues “essential to our way of life here on the beaches of Pinellas County.” She notes that at their recent State of the Beaches meeting, the group united in concern for two key issues: beach renourishment and short-term property rentals (30 days or less).

Residential Versus Commercial Zoning

As for the issue of short-term rentals, the Big C is not a big fan.

“We are not anti-tourism. Tourism is our life’s blood. We just want to maintain our peaceful residential neighborhoods,” Henderson said, adding, “Local residents deserve peace and enjoyment” in their homes without the disruption of short-term renters in residential properties. This issue stems in part from new ways to find short-term rentals, such as Airbnb and VRBO.

“We do not believe that our longterm residents should be disrupted or disturbed by ‘party houses’ with the excessive noise and unruly behavior of short-term guests,” Henderson says. “It is not spring break for everyone.”

The true issue here is that each city in Florida has separate zoning for residential properties and commercial properties. For instance, single-family homes and some apartment buildings are zoned as residential property only. These properties offer long-term living with leases that must exceed 30 days. Each city has zoned separate areas for shorter-term rentals such as hotels, motels and some condominiums, where folks can lease for 30 days or less.

The burgeoning availability of VRBOs and Airbnbs has blurred the lines between residential properties and short-term rental properties, thus creating a conflict between year-round residents and vacation renters. Both hotel/motels and VRBO/Airbnbs must pay the state a tax. However, some

property owners have chosen to “work around” their business taxes, which triggers red flags in the Florida cities paying attention.

The beaches and cities like Gulfport pay attention.

These cities receive complaints from residents about noise violations and excessive numbers of individuals “packing into” some rentals, thereby disturbing the peace. The result? Conflict between local residents and vacationers.

“The state is trying to pass a bill right now to uniformly allow short-term rentals in all our cities,” Henderson said, “and we think that is wrong.” Aside from creating chaos with local zoning laws, a state-wide law would further the conflict between vacationers and residents to a point where expectations of peace and enjoyment would become a thing of the past for residents, Henderson said, “for everyone.”

“We can handle the issue on St. Pete Beach,” St. Pete Beach vice mayor and commissioner, Mark Grill, told The Gabber Newspaper. The City of St. Pete Beach has policed its own zoning issues with code enforcement personnel for several years now. “We do not need the state to step in – we’ve got this.”

“We do not need the state reducing our local authority in order to allow more short-term rentals,” Henderson agreed. The cities want

the state to know that they will police their own municipalities, ensure payment of taxes, and provide peace of mind for local residents. Henderson added: “We need home rule powers; not state control.”

Beach Renourisment Changes

The Big C contends that beach renourishment needs to happen every few years on a recurring basis to replenish sands, dunes, nesting places, channels in local waterways, and sea barriers. It also helps with general upkeep on the beaches. In the practice of beach renourishment, each city relies on the expertise of the Army Corps of Engineers. This includes feasibility studies, climate and engineering concerns, personnel, equipment and transportation.

“Easements and the Army Corps’ new requirement of 100% compliance of all residents has impacted the progress of renourishment on many of our beaches,” Henderson said. Never before has the Army Corps of Engineers been this strict with easements. “This process has slowed the progress of beach renourishment.”

“We are looking forward to progress in beach renourishment this year or in 2024,” Grill said. He added that he had optimism that compromises will ensue and the renourishment would move forward.

For more information, visit barrierislandscouncil.com.

Lisa Pence

The Art of Making History

‘Reclaiming Home’ Just South of the Skyway Breaks Ground

By Chadd Scott

The Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota made history March 18, when it opened the exhibition Reclaiming Home: Contemporary Seminole Art. History not only for itself, but all of Florida, as the first museum presentation of contemporary art by Indians with ancestral, historical, and present-day connections to the state.

The Ringling is the State Art Museum of Florida, built from the wealth and upon the collection of circus impresario John Ringling who began wintering his troupe of performers, animals and Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus support staff in Sarasota in 1927. Ringling was also one of the early 20th century’s most prolific art collectors.

The grandiose pink, Renaissance-style palace with 21 galleries enclosing a courtyard filled with copies of iconic sculptures–including Michelangelo’s David–first opened in 1930 and was bequeathed by Ringling to the people of Florida upon his death in 1936.

It houses work by Velazquez, El Greco, Van Dyck, Veronese, Tiepolo, Gainsborough and Rubens–the premier collection of European Old Master paintings in the Southeast. It houses exemplary Greek and Roman antiquities acquired by Ringling in 1928 from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It houses art objects from China, Japan and across Asia.

But until this spring, nothing of or from Florida’s indigenous people.

Reclaiming Home highlights the breadth and depth of the artwork by Seminole, Miccosukee, and mixed-heritage artists from Florida along with important pieces by internationally recognized artists of Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole descent from Oklahoma and beyond. Twelve artists contributed dozens of items ranging from paintings to patchwork, beadwork, bandolier bags and sashes, wood carvings, a large dugout canoe, ceramic sculptures, video presentations, multimedia pieces, ce-

ramics, skateboard decks and a mural.

“I think this show was groundbreaking–not just in Florida–because it took (Native American art) to a level of fine art,” Jessica Osceola (Seminole; b. 1984) told Forbes. com. “Being in that kind of gallery, the setting, the curation, everything they did elevated our place in the fine arts community.”

The Ringling’s prestige, placing the work of these artists in its Modern and Contemporary galleries otherwise occupied by Josef Albers, Marcel Duchamp, Alexander Calder, Ellsworth Kelly and Robert Rauschenberg, makes a clear statement about the significance of the Native artists and their artwork.

Equals

Importantly, the show also takes as its singular focus contemporary art. The Ringling is an art museum, not a history museum. The exhibition’s focus is art, not ethnography.

Even today, contemporary Native American art often shares institutional space with Native American artifacts, tethering Indian stories to the past. Subconsciously, the impact on audiences conjoins Indigenous peo-

ple to history, instead of placing them firmly in the here and now.

“I hope (visitors to the exhibition) say, ‘these people not only exist’–because I get that a lot, ‘wow, you guys still exist?’ Yes, first of all–then, I hope they (see) how (we’re) living and working in present day, contributing to our story now,” Osceola said.

Reclaiming Home, Claiming the Museum

At 25, Corinne Zepeda (Seminole) is the second youngest artist with work in Reclaiming Home. Summer vacations in her family were spent at museums.

“We would go and sit in galleries for hours,” she told Forbes.com. “I always hated it as a kid. I was like, ‘why are we doing this? I’m bored. I don’t want to be here and take the guided tour and learn about all of the paintings.’”

She of course appreciates the lessons now, but back then, which wasn’t all that long ago, trips to the Museum of Modern Art or The Guggenheim in New York failed to interest Zepeda, not only because she was confined by their walls, but also because of what was on their walls.

“You don’t see yourself on TV, you don’t see yourself in the movies, or

Jessica Osceola (Seminole/Irish, b. 1984), Portrait One, Portrait Two, and Portrait Three, 2017, bas-relief ceramic, 20 × 38 × 13/16 in. Collection of The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Florida State University, purchased with the support of Daniel J. Denton Florida Art Acquisition Fund, 2022. 2022.8.3.

COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND THE JOHN & MABLE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART

in books, and it also carried over into art,” Zepeda said. “I never saw myself in any of the art.”

Zepeda’s heritage is mixed. Seminole and Mexican on her father’s side; German, Scottish, and Welsh on her mother’s.

“I could see my mom in the images, she looks a lot like some of the paintings, but then I would look at my dad and myself and think, ‘I don’t see anybody who looks like me,’” she remembers. “For my little cousins to see my art on the wall (at Ringling) was a big deal because they know now it’s possible to do that; now you’re seeing yourself in these images.”

It’s difficult for white audiences in America to imagine going into museum spaces and not being surrounded by paintings with people who look like them, created by artists who look like them, the dominant white culture. Museums have always been complicit in establishing, promoting, and continuing it.

Conversely, for racial minorities, going into a mainstream museum and seeing a single item depicting someone who looks like them can cause spontaneous outbursts of celebration.

In the Ringling’s nearly 100-year history, it had all of one object in its permanent collection created by a Native artist, and that artist had no connection to Florida. In addition to the exhibition, the museum has acquired a work by Osceola to add to its permanent collection.

“There’s two sides to that. We’ve set the standard, there’s a couple of different museums who have already reached out to a handful of us to ask us to also exhibit there, which is really great, but on the other hand, it’s 2023 and we’re just now starting to accept Native artists in these spaces,” Zepeda said. “We’re just now getting representation in museum spaces? It’s kind of alarming, but I’m glad that Ringling has made the effort and I hope other institutions will also do the same thing.”

Southeast, not Southwest

For Western art audiences and institutions, the presentation of contemporary Native American art as

novel may seem strange. In Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, California, Montana, there’s nothing groundbreaking about showing contemporary Native American art in a museum. It remains that way in the Southeast.

Indian removal, assimilation policies, and popular culture have resulted in most Americans thinking “West” when they think about Indians: headdresses and teepees; the Sioux and the Cheyenne; and horses and buffalo.

Largely forgotten are the Eastern Woodland tribes. Same as in the West, Indigenous people and communities covered every square inch of the eastern half of what we now call the United States.

This unconscious bias impacts the art world as well where “Indian art” is often assumed to only encompass traditionally Southwestern material–turquoise and silver jewelry, Pueblo pottery, Diné weavings.

“I was approached by a man at the opening at Ringling and he (said), ‘I love (the exhibition), have you ever considered going out to Santa Fe and setting up (at Indian) market, and (I told him), respectfully, ‘no,’” Zepeda said. “He was like, ‘why?’ There is a very big (difference) between the two of us and I absolutely adore all of my Southwestern Native American friends and they love me, but our art and our cultures and the way we live our lives are two different ways, two different styles of existing.”

Go to Albuquerque and then go to Sarasota, and you’ll understand what she means. Not only are Florida and New Mexico separated by 2,000

miles, but the climate, the soil, the topography, the sunlight, the vegetation, the animals — the everything – is completely different. Florida is blue and green and humid with water on three sides. New Mexico is tan and clear and parched and mountainous.

Naturally, the Indigenous people in either place developed separate ways of life and cultural practices and artwork from one another. That nuance, Native Americans as diverse, not monolithic, remains lost to a large segment of Americans.

“Each one of us are unique so I kind of get mad, and I’m mad from myself and my tribe, but I’m also mad for my Southwest friends because I’m like, ‘listen, they’re a whole different people than us!’ We’re two completely different people,” Zepeda said.

That, too, is a benefit for exhibitions of Native American art in mainstream museum spaces. Education. Like it or not, every Native artist working today carries the burden of education and explanation along with their artmaking. Jackson Pollock was never expected to be an expert on American history when showing his paintings in the way audiences expect Indigenous artists to be tribal historians.

But that’s the reality.

Reclaiming Home Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Through Sept. 4: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. $23-$25. 941-359-5700, ringling.org. The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki on the Big Cypress Indian Reservation, a museum of Seminole culture and history, assisted the Ringling in this presentation. It welcomes guests daily. $10. ahtahthiki.com

Honorary Plaque Dedicated to American Playwright Ceremony

For Terrence McNally on Sunset Beach

By Cameron Healy

If you look up American playwright Terrence McNally on Google, it says he was from St. Pete. In actuality, his childhood home resides on 80th Avenue of Treasure Island. Now, a honorary plaque stands in front of the house.

McNally died March 24, 2020 due to COVID-19 health complications. According to American Stage, he was known for his work as “an openly gay advocate for LGBTQ+ stories.”

Equality Florida volunteer Marge Sherwin discovered the colorful cottage used to be home to McNally. Todd Richardson, Pinellas Development Director at Equality Florida, and Sherwin proposed a dedication plaque for outside of the home.

They contacted the current owner, Teri Davidson, about the proposition.

“[Davidson] said ‘the owners of the home before I bought it were friends with Jimmy Buffett, and he stayed here.’ And I said, ‘But do you you know who built your house and who was the first person living here?’ And she said, ‘I have no idea.’,” Richardson said.

Once she learned McNally lived there, she loved the idea of a dedication plaque. Equality Florida received approval from Davidson and the Treasure Island Commission for the public landmark. With the help of donors, they created and installed the plaque, which cost $4,000, according to American Stage.

The black and copper plaque stands on two posts with a engraving of McNally’s face, his name, and a paragraph stating:

“Born in Sunset Beach, Michael ‘Terrence’ McNally would grow up to be heralded as the ‘Bard of the American Theater,’ enjoying an illustrious career on Broadway that spanned six decades and garnered McNally a lifetime of awards, in-

cluding a record five Tony Awards and an induction into the American Academy of Arts and Letters.”

McNally’s Plaque Ceremony

On May 7, Equality Florida and American Stage held a dedication ceremony in front of the beach cottage to honor the five-time Tony award winner. Richardson, Sherwin, Terrence McNally Legacy Manager Santino DeAngelo, and McNally’s widowed husband, Tom Kirdahy, spoke on that Sunday afternoon.

“When we discovered this was his childhood home, our jaws dropped,” Kirdahy said. “And knowing that we’re permanently celebrating his roots means the world to me.”

Coincidently, St. Pete’s American Stage currently has showtimes for the production of Ragtime, a musical by McNally. The cast attended the ceremony.

“We picked Ragtime over a year and a half ago, so this was not even

a thing when we announced Ragtime,” said American Stage’s Director of Marketing and Communications Avery Anderson. “And then it just kind of happened, and it was like, ‘oh my gosh, kind of perfect timing’.”

Kirdahy went to see the show on May 6. This production reminded him of how far marriage equality has come in this country.

“Last night, we have the glorious privilege of watching American stages of production of Ragtime in the park and it was just absolutely stunning,” Kirdahy said.

In honor of McNally, Kirdahy asked Dante’ J.L. Murray, who plays “Coalhouse” in  Ragtime, to perform “Make Them Hear You” to finish off the ceremony. Murray’s voice filled the street with empowering lyrics of justice. As everyone applauded, Kirdahy gave Murray a hug.

All are welcome to view the plaque at 27th 80th Ave. in Treasure Island’s Sunset Beach.

A honorary plaque, dedicated to American playwright Terrence McNally, stands in front of Treasure Island home.

CAMERON HEALY

things to do

Mother’s Day, Puppy Love Benefit, and Save Our Strays

Thursday, May 11Sunday, May 21

The Revenge of the Space Pandas Enjoy the Off-Central’s newest production of The Revenge of the Space Pandas or Binky Rudich and the Two-Speed Clock by David Mamet. Follow along with the story of Binky Rudich, his friend Vic, and his almost human sheep Bob “tinker with a two-speed clock.” The ruler of the Goolagoog system commands Bob to never leave again and steals the two-speed clock.  Studio Grand Central, 2260 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 7:30 p.m. $20-$60. 727-2027019, theoffcentral.com

Thursday, May 11

Rhinestone Coasters Get artsy with diamond dots! Decorate beautiful coasters with colorful rhinestones. Call to sign up for a relaxing day of crafts. Supplies provided to those registered. Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 1 p.m. 727-893-1074, mygulfport.evanced. info

Art in Harmony Experience Art in Harmony, an exhibit showcasing the photography of Donna Green. She captures extraordinary candids of international and Tampa Bay musicians performing. Stop by the opening reception for live performances by features musicians, including Chris Cava, Kristopher James, George Pennington, and Jennifer Real. Purchase raffle tickets to win a photography session with Donna Green. DRV Gallery, 5401 Gulfport Blvd. S., Gulfport. 6-8 p.m. 727-382-7004, drvgallery.com

Friday, May 12

Swing Into Spring Bring friends, family, and neighbors for the opening reception of the Town Shores Art Guild in its new exhibit, Swing into Spring. For the month of May, explore visual art from art guild mem-

Don’t forget to pick up flowers and coffee for the moms in your life on May 14.

bers including Lyubov Alyeynik, Patricia M. Bowers, Beverly Boyarsky, MaryAnn Clynick, Madelyn Corradino, Dianne Marlene Hargitai, Peter Hargitai, Cheri LaBelle, Audrey E. Lynch, Jay A. Lynch, Bridget W. Marshall, Cora Marshall, Janice Stephenson, Linda Weesies, and Barbara Zegarek. Catherine A. Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport. 6-9 p.m. 631-786-5370

Saturday, May 13

Cat Cafe Adoption Meet the cutest kittens and cats in need of a loving home. At the Save our Strays: Cat Cafe Adoption event, enjoy refreshments as you meet what could be your new-

est furry companion. If adoption isn’t in the cards, consider bringing kitty litter and wet cat food donations. St. Pete Beach Library, 365 73rd Ave., St. Pete Beach. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 727-3672735, spblibrary.com

Creative Clay ArtWalk  This month’s second Saturday ArtWalk features performing artists through the lens of Creative Clay artists. Artists painted famous, popular, and favorite performers from the past and present. No worries if Saturday doesn’t fit in your schedule; view the exhibit during the week, too. Creative Clay, 1846 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 5-9 p.m. 727825-0515, creativeclay.org

PIXABAY

Spring Exhibition Members of the Gulf Coast Artists’ Alliance hosts is annual spring exhibition, Animals, Vegetables, and Minerals. This show exhibits more than 30 artists’ interpretations of animals, vegetables, and minerals. Some pieces include paintings of baby raccoons, banyan trees, and sky-high city buildings. Enjoy refreshments and hear the music of Barney Waterbury. St. Pete ArtWorks, 2604 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 5-9 p.m. 727-485-8655, stpeteartworks-onlinestore.com

Puppy Love Benefit Join Pet Pal Animal Shelter’s largest fundraiser of the year, the Puppy Love Benefit. Spend your evening at the blackand-white gala. During the gala, you can bid on items in silent and live auctions. Test your luck in the 50/50 raffle. Enjoy a dinner with puppies, but please don’t bring any. Donate for the love of puppies! Kapok Special Events, 923 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. 6 p.m. $125. 727328-7738, petpalanimalshelter.com

Sunday, May 14

Flowers & Coffee Mothers deserve flowers for all the hard work they do. Pick up a gorgeous, affordable bouquet at the Mother’s Day Flower Bar curated by Small Things Flowers Co. for the moms in your life. Don’t forget to grab their favorite coffee to go to help them start their lovely Sunday

morning.  The Chelsea St. Pete, 2462 5th Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 9-11 a.m. 727-200-6083, thechelseastpete.com

Benefit Concert One City Chorus’ Jon Arterton and James Mack present a benefit concert for the Unitarian Universalist Church. Listen to songs about love, hope, and justice played by pianist Aaron Cassette. Singer Todd Wellman accompanies Arterton and Mack. Enjoy free wine and treats after the show. Buy tickets online or at the door. Unitarian Universalist Church, 100 Mirror Lake Dr. N., St. Petersburg. 4 p.m. $2025. 727-898-3294, jon-and-james. square.site

Monday, May 15

Weekly Spanish Conversations  Practice your Spanish speaking skills every Monday. Have a nice breakfast, beverages, and engage in Spanish conversations with beginner and intermediate Spanish students. Conversations led by trainer and interpreter Susan Mejia.  Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport. 8:30 a.m. 727-893-5657, mygulfport.us

Tuesday, May 16

Coffee & Connections Stock up on business cards and get ready to network! Stay connected with

businesses and members of the Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce. Spend the morning networking over a cup of coffee. Learn about new possible opportunities the Chamber can offer to area businesses. Church by the Sea, 495 137th Ave. Cir., Madeira Beach. 10 a.m. 727-360-4121, form. jotform.com

Social Media Course  In a world full of social media, how do you create creative content? Learn exactly how for Keep St. Pete Lit instructor Amanda Elend. This class demonstrates the basics of how to engage audiences on different social media platforms. Learn how to maximize opportunities through apps including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. The Factory, 2606 Fairfield Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 6-8 p.m. $25. keepstpetelit.org

Wednesday, May 17

SHINE: Medicare Basics Ask SHINE all your medicare questions. This Florida program encourages elders to make informed decisions about their health care coverage. Hear free, unbiased information about the medicare basics from SHINE volunteer counselors. Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 1 p.m. 727-893-1074, mygulfport.evanced.info

What is Your Zodiac Sign?

Photos by Cameron Healy

Stella Robson, St. Pete: “Cancer.”

Ivory Diehl, St. Pete: “Cancer.”

Luke Green, Ireland: “Scorpio.”

Ray Grace, Gulfport: “Gemini.”

hard candy

This Is Not About Trees

By Cathy Salustri

Let’s be clear: I’m not here to speak on behalf of that giant old oak tree in Gulfport. I have six laurel oaks on the right of way by our home that I can only describe as problematic. If I could afford $14,000 to rip out every last one of them, I would. And I could, because Governor DeSantis changed the laws about trees a few years back. City and county governments can no longer tell a property owner they can’t remove a tree if an arborist says the tree poses a hazard.

But this is not a column about trees.

If you drive down 52nd Avenue, between 29th and 30th Avenues South, you’ll see a private alley (according to the Ward II councilwoman, the City doesn’t own it) and a vacant lot. Vacant except for a live oak tree, likely a few hundred years old, judging by its size, takes up most of that lot.

But this is not about that tree.

Over the past four months, the paper’s received more than a few emails and phone calls — and at least one walk-in – about the tree’s fate.

The kerfuffle started when the lot went up for sale in late February. Neighbors and fans of the live oak saw the writing on the wall:  Who would buy a lot with a giant tree smack-dab in the center of it simply to preserve the tree? The tree’s days, they feared, were numbered.

Readers asked us to do something to save the tree. The land is privately owned; it went under contract roughly two weeks after it went on the market, and, according to the real estate agent who sold it, as of last month, WinWay Homes owns the lot.

Since their name isn’t “WinWay Preservation,” it seems local fears about them tearing down the tree to build a home are founded.

Again, this is not about trees.

Two weeks ago, I went down to see the tree myself. In addition to

cobbling together a newspaper every week, I also serve on the board of the Gulfport Historical Society. One of the tree fans emailed me at GHS to ask if we could help. At this point, only two routes to keep the tree alive exist: Get a conservation group to buy the land, or those who care can buy the land themselves. The State has something called special category grants, and I said I’d approach the board of GHS about applying for one if we could ascertain a few things, namely, that the land was for sale.

While visiting – and it’s a lovely tree, old and graceful and large enough that WinWay can probably only build a Port-a-Let there if they want to keep the tree – several neighbors came out to chat. They all had one message: We don’t want a house there. We like the tree.

They also had a question: Would WinWay sell the land instead of building on it?

And so I called WinWay’s Matt Carr, who’s always returned my calls before. I left a message, explaining why I wanted to talk to him, and left my number. In the days that followed, I called his cell, too, and texted.

He has yet to return my calls or text.

As I said, I’m not speaking in favor of saving any one tree. This is not about carbon sequestration, tree canopy, or anything like that.

Everyone has a right to do business and make money, and WinWay paid good money for that lot. But the company that occasionally draws letters to the editor and public comments from our mayor about their business practices and building styles has a huge opportunity at their feet.

In 1930, the matriach of the family who built the Brooklyn Bridge donated land for a park. See, the locals wanted the land protected, but the government determined it was too small to make into a park. So Margaret Shippen Roebling bought the land — spending a total of $50,000. Her caveat? Locals had to raise $5,000 — during the Great Depression — to show their commitment.

That piece of land became the cornerstone for Florida’s first state park, Highlands Hammock. Today, it houses the state’s Civilian Conservation Corps Museum and attracts people from all over the country. We remember Roebling as a hero who gave Florida a great gift.

WinWay, you have two choices here.

Which one will you choose?

This live oak tree in Gulfport has some residents concerned about a developer’s plans for the lot upon which it sits.

CATHY SALUSTRI

Beth-El

ShalomAdventure.com

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Professional Services

RENEW YOUR MARRIAGE VOWS!

Anywhere in Gulfport, Pasadena, Madeira, and St. Pete area. At your home, park, garden, or on the beach. Schedule now with Florida’s respected Chaplain, Rich L. Kemp. Half hour ceremony only $77.77. Book at 702-577-6777.

YOUR PERSONAL DRIVER

Allow me to drive you, want professional service, great conversation, safe travel. Your car or mine. Get out and enjoy life with your own driver. Call/text 727-242-1244 or email BrettThornburg2@gmail.com for prices.

Ph. 815-980-2759

ARNEY’S PAINTING INC.

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

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.

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”

IRRIGATION STAIN REMOVAL

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

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

Contact Alysia at alysia@oneillsmarina.com or call 727-867-2585, option 4

HELP WANTED BAUBLES + BAGS

Sales Associate for lady's fashion store in John's Pass. Part-time, mature help for nights and weekends. Great Pay, Fun Atmosphere! Call Mary Jo (727) 430-0276.

General

GULFPORT LIONS CLUB Available for parties, weddings, meetings. Great waterfront location with full facilities. Call Jean for info and dates. 727-366-6341.

Legal Notices

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

Pseudonym: Crown of Mauri Nation LLC# RP4463800094003087413608 Country: United States of America Received: 202304-16 Title: Copyright Notice: Living Man on the Land Walking on Water. Copyright Number 00079507-1. WILEY HUBBARD III and all derivatives are :copy-right-nowspace/copy-claim. All property including twin placenta are in the care of Live Life Calamint :Wiley : Hubbard El. Suv’eran Crown Post Master, honor all terms and condition, schedule fees, publications, Claim of Right, Acknowledgement, AGE OF MAJORITY, etc.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE Copyright Notice Living Man on Land Walking on Water EDDY RANDOLPH MARCELLIN and All derivative are copy-right-now-space/copy-claim. All properties including twin placenta are in the care of Live Life Claimant : Eddy-Randolph : Marcellin El Suv’eran Crown POSTMASTER, honor all terms and conditions scheduled fees, publication, Claim of Right, Acknowledgement,AGE OF MAJORITY, etc.

NOTICE OF FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desires to engage in business under the fictitious name “Motion Cra Wellness” and has registered with the Florida Department of State. [Motion Cra Global LLC, 4660 22nd Ave S. St Petersburg, FL 33711

NOTICE OF FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desires to engage in business under the fictitious name “Motion Cra Pets” and has registered with the Florida Department of State. [Motion Cra Global LLC, 4660 22nd Ave S. St Petersburg 33711]

Yard / Garage Sale

5713 13TH AVE S.

Yard Sale Friday, 5/12 & Saturday, 5/13, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Household, vintage, and collectable items.

Furnished Rentals

55 OVER 2 BED, 1.5 BATH CONDO NE St.Pete 55+ furnished Condo. 2 beds x 1.5 baths. No pets, no smoking. Use pool, walking path, o street parking, and onsite laundry. Close to restaurants/shopping. $1,500/month, 12 month lease. Inquire at 727-656-7110.

CONDO FOR RENT IN GULFPORT SHORES 2bd/1bath, fully furnished, all inclusive. One year lease. $2,800/month. Call or text 617827-1657.

MARINA COTTAGE FOR RENT 2bd/1bath, fully furnished. Fenced in backyard with garage. Close to from Gulfport Marina. One year lease. $2,800/month. Call or text 617827-1657.

Real Estate For Rent

WHAT A VIEW!

Waterfront 1BD/1BA. Fully furnished condo Nottingham Blg, 5th Floor of Town Shores, 55+ complex. All utilities included except electric. Use of 4 pools & clubhouse. No smoking, No pets. 1 year lease available immediately. $2,000/month. Call 727-4350537. PHONE CALLS ONLY.

TOWN SHORES RENTAL Lancaster bldg. Delux 1060 sq , 1 bedroom condo for rent. Beautiful water views. All amenities included ie: pool, bocce, pickleball, shu eboard. 6 month minimum, furnished. $1,900/ month plus electric. Call 508-566-0410.

Real Estate For Sale

STUNNING GULFPORT BUNGALOW IN THE MARINA DISTRICT

3/2 at 2642 45th St S. with an incredible backyard, updated roof and A/C on oversized lot with alley access. Fantastic curb appeal and split bedroom layout. Two living areas and master suite with private entrance. $449,900. Call Gabriela Raimander with Coldwell Banker - 727-422-1743.

Want to know why Gulfport does things the way they do?

Send your questions to info@thegabber.com and we'll get the answers!

Real Estate Sales

Find More Home Sales at thegabber.com. Here’s what homes sold in South Pinellas Apr. 28-May 4.

Gulfport Real Estate

4758 Baywood Point Dr. S. (Marina)

This two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home, built in 1960, has 1,332 square feet. It listed for $975,000 and sold for $945,000.

6205 Vista Verde Court (Stetson)

This three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath townhome, built in 2002, has 2,332 square feet. It listed for $699,000 and sold for $692,000.

5940 Pelican Bay Plaza S., #PH-B (Pasadena Yacht & Country Club)

This two-bedroom, two-bath condo, built in 1983, has 1,912 square feet. It listed for $675,000 and sold for $650,000.

2716 45th St. S. (Marina)

This two-bedroom, two-bath home, built in 1950, has 1,364 square feet. It listed for $550,000 and sold for $525,000.

5940 Pelican Bay Plaza S., #405 (Pasadena Yacht & Country Club)

This two-bedroom, two-bath condo, built in 1983, has 1,476 square feet. It listed for $449,000 and sold for $445,000.

WHO HAS TIME FOR THIS WHEN YOU’RE HUNGRY FOR A HOUSE?

CALL ME...I WILL CUT TO THE CHASE AND FIND YOU THE PERFECT HOUSE THAT WILL SATISFY!

CATHY SALUSTRI

2600 Quincy St. S. (Marina)

This four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home – built in 2023 – has 2,631 square feet. It listed and sold for $1.4 million.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF DOCTOR

A local doctor provides truly compassionate care and solutions for chronic pain and complicated conditions.

Do you ever wonder what it is that makes some doctors so incredibly compassionate while others have a bedside manner better suited for the DMV?

In the case of Dr. Rebecca Gibbons, RN, DOM, AP of AAIM | Achieve Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine it is a case of true empathy. “I worked in hospitals as an RN for over 15 years and saw how patients suffered from pain and other chronic conditions. Some people were able to find relief with medications, injections or surgeries but many times we would see them come back within days, weeks or months. I saw their lives were not only filled with discomfort but their days were filled with doctors appointments, hospital stays, ER visits, prescription refills and physical therapy That is no way to live Not only does it take a toll on the person but it also takes a toll on their family members as well.”

Dr. Gibbons also had a personal experience with pain. “I had suffered from severe back pain and did not feel comfortable taking medications because of the way they made me feel. A friend recommended I see an acupuncturist. After a series of treatments I was able to get relief from the pain I was able to sleep again and the anxiety that I was feeling had also subsided ”

After her incredible experience with the healing arts she made the life changing decision to become an Acupuncture Physician, “Acupuncture quite literally changed my life and I want to share that with as many people as I can,” she proclaims.

I know the frustration of feeling hopeless and frustrated. This is why I practice the brand of medicine I do and why I've made it my life's mission to treat the 'untreatable'.

As an RN, I saw so many people who had been given a disheartening prognosis, prescribed medications and told ‘this is just something you're going to have to learn to live with "

" But now as an Acupuncture Physician, I am able to integrate both eastern and western medicine to treat those who have chronic pain, neuropathy and other chronic conditions.”

Understanding that Eastern Medicine excels where Western Medicine fails, Dr. Gibbons set forth to develop treatment protocols for all variations of peripheral neuropathy (including diabetic and chemotherapy-induced) and back pain and now has an 80% success rate in treating this once difficult to manage condition.

Furthermore, Dr Gibbons has surrounded herself with staff that embraces the same approach to patient care. "I have fabulous staff who share the same vision as I do when it comes helping our patients get relief and to help them to be able to live life to its fullest."

Dr. Rebecca Gibbons has a long history of treating complicated, difficult to understand conditions She understands how tragic it can be if left untreated

Dr. Gibbons and her staff specialize in treating chronic pain, complicated neurological conditions and autoimmune diseases.

For more information about Dr. Gibbons and what she treats, visit

to schedule your consultation today.