The Gabber: May 13, 2021

Digital subscriptions provided by the City of Gulfport THE GABBER.COM No. 2708

May 13 - May 19, 2021

All Things Florida

Alligators, Mobile Homes and Skunk Apes In an homage to heat, coastal life, bikinis and mythical creatures, MIZE Gallery has dedicated its entire studio space to a Sunshine Statethemed exhibit, The Art of All Things Florida.

Chad Mize, owner of MIZE Gallery, took to Facebook Live for the collection’s debut on Friday, May 7.

“It’s really colorful, fun, inspired by our colorful state, our crazy state,” Mize said from his gallery at 689 Dr. MLK Jr. St. The works all reflect some aspect of America’s swampiest state, from urban legends to glamorously painted mobile homes.

As contributing artist Rhys Meatyard puts it, the Sunshine State is “bountiful with fruit, but scary as hell.”

The St. Petersburg-based artist created a Jack Nicholson-inspired sun that spins on top of a wood panel, decoupaged with layers of aging nautical maps of Florida.

“It’s both amazing and terrifying, Mize continued on page 23

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“(Everything) Heeeere’s Sunny!” by Rhys Meatyard. “Meatyard always brings it; really tight work,” Chad Mize said.

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voices More on Minutes

6. Last but not least, the city’s own attorney said the minutes are incorrect in context. He said this not once but twice. Mayor Henderson can make whatever accusations he wants to make against me. However, why in the world would he want to discredit the city’s own attorney, who clearly stated that the meeting minutes of 10/1/2019 did not accurately reflect his legal opinion. If the mayor and city council don’t wish to accept/reflect the city attorney’s opinion in correct context, and reflect such in the city’s legislative history, then why hire him and spend taxpayer money to pay him? – M. Tober

Dear Editor: In the recent issue of the Gabber, in an article [“Devil’s in the Details,” May 6, 2021] describing my quest to correct an error of context in the city council minutes, Mayor Henderson stated: “I do not want to set a precedent for ongoing editorializing of minutes based on personal subjective bias or someone’s desire to prove a point.”

Allow me to clarify: 1. The role of the city council is to “adopt” the city council meeting minutes. Presumably, the city council would “adopt” minutes that are correct in context. While the city clerk’s office does a great job, they are human and can certainly make an error. Correcting an obvious error of context is NOT editorializing.

2. My request for correction is the first I have ever made in all the years that I have attended and paid attention to council meetings. If I wanted to make corrections for the purpose of making a point, I surely would have made many more such requests.

3. My request was void of any nefarious intentions and I absolutely had no intention of “trying to prove a point” or engage in “personal bias.”

4. My concern was based on the fact that the charter is the tool that sets the foundation for the operation of the government of the City of Gulfport. If a city official doesn’t understand a portion of that document, how can one expect the residents/taxpayers to understand it? And by the way, the phrase in the charter is not written very clearly, and as such, the official’s misunderstanding is understandable. Bottom line: The charter defines how our government should function.

5. The minutes are the permanent legislative history of Gulfport. Why would anybody want to purposely put incorrect information into the historic annals of the City of Gulfport?

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The Gabber welcomes and encourages letters and commentary. All letters must be signed with your real name, and should be as brief as possible. Letters may be lightly edited for content and clarity. We will not print letters that incite violence, include hate speech 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 Good Neighbors?

Council May Mediate on Noise, Police Launch Mental Health Initiative

By Ryan McGahan

CITY OF GULFPORT

The May 4 Gulfport City Council meeting, the first back at city hall after an extended stay at the Catherine Hickman Theatre, finished in just under 90 minutes Tuesday night. With Mayor Sam Henderson absent, Vice Mayor April Thanos oversaw discussion of noise complaints, a new police initiative and thoughts for improving transportation in Gulfport.

Council Plans to Mediate Noise Complaints After weeks of increasing tension between the owners of the North End Taphouse on Beach Boulevard and local residents over the amount of noise coming from bands performing late at night, council has agreed to mediate between the two factions to find a compromise.

Two meetings prior, Kelly Wright, co-owner of the Taphouse, spoke before council and asked that they raise the decibel limit of the local noise ordinance, currently set at 65 decibels, so that bands could perform at the bar without incurring a police visit.

Two weeks later, seven residents from the nearby area came to the following meeting to ask for the opposite: more restrictions on the volume and time

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at which bands could play, citing loud new partnership with Directions For music easily heard in their homes Living, a nonprofit organization that past 11 p.m. provides affordable counseling to At the most recent meeting, Counthose with mental health issues. cilmember Christine Brown proposed Under the new partnership, patrol a solution to the issue, requesting “a officers who encounter someone moratorium on the violations until we undergoing a mental health episode can get the two sides together” for can use a tablet provided by Direcmediation. tions For Living to instantly start a “I feel like there might be some bad video call with a counselor to help blood going on talk the individual and I’d like to bring “I feel like there might be through their mothe people togeth- some bad blood going ment of crisis. The er and see if we is to provide on and I’d like to bring plan can find a comproone tablet per pomise that works the people together and lice squad, and the for everybody,” see if we can find a com- costs of the tablets she explained. and counselors will promise...”

Council agreed, be covered by Diand approved a two-week moratorections For Living, even if the tablet rium, effective Wednesday, May 5, should be damaged or lost. on noise complaints in the area sur “In many of the cases where this rounding the Tap House to give Brown is already being done, the officer time to talk to the concerned parties has been able to leave without and schedule a meeting where they taking the person into protective can discuss their grievances and custody just based on the reliance hopefully reach a compromise. that there will be a follow-up meeting between the person and the Police Chief Announces New provider,” Vincent said. “They’ve Mental Health Initiative already done this as a pilot in Largo and Belleair, next is Gulfport Gulfport Police Chief Rob Vincent and Clearwater. I’ve already tentaspoke before council to announce a tively agreed to do it with them; we

theGabber.com | May 13, 2021 - May 19, 2021

should have it out in the field by the end of May.” Council Discusses the Future of Transportation in Gulfport A pair of car-related resolutions led to a rolling discussion of the types of transportation councilmembers wanted to see more of in Gulfport.

The first resolution, which passed unanimously, authorizes Duke Energy to install a pair of electric vehicle charging stations at city hall. The stations, which Duke will install for free, are for city use, but will also be open for public use.

Councilmember Paul Ray expressed some reservations about the stations due to the low number of electric vehicles in the city’s fleet and in Gulfport in general, while Councilmember Thanos emphasized that one of the reasons the city passed on electric vehicles in the past was a lack of charging stations, and hoped this could be a first step to making that change.

Thanos later pressed this issue further during the discussion of the annual Capital Improvement Program budget, asking if the city could set an official policy to always look for electric alternatives when looking to replace old city vehicles, and choose them as long as they fit the needs of the city and aren’t too expensive. Council may discuss the proposal in the future.

The second resolution of the night asked council to consider approving a fuel tax increase proposed by the Pinellas Board of County Commissioners, adding one to five extra

Overheard at City Council “I just wanted to bring up that we are going to be having our youth sailing program coming up in June. It’s gonna be starting June 21, and it’s gonna go on to July 9. This is free to all kids, any kids that want to learn how to sail; we’ve been teaching kids for 35 years how to sail. We have eight more openings… It’s three days a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, it starts at nine and goes on until noon.” – Richard Walters, Boca Ciega Yacht Club member, during public comment.

“The rest of us on city council would like to… make sure that everyone stays healthy, even though the governor doesn’t care if we live or die or get healthy, or doesn’t believe in science… I ask the businesses to continue what they’re doing with the masks, keep their mask ordinances, and put science before politics.” – Councilmember Michael Fridovich during his closing comments, responding to Governor Ron Desantis’s recent suspension of local COVID-19 ordinances, including the county mask mandate.

“Another thing that I wanted to bring up, which will be controversial maybe, is collections. We have significant outstanding collections, and I’m not talking about lien collections; this is just utility collections. I would like us to potentially have a presentation from the finance department, and maybe having somebody from a collection agency… to see whether we want to use a collection agent.” – Vice Mayor April Thanos during her closing comments. The proposal was discussed for a few minutes, and council agreed that they’d be open to discussing it in the future, but wanted to possibly wait until after the pandemic has passed so as not to pick an “insensitive” time to start collecting outstanding debts.

cents per gallon of fuel bought in Pinellas. Gulfport would receive less than one percent of the generated revenue, only approximately $9,000 per year, if the tax is approved.

“I’m not in favor of it. In this country, we get our roads fixed via taxation from gas… I’m also a firm believer that we should have light rail, and maybe if people start driving over potholes for a while maybe they’ll fi-

nally decide that we need light rail,” Councilmember Michael Fridovich said, prompting some laughs.

The other councilmembers agreed, believing that the traditional system of funding road improvements through fuel taxes is outdated, and there are more effective means of acquiring road improvement funds. Council voted down the resolution unanimously.

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Greens for Those in Need

Gulfport Farmer to Use Shipping Containers for Nonprofit Farm Gulfport-based small-time grower Brendan Hart is looking for space to put shipping container gardens ripe with microgreens, and it’s all going to local food banks and donation spots in the name of his nonprofit, The Florida Hunger Project.

Hart began working in vegetable farming in 2008, while living in San Francisco.

The 42-year-old Massachusetts native was working with a buddy, growing lettuce as a part-time gig in those days.

Now, he’s in the process of launching The Florida Hunger Project, combining unconventional farming with a local need for donated foods.

The sole problem is finding a chunk of space to place the 40 by 10 foot containers. Hart has the plans and the nonprofit status, but the space has yet to come together.

“Most people have no idea how many people around us are feeling food insecurity,” Hart said.

In Pinellas County, that’s 73,369 people – nearly 13% of residents – according to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap interactive study, which debuted in September of 2020.

“Even those that are employed, two jobs may not be enough to cover groceries,” Hart said. “It

BRENDAN HART

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Brendan Hart is searching for a space to plant his shipping containers that will eventually house microgreens, sprouts and other edible greeneries as part of his nonprofit, The Florida Hunger Project.

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could be between paying a cell phone bill or an electric bill, and healthy food.”

And hunger is something Hart understands.

Regrowing In 2008, Hart was 5’10 and 98 pounds, at a level of starvation that forced his body to begin pulling nutrients from his bones.

He was diagnosed with severe ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that left the farmer hospitalized for two months.

“I can’t say I know exactly how people feel when struggling for food on a daily basis, but I know the feeling of starvation and how lack of nutrients affects every part of our lives,” Hart said.

After selling his greens for a few years in St. Petersburg, he swapped farming for profit with his Florida Hunger Project.

“Nutritious food should not be a luxury,” Hart said. “It’s a basic need and human right.”

Gulfport gathers

A New Type of Greenhouse After their life at sea, shipping containers are a virtually indestructible and relatively cheap option for everything from housing to farming.

In Hart’s words, they’re like a greenhouse, without the natural light.

Instead, the Gulfport resident plans to use artificial light to coax a medley of greens and sprouts into existence and then into local food banks or pantries.

“They are becoming popular in many restaurants for use in salads, sandwiches, garnishes,” Hart said.

The idea is that a sprinkle of microgreens on lunch adds nutritional supplement.

“I just have the ability to do this, and I want to help,” Hart said. “I grew up in a white middle class family feeling secure about basic needs.

I’ve become more and more aware of my white privilege, what it means, and how I may be able to utilize it for the benefit of my community.”

More at floridahungerproject.org.

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7

The Breakdown on Bills

Can you pay your utility bills online, for free? It’s complicated.

The Gabber has received several questions about whether you can pay Gulfport utility bills online for free. Some people insisted they pay their bills online with no charge, and others were positive there was not a free online option. So, we looked into it.

Gulfport residents can pay their utility bill four different ways: in person, by mail, direct debit or online.

The paperless, online billing option is available to all Gulfport residents, however it requires residents to use a Visa or Mastercard, and that comes with a $3.25 fee. (More at municipalonlinepayments.com/ gulfportfl/utilities.)

If you don’t have a Mastercard or a Visa, you can call city hall to make alternate online billing arrangements.

For this option you must have a valid email address and an established service, according to Cheryl Hannafin, the city’s finance director.

After you enroll in online payments, your bills are emailed to you instead of mailed.

Residents can also mail their bills the old-fashioned way to the City of Gulfport Utilities Customer Service Department, 2401 53rd St. S., Gulfport, FL 33707. You must include your bill stub along with the check.

You can also drop your payment in person at the payment drop box located through the front door of city hall.

There is another option: Sign up for direct debit, and the city takes payment directly from your bank ac-

SHELLY WILSON

By Gabrielle Reeder

count. This method allows residents to link their bills to their banking information, and the process can be automatic – no more worrying about late payments.

While the setup takes a minute, this online payment method doesn’t

come with an extra fee. You provide a voided check, a savings deposit slip or have your bank send the information directly. The forms can either be scanned and emailed to utilitiesinfo@mygulfport.us, or dropped at city hall.

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9

Mammoth Find

Admiral Farragut Science Teacher Discovers Mammoth Bone

Henry Sadler and his seventh grade science class pose with the 10,000-year-old mammoth bone that Sadler uncovered in the Peace River in Arcadia, Florida.

HENRY SADLER

Ten thousand years old, four feet long and once hinged in a Columbian mammoth’s femur, a 60-pound fossil from the Ice Age now sits in Henry Sadler’s science room at Admiral Farragut Academy.

The amateur paleontologist found the intact bone at the Peace River, a Florida hotspot for “ice aged” artifacts, on Sunday, April 25.

In the three years Sadler has worked the muddy banks and dived for bones at the Arcadia-based river – in a region known as “Bone Valley” – this is the largest and most well-preserved fossil the science teacher’s found.

“It was pretty rare to find a bone as intact and complete as that one,” Sadler said.

It was a standard weekend for Sadler and diving companion, Derek Demeter, the Planetarium Director of the Seminole State College.

“It was a last-ditch spot,” Sadler wrote in a press release. “We’d been diving all day and hadn’t really found anything, and we thought, ‘Why don’t we head upriver a bit and see if there’s anything there.’”

There was something there.

In addition to the mammoth bone, Demeter picked up an ancient saber tooth tiger’s tooth –

ADMIRAL FARRAGUT ACADEMY

By Abby Baker

“I’ve been working that particular spot for three years,” Sadler said.

the “holy grail of Florida fossils,” Sadler wrote – and a tooth from a prehistoric shark that existed before great whites roamed the seas.

Eventually, Sadler plans to use adhesive to restore the fossil’s deteriorating end piece and fix it to another piece of bone. For now, it sits with his other mammoth discoveries and he’ll use it as a teaching tool for seventh graders.

“The kids have a great time with it,” Sadler said. “It’s taller than most of them so they absolutely love it.”

Follow what this teacher-by-weekday and paleontologist-by-weekend unearths next at instagram.com/thinkseek.

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theGabber.com | May 13, 2021 - May 19, 2021

Safe Space for Sea Turtles

Treasure Island Completes Mission to Install Turtle-Friendly Lighting Treasure Island’s four-year quest to help guide sea turtles to the water is finally complete.

In 2017, Duke Energy, with permission from the City of Treasure Island, changed the streetlights on Gulf Boulevard from amber high-pressure sodium lights – better for turtles, but not officially turtle compliant – to abrasive, white, non-turtle-friendly LED lights.

“We were led to believe that they were going to be turtle-friendly lights, only to find that they were extremely bright and not turtle-friendly,” Assistant Public Works Director Stacy Boyles said.

This change led to disorientation for nesting turtles and hatchlings, according to Boyles.

“It’s a bit of a misconception that the lights only affect the hatchlings.

They definitely disorient the nesting turtles as well,” Boyles said. “The artificial lighting confuses them as they’re used to looking for the moonlight and how it reflects off the water.”

The city requested a design variance from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), asking for turtle-friendly amber light installations because of the rise in sea turtle disorientation.

“The reason why a variance was needed was because on state roads, there requires a certain amount of lighting for safety purposes,” Boyles said. “We believed that it was important for FDOT to take it a step further and change their requirements in the state design manual so that anyone can use turtle-friendly street lights on coastal state roads.”

FDOT approved and implemented this update and commissioned approved streetlights that met the requirements for safety of both humans and wildlife.

In addition to the FDOT and Duke Energy, the city worked with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Pinellas County Coastal Management and State Representative Linda Chaney on the project.

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By Gabrielle Reeder

“We now have eight trial, full cutoff, amber-shielded street lights installed in Treasure Island on 112th Avenue on Gulf Boulevard,” Boyles said.

The lights passed the FWC’s inspection with a requested minor tweak to the amber shields.

Treasure Island set a new coastal lighting ordinance – left up to the discretion of the property owner, but stating that, during nesting season you should not be able to see the light bulb or source anywhere on the beach, unless you have an amber wavelength light.

“One of the reasons why we were really excited to get this done is be-

cause the city and the state really need to be setting a positive example. We talk to our business owners and our property owners all the time about our turtle-friendly lighting, but it’s hard to not practice what you preach,” Boyles said.

Florida is one of the only locations in the world where loggerhead turtles nest. Boyles wants to remind beach visitors to clean up their trash, take down tents and sandcastles and fill in holes when they leave the beach, particularly during nesting season, which lasts through October. These can serve as obstacles to turtles trying to get back in the water.

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11

Basketball for All

St. Petersburg Youth League Needs a Home

By Abby Baker

ABBY BAKER

Grindhouse Coach Jason Murray comes to practice with his daughters, Rhiah and Lyric Murray. “Maybe they’ll take this over eventually,” Murray said.

Grindhouse Elite Club in St. Petersburg used to practice on a private court in a partnership with Elim Junior Academy School, but after COVID-19 shutdowns, those days are over.

Currently, the youth basketball travel ball team practices at the Wildwood Recreation Center.

It works, but the teams share space with other recreational teams, limiting them to a tiny spot of precious court space.

“We wish we could be by ourselves,” said Assistant Coach Rick Oliver. “But no church, no basketball.”

Still, the teams – sixth and eighth grade boys and girls, youth to 16 – practice weekly and trav-

12

el throughout Florida to compete against other young recreation leagues.

“Grindhouse has never had a gym, and with us having several teams, a home team would be a big help,” Coach Jason Murray said.

In the meantime the players skirt around the outskirts of a community court.

“Sometimes we practice inside; sometimes there’s no space at all, we go outside,” Oliver said. “We’re just hoping we can get Elim back.”

On the Court The kids affectionately call Murray “J” while they weave up and down the busy court.

“I never had a good coach,” Murray said. “I hope I’m giving them what I didn’t have.”

They may not have a permanent set of hoops, but that doesn’t stop players from ferociously practicing, dropping pushups in between routines.

Murray, 34, also coaches junior varsity at Northeast High School Basketball. He stopped playing on a team in 11th grade, and started coaching.

He’s been teaching basketball for 10 years, and seven of those have been as part of his nonprofit, run entirely on public donations, car washes and other fundraisers.

“I don’t want them to think any-

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thing is given,” Murray said. “We work for everything here.”

Nikiez Surls and his grandmother, Carol Reed, travel from Largo to secure a spot on the team.

“He eats, sleeps and dreams basketball,” Reed said, gesturing to the floppy haired sixth grader dribbling on the court. “Jay does so much for them.”

For Murray, it hasn’t been easy.

“I started off with a couple losing seasons. It took me a while to adjust and catch up to the coaches who have been coaching longer than me,” Murray said.

The young father took a break from the court following the birth of his second daughter; in that time, he lost two players to gun violence.

“Losing them made me feel like if I was still coaching at the moment they would still be here today,” Murray said. “Since then, I keep in touch with all players who have played for me and who still play for me.”

The teams currently practice at The Wildwood Recreation Center, but they share a court with other players.

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theGabber.com | May 13, 2021 - May 19, 2021

Dear Gabby: In-Laws, Pets and Phone Addicts The Gabber’s semi-regular advice column, Dear Gabby, is here by reader demand. Have a question or a conundrum for Gabby? There’s no problem too small for our resident advisor. Send your questions – they can be anonymous – to deargabby@ thegabber.com.

than just a few hours home alone.

There’s tradeoffs for everything, so find what’s right for you by talking to someone at a pet shop or shelter (highly recommend shelters) to get a good feel for what kind of pet might be right for you.

I’ve been married a little over five years now, and I still can’t do anything right for my mother-in-law.

If I make dinner, it’s too salty or too spicy. If I give her a gift, she usually returns it or never uses it. No matter how hard I try, she just doesn’t like me. She and my husband are very close; he insists that I’m wrong. Mother’s Day is coming up and I know I’m going to strike out again. What do you get for a monster-in-law you can’t please?

My children all spend a lot of time on their devices. This has only gotten worse through the pandemic, and I fear I am losing the battle with them. Especially because my husband is now home a lot more and he’s ALSO on his phone and tablet all the time. I’ve tried “taking away” phones and devices, setting time limits, etc. but nothing seems to work, especially when my husband also sets a bad example. We’ve discussed it, and he agrees, but he’s still scrolling on his phone all the time. Help!

In-laws can be a force to reckon with, but you should have someone on your side: your spouse! Ask your husband for a little insight on what might be a great gift for his mother. You don’t have to frame it as, “Hey, your mom hates me and I want to impress her,” as that can open a can of worms, but you can ask a few questions to get to know her a little bit. Ask your husband to tell you a few stories about his mother, whether it be from when he was a kid to him being an adult.

I’m sure he’ll mention something that might give you a hint toward a great gift that might be just the thing to turn the relationship around.

The struggle is so real when it comes to the attention economy.

That’s right, a whole economy. I read an article on The Economist reporting that our data, sourced by

I’m newly single, living alone and thinking of getting a pet. I like dogs, cats – pretty much everything (except birds. They’re creepy). What do you think makes the best pet?

This is a personal preference for sure. I think any pet that will make you happy to come home is a winner. It all depends on what you like and what capacity for care you have. For example, I love my dog but sometimes wish he could bathe himself and spend more

theGabber.com | May 13, 2021 - May 19, 2021

our attention/time spent online, is now worth more than oil! Our attention is valuable in dollars but more importantly, it’s valuable emotionally, so it’s no wonder you’re worried about all the time your family spends on devices. The problem with limits and taking away devices is that we’ve grown accustomed to giving our attention to something that’s fast, low stakes and easily accessible. So when we take a device away or shut off the wifi, we have to work that much harder to fill the void left by our quick fix. In order to fill the void, and maybe even retrain your family’s beautiful brains, you’ve got to have a fast and easily accessible replacement ready. Plan a family game night, outing, movie, or activity – like cooking together, doing a puzzle or craft, karaoke – that brings you all together to interact IRL, be present and engage each other in ways a screen can’t. Also, if your husband agrees, he’s gotta put down his phone for family time, too.

Remind him that children do what they see far more than they do what we say!

A Milwaukee native, Sheree L. Greer is a local textbased artist, educator and taco lover. In 2014, she founded Kitchen Table Literary Arts to showcase and support the work of Black women and women of color writers and is the author of two novels, “Let the Lover Be” and “A Return to Arms.”

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Young Sailors Compete

Gulfport Sea Scouts Get High Marks in Regatta

By Tony Angel, photos by Ruth Peterson

On April 23, Sea Scouts from Florida, Georgia and Alabama met in Apollo Beach to compete as sailors.

They brought with them the ancient skills of those who harness the wind to move 9,000-pound vessels across the water.

When these teens joined Sea Scouts at 13 or 14, most of them were new to boating. Within six months all of them learned how to confidently sail 16-foot sloops.

Within the first year, most of them learn to command a 30-foot yacht – which is how the Gulfport club got across the bay to Apollo Beach.

Competition started early Saturday when each team (or “Ship”) headed out to race on their large boats. With a forecast of 20 to 25 mph winds, the small boat races were canceled. The 12 teams also competed in a verbal test on weather, knots, boat rigging and marine

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“rules of the road.” The Gulfport Scouts placed first in this event.

Next was a difficult navigation test. Scouts had to calculate the course to four points around Tampa Bay and to predict the time they would take to sail each leg of the journey, sailing on a Nor-eastern wind from 30 degrees and compensating for a southernly current of 2 knots and a compass deviation of 2.5 degrees. Again, the Gulfport Sea Scouts took top honors.

Sunday started with a relay race, and finished with “Run-what-youbrung”: Teams launched a boat they constructed from non-nautical materials that they sailed until they crossed the finish line – or sank.

In the end, Gulfport Sea Scouts placed second overall.

Sea Scouts is a high adventure co-ed BSA activity designed to build

theGabber.com | May 13, 2021 - May 19, 2021

leadership skills for teens. When two shy young kids shove off in a sailboat, the boat will just float downwind until the one at the helm tells the other what to do with the sails.

Soon, they both learn to take command when necessary!

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Meeting a Need

Stetson Law Launches Virtual Program for Underrepresented Teens In an effort to bring opportunity to local youth, Stetson College of Law in Gulfport is launching a virtual civic education program for 30 teens, between the ages of 15 and 17, considered underrepresented because of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic status or school performance.

The program, from July 19 to 24, provides students with courses such as gender identity, sexual orientation, poverty law and human rights.

Led by professors Judith Scully, Christine Cerniglia and Roy Balleste, the program is part of a four-year initiative to challenge socio-economic norms.

“Stetson Law officials recognized that, during the last 20 years, civics education and social action programming have decreased nationally,” reads a Stetson Law press release.

“Students have little, if any, opportunity at the high school level to access

JUNE JOHNS

By Abby Baker

the knowledge and tools they need to be advocates.”

This is the first year for the program, and the faculty at Stetson is hopeful for ongoing success.

“Stetson Law has longstanding expertise in teaching students to think critically and advocate for vulnerable groups,” said Stetson Law Dean Michèle Alexandre. “We believe that these types of programs can create

a positive ripple effect for the participants, their families, schools and communities.”

The application deadline is May 31.

The program is virtual, but students without the means to check in online will be provided compensation for resources.

Find an application at stetson.edu/ law/youth-program or call 727-4301580.

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theGabber.com | May 13, 2021 - May 19, 2021

announcements Get Help in a Crisis The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay brings help, hope and healing to people facing serious life challenges. Dial 2-1-1, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to receive free, confidential crisis counseling, along with information and referrals to a crisis center service or to more than 3,000 other community resources.

Learn more at crisiscenter.com.

Sign Up for Summer Rec Registration is now open for the City of Gulfport’s 2021 Summer Program for children who will complete kindergarten through age 14. Hours of registration are Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The seven-week program runs June 14 to July 30, and costs $495 for residents and $619 for non-residents, which does not include field trips. Summer program hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with extended hours available until 6 p.m. for an additional charge. There are 25 spots available at a discount rate for Gulfport residents in need of assistance.

Register at the Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S. or call 727893-1068 for more.

The city will tow any unauthorized boats at the Casino dock to a safe location. All boaters are able to dock at the Gulfport Marina for a fee. For more, contact the Gulfport Municipal Marina at 727-893-1071 or visit mygulfport.us/marina.

Get Ready for Pre-K! You can now pre-register for the 2021-2022 VPK Program in Gulfport.

VPK is free for children who live in Florida and who turn 4 years of age

by September 1. Parents must apply with the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas, Inc. and get a Certificate of Eligibility for their child to attend the program. For more, call 727-8931068.

Community Band Needs Direction The New Horizons Band of Gulfport is looking for a music director for its beginning and intermediate concert bands. The New Horizons mission is to give adults at any skill level the opportunity to play music

Got extra food? If you do, the Gulfport Senior Center Pantry needs it.

They’re looking for non-perishables like tuna, peanut butter, dry cereal, pasta sauce, soups and canned meats. Any Gulfport resident 50 and older can use the pantry. The Senior Center keeps the pantry open from 1 to 3 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. If you have food to donate, drop it off anytime. If you could use food, bring your photo ID, a utility bill, or bank statement (to prove residence) and your SSI proof of income. Wondering if you can use the pantry? Call Rachel Cataldo at 727893-1231.

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Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans Medicare Advantage Plans Part D Prescription Drug Plans

The Gulfport Extended Mobility Service (GEMS), run through the Multipurpose Senior Center, has resumed limited transportation services to grocery stores, medical appointments and other essential locations.

Gulfport residents 55 and older or residents with a disability can take advantage of GEMS door-to-door service for a yearly membership of $70, plus $2 per ride. Call 727-8932242 for more.

Gulfport Marina Director Denis Frain announced the Gulfport Casino floating dinghy dock would temporarily close for repairs Tuesday, April 13 until further notice.

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theGabber.com | May 13, 2021 - May 19, 2021

things to do Hurricane Prep, French Fries & IndieFaire

By Abby Baker

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

All Summer Long Cereal for Summer Food Drive Help combat child hunger by participating in the annual City of South Pasadena Cereal for Summer food drive. Donate oatmeal, dry cereal, pop tarts and other non-perishable morning-time meals. Donations will directly benefit children that face food insecurity. South Pasadena City Hall Annex Building, 6940 Hibiscus Ave. Friday, May 14 Hurricane Expo: St. Pete Beach Be prepared, St. Pete Beach. The St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue and Aquatic Center come together to educate locals on hurricane prep and open-water swimming. Meet a meteorologist, get fitted for a life jacket and head out with a free lifeguard donut. Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

PorchFest in Roser Park Become a part of a new tradition in St. Petersburg’s Roser Park at Porchfest, an event that brings local musicians to the area’s quaint front porches. Artists will play from wraparounds and rocking chairs as you stroll the pathways and check out local vendors. Roser Park, 6-8th St. S. and Roser Park Dr. S. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Saturday, May 15 Saturday Market in Gulfport Join Gulfport for IndieFaire! Buy a seashell watch, pick up a dirty chai latte or watch fire performers light up the street at IndieFaire, every third Saturday of the month. Hosted by the Gulfport Merchants Chamber, it’s a fun, family friendly event with live music, street performers and designed-for-the-occasion morsels created by our local restaurants for dine-in or walk about eating. 3101 Beach Blvd S. 5-9 p.m.

Russian Art in Gulfport Rush in to check out work by contemporary Russian American artists at Artfest, a Russian American Club of St. Petersburg-hosted arts and crafts festival. Held in conjunction with Gulfport’s IndieFaire, this is your chance to experience new styles, or at least the authentic Russian snacks. Russian American Club, 2920 Beach Blvd. S. 5-9 p.m.

French Fry Fest Returns, Extra Crispy Twenty food trucks, with French fry options galore, rumble into Albert Whitted Park for a crunchy French fry “eleganza.” There’s a craft wine and beer

booth, churros and in typical St. Petersburg fashion, furry friends are welcome. Wear a mask, and don’t bring your own ketchup. Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Drive NE. 5-11 p.m.

Sunday, May 16 Doggy Bath Day at Pinellas Ale Works Get a dog bath and a brew at Pinellas Ale Works at this fundraiser for Friends of Strays. Some friends from State Farm will volunteer their time bathing your pups in the Beer Garden while you have a paw pint. Pinellas Ale Works, 1962 1st Ave. S. 12 p.m.

Women’s Garden Tea Time to get those pinkies up and moving at this sip-and-chat tea time in a St. Petersburg garden. Whether you’re familiar with the St. Petersburg Woman’s Club or not, it’s tea time, ladies. 40 Snell Isle Blvd. N.E. 2-4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 19 St. Pete Wings and Beer Fest Have an adult beverage while tasting chicken wings in the park at the second annual St. Pete Wings and Beer Festival. Live music and free admission, a perfect combination.

Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Drive NE. 6-11 p.m.

Let's get back to the simple things,

Float on at Boatstock By marine vessel, float or elaborately crafted bamboo raft, check out Boatstock, a floating music festival.

This is an on-water expression of love for life by the sea and music. Los Angeles band SWIMM will headline, with much more on the horizon. Find the party at latitude 27.808323 and longitude 82.78409. Boca Ciega Bay. 12-5 p.m.

theGabber.com | May 13, 2021 - May 19, 2021

like a hot dog and soda at a Little League game.

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the gabs What is your favorite local business?

Photos by Gabrielle Reeder

Patty Burke, Gulfport: “Oh my goodness! Well I love the Beach Bazaar and I love all the local restaurants. It’s hard to say which one I like best because I try to frequent all of them.”

Gerard Petrus, Atlanta: “We ate at one of the restaurants across the street and [O’Maddy’s Bar & Grill] is pretty busy – almost like the pre-pandemic levels, which is surprising. The beach town is back in business.”

Keith Babel, Gulfport: “Pia’s. I like the food and I like how she was really responsible during COVID.”

Visit theGabber.com and click on the YouTube link to view more of The Gabs!

Hans Wohlgefahrt, Gulfport: “I really love, here in Gulfport, Low Tide.

I think it is a great cafe that really brings diverse communities together. It’s really fun and laid back and it’s a nice alternative to going to places that serve alcohol.”

22

theGabber.com | May 13, 2021 - May 19, 2021

arts

Mize continued from cover

WYATT EDDY

GIANNA PERGAMO

“A Day at the Beach.” Art by Gianna Pergamo.

living here, and I really wanted to capture that in art form,” Meatyard said. “The sun is brutal and nature (and/or Florida Man) is often trying to kill us, but it’s also beautiful and full of life and fruit.”

Gulfport bronze and copper welder and artist Eric Folsom, has a more traditional outlook on the state that gallery viewers can feel in his hanging fixture, simply titled “Clouds.

Birds. Gulf Horizon.”

His piece, a bronze and copper mobile dancing with delicately welded pelicans, Portuguese man o’ wars, and a Mexican-style sun is reminiscent of a classic beachside sunset.

“When I look out toward the west, I feel very small and very fortunate to see such sights,” Folsom said.

“I’m always inspired to keep looking out.”

Folsom’s been working with these materials for 48 years, ever since he moved to Washington, D.C. at 20 and picked up the art while living on a commune and working as a bicycle deliveryman.

“I was drawn to metals because they’re ancient – some pieces are 3,000 years old,” Folsom said. “It shapes beautifully, and I always liked how it felt.”

Baltimore transfer Wyatt Eddy took the Floridian prompt and ran

“Skunk Ape!” by Wyatt Eddy.

with it; his batik-and-acrylic piece pays homage to the Skunk Ape, the elusive swamp critter that stands in as Florida’s Sasquatch.

“I started thinking of the Skunk Ape as a Florida native, and about how there is no proof of its existence. What would he look like? How

has he evaded capture?” Eddy said.

Instead of slinking into the shadows, Eddy’s take on the state’s mysterious cryptid is posing and proud.

The Art of All Things Florida is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through May 30. More at chadmize.com.

• High Quality Art Pieces • Smooth Jazz Music • Creative People hosted by Russian Heritage featuring Artists from across Florida - some displaying their work for the first time in Gulfport.

Siyana Indigovoice jazz performance on the 16th

theGabber.com | May 13, 2021 - May 19, 2021

May 15-16, 2021

Saturday 5p- 9p • Sunday 11a-4p Russian American Club • 2920 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport

23

Listening to the Trees

Artist and Food Forest Founder Crea Egan Shares Her Words

By Abby Baker

CREA EGAN

“What the Tree Whispered” is Crea Egan’s collection of thoughts, illustrations and meditation journaling from the last two decades.

Founder of the Gulfport Food Forest, painter and self-proclaimed Earth artist Crea Egan transferred 23 years of her nature-inspired musings to the page this year.

The result, “What the Tree Whispered,” is a color-splashed book of messages and illustrations straight from the environmentalist’s heart.

“Even now, with over a half of a

un dries

century under my belt, I remember my life, seeking, exploring and expressing myself as a lover of nature and an artist,” Egan writes in her preface.

The works were once bound in a portfolio, but now Egan hopes to inspire readers.

“Inspiration came from meditations with a teacher and good friend of mine in Lorane, Oregon, 24 years ago,” Egan said.

Egan believes that before the inspiration came to her, it was tied into an old Douglas fir tree.

It’s the Food Forest founder’s first foray into the literary world, and like all her other green projects, the goal is to reach people’s emotions.

“This book will open your heart to help you to love just a little bit more, forgive just a little bit more, allow grace, and accept life’s plethora of precious gifts that come freely each moment, regardless of appearance,” the artist writes.

A portion of the proceeds from the sales will go to both the Gulfport nonprofit, Eat Be Grow Sustain and the Sail Foundation.

Find the book at Qi Crystal Energy, 3125 Beach Blvd S, or at eatbegrow.com.

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theGabber.com | May 13, 2021 - May 19, 2021

crime Gulfport Dance Instructor Charged with Molesting a Minor

By Abby Baker

ST. PETERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT

Servy Gallardo, a dance instructor at the St. Petersburg Ballet Conservatory, was charged with lascivious battery and molestation on Monday, May 3.

A Gulfport dance teacher was accused of having a sexual relationship with one of his students; investigators are concerned there

may be other victims.

St. Petersburg Police charged Servy Gallardo, 52, with a total of four counts of lewd and lascivious molestation and battery on Monday, May 3.

The victim was a 15-year-old dance student.

Gallardo worked as the artistic director and co-founder at the St. Petersburg Ballet Conservatory, at 1500 58th St. S. in Gulfport.

According to a release from the conservatory, the alleged crimes did not take place on the premises; SPPD claims they occurred at Gallardo’s St. Petersburg apartment multiple times.

Because Gallardo frequently worked with minors at the studio, police are investigating the possibility of other victims.

The St. Petersburg Police De-

partment offers the Victim Assistant Specialists to provide aid for victims. That can include transportation, resources for counseling services or medical bill assistance through applications.

“Victims of sex crimes are kept confidential,” St. Petersburg Police Public Information Officer Yolanda Fernandez said. “Victims are protected; there would absolutely never be any repercussions for coming forward.”

Find out more about victim help at police.stpete.org/victim-assistance/index.html.

Authorities urge anyone with more information on Gallardo to contact the St. Petersburg Police Department at 727-893-7780.

Send anonymous tips by texting the letters SPPD and the tip, to TIP411.

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25

crossword

Solution on page 31

Financial Matters

gabber on vacation

Solution on page 31

DIANE GUGLIOTTA

sudoku

Diane Gugliotta and Jon Drossos vacationed at St. Augustine Beach for Mother’s Day weekend. Diane ventured there to visit her only son, his wife and Diane’s three grandchildren. Of course, they brought the Gabber along with them!

Have you taken the Gabber somewhere? Or maybe stayed at home? We want to see your pictures! Please send a high-resolution photo and a brief description to news@thegabber.com.

26

theGabber.com | May 13, 2021 - May 19, 2021

worship Paradise Lutheran Church

Unitarian Universalist

on Treasure Island

United Fellowship

316 Corey Ave. St. Pete Beach 727-360-5647

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

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FLORIDA PADDLE SEASON IS HERE! SUNNY DAYS WITH WARM GULF WATERS AND COOL SPRINGS, NOW IS THE IDEAL TIME TO GET ON THE WATER IN A KAYAK , CANOE, OR SUP! ____________________________________________

PESCADOR 10.0 - $569 MALIBU 11.5 - $699

WE ARE CONSISTENTLY GETTING IN NEW INVENTORY, FOR UPDATES PLEASE CALL: ____________________________________________

(727) 545-4554

WE OFFER ONE-STOP SHOPPING, WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET STARTED, INCLUDING CUSTOMIZATIONS, REPAIR, AND RENTALS/DEMOS. WE HAVE OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE HELPING PEOPLE GET ON THE WATER; AND NOW STOCK YAMAHA E-BIKES!

MADE IN AMERICA

PESCADOR 10.0 PRO - $749 CRANK 10.0 - $1429

10’0 CROSS BREEZE - $899

CANOE COUNTRY OUTFITTERS 6493 54TH AVE N VISIT: ST. PETE, FL 33709 CANOECOUNTRYFL.COM theGabber.com | May 13, 2021 - May 19, 2021

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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

If you have questions about advertising, please email us at advertising@thegabber.com or call 727-321-6965! Deadline: Friday 5 p.m. fences, driveways, homes, sidewalks, pavers, stepping stones, pool cages, pool area, you name it we can make it look new again.

40 yrs exp. Excellent references, call 727743-0701 for a free estimate.

GERMAINE HOUSEKEEPING

Looking for New Clients to Dazzle with My Cleaning Abilities! Please Call Laura, 727557-4247.

NOW HIRING HOUSEKEEPERS! Great rate of pay. Drivers preferred but not essential.

Immediate start. Maids and More 727-3631074 Computer Service JS COMPUTER REPAIR Mobile Computer Repair – 40.00 per visit/hr – 727-643-0697 – www.jmswebservices.com

Computer Problems?

No Problem!

In-Home Service FREE Phone Consultation Virus/Malware Removal Setup • Repair • Tutoring Courteous, Competent, Reliable Service

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 www.hwcg.com/St-PeteBeach AHCA #299995153 Cleaning / Housekeeping

PROFESSIONAL CARPET AND GROUT CLEANING

Specializing in spot removal and sanitizing your carpets. Ask about our $99 special. 40yrs experience ,Excellent references and attn to detail. Satisfaction guaranteed. 727-743-0701

PROFESSIONAL PRESSURE CLEANING

The pollen has finally subsided. Make your home beautiful again. We pressure clean

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Gulfport Computer Repair Fast Friendly Service

727-388-3493 2321 49th St S

Mon-Thu 10am-5pm

15 Years in Gulfport 45 Years Experience

At Discount Prices! Free Estimates. Frame and Finish Work. Gulfport and Pinellas Park Areas. Call the Door Doctor. Gus, 727-6446194.

Electrical AC ELECTRIC 727-345-3108 Over 30 years experience. Residential & commercial. New or remodel work, service upgrades, lightning arrestors. Fans and lighting installed.

State License #ER0007653.

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

FREE ESTIMATES

525-0677

Licensed Bonded Insured St. Lic. #EC0002881

SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT! Home & Condo Maintenance

D.C. STRONG

perfectworldllc.com

HOMEWATCH CAREGIVERS OF ST PETE BEACH

SEMI RETIRED CARPENTER

Computer Sales

Fax, Copy, Print

Handy Person HANDYMAN SEMI-RETIRED All types of repairs • small jobs welcome • Quality work at reasonable prices • Honest • Reliable • Free estimates • John, 727-410-2201 CARPENTER DEPENDABLE! Have Tools Will Travel Trustworthy. Doors, Decks/Eaves/ Rotted Wood, Etc. 30 Year Gabber Advertiser.

Free Estimates, Lic. C-5754. 727-821-9973.

Home & condo maintenance • Interior & Exterior • Experienced in all work, A-Z • Call Dennis Strong 727-301-4530 • Licensed & Insured Miscellaneous Service THE TRASH QUEEN Overwhelmed with the mess? Clean up/clean out, inside and out, recycling and organizing, and we do mulching and weeding! Free estimate from Kathy, Trashologist, licensed/insured, with truck/ trailer. Call/text 845-866-3867. Responsible, reasonable, and ready!

Moving / Hauling CHARLES JUNK HAULING & DEMOLITION Junk & Trash Removal. Low, Low Prices Guaranteed, Daily Specials. Kitchen, Bath, Shed, Fencing, etc. Demolition. 727-831-0507.

Home Improvement ROOFING LEAK SPECIALIST Bryan “The Roof Whisperer”. 727-277-9502. Residential/Commercial, Repairs/Reroof. Shingles, Tile, Flat. Quick Response. Quality Work at Reasonable Rates. References. Insured/ Licensed. #CCC1330056. Also, Boat Dock Wood Repairs/Replacements.

theGabber.com | May 13, 2021 - May 19, 2021

BLINDS, SHADES, SHUTTERS AND DRAPERY

Installation Service. My name is Jim Richardson, I have been an Installer for JC Penney for over 25 years. As well, I also do repairs on all blinds and drapery rods.

Licensed and Insured. 727-504-5909 Heat / Air Conditioning

AFFORDABLE PROMPT • RELIABLE Licensed & Insured

Lee Claxton, I.S.A. Certified Arborist

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

727-220-0226 AnAffordableArborist@gmail.com

who give me the divine gifts to forgive and forget all evil against me and that in all instances of my life you are with me, I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things and confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you, even in spite of all material illusions. I wish to be with you, in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy toward me and mine. The person must say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. After 3 days the favor requested will be granted, even if it may appear difficult. This prayer must be published immediately after the favor is granted, without mentioning the favor, only your initials should appear at the bottom. 4 DD Collectibles

GUN COLLECTIONS WANTED TODAY! WE TRAVEL!

Size and Price No Object, honest and ethical local ffl dealer. We handle all paperwork, NO AUCTIONS, no consignments just cash today! House calls available or just stop by! 5697 34th St N St Pete 33714 727430-9424 Matt 9-5:30 Monday-Saturday General

Professional Services

“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

Plumbing

PROFLO PLUMBING 727-902-7077

RON DENNISON INSURANCE

• Homeowners FREE • Condo • Flood QUOTES

727-202-7258 10641 1st St E #205 • Treasure Island RLD0002@aol.com • RonDennisonins.com

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

EXPERT SPRINKLER REPAIR

Rich Moseley, Irrigation Contractor. 25 Years Experience. Reasonable Rates. Well & Pumps. 727-439-0792. Lic.#C8312. BBB Accredited.

I WILL SELL YOUR STUFF FOR YOU Make room in your home and make cash. Contact John E for details. Seaghost15@yahoo.Com 727-565-7228 Pets / Animals LOST DOG April 18 she escaped from 23rd Ave S between 46th and 47th Ave S. Female white w/black spots small Rat Terrier. 12 pounds with a long tail the curves upwards. Not friendly. Please keep an eye out contact me text me email me: 646964-8455 vfigols@gmail.com Please notify of place and time seen. Thank you Veronica

BOLO! REWARD!

Automotive

Lawn / Landscape TREE PRUNING & DEBRIS CLEANUP Serving South St. Petersburg • Free Estimates • 727-308-8650

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

FORD TAURUS SE 2002 Senior owned since new, meticulously maintained, with service file, 85k miles, all power, alloys, clean Carfax, always garaged, extra clean. $3600.

Call 727-748-9117 2007 TOYOTA CAMRY 83k miles. No problems/accidents. Original owner. $6000 obo. 413-668-7898.

Card of Thanks POWERFUL PRAYER TO THE Holy Spirit, you who solves all problems, who lights all roads so that I can attain my goal, you

theGabber.com | May 13, 2021 - May 19, 2021

Lost caramel mini dachshund. New to area.

4/26, 2 am, Shyla ran out of front door after arrival. 14th Ave S, ran up 57th St S toward Boca Ciega H.S. Please check backyards and easement areas. No chip. She has blue spay tattoo. My little girls are heartbroken.

Shyla is skittish and shy. Please call BJ at 720-205-3992 with any sightings or info.

Yard / Garage Sale

MOVING SALE MAY 14 & MAY 15

672 Folsom Street South, St. Petersburg 8-1 pm. full bed, out door furniture, furniture, dishes, etc., miscellaneous. Sale inside house.

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Real Estate for Sale WELCOME TO YOUR NEW LIFE In Florida!

Have apartments in Town Shores. Beverly Gower, Snowbird Realty Group. 727-5506450.

NEW LISTING GULFPORT MARINA AREA 2601 MIRIAM ST. S $235,000 HANDYMAN SPECIAL • BEAUTIFUL LOT! APPOINTMENT ONLY

727-418-8948

neldasellsfla@gmail.com

Nelda Hamm

3037 Beach Blvd. S.

Help Wanted

OLDER WORKERS NEEDED

Paid Job Training for Older Workers…PARTTIME…Pinellas County. Compensation: $8.65

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(Federal Grant). General Office, Receptionists, Greeters, Cashiers, Maintenance, Custodial, Food Service. MUST be UNEMPLOYED, Pinellas Resident, 55 or Older, Low Income, AND LOOKING FOR WORK. Call AARP Foundation SCSEP, (727) 547-0534

Join Team Gabber!

We need a part-time operations and sales assistant to answer phones, support our sales director, and basically keep the office running. The ideal candidate loves our community, spreadsheets and organization.

You should also enjoy talking to locals on the phone, greeting walk-in traffic, and finding hard-to-find information. If you’re a smart, organized and reliable people person, we need you for 25 hours a week. We start you at $12 an hour, but review that at 90 days.

Email your resume to publisher@thegabber.com.

Diverse applicants encouraged.

PART TIME - PAYROLL, ACCOUNTING, TAX REPORTING

Work from House computer programs and files in the cloud. Need to be computer smart. Work is time sensitive. Starting hourly rate $21.50. sales@globalledgers.com

BUSY WATERFRONT RESTAURANT HIRING

Hiring experienced line cook, busser, barback ,server, bartender. Apply within 2001 Pass A Grille way, St. Pete Beach.

RECREATION LEADER City of Gulfport Summer seasonal full-time positions available from June 14th thru July 30th . Education/experience preferred in education, physical education or child care. Knowledge of recreational activities including games, arts & crafts and sports. Minimum qualifications include high school diploma or equivalency. Entry $12.702/hr. Level II Background check, drug screening and physical will be conducted. Applications accepted from 3/15/21 thru 3/31/21 at Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd.

S. or City Hall, 2401 - 53rd St. S., E.O.E.

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED LINE ADS ONLINE! theGabber.com

CITY OF ST. PETE BEACH, FLORIDA NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION AND QUALIFICATION PERIOD

CIUDAD DE ST. PETE BEACH, FLORIDA AVISO DE ELECCIONES ESPECIALES Y PERIODO DE CALIFICACIÓN

The City of St. Pete Beach, Florida will hold a special municipal election Tuesday, August 24, 2021, for the special election of a Commissioner in District 2. The Qualification Period begins at 12:00 p.m. on June 1, 2021and ends at 12:00 p.m. on June 11, 2021.

La Ciudad de St. Pete Beach, Florida, celebrará una elección municipal especial el martes 24 de agosto del 2021, para la elección de un comisionado en el Distrito 2. El periodo de calificación se iniciará a las 12:00 p.m. del 1.o del junio de 2021 y finalizará a las 12:00 p. m. del 11 del junio de 2021.

A candidate for Commissioner shall be a full-time resident of the City, and of the district which s/he seeks to represent, for at least twelve (12) months prior to the last day of the Qualification Period.

El candidato para comisionado debe ser un residente de tiempo completo de la ciudad y del distrito al que busca representar, por lo menos doce (12) meses antes al último día del periodo de calificación.

Candidate Guidebooks will be available beginning May 24, 2021, in the Office of the City Clerk, St. Pete Beach City Hall, 155 Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach, Florida 33706.

Las guías para los candidatos estarán disponibles el 24 de mayo de 2021, en la Oficina de la Secretaria de la Ciudad, ubicada en St. Pete Beach City Hall, 155 Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach, Florida 33706.

Please call the Office of the City Clerk at (727) 3639220 for further qualifying information or to schedule an appointment to pick up a Candidate Guidebook.

Llame a la Oficina de la Secretaria de la Ciudad al (727) 363-9220 para recibir más información sobre la calificación o para programar una cita para recoger una guía para los candidatos.

Amber M. LaRowe, CMC City Clerk

Amber M. LaRowe, CMC Secretaria de la Ciudad

theGabber.com | May 13, 2021 - May 19, 2021

solutions

Marie Drew

Licensed Broker

727-440-1000

YOUR GULFPORT LOCAL EXPERT! ERT!!

ERT theGabber.com | May 13, 2021 - May 19, 2021

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theGabber.com | May 13, 2021 - May 19, 2021