The Gabber: June 29, 2023

Fourth by the Bay

By Monroe Roark

With apologies to Lionel Richie, folks spending July 4 in Gulfport celebrating our nation’s independence are going to party all day long.

The City’s annual 4th of July Celebration is scheduled to last from 8 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. in the downtown Waterfront District. The free events on the agenda include a fishing derby, sand sculpture contest, live band, and parade — all of which lead up to what City officials are calling “a spectacular fireworks show” starting at 9 p.m.

But everything will kick off long before that. Wake up early and bring the kids to the Gulfport Marina’s Fishing Derby from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Michael J. Yakes Recreation Complex (5730 Shore Blvd. S.). Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. at the seawall and, as always, is free. Participants will need to bring their own fishing poles, although the marina staff will provide bait and prizes.

The free Family Sand Sculpture Contest, sponsored by the Gulfport Recreation Division, will start at 10 a.m. and last until noon. This event will take place on Gulfport’s

Juneteenth.

municipal beach and has a patriotic theme this year. Participants can bring their own tools and supplies. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. Organizers will announce the winners at 12:15 p.m.

Throughout the day, since July 4 this year falls on a Tuesday, the

weekly Tuesday Market will be in full swing. It is a 52-week-a-year activity, regardless of the holiday schedule.

The City of Gulfport’s Independence Day Parade starts at 6 p.m. The best viewing location, accord-

July 4 continued on page 11

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WinWay Response

I’m shocked at the insensitive and condescending tone the owner of Winway Homes has in response to The Gabber Newspaper regarding the pushback he has gotten due to his aggressive approach to building homes that don’t fit the description “quaint” in one of the last strongholds of “old Florida.” Mr. Carr obviously can’t make money on building small homes and the buyers of his homes don’t care about quaint and want a home that sticks out like a sore thumb squeezed in on a postage size lot. That’s progress… maybe. The bottom line to Winway’s closing threat could have been handled in a professional manner rather than that of a bully. He’ll never win supporters with that type of rhetoric. —Pat Buza, Pasadena Yacht & Country Club, Gulfport

The Value of a Tree

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the fate of a magnificent live oak tree that stands tall and proud in our community. Estimated to be more than 100 years old, it represents not only a symbol of natural beauty but also holds immense value in terms of environmental preservation, water mitigation, and our inherent human connection to nature.

root systems, play a crucial role in absorbing and storing water, mitigating the risk of floods, and replenishing our underground water reservoirs. With our frequent and intense rainfall events, we need to recognize their vital contribution  in managing water resources and preventing water-related disasters.

Beyond these benefits, live oak trees hold a special place in our hearts, fostering a deep and timeless human connection with nature. These ancient sentinels provide shade, solace, and a sense of continuity to the community.

Sadly, in recent times, too may have succumbed to urbanization, commercial interests, or ignorance of their true value. However, it is not too late to change course and protect our natural heritage. I implore the community and its leaders to recognize the importance of these trees and take every measure possible to ensure their preservation. –Belka,

North Redington Beach

SunRunner Article

Just wanted to give a shout out to Monroe Roark, the author of this article. Thank you for explaining about the free parking on the side streets and, of course, the SunRunner!  —Stephanie Weaver, PSTA

Boating Incident

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.

As we face increasing threats to our environment and its precious resources, we need to recognize the significance of preserving Gulfport’s mature trees. Living oak trees are vital habitats for numerous threatened species, because they are relied on for shelter, food, and reproduction. By protecting these trees, we are safeguarding the delicate ecosystems it supports, and the preservation of biodiversity within our community.

Moreover, water mitigation has become an increasingly pressing issue in our neighborhood. Large old trees, with their extensive

Around 10:30 p.m. on June 17, members of Boca Ciega Yacht Club saw two men adrift in a small inflatable dingy. There were west winds at 12-15 knots, which were strengthening with lightning and storms approaching. The men had been fishing, but did not have navigation lights, life preservers, radio, paddles, and had run out of gas for their small outboard engine. Winds were so strong that even with paddles it would have been extremely difficult for them to get back to their sailboat. The men said they had been drifting for quite some

time and had called out to other vessels as they drifted, but their calls went unanswered.

Three members of Boca Ciega Yacht Club quickly got on a sailboat, got out to the two men, threw them a lifeline, and towed them back to their own sailboat, anchored near the Gulfport pier. There was an affectionate cat aboard the sailboat anxiously awaiting their return. The men in the dingy expressed their gratitude from start to finish. A short time later, strong squalls did pass through the area, but all concerned were safe.

The moral of the story goes without saying: Please be prepared before going out on the water, be well equipped, and do not be complacent, as even the most innocuous of intentions can and do become hazardous on the water. Also, when possible, take the time and have the courage to help others in need and “pay it forward.” Most good deeds actually do go unpunished . On a humorous note, one of the men in the dingy was over-

Gulfport gathers

heard saying, “I’m going to have a hard time explaining this one to my wife.” The other man in the dingy replied, “I’m lucky. No wife and no explanations.” —Guy O’Connor, BCYC member and Gulfport resident Contact:

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.

Drag Shows With Children Are Not Illegal

Gulfport’s Police Chief’s Take on Drag

By Rob Vincent

Drag shows with children are not illegal.

A lot of folks seem to be confused about the new law created with the passage of House Bill 1423. Perhaps because of inaccurate reporting, many believe the law bans drag performances in the presence of children. It does not.

Since the bill became law, I have received calls from people, including one from a state legislator, asking for Gulfport Police Department to enforce the new law in venues that have hosted drag shows for years. In response, I have had to explain that there is nothing inherently illegal about a drag show, even if children are in the audience.

The Bill created Florida Statute 827.11 prohibiting the exposure of children to adult live performances, which by definition involves nudity or certain sexual conduct. As The Gabber Newspaper recently pointed out in their Hard Candy column, “a legit drag show has zero nudity and zero sexualization.” This means that, unless the performers are taking their clothes off or engaging in sexual activities or specific lewd behavior, children are welcome to participate.

Drag shows with children are not illegal, Gulfport Police Chief Rob Vincent writes. Here’s why.

Under the new law, any adult live performance, drag or otherwise, may not expose children to the content. GPD will investigate any complaints where sexual or nude exhibitions are taking place with minors in attendance. We will not, however, assume that any given

drag show is about sex. If you call to report a violation, be prepared to answer specific questions about the unlawful nature of a performance. If you cannot describe anything that is against the law, we will not send officers to interfere with the show.

ABBY BAKER

The BEST single action an individual can take for the planet If cows were a country they would be #5 in greenhouse gas emissions.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree It’s Not That City Government Doesn’t Care

By Rick Kriseman

It’s not easy being a Floridian. We may live in paradise, but rising property insurance rates, elusive home ownership, and culture wars make it seem like we’re always fighting something. As our country grows hotter by the day, we struggle to enjoy our beautiful surroundings. Come summer, we continue to enjoy the outdoors by becoming shade seekers. Who hasn’t noticed the 10-degree difference when walking down a canopied neighborhood street, under the shade of 100-year-old oaks?

Some choose to not to believe that climate change is real. Those who do seek to preserve our environment by planting trees and engaging in other conversation measures. However, some Florida lawmakers have made it easier for people to remove trees simply because they don’t want them.

Stories about regulating trees don’t sell papers or attract lively Twitterverse banter, so perhaps you weren’t aware of HB 1159, filed by former State Rep. Mike LaRosa. Rep. LaRosa’s legislation limited the ability of local governments to “regulate tree pruning, trimming, or removal” when a residential property owner obtains documentation from a certified arborist or a Florida-licensed landscape architect that the tree presents a danger to persons or property.

After that bill passed, local governments could no longer require that notice be provided of the removal, approval for the removal be received, an application for removal be filed, a permit for removal be obtained, or a fee be charged to the homeowner for the removal of the tree. Additionally, the local government could no longer require the homeowner to replant a new tree to replace the tree being removed. Translated, if a homeowner could convince an arborist to attest that a tree needed to be removed, it was a done deal.

In 2022, Rep. Stan McClain filed HB 1555, which amended 2019’s

HB 1159 by adding language which stated that local governments may not create a burden on a residential property owner’s right to prune, trim, or remove trees on his or her own property if the tree in question “poses an unacceptable risk to persons or property.” Additionally, because the 2019 bill created confusion around the definition of “Residential Property,” Rep. McClain included clarifying language around what defines property as “residential,” defining it as “a single-family, detached building located on a lot that is actively used for single-family residential purposes…”

Absent from HB1159 and HB1555 is any consideration of the age of the tree, which could deem it historic and/or iconic. Aesthetic aspects, such as shade and beauty, are also discarded. Further, local governments, neighbors, and historical societies are prohibited from engaging in actions to prevent the pruning, trimming or removal of trees.

You’re barking up the wrong tree if you try to engage powerless mayors, city council representatives, city managers or county commissioners. It’s the Florida Legislature who you need to sway. I encourage

you to reach out to your representative if you don’t want to see the demise of another beautiful, shade producing, historic tree.

Rick Kriseman served as the 53rd mayor of St. Petersburg from 20142022. Prior to becoming mayor, Rick served for six years in the Florida House of Representatives, and from 2000-2006, he represented District One on the St. Petersburg City Council and served as the council chairman in 2005.

Gulfport Council Gets Senior Center Campaign Update

Fundraising on Track, Reps Say

By Monroe Roark

The money for the proposed new Gulfport Senior Center is coming in on schedule. That was the word given during a report at the Gulfport City Council’s June 20 meeting.

Representatives of Kinetic Fundraising are acting as managers for the senior center’s capital campaign. They told council members that the campaign is on track to reach its benchmark of $3.5 million by Aug. 31. The next benchmark after that is $5 million by Dec. 31.

Kinetic representative Karin Cox said that the campaign has confirmed and secured eight gifts totaling $2,543,000. An additional four requests that would total $315,000 are currently under consideration — “They haven’t said no,” as Cox put it.

That leaves a dozen or so “priority asks” set for the next 60-90 days.

“Those are individuals we have outlined, we have a strategy for, we have a plan, and we plan to ask them for a specific amount,” said Cox.

A number of planned activities are on the calendar for the coming weeks and months, such as recruiting and engaging honorary chairs; refining and implementing solicitation strategies for individuals, foundations and corporations; hosting cultivation events to engage new prospective donors; creating and distributing a campaign newsletter; and “announcing gifts to appreciate donors and inspire others,” according to Cox.

“We have a great campaign cabinet that is meeting regularly,” said Cox. “We just learned that Joe and Maddy Guenther will be serving as honorary

chairs, and we hope to secure another couple as well to create more visibility and more excitement for the campaign.”

There are plenty of opportunities for donors to honor a special individual or organization by naming a space within the new senior center — a way “to allow the senior center to express gratitude for their generosity,” according to officials. Those opportunities include $3 million for naming the building; $1 million for naming the main lobby; $100,000 for office suites; and $75,000 for an office.

“Two of the rooms are named currently,” said Kinetic representative Aaron Johnson. “One was a gift by the foundation board, which we are very thankful for, and the other was a donor that we look to be celebrating in the next 30 days that has named the food pantry. We are very excited to celebrate that gift as well and let people know about it.”

Officials have announced no names

publicly, either during this presentation or otherwise. Senior Center Supervisor Rachel Cataldo suggested in January that some naming rights could be announced soon. The Gabber Newspaper asked city officials after the most recent meeting for possible names that have been confirmed and received no response by press time.

Council member April Thanos (Ward I) pointed out that the City originally had a three-year contract with Kinetic, formerly Hartsook Companies. Regarding the total funding needed for the project, said, “We’re not even close.”

She asked what the council should be doing to accomplish the goal and preserve City resources. Cox said that the focus right now is meeting the $3.5 million benchmark.

“But that’s two and a half years into your contract. I thought you would have raised the whole $15 million in three years,” said Thanos.

“We’re a year and a half in,” Cox countered. She then added that they will reach their goals if they remain on the current schedule.

“Do you plan on having it all raised by the end of three years?” Thanos asked.

Both Cox and Johnson replied, “Yes.”

More information about the proposed new senior center is available on the City’s website.

A rendering of the proposed new senior center.

CITY OF GULFPORT

Overheard Things Said at the Gulfport City Council June 20 Meeting

By Monroe Roark

This is a sample of things overhead at the June 20 Gulfport Council meeting:

Overheard About Life in Gulfport

“I moved to Gulfport about four years ago. In my wildest dreams, if I thought a human being could have as much fun as I’m having in Gulfport right now, I can’t imagine it. Thank you all for what you do to make this happen and maintain it. Here’s a little song about Gulfport.” –Berkeley Grimball, guitar in hand, just before singing that song

“If you can’t smile after that song, check your pulse.” –Susan Gore

Overheard About Memorial Day

“I’m just so amazed that living in such a small patriotic city with a dedicated veterans park, we have no formal ceremony for Memorial Day. I hope this will never happen, not another single year. If it needs to be led by the residents, then please tell us that. I think it’s a shame that for all of our veterans who gave their lives for us to have our freedom, we don’t acknowledge them in this city.” –Karen

Love

Overheard About the Marina

“I see in the budget here that you have $80,000 for a marina plan. I hope it’s not anything to do with all the money that was spent on a marina master plan some time before, and you’ll use this money ... to see what the community wants in the marina. On that last plan, no one I’ve talked to in the marina district is the least bit interested in that.

“Let’s do a Gulfport on the Edge-style community plan of what they want in the marina, and while we’re about it, maybe we could throw in the $30,000 that somehow you want to do something with Osgood Point – the only stuff I’ve heard is someone wants to take out all the trees and put in grass. There’s no way any of us want any more grass. We don’t want to get rid of trees, and we don’t want to get rid of the hill. With $110,000 we could have a great community event, crowdsourcing, we could have a party, you could even cater it for us. I’m sure you’d get the whole community, the marina district and the rest of the city, out to tell you what they really would like there.”

Mary Hanrahan

Overheard About Public Works

“Gulfport is a very giving, caring community, as evidenced by the many fundraisers we’ve had recently. I am also aware that many people in Gulfport are in great need mostly due to health reasons. I’ll probably get run out of town for saying this, but I think the city opened a real can of worms by agreeing to close a downtown city street for a fundraiser for one person when we have hundreds of people here in need. If you’re not willing to do it for all, is it fair to do it for one? Even when we have the fine arts festival, which brings in thousands of people, that street is not closed. I hope you’ll reconsider doing that in the future.” — Karen

Love

“I used the bathroom today at Chase Park. It was the softest toilet paper I have ever used at a public facility. Seriously. I just wanted to acknowledge whoever budgeted and chose that, because usually when you’re in a public location it’s not like that. Thank you.” –Lauren

Stern

Emergency Meeting

St. Pete Beach City Manager Under Investigation

By Lisa Leveroni

Without a city manager, St. Pete Beach could look like this a lot more often.

On June 20, yet another emergency meeting was held to further set parameters for an investigation of St. Pete Beach City Manager Alex Rey.

St. Pete Beach City Attorney Andrew Dickman called for this special emergency half-hour meeting, with the commission giving 72 hours notice to the public as is required by law. The meeting was gaveled in by new Mayor Adrian Petrila, who recently called for Rey’s resignation, firing, or suspension. Commissioner Christopher Graus was not present at this meeting.

In many ways, 2023 feels like 2014 all over again. At least it does on St. Pete Beach. The only difference seems to be that the city manager of 2023 is being investigated, while the city manager of 2014 was just summarily fired.

This June 20 meeting began with a briefing by Dickman regarding a problem with funding for public works and day-to-day operations during this 30-day investigation. There had been a stipulation that Rey not authorize “any procurement under $25,000” without permission of the commission. Since the

commission only meets every two weeks, this policy would preclude emergency funds for public works, equipment repairs, natural disasters, and day-to-day operations.

“I called you here today to carve out some basic exceptions,” explained Dickman. One would be for emergencies and another for any capital projects that are ongoing... it handcuffs the general smooth operation of the city.”

Commissioner Chris Marone of Pass-a-Grille tried to clarify the restrictions on this 30-day period of limited responsibilities for Rey.

LISA LEVERONI

“I am considering we just eliminate the spending restrictions entirely because I just think it handcuffs the general smooth operation of the city,” he said. He added that he regretted making that motion. Vice Mayor Mark Grill agreed: “So, maybe a balance point could be what the city attorney suggested and then maybe they’re (the expenditures) brought to the next commission meeting for a post-spending review.”

“We just don’t want to hamstring the city from performing its regular operations,” Commissioner Ward Friszolowski added.

Public Works Director Mike Clark was present to communicate the various needs of the public works department.

“We literally have hundreds of purchases every week,” and on a day-to-day basis needed for operations, he said. “I am approving things constantly, maybe 20 purchases in an afternoon.” Those purchases include truck tires, stormwater pumps, compressors,

fittings, and couplings. On any given day, Clark said, “There is a lot of activity that we need to move along.”

Clark added, “We’re also facing hurricane season … we kind of need some flexibility to continue normal operations.” Not to mention, Grill noted, sewer or storm emergencies.

Marone made an amended motion to remove the restriction entirely from the previous “under $25,000” proposal. The motion also included a post-spending review at the next commission meeting “after the expenditures are made.”

The motion carried 4-0. Then, there was more discussion of hiring a new employee who was supposed to start work that day, June 20.

When the mayor questioned why this employee was not starting his/her job that day, Friszolowski spoke up.

“I need to say something here,

mayor. You know, right now, everybody’s on pins and needles here. That’s why this is happening. There was a certain attack on the HR person the other day. We need that person. I know if you’ve been talking to employees ... Employees are on pins and needles right now.

I am not surprised that somebody’s saying, ‘I want verification to hire someone because I don’t want to be let go’,” he said, then continued:

“You know, you said, ‘stop everything’ last Friday, but we need to just move forward here. This is kind of getting to the point where we need to keep this process going. We just heard from Mike (Clark) and I appreciate Mike being here and clarifying that he needs to have the authority to keep things going.”

After the meeting, resident and business owner George Smith told The Gabber Newspaper, “If you halt the city manager, you halt the city business.”

“If you halt the city manager, you halt the city

Ask Toffer It All Boils Down to Weeds

By Toffer Ross

This month is an anniversary of sorts for yours truly. In June of 1983, I incorporated my first business involving the installation of plants, trees and turf grass in the yards of complete strangers. Although I fought the idea, I eventually accepted that the presence (and supposed eradication) of the unwanted plants referred to as “weeds” was the most important factor in the success of a newly installed landscape.

Water requirements of new plantings can follow a formula. Successfully managing weeds however, is much more nuanced. The bottom line is that one has to manage them. If they are allowed to grow they will overtake your landscape investment. Which can affect your marriage. Your HOA will cite you. Your neighbors will shun you. The groomer who cuts the fur on your silky wire-haired dachshund will take a significant portion of your discretionary income.

Here’s what I do (and recommend):

Spray something on the new weeds every week from May until about October. From November to April do it every other week. You might use the dreaded chemical we’ve heard so much about — or you can order and spray ‘organic’ blends of herbal concoctions. Vinegar? Sure, but not the stuff you marinate food with. Go find something with an acetic acid concentration of 48% or higher (food quality is only 5%) and follow the instructions. This works by burning the hell out of anything it comes into contact with, including your skin and lungs. Wear a mask and gloves (consider yourself warned.) An upside of this is that your yard will smell like a salad. Pull the big weeds that you missed spraying. If it has a flower or seeds, get it out of there ASAP.

In countries that have banned the use of glyphosate (aka Roundup®), small hand-held flamethrowers are the preferred weedkiller amongst

municipal and home landscaper/ gardeners. These are highly effective but must be used judiciously. In periods of dryness or drought, go back to the vinegar. And I must say, that as a non-morning person, a cup of coffee whilst killing the weeds with a flamethrower can really wake me right up.

Here’s what I don’t do (or recommend):

Diesel fuel. Gasoline. “Straight” mix of a chemical. These solutions are beyond bad. Just don’t. Weed Fabric/Barrier. I’m going to go deeper into this in a future article but, for brevity’s sake, let’s just say that they don’t work. Use cardboard instead. I’ll tell you how, and why, soon.

OK, gotta run now. The sandspurs are calling and I must go.

Have a question about gardening and landscaping, or wondering about new landscaping in Gulfport? Send ‘em to Toffer at news@thegabber.com.

It all boils down to the weeds, and fighting weeds in Florida is a ceaseless task.

CATHY SALUSTRI

July 4 continued from cover

ing to City officials, is directly in front of the Casino. There will be a welcome by the Mayor and City Council northwest of the Casino steps immediately following the parade.

Live music is next on the list of activities, with the New Horizons Band of Gulfport scheduled to perform patriotic selections on the Casino deck area at 7 p.m.

The fireworks display that concludes the day’s events will launch from the Williams Pier. The best viewing location is Gulfport Beach.

Several streets will be temporarily closed for the special July 4 events. Beach Boulevard from 28th Avenue to Shore Boulevard and on to 56th Street South will be closed from 5:30-7 p.m. for the parade. Also, Beach Boulevard from 31st Avenue to Shore Boulevard will remain closed following the parade.

Officials will close the Gulfport Casino floating dock in Boca Ciega Bay beginning at 7 a.m. Workers

will close the Williams Pier (corner of Shore Boulevard and 54th Street) Monday, July 3, at 8 a.m.

– 36 hours in advance of the fireworks show. Both will reopen simultaneously after the festivities conclude.

All boaters can dock at the Gulfport Marina the day of the event for a fee. Authorities will tow any unauthorized boats parked at the Casino dock to a safe location. The City will grant limited dinghy access, per the marina director, at the Coast Guard Auxiliary Building during the event times only. For more information, contact Denis Frain at 727-893-1071.

The Gulfport Special Events Trolley will run from 4 p.m. until the start of the parade, then immediately after the parade until 10 p.m. Transportation on the trolley is free, as is offsite parking at several locations along the trolley’s pickup route:

• Recreation Beach Complex, 58th Street and Shore Boulevard South

• Ted Phillips Wood Ibis Park, 58th

Street and 28th Avenue South

• Hoyt Field, 56th Street and 24th Avenue South

• Tomlinson Park Complex, 55th Street and 18th Avenue South

• Gulfport City Hall, 53rd Street and 24th Avenue South

• Multipurpose Senior Center, Beach Boulevard and 27th Avenue South

• Gulfport Public Library, Beach Boulevard and 28th Avenue South

• Chase Park/Gulfport History Museum, 54th Street and 28th Avenue South

• Gulfport Municipal Marina, 46th Street and 29th Avenue South

For more information, including a form for those who wish to register for the parade, phone 727-8931118.

Gibbs SRO Honored in Washington Officer Wins Attorney General’s Award

By Monroe Roark

Grace Albritton spends a large part of her job helping teenagers who are much like she was at their age. She never expected national recognition for it.

But that is exactly what she got.

The office of U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland presented Albritton June 5 with the sixth annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing. Garland personally presented the award to several law enforcement officers from across the nation.

“For me, it’s unreal,” said Albritton. “It’s such a huge honor. This is something that I did not expect any awards or recognition for.”

Albritton is an officer with the St. Petersburg Police Department and one of the school resource officers at Gibbs High School, where she was once a student. She has drawn on her own high school experience to create an innovative approach to her work.

One of her most notable accomplishments is the creation of the Grab N Go Boutique. She transformed a classroom into a shop that provides clothing, school supplies, and hygiene items for students with limited resources.

The Grab N Go Boutique actually began several years ago as a table with a handful of new and gently used items. Albritton recalled seeing a student who was homeless picking out an item excitedly because he had never gotten anything new before.

Remembering what it was like to be a young person who often went without the things she needed, the young police officer decided then and there to make the Grab N Go Boutique much bigger.

“I was one of those students,” she said of her high school years, which included times when she came to school without having access to basic things like deodorant.

“I don’t want anybody to come to school embarrassed and have their head low,” she said.

So she went to work. Her efforts

produced an increase in donations and expansion of resources. The boutique soon took up a large portion of the teacher’s lounge, but eventually that wasn’t enough space.

Albritton asked Gibbs principal Barry Brown if an entire room could be devoted to this initiative. He said yes, and the boutique continued to grow.

While focusing on her primary responsibility at Gibbs — the safety of everyone at the school — she has also pitched in to help with several clubs, including the school’s fishing club, the Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) club, and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).

Last year, Albritton was honored locally with the Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by the Tampa Bay nonprofit Hands Across the Bay.

She said she didn’t seek publicity for the boutique because she did not want children to feel self-conscious. But the attention has had some benefits.

“It was a blessing because more people heard about the store, and more people started volunteering their time,” she said.

When she received local recognition, Brown said she really was an “unsung hero” on the campus.

“I think the Grab N Go is just one of many phases of her support for our students aside from providing a safe environment.”

Gibbs High SRO Grace Albritton was honored in Washington, D.C.

PINELLAS COUNTY SCHOOLS

business beat

Gulfport

Corner Store and Bayfront

Stay Up to Date With Pinellas Businesses

By Cameron Healy Gulfport

Corner Store

It’s almost here! Beach Boulevard South finally has a convenience store opening soon. Gulfport Corner Store officially opens on July 1.

The Gulfport Corner Store provides snacks, drinks, frozen treats, hygiene products, and a “Brown Bag Lunch Special” with sandwiches from Spiro’s. Owner Eddie McClure said this “Brown Bag Lunch Special” offers a specialty sandwich, chips of their choice, and a soda or water all for a set amount.

“Its really just a place that you can get a cold drink and satisfy your sweet tooth or a salty snack,” McClure said. “Pop in, grab you something, and pop out.”

For now, the store provides namebrand products you can get almost anywhere. However, McClure said he hopes to sell products from local vendors that customers may see at markets in the area.

“I will be carrying tobacco products and some local beer, and maybe some wine, but not anything major,” McClure said.

The Gulfport Corner Store occupies the previous location for Gulfport Realty. The two businesses plan to dis-

Health

play advertisements on the side window of the building.

2902 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport.

New St. Pete Emergency Room

On June 14, Bayfront Health held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newest emergency room in St. Petersburg. The Bayfront Health’s Crossroads location opened for patients June 19.

This three-story facility has a “14,000-square-foot emergency room located on the ground floor.” Bayfront Health plans to use the

open space on the second and third floors for medical offices, according to its press release.

According to Bayfront Health’s press release, the emergency room has 12 exam rooms. These rooms include two resuscitation rooms, six waiting areas for patients, and an ambulance bay.

This location offers “a complete range of emergency diagnostic and treatment capabilities including full, on-site laboratory services, diagnostic imaging with digital X-ray, CT scanning and ultrasound.”

1800 66th St. N., St. Petersburg.

Owner Eddie McClure officially opens the Gulfport Corner Store July 1.

CAMERON HEALY

according to gulfport

Hot Tonic, Beach Boulevard, and Lesbianville USA Random Quotes from Gulfportians

By Chris Shablak

So that’s really just a toilet plunger huh?

—Audre Torgerson, talking about the device used on the end of Hot Tonic’s trumpet to alter the volume

“I’ve taught singing to people on Broadway.” —Sally Morgan, singer, songwriter, and teacher

“It’s going to be like opening three huge presents on Christmas morning.” —John Straum, talking about the new businesses that will go in locations for lease on Beach Boulevard

“Just Google ‘Lesbianville USA’.” —Dr. Mike Barnett, talking about his second home in Northampton, MA

“What’s wrong with this picture?” —Mike Bauer, looking at 23 people on the Gulfport pickleball courts and zero on the tennis courts

What’s Up With The Vacant Lot on Shore Boulevard? A Reader Asks About Gulfport’s Waterfront Lot

This week, a reader wants to know what plans the City knows of for the vacant lot on Shore Boulevard South. This marks the second time a reader has reached out to us for information about the future of the waterfront lot.

Question: Is there a permit or any plans the City is aware of, even if it’s just a conversation with the new owner, with the space between Hurricane Eddies and Caddy’s? –David Johnston

Answer: We asked Mike Taylor, in Gulfport’s Community Development department, to shed some light on what’s happening.

“There has been some talk about developing that property you mentioned,” Taylor told The Gabber Newspaper . “Talks have included only residential, residential and commercial, and only commercial development. Our department has given out copies of the zoning for this property, along with the design guidelines that the building design must meet.”

Despite the talk, the owner has yet to submit a plan to the City, Taylor said.

“Although we’ve had conversations, no plans have been submitted to the City at this time,” he said. “No permits have been issued for development of this property.”

Gulfport Senior Center 5501 27th Ave. S. • 727-893-5657 • /gulfportseniorcenter

Annual registration required. Free, residents; $50, non-residents. All programs subject to change without notice. Mon.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Fri, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Stop by, join our weekly newsletter, or like us on Facebook for a full calendar of events.

Fitness Center now open! To provide physical distancing, the hourly capacity is limited. You must call to pre-register.

Supplemental food assistance for qualifying Gulfport Seniors in need is available at the Senior Center. Pantry is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Proper verification required prior to use of the pantry.

GEMS (Gulfport Extended Mobility Service) provides affordable Door-to-Door transportation service, rides to medical appointments, shopping, and much more for Gulfport residents, 55 years of age or older or disabled. 727-893-2242.

Medical Equipment Lending Program provides gently used wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches and other medical equipment to seniors who need it. Supplies limited.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Medicare & Health Insurance Assistance Frustrated trying to navigate the insurance world? We have you covered! Make your appointment today.

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

Gulfcoast Legal Assistance Do you need assistance, with lifetime planning docs, Medicaid/Medicare issues, Social Security issues, food stamp issues, family law issues, consumer/debt collection Issues, or housing/contract Issues? Call to make an appointment with a legal representative. By appointment only.

Stars & Stripes BBQ Celebration Kick off your Independence Day celebration early with a good old-fashioned BBQ, Live Music by THE RUM SYNDICATE, and

fun. Your $20 ticket ($25 cash at the door) includes a drink ticket good for a soda, beer, wine, or mixed drink! All proceeds benefit the Gulfport Senior Center Capital Building Campaign. Tickets available at The Gulfport Senior Center, The Gulfport Historic Casino, The Beach Bazaar, & online at https://starsandstripes2023.eventbrite.com/ Sponsorship Opportunities Available, Call (727) 893-1231 Casino, July 3, 5 p.m.

Grab Some Groceries Food, laundry, and hygienic supplies that you may need, brought to you by MyCare Medical. TH Lobby. July 5, 10 a.m.

Adaptive Equipment Leslie, with Keiser University, will show you how to use adaptive equipment. MUST Pre-register.

Rm 106. July 5, 2 p.m.

collage, found words, and storytelling. MUST Pre-register. Rm 106. Mondays, 1 p.m.

NEW! Flow Art Therapy with Flowers Learn different forms of flow art to create your own masterpiece in this 3-week series. MUST Pre-register. Rm 106. Mondays, 3 p.m.

Craft Fun with Princess Martha Create you very own craft to take home & enjoy. MUST Pre-register. Rm 107. July 11, 12:30 p.m.

HCA: Lunch and Learn: Is that Spot Skin Cancer? Join us as we talk about risk factors and how to spot the signs of the three types of skin cancer. Must Pre-Register. D Hall. July 11, 2 p.m.

Care Planning for the Future

What type of health care would you want if you became too sick to tell the doctor yourself? Plan ahead to make sure you get the medical care you want. MUST Pre-register. Rm 107. July 6, 12:30 p.m.

NEW! Yoga for Osteoporosis Using gentle, low impact types of yoga to promote bone strengthening and improve balance and coordination. MUST Pre-register.

Neighborhood Center. July 7 - Aug. 25, 9:30 a.m.

Veterans Coffee Connection Veterans of all service eras are invited to gather for coffee, support, friendship & to learn about available community resources.

Rm 106. July 7, 10 a.m.

Jay’s Advanced Pencil Drawing Grab your sketch pad, pencils, & sharpener and start drawing! MUST Pre-register.

Rm 106. Mondays, 10 a.m.

NEW! Spontaneous Expressive Writing A fun activity to spark creativity through

Health Talk with Labrador Primary: Achy Breaky Heart We will discuss the main functions of the heart and steps you can take towards keeping your heart healthy. MUST Pre-register. Rm 107. July 13, 12 p.m.

Welcome to the Club Come meet the Senior Center Staff at this informative based orientation to welcome new members to the Senior Center. Rm 107. July 13, 2 p.m.

Rhythm & Groove Jam Session Bring your instrument & join others for a casual jamming group. Open to anyone & everyone, all instruments, all levels of experience, & listeners. D Hall. July 13, 3 p.m.

GEMS GETAWAYS

Fort Desoto Park & Lunch at Chill July 5; $8 GEMS Members / $12 Non-GEMS Members.

The James Museum & Lunch at Carrabba’s July 19; $6 GEMS Members & $8 Non-GEMS Members (Must bring $18 for Museum entry fee.)

Gulfport Casino Ballroom 727-893-1070 • 5500 Shore Blvd. S.

Country Dance Party with Carol & Danielle June 30, 7 p.m. lesson; 8 p.m., dancing. $15 admission, $25 couples.

Stars & Stripes BBQ Celebration Music, dancing, cash bar. Advance tickets $20 at Senior Center, Casino, Beach Bazaar or Eventbrite.com. $25 at the door. Proceeds benefit Senior Center Capital Building Campaign

Casino Weekly Dances

Ballroom Lessons: Tues., 12 p.m. $15 ($25 couple)

Argentine Tango: Tues., 6:30 p.m., $10

Swing: Weds., 7 p.m. $10

Latin Night: Thurs., 7 p.m. $10

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

Teen Space Spend time with friends and make new ones. Play games, make art, watch movies, or just hang out. Activities vary – and what we do is up to you! Ages 12-18 only. Tuesdays, 4 p.m.

Storytime Join us for stories, rhymes, music. Thursdays, 10:15 & 11 a.m.

Kids Read Aloud Book Club Take turns reading aloud from a new book every week! Participants with a second grade reading level. Funded in part by a grant from the Florida Humanities and the Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Library. Fridays, 3 p.m.

Storyteller Katie Adams Join us for our

weekly K-5 Summer Reading Program! This week we host professional storyteller Katie Adams for her show entitled "American Tall Tales and Songs". Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information call 727-893-1074. July 5, 3 p.m. Get Growing City horticulturist, Toffer Ross, joins us to answer all your questions about gardening, trees, and landscaping in Florida. July 12, 11 a.m.

Icy Sci: Frostbite Theater This week’s K-5 Summer Reading Program features Icy Sci’s frostbite theater science show! It's going to get chilly in here! Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information call 727-893-1074. Funded by the Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Library. July 12, 3 p.m.

Lego Club It's time to build! Join us for some Lego creativity and see what construction challenges we have for you this week. Recommended for Grades K-5. Children must be accompanied by an adult. July 15, 2 p.m.

SHINE Presentation: Medicare Basics Presentation on Medicare Parts A, B, C, & D and what they mean to you. FMI, visit www. floridashine.org. Call the Reference Desk, 727-893-1073 to leave contact information for individual appointments. July 19, 1 p.m. Trivia Night Hosted by Gulfport Librarian Alex, a prepared list of questions will be shared with players, who will compete to answer the most questions correctly. Team play is an option with enough attendees. July 27, 6 p.m.

Annual registration: $3; $3, nonresidents

Pickleball Tues., 6-8:30 p.m, All Levels of Play

Adult Basketball Thurs., 6-8:30 p.m.

PROGRAMS

Summer Program Registrations for the 2023 Summer Program continues for children who have completed Kindergarten thru age 14. The 10-week program is May 30th – August 4th. Hours of registration are Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Summer camp hours are from 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. with extended hours available until 6 p.m. for an additional fee. There will be 25 available spots for the discount rate for Gulfport residents in need of assistance. Eligibility requirements for the discount is either a letter from the child’s school verifying the child’s acceptance of free/reduced lunch or a letter verifying the child’s acceptance of assistance from financial aid or a related program. Detailed pricing is currently available at the Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S. Call 8931068 for any questions.

Teen Night Registrations continue for the 2022-2023 Teen Night Program for teens

in middle and high school, students 17 and younger. Recreation, social activities, field trips, cooking projects, guest speakers and service projects. Teens can use the gymnasium, game room and outdoor area. Mon., Wed., & Fri.: 6-9 p.m. Rec Center membership required: $3; $3 nonresidents.

Tot Time Program We are accepting pre-registrations for the 2023-2024 Tot Time Program. The Tot Time Program is a pre-school, hands-on program for children ages 3-5 aiming to make learning fun for children and help prepare them for Kindergarten. Two, three, and five-day monthly options are available. Program hours are from 8:45a.m.-12:30p.m. and will begin on September 5th. Hours for pre-registration are from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. A deposit of $25.00 is required to hold a spot and will be applied to first month’s tuition. Proof of residency is required for Gulfport residents.

VPK Program We are currently accepting VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) Vouchers for the 2023-2024 School Year. VPK is FREE for children who live in Florida and who turn 4 years of age by September 1st. Parents must apply on the Early Learning

Coalition of Pinellas, Inc. website (http:// elcpinellas.net) and receive a Certificate of Eligibility which needs to be turned in during pre-registration. Program hours are from 8:45a.m.-12:30p.m. and will begin on September 5th. Hours for pre-registration are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.

CLASSES

Call instructor for more information. Want to teach a class? Call Jami: 727893-1079.

Cardio Tennis Tues. & Thurs, 6 p.m.; Adult lessons are at Chase Park, 28th Ave. & 53rd St. S. $15/class. Mo: 727-515-1454.

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

Hatha Yoga 6:15 p.m. $12/class or $40/ month. Denise: 727-251-8868.

Tai Chi Gung Mon. 6:30p.m. $15/class or $50/month. Call Kare 727-262-0880

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

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

Art Reception with July’s featured artist Tony Treadway. Free & open to the public. Fri., July 7, 6 p.m.

Well, THAT Was Funny

Gulfport Author Featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul

By Amanda Hagood

Who doesn’t appreciate a good laugh? Gulfport writer James R. Coffey certainly does – and now he has shared the gift of guffaw with the reading public through a memorable anecdote published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Well THAT Was Funny (Chicken Soup for the Soul / Zilker Media, 2023).

As you might guess from the title, Coffey’s “Something Old, Something New” begins in those memorable moments before a wedding — specifically, that of Coffey’s sister (now deceased). What begins as a heartwarming, welcome-to-the-family speech from her soon-to-be mother-in-law quickly transforms into what Coffey refers to as a “quirky marriage tradition” that you’ll have to read two or three times over to believe. And yet, Coffey assures me, “the story is completely true!”

Stirring Up the Soup

Coffey has previously published fiction in Aboriginal Science Fiction, Journal of Compressed Creative Arts, Close to the Bone, and other outlets. But submitting this true-life tale was, he says, an act of love. “My sister and I were very close,” he says, “so she couldn’t wait to tell me how she was essentially ‘initiated’ into my brother-in-law’s family. I thought the whole pre-marriage ambush was rather clever, so I honored

her by including her story in the Chicken Soup anthology.”

The collection, which contains 101 short, everyday stories in categories such as “Mistaken Identity,” “Senior Moments,” and “Pawsitive Thinking” (focused on pets, of course) is a highly entertaining read. Like other volumes in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, it aims to spread “happiness, inspiration, and hope” to its wide readership – a kind of narrative self-help,

according to its publisher. Well THAT Was Funny is the eighth humor collection in the 30-year-old series.

It’s a Bit Spicy

Despite its silly content, some of the stories in Well THAT Was Funny (including “Something Old, Something New”) contain language or concepts that are a bit mature. So proceed with caution around younger readers. (It just goes to show you can’t always judge a book by its cover — which, in this case, features a ridiculously cute grinning tree frog.)

Even so, dipping into this goofy gathering of stories ought to have a beneficial effect. It’s not unlike that timeless ritual of sitting around fire, or the kitchen table, swapping stories and collapsing into fits of laughter. For all that’s saddening, maddening, or anxiety-producing in the world at our particular moment, it’s still possible — on might even say healthy — to laugh.

Chicken Soup for the Soul’s new humor collection, Well THAT Was Funny , provides ample measures of the best medicine, including a memorable tale from local author, James Coffey.

AMANDA HAGOOD

Sweet with a Side of Retro Daddies Donuts on Central Avenue

By Morgan Banno

One of my yummiest childhood memories was when my dad would take my brother and me to the local donut shop every Sunday after church. Dad’s rules were simple: Be good and you’ll get rewarded with sugar. Each week, I’d sample a different homemade donut and wash it all down with a kid-size carton of cold milk. For me, donuts are sweet little flavor bombs full of nostalgia. So, for Father’s Day this year, I decided to recreate my childhood memories at Daddies Donuts & Delites in downtown St. Petersburg.

Daddies Donuts is the brainchild of four best friends and opened shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was on lockdown, John Miller and his buddies sat around a dinner table each week discussing their business plans to launch a retro donut eatery in the heart of St. Pete. Miller is the baker of the group and helped bring the sweet tooth sanctuary to life, complete with glitzy pink wall paper and dangly donut decor hanging from the ceiling.

Made-To-Order Donuts

I stood in awe of the 20 assorted donut combinations on the menu board. The staff told me they can add or subtract whatever toppings make me happy. Jars of signature toppings like peanuts, chocolate chips, Oreos and

other goodies sat behind the counter, adding to the old-school, candy store vibe. With flavors like maple bacon and chocolate covered strawberry, it can be hard to choose just one, so I opted for a half dozen of their “fully topped” donut creations ($21.99.) I indulged in the White Chocolate Raspberry (with fresh raspberries), French Toast (drizzled with caramel sauce and Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal topping), Triple Chocolate, Monster (loaded with mini M&Ms), Sweet & Salty (with chocolate-covered pretzels and peanuts), and Cookies & Cream.

More Than Donuts

At Daddies, every donut is a custom creation. Each get dressed to order. But they’re worth the wait. And it doesn’t stop at just donuts. Daddies also curates a fun selection of ice creams, cookies, and brownies. Walking past the ice cream case made me feel like a kid again, about to burst from sensory overload. Flavors like the bright blue Lil’ Blue Panda (blue sugar cookie ice cream swirled with blue cookie dough and cream-filled chocolate cookies) and Key Lime Pie (lime mousse swirled with lime, whipped cream and graham cracker chunks) immediately jumped out at me.

Want the best of both candy kingdoms at Daddies? Try one of their sundaes (each $9.99) with either donuts, cookies or brownies smothered in chocolate sauce and whipped cream. Or splurge on an ice cream sandwich with your choice of ice cream sandwiched between a brownie, brookie, donut or cookie ($6.89-$9.99).

Whether you want to make new memories or relive old ones, Daddies Donuts is a must.

Daddies Donuts & Delites, 449 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727498-8436

Each Daddies donut is made-to-order while you watch.

MORGAN BANNO

Who Do You Call First With Good News?

Photos by Cameron Healy

Cai Donegan, St. Pete: “My dad.”

Favi Callazo, St. Pete: “My mom.”

Chloe Hill, St. Pete: “My mom.”

Melissa Kight, St. Pete: “Chloe.”

Great Lake Ports

Have you taken The Gabber Newspaper somewhere? We want to see your pictures! Please send a high-resolution photo and a brief description to news@thegabber.com.

ELEANOR BENSON

Eleanor Benson took The Gabber Newspaper to Budapest, Hungary on a river cruise to the Buda Castle.

Independence Day Fireworks, Parades, and Barbecues

Fourth of July Fireworks

St. Pete Beach Fireworks Enjoy an evening full of fireworks on the beach. Check out local food trucks, live music, and scope out the perfect spot to watch the fireworks show. Don’t forget to bring a beach chair or towels. Fireworks will fire at 9 p.m. off the east end of Corey Avenue. Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach. July 2, 6-9:30 p.m. 727-367-2735, stpetebeach.org

Madeira Beach Fireworks Experience some red, white, and blue fireworks this Independence Day. Enjoy this family-friendly beach celebration. Bring a beach chair or towels to hang out on. If you want to watch the firework show from your boat, you can — outside the 500-foot fallout area. The Pinellas County Sheriffs Office Marine Unit will monitor boaters. R.O.C. Park, 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach. July 3, 9 p.m. 727392-0665, madeirabeachfl.gov

St. Pete Pier Fireworks Head downtown for an Independence Day celebration at the third annual “The Fourth” party. Enjoy live music performances by Cassie Jean & The Fireflies, Phoenix 5 LIVE, and DJ Ketone. Check out food trucks such as St. Pete Concessions, Main Street Empanada, and Sweet Island Snow. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. View the show anywhere along Bayshore

Drive and North Shore Drive NE. Spa Beach Park, 615 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. July 4, 4-10 p.m. 727-8937441, thefourthstpete.com

Gulfport’s Parade & Fireworks It’s not a celebration without a parade! Join the City of Gulfport for a red, white, and blue Independence Day parade. Stick around to hear a few words from the Gulfport Mayor and City Council-members. Dance to live music from the New Horizons Band of Gulfport. Finally, enjoy a phenomenal fireworks show at 9 p.m. off the Williams Pier. Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. July 4, 6-9:30 p.m. 727-893-1000, mygulfport.us

Treasure Island Fireworks Watch the City of Treasure Island light up for Independence Day. Enjoy a fireworks show on the beach with friends and family. Bring a beach chair or towels with snacks and drinks. Fireworks will be shot from the beach near Gulf Front Park. Treasure Island Community Center Park, 154 106th Ave., Treasure Island. July 4, 9 p.m. 727-547-4575, mytreasureisland.org

Thursday, June 29

Wine & Yoga Wind down with wine and yoga. Join yoga instructor Kayla for Thursday night yoga outside. Bring a mat, water, and an open

mind. Enjoy $6 wines or waved corkage fees after a successful yoga session. Donations encouraged. Wine House, 2913 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. 6:30 p.m. $6-10. 727-2560228

Friday, June 30-Sunday, July 2

Vintage Marché Visit one of Tampa Bay’s largest vintage markets this weekend. Vintage Marché opens for one full weekend each month displaying curated vintage items from all over the country. Want to beat the crowd? Get tickets for their first Friday dibs night — online or pay at the door. Vintage Marché, 2906 34th St. S., St. Petersburg. Fri., 4-8 p.m. $5-10., Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 727-289-1828, vintagemarche727.com

Friday, June 30

Protect Trans Kids Celebrate the final day of Pride month with Queer Expression St. Pete. This fundraiser has LGBTQ-friendly vendors, a raffle and silent auction with prizes to more than 20 St. Pete businesses. Enjoy live music, Smashburger, and specialty drinks. Show up early to get limited edition “Protect Trans Kids” screen printed shirts. Creative Studios, 5014 Gulfport Blvd. S., Gulfport. 5-9 p.m.

Messages from Spirits Receive inspiration from the Beyond. St. Pete psychic and medium Victor Paruta will help you reach out to your loved ones in spirit. A brief audience Q&A will occur after. Take a chance on mediumship and tarot card readings. This interactive evening benefits the Gulfport Senior Center Building Fund. Catherine A. Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport. 6-9 p.m. $3060. 727-893-1244, eventbrite.com

Sunset 5K Lace up your best running shoes for the Madeira Beach Sunset 5K. Experience the beauty of

a Florida sunset as you run, jog, or walk. Register online and each participant receives a Sunset 5K Beach Towel. Enjoy a post-race party with wings and beer at Hooter’s. John’s Pass Park, 12850 Gulf Lane, Madeira Beach. 6 p.m. $30. runsignup.com

Saturday, July 1

BBQ & Jazz Fest Everybody (well, almost everybody) cooks out during the Independence Day long weekend. Taste the best barbecue around at the second annual BBQ & Jazz festival. Try something from Tampa Bay food trucks and quench your thirst with made-from-scratch lemonade. Enjoy live entertainment from Tampa Bay jazz saxophonist Marlon Boone and others as you eat. Tropicana Field Lot 4, 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg. 12-5 p.m. 833-480-7467, saturdayshoppes.com

Sunday, July 2

Salute to the Military Spend your Fourth of July weekend at the Veterans of South Pinellas County’s 13th Annual “Salute to the Military.” Celebrate Independence Day with a pancake breakfast, live music, and a military enlistment ceremony. This annual event benefits Veterans of South Pinellas County programs. Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 727-3672735, stpetebeach.org

ZIPPERZ BAR

Open Daily 10 AM - 3 AM

Monday, July 3

Stars & Stripes BBQ What’s Independence Day without a BBQ? Join the Gulfport Senior Center for the family-friendly Stars & Stripes BBQ celebration. Come together with other Gulfportians for tasty BBQ, dancing, drinks, and live music from The Rum Syndicate. Proceeds support the Gulfport Senior Center Building Fund. Purchase tickets beforehand or at the door.  Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. 5 p.m. $20-25. 727893-1244, eventbrite.com

Tuesday, July 4

St. Pete Pier Run  Start your day with a burst of energy at the St. Pete Pier 5K Fun Run. First race starts at 6:30 a.m., with a time limit of one hour. The second race starts at 7:45 a.m. with a time limit of one

hour and 45 minutes, with strollers welcome. Register for one or both of the two races. Runners receive a bib with timed chip, custom finisher medal, food from Bolay Fresh Bold Kitchen, and craft beer from a Tampa Bay brewery. Spa Beach Park, 615 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. 6 a.m. $50-75. 727-417-4294, stpeterunfest.org

Fishing Derby & Sand Sculptures Start your day with a family-friendly fishing derby and a sand sculpture contest. Bring your own fishing pole and Gulfport marina staff will provide bait and prizes. After fishing, head to Gulfport Beach to create a patriotic sand sculpture. Bring your own tools and supplies. Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. 7:30 a.m.12:15 p.m. 727-893-1000, mygulfport.us

Monday - Friday 10AM - 6PM

$3 Beers, $4 Wells, $4 Fireball Shots 10AM - 6PM Tuesday

$5 Margaritas All Day • Karaoke 7 - 12

Saturday, July 1 2 SHOWS. 8 - 11 4918 22nd Ave. S

Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks this July 4.

PIXABAY

17th St. & 29th Ave N

St. Petersburg 345-7777

Friday 7PM

Beth-El Shalom

Messianic Congregation

ShalomAdventure.com

JewishHeritage.net

Rabbi@JewishHeritage.net

We are a non-denominational, inclusive, diverse, Bible-based church who exists to exemplify Christ’s love to ALL.

Sunday Worship at 10AM Come Feel God’s Love!

Good Shepherd Old Catholic Church

2728 53rd St. S. Gulfport, FL 33707 (Entrance on 28th Ave.)

Where ALL are welcome at the Lord’s table. Come and See...

Sunday Mass 9:30am

www.goodshepherdocc.net

727-403-7178

Paradise Lutheran Church on Treasure Island

10255 Paradise Blvd, Treasure Island Sunday Service 10am with Holy Communion

727-360-5739

paradiseluth102@gmail.com

AN EPISCOPAL CONGREGATION

330 85th Avenue • St. Pete Beach

Reverend Omar Reyes

Sundays 10:00am Holy Eucharist

Wednesdays 11:00am Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing

“St. Alban's is an inviting faith community striving to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So, no matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.”

727-360-8406 • www.StAlbanStPeteBeach.org

St. Vincent’s Thrift Shop

5124 Gulfport Ave S. 33707

Hours 10 AM to 2PM

Wednesday to Saturday

Affiliated with St Vincent’s Episcopal Church

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

Sunday Services 10AM

Misa en Español: Domingos 12PM

Unitarian Universalist United Fellowship

During the pandemic join us Sundays on Zoom.

Discussion -10:30 Program - 11:00

For Zoom directions email us at uuunited@earthlink.net

“You need not think alike to love alike.” - Francis David, 1534 uuunited.org

5545 62nd Avenue North, Pinellas Park

Wayne Christensen

Christensen, Wayne (Wayno), 85, of South Pasadena passed away on June 9, 2023, at the Bay Pines VA Hospice Unit with his wife, Linda, by his side.

Wayne was born on April 12, 1938, in Caribou, ME, the son of John and Bernice Christensen. He graduated from Caribou High School in 1955, served in the US Army (101st Airborne Division) from 1955-1958. He graduated from Mount Wachusett Community College in 1971, and had businesses in Gardner, MA.

He moved to South Pasadena in 1986 where he truly enjoyed his life there. He volunteered at the Palms of Pasadena Hospital, St. Pete Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the St. Pete Beach Community Center where he spent several afternoons each week tutoring children in the after-school program.

He leaves his wife, Linda (Morgenstern) of 49 years, his sister-in-law, Nancy Stevens (Darrell) of Sarasota, his brothers-in-law, Robert (Louise) Gregg and Lyle Morgenstern, all of Gardner, along with several nieces and nephews. Donations may be made to Hospice (specify Hospice on the check) to Bay Pines VA Healthcare System.

C.W. Young VA Medical Center 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, Bay Pines, FL, 33744 Attn: Voluntary ServicesBldg 2.

Darby lived a wonderful life in her hometown of Gulfport. She lived here her full life of about 15 years. Me, being her second owner, have only wonderful stories of her dad, Corey Foran, my fiancée. He brought her up in this lovely village full of love, friends, peace, and harmony.

They travelled the Appalachian

Trail together for months, and hiking more than 1,000 miles all the way almost to Vermont when she was a wee pup.They sailed together and lived on his boat right off the docks of the Gulfport Casino to live a life of peace and harmony on the water.

We took her to Fort De Soto for camping, fishing, and swimming off the local shores, running and rolling in the sands as she was always excited to kick back and be her own. When Corey passed in 2018, I took her in as my own and she was the best friend I have ever had.

Darby was beloved by the Gulfport community and all locals recognized her as the town favorite. She ran for Pet Mayor in 2022 and contributed $1,551 to the Gulfport Historical Society and the SPCA, and she won.

She lived an exciting life and loved visiting the local places for her treats and always a nice cool bowl of water. She leaves behind myself, the Foran family, and the entire village of Gulfport. We will all miss our Darby. XOXO

Lisa Pence

Darby

CHRISTENSEN FAMILY MICHELLE MAURITZ

CLASSIFIEDS

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

JS COMPUTER REPAIR Mobile computer repair – $40 per visit/hour – 727-643-0697; jscomputerrepair.com

HOMEWATCH CAREGIVERS OF ST. PETE BEACH

Providing in-home health care services to the greater St Petersburg Area. Personal, companion, complex care, post-surgery, respite care, and more. Family and veteran owned local business. Accepting private pay, VA, and Long-term health insurance. Licensed, insured, and bonded; all employees are W2. Free consultation: 727-914-7472. Hwcg.com/ St-Pete-Beach.com. AHCA #2999995153.

HANDS N HEART IN HOME CARE LLC

If you or your loved one is looking for care, I can provide the best compassionate care you need, in the home of your comfort. Meal prep, feeding, bed/bath/shower, meds reminder, light housekeeping, short errands, etc. Call 727-481-4722 or 727-6232410. www.handsandheart.com

Cleaning/Housekeeping THE CLEANING LADY

Reliable and dependable. Residential only. Weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly. Moving out or moving in cleanouts. Permanent and seasonal residents. Over 25 yrs experience. Feel free to call Angelique: 727-6867277. References available upon request.

OCEAN WAVES INC CLEANING & PAINTING

Free estimates on cleaning and painting residential and commercial. Call 727-326-5312. We are affordable and reliable with top of the line specialist. Call now!

727-343-2838

In-Home services: Internet security, training, virus & spyware removal, maintenance and repair, data recovery. (PC & Mac)

AC

727-345-3108

Over 30 years experience. Residential & commercial, new or remodel work, service upgrades, lightning arrestors, fans and lighting installed. State license #ER0007653.

HANDYMAN SERVICES Electrical: ceiling fans, lighting, switches, outlets, and other devices. Plumbing: faucets, valves, and other fixtures. Door locks and cabinet hardware. Flips to problem solving and rental punch lists. References upon request. David: 727-851-7548.

PROFESSIONAL LOCAL HANDYMAN Bathrooms, kitchens. drywall, painting, custom high-end finishing. Any job undertaken, honest pricing. Insured, reliable. 347-9730814.

E. T. HARLOW COMPANY

Experienced, Professional, Reliable. Specializing in Drywall, Painting, Doors, Cabinetry, Light Electrical & Plumbing, Caulking & Grout. Gulfport / Pasadena / St. Pete Call or Text Everett @ 978-491-7070

THE TRASH QUEEN 10% SPRING CLEANING DISCOUNT

My team will clean-up/clean-out, inside and out. Organizing, dumping, recycling, odd jobs, yard and maintenance work. Free estimate! We are licensed and insured, with truck and trailer. Call/text 845-866-3867.

AMERICAN BUILDERS GROUP LLC

Residential/Commercial. All phases of remodeling or renovations. Roofs, kitchens, baths, room additions, new construction, doors, windows, stone or concrete work, flooring, and much, much more. Free estimates. CCC 1333727 CGC 059964. 727-410-7323.

AFFORDABLE CONCRETE PATIOS, WALKWAYS, DRIVEWAY EXTENSIONS, & REPAIRS

PLANTS/MULCH

Skilled labor, anything around the house from A-Z. Weeding, rock gardens cleaned, lawn maintanence, leaves removed, mulch, sod, and plants installed. Small trees planted and removed. Pressure washing. Electrical consults available. Free estimates. 30 years experience. Locally St. Pete /Gulfport: 407244-6045. James: 407-244-6045.

SEMI-RETIRED CARPENTER At discount prices! Free estimates. Frame and finish work. Clearwater, Gulfport, and Pinellas Park areas. Call the Door Doctor. Gus: 727-6446194.

Custom concrete patios, driveway extensions,custom steps, & all types of concrete repairs. Storage Building slabs. Over 35 years experience. Call Mark for a free estimate: 813-8592023.

DARCY ROOFING LLC

Residential/Commercial. All roofing types - T.P.O., tapered systems, shingle, metal, tile, & flat roofs. Great prices, best warranties. Our general contracting division also does kitchens, baths, additions, new construction, and much, much more. Free estimates. CCC 1333727 CGC 059964. 727-410-7323.

KEITH THE ROOFER

Quality Through The Roof.” Free estimates, 24-hour emergency service available. Residential & Commercial. 20+ years experience. All types of roofs. Lic. # CCC 1334641. Call 727-768-5140.

Want to know why Gulfport does things the way they do? Send your questions to info@thegabber.com and we'll get the answers!

Lawn care and service. Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.

Residential & Commercial landscape installs, sod, lighting, large tree/palm installs, and all your landscaping needs. Servicing Gulfport, Pasadena and St Petersburg Areas. Contact junglegirlslandscaping@gmail.com Ph. 727-947-2423

www.junglegirlslandscaping.com

Marine Repair

Roofing, Remodeling, & Brick Paving 727-922-HELP (4357) goodefficient@yahoo.com

CGC-1530229 • ICGC-1530229 • CCC-1334397

Lawn & Landscape

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

James Fox Tree Service

Owner/Operator for over 25 years

“We make your trees feel beautiful”

HURRICANE SEASON SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE

WE'LL PREP YOUR BOAT FOR THE STORM ALL SEASON LONG LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE

727-238-5683

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

ARNEY’S PAINTING INC.

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

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

Trees Cleaned • Bobcat Services Stump Grinding • Hazardous Limb Removal

Storm and Roof Protection • Insured 727-322-1849 or 727-215-8601

LIC#0700008985

Garage, hoarder, eviction, & estate clean outs. Appliance/furniture removal, shed removal, carpet removal, fence demo and much, much more! Free on-site estimates. Lamy’s Hauling and Removal Service. Call or text 727-501-6464. Licensed/Insured. Family Owned/Operated. Let Us Take Your Load!

HB HAULING SERVICES Hauling Services

PROFLO

727-902-7077

Professional

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.

TAMMY

Plumbing Moving

VALTOS

Full service hair salon. Refer 2 friends, get 1 haircut or eyebrow wax free! Call or text 727831-5317 1725 28th St N., St. Petersburg

KITCHEN HELP NEEDED MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE

American Legion Post 125, St. Pete, is seeking waitress staff and cook assistant. Seniors encouraged to apply. Call or text 727326-7756 for details.

WANTED: SLIP & FALL LAWYER & CAREGIVER Call 727-345-1968.

SALES POSITIONS AVAILABLE

For Sale

SEALEY PERFORMANCE POSTUREPEDIC MATTRESS FOR SALE

2022 queen size black mattress. Like new. $300. 727-776-9739.

General

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

DESPERATELY SEEKING ZOOMERS

We need to find where the former owner of Zoomers reopened his shop. We saw you at Siri’s and took down your info, but can’t find it. Please call or text 727-360-7070.

GULFPORT FAMILY RESTAURANT

Why did you close? Our readers are asking. 727-321-6965

Legal Notices

ANNOUNCEMENT OF FICTITIOUS NAME

Per regulatory notice requirements let it be know that Employer Benefits Strategies LLC, a Florida Corporation, has registered with the state of Florida to conduct business under the alias Embest effective June 6, 2023.

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE PSA Laura Van Buskirk DBA Laura Clarke Co located in Pinellas County, FL. Contact: lauraclarke.co AND William Van Buskirk DBA Flyingdutchman Industries located in Pinellas County, FL. Contact: flyingdutchmanindustries.co

Positions Wanted

GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

Barre Central is a beautiful, unique boutique studio looking to add some classes to our schedule. Looking for enthusiastic, energetic group fitness instructors that love teaching! Evening preferred. Come join our amazing team. Call 727-344-6641 or email barrecentral@yahoo.com.

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE Pursuant to section 865.09 of the Florida Statues, Ottomal LLC will register the fictitious name Curious Tropicals, with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, Tallahassee FL. Business Location : 2426 Anastasia Way South, St. Petersburg,Fl. 33712, Pinellas County

Marine

BOAT SLIPS Located around the corner from Corey Ave. on St Pete Beach. Water and Power available. No live-aboards. This is a simple set up and we have a size limit. Call for details: 949-313-5238.

Yard / Garage Sale

HUGE GARAGE SALE

Property Managers

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & LEASING SERVICES

Property owners! The Blue Waters Team from Berkshire offers full service management: marketing, tenant screening, leasing, 24/7 maintenance and a dedicated website, rentahomewithus.com. Ashtin Brock and Dan Heroux: 727-422-3686. We maximize your investment potential!

Furnished Rentals

WINTER RENTALS IN GULFPORT

Garden Apartment, 1 Bed/1 Bath, and attached House, 2 Bed/1 Bath. Both fully furnished and nicely decorated, all utilities included in rent. Two month minimum rental. $3,200 and $4,000 a month plus cleaning and tax. Call 781-325-5965 for details.

Real Estate For Rent

SHORE BLVD. RENTAL2BR/1BA

Beautiful second story waterfront apartment. 2bd/1ba. Wraparound balcony. Furnished. On-site laundry, utilities included. Small, non-shedding dog welcome. Stroll to Gulfport Beach and Art District. 3-6 month lease; $3,400/month, available June 12. Call 813-928-5609 for details.

SHORE BLVD. RENTAL1BR/1BA

Charming 1bd/1ba waterfront apartment. Patio. Furnished. On-site laundry, utilities included. Stroll to Gulfport Beach and Art District. 3 - 5 1/2 month lease, $2,500/ month, available June 12. Call 813-9285609 for details.

Real Estate Wanted

RENTAL NEEDED

Retired, renter/caretaker, 18+ years. Contact Susan emilianobenjamin1215@gmail. com or call 727-328-1129. Leave message. Am slow. Will call you back. Finder fee if info leads to rental.

Automotive

LOOKING FOR A USED RV

Looking for a used RV or camper. Please call Gus at 727-644-6194.

5509 21st Ave. S., Gulfport. Thurs. - Sat., 6/29 - 07/01. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Various items, cooking, art, pet things, household items, multiple gaming systems, and more.

HUGE GARAGE SALE: KAYAKS, BOXED ELECTRONICS/KITCHEN AIDS Saturday July 1, 9 a.m. - 2p.m. Rain/Shine - covered area. 4625 29th Ave S. New electronics in boxes: flat screen tvs, soundbars, wireless speakers, etc. New kitchen gear in boxes: air fryers, toaster oven, ice maker, etc. Air purifier. 2 kayaks, bikes.

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED LINE ADS ONLINE!

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

theGabber.com

Real Estate Sales

Find More Home Sales at thegabber.com.

Gulfport Real Estate

6060 Shore Blvd. S., #809 (Town Shores)

This two-bedroom, two-bath condo, built in 1981, has 1,255 square feet. It listed for $489,000 but sold for $445,000.

1835 York St. S. (Tangerine)

This four-bedroom, one-bath home, built in 1925, has 1,018 square feet. It listed for $395,000 and sold for $370,000.

Madeira Beach Real Estate

145 147th Ave. E.

This three-bedroom, two-bath home, built in 1951, has 921 square feet. It listed for $695,000 and sold for $625,000.

12924 Gulf Blvd., #311

1322 Freemont St. S. (Stetson)

This three-bedroom, two-bath home, built in 1952, has 1,373 square feet. It listed for $525,000 but sold for $520,000.

This 1979 condo has two bedrooms, two baths, and 1,005 square feet. It listed for $690,000 and sold for $675,000.

14251 Gulf Blvd., #1

This one-bedroom, one-bath condo, built in 1958, has 393 square feet. It listed for $298,000 and sold for $300,000.