The Gabber: July 20, 2023

Pop O , Queens!

By Elana Boses

Gulfport gears up for GeckoFest by offering opportunities to celebrate the end of summer with flare and Gecko fashion. The annual Gecko Ball brings the community together for a night of live music, dancing, costume contests, and the Gecko Queen coronation. The 2023 ball marks 10 years of Gecko queens.

This year’s theme is “Around the World in 80 Geckos,” which people voted on through social media channels.

The Gecko Queen is a gender-neutral competition between self-nominating adults who are 21 years and older. The queen must exemplify the spirit of Gulfport: positivity, charisma, high energy, kindness, and compassion.

The Gecko Queen will get crowned at the Gecko Ball and maintain royalty for a year, reigning as the honorary queen and acting as an ambassador for the city’s social scene.

The Gulfport Merchants Chamber made changes to how the Queen is selected this year. Instead of a committee decision, the communi-

ty votes in their Gecko Queen.

“Voting will be open to the public,” GMC President Missy Helmbold says. “And begins on July 22 online at visitgulfportflorida.com.”

This is really a love story between these contestants and their community, where each of the hopeful

Queens expresses their undying love for Gulfport.

Although they have different hangouts, haunts, and secret spots around Gulfport, all of them embrace diversity and express their devotion to community.

Now, let’s meet our contestants!

Queen continued on page 9

2014 Gecko Queen Wesley Ray (left) shares a moment with 2013 Gecko Queen Faun Weaver (right) after his crowning at the 2014 Gecko Ball.

CATHY SALUSTRI

2908-B Beach Blvd. S. Gulfport, FL 33707

727-321-6965

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Cathy Salustri Loper cathy@thegabber.com

Advertising Director

Barry Loper barry@thegabber.com

Creative Director

Joey Neill joey@thegabber.com

Assistant Editor

Cameron Healy cameron@thegabber.com

News & Politics

Lisa Leveroni beaches@thegabber.com

Food & Dining

Morgan Banno

Operations

Patrick Graney patrick@thegabber.com

Reporters

Mike Sunnucks, Crime

Amanda Hagood, Books & Environment

Jon Kile, Columnist

Elana Boses, Features

Serving

Gulfport, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg

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

Owners

Barry Loper and Cathy Salustri Loper

Deadlines Friday at 5 p.m.

publisher’s note

Expanding The Gabber Newspaper

When George Brann started The Gabber Newspaper in 1968, he called it the Gulfport Gabber He lacked the internet, computers, and design tools we have at our disposal today, but it didn’t matter to readers: Long neglected by the daily paper, the Gulfport Gabber covered issues that mattered to Gulfportians, from city council meetings to social club announcements.

Before I started work at the paper in 2003, the name — and the owners — had changed. Called the Gabber , coverage still focused on Gulfport, but now extended to South Pasadena, parts of the beaches, and some of St. Petersburg. Somewhere during my tenure as a reporter, the Gabber changed its website from a mere advertising vehicle to one that ran some of the articles that appeared in the paper.

When Barry and I bought the paper in 2020 (I tell people that instead of making sourdough, we bought a newspaper), we changed the name to The Gabber Newspaper , drastically overhauled the website, and made sure every piece of content we printed — plus additional coverage — appeared online.

In 55 years, much has changed. Our community has grown and evolved, but at its core remains a group of people who love this city passionately, even when we disagree. The world around Gulfport has changed, too. Now people head to thegabber.com every day — not only on Thursday — to learn what’s new in Gulfport... and surrounding areas.

Which brings me to the point of this publisher’s note: those surrounding areas.

As the daily paper of record has digressed to a twice-weekly paper, leaned out its staff, and leaned more heavily on the AP newswire and other partner papers, the smaller communities

in its readership area have suffered. We get regular requests from beach residents as far north as Indian Rocks Beach asking us to report on their community. On the mainland, coverage requests come from as far north as Pinellas Park.

Right now, we can’t cover everything. That doesn’t mean we don’t want to cover all these cities — it means we have to regroup and think about what we do and how we do it. We’ve already made some changes, including amping up our beach coverage. (For space reasons, not everything makes it into print, but visit thegabber.com to read new articles daily. We also have a weekly beach newsletter.)

Like most other newspapers, we pay our staff from advertising sales. We can’t pay reporters to consistently cover, say, Redington Beach and Pinellas Park until we have the advertising in place to pay their salaries, but people there tell us they want to read news about their community. But how do we sell the ads there unless we already cover the area?

It’s a leap of faith: more investment in this paper on the promise it will yield results and serve those communities better than any other newspaper in the area.

We believe in the power of hyperlocal news, our newspaper, and our readers.

While many larger papers have shrinking staffs, we’re proud to say that, because of the overwhelming community support for The Gabber Newspaper , we’re expanding. We’re excited to add coverage, reporters, and advertising reps in the coming months.

Rest assured, though, no matter what, Gulfport will remain at the heart of what we do. Gulfport is The Gabber Newspaper’s history — and our future.

Council Corner With Ian O’Hara Gulfport’s Ward 4 June Report

By Ian O’Hara

Hello neighbors, Gulfport Ward 4 June report:

I marched in the St. Pete Pride parade. I attended four meetings with the city manager, two meetings with Tom Nicholls, two council meetings, and held five office hours.

I implemented a stop sign on Tangerine Avenue and a storm drain debris list.

I received 128 emails, 35 from one individual, 10 from another, and seven from the third. I responded to 87 emails.

I met with 17 constituents during office hours and 14 out-of-office hours. I spoke with 42 constituents on the telephone.

I am currently happy with the direction our city budget is going. I want to thank all the Gulfport residents who attended the past council meetings. They have been well-attended meetings.

If you have any questions or quandaries, you can reach me at: 727-851-8310 (cell), 727-866-7355 (office), or iohara@mygulfport.us

Sincerely your neighbor and councilman, Ian

O’Hara

“Becoming fearless isn’t the point, that’s impossible! It’s learning how to control your fear and how to be free from it.” —Victor Hugo.

EAGLE FINEGAN

“It started out as a normal outing. My wife and I had to run to the grocery store. We were driving down the road casually going over our shopping list when the car ahead of me started to slow down anticipating the yellow light. I started to move my foot from the gas to the brake as any normal person would do when they see brake lights in front of them but I couldn’t. I couldn’t feel my foot. The car kept moving forward and I just couldn’t get my foot on the brake. CRU NCH! I finally came to a stop when I hit the car in front of me.”

This story was shared with us by John S, a Tampa Bay area resident who has peripheral neuropathy While no one was hurt in this accident, John had suffered almost every day of his life with tingling and burning in his feet until numbness set in and he could no longer feel even the brake pedal beneath his foot.

“Typically, the first stage is pain,” shares Dr Rebecca Gibbons of AAIM (Achieve Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine). “You feel burning, tingling, sharp pains, or you feel like you’re walking on tacks or marbles. This pain eventually subsides and the numbness sets in. Unfortunately, the numbness brings

with it a whole other host of problems.” It is terribly common that peripheral neuropathy and its debilitating symptoms interfere with a person’s ability to live their life.

John was now reliant on his wife to drive him around. What is even more common, John’s general practitioner and several specialists told him there was nothing they could do other than prescribe him pills that would ease the pain of his neuropathy

That ’s where Dr. Gibbons and her staff at AAIM come in. “About 75% of our current patients come to us suffering from the same condition as John,” says Dr Gibbons. “They’re in constant pain from neuropathy and it prevents them from not only living their life, but more importantly, it prevents them from enjoying it. Depending on the severity of their nerve damage, we typically see tremendous progress in 3-4 months of treatment. I like to say we’re in the business of making your golden years golden.”

“I can’t lie,” admits John “I was skeptical at first, but I had run out of options. Nothing else was helping but after about 3 months into treatment, I was confidently able to drive myself to Publix and to my appointments. Dr Gibbons gave me my life back.”

Conditions We Treat :

“She gave me my life back.”

It Could Be Your Kid St. Pete Start-Up Combats Fentanyl Overdoses

By Mike Sunnucks

Carolyn Bradfield’s daughter Laura suffered a fatal drug overdose in 2017, just a few days before Christmas.

She was 29 years old.

“She didn’t make her 30th birthday,” Bradfield said, noting her daughter’s challenges with substances and visits to rehab centers in hopes of some improvements.

Now, Bradfield, who lives in St. Petersburg, hopes to bring technology to combat rising numbers of fatal overdoses in Florida and across the nation.

InterAct LifeLine: Tragic Beginnings

Bradfield and Bruce Ahern are spearheading InterAct LifeLine LLC and its sister company Convey Holdings Inc.  The startup effort focuses on bringing digital services and assistance to rehabilitation patients after they leave treatment centers. The pair are rolling out a smart-watch app, Lifeline Connect. The app aims to help loved ones keep track of those struggling with dangerous substances. The companies have operations in St. Pete and the Atlanta area.

Bradfield knows the business and personal sides of the venture. She and Ahern have senior- and principal-level experience with teleconferencing, telemedicine, and other digital and technology platforms.

Bradfield also knows the heartache of losing a child.

She said her daughter Laura struggled with drugs and addiction for 15 years. The struggles started when she was 14 and included multiple visits to rehabilitation centers.

Laura overdosed in late December 2017. Bradfield said she died in an Atlanta area hospital four days before Christmas.

“It Could Be Your Kid”

Bradfield said her daughter probably would have died earlier in the

current substance landscape.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid frequently manufactured in China and smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico, is 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.

It’s also more deadly.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control projects 109,940 fatal drug overdoses between February 2022 and February 2023. (The most recent data available.) More than 8,000 of those deaths happened in Florida, with most of the fatal overdoses tied to fentanyl.

Deadly drug overdoses increased from less than 20,000 fatalities annually in 1999 and 2000 to the current levels of more than 105,000 deaths each year.

The dangerous opioid is cheap to make, easy to transport, and used in fake pain pills and other medications. Increasingly, it’s mixed with illegal narcotics.

In many ways, fentanyl has created instances of Russian roulette with users — from the experienced to first timers — not knowing what’s mixed in with their drugs.

That’s increased the number of dreaded telephone calls and knocks on the door around Florida and other states.

“It could be your kid,” Bradfield said, noting the dangers to firsttime or neophyte users who might get the wrong pill from the wrong person at the wrong party or event.  “It’s not just the addicted.”

Help After Rehab

Her main impetus is to use technology to make rehabilitation efforts more effective after patients check out of centers.

Bradfield said there are frequent trends of those struggling with addiction going back to those behaviors in the weeks and months after visits to often-expensive inpatient centers.

“People didn’t stay connected to the rehab. They didn’t have enough structure and accountability,” Bradfield said in an interview with The Gabber Newspaper.

She and Ahern want to work with treatment centers, behavioral health Fentanyl continued on page 8

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid linked to most deadly drug overdoes in the U.S., including Florida. This St. Pete start-up battles fentanyl overdoses.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, DEA

Corey Conflict

St. Pete Beach Commissioners Step In

By Lisa Leveroni

St. Pete Beach Splits in Dispute Over Sunday Market

Lines were drawn and sides were chosen in a dispute over who owns and runs the Corey Avenue Sunday Market at the St. Pete Beach Commission meeting on July 11. About 50 concerned citizens filled the room. The Corey Avenue Business Association (CABA) representatives appeared early in the proceedings, with the announcement of a new contract for the Sunday Market.

New Contract & Sunday Market Manager

Representatives of CABA introduced the newly contracted Sunday Market Manager, Drew Cecere of Florida Penguin Productions in Clearwater. According to their website, Florida Penguin Productions produces “community events, markets, festivals,  concerts and other projects across Tampa Bay and beyond.”

When asked what happened with securing an agreement between CABA and Tampa Bay Markets, CABA Board Member and owner of Coastal Cottage Vincent Hunter explained:

“CABA reached out to Tampa Bay Markets with a letter from our attorney, Jane Graham. The letter offered them ‘right of first refusal’ if they responded within a 48-hour window,” he continued. “We even sent a contract for them to red-line and return, but heard nothing.”

On June 29, the CABA board voted to select Cecere as their new Sunday Market Manager.

“We knew time was up on July 1 to get back to the City with our new contract,” Hunter said.

Tampa Bay Markets Out; Florida Penguin Productions In

For the second time in less than a month, the owners of Tampa Bay Markets were present at the St.

Pete Beach Commission meeting. (To Market, To Market…The Gabber Newspaper, June 22.) Partners Tiffany Ferrecchia and Greg Barnhill appeared, and Ferrecchia presented the Tampa Bay Markets’ position.

Prior to that presentation, however, the City commissioners elected to take care of other pressing City business, including the disclosure that current owners of Corey Landing were asking $15 million for that property. After the commission completed this other business, which was more than three hours into the meeting, they circled back to talk about the Corey Sunday Market.

Mayor Adrian Petrila queried the assistant city attorney if CABA had been notified that the July 1 deadline was approaching. The attorney answered in the affirmative, reporting that he had emailed CABA attorney Jane Graham. He then added that he thought that now, with this new relationship for the Sunday Market, the City needed “a more specific permit.”

The Corey Avenue Sunday Market will try to maintain many of the same vendors as in the past.

LISA LEVERONI

Why is the City Commission in the Middle?

“I am just confused here... The City has given CABA a street closure and a permit for a market… not a flea market, but a quality market… different from other markets,” Vice Mayor Mark Grill said.

“CABA is a nonprofit and the market manager is a supplier. It’s like any other purchaser/vendor relationship,” he emphasized. “Why are we (the city commission) in the middle of this discussion? It’s a private relationship between CABA and their vendors.”

“Our only role here is to decide who we are giving a permit to,” Commissioner Chris Marone said.

The commissioners and mayor were seeing the two sides of the room, divided by Tampa Bay Markets and current vendors on one side and the CABA group with the new Sunday Market Manager on the other side.

An Impasse in the Relationship

Tampa Bay Markets’ Ferrechia then made a brief presentation, citing facts like their eight years of working on the Sunday Market. This included the last two summers. She said that they were “going to the City to allow us to operate the market.”

Before the meeting ended at 10:20 p.m., three individuals expressed thoughts that CABA should have stuck with Tampa Bay Markets.

Commissioners asked the new Sunday Market Manager to present a vendor list by the next commission meeting on July 25. The new permit will be completed by August 6.

Grill’s final remark: “The city commission is not ending this market. You can quote me on that.”

groups, and educational partners to help extend those connections and offer digital resources aimed at the root of addictions and relapses.

“We are going to take our technology and we are going to use it offer digital treatment (services), extensive amounts of education, support groups, and other groups that will help you if you are struggling with other things [like] depression, PTSD, anxiety,” she said.

Levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental and behavioral health challenges are up, according to Mental Health America’s 2023 annual survey.

Fifteen percent of Americans had substance abuse problems in the last 12 months, according to the group, with 93.5% not receiving any treatment.

Fifty million Americans are facing mental health challenges with another 12.1 million saying they seriously considered suicide, according to MHA.

Digital Safety Net

The St. Petersburg pair are rolling out an app for parents and other loved ones that link to their kid’s smartwatch or FitBit. The app connects those watches by tracking movements and vital signs.

If someone goes silent on the app or shows signs of distress, the concerned parent or family member can then try to contact them or their social circle  or can call 911.

In some overdose instances, minutes and seconds can be a

matter of life and death.

“It just gives you a safety net around the kid,” Ahern said.

Bradfield said Laura was found overdosing at a RaceTrac gas station in Atlanta.

“We got a knock on the door at 4:30 in the morning,” she said, noting that if responses to the overdose had been faster Laura might have had a great chance of surviving.

She said a number of fatal overdoses — during and after the pandemic — happen when people are alone and struggling with other

mental and behavioral health issues.

“A lot of these people are overdosing alone at home,” she said.

Ahern said the target price on the app is $19.99 per month. That price will cover two people and their smartwatches.

The company is also crowdsourcing via GoFundMe and has a nonprofit arm aimed at helping lower-income households with costs.

Access to care and high costs of inpatient and other treatment services is a major behavioral health issue, she said.

“Laura was in 10, 15 programs. We spent a lot of money on rehab and none of it worked,” Bradfield said.

The pair hopes to gain more momentum via word of mouth and proselytizing from families and kids who gain from the digital treatment offerings as well as the smartwatch app, which they hope saves lives.

“I want one parent in every high school as an evangelist,” he said.

That will help spread the word and prove proof of concept in a behavioral health and treatment space looking for plenty of answers.

Fentanyl continued from page 5

Carolyn Bradfield (right) and her late daughter, Laura.

BRUCE AHERN

Queen continued from cover Queen Contestants:

Bex Aukai Bell

“The journey is the destination,” Bell says.

As a Florida native and trans woman who moved to Gulfport in 2020, Bell is filled with gratitude for those who built her new home.

“I would like to thank the City, business owners, and long-term residents for creating a home with very kind and accepting people,” Bell says.

Bell is an active participant in all Gulfport events, including volunteering at Catherine A. Hickman theater, ArtOUT, and Mind Body Spirit Expos.

Bell says she felt a calling to be

Gecko Queen because “there is a lot of fracturing in Florida and I would like to help keep Gulfport together as an amazing, welcoming, progressive, and, yes, weird community. I feel that by shining my bright full spectrum trans light as Gecko Queen, it will be a beacon for diverse people.”

You can find Bell out and about at Sumitra, Stella’s, Gulfport Beach Bazaar, or hanging at the beach.

Robert Daunch

“No bad days!” Daunch says.

“I never thought I could be this happy! I love the Gulfport community,”

Daunch says. “The people look out for each other. I just love the festivals and events, the art and artists, and the hippie vibe. I love the diversity in Gulfport, everyone can just be themselves.”

Daunch’s wife, Jen, calls him “Gulfport’s Biggest Cheerleader.” You have likely seen Robert, Jen, and Ramses riding around in a decorated golf cart with the vanity plate, King & Queen, referring to the couple’s 135-pound dog, Ramses.

Ramses is a Gulfport famous, known to his fans as Ramses_KingofGulfport on Instagram.

“Since Ramses is the king of Gulfport, it only makes sense that Bob Queen continued on page 10

Bex Aukai Bell, Gecko Queen contestant, at Gulfport Beach Bazaar.

BRIDIE MAISIE

Ramses (left) and Gecko Queen Contestant Robert Daunch (right).

ELANA BOSES

Queen continued from page 9

would be queen,” jokes Jen.

You can find Daunch hanging at O’Maddy’s, The North End Taphouse, or as the “pickle guy” on cooler Gulfport Tuesday Market days.

Kelli Garcia

“All for one and fun for all,” Garcia says.

Garcia loves being involved. She jumped into her new marriage and community with both feet. Although Garcia has only been a Gulfportian for a year, she has an impressive resume of community service and leadership. Most notedly, she led outreach for the series of town hall events called Gulfport on the Edge.

Garcia loves Gulfport because of its “tradition, charm, and culture.”

“I love Gulfport, and when you love something so much, that enthusiasm is contagious,” she says in her Gecko Queen campaign video.

You can find Garcia doing yoga in the park, tending to the food forest, and hanging out at Gulfport Brewery or the Wine Bar.

Susan Gore

“I show up — and keep showing up,” Gore says.

Gore fell in love with Gulfport in 2015 while visiting the area as a guest speaker about diversity and inclusion. Six months later, she packed up her three cats and moved to Gulfport.

She loves Gulfport because, “it’s a quirky piece of paradise where people smile at each other, take fun seriously and live and let live.”

You can find Gore at the library. She serves as board President of the LGBTQ Resource Center, currently housed in the Gulfport library.

“When we started in 2015, the LGBTQ resources included about 250 books. Now we have over 10,000 resources, which includes books and digital assets,” she said.

Olya

Schaefer

“Life is short; lift heavy things,” Schaefer says.

For five years, Schaefer played beach volleyball in Gulfport’s local league.

“The people of Gulfport welcomed me and I want to do the same for others,” she says.

After falling in love with Gulfport, she planted roots and says, “I’m here to stay.”

As the owner of Athleticus, a personal training studio, Schaefer loved Gulfport so much she decided to purchase a local retail strip mall to rebuild and beautify the city. She purposely painted the building a bright yellow color to represent the cheerful spirit of Gulfport.

She said she loves Gulfport’s “diversity and community; everything is so easy and chill. I love how the community supports their local businesses and each other.”

You can find Schaefer and her pup, Maggie, at Sumitra, Pia’s, and the Tuesday Market.

Denise Zielinski

“Just show up,” Zielinski says.

Zielinski is somewhere dancing right now! Living through her values of community, friendship, and kindness, Zielinski says she feels her contribution to Gulfport’s local music scene is her dancing.

“I coined the term, ‘the Gulfport Glow’, because living in Gulfport is like being on vacation every day,” she said.

Zielinski loves Gulfport because,

Lisa Pence

Kelli Garcia, Gecko Queen contestant, sits in front of The Wine Bar.

ELANA BOSES

Susan Gore, Gecko Queen contestant, in front of the Gulfport Gecko statue. She wears a hat from ArtOut, created by St. Pete artist Adrienne Corral.

ELANA BOSES

“everything goes, diversity is embraced, and the community really supports each other.”

When she isn’t dancing, she invests her time in fundraising for those in need.

You can find Zielinski with all her friends at her favorite spots, The Tiki

Bar and Grill, The North End Taphouse, or shopping local at Zaiya or BoTiki.

Final Thoughts

After meeting each contestant, one thing is clear: Community is

king, but who will be its queen?

If you have been thinking about getting out more, let this be your invitation. Buy tickets to the Gecko Ball on Aug. 26 in person at Gulfport Beach Bazaar or online at the Gulfport Merchants Chamber website.

Gecko Queen contestant Olya Schaefer (left) and Maggie Noodle (right) at Athleticus Personal Training.

ELANA BOSES

Gecko Queen Contestant, Denise Zielinski, at The Tiki Bar and Grill.

ELANA BOSES

Dog Park Makeover

Pinellas Park Dog Park Closes Temporarily

By Mike Sunnucks

The City of Pinellas Park closed the dog park areas at Freedom Lake Park on July 17; the closure runs through July 31.

Located near 49th Street North and U.S. 19., Freedom Lake has two adjacent dog park areas. One park is for larger dogs; that one has 22,556 square feet. The other park is for smaller dogs — a 9,790-square-foot space.

Dog Park Revamp

“An irrigation system will be installed both inside and outside of the dog park area and there will be new sod installed as well as new chain link fencing will be placed around the small dog park and repairs to damaged fence posts will be done,” Pinellas Park’s Public Works Administrator Keith Sabiel Jr. said.

Sabiel said the lack of rain, dry conditions, and overall use of the

dog parks prompted the City to install the new irrigation and sod.

The City plans to install new concrete walkways from the two dog park entrances to dog water fountains in each area.

Improvements & Costs

The dog park closure should last two weeks. However, that could change based on weather, rainfall, and how long it takes new sod to take root.

“During the two-week shutdown, we anticipate completing the concrete and irrigation install. After that is complete, we will shutdown a portion of each dog park temporarily for

the sod installation. Once the sod is rooted, we will open dog parks in their entirety,” Sabiel said.

The City expects to spend $31,250 on the project.

Municipal workers will install the sod, irrigation, and concrete integration. Pinellas Park acquired fencing from Smith Fence.

Sabiel said Pinellas Park received some calls about conditions of the fence and sandy areas at the dog park. The City completed repairs to the fence earlier this year.

City workers removed water bowls, chairs, and other items brought to the park areas by dog owners, citing safety and public health concerns.

Pinellas Park officials collected items such as water bowls left at the dog park.

MIKE SUNNUCKS

Rebuild, Reopen Wildlife Refuge

Madeira Beach Wildlife Refuge Fire Kills Almost 100 Animals

By Mike Sunnucks

An early morning fire killed more than 90 animals and reptiles at a Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center, a Madeira Beach wildlife refuge and tourist attraction. The fire caused more than $1 million in damage.

Now, the alligator center hopes to rebuild and reopen, according to Sonny Flynn. Flynn founded the beachside tourist attraction and serves as CEO.

“Yes, we will reopen, I am assessing the damage today, and waiting on the building inspector to know if we can at least open part of it,” Flynn told The Gabber Newspaper July 13.

Flynn said the wildlife center lost three skunks, three bunnies, 25 frogs, one pot belly pig, eight squirrels, and 15 snakes. It also lost more than a dozen other reptiles.

“Nearly all the animals are gone,” the Center posted on social media on July 13. The Madeira Beach wildlife refuge and tourist attraction listed no alligators as killed.

Cause of the Fire?

Madeira Beach Fire Chief Clint Belk said the State Fire Marshal’s office traced the fire’s cause to an electrical issue.

“We’re in the infancy stages of planning for assistance but the owners have had all the remaining living animals temporarily re-homed through various organizations,” Belk said.

Flynn also told The Gabber Newspaper investigators had yet to determine the specific cause.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said deputies “on foot patrol” at John’s Pass Village noticed flames from the fire at 3 a.m. July 13.

PCSO said arson investigators launched an investigation as to the cause of the blaze.

Some of the surviving reptiles and animals found temporary homes at other local aquariums and wildlife centers.

How to Help the Madeira Beach Wildlife Refuge

Flynn said she will have a better sense of the costs and breadth of damages after she assesses the blaze’s impacts.

“I am assessing the damage today. We will need help with cleanup once we’re allowed back in,” she said.

“There is a GoFundMe page that can be found on the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber‘s website, or

they can donate through our website at johnspassrescue.com,” she added.

The beach chamber of commerce group announced Thursday it had launched a fundraising effort for the alligator center. The chamber also said it would have a better idea of specific items or help that is needed after damage assessments.

The Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center opened in 2011. Over the the past 12 years, it has offered shelter to more than 250 gators, other reptiles, and other animals.

“This is a tragic loss for the City of Madeira Beach. While the fire is still under investigation, we hope for rapid reconstruction. As a former fire chief, I am used to being awoken at 3 a.m. with bad news. I feel for all the humans and the animals involved,” Madeira Beach Mayor Jim Rostek told The Gabber Newspaper

The aftermath of the blaze at Madeira Beach wildlife refuge and tourist attraction.

ALLIGATOR & WILDLIFE DISCOVERY CENTER

according to gulfport

Bacon, Gulfport After Dark, and Plant Love Ice Cream Random Quotes from Gulfportians

By Chris Shablak

Gulfport after dark. It’s part Hawaiian luau, part zombie movie.

—Scott Russell, talking about Shore Boulevard

“We have over 60 flavors that will rotate. Cookie Butter and Fluffernutter are the current favorites.”

—Erika Gebhard, pro scooper at Plant Love Ice Cream

“Life’s a garden. Dig it.”

Justin Grindstaff, hoping for rain

“Fail to plan. Plan to fail.”

—Ross Holeman, entrepreneur and inventor of Plunk, the fruit fly cure

“Never fry bacon naked.”

—Life advice from Rick Rager

Gateway Subs, Murals, and Treasure Island Plaza Stay Up-to-Date with Pinellas Businesses

By The Gabber Staff

Gateway Subs

Gateway Subs opened its second location on the causeway between South Pasadena and St. Pete Beach.

All Gateway Subs serve 6-12” fresh-baked hoagie rolls. The shop offers a range of top-quality meats, cheeses, salads, and vegan items. Coffee and breakfast croissants are also available. With hours from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., there is plenty of time to stop by before and after a beach day. They offer catering options.

Gateway Subs, 2525 Pasadena Ave. S., Unit O., South Pasadena. 727-289-9634. gatewaysubs.com

Red Mesa Mercado

Red Mesa Mercado plans to open a new location in South Pasadena.

Construction begins in October of this year and expects to open in 2024.

Originally founded in 1995 downtown St. Pete under the Red Mesa Group. Today, the Red Mesa Group has three restaurants in the St. Petersburg area, plus catering, events, and food trucks.

The group has multiple variations of the business including Red Mesa, Red Mesa Cantina, Red Mesa Mercado,

Red Mesa Quatro, Red Mesa Events, and Red Mesa Catering.

For the best in Cali-Mex, traditional Mexican, Hondouran and Floridian dining, visit Red Mesa.

Red Mesa Mercado, 6001 Central Ave., South Pasadena. redmesagroup. com

South Pasadena Mural Project

Calling all artists! Creative Pinellas and the City of South Pasadena partnered to bring three vibrant murals to the city.

The South Pasadena Mural Project intends to bring colors and impactful art to the community.

This first call for artists launched July 11 and closes Aug. 15. Creative Pinellas will reach out to the selected artists by Sept. 1. The first round of murals will be completed in November.

The mural locations include Leverocks (840 Pasadena Ave. S.), Pasadena Liquor and Fine Wines (1100 Pasadena Ave. S.), and Florida Groves Winery (1500 Pasadena Ave. S.). All the dates and locations are subject to change.

In late November, a second call for artists will take place. The project will

add three to five more murals.

All interested artists in Pinellas County can apply and find more information online, including budgets and guidelines.

Creative Pinellas, 727-582-2172, creativepinellas.org

Treasure Island Plaza

Treasure Island Plaza is one of the oldest strip malls in the center of T.I. Recently, a South Florida developer bought the plaza with plans to build a mixed-use structure in its place.

The selling price? $5.85 million.

The plan is to build a five-story building. On the ground floor would be retail shops. On the upper level floors would have 40 units of both hotel rooms and condominiums.

None of this will happen overnight, because existing tenants hold leases of between one and three years right now.

Treasure Island Plaza is across from the Clock Tower on Treasure Island Causeway. Keep watching the Treasure Island City Commission and Mayor Tyler Payne to follow the progress of this sale and development plan.

118 107th Ave., Treasure Island.

Calling all artists! Creative Pinellas and the City of South Pasadena partnered to bring three vibrant murals to the city.

CAMERON HEALY

More Short-Term Rentals? A Reader Asks Why Gulfport Can’t Expand STRs

This week, a reader wants to know about the possibility of a Gulfport short-term rentals expansion.

Question: Has Gulfport City Council considered expanding the area where legal short-term rentals are allowed? What’s the reasoning behind the small area where shortterm rentals are currently allowed?

I’m seeing these short-term visitors spending lots of money with local businesses — I see lots of Bo-Tiki, Gulfport Beach Bazaar, and Susan Mango bags and happy, crowded sidewalks on Tuesdays. I’d like to see more longer-term rentals available here, too but just wondering the rationale behind limiting Airbnbs or VRBOs.

Apgar

Answer: Gulfport City Manager, Jim O’Reilly, broke down the rationale.

“Any changes to or future amendment of the City’s present ordinance would invalidate the existing protections and regulations presently in place in the City of Gulfport’s Code of Ordinances,” he wrote in an email.

The City’s June 1, 2011 ordinance defines short-term rentals as “one or more temporary lodging units”

available to rent for less than a month more than three times “in a consecutive 12-month period.”

Most importantly, he explained, the State of Florida won’t allow counties and cities to make any new laws about short-term rentals — unless they want to lose control of how they regulate them.

“In essence,” O’Reilly said, “the law states that local laws, ordinances or regulations may not prohibit vacation rentals, or regulate the duration or frequency of vacation rentals. This does not apply to any local law, ordinance, regu-

lation adopted on or before June 1, 2011.”

That means that as long as Gulfport doesn’t change its ordinances about short-term rentals, it will retain control.

While the State of Florida does not expressly prohibit changing the areas that allow short-term rentals, O’Reilly explained the City’s concern is that any change could “nullify the existing ordinance” and remove any “power and protections” the city currently has to regulate anything about short-term rentals.

A readers asks if Gulfport would consider expanding the areas that allow short-term rentals.

MONROE ROARK

Life Under the Big Top Cirque du Soleil ‘Drawn to Life’ at Disney Springs

By Cathy Salustri

With people coming from around the world to see Cirque de Soleil’s  Drawn to Life at Disney Springs — and with performers from around the world as well — the latest iteration of the Cirque franchise also has talent from the Tampa Bay area.

Sarasota-born Tteven Delmonte is a ninth-generation circus performer. He doesn’t remember a time when he didn’t perform in the circus.

“I’ve been in the circus business my entire life,” Delmonte says. He started performing at the age of 2.

“I was just a little guy. It wasn’t really an act,” he says. “My dad balanced me on his hands.”

But at 4, he started working with the family’s horse act.

“We kind of did, basically, acrobatics on top of galloping horses,” he says.

The Sarasota-based family travel across the country with different circuses, from smaller circus-

es called “mud shows” to Ringling Brothers.

Delmonte bested thousands of performers from across the globe, earning him a coveted spot with Cirque du Soleil. Along with 60 other performers, he’s part of a show that draws crowds twice-daily, honoring his family’s circus history every time he steps on stage.

The Old Mill, the Owl, and Old Stories

The story revolves around a young woman grieving the loss of her father, a Walt Disney Animator. She finds one of his unfinished animations, and, with the help of a anthropomorphized pencil, works through her grief.

Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life makes good use of Delmonte’s skill. “The Old Mill,” what Delmonte describes as “basically a giant hamster ball that we run around in,” draws on his acrobatic background and talent.

The 1937 Silly Symphony cartoon

The Old Mill inspired the act. Delmonte plays The Owl in the Cirque version. While every other Cirque du Soleil show — from shows that tour the world to shows in residence at Disney Springs — incorporates acrobatics, aerialists, and choreography in elevated ways, this iteration (which opened November 2021) also incorporates Walt Disney Animation with Cirque’s signature acrobatics and choreography. Walt Disney Animation artists created new animations specifically for this show. Such animation makes Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life the only show of its kind in the world: an artistic homage to hand-drawn animation.

If You Go

Disney Springs, 1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista. Tues.-Sat., 5:30 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Sun., 1:30 p.m. & 4 p.m. $59, seat categories 1-4, through Sept. 23; $85, all seat categories, ongoing. cirquedusoleil.com, 877-773-6470

Meet Tteven Delmonte, a ninth-generation circus performer from Sarasota. Delmonte performs the Owl in Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life at Disney Springs.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

A Middle-East Feast

Cedars Grill Offers Middle Eastern Cuisines

By Morgan Banno

Middle Eastern cuisine is one of my favorites. It has a rich history of faraway lands, exotic spices, and intoxicating flavors. Religion and local ingredients are integral, while Mediterranean influences bring a freshness that’s unmatched. Lucky for me, Cedars Grill is a feast for Middle Eastern eats in St. Petersburg that both meat lovers and vegans will enjoy.

What’s magical about Middle Eastern cuisine are the copious amounts of warm, fragrant spices. Aromatic medleys of cinnamon, sumac, saffron, and coriander are at the forefront along with harissa, cardamom, anise, and nutmeg. Nuts, dates, olive oil, and beans are widely used in different dishes. The most traditional proteins are mutton, lamb, and goat, but chicken, camel, and fish are used as well. Beef is not as popular due to religious beliefs, except in non-Muslim countries.

Shawarma For the Win

Cedars Grill is a modest establishment. If you aren’t looking for it, you’ll drive past it. Inside lacks any sense of ambiance but what they lack in decor, they more than make up for in flavor. The menu showcases traditional Middle East fare like baba ganoush ($5.99), kibbe ($8.99), and kebabs ($12.99) but I went in search of falafel ($9.49), lentil soup ($5.99), and chicken shawarma ($12.99).

Falafel is a vegan dish made of ground chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices that is formed into patties and fried. It’s a go-to for me and Cedars’ falafel was perfect — crispy on the outside, moist and herbaceous on the inside. Sadly, the lentil soup was both underwhelming and under-seasoned. But the chicken shawarma won my heart. Generous pieces of roasted chicken breast, chopped red onion, and fresh pars-

ley decorated my massive plate of house made hummus (served with a basket of warm pita bread). Each bite was juicy and boldly seasoned. The hummus was creamy, smooth, and out-of-this-world delicious.

Shawarma, traditionally a street food, consists of marinated meat stacked on a vertical rotisserie. It’s sliced off and stuffed in a pita, or served alone with rice, greens, and condiments. I prefer my chicken shawarma sliced into flat pieces (you can stack more in your pita this way) but Cedars’ chicken, albeit chunks, was brimming with flavor and absolutely divine.

Authentic Turkish Coffee

For the immersive Middle Eastern dining experience, be sure to to try Cedars’ authentic Turkish

coffee ($2.99). Turkish coffee is thick and aromatic. Ultra-finely ground coffee beans are boiled in a copper pot (called a cezve) and left unfiltered before serving. The powder-like grind is what gives the coffee its distinctly potent flavor. In fact, Turkish coffee has such a deep cultural history between its preparation, brewing and serving that it was added to UNESCO’S list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013.

The simplicity of ingredients in Middle Eastern food is something I truly appreciate. With an array of options and guaranteed bright flavors, Cedars Grill should definitely be on your list.

Cedars Grill, 6549 54th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, Mon.- Sat., 11 a.m.10 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 727914-7264, cedarsgrillfl.com

Bold spices and herbaceous flavors are in every dish at Cedars Grill.

MORGAN BANNO

Wahoo’s Fresh Grouper is a Must

Wahoo’s Waterside Pub & Grill is a Redington Beach Gem

By Morgan Banno

The Gulf of Mexico is one of Mother Nature’s most delicious gifts. And nothing tastes more like the Florida Gulf coast than fresh grouper. I love cruising Gulf Boulevard, windows down, and Jimmy Buffet strumming, hitting up local joints for a classic grouper sandwich. To me, it’s the epitome of Florida summer. When I asked my girlfriends where they go for the best fresh grouper sandwich on the beaches, the answer was unanimous: Wahoo’s Waterside Pub & Grill in Redington Beach.

The vibe is awesome — laid back, but vibrant. It’s a Cajun blend of bar and beach shack, with an outdoor patio on the Intracoastal. Literally. There are docks behind the restaurant should you choose to arrive via boat. But Wahoo’s is known for its blackboard specials featuring the day’s fresh catch and its cast-iron cooking.

Cast-Iron Goodness

The day I dined, the market specials were yellow-edge grouper and mahi mahi; both offered as fingers,

nuggets, filet, or sandwich. If you want to experience Wahoo’s legendary cast-iron cooking (which I highly recommend you do), order the filet or the sandwich. The fish is seasoned to your liking (blackened, lightly blackened, or bronzed) and seared in a cast-iron pan. The result is a crisp crust on the outside, all while preserving the fish’s juices and texture. My grouper was moist, flaky, and obviously fresh. The fish tasted so good by itself, I didn’t even eat the bun or fixings.

But Don’t Miss The Apps

If you go to Wahoo’s, get the fresh catch. You have to. But other goodies on their menu worth noting are the peel-and-eat Deep Royal Reds ($13.52 for a half pound) dusted in Cajun seasoning and served with drawn butter. They taste like bite-size lobsters — sweet and tender with a hint of lemon from their cooking water. The fresh fish spread ($12.48) which, according to our server, is sourced by Nachman’s Seafood Market (next door to Wahoo’s), was pretty decent. It came plated on a small fish-shaped platter and decorated with sliced veggies to resemble a fish with scales. It was adorable to look at but lacked seasoning. Plus, when it comes to fish spread, it’s hard to beat Ted Peters.

We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try the grouper cooked another way, so we ordered fresh grouper nuggets ($15.60). They were outstanding! “Nuggets” is an understatement. These were big pieces of fish, thick and juicy, dusted in a seasoned flour mixture and lightly fried. They were fresh and airy, and the flour coating was so delicate, it allowed the fish to shine. I enjoyed the nuggets so much, I threw high five’s to the kitchen for such great food on my way out the door.

Wahoo’s is open daily, so go get the grouper.

Wahoo’s Bayside Pub & Grill, 17801 Gulf Blvd., Redington Shores. Sun.Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. wahoosbayside.com

The fish is cooked in cast iron pans at Wahoo’s and it’s irresistible.

MORGAN-BANNO

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD MD

CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT

ON-SITE BLOOD DRAWS • GENERAL SICK VISITS

CARDIOLOGY SERVICES • FLU SHOTS • PT/INR

B-12 SHOTS • SPORTS PHYSICALS• WELL WOMAN EXAMS

GEL JOINT INJECTIONS • PRP (PLATELET RICH PLASMA)

WELLNESS SCREENINGS • ELECTROCARDIOGRAMS

WOUND CARE • PHYSICAL THERAPY

NON-SURGICAL FRACTURE MANAGEMENT, ETC.

the gabs

What is Your Favorite Zoo Animal?

Photos by Cameron Healy

Ace Walker, Pinellas Park: “Penguins and monkeys.”

Eileen Knopf, Wimauma: “Lion.”

Marie Quisenberry, Redington Beach: “Tree frogs.”

Tyler Caswell, Sarasota: “Lion.”

Solution on page 26

Solution

Mark and Sharon Smith decided to take The Gabber Newspaper to Barbados for their 23rd anniversary.

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.

MARK SMITH

things to do

Historic Walking Tour, School Supplies Drive, and Sunset Market

Thursday, July 20Sunday, August 19

La Gringa  Buy a ticket to American Stage’s first bilingual production,  La Gringa . Follow the story of Maria, a young Puerto Rican woman born and raised stateside on a self-discovery journey. La Gringa  dives into the themes of identity, culture, and belonging. American Stage, 163 3rd St. N., St. Petersburg. Wed.-Thurs., 7 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; and Sun., 2 p.m. $20-75. 727-8237529, americanstage.org

Thursday, July 20

Gulfport History Walking Tour Stroll through the history of Gulfport with historian and tour guide David Anderson. Hear the story about the creation of this seaside city with a walking tour. Begin at the Gulfport History Museum where you can see historic photos of how the city once looked. Register ahead of time and bring a water bottle to beat the heat. Gulfport History Museum, 5301 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 6 p.m. $15. 727-201-8687, gulfporthistoricalsociety.org

Ukulele Lessons Have you ever wanted to learn how to play the ukulele? This beginner ukulele class teaches you how to hold, strum, and play simple chords on the instrument. Students learn how to play two-three songs with provided ukuleles, and everyone receives a free lei. Call to reserve your spot.  The Tiki Bar & Grill at 56th & Shore, 5519 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. 6 p.m. $25. 630-207-3659

Treasure Island Bingo Stop by for Thursday night bingo where you have a chance to win up to $200 and other great prizes. Free coffee, tea, and parking, and you can buy sodas and desserts at the snack bar. Try your luck with the early-bird games at 6:30 p.m. before the regular games begin. Treasure Island Community Center, 154 106th Ave., Treasure Island. 7:30-9:30 p.m. 727270-3178, treasureislettes.weebly. com

Friday, July 21

Sunset Market Enjoy a Friday night sunset market in St. Pete. Shop from vendors selling art, crafts, treats,

and other locally made goodies. Check out work from Tampa Bay glass artists, then stick around for live art demonstrations too. Head into the Imagine Museum for some more glass art. Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 5-10 p.m. 727-300-1700, imaginemuseum.com

Mental Health Awareness  Mental health discussions are important. Join the National Alliance on Mental Illness as facilitators break down stigma and challenging stereotypes in the BIPOC community about well-being. This is a safe space to talk and ask questions with guidance. Save your spot by registering online.  Center for Health Equity, 2333 34th St. S., St. Petersburg. 6 p.m. 727-865-4650, meetatthecenter.org

Saturday, July 22-Sunday, July 23

Cool Art Show The 34th Annual Cool Art Show returns to St. Pete. Explore this juried fine art and craft exhibit showcasing various art mediums from more than 60 Florida artists. This year’s show features two days

Here’s your list of things to do July 20-26, including Kiwanis Club of Gulfport’s Strikes for School Supplies Drive on July 23.

PIXABAY

of art, children’s art activities, and a scribble wall. St. Petersburg Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 727-892-5202, pava-artists.org

Saturday, July 22

Moth Night Hike This one is for all the nature lovers out there. Celebrate National Moth Week with a ranger-guided moth night hike. Find and learn about moths in the wilderness. Call ahead to save your spot. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club S., St. Petersburg. 8 p.m. 727-893-7441, events.stpeteparksrec.org

Sunday, July 23

Corey Avenue Market  Spend your Sunday morning shopping at the Corey Avenue Sunday Market. Explore more than 80 vendors selling locally crafted and conventional products such as art, baked goods, herbs, lunch bites, plants, and fresh smoothies. Enjoy the live music of local DJs and musicians as you walk around to different vendors.  300 Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

School Supplies Drive  Do it for the kids! Kiwanis Club of Gulfport hosts Strikes for School Supplies. Bring school supplies in exchange for a fun afternoon of bowling and

shoe rental for free. Give back to the community. Learn about Kiwanis memberships and how the club helps students get ready for a successful new school year. Email gulfportflkiwanis@gmail.com to RSVP.  Ten Pin Lanes, 1453 Pasadena Ave. S., South Pasadena. 2-4 p.m. 727-381-1010

Stand-Up Comedy Are you in need of some stand-up comedy? Laugh your bum off with comedian Brian Swinehart. Hear his perspective on current social issues and heartfelt stories. For 20 years, he performed stand-up at many well-known comedy venues across the country.  Sunshine City Comedy Club, 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 7 p.m. $15. 727-435-0327, sunshinecitycomedyclub.com

Sunset Yoga Become one with nature, your mind, and your breath with this sunset slow flow yoga session. Rejuvenate your body after your long day as you stretch on the beach, and focus on your core strength, balance, and flexibility. Bring a yoga mat or beach towel and water. Register ahead of time. Ocean Fitness Yoga, 2107 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach. 7 p.m. $15-30. 424-2237680, eventbrite.com

Monday, July 24

Collage Storytelling Get your creative spark back with this spontaneous expressive writing group. Engage in fun activities such as creating collages and storytelling. Bring a notebook, scrap magazines, and your imagination. Call to register. Gulfport Senior Center, Room 106, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport. 1 p.m. 727-893-1231, mygulfport.us

Tuesday, July 25

Trivia Night Test your trivial knowledge Tuesday nights. Team up with your friends to answer fun questions from host JUST JOHN from Tampa Bay Dream Team. Each night, the top three teams win up to $30 in Kahuna Bucks. Kahuna’s Bar and Grill, 10515 Gandy Blvd. N., St. Petersburg. 7 p.m. 727-576-7800, kahunasbarandgrill.com

Wednesday, July 26

Weekly Drag Bingo Join Tampa Bay Drag Queen Georgia Moore for weekly drag bingo. Spend $10 for 10 rounds of bingo. All proceeds benefit Pet Pal Animal Shelter. Have fun and test your luck to win Pet Pal and Pesky Pelican prizes. Players must be at least 18 years. The Pesky Pelican Brew Pub, 923 72nd St. N., St. Petersburg. 7 p.m. $10. 727-3029600, peskypelicanbrewpub.com

IF EVERY HEAD OF STATE WERE A WOMAN WOULD THERE BE A. MORE WARS B. THE SAME NUMBER OF WARS C. FEWER WARS

THOUGHT EXPERIMENT EMPOWERED WOMEN OUR ONLY HOPE

Juggling World Records

Eckerd College Student Achieved Three Guinness World Records

By Cameron Healy

Have you ever attempted to break a world record? All in one hour, this Eckerd College student broke three Guinness World Records for juggling.

Meet Aidan Webster, a junior at the college. He learned how to juggle at 8 years old.

“My story really stems from using YouTube as my coach to learn skills and advance,” Webster said. “After 12 years of juggling, I wanted to have some way to express the hours of practice I’ve put into the art to people who ask about this hobby.”

On July 14, Webster successfully attempted juggling world records for one-handed juggling while dead hanging, most consecutive backflips while juggling in one minute, and the longest duration of juggling three flaming torches.

Webster’s friends, colleagues, and complete strangers who heard of his attempts (some only an hour beforehand) showed up in support. The record attempts only count if there are two or more witnesses present, as well as two time trackers for evidence.

Juggling With Strength and Flexibility

First, he attempted the dead hang record in the college’s gym, then went to Eckerd’s south beach to complete the backflips while juggling.

“Throwing with my right hand and for some reason I have to catch with my left after or it doesn’t count, which is a bit annoying,” Webster explained to the crowd.

According to Webster, the previous juggling world record holder performed eight backflips while juggling. Webster had no problem achieving 11 backflips in one minute.

“Since I do a lot of weight training and was a gymnast growing up, the dead hang juggling record and backflip juggling record were easier for me to acquire than it would be for most jugglers,” he said.

Juggling Fire

Although he has a long history of juggling, he only learned how to juggle torches about three years ago.

“I’m very controlled with this, the

odds of me setting something on fire is extremely small,” Webster said before his official attempt at juggling flaming torches.

Surrounded by yellow caution tape and attentive supporters, Webster began juggling fire. His face looked hypnotized as his hands swiftly threw torches up in the air.

The previous record for juggling fire torches lasted 3 minutes, 55 seconds. Webster juggled until one torch blew out from the wind. Time was on his side: He achieved 5 minutes, 2 seconds.

“The fire record was last documented by Guinness 10 years ago, so I decided to put some good hard practice into that one to break the 10-year stagnation,” Webster said.

After winning his last world record attempt of the hour, everyone cheered and high-fived Webster on his new accomplishments.

“I was super-excited to have so many people show up or get pulled into the madness, and that support is one of the reasons I was able to get my head in the game and beat all three records first try,” Webster said.

Webster achieved the record for longest duration of juggling flamed torches.

CAMERON HEALY

worship

17th

Beth-El Shalom

Messianic Congregation

ShalomAdventure.com JewishHeritage.net

Rabbi@JewishHeritage.net

Where

Paradise

2728

Gulfport,

www.goodshepherdocc.net

10255 Paradise Blvd, Treasure Island

Sunday Service

10am with Holy Communion

727-360-5739

paradiseluth102@gmail.com

paradiselutheran.com

Wednesdays

“St.

727-360-8406

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 Special worship rates starting as low as $30/week. Send an email to: advertising@thegabber.com

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

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

Electrical

Accounting

AC ELECTRIC 727-345-3108

Virtual bookkeeping for small businesses and nonpro ts. Monthly packages customized to your needs or one time cleanups. Payroll available. QuickBooks Online Certi ed ProAdvisor. 10+ years experience.

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

Caregivers

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

HOMEWATCH CAREGIVERS OF ST. PETE BEACH

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

Gulfport Computer Repair

727-388-3493

2321 49th St S

Mon-Thu 10am-5pm

COMPUTER SERVICES

727-343-2838

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

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

AFFORDABLE CONCRETE PATIOS, WALKWAYS, DRIVEWAY EXTENSIONS, & REPAIRS

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: 813-859-2023.

525-0677

Handy Person

PROFESSIONAL LOCAL HANDYMAN Bathrooms, kitchens. drywall, painting, custom high-end finishing. Any job undertaken, honest pricing. Insured, reliable. 347-973-0814.

CLEAN UP CLEAN UP CLEAN UP XERISCAPING/ 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: 407-244-6045. James: 407244-6045.

INTERIOR/EXTERIOR PAINTER OR REFINISHING OF FURNITURE Great deals on all painting jobs, very clean work. Cabinets, furniture, interior or exterior paint jobs. Free estimates; call 727-320-6420.

SEMI-RETIRED CARPENTER At discount prices! Free estimates. Frame and finish work. Clearwater, Gulfport, and Pinellas Park areas. Call the Door Doctor. Gus: 727644-6194.

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.

DAVE’S TILE & BATHROOM REMODELS & FLOORING INSTALLATIONS Specializing in bathroom remodels, marble tile, flooring, etc. 36 years mechanical experience, competitive rates. Call anytime, day or night: 727-798-2075.

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. 727-4107323.

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. 727410-7323.

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.

Lawn & Landscape

James Fox Tree Service

Owner/Operator for over 25 years

“We make your trees feel beautiful”

YARD CLEAN UP 727-641-9033

Leaves, trees, weeds, etc. Call for estimate: 727-641-9033.

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

HURRICANE SEASON SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE

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

727-238-5683

Miscellaneous Service

DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP MEETS THURSDAYS

Pasadena Community Church / Life Enrichment Building / Classroom 3c, 227 70th St. S., St. Petersburg, Fl 33707. Free, no registration, 7 p.m. Call 727-410-1569 for more information. Website: https://dbsatampabay.org

NOTARY SERVICES - $10

The Gabber now provides Notary Services. In office only at 2908-B Beach Blvd S. in Gulfport. Our Notary Public is not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, and may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.

Moving / Hauling

HB HAULING SERVICES Hauling Services

Available. We do everything from junk removal, demo, debris removal, estate clean out, and so much more. 12ft. dump trailer. Mention The Gabber and get a discount. Call or text Kenny Baschuk at 727-793-5816 for free estimates.

JUNK REMOVALFULL SERVICE

Big or Small, We Haul it All. Eviction/hoarder/property cleanouts. Shed/fence removal, carpet removal, garage/storage clean outs. Too much stuff, let us help! Fully Licensed and Insured. Free estimates. Lamys Hauling and Removal Service. 727-5016464. Lamyshaulingandremoval.com.

Painting BYRON JOHNSON PAINTING PLUS, INC.

Time to refresh the interior/exterior of your house or business? High quality, professional painting. Free estimates. Lic.#9894. Insured. 727-365-1088.

SEASONS BEST PAINTING & CONTRACTING, LLC Interior/exterior painting and power washing services. Over 25 years of experience. 727-506-3677. Licensed/insured. Lic. #C-11623

ARNEY’S

INC.

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

RENEW YOUR MARRIAGE VOWS!

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

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED LINE ADS ONLINE!

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

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

Plumbing

727-902-7077

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

HIRING BARTENDERS

The Hurricane Seafood Restaurant on Pass-a-Grill Beach. No phone calls - apply in person. 809 Gulf Way St., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706.

EXPERIENCED COOK NEEDED

Must have experience in short order and menu planning. Inventory management a plus as well as breakfast. Location is American Legion Post 125 in St Petersburg. Part time position. Flexible schedule. Call 727326-7756 for details.

Positions Wanted

GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

GULFPORT FAMILY RESTAURANT

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

MOVING SALE - EVERYTHING MUST GO Furniture, kitchenware, small appliances, etc. Fri., 7/21 & Sat. 7/22 9 a.m. - Noon. 5108 29th Ave. S.

YARD SALE Fri., 7/21 & Sat. 7/22. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. 5308 10th Ave. S. Some of everything.

Card of Thanks

POWERFUL PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Holy Spirit, you who solves all problems, who lights all roads so that I can attain my goal, you 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. 4AD

POWERFUL PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Holy Spirit, you who solves all problems, who lights all roads so that I can attain my goal, you 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. 4MDD

For Sale

TOYOTA CAMRY LE 2004 Florida vehicle, 117k pampered miles, moonroof, all power. Nice, reliable Camry! $5,400. 727-748-9117.

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.

ESTATE SALE Estate Sale 7/21 & 7/22. 5980 Shore Blvd S Gulfport unit 701. Hrs 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Property Managers PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & LEASING SERVICES

Property owners! The Blue Waters Team from Berkshire Hathaway 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!

Accommodations to Share LOCATION LOCATION BEAUTIFUL TOMLINSON PARK FRONTAGE

62-year-young female seeking someone to share remodeled home. $1,700 per month includes ALL utilities, internet and streaming. Close to Senior Center and Stetson. 1st and last month rent. Small/ medium dog ok. Long term renters. Call 727-656-9777 anytime.

Furnished Rentals

VACATION RENTAL AVAILABLE Two Bedroom/One Bath. Completely furnished. Central heat & air. Close to beaches and shopping. 727-434-0424.

Real Estate For Rent

TOWN SHORES ANNUAL RENTAL 1 bd deluxe, unfurnished, 1 pet, 55+, no smokers. $1,600 month. Immediate occupancy upon approval. Call Kathy - 727-343-7949.

DESIRABLE PROPERTY FOR RENT 2 Bedroom/1.5 Bathroom in the Art District. Furnished, wi-fi/cable included with all utilities. Two car parking, kitchen has dishwasher, fridge with icemaker, storage shed, garden patio, enclosed porch. Price flexible. Available July 20. Call Helen - 727-256-7073.

GULFPORT 1/1 APT FOR RENT Art district, clean & quiet. $1,450 + deposit, includes water/trash/sewer. Call 727-776-5544 for details.

PLACE

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. Here’s what homes sold in South Pinellas July 7-13.

Gulfport Real Estate

6054 Pasadena Point Blvd. (Pasadena Golf & Yacht Club)

This three-bedroom, three-bath home, built in 2022, has 2,798 square feet. It listed and sold for $2,200,000.

6250 Kipps Colony Court, #101 (Pasadena Golf & Yacht Club)

This three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath condo, built in 1990, has 2,280 square feet. It listed and sold for $825,000.

6307 8th Ave. S. (Stetson)

This three-bedroom, one-bath home, built in 1952, has 1,128 square feet. It listed for $397,000 but sold for $390,000.

5122 26th Ave. S. (Waterfront District)

This two-bedroom, two-bath home, built in 1974, has 1,086 square feet. It listed for $359,000 but sold for $345,000.

719 Freemont St. S. (Stetson)

5701 12th Ave. S. (Tangerine)

This three-bedroom, two-bath home, built in 1951, has 1,456 square feet. It listed for $449,900 and sold for $442,000.

This two-bedroom, one-bath home, built in 1959, has 925 square feet. It listed for $299,800 and sold for $260,000.

5230 8th Ave. S. (Tangerine)

This two-bedroom, one-bath home, built in 1940, has 1,014 square feet. It listed for $273,000 and sold for $215,000.