The Gabber - August 6, 2020

ONLINE EVERY DAY THEGABBER.COM

No. 2669

Murder-Suicide Suspected in Arson Case

By Laura Mulrooney

August 6 - August 12, 2020

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Around 9:36 p.m., on Friday, July 31, St. Petersburg Police Department responded to a call concerning possible arson at a home at 5495 14th Ave. N. Detectives say that the fire was not an accident.

Charles Nelson, 67, who lived at the address, is suspected of setting the fire using an accelerant and intentionally trapping both himself and his wife, Janet Nelson, 75, in the house.

Janet was able to call 911, but was unable to get out of the home.

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Murder-Suicide continued on page 6

Vote for Gulfport’s Superstar

By Lynn Taylor

At 11, local resident Siri Yun is one of the youngest finalists in the Celebration of Music Virtual Show – competing with musicians almost twice her age.

Siri Yun picked up a ukulele at the age of four. She started piano lessons at age five. For the past year and a half she has been writing her own music. Now, at 11, she is one of the youngest finalists in competition with other musicians – some almost twice her age.

Siri is competing in the Celebration of Music Virtual Show, a showcase of young musical talent across America.

Contestants vie for an opportunity to appear on the live YouTube show “Music Hangs with eTHAn.” They also Siri continued on page 6

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Corrections In last week’s Gabber, an article titled “Gulfport’s New Resident-Run Committee Looks to Lighten the Load” ( July 30, 2020) ran with the wrong byline. Gulfport Councilmember April Thanos, who is quoted in the article, was credited in the byline.

The article was written by Gabber News and Politics reporter Laura Mulrooney.

Also, in “What the Heck is a Millage Rate?” (July 30, 2020), the wrong time was posted for one of the public hearings. Virtual public hearings on this issue will be held on September 3 and September 15, both at 6 p.m.

We regret the errors and apologize for any confusion.

theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

voices Talk is Cheap Dear Editor: I can’t tell you how much my wife and I were pleased to see the return of the Gabber. It is a heroic effort on your part to keep this little bit of Gulfport alive. But talk is cheap and what you really need are donations to help you through the COVID-19 crisis and until the regular advertisers can return to the new normal. Accordingly, I will be sending you a check for $100 per month for the next six months with a renewal after that if conditions haven’t changed.

Now I recognize that $100 a month won’t pay the rent or the electric bills, but I wanted you to know that your efforts are appreciated and that there are many people who will support your efforts, even if it’s only $1, $5, or $10 per month through these trying times. Your first check will arrive on or about August 6.

Please feel free to publish this email in your next issue to encourage others, who can, to make a financial gesture to keep the Gabber alive. – Victor and Patricia Carr, Hampton Building, Town Shores, Gulfport

The Gabber encourages letters and commentary. Be brief and sign your real name. Email letters to news@thegabber.com or mail them to us at 2908-B Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL 33707. Any email sent to the Gabber may be used in print. If you do not want your letter published online or in print, you must let us know in the letter. Commentary posted on our social media channels may also appear in the paper. Opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily represent the views of the publishers, staff or advertisers.

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news Your August 18 Ballot Breakdown

By Laura Mulrooney

Who’s on the local ballot and what they’re running for? Below is a summary of priorities for candidates on the August 18 ballot.

Candidates for Congress, District 13 House Representative (Republican primary; running against Charlie Crist in the general election) Florida currently has 27 representatives, each serving a twoyear term with no term limits. Florida’s 13th Congressional District covers most of central and southern Pinellas County.

George Buck (R) – Buck is an U.S. Army and Air Force veteran, retired firefighter and author. Buck is a pro-life, pro-Second Amendment and a pro-business America-first conservative.

Buck plans to stop illegal immigration and reform the Veteran’s Administration.

Sheila Griffin (R) – Griffin supports term limits for Congress members, Second Amendment rights, a strong immigration policy, reduction in government size, prohibition on drilling in the Gulf, and early childhood education supported by federal funds.

Anna Paulina Luna (R) – Luna is a U.S. Air Force veteran and vows to fight government corruption, defend the Second Amendment, reform immigration, and push back against socialism.

Amanda Makki (R) – Makki wants to jump start the economy post COVID-19, prevent tax increases and “overregulation of small businesses,” reduce out-of-pocket costs for healthcare, stop socialism, ensure veterans’ care, reform transportation and traffic systems, and advocates term limits for members of Congress.

Sharon Barry Newby (R) – Newby supports the Second Amendment and defense and veteran’s healthcare issues, wants to eliminate fraud and waste in the government, enforce immigration laws and support ICE. Newby also wants to require professors to take an “Oath of Allegiance to America” and opposes reparations.

Candidates for Florida State Representative District 70 - Universal Primary According to the League of Women Voters website, “The state House has 120 districts, with one representative per district. State representatives serve two-year terms and can only serve four terms.”

Keisha Bell (D) – Bell is a St. Petersburg native and an attorney with a diverse professional background in family, personal injury, and workers compensation law. Bell plans

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to focus her efforts on affordable healthcare and to expand Medicaid and funding for public schools. Bell is pro-choice, anti-discrimitaion and will work to increase wages.

Michelle Grimsley (D) – Grimsley is a St. Petersburg native and her primary priority is affordable healthcare for all.

Mark Oliver (D) – Oliver supports affordable healthcare for all Floridians, addressing funding disparities and achievement gaps, raising teacher pay, and investing in 21st century infrastructure for schools. He wants to expand transportation choices, reenact environmental protections and regulations and plans to make a commitment to help all Floridians with disabilities.

Michele Rayner (D) – Raynor plans to work towards housing, healthcare and education equity, as well as criminal justice reform and ways to protect Florida’s waterways, beaches and communities.

Candidates for Pinellas County Sheriff - Democratic Primary James McLynas – McLynas wants to protect constitutional rights, end the war on drugs and revive tourism. He also wants to reduce high costs of policing and lower taxes, end warrantless spying on citizens, apply preservation of life policies, limit use of force and use body cams. McLynas wants to end mass incarceration, petty arrests and debt prison, and create a more “user friendly” community sheriff’s office.

Eliseo Santana – Santana vows to work to reduce use of force and increase the use of de-escalation tactics. He intends to require officers to use body cameras, demilitarize the police force and better utilize taxpayer resources.

Pinellas County School Board District 1 – At-Large According to the League of Women Voters website, the Pinellas County School Board consists of seven members: three who are elected at-large, which means they are voted on by all county residents, and four who are elected by the registered voters within each single-member district. Terms are four years.

Laura Hine – Hine is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who spent 10 years in the Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer. Hine believes in adequate teacher pay for recruitment and sustainment and supports teacher autonomy. Hine vows to focus on changing standardized testing, adjusting the school grading system and school safety.

Stephanie G. Meyer – Meyer is a local school teacher who believes in redirecting funding into the classroom. Meyer plans to recruit and retain professional teachers, provide them with better pay, more flexibility and autonomy. Meyer intends to expand mental health counseling, advocacy for ESE students and encourages community engagement and parent participation in schools.

Tom Topping – Topping spent 23 years as a public school teacher,

theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

coach and district administrator. Topping’s priorities include safer schools for students, teachers, administrators, parents and other stakeholders. He plans to work to ensure academic rigor and reduce achievement gaps. He believes equity and access for all means that schools and departments are funded fairly, based on needs of students and teachers.

Pinellas County School Board District 4 Chris Hardman – Hardman is an educator with more than 10 years experience in the Pinellas County School system.

Eileen Long – Long is currently a school board member with over 22 years of teaching in Pinellas County.

Pinellas County School Board District 7 Caprice Edmond – Edmond is a St. Petersburg native and local educator. Edmond plans to focus on equity in education, academic success, safety in the schools, family and community engagement, and plans to recruit and retain educators and staff professionals.

Corey Givens Jr. – Givens is a St. Petersburg native and if elected will be the youngest school board member. Givens plans to Increase family engagement and community partnerships and increase teacher pay. Givens also plans to work on school safety and student potential Sharon D. Jackson – Jackson has more than 30 years’ experience as a teacher, school counselor, principal and college professor.

Jackson believes in a student-first leadership.

Karl J. Nurse – Nurse is a 34-year business owner and believes

theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

that with Pinellas County School’s budget of $1.5 billion he can run it like a business.

Board of County Commissioners District 7 – Democratic Primary According to the League of Women Voters website, the board governs all unincorporated areas of the county and is responsible for setting the millage rate for the county. The board approves the budgets for the clerk of the circuit court, the sheriff, and the supervisor of elections, and serves as the Emergency Medical Services Authority, the Fire Protection Authority, the Mosquito Control Board, the Countywide Planning Authority, and the Water and Navigation Control Authority.

Rene Flowers – Flowers says she is committed to improving student graduation rates, keeping students safe, increasing teacher and support staff pay, building and rehabilitating schools, and increasing administration diversity.

Wengay “Newt” Newton – Newton is a St. Petersburg native and has 12 years of governance experience on St. Petersburg City Council and the Florida House of Representatives.

Frank Peterman Jr. – Peterman plans to focus on economic development and affordable housing.

For more information on all August 18 candidates at vote. lwvspa.org/election-guide. Find out more about the election, including voting locations, at votepinellas.com. The Gabber used information from vote.lwvspa.org for this piece.

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Murder-Suicide continued from cover

Siri continued from cover

Charles died before St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue could pull him from the house. Janet sustained critical injuries and passed away at the hospital on Sunday, August 2.

According to their records, police previously investigated two domestic violence incidents, in 2014 and 2019, at the residence, but no arrests were made.

The investigation is ongoing.

SPPD Public Information Officer Sandra Bentil encourages people to seek help for domestic violence: “There is plenty of help out there, plenty of resources.”

Bentil refers the majority of domestic violence victims to CASA – St. Pete. CASA offers a 24-hour domestic violence hotline: 727-895-4912 and TTY: 727-828-1269.

More at casa-stpete.org/chat.

get be part of the 2021 nationally distributed PBS show, “Celebration of Music,” filmed in Los Angeles.

For locals, Siri has another claim to fame: Her parents, Ting and Byron Chalfont, own Siri’s Gourmet Burgers & Pizza in Gulfport.

“We want to get the word “This event was out in Gulfport so people supposed to be a big can vote for her,” said festival in Gainesville father, and owner of Siri’s in April and COVID-19 Gourmet Burgers & Pizza in shut that down, so they Gulfport, Byron Chalfont. decided to have the competition virtually,” said Byron Chalfont. “She was looking forward to a live audience.”

Siri will perform one of her original songs, “I’m Not Perfect,” on the show which airs on YouTube Sunday, August 9.

Audiences can vote and help determine the winner, announced at the end of the live show. Two winners will advance to Los Angeles for the national episode – one selected by the producers and the other by the largest number of viewer votes.

“We want to get the word out in Gulfport so people can vote for her,” said Chalfont.

Watch the show and cast your vote at youtube.com/c/ CelebrationofMusicTV/live.

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theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

Mystery Seeds and More Part of Online Scam

By Laura Mulrooney

KELCIE LITTEN

Since the beginning of June, people all over the world have or the environment,” according to the USDA website. been receiving untracked packages from China. The contents?

So far, the Department of Agriculture has identified 14 Seeds. And in at least one case, utensils. different species from the seeds they’ve sampled. Species On Tuesday July 28, Florida’s agriculture and consumer identified included, mustard, cabbage, morning glory, services commissioner, Nikki Fried, posted on Twitter that state hibiscus, roses along with common herbs such as mint residents had reported more than 630 cases of suspicious and rosemary reported Osama El-Lissy, with the Plant seed packages. Locals have been targeted, including the Protection program of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Gabber publisher, who received a package of seeds Monday, Inspection Service, on Wednesday, July 29.

August 3.

But it appears seeds may not be the only unsolicited Kelcie Litten, a Zephyrhills resident, received a similar mystery packages in the mail. package on July 28.

Matt Massoud, a resident “I had heard about the of Key West, hadn’t heard seeds, read a few articles of the mystery packages online, but really didn’t when he received his on think too much of it,” said Thursday, July 30.

Litten. “I checked the mail Massoud wrote, “Y’all be a few days ago and saw getting weird, unsolicited, a small package with a seeds from China while I label from China, with the get surprise cutlery,” on his words ‘Untracked’ in big Facebook page along with bold letters, and I kinda a picture of the contents thought it was weird. Then of his package. Massoud as I looked at it closer I saw says he threw away the the item description listed packaging before realizing ‘wire connector’ and I knew it was part of the same I hadn’t purchased that.” scam as the mystery Litten said there was no seeds. description or wording on the package of seeds and What To Do no shipping label inside. Just a handful of seeds.

Anyone who receives These puzzling similar unsolicited surprise packages have packages should follow been deemed part of a these directions: “brushing scam,” per the US Department of Agriculture.

Do not open the seed Brushing is a term used packet and avoid opening when people receive items outer packaging or mailing they didn’t order, then the materials, if possible. seller posts false customer Put seed packets/contents reviews to boost online and mailing materials into sales, according to the a sealable plastic bag USDA. Do not plant the seeds or Agriculture officials discard them in trash that Kelcie Litten, a Zephyrhills resident, received a highly discourage recipients will be landfilled. package of seeds on July 28. Litten said there was no from planting the seeds.

Unopened packages, description or wording on the package of seeds and “The introduction of plant and packages containing no shipping label inside. Just a handful of seeds. seeds into the United States objects other than seeds, is tightly regulated by the should be reported to the USDA. Seeds of unknown origin may constitute agricultural USDA Anti-Smuggling hotline at 1-800-877-3835 or SITC. smuggling, may be invasive, may introduce pathogens, toxins, mail@aphis.usda.gov. or plant and animal diseases, may pose a risk of foodborne Report opened packages with seeds to the FDACS illness, and may pose a threat to plant and animal health,” Division of Plant Industry online at FDACS.gov/SeedByMail.

Fried’s office emailed the Gabber on Friday, July 31.

Recipients can either drop the package at their local UF/ The Florida Department of Agriculture is working with the IFAS Extension county office, or schedule a safe, contactless USDA and its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and pickup of the seeds, packaging and mailing materials by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on the mystery. an FDACS Inspector.

“The USDA is currently collecting seed packages from Recipients with other questions can contact the Division recipients and will test their contents and determine if they of Plant Industry at 1-888-397-1517 or DPIhelpline@FDACS. contain anything that could be of concern to U.S. agriculture gov.

theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

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A Penny Spent Is a Penny Back in Circulation

By Laura Mulrooney

LAURA MULROONEY

Have you noticed signs popping up at stores and residents who have a coin jar to roll them and exchange restaurants requesting exact change or cashless payments? them at the bank to help them with daily operations.

The Federal Reserve has announced that there’s a Regions Gulfport branch, 5728 Gulfport Blvd. S., does not national coin shortage, but, to be more precise, there’s a have the machine to roll coins, but does give out sleeves slow down in circulation and production. for free.

A June 11 news release from the Federal Reserve Until the economy is back in full swing, the presses confirmed that coin deposits go back to full production to the reserve had declined, and cash starts to circulate and that the U.S. Mint had again, the Federal Reserve decreased coin production. says the shortage will remain While COVID-19 swept the an issue. nation and shut down, cash However, there are money stopped circulating additional options for those at its normal rate. looking to get rid of their coin However, authorities do hoard. believe the situation will Several Wawa gas stations eventually sort itself out. in the area are offering to Federal Reserve chairman exchange separated or Jerome Powell told the rolled coins in exchange House Financial Services for cash (without fees) Committee on June 17 that and offer bonuses such as the coin shortage has fountain drinks, coffee and resulted from the shut sandwiches to help with their downs. coin shortage.

“With the partial closure Other businesses are of the economy, the flow of requesting cashless funds through the economy payments or a willingness has stopped,” he said. “We to round a sale total with are working with the Mint change up to the nearest and the Reserve Banks, and dollar. as the economy re-opens, On July 24, Coinstar, a we are starting to see money coin-cashing company, move around again.” posted on their Facebook Fewer people out and page, “Did you know there about and more people is a coin shortage in the opting for touchless forms U.S.? Help put more coins of payment there’s a lot back into circulation by less physical cash moving bringing your loose change Sign posted at Wawa gas station on Gandy Boulevard around. to Coinstar. Enjoy extra cash, offers free drinks and sandwiches to incentivize locals The Federal Reserve has a no fee eGift Card, or make to exchange their coin board into cold hard cash. set up a special U.S. Coin a donation to charity while Task Force “to ensure the helping the economy.” equitable distribution of Federal Reserve coin inventory When asked by followers if the company would be willing and new coin production by the U.S. Mint.” to waive their fees on coin processing, however, Coinstar Currently, many banks are unable to place coin orders did not respond. and are quickly running through coins faster than they’re Learn more about the Federal Reserve’s role in coin receiving them. distribution, at federalreserve.gov/paymentsystems/coin_ An employee at the Gulfport Regions Bank branch asked about.htm.

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theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

A Letter from the Gulfport Merchants Chamber I hope this letter finds everyone safe and healthy! I wanted to take a few minutes to give you some updates on the Gulfport Merchants Chamber.

Last month we shared news about the cancellation of Gecko World, and as a community I think we are all feeling the disappointment with no Gecko World in 2020, but safety and health come first.

constant talks about how we can best support our small businesses, and looking for programs and financial support to help our businesses.

Please feel free to reach out to any of the board of directors with any

questions or concerns. Email us anytime at gmc@visitgulfportflorida. com. First and foremost, we are here for you!

Sincerely, Barbara Banno, President, Gulfport Merchants Chamber

Tuesday Market On social media, we’ve had questions regarding Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market and its future. With any of our events, we are working together with the City of Gulfport and constantly discussing how and when to safely bring back our events. And the truth is, when it is safe again, or we develop a safer way to hold the market again, we will bring it back. We also learned Wednesday night that Susan Blankenship, market manager, has resigned. She’s accepted a full-time job and everyone at the Gulfport Merchants Chamber wishes her well in her new endeavors.

Art Walks Last year we announced the revamping of our first Friday and third Saturday Art Walks and throughout COVID-19 we’ve kept moving forward with our plans. We are working closely with city officials to launch a safe and exciting First Friday Art Walk that represents the abundance of talent in our arts community and brings visitors to our restaurants and businesses.

And we’re excited to introduce you to our new third Saturday event, Gulfport’s Third Saturday IndieFaire.

We have a great committee working on it and while it will have some exciting differences from our previous Saturday market, we do know that event will have tents on the pavers.

Look for an announcement on the return of these two events soon.

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theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

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obituaries Graff, Jane Edwards (Cramer), 92, of Gulfport, died July 22, 2020. She was born in Upper Darby, PA, to Leo and Florence (Gaul) Edwards. A graduate of West Chester University, in 1949 she married Robert R. Cramer (who passed away in 1964). A long-time resident of Ocean City, NJ, business owner (Warren’s Card Shop and the Ocean City Bridge Club), and champion Life Master bridge player, Jane married Hilbert “Bert” Graff in 1978 and moved to Gulfport in 1979. Jane is survived by her sons Robert Jr (Judith) and Miles (Mary) Cramer, and daughter LeAnne Haverstick; grandchildren Elizabeth (Tim),

Rebecca (Mike), Kevin and Ryan; great grandchildren Charlotte, Hannah, Katy, Steven and Natalie Joy; her favorite cousin Walter Gruver of Indian Harbour Beach, FL, and her many friends at Town Shores in Gulfport, The Fountains in South Pasadena, and Brookdale in Cape May Court House, NJ. Jane loved her family, and her many pet dogs and cats. She was a friend to everyone, no matter their background, and set a wonderful example of achievement and tolerance for her loved ones.

Private services will be held by the family, with internment in Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill, PA.

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theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

Remembering the Hair: Hector Rivera

By Laura Mulrooney

I’m sad to say that before July 28, I did not know the force who was Hector Rivera.

I’d seen the poster for a man with big eyes, forehead and tuft of hair that looked like it was powered by Teco posted out front of Smokin’ J’s, but never found the time to stop by and listen. Looks like I missed out on something special.

Born in Puerto Rico, lived in upper New York, settled in Gulfport. That’s the most direct path if you want to know Hector’s story. But, everyone knows a life isn’t a direct path – it’s got side roads, valleys and bumps along the way.

Hector Rivera’s was no different. He had been playing music since the 60s, and, according to his website, hadn’t cut his famous hair since 1972. He released two albums of original music: “Waiting to Go On” in 1979 and “Deep Hair” in 1982.

But his musical output didn’t end in the 80s. Hector would play “between 45 and 50 songs per night, drawing on a 400-plus song repertoire that ranges from originals to songs by James Taylor and Patsy Cline,” reads an article on his website, where Hector also noted that one of his original songs was still his favorite.

It was “a song I wrote for my son when he was 6 months old and I had to be on the road,” he said. “I would sing it to him in his crib.”

At some point in the 70s, when Hector Rivera moved to St. Petersburg, he replaced Jimmy Buffet’s bass player, Harry Dailey, in the Mad Beach Band. When Hector joined, the band had a wild following.

“Hector, gave the band a whole new dimension,” said fellow band member T.C. Carr. “Insanity and fun was

theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

abundant. I can’t tell you how much fun we had.”

Hector played with the band for eight months before he went on to a solo career.

“He had a big personality – he was a lovable entertainer, a great singer with a great thick voice,” said Carr, “He was so talented he could cover a lot of material.”

In early July, Hector went into the hospital for open heart surgery. Unfortunately, there were complications.

Hector never woke up, and passed away on July 28.

“I haven’t posted here in a long time,” his son, Ethan Rivera, wrote on Hector’s website, “but I wanted to be able to say this. My dad passed away this morning (7-28).

I don’t know what to say, or how to say, or anything like that. I just know that I miss him and so do a lot of others.

My dad found joy most in music and playing for others and this song is from one of his last virtual performances and is the one I keep thinking about when I think of him.

I hope you all enjoy it, especially the smile at the end.”

Due to COVID-19, friends and family are still looking for a way to respond to the loss. In good conscience, it’s hard for to ask loved ones to risk their health to attend a celebration of life during a pandemic, but that hasn’t stopped people from planning.

“A lot of people need closure on this,” said Angie Anderson, a 35-year friend of Hector’s.

Until family gets into town, there is no celebration of life planned for Hector. Whether it be an in-person or virtual celebration, family and friends say it’s important for people to know that Hector’s passing will be honored.

Post condolences and find updates on Hector’s website at deephair2.weebly.com.

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SPONSORED CONTENT BY OWEN SWEET DESIGN

Pasadena Jewelry Reopens Under New Ownership

By Laura Mulrooney

Pasadena Jewelry is now Owen Sweet Design, located in the South Pasadena Shopping Center, 6856 Gulfport Blvd. S. Owen Sweet, a 40-year jewelry designer, recently relocated his gallery from Redington Beach to provide custom jewelry design along with in-house, full service watch and jewelry repair amenities for Gulfport, South Pasadena and surrounding areas.

Sweet has created a clean, elegant gallery for his guests. The light colored display cases and brightly colored collections provide a welcoming space and a clutter-free environment for guests to experience each piece without distraction.

“Owen Sweet Design was created with the philosophy that innovation and design be the foundation for every piece of jewelry in our collection,” says Sweet. “We thrive oncreating new designs that exceed customer expectations.”

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Sweet’s experience makes the difference.

“Happiness is finding a jewelry designer that can create balance, intensity, rhythm and harmony,” says Sweet.

That is exactly who Owen Sweet is – a designer who creates the perfect gift for any jewelry or art lover.

Guests can even watch Sweet create his custom masterpieces. His shop features a studio and gallery, where guests can peer through the looking glass into the artist’s environment.

For more photos of designs and to customize your own wearable art go to ohsosweet.com or check out his Facebook page.

Owen Sweet Design is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. located in the South Pasadena Shopping Center, 6856 Gulfport Blvd. S. Call ahead at 727-392-6936. Ohsosweet.com

theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

announcements Florida Is Delicious Savor the flavor of Florida’s past with the Gulfport Historical Society as they take on everyone’s favorite subject – food – and the role it’s played in our state’s history as part of their “Florida Snapshots” series. On Friday, August 7, at 7 p.m., check out a virtual presentation from local writers with tales like “Wasting Away Again: the Myth of Margaritaville,” “Key Lime Pie in the Sky” and “Florida Food, Drink and Women’s Journalism.” A Q & A session will follow each writer. It’s free for all, but donations are appreciated. More details at gulfporthistoricalsociety. org and on Facebook.

month, they’re extending the cleanup coverage to different areas of Gulfport – and they want to hear from you. Tell Gulfport Grass Roots where a clean-up is needed and they’ll arrange it. They have sterilized pails and pickers, bags and gloves for all, and will be spread

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Let’s Talk About Trash Come out for Gulfport’s monthly “Beyond the Beach” clean-up Saturday, August 8, at Shelter #4 on Gulfport Beach at 8 a.m. Last month 18 volunteers joined Gulfport Grass Roots to clean the beach area and adjacent waterfront. This

out and socially distanced. They also have plenty of hand sterilizer and sterilizing wipes for COVID concerns and other germs. Masks are also available. Call Wolfgang at 732-3104932 with questions, or just show up! Find Gulfport Grassroots on Facebook.

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crime A sampling of police reports from July 23 to 29 in Gulfport.

Source: Gulfport Police Department We have GOT to try this coffee July 23: Gulfport police responded to a call to deal with a man who entered a store on the 5100 block of Gulfport Boulevard South. Seems like a store would want customers, but not in this case: GPD had already trespassed the man once. The man told Officer Edward Pope he knew the police had trespassed him once before, but he wanted a coffee. Police arrested him and took him to the Pinellas County Jail. No word on whether or not he got his coffee.

Who was that unmasked woman?

July 23: On the 5000 block of Gulfport Boulevard South, police responded to a call about a woman refusing to wear a mask inside the store. When the store manager asked her to don a mask, she reportedly grew “disorderly.”

By the time officers arrived on scene, the woman had started to cause a scene and the manager asked that they trespass her. At this point, she left the property, presumably still not wearing a mask.

Our boat’s faster than your breast stroke Gulfport’s marine unit helped the Pinellas County Sheriff ’s Office catch a suspect who thought the best way to evade arrest was to dive into the refreshing waters of Boca Ciega Bay and make a swim for it. Once the police boat caught him, he refused to get on the vessel. Gulfport PD helped complete the arrest, presumably on board the boat.

Spoiler alert: Police arrested him July 25: At the 5000 block of Gulfport Boulevard South, Gulfport Police tried to question a man suspected of “causing a disruption” and shoplifting, but the suspect wasn’t having it. He kept walking and running away, and although police told him they’d arrest him if he kept doing that while they conducted their investigation, he did not listen. Police arrested him, but the fun didn’t stop there, because the man refused to tell them who he was. Solution?

Police called in a Pinellas County Sheriff ’s Office deputy who had a fingerprint scanner handy. Police used that to identify the man, who got a courtesy ride to the Pinellas County Jail.

Ankle bracelet left behind by teenager July 25: On the 2000 block of Gray Street South, a minor offender (that’s a juvenile under 18, not someone who only broke the law a little bit) who had an ankle bracelet on as part of the Habitual Offender Monitoring Enforcement program removed the bracelet and climbed out his bedroom window. The HOME program forbids this. At press time, police had not located him.

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Stolen things July 27: Someone called the Gulfport police and told them someone had parked a stolen motorcycle on the 5000 block of Newton Avenue South. GPD saw the bike, confirmed it was, indeed, stolen, and returned it to the owner.

July 29: A Pinellas County Sheriff ’s deputy recovered a Gulfport stolen vehicle on the 4400 block of 34th Street North. They arrested the driver for grand theft auto.

The Family Dollar in more ways than one July 29: A Gulfport resident told police she’d inadvertently left her phone at the Family Dollar. Someone swiped it, she said, and reported that they’d used her bank app to take $600 from her bank account.

More stolen things?

July 29: A boater told police she’d tied her gray dinghy at the Casino dock, but that it had disappeared.

Police say it could have broken free, but also someone could have stolen it. The dinghy had an outboard motor, also missing.

Battery with a traffic cone July 27: On July 27, a young Gulfportian told police a group of people had attacked him with a traffic cone near 50th Street and Tangerine Avenue South. When questioned, both the number of attackers and location of the attack changed a few times. The child’s mother told police her son “was having a ‘beef’ with someone in Gulfport” but added “it had been handled” a few weeks back. The child couldn’t give police a description of his attackers and also told the police he wouldn’t be able to identify him.

Front porch time bandits July 29: A resident called the police because she was expecting a package and had received an email that it had been delivered, but, alas, no packages awaited her on her porch. GPD read the email and determined it stated that the package had arrived the day before.

theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

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Let us take care of your visiting family & friends!

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Long-time reader and Gulfport resident Eric Espinoza likes his Gabber on the grass – or on the perennial peanut, as the case may be. Who needs travel when life at home is this good?

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

theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

There’s Still Life at the Gulfport Community Garden

By George Zarillo

GEORGE ZARILLO

As with almost all organizations and individuals, the Gulfport Community Garden has had to adapt to our changing world due to COVID-19.

Six months ago, our garden was in full swing – we had 25 volunteers planning and contributing to the (then) upcoming 5th Annual Dance For Plants, our primary fundraising event of the year. As you know, that event and all others at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom were canceled.

Although a number of volunteers stopped coming to work days due to health concerns, some of us have been able to keep things going through these summer months.

We were concerned about food supply networks and we also wanted to continue to help with fresh food at the Gulfport Senior Center Food Pantry. We wear masks, keep a respectable distance – not too hard to do while working at the garden – and request that visitors do that too. We have extra masks on hand.

Summer Gardening Summers for most people are the least rewarding when it comes to gardening in Florida. It’s hot, humid and more traditional garden vegetable favorites – like tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce and carrots – don’t grow very well or at all.

Since last September, when we began regular planting, we harvested more than 1500 pounds of produce. Some of our raised beds are planted with cover crops now, but we are harvesting okra, peppers and Egyptian spinach.

We’re still hoping that some of the melons and squash we planted this spring will fully develop.

theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

Tropical Spinaches There are many leafy green vegetables that tolerate and thrive in tropical growing conditions. Egyptian spinach, Okinawan spinach, Malabar spinach, longevity spinach and Surinam spinach, to name a few. They don’t taste like the spinach we’re used to eating. They tend to be rather bland to the average taste buds, and we need to be creative in cooking, seasoning and preparing them. Most are easy to grow, nutritious and some, like Surinam Spinach, make an attractive ground cover with its shiny green leaves and pretty pink flowers. It’s always nice to expand the variety and options of food we eat and grow in our yards – both for pleasure and for food security.

Cow Horn Okra Seeds Most of the okra we are growing is a large, very fastgrowing heritage variety. Some of the okra grows so quickly they become fibrous and inedible, but they have many seeds. Anyone who’d like some seeds is welcome from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturdays and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.

There’s still time to plant and harvest another crop of them.

Community Compost Our community compost is still open to everyone to drop off their kitchen scraps – vegetables, fruits, tea, eggshells, coffee grounds – during gardening hours. Eating fresh, locally grown foods is one of the best ways to keep our selves and our planet healthy.

Find Gulfport Community Garden at 5125 Preston Ave. S. Contact geozarillo@yahoo.com.

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weekly horoscope

By Holiday Mathis While trying to lose one thing to make room for another, a discovery occurs. You find out that the thing you want to lose has a higher value to you than you had previously thought. This is precisely how it earned its place in your life! The Mercury and Saturn situation suggests you use a new scale to argue against your old evaluation.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Taking a thing a little too seriously squeezes all the potential for fun out of it. And taking a thing far too seriously leads to suffering. Err on the side of fun today.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Those feelings that are so much a part of who you are seem to be mostly completely out of your control. However, you can steer yourself toward environments, people and situations that are likely to tease out just the mood you want.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Because only one person can be inside a mind, an inner sense of reality is a hard thing to share. You have to use symbols like language, image and movement to convey a feeling, and you’ll do a brilliant job of it.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). If the risk is minimal and the upside is obvious, you would think it would be an easy yes. But that is not taking into account the complexities of mind, body and spirit. There are other forces at work here. Trust intuition.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Relationships that involve deception and manipulation are, by definition, toxic environments.

If necessary for the sake of the bigger picture, with the proper protections in place, toxic environments can be tolerated.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). It is better to learn lessons early on in a process while there’s still the excuse of being new and you’re likely in the proximity of teachers. Get in there and make mistakes as soon as possible. Lessons that come too late get embarrassing.

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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). If this day were an ice cream stand, then it would not be the sidewalk vendor with three prepackaged options. This is the one with dozens of flavors and toppings – overwhelming, unless, of course, you have a deep sense of who you are.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The number of people in a family, at a gathering or on a social media post won’t matter nearly as much as the feelings among those who are present.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Every ending is a new beginning. This hopeful assurance doesn’t address the fact that transitions require a great deal of energy. Rest up, take good care of yourself, and give yourself plenty of compassion right now.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Lifting weights builds body strength. Processing information brings mental strength.

Strength of character comes either through enduring hardship or via the endeavor of helping others.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). It’s hard to learn without consistency. When one action consistently nets the same result, learning is reinforced. You’ll be teaching the people around you who you are. Keep this principle in mind.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There are deals to be made and bargains to be struck, and you’ll make the most of this, all the while knowing that the best interactions of life are not transactional. You can only get so much from the world through negotiation.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (August 6). Exceptional powers of observation will help you navigate a tricky and competitive atmosphere and, eventually, win a gigantic prize. Even so, that is not the most important work you’ll do this year. You will teach someone to love by loving them. And you will lift your family by giving yourself all you need to succeed. Virgo and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 40, 3, 33, 12 and 6.

theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

arts What We’re Writing Floridians are a writerly bunch. The Tampa Bay area has an abundance of prolific authors in a variety of genres who hail from the state, or who set their books in Florida. We talked to three local writers who reside in the Gulfport/St. Petersburg area and have new releases in 2020.

Author: Stephen Burdick Title: “Deemer’s Inlet” Release date: August 14 What it’s about: A small-town police chief on the Gulf Coast of Florida struggles to solve two murders while dealing with local politicians and residents. More problems arise when he begins to suspect the newcomer dating his administrative assistant and one of his own people may be involved.

“I took the leap and began writing in 2007, reading the works of Randy Wayne White, Dan Brown and Robert B. Parker, attempting to find my own style. With the encouragement of friends, I continued to write when I wasn’t working, and, once I retired, dove into it full-time. In 2014, I joined the Gulfport Fiction Writers who meet at the Gulfport Public Library.

Intimidated at first by so many talented authors, I decided the only way to better myself was to employ their critiques and keep writing. The single most important thing they offered each other was the desire to see all members succeed. Though the faces in the group have changed over the years, the willingness to help enrich an author’s level of work remains.”

Author: Alison R. Solomon Title: “Before She Left – Book 4 in the Gulfport Mystery Series” Release date: April 5 What it’s about: Ella Jay has vanished without a trace. The detective assigned to the case thinks Ella’s fiancée, strong-willed Breezy Carmichael, should accept that she’s been dumped, but Breezy senses something strange going on. For no apparent reason, in the small town of Gulfport, where everyone knows everyone else’s business, husbands

LINDA DAVIS

By Lynn Taylor

Author Linda Davis on Great Day Live Tampa Bay, with hosts Kendall Kirkham and Javante Ingram.

and wives are deserting their spouses.

Could Ella’s disappearance be part of the same mystery?

“The quirky town of Gulfport is the ideal place to set a mystery series and readers enjoy spotting some of their favorite local haunts. As a former social worker, I always bring issues of social justice or mental health into the novels. I want folks to feel that, not only have they been entertained, they’ve also learned something.”

Author: Linda Davis Titles: Books 2 and 3 in the “Gus the Goose series: Gus the Goose and the Silly Rabbits” and “Gus the Goose and his Friendship with Millie the Horse” Release date: August 1 What it’s about: The books are about

a very happy goose that tries to do good for his friends on the farm but always seems to get into trouble.

Yet he manages to make everything better and learn valuable lessons in the meantime.

“I spent nearly 50 years in hospitality around the world. I woke up one day and no one wanted my services. My kids wanted me to write a memoir a la Anthony Bourdain but there were so many stories to tell it started looking like ‘War and Peace.’

I began writing books for young readers after my first grandchild was born. The series is published by Waldorf Books and made available first via the Texas school library system then sold to the general public.”

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theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

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Hurricane Bingo Anyone?

By Laura Mulrooney

After hearing the bars are still closed and masks are mandatory, Isaias did the Electric Slide to the right this weekend and headed up the coast. But it’s hardly the end of the season for us.

There’s another disturbance in the Atlantic right behind him, and you can rest assured there will be more. It’s only August, after all.

All this waiting and watching can get you down, so the Gabber decided to have a little fun in the form of Hurricane Bingo.

After you’ve prepped and planned, be on the lookout for these signs of the season in the Bay area. First one to complete a card – and sent us the pictures for proof – will win a prize.

(Bingo is fun, but hurricanes are not. If you haven’t already, please review tips and planning tools, including evacuation routes, in the Pinellas All Hazard Guide: pinellascounty.org/ emergency/allhazardguide.htm. Sign up for Alert Pinellas for all the latest updates.)

HURRICANE SEASON

b i n g o O’Maddy’s customer holding beer while water laps at his feet

Jim Cantore in South Pinellas County

City sandbag station

Street catfish

Tangerine Greenway in lake form

Fallen palm frond

Car trying to drive through headlightdeep water

“Gulfport Strong” signs

Gas pump lines

Saltwater sign on Shore Blvd.

Plywood on windows

FREE

Car driving with hazards on in a rainstorm

Spaghetti model on TV

“Cone of Uncertainty” on TV

Hurricane shutters on occupied home

Spray painted address on home

Evacuation route traffic

Fallen street sign

Fallen traffic light

Fallen branches

Power company truck

Unknown trash can in your yard

Seaweed on a vehicle

Shore Blvd. paddleboarder/ kayaker

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theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

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theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

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Free Books Abound

JUNE JOHNS

Judging by the amount of Little Free Libraries around, Gulfport and surrounding areas have a fair amount of book lovers. And creative builders as well.

Little Free Library is a nonprofit that “inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world,” according to their website.

Find a Little Free Library in your neighborhood at littlefreelibrary.org. Take a book, leave a book.

JUNE JOHNS JUNE JOHNS

Find this butterfly box near the corner of 58th Street South and 25th Avenue.

This bright yellow library is near the front entrance to the Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S.

CATHY SALUSTRI

This sweet little book house sits at 53rd Street South and 19th Avenue.

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Need a book on the beach? Check out the Gulfport Casino’s little library.

theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

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theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

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A Community of Art

By Lynn Taylor

MARGO DALGETTY

Artists Anne Marie Fraley, Margo Dalgetty, and Dawn Marie display some of their art.

Gulfport is often referred to as an arts community, and it is certainly true that many talented artists live here. But it is often the “community” aspect that sets Gulfport apart from other arts communities, especially in a time of need.

“I asked on Facebook if anyone was interested in a 30-day, piece-a-day art challenge,” says Margo Dalgetty. “It seemed like a good idea for people who needed something to engage their minds and was a great way for artists to interact.”

Dalgetty majored in art in college and became an art teacher.

Five years ago, when she was looking for an artist-friendly place to live, she Googled art towns in Florida, and there she found Gulfport.

“Gulfport seemed to have the best sense of community.

Since I didn’t know anyone, that was important to me. I’ve never known a community like this,” she says. “All my connections here are in art and at the dog park where I walk my dog Albie.”

Dalgetty taught altered books classes at Art & Soul until the business closed. Her abstract acrylics and polymer clay jewelry have been featured around Gulfport at Zaiya ArtiZen Market and the Beach Bazaar. She also paints old violins that she sells at a gallery in St. Petersburg.

What started out as a question on Facebook became the Art Challenge, a mix of professional artists and hobbyists with everyone welcome to participate in the medium of their choice. Challenge themes, such as “bucket list,” “dog days” and “food that comes from a can,” are collected in albums on the group’s Facebook page. The current theme is “reptile,” in preparation for GeckoFest season. All feedback is kind and encouraging, says Dalgetty.

“It’s nice to have something to get our brains working.

Something fun when feeling bleak. We keep it light. It’s been a savior for me as well as participants.”

The group now has over 250 members and more than 23 albums filled with art.

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“As a professional artist for more than 30 years, the Art Challenge has provided new springboards for me,” says artist Dawn Marie. “That said, it is truly the people that are part of the Art Challenge. The support, kindness and encouragement are unbelievable. I thank Margo for the brilliant idea in a time of national crisis to give us an opportunity to continue to create.”

Julie Armstrong, a former graphic artist who worked in printing in Virginia before moving to Gulfport, also appreciates the initiative.

“The challenge provided me with an outlet while taking care of my 93-year-old mother, and allowed me to pull out some of my old art supplies that I don’t normally work with,” says Armstrong, who has some of her work at Zaiya.

The Art Challenge has also helped some of the artists sell their work at a time when art shows, art walks and markets are no longer happening.

“All in-person shows have been canceled. The Saturday Morning Market, the Tuesday market, the 2Cool Art Show,” says John Shevlin.

Shevlin worked and displayed his art at Domain Home Accessories and Gallery for 15 years. And in March, his husband had to return to Newfoundland before they closed the Canadian border on March 23.

“We’ve been together 22 years and married last year, but he was told anything COVID-related wouldn’t be covered by insurance if he remained here.”

Shevlin credits the Art Challenge with keeping him busy and inspired him to go outside his artistic comfort zone.

So, is Gulfport an arts community or community of art? Perhaps it doesn’t matter.

“Living and working in Gulfport is a dream come true,” says Dalgetty. “Community is good for the soul.”

Check out the Art Challenge on Facebook.

theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

food A Stay-home Cook Serves up Habana Café’s Flavors

By Jen Ring

JEN RING

I’ve wanted to learn how to cook Cuban food ever since After dinner, I’d order the café’s famous cream cheese I met my Cuban roommate in college. If it hadn’t been flan, even if I was so full I had to take it home in a box. I for Miriam, I never would have discovered that perfect don’t know about you, but I’m not the type of person to blend of citrus and spices that is bottled mojo sauce. pass up a dessert that won a Southern Living cookoff.

For years, I never bothered to cook Cuban food myself.

But I’m still shirking indoor dining rooms due to COVID-19, We have so many wonderful purveyors of Cuban cuisine so I did the next best thing. in the Tampa Bay area, it seemed unnecessary. From Over the course of a month, I cooked four recipes from the Columbia, “The Habana Café La Segunda, Cookbook” for my Brocato’s and La family.

Teresita in Tampa, Since mangoes to Bodega and are in season, Pipo’s in St. Pete I started with and Gulfport’s salmon with own Habana mango salsa.

Café, we are The homemade surrounded by mango salsa was delicious Cuban so good I started dining options. looking for other When the excuses to make pandemic forced it. While I ate my me inside – I salmon, I thought, am in a high“I bet this salsa risk category – would taste great things changed. on top of shrimp Suddenly I was quesadillas.” cooking at home I made them a six days a week, week later, and and I was starting that salsa was to get bored with delicious on my usual recipes. top of shrimp Mojo pork over yellow rice – a new family favorite.

Around the same quesadillas.

I time, the Gabber asked me to help with their food served the quesadillas with Gonzalez-Hastings’ baked coverage, and I started researching more local chefs sweet plantains. I could have let the plantains ripen a and restaurants. One that popped right out was Habana smidge more before baking – they should have black Café and Josefa Gonzalez-Hastings. skins – but the ripest plantain was perfect, reminiscent In my research, I found what some long-time Gulfport of a stack of pancakes covered in sliced bananas and residents already know: The University Press of Florida maple syrup. published a collection of Gonzalez-Hastings’ recipes in I used some fresh peaches by making a pitcher of Jo’s 2004. “The Habana Café Cookbook” shares recipes for frozen peach daiquiris. This recipe received the most rave all the Cuban classics, including roast pork with mojo reviews from my father, who loves a frozen drink. sauce (lechón asado), chicken and yellow Rice (Arroz con The moment I found a good pork shoulder, I attempted Pollo), Cuban shredded beef (ropa vieja), daiquiris and the most classic Cuban recipe I could think of – lechón more. The book also includes Spanish recipes popular asado. There’s no way I was going to roast a pork shoulder in Cuba, like paella and Spanish garlic shrimp (shrimp for hours in the oven in Florida’s summer heat, so I halved ajillo). the amount of liquid called for and cooked it in a crock pot I read “The Habana Café Cookbook” cover to cover. instead. It was the most flavorful pork shoulder we’ve ever In the process, I learned that mojo sauce is even better had at home. And because the only pork shoulder available with fresh citrus juice, white wine and extra spices; that was huge, we had more than enough left over to make mojo the way you prepare plantains depends on how ripe they pork sandwiches pressed in Cuban bread with onion and are; that Cuban-style paella is often made with Bijol Swiss cheese. I think we’ve found a new family favorite. seasoning instead of saffron; and that some of the best One month later, I’m glad that I embarked upon this rum cocktails came from Cuba. extremely socially distanced adventure with Gonzalez I wanted to meet Gonzalez-Hastings in person. I wanted Hastings. I look forward to cooking more of these recipes. to go to her restaurant, order the lechón asado with I can’t guarantee that “The Habana Café Cookbook” will a glass of homemade red sangria, and gaze upon her become one of your favorites, but I can tell you that it’s collection of Audubon prints while I waited for my food. now one of mine.

theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

25

crossword

Solution on page 29

All-Terrain Vehicle

26

theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

sudoku

Solution on page 29

adopt a pet

PET PAL

Pet Pal Young, attractive lady seeks new companion. Must love walking, cuddling and having fun in the water. If that sounds like you, Teena, 2, would love to meet you!

Thanks to the Pit Project and her sponsor, Claudia Pettee, her adoption is $75. You must own your home, and she would prefer no small children.

A little large, a little lazy, but definitely wonderful! Tigger, 4, is a beautiful charmer who likes to keep to herself, but always appreciates cuddles and scritches. Meet Tigger at Pet Food Warehouse, 1830 61st Ave. N., 727-521-6191.

Pet Pal Animal Shelter, 727-3287738, Petpalanimalshelter.com

theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

27

the gabs What is your biggest pet peeve?

LAURA MULROONEY

LAURA MULROONEY

Taylee Tellechea, St. Petersburg: “The mosquitoes this year. The mosquitoes have been awful! And I get about 120 bites daily!”

Chase Brooks, St. Petersburg: “When adult men cannot lift the seat up when they pee.”

LAURA MULROONEY

LAURA MULROONEY

Tommy August, Gulfport: “My biggest pet peeve is the drivers. I don’t understand how nobody knows how to turn. You make a right hand turn or a left hand turn. It’s like in slow motion, then all of a sudden you get to 60. If you could just pull out, and push on the gas pedal, and get to 60 a little bit quicker, that’d be awesome.”

Steve Green, Gulfport: “My pet peeve is inconsiderate people. Aggressive. That just don’t consider other people, run them over, you know. Mentally, physically, whatever.

Life is too short.”

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

28

theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

solutions

DEADLINES HAVE CHANGED! 5 p.m. Friday for next Thursday’s issue.

UNDER CONTRACT

5317 18th Avenue South Seeking Gulfport charm and serenity? You will find your center here. Lovingly kept historic Gulfport bungalow is so sweet and filled with both curiosity and whimsy! Head turning curb appeal begins with a meticulous variety of landscaping, wide private gravel drive and welcoming entranceway. Classic home boasts original hardwood floors , white bead board accents, high ceilings, crown molding & thick baseboard, recessed & track lighting, loads of newer windows that just spill sunshine in! Bathrooms have been updated tastefully. Sunny kitchen fully equipped with new Bosch dishwasher, Frigdaire ceramic top range, Kenmore microwave, and full size side by side fridge with ice maker. Handy butler’s pantry off kitchen complete with stackable Frigdaire Gallery washer/dryer! Gardener's delight - includes pathways, a wooden bridge, fountains, and a koi pond complete with a waterfall - plus a shed and double panel gate to alley. This quality home is in a NO-FLOOD ZONE and located near a park with a pond, playground and exercise equipment! Live the Gulfport lifestyle you crave ...make this unique home YOURS TODAY!

Marie Drew mdrew@remax.net

727-657-1259 MarieDrew.com

YOUR GULFPORT LOCAL EXPERT! theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

29

CLASSIFIEDS Accounting

CLEAR NUMBERS BOOKKEEPING

Virtual bookkeeping for small businesses and non-profits. Monthly packages customized to your needs or one time cleanups. Payroll available. QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor. 10+ years experience. Call/text to 727-248-0714 or email to nspence@clearnumbers.biz.

If you have questions about advertising, please email us advertising@thegabber.com or call 727-321-6965! Deadline: Friday 5 p.m. grades. Wireless and network configurations. 7276430697. www.jmswebservices. com Cycles / Scooters MOTORCYCLE 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan, 1700cc, 8900 miles, new battery, very good condition, $3000, 727-580-0568

DRYER VENT CLEANING

727-504-2838 Also, blender repair. Call Adams Appliance Repair Services. Friendly, professional service. Calladams727@gmail. com.

Caregivers QUALITY CARE FOR YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE Experienced, references, licensed.

727-564-0464 Computer Services

AC ELECTRIC 727-345-3108

Gulfport Computer Repair Fast Friendly Service

727-388-3493 2321 49th St S

Mon-Thu 10am-5pm

15 Years in Gulfport 45 Years Experience

Computer Sales

Fax, Copy, Print

COMPUTER SERVICES 727-343-2838

In-home services: Internet security, training, virus & spyware removal, maintenance & repair, data recovery. PC & Mac.

Computer Problems?

No Problem!

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

perfectworldllc.com JS COMPUTER REPAIR On site computer repair, removal of malware and viruses.

Hardware and software setup and up-

30

Over 30 years experience. Residential & commercial. New or remodel work, service upgrades, lightning arrestors. Fans and lighting installed. State License #ER0007653.

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

FREE ESTIMATES

525-0677

HANDYMAN SEMI-RETIRED All types of repairs and small jobs welcome. Quality work at reasonable prices. Honest. Reliable. Free estimates. John, 727-410-2201.

D.C. STRONG

Home & condo maintenance • Interior & Exterior • Experienced in all work, A-Z • Call Dennis Strong 727-301-4530 • Licensed & Insured

Electrical

Appliance Repair

Eaves/Rotted Wood, Etc. 30 Year Gabber Advertiser. Free Estimates, Lic. C-5754.

727-821-9973.

Licensed Bonded Insured St. Lic. #EC0002881

SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT!

Happy Talk

CELEBRATE IRISH HERITAGE, CULTURE & FUN!

The Suncoast Irish & Gaelic Heritage club is looking for individuals to share their Irish roots & interests with others. This group will showcase its fine heritage at various fun gatherings. www.suncoastirish.com Health & Fitness

ACORN MODEL 120 STRAIGHT CHAIRLIFT

Serviced and in good working order, condition, all necessary hardware, remotes. $300 Call 727-575-7425.

Heating & Air Conditioning

Furnished Rentals CONDO TOWNSHORE FURNISHED, 1 bedroom, WATERVIEW, 55+ TOWN SHORES 55+ Nottingham Bldg. 1st Floor Waterfront, Furnished, 1Br/1Ba, 1060 sq. ft. Water Views, patio, Available now. $1300/mo. Six month lease and month to month afterwards. No pet. Electricity and c√¢ble included. Call or Text 514-242-5228, e-mail: ifournier@live.ca Furniture / Appliances PICNIC TABLE Picnic table, $100 Ea. 6 Ft.-Folding Table $25 ea., 6 ft, fiberglass top.

Apply Saturday between 9 and 12 noon, limited supplies. 2500 34th St S. Social Club of St Pete, south side of building.

“Same rates seven days a week”

NO SERVICE CHARGE EVER! CAC1815513

727

709-7979 www.AirPhillips.com

QUALITY AT WORK

Luke Phillips

3914 6th St S St. Petersburg

General TANDEM BIKE 4 SALE Rare tandem beach cruiser needs a new home. $125.00 I WILL SELL YOUR STUFF FOR YOU MAKE ROOM IN YOUR HOME AND MAKE CASH. CONTACT JOHN E FOR DETAILS. SEAGHOST15@YAHOO.COM 727-565-7228 GULFPORT LIONS CLUB Available for parties, weddings, meetings. Great waterfront location with full facilities. Call Jean for info and dates. 727-366-6341.

Handy Person CARPENTER DEPENDABLE! “Have Tools Will Travel” Trustworthy. Doors, Decks/

theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

Help Wanted

AFFORDABLE PROMPT • RELIABLE Licensed & Insured

LICENSE MASSAGE THERAPIST WANTED

Established day spa in Tyrone, St. Pete area is looking for a License Massage Therapist interested in renting a private room for $500 @ month. Therapist is responsible for managing their own schedule, clients & pricing. Call (727)415-8137 for details.

HANDYMAN NEEDED for house near tyrone mall. Start outside: clean roof, tree debris to dump, power wash, painting, plant shrubs. Then fix/renovate inside house. Some saturdays 9am1pm. $15.00/Hour cash. Own truck and tools needed. Call: 727-302-0038.

NOW HIRING HOUSEKEEPERS Great rate of pay Drivers preferred but no essential Immediate start Maids and More 727-3631074

Lee Claxton, I.S.A. Certified Arborist

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

727-220-0226 AnAffordableArborist@gmail.com

James Fox Tree Service Owner/Operator for over 20 years “We make your trees feel beautiful”

Home Improvement

10% OFF SENIORS

Trees cleaned, elevated • Property Maintenance Stump grinding • Hazardous limb removal Storm and roof protection • Insured

727-322-1849 or 727-215-8601 LIC#0700008985

Roofs & Roof Repair • Roof Leaks Tile • Flat Roof • Single Asphalt Soffit & Fascia ROTTED WOOD SPECIALIST CBC 057394 Lic# RC29027195 & Insured

Moving / Hauling CHARLES JUNK HAULING & DEMOLITION Junk & Trash Removal. Low, Low Prices Guaranteed, Daily Specials. Kitchen, Bath, Shed, Fencing, etc. Demolition. 727-8310507.

SMALL JOB — PLUMBING

Veteran-owned/operated. Over 15 years experience. Free estimates. Licensed, insured. CGC#1523280. Call 727-480-4796.

Sewer-drain cleaning. CFC1427888. Low rates. 727-522-2508. MasterCard/Visa.

Lawn / Landscape

Professional Services

EXPERT SPRINKLER REPAIR

I MEAN PRISTINE CLEAN! Spring cleaning! Residential & Commercial. Move ins or move outs. We leave it spotless! Call Pamela at 727-417-6038.

Rich Moseley, irrigation contractor. 25 years experience. Reasonable rates. Well & pumps.

727-439-0792. Lic.#C8312. BBB accredited.

Lynn Palm

TREE PRUNING & DEBRIS CLEANUP Serving South St. Petersburg. Free estimates.

727-308-8650

CALL ARBORIST TIM COPPOLA

Yutzy Tree Service Commerical & Residential

Licensed Insured Workmans Comp

dba

Helping Hand No Project is Too Small!

Banking • Bill Payments • Bookkeeping Senior Sit • Meal Prep • Run Errands Grocery Shop • Misc. Projects Light Housekeeping • and more, just ask!

References upon request

727-289-8934 lpalmhh3@hargray.com

727-323-4303

Real Estate For Rent

YutzyTreeService.com

Winner Angies List 4 YEARS Super Service Award RUNNING!

Real Estate For Sale MINI ESTATE IN GULFPORT Over 1/2 acre with vacant lot & 2-2bed residence 5 blks to Marina & 7 blks to Art District.

Main resident has a lot of inviting ‘Old” Fla. charm. Huge great room with hardwood floors cathedral ceiling, and big screened in porch. Smaller home has been freshened up with new flooring, bath, kitchenette and expansive front porch. There is a multi purpose block bldg with loft in back that abuts the alley $595000. Call Realtor with Luxury & Beach Realty @ 727-6431183 PELICAN CREEK VILLAGE CONDO FOR SALE Beautiful, private, quiet location.

2bd/2ba, with carport 3 blocks from Stetson campus. Great price and just minutes to beach. Clubhouse pool and surrounded

by Pasadena Yacht and country club golf course. Great price! Call Deidre for more info! 727-483-0490

Sunday Open House 1pm - 4pm 5410 11th Ave South $269,900

Plumbing

KITCHEN SPECIALIST

Hazardous Removals Trimming, Mangroves Stump Grinding

1Br/1Ba, 1060 sq. ft. Covered Parking, Water Views from front and back.

Available 9/15. $1400/mo. Annual Rental. Call or Text 708-269-0370.

Lic.# FL-0203A

TOWN SHORES 55+ Nottingham Bldg. 5th Floor Waterfront, Furnished,

theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020

Dina Gamma, Realtor®

727-410-5035

gammadina10@gmail.com

Thinking of Selling? Call me!

THE ISLAND IN BOCA CIEGA BAY SOUTH PASADENA

PLUS most of the submerged land in the bay. PLUS the submerged land under the dock of The Hemingway Condos!

A BARGAIN AT $89,000

10% Co-Op Commission

Joseph W. Cotton, Broker 727-289-4436 31

CANOE COUNTRY OUTFITTERS

GET ON THE WATER WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS IN A TANDEM KAYAK! WE CUSTOMIZE AND REPAIR CANOES, KAYAKS, AND PADDLEBOARDS WE OFFER HIGH-QUALITY FISHING KAYAK, CANOE, AND PADDLEBOARD RENTALS

MADE IN AMERICA

KAYAKS:

RAMBLER 13.5 - $579 VENTURA 13.5 - $749 TRIBE 13.5 - $759 PAMLICO 135T - $1049 TARPON 135T - $1159 SANTEE 140T - $1399 SKIMMER 140T - $1399 CANOES:

ADVENTURE 14 - $799 ADVENTURE 16 - $899

6493 54TH AVE N ST. PETE, FL 33709 | CANOECOUNTRYFL.COM

CALL (727) 545-4554 FOR DETAILS NOW IN STOCK AT

COME IN FOR A DEMO RIDE! 32

theGabber.com | August 6 - August 12, 2020