ANNOUNCEMENTS

Go Beyond the Beach

Join Gulfport’s monthly “Beyond the Beach” clean-up Saturday, September 12, at Shelter #4 on the Gulfport Beach, 8 a.m. Last month 29 volunteers cleaned the beach area and adjacent waterfront areas. Organizers will extend the clean-up coverage to diff erent areas of Gulfport – and invite residents to let them know where clean-up is needed. They’ll have sterilized pails and pickers, and bags and gloves for all participants, appropriately spread out and socially distanced. They’ll have plenty of hand sterilizer and sterilizing wipes. Masks also available if needed. Call Wolfgang Deininger, 732-310-4932, or check the Gulfport Grassroots Facebook page.

Need a Mask?

The City of Gulfport hands out free masks to all who need them at two locations: the Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S., weekdays from 1 to 8 p.m.; and the 49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S., weekdays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find other local mask distribution sites at covid19.pinellascounty.org.

Ready to Paint Some Christmas Mice?

Beta Sigma Phi is meeting Wednesday, September 3 at 7 p.m. at the home of Merri Welch to paint the annual Christmas Mouse ornaments. Beta Sigma Phi is a social and cultural women’s organization. This year’s theme is “Sisters By Choice.” The group practices social distancing and is using caution as they begin another sorority year. For more contact First Vice President Joyce Powell, 727-641- 1245.

You Can Still Volunteer for Seniors

The Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center is closed until further notice, but they still have volunteer opportunities. If you want to make a difference and help your community join the volunteer program – meet new friends and to get acquainted with more than 50 programs, classes and workshops. Volunteers assist as lobby receptionists, fitness center attendants, class/activity instructors, and with special events, the food pantry, clerical support, the flea market, promotions, bingo, card/ magazine organizing and more. Call Rachel at 727-893-1231 for more.

St. Pete Beach Library Closed for Labor Day

St. Pete Beach Public Library will be closed Monday, September 7, for Labor Day. In the meantime, if you’re looking for something for the kids to do, visit spblibrary.com, scroll down to “Quick Links,” and click on “Access Video: Just for Kids” for curriculum-based educational videos, songs, games and more.

Make Pinellas Count

America gets one chance each decade to count its entire population and the 2020 Census is your chance to make sure Pinellas gets its fair share. The census determines the size of political representation and how billions of dollars are spent on federal and local programs. Public transit, affordable housing, school lunches, Medicaid and SNAP are just a few programs that rely on census data. Your response is secure, confidential and protected by law. The short survey is a civic duty laid out in the Constitution – and vitally important to your community’s future. Take the census by mail, phone or online. Visit pinellascounty.org/census2020 for more.

Need Help with Rent or Utilities?

You can now apply for help with overdue rent, mortgage or utilities through Pinellas CARES by texting COVIDCARES to 898211. Pinellas residents need a signed form attesting job or income loss from COVID-19 and $10K or less in the bank. You can get up to $5K per household, including new bills, even if you previously received help. Learn more at cares.pinellas.gov.

Tall Tales of Tall Grass

Gulfport’s code enforcement department consists of one person, and right now, the city’s directed him to focus primarily on life and safety issues (for example, a house with a pool that lacks a fence.) The offi cer does patrol the city for violations, focusing on one area of Gulfport a week. Gulfport’s Community Development department asks residents to be extra sets of eyes and report violations. The city promises the inspector will respond within one working day. Call 727-893-1061; if you get voicemail, please leave a detailed message. You may report anonymously, but if you want the offi ce to follow up with you, the complaint will not be anonymous. And contact information you leave on the voicemail or give the offi cer becomes part of the public record.

Keep Informed with Alert Pinellas

Do you feel like you’re always the last to know? Alert Pinellas Emergency and Community Notification Service for Pinellas County lets your city keep residents up-to-date on critical information, quickly and with myriad delivery methods. Visit mygulfport. us/alertpinellas for more, and sign up for this free service. Follow prompts to register your email address to

St. Pete Beach: By Appointment Only

The City of St. Pete Beach doesn’t want people in city hall – but don’t take it personally: they’re trying to slow or stop the spread of COVID-19. They’re asking residents and businesses to do everything they can either online at stpetebeach.org or by calling 727-367-2735. If that doesn’t work for you, then yes, of course, come on by – but they will insist you make an appointment and, when you come in for your appointment, wear a mask. Visit stpetebeach.org/onlineappointment.

• Vegetarian/Vegan and gluten-free options available. For specifi c issue or allergy, contact Chef Morgan at stellasdeli@gmail.com

Curb Your Reading at the Library

Don’t feel safe going back into public places? The Gulfport Public Library has you covered at the curb! You can pick up requested materials — books, reemployment forms, tax forms, your copy of the Gabber, what have you — at the curb. You can either reserve books online, via email, or by calling the library, Pick up materials Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Get more details at mygulfport.us/gpl.

South Pasadena Remains Distant

While some cities will resume meeting in real life, South Pasadena Commission will remain, for the time, socially distant. Commission meetings take place virtually, and the city has not yet announced plans to resume exercise, dance, and yoga classes. South Pasadena will post any and all updates at mysouthpasadena.com or on the Spectrum Channel 643.

Pay Your Water Bill at Enoch Davis Center

The Enoch Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave. S., may be closed to the public, but folks can still stop by to pay water bills at the Water Collections window, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 2 to 5 p.m. Call 727-893-7134 for more.

Are You Prepared for a Hurricane?

It’s hurricane season, and the City of Gulfport has Pinellas County Hurricane Preparedness Guides available at Gulfport City Hall, the public library and the fire station. Visit mygulfport.us/hurricane-center for site addresses, planning tips, a list of recommended supplies and other useful hurricane-related information. The Atlantic hurricane season extends through November 30.

Watch the Watchers Virtually

Gulfport’s Neighborhood Watch has gone virtual, which means no matter where you are you can participate via Facebook. The group meets Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Find the group on Facebook by searching for “Gulfport, FL Community Crime Watch.” The meetings and group off er Gulfport residents a monitored way to learn about burglaries, stolen vehicles and more. Call 727-893-1022 or email Gulfport’s volunteer coordinator Jim Wright at jwright@mygulfport.us if you want more information.

Got Extra Food?

If you do, the Gulfport Senior Center Pantry needs it. They’re looking for nonperishables like tuna, peanut butter, dry cereal, pasta sauce, soups and canned meats. Any Gulfport resident 50 and older can use the pantry. The Senior Center keeps the pantry open from 1 to 3 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. If you have food to donate, drop it off anytime. If you could use food, bring your photo ID, a utility bill, or bank statement (to prove residence) and your SSI proof of income. Wondering if you can use the pantry? Call Rachel at 727-893-1231.

Drivers Wanted

Meals on Wheels needs you… to drive. The Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center, as part of the Neighborly Dining & Meals on Wheels program, delivers meals to those who need it, provided they’re at least 60 years old. Little problem: They don’t have enough drivers. People who can volunteer to deliver meals should visit neighborly.org.

Gulfport is Ready to Help Businesses

It’s not too late to apply for City of Gulfport grant funding for eligible small businesses. If you or your business employ between three and 50 fulltime employees within Gulfport city limits, you might qualify. Grants in the amount of $1000 are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last, so don’t miss out. Apply online at mygulfport.us/ gatewaygrant, call 727-893-1045 or email csototorres@mygulfport.us.

Little Free Pantry on St. Pete Beach

The St. Pete Beach Public Library now has a Little Free Pantry outside their temporary location, 7470 Gulf Blvd., so “take what you need, leave what you can.” Also, try the library’s A to Z Databases, ideal for finding friends and relatives, market research, sales leads, mailing lists and more. Visit spblibrary. com for more, or to browse the catalog.