The Gabber: September 29, 2022

Robot Friends

By Amanda Hagood

They may look a little like toys, but they’re so much more.

Buddy, Irish, Brandy, and Ginger have thick brown fur, waggly tails, and a steady, reassuring heartbeat. When their humans get boisterous, they like throwing back their heads for a good “Arf!”

Zizzy and Miss Kitty have that ineffable feline grace, with delicate, pink toe beans and a soft meow. They enjoy stretching out onto their backs for a belly rub.

Their humans, all residents at The Fountains in South Pasadena, couldn’t be more delighted. As the group settles in for its regular happy hour, their animals, robotic Joy For All® Companion Pets produced by Hasbro, seem ready to join in the fun. Eyes blinking, heads turning, they offer the occasional polite woof or discreetly clean their paws as the humans swap stories and laughter.

Fountains residents received the pets as part of a Florida Department of Elder Affairs initiative to help seniors combat isolation during COVID-19 lockdowns. Over the last two years, Florida seniors have received about 11,500 pets.

Before COVID-19, therapy animals were commonly seen in Florida retirement communities, where they provided socialization for residents, helped Alzheimer’s patients recall memories, or eased the stress of doctor appointments.

Sarah Nadler, a visiting assistant professor of animal studies at Eckerd College and a licensed mental

Vonda Catledge laughs as her animatronic pets, Ginger (dog) and Zizzy (cat), woof and purr along. Catledge received Ginger as part of a Florida Department of Elder Affairs program to help seniors combat loneliness during COVID-19 lockdowns. Catledge enjoyed the cat so much that she gave her to a 100-year-old neighbor – before the neighbor ended up getting her own.

AMANDA

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What Type of Owl Was That, Again?

I‘m sure others have already pointed out the error in the photo caption within the article about owl fatalities in issue No. 2778, Sept. 15-21. The photo is that of an eastern screech owl, gray morph, and NOT a burrowing owl. I am a long-term volunteer caring for the birds of prey at Boyd Hill (over 30 years as a volunteer) and can say positively that we have never had a burrowing owl in captivity. I do, however, commend you for publishing the article because use of rodent poisons has become a major problem for rodent predators. I was pleased to see that the recommendations for use of snap traps by Nancy Murrah and others was included as a suggested solution. Overall this was a very useful and well-done article. –Gabe Vargo, St. Petersburg Editor’s Note: As you know – and other readers recognized – that little guy in the photo is most definitely a screech owl. We did have the right species identified in the digital version of this article, we didn’t correct in print. We apologize, and thanks for your eagle (or should we say owl?) eye!

The Gabber welcomes and encourages letters and commentary. One letter per person, per month. All letters must be signed with your real name and city, and should be as brief as possible (ideally <250 words). We may edit letters for content, clarity and length. We will not print letters that incite violence, include personal attacks on private citizens, or that are intentionally misleading or inaccurate. Letters sent to the Gabber for print will also appear online and on the Gabber’s social media pages. Commentary posted to the Gabber’s website and social media pages may also be used in print. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of the Gabber owners, advertisers, or staff. Send letters to news@thegabber.com or mail them to 2908B Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL, 33707.

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A New Era For Gulfport’s Most Holy Name Catholic Church New Pastor Striving for Continuity

By Monroe Roark

Father Brian Fabiszewski has hit the ground running as the parish administrator at Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Gulfport, with the exception of a minor early hiccup.

He arrived for his first day on the job July 1 and then tested positive for COVID-19 July 5.

“I was out for two weeks as soon as I started,” he said, referring to the isolation period in his residence on the church property.

A native of Pittsburgh – which is apparent to anyone who walks into his office due to the Steelers mem orabilia on the wall, including an autographed photo of Franco Harris – his last post was as an associate pastor in the Town & Country area of Tampa near the airport. He has lived in the region since 1993, mostly in Clearwater, but got a late start of sorts in the priesthood, having been ordained eight years ago, at age 37.

“I graduated from Eckerd College with a degree in history,” he said. “I was accepted into a master’s pro gram at USF and into a seminary at the same time. I chose the semi nary.”

Most Holy Name was founded in 1960. Its first pastor was Father Frank Goodman, the first priest ever ordained for Polk County. At the time of its founding, the church was split between the Diocese of Miami and the Diocese of St. Augustine, as there was not yet a diocese in the Tampa Bay region.

Goodman served here 32 years. An engineer by trade, he designed and oversaw the construction of much of what is now on the prop erty. Since his departure, the parish has lacked continuity. Fabiszews ki is the parish’s ninth pastor in 30 years. The effects of the pandemic the past two years have not helped.

“When I arrived, a lot of the pro grams had still been shut down,” he said. “They weren’t having confes sions on Saturday, and they hadn’t

for a year-and-a-half or two years. But we have restarted them.”

In-person services have been go ing on for a while since the restric tions in Florida were not as severe as in other parts of the country. Congregations were initially dis tanced and start times for Mass were changed to give enough time to clean in between services, but changes in CDC guidance have now made those steps unnecessary.

Right now about 100 people at tend each of four weekend Mass es. The Spanish mass sees the best overall attendance, although many of the parishioners do not live in the immediate area.

“I’m not conversational, but I can understand what people say. I can celebrate the Mass and give a short homily in Spanish,” said Fabiszews ki. “It’s good that a lot of the Span ish community is bilingual. They are very welcoming because they know it’s not my primary language, and they are appreciative of us for offer ing the Mass.”

During the week he visits various assisted living facilities in the area, offering the services of the church – eucharist, confession, anointing of

the sick – to those who are home bound. The church campus is busy with daily Mass as well as programs for different groups hosted here.

Overseeing a relatively small par ish, he operates without an associ ate pastor and finds himself doing more administrative work than in his last post, where most of what he did was ministerial. That administrative work includes things like address ing aging air conditioning and roof repairs on a couple of church build ings.

“I’m by myself here,” he said. “Ex cept for my cat.”

One of his main goals is to break the cycle of turnover at the church. A six-year term is standard in his line of work, but he could stay longer if he and the members are in favor of it.

“The people here are wonderful. They are very passionate,” he said. “They really do love this place. It has that small family-type feel to it.”

The parish has a large snowbird population, which could mean a 50% increase in the congregation this win ter. That means he’ll have even more new attendees to meet.

“I’ll be introducing myself again in a few weeks,” he said.

Father Brian Fabiszewski of Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Gulfport.

MONROE

ROARK

Gulfport Council Renews EMS Agreement, Insurance Pinellas County Funds City Paramedic Positions

By Monroe Roark

An ongoing agreement with Pi nellas County regarding emergency medical services was renewed by the Gulfport City Council at its Sept. 6 meeting.

Council voted to authorize a twoyear agreement, starting Oct. 1, which it can renew in five years. Under this agreement, the Gulfport Fire Depart ment provides advanced life support first-responder services – funded by Pinellas County.

For the upcoming fiscal year, Pinel las County will pay Gulfport $954,108 to provide these services. This money covers the salaries of Gulfport’s para medics, as City Manager Jim O’Reilly explained to the Council.

“Pinellas County contracts with various municipalities to provide emergency medical services,” he said. “Subsequently they fund the para medic aspect of our fire department.”

Gulfport purchased Rescue 17, the vehicle used by the paramedics, two years ago with Penny for Pinellas dol lars with the understanding that the County would fund the paramedic po sitions, O’Reilly added.

Pinellas County code identifies the Pinellas County Medical Services Au thority as the special district created for the purposes of providing emer gency medical services, according to a city staff report.

“The Authority has determined that a single-tier Advanced Life Support EMS system with a first responder component and a transport compo nent is in the best interest of public safety, health, and welfare,” the report stated. “The Authority has contracted with various municipalities and fire districts to provide first responder services. The City of Gulfport via the Gulfport Fire Department is one of these municipalities.”

The new agreement covers chang es that were made to the current contract, including reimbursement for patient transports to the hospital using Rescue 17, officials said. The agreement also specifies medical supplies and equipment authorized by the Authority.

In other business, the Sept. 6 meet ing saw a vote to approve the renewal

of a general insurance coverage con tract with Public Risk Management of Florida.

Gulfport has been a member of the Public Risk Management Property and Casualty Insurance pool for more than a quarter-century, according to officials. This year’s overall renewal rate on all current lines of coverage is $1,045,206 – an increase of 14%, in line with inflation rates.

O’Reilly called the hike “the industry standard” and added that the budget accounts for the increase.

Gulfport again earned a safety credit, which assisted in reducing to tal overall premium costs. Officials said that resulted directly from main taining an effective safety manual. Gulfport earned an additional credit for maintaining a drug-free workplace policy.

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Gulfport Council approved a contract with Pinellas County, whereby Pinellas County will fund some first-responder services.

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Overheard at Gulfport Council: Cane Toads, Racism

By Monroe Roark

About Alleged Police Brutality at Boca Ciega High School

“I was called here for an injustice. … I can see that there has been a decades-long history of racial injustice and disparities here in Gulfport, Florida. … Take into consideration what happened that day when 15-year-old Maniya Sherriffe was a victim herself by being bullied by six girls and then being victim ized by one of your officers. How would you feel if it was one of your children, one of your grandchildren, being victim ized by an officer – brutally beaten by this officer? … I’ve come to say there is a new sheriff in town, and we will not rest until we get justice and answers for the com munity.” –Bryce Graham of the National Action Network

“I don’t know what hap pened, but the main thing is that my granddaughter was not safe. She was scared of people that were there to protect her. All I want is an swers. I want to know how an officer can do that and it just get shunned by the wayside. My granddaughter is scared, I haven’t seen her smile, she is not coming back to school because she is afraid of the people who are there to protect her. They are not pro tecting her, they didn’t that day. I just want answers.” –a man who identified himself as Maniya Sherriffe’s grand father

“As you’ve noticed, a lot of us have been in front of your panel for quite some time complaining about exactly the

same thing over and over again – racial discrimination. You’re acting like since I moved into town I was the only one complaining about it, but we’ve had multiple people complain about this for decades before I ever landed in your town, and still nothing. ... So how many more times must we continue to keep ask ing for your help? You seem to open up a workshop for everything else, but not one time have you afforded any of us a sit-down, but you uti lize and send your police force and weaponize them to come after us. So when do you plan to stop it? Do we have to continue going through the same thing over and over again?” –Jesse Lee

“I’m just repeating ex actly what her husband said. She condoned it.” –Lee, when Mayor Sam Henderson objected to his use of a racial slur (the n* word) in reference to language a councilmember’s hus band once used

“I was hoping you wouldn’t blow it. [hits the gavel] You’re done.” –Hender son, to Lee

“You’re violating my constitutional rights.” –Lee

“You have violated decorum. You are a small person and you have killed your credibility here.” –Henderson

“What are you touching me for? This is my constitution al right.” –Lee, when Gulfport Police Chief Robert Vincent tapped him on the arm and told him to leave

“Violating the decorum of this room multiple times. Apologies to all.” –Henderson

Overheard continued on page 12

Biking Back in Time

St. Pete’s Black History Comes Alive on Bike History Tour

By Amanda Hagood

Local historian Josette Green is taking it to the streets – on a bik ing tour of St. Pete’s Black histo ry.

When Green, who is white, moved into the predominantly Black neighborhood of Campbell Park 15 years ago, she was often sur prised to hear neighbors’ stories of the community’s history. They shared accounts of the city’s rig idly enforced racial segregation, but also of a strong Black commu nity that thrived in spite of these laws. Guided by her experience as a docent at The Florida Holocaust Museum, she began to envision a way to share this history – sto ries, she felt, that were every bit as “St. Pete” as the beaches and art galleries for which the city is more widely known.

And that’s how she ended up speaking to a crowd of 20 cyclists gathered on the morning of Sept. 10 – along with their road bikes, fixies, e-bikes and e-trikes  – to learn more about St. Pete’s Black history. Green started at the be ginning, with an account of Pinel las County’s first Black settlers, John Donaldson and Anna Ger main, formerly enslaved Alabam ians who built a 40-acre farm in what was once part of Gulfport

(Gulfport’s city limits have shrunk throughout its his tory; the area where Donaldson and Ger main live is now St. Pete).

From there, the 5-mile tour looped through seven stops covering nearly 150 years of history.  The group paused in plac es such as Methodist Town and Peppertown, segregated neighbor

hoods that grew on what was once the edge of downtown St. Pete and housed Black Americans who came here to work as laborers, cooks, and domestic workers supporting the burgeoning tourist trade.

At that time, Green noted, even St. Pete’s famous sunshine was segregated: From Peppertown, the group visualized the long and sometimes dangerous path that Black children had to walk along Railroad Avenue (now First Ave nue South) to get to the City’s only Black beach.

The tour also explored educa tion, healthcare, and leisure in St. Pete’s Black history, stopping at places such as Davis Elementary, Mercy Hospital, and the Manhattan Casino, where St. Pete’s Black cit izens built for themselves the ba sic resources that their City often denied them. At each stop, Green brought the past to life by sharing historical pictures, newspaper clip pings, and stories of Black entre preneurs, healthcare workers, and civil rights activists.

The group also stopped at Trop

The St. Petersburg Black History Bike Tour stops in Methodist Town, named for the Bethel A.M.E. Church which has stood on there for more than one hundred years. Methodist Town was the site of a major urban renewal project that displaced many residents.

AMANDA HAGOOD

It’s more than history in motion; it’s history that moves.

icana Field, a site whose future is currently under discussion. Look ing out over acres of pavement and a silent stadium, Green evoked the Gas Plant: a densely populated Black neighborhood, with hundreds of homes and dozens of business es and churches, that stood on this location before the stadium was completed in 1990. Close by, cars flew past along I-175, which, when built in the 1970s, effectively sliced the neighborhood in half.

Green spoke about the lasting damage of this and other “urban renewal” projects; specifically, how uprooted communities lost their sense of connectivity and a lack of opportunities for home owner ship created or perpetuated gen erational wealth gaps. Some of the plans currently proposed for the Trop’s redevelopment have fo cused, among other things, on how to restore these losses.

The ride concluded with lunch at Chief’s Creole Café, where pro prietors Elihu and Carolyn Bray boy shared their memories and perspectives on growing up in St. Pete’s Black community.

“This was my village!” Mr. Bray boy declared of 22nd street, where

the restaurant opened in 2013. He recalled a bustling neighborhood of restaurants and grocery stores, entertainment venues, tailors pro viding the latest fashions, and his father’s own mortuary.

Bike tour participants Simone Beane and her partner Kayla Jones, who recently moved to St. Pete from North Carolina, were listening closely.

“There’s something special

about being on the ground,” mused Beane.  “About going physically to the places where all this history played out.”

Anne Sweetland, a 20-year St. Pete resident, agreed. “It’s hum bling.”

Their comments reflect Green’s mission, which centers on chang ing the future through changing perspectives.

“Racial equity is at the heart of this tour,” she says. And so is a lot of learning: The itinerary is based on more than a decade of research Green conducted in the City of St. Pete’s archives and at local librar ies. Now kicking off its second year, the St. Petersburg Black History Bike Tour has served more than 350 people.

Green has also worked hard to make the tour safe and accessi ble for all participants. There is no cost to sign up, and tours are of fered twice a month. Green uses a microphone headset for volume and an experienced volunteer rides “sweeper” to help keep the group on course. This year, Green has partnered with Day Tripping, a Gulfport-based e-trike rental com pany, to offer an option for patrons who cannot bike.

“Our tour is now an all-bodies ex perience!” she says proudly.

This body, for one, is glad she came along. It’s more than history in motion; it’s history that moves.

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Elihu Brayboy, proprietor of Chief’s Creole Café in the Deuces neighborhood, shows tour participants a portrait of his parents. Brayboy moved to St. Pete as a child and grew up in the thriving Black businesses district where his restaurant is now located.

AMANDA HAGOOD

Gulfport Council May Eliminate Zoom Meetings

Council May Keep the Service for Special Events, Like ReadOut

By Monroe Roark

Gulfport City Council may discon tinue its current hybrid model for citizen participation, and a prelim inary discussion took place at the council’s Sept. 20 regular meeting.

Currently residents who do not wish to attend a meeting in person can use a Zoom setup to listen re motely and also make comments to the council. That option is typical ly used by only one or two people, and the City pays almost $600 per month for its Zoom subscription, ac cording to officials.

City Manager Jim O’Reilly said the meetings are livestreamed on the City website and also distributed on cable TV, so any new action on this matter would not take away resi dents’ ability to view the meetings remotely.

After most personal interaction was suspended during the COVID-19 shutdown in early 2020, municipali ties throughout Florida were ordered

Dave Mather, pictured with some of the Zoom equipment. Gulfport may eliminate the Zoom aspect of its meetings, which costs the City almost $600/month, not counting staff time. The City will still livestream Council meetings on its website and also distribute them via its cable channel.

by Gov. Ron DeSantis to return to in-person meetings by Nov. 1 of that year. Gulfport officials decided to create this hybrid model at that time so those who did not feel safe at the meetings could still participate.

A recent survey shows that Largo is the only other city in Pinellas County that still has a remote op tion for participation, and officials there have noted little or no participation recently in that regard.

The City’s current monthly cost for Zoom virtual meeting and webi

nar services is $550 per month. That does not include salaried staff time onsite to manage operational aspects, officials said. Gulf port pays more than just a base meeting plan for added secu rity and service, and there have been none of the negative issues other government entities have experi enced.

“I’m personally in favor of letting that [hybrid] aspect go,” said Mayor Sam Henderson. “It served us well during the pandemic and during the later

CATHY SALUSTRI

“It was great that we could do that. We did it at school, too, and it worked great for us. But I’m ready to move back to in-person. I think it’s a good thing and I’m happy to see more faces here.”

Little Free Pantries Dispatches From the Gulfport Appreciation Society

By Joe Opaleski

Remember the bread baking trend from the COVID-19 lockdowns? For a few months, everyone wanted to learn how to bake their own loaves, from simple artisan white breads to elaborate ciabattas. My partner and I took that trend seriously. Well, mostly my partner.

As a premier cake chef and hobby baker, she keeps our pantry stuffed with the best carbohydrates anyone could ever want. Often, we have so much gluten around that I can’t keep up with it. That’s why I’m grateful to have Gulfport’s Little Free Pantries, where I can easily donate our fresh food and nonperishables to those in need.

These boxes were provided by a group of local neighbors, but were originally thought of by Jessica McClard in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It’s not an organization or a nonprofit, just an idea and title free to be replicated by individual communities.

You’ve probably seen these free pantries by the library, fire station, and Presbyterian church. They look like book boxes but are frequently filled with non-perishable foods or surrounded with boxes of produce. These sites allow residents to donate fresh or nonperishable food without leaving City limits, and give beneficiaries the agency to choose what foods they want.

Many bakeries do not give their fresh leftovers to food banks because of strict donation criteria or potential liability. At Gulfport’s free pantries, there are generally garbage bins in close range to dispose of any bad food. As long as no one adds food that can quickly spoil and make a mess of the other donations, food quality is left to the discretion of the person collecting it. It’s a simple system that gives people plenty of options, which is especially important as the price of basic goods continues to skyrocket.

Inflation rates in the Tampa Bay

area have consistently hovered above the national average, and lower-earning residents are disproportionately suffering from price hikes in everyday purchases like groceries and gas. Donating to a free pantry is a simple form of mutual aid that directly benefits your neighbors and brings the community together, both in cause and spirit.

While it isn’t enough to prevent widespread food insecurity, seeing these boxes filled with donations signals that our community cares about one another. I’m grateful these sites have become a defining trait of our city.

Joe Opaleski is a full-time writer living in downtown Gulfport. He’s been featured in publications like Street Roots and the Tampa Bay Times, and enjoys tennis, surfing, and cycling.

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“We take you very seriously, that’s for sure. To the com ments relating to the past of Gulfport, it’s a past like a lot of towns in the South and throughout America. There are scars on us. But those days are gone, and we are not the city that we once were. I want to tell you that this inves tigation, because it involves the school board property, it involves a minor, and it involves the jurisdiction of our police, we can’t say anything about it while the investiga tion is underway. But once that is all done, it will be public record and it will be transparent. I encourage you to speak with the police and work through this, and if your daugh ter has it in her to have that conversation, I hope that she will. But none of us up here are taking it lightly. That is what I want to leave you with. I do hear you.” –Henderson, at the end of public comment

During Council Comments & Reports

“We are in the middle of hurricane season. If you don’t have a plan, you absolutely should have a plan. In lieu of

going to a shelter, because we know what the shelters can be like, find a friend in the Tyrone area where you can take your animal with you. It’s high there and you can take your pet. Go roam the streets of Tyrone and find a friend because you don’t want to go to a shelter.” –Vice Mayor Christine Brown

“You have probably seen them all over the place for the last few weeks, but Duke is doing the power pole re placement. So drive with a little extra care. You might go around a corner that you were around 15 minutes ago and now there’s cones and a couple of people sitting by the pickup truck. Be careful as you drive throughout the city.” –Henderson

“When you are walking your pets, remember that we have cane toads here. When a dog or cat licks them or bites them or something like that, it’s a pretty potent poi son. If you see a big fat toad when you’re walking your dog, or if you see one in your yard, shoo it away or dis patch it if you feel the need. I had a neighbor lose a pet recently from that.” –Henderson

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Robots continued from cover health counselor who incorporates animals into her therapy work, says interactions with animals can boost neurotransmitters, promote move ment and exercise, and provide men tal stimulation and companionship.

A 2018 study conducted by the New York State Office for the Aging, which has its own animatronic pet program for seniors, found that 70% of pet adopters reported a reduction or a significant reduction in feelings of loneliness, as well as a decrease in physical pain.

And all this without the expense or trouble of a living pet. As Foun tains resident Sue Quigley puts it: “No walking. No litter box!”

“And no vet bills!” chimes in her friend, Vonda Catledge.

Another potentially overlooked benefit of animal companions, Na dler notes, is promoting social inter actions.

“Animals can actually facilitate re lationships between human beings,” she says.

This idea has borne out at the Fountains, where a cadre of individ ually isolated robo-pet caretakers quickly became a pack of their own. As COVID-19 restrictions relaxed, the humans and their pets began to meet daily, and even take the pets on outings. Now they’re a fixture in the dining hall and other social spaces.

“Some people think they’re real,” Quigley says.

“And some people think we’re cra zy,” Catledge rejoins.

“And a lot of people just thank us for bringing them along,” Quigley smiles.

But, cute as they are, can anima tronic look-alikes really fill the place of living therapy animals? In some cases, Nadler says, they can.

“There is space for both,” she says. “Both have value.” Robotic pets can still provide crucial cognitive en richment and a connection to oth ers. And in some cases – especial ly in working with young children who may not understand how to respectfully handle animals – they may be a more ethical alternative. Nadler cites a case at a Japanese retirement home in which residents were given crickets to care for. While hardly the cuddliest or most charis matic of pets, the crickets still pro vided their humans ample opportu nities for nurturing, problem solving, and comparing notes with other residents.

The animatronic pets at the Foun tains have certainly taken on a life of their own: Much of the discussion at

today’s soirée revolves around the upcoming nuptials of Buddy (com panion of Jack Rickert) and Brandy (Sue Quigley). Bride and groom will wag down the aisle – she in a lace bandana and veil, he in his finest ca nine tux, accompanied by “meower” girls Zizzy and Miss Kitty  – as soon their best dog returns from vaca tion.

“Unless someone gets cold paws!” quips Quigley.

According to the Fountains’ Com munity Life Director, Delena Waters, these pre-programmed pets have made quite an impact on her clients.

“They’ve enriched interactions among our residents as a gentle sort of bonding force,” Waters says. “I think there’s a little magic in all of us, and these pets have been just the thing to bring some of that mag ic out into the world.”

From where I sit, she seems purr fectly correct.

Your Next Purchase

Robots though they may be, the cats and dogs seem to enjoy the daily gathering with their humans. Sue Quigley (left) and Jack Rickert (right) sit with Brandy, Buddy, Ginger, and Irish (canines) and Miss Kitty and Zizzy (felines).

AMANDA

HAGOOD

stages of it.”

“I feel the same way,” echoed Vice Mayor Christine Brown (Ward II). “It was great that we could do that. We did it at school, too, and it worked great for us. But I’m ready to move back to in-person. I think it’s a good thing and I’m happy to see more faces here.”

Other councilmembers concurred, although Paul Ray (Ward III) suggested the City use Zoom for certain special events such as workshop meetings and his upcoming Oct. 20 town hall.

While many suggested Zoom might be wasteful for Gulfport Council meetings at this point, some pointed out during the discussion that one specific area of city services still benefits greatly from the Zoom arrangement.

Susan Gore informed said that the LGBTQ Resource Center last hosted a live meeting at the Gulfport Library before the pandemic in February of 2020. The Center’s ReadOut event had 145 live attendees with 23 authors, which she said reflected a very successful event.

But when the Center took the event to Zoom during the pandemic?

“The next year, when it was virtual, we had 1,000 participants from 22 countries hearing 101 authors,” she said. “The ability of people to access the event was extraordinary.”

Gore said that, while she loves live meetings, she wanted to be reassured that the Center’s signature events would still be covered under the city’s Zoom contract as they have been.

Councilmembers said they wanted Gore and her organization to continue to get what they needed, and after some input from Gulfport’s information technology di-

rector, David Mather – who was operating the Zoom setup as he does at every Council meeting – O’Reilly said he and his staff would look into it further.

“If there is an issue that needs to be resolved, we will work with Ms. Gore on that,” said O’Reilly. “We will find a way to support it. We always have. If there is an issue financially, we will come back to you.”

Karen S. Keaton, Esquire

Your Trusted Local Attorney!

822-2200

from

City Manager Jim O’Reilly did tell Susan Gore, pictured here, that the City would work with the LGBTQ Resource Center to make sure they’d have access to Zoom for future ReadOut events.

CATHY SALUSTRI

Spooky Swamps and Ghostly Haunts The Gabber’s Halloween Reading List

By Amanda Hagood

It’s almost fall in Florida! Leaves will soon amaze us with their bril liant hues of ... green. Pumpkins will begin to appear on doorsteps, though they’ll rot well before Hal loween arrives. Cool breezes will soon be in the air.

True, Florida fall can be disap pointing. But whatever the Sunshine State lacks in autumnal graces, we more than make up for in a wealth of spooky stories and talented tale-spinners. And one person who knows them all is Nancy Alloy, own er of Books at Park Place (located at Pasadena Shopping Center). The Lo cal Authors shelf in her store brims with books on all that is fearsome, foreboding, or just plain freaky in Florida.

With more than 40 years in the book biz, Alloy says her favorite part of owning a bookstore is her cus tomers.

“I love matching people with books,” she grins. With her expert

help, The Gabber assembled a cav alcade of Spooky Florida reads to enjoy with your pumpkin spice latte (or pumpkin beer) – if not with a change in the weather.

“Ghost Stories of St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Pinellas County” by Deborah Frethem (Haunted Ameri ca, 2007). Local raconteuse Deborah Frethem is the undisputed master of Tampa Bay ghost stories, with two other books covering haunted Tampa and Ybor City. Her storytelling voice has been honed by years of leading local ghost tours. “Ghost Stories of St. Petersburg” is packed with spine-tin gling lore about local landmarks and personalities including The Peninsula, Morris the Casino Cat, The Gulfport Trolley, and the dearly departed Cote de Basque Winehouse. It’s a must read for any Gulfportian (and also the basis for the Gulfport Historical Soci ety’s haunted history tours)!

“The Ghostly Tales of Tampa” by

Stacia Deustch (Arcadia Children’s Books, 2022). This just-published volume adapts Frethem’s clas sic Tampa tales for a middle grade reading level – part of a larger se ries that features paranormal par ables from locales across the Unit ed States. Scary, but not too scary, it’s a great read for the junior ghost hunters in your life.

Haunted Haven mysteries by Car ol Perry (Kensington Cozies). This cozy mystery series by Carol Perry takes place in a quaint beachside town that is eerily (in more than one sense) like Gulfport. In “Be My Ghost” (2021) we meet Maureen Doherty, who struggles to revive the aging Haven House Inn full of old-fash ioned charm – and meddling ghosts. In “High Spirits” (November 2022), the action moves to the Paramount Theater, where spirits sabotage her plans to hold a “Twelve Days of Reading List continued on page 16

Florida has so many great spooky reads to get you ready for fall – they practically grow on trees!

AMANDA HAGOOD

Christmas” spectacular. A native of Salem, Massachusetts, Perry has experienced more than her share of hauntings, and this shows in her ghosts. Charming, brooding, or quirky, they are vivid personalities

MONIKA WATSON WEEKEND EXTRAVAGANZA

NANCY ALLOY

that may just turn you into a believ er.

“Eerie Florida: Chilling Tales from the Panhandle to the Keys” by Mark Muncy and Kari Schultz (The History Press, 2017). Don’t let the sunshine fool you, folks: Florida is as full of dark corners and un solved mysteries as any state –and Mark Muncy and Kari Schultz have been to them all! Their trilogy, which also includes “Freaky Flori da” (2018) and “Creepy Florida” (2019) is a veritable travel guide to all places paranormal in Flori da. Even if you can’t visit in person, their funny and fresh take on these sites, enriched by plentiful pho tographs, will make you feel like you’ve already taken the tour.

Freaky Florida mysteries by Margaret Lashley (Zazzy Ideas, Inc.). St. Pete author Margaret Lashley likes protagonists who are “snarky underdogs,” but this Florida-based series, featuring paranormal explor er Bobbie Drex, features some far weirder critters. Opening title “Moth Busters” features close encounters with the infamous Mothman, and Bobbie goes on to wrangle with the Skunk Ape, aliens, and lineup of human characters drawn from the legendary chronicles of Florida Man. Lashley’s tongue-in-cheek ti tles (“Ape Shift,” “Weevil Spirits,” and others) reflect her raucous sense of humor and love of all the bizarre Florida things lurking just off the beaten path.

View

of early

from The Grande Dame of

Artists

a 48” round

There’s so much more to check out: Alloy also recommends “Beast” (Square Fish, 2021) by Watt Key, a young adult thriller about a teen’s search for his missing parents in a Florida swamp; “Brimstone” (Ace, 2017) by Cherie Priest, in which a clairvoyant from the legendary Cassadaga spiritualist community descends into the nightmares of a WWI veteran; and, if you are inter ested in trying your own paranor mal investigation, “Ghosthunting Florida” (Clerisy Press, 2010) by Dave Lapham.

There you have it, ghouls and boys! Read on – if you dare !

Penny Pretty – also known on occasion as Penny Dreadful – is the newest member of the staff at Books at Park Place. She’s always ready to assist her companion and the bookstore’s owner, Nancy Alloy, with welcoming customers – and, of course, providing bark reviews!

It’s Our Anniversary, Let’s Celebrate!

Cruise Into One Of These Anniversary Celebration Events

We are celebrating our 40th anniversary all month long and you won’t want to miss a thing! RSVP ASAP.

Movie Under the Stars, “Out to Sea”

Tuesday, October 4 Outdoor movie with popcorn & concessions. Space is limited.

Casino Night

Thursday, October 6

Enjoy a fun evening at the gaming tables, slots, cocktails and more.

Luau with Fire Dancers

Friday, October 7

Hawaiian inspired Luau, complete with food, fire dancers. and more.

Bandstand Jam

Friday, October 14 Celebrate our 40 years with a bandstand jam.

Fall Festival and Craft Bazaar

Friday, October 21 Join us for food, fun games, prizes, craft bazaar and more.

Calendar Girls Gulfport Senior Center Benefit a Success

By Jen Ring

the fashion portion of the event, describing each fashion ensem ble. There were 30 total — 10 from Zaiya, 10 from BoTiki, and 10 from Susan Mango Island Boutique.

In between BoTiki and Susan Mango fashions, the Calendar Girls made an appearance. In this bit, 12 women came on stage dressed as a different month while Neil Seda ka’s “Calendar Girl” played through the PA system. January came out with a bottle of champagne, Feb ruary carried a red, heart-shaped purse, October dressed for Hal loween... every woman who came onstage during the song had a theme.

Judging from the attendance and the

Girl”

ion Show at Catherine A. Hickman Theater was a success. Zaiya Arti zen Market Owner Jill Rice narrated

Mary models for Susan Mango Island Boutique.

JEN RING

Mary modeling for BoTiki. JEN RING

The Gulfport Calendar Girls dressed to match their month; January came out with a bottle of champagne.

JEN RING

Music is Ageless

Suzette played the piano at age 4 and plucked a mean ukulele in college. Then she played “Tiny Bubbles” at a Watermark luau. That’s how it started.

Residents created a ukulele club. There’s Adrienne, who first played in Hawaii. And Judy, eager to try a new instrument. Some never played a note before. In this club, talent is optional; good cheer universal. They jam to cool tunes and sway to “Margaritaville.” Are they perfect? Nope. Are they wonderful? Beyond measure.

Let’s Connect Call 727-202-3474 to plan a private tour and consultation. Meet residents who are thriving in our upbeat environment.

Scan QR Code or visit whatisageless.com/BCB

1255 Pasadena Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33707

INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE Skilled Nursing at The Springs, Operated by Summit Care Inc.

Watermark Resident Helen,

Suzette D. (left), Watermark resident

“

We’re connected when we’re playing. There’s beauty in making music together.”

– Suzette, Watermark Resident, Ukulele Goddess

GULFPORT

The Village Courtyard 2908 1/2 Beach Blvd. S.

Thursday, Sept. 29:

Kyle Shaw, 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30:

Jessica Rose Powell, 7 p.m.

Gulfport Brewery & Eatery 3007 Beach Blvd. S. Friday, Sept. 30: Yammay, 5 p.m.

Caddy’s Gulfport 3128 Beach Blvd. S. Friday, Sept. 30: Dead Set Florida, 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1: Magic, 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2: Dock 7, 4 p.m.

The Tiki Bar & Grill at 56th & Shore 5519 Shore Blvd. S. Thursday, Sept. 29:

Rob Tyre, 7 p.m.

ST. PETE BEACH

The Toasted Monkey 678 75th Ave.

Saturday, Oct. 1: 22N, 6 p.m.

Jimmy B’s Beach Bar 6200 Gulf Blvd. Friday, Sept. 30: Flyte Band, 8:30 p.m.

MADEIRA BEACH

Caddy’s John’s Pass

190 Boardwalk Pl. E.

Friday, Sept. 30:

The Family Funk, 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 1: Jeremy James,  12 p.m.; Act 3, 5:30 p.m.

TREASURE ISLAND

Ka’Tiki

8803 W. Gulf Blvd.

Friday, Sept. 30: AudioStar, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 1:

Rich Sheldon Band, 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2: Automatic Band, 1-5 p.m.

Caddy’s Treasure Island

9000 W. Gulf Blvd.

Friday, Sept. 30: Obi Wan Knabe and The Force, 5 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 1:

Paul Anthony Band, 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2: Logan Grant and The Show Ponies, 5 p.m.

things to do

Find a Prom Date, Hoist a Stein, and Get Funky

Please check with each venue in light of possible storm-related changes.

Friday, September 30

Baby Birds Tour Barbara Gilberg Habitat with Xavier Velez for a chance to see some baby birds and to learn about how to make trees storm-resistant. According to the City of South Pasadena’s website, birdwatchers can find chicks and fledglings throughout the habitat, which is why the park doesn’t allow pets. Barbara Gilberg Habitat Pavilion, 1600 Pasadena Ave., South Pasadena. 12 p.m. mysouthpasadena.com, 727-384-0701.

Friday, September 30 –Sunday, October 2

Pawtoberfest Pinellas Ale Works gives you an entire weekend to celebrate Oktoberfest with your furry best friend. They’re releasing a Pumpkin Oktoberfest beer for the occasion. Get ready to hoist those steins. Pinellas Ale Works, 1962 1st Ave. S., St. Pete. pawbeer.com, 727235-0970.

Vintage October Vintage Marché hosts their October Market in their new location across from Skyway Jacks. More than 30 vendors will be at the event, each selling vintage and repurposed décor, furniture, clothing, jewelry, antiques, and more. Vintage Marché, 2906 34th St. S., St. Pete. Friday, $5; Sat.-Sun., free. Fri., 4-8 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. vintagemarche727.com, 727-289-1828.

Saturday, October 1

Piertoberfest Haven’t had enough stein hoisting yet? St. Pete Pier gives you yet another Oktoberfest option with German beer, live music, German food, and games. St. Pete Pier, 800 2nd Ave. NE, St. Pete. 12-8 p.m. stpetepier.org, 727-822-7437.

Saturday, October 1 –Sunday, October 2

Grand Central Oktoberfest Need more Oktoberfest and Nu Soundz? Head to Grand Central Brewhouse and Beer Garden for their 2nd Annual Oktoberfest. With Oktoberfest-style lagers, Oompah music, German food from Lolita’s & Le Clementine, stein hoisting and best dressed contests. Grand Central Brewhouse, 2340 Central Ave., St. Pete. grandcentralbrew. com, 727-202-6071.

Sunday, October 2

Get Funky It hasn’t been an easy two years for Gulfport’s Funky Flamingo, but they’re celebrating, anyway. Join them as they celebrate two years in Gulfport with wine, champagne, door prizes, and light bites. Funky Flamingo, 1418 58th St. S., Gulfport. 12-3 p.m. facebook.com/FunkyFlamingoGPFL, 727-873-3478.

Monday, October 3

Senior Prom Relive your youth at The Gulfport Senior Center’s Senior Prom. It’s nice to dress up and wear/give a corsage every now and then, right? If not that, then it’s nice to put some money in the Gulfport Senior Center’s Building Campaign Fund, which is exactly where proceeds from this event go. Besides, what else is there to do on a Monday night? The Historic Gulfport Casino

Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. 7-10 p.m. $20, advance; $25, door. gulfportseniorfoundation.org, 727-893-1231.

Tuesday, October 4

A Naturalist’s Cuba Snake hunter, bromeliad collector, writer, and adventurer Dennis Cathcart shares photos from his 2021 trips to Cuba at the Florida West Coast Bromeliad Society Meeting. Good Samaritan Church, 6085 Park Blvd, Pinellas Park. 7:30 p.m. fcbs.org, 727-4397782.

Wednesday, October 5

A Decade Strong Gulfport Toastmasters hosts an open house at Gulfport Senior Center to celebrate its 10th Anniversary. For folks who’ve been wanting to become a better public speaker, but don’t know where to start, come see what Gulfport Toastmasters is about. Gulfport Senior Center. 5501 27th Ave S, Gulfport. 6:30 p.m. gulfporttoastmasters.com, 727-537-9098.

World Teacher’s Day Caddy’s Madeira Beach celebrates World Teacher’s Day with teacher olympics, prizes, and two happy hours – one from 3-6 p.m., and the other from 8-10 p.m. Happy hour specials include 25% off appetizers, $3 Miller Lites, $4 wells, $5 house wine, and $5 select cocktails. Caddy’s Madeira Beach, 14080

Things To Do continued on page

EXPERIENCE COUNTS – AND SAVINGS ADD

Things To Do continued from page 21

Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. caddys.com, 727-308-7888.

Thursday, October 6

Yoga for Artists DRV Gallery is opening right on schedule with their planned ‘Yoga for Artists’ event. The event brings together Gallery Owner Deserie Valloreo’s past and present professional interests – wellness and art. The goal: to help Gulfport artists feel their best so they can create their best work. Yoga instructor Ruben Vasquez will teach participants techniques that can be used daily to boost energy levels and alleviate pain. DRV Gallery, 5401 Gulfport Blvd S., Gulfport. 9:30 a.m. $10 suggested donation. drvgallery. com, 727-382-7004.

VIP Reception: Gulfport Arts Center Didn’t get your invite to the VIP opening? A public opening will follow on the Oct. 7 ArtWalk, but if you don’t want to fight the crowds – or if you want to support

the 501c3 arts organization – you can attend the VIP opening – for a price. The event includes an open bar, light bites, and a preview of the Center’s first exhibit, Show Us Your Gulfport, a juried show fea-

turing works from artists across Tampa Bay. Gulfport Arts Center, 2726 54th Ave. S., Gulfport. 6-8 p.m. $100; $80, members. 727-2018687; gulfporthistoricalsociety. wildapricot.org.

presents

Join renowned Yoga Instructor Ruben Vasquez for a yoga session designed for artists that includes stretching, strengthening, and mindfulness techniques.

RSVP required. eventbrite.com/e/yoga-for-artists-tickets-407548557707

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6TH, 2022 9:30am-10:30am

Gallery opens at 11am 5401 Gulfport Boulevard South, Gulfport, FL DRVGallery.com

DRVGallery DRVGallery22

2726 54th Ave. S. • 727-201-8687 art@gulfporthistoricalsociety.org

Unitarian Universalist United Fellowship

During the pandemic join us Sundays on Zoom.

Discussion -10:30

Program - 11:00

For Zoom directions email us at uuunited@earthlink.net

“You need not think alike to love alike.”

- Francis David, 1534 uuunited.org

obituaries

St. Vincent’s Thrift Shop

5124 Gulfport Ave S. 33707

Hours 10 AM to 2PM Wednesday to Saturday

Paradise Lutheran Church on Treasure Island

Affiliated with St Vincent’s Episcopal Church 5441 9 th Ave N. • St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Sunday Services 10AM Misa en Español: Domingos 12PM

AN EPISCOPAL CONGREGATION

330 85th Avenue • St. Pete Beach

10255 Paradise Blvd, Treasure Island Sunday Service

10am with Holy Communion 727-360-5739 paradiseluth102@gmail.com paradiselutheran.com

Good Shepherd Old Catholic Church

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

Where ALL are welcome at the Lord’s table.

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

Reverend Omar Reyes Sundays 10:00am Holy Eucharist Wednesdays 11:00am Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing 727-360-8406 • www.StAlbanStPeteBeach.org

Come and See... Sunday Mass 9:30am www.goodshepherdocc.net 727-403-7178

17th St. & 29th Ave N St. Petersburg 345-7777

Beverly A. Vogelsang, 84, formerly of Westford, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home with her loving family by her side. She was born in Lowell on Feb. 6, 1938. She was the daughter of the late Rose Taylor and George McKenzie, later adopted by her late stepfather Albert Glaeser. Beverly attended St. Patrick’s School and graduated from Lowell High School. She went on to hold positions at St. John’s Hospital, the Sylvania Corporation, and later pursued her passion for cooking in the food service industry. To Beverly, food was love. She will always be remembered for her delicious and plentiful offerings at gatherings of all occasions. Beverly also enjoyed traveling with friends and family, particularly on ocean cruises. Beverly married her high school sweetheart George, with whom she celebrated 61 years of marriage before his passing in early 2021. Predeceased by her loving son Steven, she is survived by her son Eric and daughter-in-law Kristine of Pepperell, Massachusetts and her adored grandchildren Nina and Jack. She will be missed by family, especially Betty and Tom Antone, life-long friends, and all those who knew her at Town Shores. Internment at a later date at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Tewksbury, Massachusetts.

Friday 7PM

Beth-El Shalom Messianic Congregation

ShalomAdventure.com JewishHeritage.net Rabbi@JewishHeritage.net

Special

rates starting as low as

Send an email to: advertising@thegabber.com

What’s Your Favorite Halloween Costume?

Photos by Jen Ring

Debbie Carnaroli: “Gypsy, because you can do just about anything and get away with it. I have read people’s palms and they believed me.”

Winnie Brownstone: “My favorite was a pirate lady. That’s how I met [my husband] Don.”

Rachel Cataldo: “Being a witch. It’s easy. Last year a little girl asked me ‘Are you a real witch?’ I said, ‘It depends on who you ask.’” Julie Armstrong: “I’m a witch, so I always go as a witch.”

Read All About it

sudoku

gabber on vacation

Pat Monnia brought The Gabber on the Carnival Paradise to celebrate her 70th birthday. We all cruised to Cozumel (but we confess, we forgot to get her a present!). Pictured, left to right: Debbie Dunbar, Debby Carnaroli and birthday girl Pat Monnia.

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

ADVERTISING DEADLINE FOR NEXT THURSDAY’S ISSUE IS FRIDAY BY 5 p.m.

CITY OF ST. PETE BEACH, FLORIDA

NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION AND QUALIFICATION PERIOD

The City of St. Pete Beach, Florida will hold a municipal election Tuesday, March 14, 2023, for the election of a Commissioner in District 2 a Commissioner in District 4, and the Mayor. The Qualification Period begins at 12:00 p.m. on November 7, 2022 and ends at 12:00 p.m. on November 18, 2022.

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

Candidate Guidebooks will be available beginning October 19, 2022, in the Office of the City Clerk, St. Pete Beach City Hall, 155 Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach, Florida 33706.

Please call the Office of the City Clerk at (727) 363-9220 for further qualifying information or to schedule an appointment to pick up a Candidate Guidebook.

Amber M. LaRowe, MMC City Clerk

CIUDAD DE ST. PETE BEACH, FLORIDA AVISO DE ELECCIÓN GENERAL Y PERÍODO DE CALIFICACIÓN

La Ciudad de St. Pete Beach, Florida, celebrará elecciones municipales el martes 14 de Marzo de 2023 para elegir a un comisionado en el Distrito 2, un comisionado en el Distrito 4 y al Alcalde. El Período de Calificación comienza a las 12:00 p. m. del 7 de Noviembre de 2022 y termina a las 12:00 p. m. del 18 de Noviembre de 2022.

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

Las guías para los candidatos estarán disponibles el 19 de Octubre de 2022, en la Oficina de la Secretaria de la Ciudad, ubicada en St. Pete Beach City Hall, 155 Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach, Florida 33706.

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

al (727) 363-9220 para recibir más información sobre la

Amber M. LaRowe, MMC Secretaria de la Ciudad

Electrical

AC ELECTRIC 727-345-3108

Over 30 years experience. Residential & com mercial, new or remodel work, service up grades, lightning arrestors, fans and lighting installed. State license #ER0007653.

Home Improvement

GULFPORT RESIDENT SERVING GULF PORT RESIDENTS In-house CAD design services, full service general contractors for additions, renovations and custom homes, kitchens, baths and decks. Dis tinctivedesignhomes.com. Main office: 813-838-6567. Contact Gulfport resident Larry for a free consultation at 386-8789408. License: CBC125-3741

AMERICAN BUILDERS

GROUP LLC

Residential/Commercial. All phases of re modeling or renovations. Roofs, kitchens, baths, room additions, new construction, doors, windows, stone or concrete work, flooring, and much, much more. Free es timates. CCC 1333727 CGC 059964. 727410-7323.

Caregivers

HOMEWATCH CAREGIVERS OF ST. PETE BEACH

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

Handy Person

SEMI-RETIRED CARPENTER At discount prices! Free estimates. Frame and finish work. Gulfport and Pinellas Park areas. Call the Door Doctor. Gus: 727-644-6194.

CLEAN UP CLEAN UP CLEAN UP Handy helpers. Skilled labor, anything around the house from A-Z. Weeding, rock gardens cleaned, mulch, sod, and plants installed. Small trees planted and removed. Pressure washing. Free estimates. 30 years experi ence. Locally St. Pete /Gulfport: 407-2446045. James: 407-244-6045.

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

Heating & Air Conditioning

DARCY ROOFING LLC

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

Moving / Hauling ARRON’S HAULINGONE CALL HAULS IT ALL

Full service removal of junk/trash for your home or business. Appliances, furniture, TV, carpet, concrete, yard debris, paints/ chemicals, overgrown lawns, etc. Hoarding, eviction, foreclosure clean outs. 727623-7219.

CHARLES JUNK HAULING & DEMOLITION

Junk & trash removal. Low, low prices guaranteed. Daily specials. Kitchen, bath, shed, fencing, etc. Demolition. 727-831-0507.

Painting MASTERS PAINTING *

WHEN QUALITY COUNTS

Trust Masters Painting. Making happy customers for 42 yrs. Pressure cleaning, waterproofing, honest, reliable. 727-344-1674 or 727-5106804. References, guaranteed. Lic.#C4749.

ARNEY’S PAINTING INC.

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

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

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

Plumbing

PROFLO PLUMBING

727-902-7077

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

Miscellaneous Service NOTARY SERVICES - $10

The Gabber now provides Notary Services (in o ce only) at 2908-B Beach Blvd S., 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.

THE TRASH QUEEN Overwhelmed with the mess? Clean up/clean out, inside and out. Recycling, organizing, and yard work. Free estimate from Kathy, Trashologist, licensed/insured, with truck/trailer. Call/ text 845-866-3867. Responsible, reasonable, and ready!

WE ARE HIRING FREELANCE & STAFF REPORTERS

The Gabber Newspaper seeks reporters to help tell our community's stories. Area of focus will be arts, features, events, and food. Call 727-321-6965 Monday, Tuesday or Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for more details.

For Sale

ITEMS FOR SALEPRICES NEGOTIABLE

Entry table; 8-leg table; 2-drawer file cabinets; table with four matching chairs; Whirlpool refrigerator (white, excellent condition); NEW King Size Sealy 12-inch Foam Mattress; antique wood commode; glass co ee table; large paintings; & more. Call 727-677-8207 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

General

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

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE: PRIVATE CARE HOME HEALTH, LLC Legal Notice: Private Care Home Health, LLC, owner(s) intends to register the fictitious name of “Private Care Home Health” in Pinellas County, Florida, with the Division of Corporations, Florida Department of State pursuant to Florida Statute 865.09. Ph: 727-803-6016

Lost & Found

FOUND: DRONE Found a drone in the vicinity of Beach Blvd. and 29th Ave. S. Call 727623-6734 and give description to reclaim.

sq , 2BD, 1 full bath, separate shower in large garage. Screened porch, backyard patio, fenced yard. $2,900/month plus utilities. One year lease. Text/Call 757-822-8020.

Real Estate Snapshots Here’s What Sold in Gulfport Last Week

Other Gulfport Home Sales Last Week

5940 Seabird Dr. (Pasadena Yacht & Country Club)

This 2,733-square-foot home, built in 1986, has four bedrooms and three baths. It listed for $1.75 million and sold for $1.805 million.

5722 20th Ave. S. (Tangerine)

This 888-square-foot home, built in 1952, has two bedrooms and one bath. It listed for $388,000 and sold for $368,500.

1410 Freemont St. S. (Stetson)

This 1952 home has 1,118 square feet, three bedrooms, and one bath. It listed for $374,900 and sold for $365,000.

5001 Newton Ave. S. (Tangerine)

This 1955, 950-square-foot home has three bedrooms and one bath. It listed for $324,000 and sold for $297,600.

726 Gray St. S. (Stetson]

This 980-square-foot home, built in 1950, listed for $267,000 and sold for $265,000. It has three bedrooms and two baths.

This 1961 home has 1,504 square feet, three bedrooms, and two baths. It listed at $475,000 and sold for $480,100.

The Gabber lists real estate sales every week, as space allows. This may not be a comprehensive list of all homes and condos sold in Gulfport, and often does not include commercial properties or business sales.

CATHY SALUSTRI

6138 8th Ave. S. (Stetson)