The Gabber: October 13, 2022

Tim McBride Gets the Job Done

By Monroe Roark

It is possible that Tim McBride will get more work done today than most of the people who read this story. In fact, it is highly likely.

The St. Petersburg resident, now in his late 50s, has spent years proving how much value someone can contribute to a business or a community. At an age when many people are looking ahead to possible retirement, he gets out six days a week and works all day without thinking about slowing down.

Tim lives with his younger sister Kelly in northeast St. Petersburg. Both of them grew up in Toledo. Their mother, a nurse by profession, discovered early that her oldest son had cognitive disabilities, and doctors diagnosed him when he was 2 years old.

Kelly said their parents taught all three of their children to have a work ethic, and they took special care to instill in Tim the fact that he would need to work hard at a job to make it. When he was young, they paid someone they knew who owned a horse barn to put him to work so he would learn this concept.

Tim McBride on the job at Rollin’ Oats in St. Pete.

2908-B Beach Blvd. S.

FL 33707

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Migration, Immigration, and Climate Change

By Jonathan Micocci

Politicians are attacking immigrants so it must be election time! Stoking fear of the “other” was a winning strategy when our forebears lived in trees. Just be afraid and scamper to the toughest-talking ape for protection.

As of this writing, Governor DeSantis is shipping immigrants north like Harry & David gift packages. Certainly, the prank will please the ever-angry political base, and while the ethics and legality are suspect, it did get us talking about immigration.

In the absence of facts, voters are easy to manipulate

Immigration is migration, or “fleeing a bad place for a better one.” Our ancestors did it. Other animals and even plants do it. Politicians instill fear stressing two factors especially: migrants threaten our wealth and our safety. They take from real Americans who pay taxes, and they are often criminals and terrorists.

Except none of that is true. From the Cato Institute: “Immigrants, including illegal immigrants, are less likely to be incarcerated in prisons, convicted of crimes, or arrested than [Euro]Americans.”

And our economy needs immigrants to fill jobs left by retiring Boomers. Mark Zandi, chief econ-

omist at Moody’s Analytics, says about increased immigration, “it would alleviate labor shortages and cool inflation and interest rates.” Their research indicates a 1.15% increase in GDP for every 1% increase in the population made of immigrants.

So, as the chest-thumping apes fan the flames going into the midterm elections, we can respond with facts and share them with others. (Find more immigration myths debunked at carnegie.org.)

Don’t panic. It’s going to get much worse.

But in 30, 50, or 100 years, look out. Large swaths of our home planet are going to become much less livable while the human population blooms out to 11 billion individuals. Migration pressures could increase exponentially, with countless millions fleeing famine, flood, and the inevitable wars.

It is a formula for tremendous social upheaval, which is toxic to democracy. Already, the out-migration from a climate-change-driven war in Syria threatens Europe’s post-WWII status quo. Even as survivors of the Holocaust are aging off the stage, fascism is again slithering under the door.

So is immigration good or bad? In the short-term, it’s a net plus for

our country. Over a longer term, mass movements of desperate people and the efforts to accommodate or to exclude them may become wildly disruptive to society.

Somebody Do Something!

Fortunately there are solutions... here are two: stop climate change and stop having so many babies.

The first is hard but doable if we behave as if the future of humanity depends on it.

Meanwhile, more education for girls and women, worldwide, is likely the most effective form of birth control and would bring other amazing benefits for humanity as well.

Shorter term? Simple. Let’s resist the manipulation. Let’s vote in smart problem-solving apes instead of chest-thumpers. It is fortune more than merit that decides which side of the fence we each find ourselves, so a little humility is a good idea.

Fortunes can change.

Jonathan Micocci has lived in Gulfport for 25 years with his wife, Christine Crosby. He is a realtor and occasional contributor to The Gabber.

Friday Night Lights: Green Devils Dominate Seminole St. Petersburg Improves to 5-1

By Monroe Roark

After a few weeks of rain-soaked games and an entire week’s sched ule altered completely by Hurricane Ian, the dawn of October meant a return to Friday night football in good weather with local teams hit ting the field literally from one side of the state to the other.

The only team in The Gabber’s South Pinellas coverage area that played a home game was the St. Petersburg Green Devils, who after a strong first half of the season kept the momentum going with a 31-6 win over Seminole.

The Green Devils’ first score was set up by a Seminole fumble at the Warhawks’ 33. A few plays later, Jef ferey Jones tossed a short touch down pass to Keondre Woodard.

Seminole didn’t pick up a first down until early in the second quar ter while deep in its own territory after a St. Petersburg punt. But the tables turned quickly when Antrez Johnson intercepted a pass and took it 40 yards to the end zone for the Green Devils.

Johnson made a touchdown-sav ing tackle on the next possession by stopping a Seminole ball carrier after a 47-yard run to the St. Peters burg 3. The Warhawks fumbled two plays later, and on first down Jones went off right tackle on a quarter back keeper and raced 98 yards for a touchdown, electrifying the home coming crowd and giving the Green Devils a 21-0 halftime lead.

Jordan Browy booted a 31-yard field goal in the middle of the third quarter, and Seminole finally got on the scoreboard by returning the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown. The two-point try failed.

But the Warhawks took every one by surprise with a flawlessly executed onside kick and had the ball at the St. Petersburg 49. They drove inside the 10 before cough ing up the ball again, and Jones scored a few plays later on a 66yard run. Browy’s extra point, his

fourth without a miss, was the fi nal point of the game.

The Green Devil defense was close to perfect. Seminole finished the game with no offensive points and only a handful of first downs. The Warhawks reached the red zone four times and had four turn overs – two on fumbles and two on loss of down.

Here’s how the other games of local interest turned out:

Lakewood was on the road in Miami to face Southridge and won 28-22.

Hollins ventured to Wesley Chapel for a game against Cypress Creek and lost 33-8.

Boca Ciega took on Countryside on the north side of Pinellas Coun ty and won 33-13.

St. Pete Catholic traveled across the bridge to Bradenton for a matchup with St. Stephen Episco pal and won 14-8 in overtime.

Gibbs had an bye week.

Here are the games on tap for Oct. 14:

Northeast at Hollins (1-5).

St. Petersburg (5-1) at Pinellas Park.

Gibbs (0-6) at Lakewood (4-3).

St. Pete Catholic (1-5) at Northside Christian.

Boca Ciega (2-5) has the week off.

Planning Board Tells City To Give Waterfront Land to Homeowners City Council To Have Two Public Hearings and Votes

By Monroe Roark

The Gulfport Planning and Zoning Board concluded a two-hour meet ing last Wednesday with three rec ommendations surrounding one is sue.

Three property owners on the eastern edge of Gulf port, near Clam Bay ou, requested that the City of Gulfport give them the rightof-way portions in front of their property, part of a site known as Beach Drive but not used as a roadway.

The board recommended Coun cil give the waterfront land to the residents, and the Council will hear this request and recommendation at its Nov. 1 and Nov. 15 regular meetings. The issues must come before Council twice – and get a majority vote approving the appli cations twice – for the land to go to the homeowners.

The applicants are the property owners at 2700 44th St. S. (Tanya Ferrai), 2641 Quincy St. S. (Emily and Randolph Lumsden), and 2630 Quincy St. S. (Julius Neveker, Jr.);

the latter two properties have a homestead exemption.

As part of the motion to recom mend approval, the board stipu lated that the shoreline must re main a living shoreline and that the uplands have a restrictive covenant prohibiting any de velopment. City offi cials have previously made it clear that there is no intention of ever mak ing Beach Drive an actual roadway.

The board also recommended to Council that the sewer and water lines adjacent to Clam Bayou get re viewed. A Gulfport official said that this would customarily be done from time to time, regardless of the final vote on these applications.

If Council ultimately gives ap proval, the land would go on the tax rolls as parts of the appli cants’ properties adjacent to it; the property owners will not pay for the land. Whatever the result, there will be portions of land near the water that the City will not va cate, including the southern ends

of both 44th and Quincy. There is also an alley that runs north-south between those two streets.

The applicants have already been through a lengthy process to get this far. To request that a tract of land be vacated, an applicant must submit surveys on proper ty he or she owns as well as what would be vacated. Other required submissions include a copy of the deed to the applicant’s proper ty, letters from all relevant utility companies, and a letter of agree ment to vacate the right-of-way.

The Gulfport Site Plan Review Committee, a body composed solely of City staff, examined the requests first and made recommendations that they be forwarded to the Plan ning and Zoning Board, whose meeting last week included a re quired public hearing.

There were several lengthy and passionate comments from citizens at that meeting, and there will be two more opportunities for them to comment at the City Council meet ings before the applications get ap proved or denied.

Gulfport’s Planning and Zoning board has recommended Gulfport Council give some of the City’s waterfront land on Clam Bayou to three homeowners. If Council approves, the landowners will not pay the City for the land. Council will vote on this issue twice, at the Nov. 1 and Nov. 15 regular Council meetings.

CATHY SALUSTRI

The board recommended Council give the waterfront land to the residents

Garbage, Sewers, and Taxes

Gulfport Approves Budget, Property Tax and Utility Rates

By Monroe Roark

After a public comment period with no shortage of controversy and fireworks, a total of eight items on the Gulfport City Council’s Sept. 20 agenda were approved unanimous ly, with zero public comment.

Second readings of the budget and millage for the new fiscal year, which were discussed in more detail Sept. 6 and covered in a previous edition of The Gabber, passed quickly. The 2023 millage is set at 4.039 mills, the same as last year, but property owners will see a 14.38% increase in their tax bills reflected the same percentage increase in their prop erty assessments. The general fund budget for the fiscal year, which started Oct. 1, is $16,539,136.

Council also approved an ordi nance setting new rates for gar bage and recycling, reflecting a 6% increase. City Manager Jim O’Reilly said this price hike was triggered by the increase in solid waste tipping fees at the waste-to-energy facility, set for Pinellas County by the Board of County Commissioners.

“The City of Gulfport currently maintains a very competitive rate in all of its sanitation areas,” O’Reilly said.

The council also approved an ordi nance setting storm water rates for the next three years, with zero in crease the first year. Utility custom ers will see a $2-per-month raise for FY 2024 and another $1-per-month hike for FY 2025.

Two ordinances related to water and sewer rates were also approved. O’Reilly said the new price structure reflects a change to a base charge plus a volume metric charge system in lieu of the previous 2,000-gallon minimum, on which all City water bills were based. There is no rate increase in 2023, although the two following years will see an 8% in crease.

“This even provides for some sav ings for people if they want to con serve water,” said Mayor Sam Hen derson.

Council passed two resolutions unanimously. One was to authorize

a contract not to exceed $600,000 for sewer system repairs, and that will be funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal money.

O’Reilly said the action is the end of a settlement agreement reached after litigation because of hurri cane-related problems in 2016. Gulfport Public Works Director Tom Nicholls said it was actually going a step further, addressing Priority 2 repairs south of 28th Street as part of the consent order.

“We’ve completed substantial im provements to our sanitary sewer system,” said O’Reilly.

The other resolution was to in crease the loan amount from

$61,624 to $3,041,695 with regard to the City’s ongoing lift station repair project, which is nearly complete.

“It’s been a long two years,” said Nicholls. “We started out with a 300day contract only to find out that it was going to be 12 months on back order, so the project got stalled. But we are right now at 95%, substantial completion. We still have some cos metic work to do, but all the work is primarily done.”

“I’m so happy we took the steps to do this years ago, before other cit ies, and we don’t have to go back to where we were before,” noted Vice Mayor Christine Brown just before the council took its vote.

Oh My Gourdness, It's Almost Halloween!

Gulfport Beach Bazaar is calling all ghouls and boos to come celebrate with a Spooktacular Pumpkin Decorating Contest on Friday, October 14 from 6pm - 8pm

BYOP: Bring your own pumpkin to carve and tools or paint & stencil. Be prepared to go big or gourd home, there are prizes on the line for the: Spookiest • Best Painted/Stenciled Most Creative • Kid’s Category

The gourd-geous pumpkins will be on display and judged by the public during Gulfport Merchant Chamber’s Third Saturday night Indie Faire, on Saturday, October 15, 5 pm - 9 pm. Winners will be announced on Sunday, October 16 Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

CATHY

Tim continued from cover

“Most of them feel insignificant,” said Kelly about people with Tim’s condition. “With cognitive disabil ities in particular, it’s hard to see them as fully human. Tim realized that work is one of the ways to get people to see you and value you. He was taught that doing a job well is important, and it is also a way other people value him.”

Their parents moved to Charles ton, South Carolina upon retire ment. As they reached their 80s, they family formed a plan where by Tim would come live with Kelly after her youngest graduated from high school. Their parents have since moved here as well.

Tim had worked 26 years at a Harris Teeter grocery store, so when he and Kelly looked around for a possible employer, the Rol lin’ Oats location on MLK Jr. Street North was their first choice. The kindness a cashier showed him during a regular shopping visit had a big impact on them, unlike oth er places they looked into working. He started working there about four years ago.

In addition to working four days a week at Rollin’ Oats, Tim spends two days a week at Daystar, a social services agency in south St. Petersburg. He assists Robin Clemmons, a friend of Kelly Mc Bride, who runs the garden there.

“He just loves doing heavy lifting,

Tim McBride worked at a Harris Teeter for 26 years before he came to Florida. He’s worked at Rollin’ Oats for roughly four years.

mowing the lawn,” she said. “He helped me build the garden. He likes working outside. He’s great.”

Tim spends Tuesdays stocking shelves and filling bags, then on Thursdays he works in the garden,

We are ONE TRIBE with ONE HOME

Paradise tomorrow if we just realize

Be another’s keeper and let the world know

From the same Mother we all flow.

taking pride in doing things many other people would not want to bother doing.

“He likes to do the same thing over and over,” said Clemmons. “We move a lot of mulch on the farm. We have to spread it in sev eral places. That is boring, hard labor – fill the wheelbarrow and move it. He loves it. He just wants to do it over and over.”

He also enjoys interacting with people who come and go, always saying hello to whomever crosses his path.

“He is just happy,” said Clem mons. “A lot of people who come to a food pantry are under stress and not happy, and he is greeting them at the door.”

Daystar has a program where young people ages 18-22 with spe cial needs come to learn job skills and see what they can do to be productive. Tim’s presence there is a big help.

“It’s great for them to see Tim, who is older than they are, and see that he has a job and is productive and employable,” said Clemmons. “They just have to find their niche. Tim is a role model for them.”

“The great thing about Rollin’ Oats and Daystar is that they can see him in his full humanity and what he can contribute rather than what they can’t do,” said Kel ly. “They really do value him and see him as fully equal and a full human being. That will only hap pen in a workspace where respect and integrity are valued across the board. He is lucky that he has found places in St. Pete that would

hold space for him.”

His coworkers at Rollin’ Oats love what he does and just the fact that he is there.

“He is very on-task. He is very focused on taking care of the cus tomers,” said front-end supervisor Robin Young, who has worked in the business a long time and in teracted with similar employees before. “He does a good job with bagging. He knows what his job is, which is great. He stays on top of it, gets the carts, gets the baskets, and is very personable with cus tomers. The customers love him. He has conversations with them about what is going on in the com munity, and they check up on him to see what he is doing next.”

Sometimes a business will hire an employee like Tim but the other employees are not necessarily on board and express their displea sure or impatience. He has experi enced that in the past.

The team at Rollin’ Oats is the total opposite of that.

“He is family, without a doubt,” said Young. “As employees, we have each other’s backs. We are a very tight-knit group. It makes it a lot more comfortable for him. He loves being here.”

That was made clear by Tim him self in an interview with The Gab ber, when we asked about his fel low employees.

“Oh my God, I love ‘em so much,” he said with enthusiasm.

His job, too, includes occasional ly venturing into the parking lot to retrieve grocery carts, although he made it clear that he does not step

outside without a supervisor’s per mission.

“I’m a bagger,” he said crisply and succinctly when asked what his job is. His tone and the look on his face suggested it might be the most important job there is.

After a minute or so talking about the job and his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers, he went back to work. He was right where he belonged, do ing exactly what he was supposed to do.

“It is hard to find a connection in the world where you feel signif icant,” Kelly McBride said of people with Tim’s condition.

Thanks to her and to their family, Tim does not have that problem.

Gulfport Approves Three Annual Festivals Multi-Day Events Addressed Individually

By Monroe Roark

As is its custom at the start of a new fiscal year, Gulfport City Council approved certain special events ei ther sponsored or cosponsored by the City.

Among other things, the Oct. 4 ap proval allows Gulfport City Manager Jim O’Reilly to offer event organiz ers specific services for each event, and it allows the event organizer –if they want it – to have alcohol in designated areas during their event. Festival organizers must adhere to Gulfport’s Human Rights Ordinance when conducting activities in con cert with the City.

The festivals and other special events can also get waivers for cer tain City regulations, like the sale of goods; outdoor cooking and food sales on public property; amplified music; putting up traffic barricades; additional City-supplied trash ser vices; temporary structures and banners in some locations; the avail ability of City employees for setup and to open or close restricted ar eas; police and fire/EMS personnel as deemed necessary by those de partments’ respective chiefs; and trolley transportation.

After approval of the general res olution, Council approved three spe cific multi-day events in separate resolutions.

“These are two-day events, and given the impact of two-day events in the past, Council wanted to ad dress them individually,” said City Manager Jim O’Reilly.

A request by Unity of Gulfport was approved for a proposed Eck erd College Beach Volleyball Clinic scheduled for Dec. 19-21 on the six permanent beach volleyball courts. This allows organizers to reserve the courts that are typically first-come, first-served for those days. No tem porary structures and no vendors are proposed for the request. Uni ty will pay $205.02 to Gulfport’s Leisure Services for the use of the six permanent volleyball courts for three days.

The Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce received approval for

Laticia Burt has a ball at Gulfport’s first Juneteenth celebration, hosted by the City of Gulfport and the Gulfport Kiwanis Club. Not every festival or special event that will take place in Gulfport in the coming fiscal year asked for approval at the Oct. 4 Coun cil meeting, but don’t worry: June teenth can still happen, as can other special events.

the annual Fine Arts Festival, set for Feb. 11-12 at Veterans Park. The site plan calls for 35 vendors who will set up the afternoon of Feb. 10. The GMC is responsible for overnight se curity for the duration of the event.

Council also approved an appli cation from VETSports, for its 11th annual charity beach volleyball tournament on Nov. 5-6. The or ganization asked for permission to build no more than 20 temporary volleyball courts on the beach. The event is in conjunction with the an nual Veterans Day parade as well as the annual volleyball match be tween the City’s police and fire de partments.

ABBY BAKER

Overheard at Gulfport’s Oct. 4 Council Meeting

About Town Hall Meetings

“You said you’re doing your meet ing at the Casino, and when you said it was a town hall meeting I think we all assumed you were going to use the 49th Street building or some thing other than the Casino. I have to pay for the Casino on the 8th and you’re getting it free for three days. I just think we should not be using the Casino for town hall meetings.” –Councilmember Michael Fridovich (Ward IV), to Councilmember April Thanos (Ward I)

“It’s going to be big. There will be no other place that could hold it.” Thanos

“You’re going to have 150 people there?” –Fridovich

“Hopefully.” –Thanos

“Good luck with that one.” Fridovich

“Going forward, we will specify.” Mayor Sam Henderson about town hall meeting locations

The Gabber clarified that every councilmember can use a city fa cility for a meeting about public business for free once each quarter. Councilmember Fridovich’s meeting is not in his capacity as an elected official or representing his constit uents;  the meetings at the Casino he referenced for Councilmember Thanos take place in three separate quarters of the year.

On Eliminating Zoom Access to Gulfport Council Meetings

“I’m here to express displeasure that the Zoom open meetings were taken away. I feel like they provide ac cessibility to a lot of different people. I suppose it was voted on and all that, but nonetheless I’m still here to speak about it. In my opinion, the main rea son it wasn’t used was that it was hard to find. You couldn’t find the link. It was in an email that was sent two days before. It wasn’t underneath the livestream, and then when you click to watch the meeting, it was an un pleasant experience. The camera an gle was odd. When you spoke, there wasn’t a timer. We didn’t see all of you. There was a black screen. It was a very unpleasant experience. I un derstand, reading between the lines, that one reason it was done away with was so the Amandas and Jess es wouldn’t speak because, yes, they were a pain in the butt. They were jerks. I don’t feel like a small group of individuals should ruin it for everyone. I like the Zooms. It provided accessi bility to many people – handicapped, people at work. I think it was a lousy decision.” –Greg Simek

On Ian and the Aftermath

“We had a lot of volunteers here and, sad to say, some of our vol

unteers were treated a little bit poorly on the phone. People called here looking for assistance and re alized that if you’re going to talk about your power being out, we are not Duke Energy. … But there were a lot of folks in here all hours. Folks on our staff worked a great deal of time. You probably saw on the news that our first responders had to respond to somebody who decided to go kayaking in the a.m. hours when the winds were still up. When these things come around, just remember that the folks you are talking to on the other end are just as frustrated as you are. They are away from their families and away from home, dealing with the needs of others. I know that 99% of people are very pleasant when they call, but some folks weren’t and a lot of these people were sitting here out of the goodness of their heart. Not everybody was a City employee. Then we’ve got folks out there risking life and limb to keep us safe. They do it every time.” –Mayor Sam Henderson

About An Upcoming Social Event

“The Lions Club is having a dance on the 15th. It’s called ‘Gulfport Gets Lei’d.’ Apparently you can’t get lei’d for $15 anywhere else.” –Vice Mayor Christine Brown (Ward II)

Hosted by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Eckerd College Friday, October 21 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. at Eckerd College

S AFE INDOOR & OUTDOOR DINING AND BEER GARDEN

Deck the Hallows The City of Gulfport’s Halloween Decoration Contest Has Started

By Abby Baker

Scary season is upon us, and Gulf port’s ready for it.

The City of Gulfport has begun its yearly quest to make Gulfport as orange, haunted, and boo-ti-ful as possible.

Both residents and business own ers can go all-out for the City’s Hal loween decorations contest, spon sored by the Gulfport Recreation Center. Homes and business own

ers with an eye towards dreadfully ghoulish decor have until noon Mon day, Oct. 24 to get their ghosts and spiders and mummies and whatever else ready. At 6:30 p.m. that same day, Gulfport employees will haunt the streets to judge each applicant’s handiwork.

The annual contest has two cat egories: residential and commercial. Each home needs a separate appli

cation, but commercial contestants can submit either a lone business or professional location.

Think you have what it takes to win? Pick up an application at the Gulfport Recreation Center or Gulf port City Hall. The City will announce the winners at its Nov. 1 Gulfport Council meeting. Both winners will get bragging rights about their ghastly victory – and a plaque.

Music

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

plan

private tour and consultation.

residents who are thriving

our upbeat environment.

Watermark Resident

Suzette D. (left), Watermark resident

connected

playing.

beauty

music

Suzette, Watermark Resident, Ukulele Goddess

Torchy’s Tacos, Slyce Wine Bar + Smokin J’s Building Here’s the Latest Business News in South Pinellas

By Abby Baker Torch It

If you’ve been to Houston, chanc es are you’ve passed by the flam ing-red popular Mexican chain, Torchy’s Tacos. Soon, St. Pete may become the first Florida city to have one.

According to the Torchy’s Tacos website, the restaurant is “coming soon” to 2314 Tyrone Blvd. N. in St. Pete. The new location is former ly a Pollo Tropical and shares a lot with the Tyrone Square Mall – and is right next to Portillo’s.

The taco joint has locations in several states, including Arizona and Louisiana, but Texas holds the title as the state with the most Torchy’s, mostly likely due to the chain first opening in Austin.

It’s known for its margaritas, dips, tacos, devilish red mascot, and the famous Torchy’s slogan, “Damn good tacos.” Is the tagline overconfident?

St. Pete will find out soon.

More Whining

Slyce plans to open a new wine bar in Indian Rocks Beach: Wyne. Wyne will open right next to Slyce Indian Rocks Beach. The Wyne sig nage already graces the façade two doors down from Slyce, and the bar will open in the coming months.

When it does open, Wyne will feature a menu of small plates and charcuterie with the option to or der from the full Slyce menu. 311 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach.

Mystery Surrounds Smokin’ J’s Building

Whatever happened to 5145 Gulfport Blvd. after Smokin’ J’s closed? At the time of closure, Smokin J’s owner John Reisebeck didn’t want to announce the sell er because things weren’t finalized

yet. Although he did say that he was negotiating with a develop er after an earlier sale of the BBQ joint fell through.

According to the Pinellas County Property Appraiser Office’s website, the 4,791-square-foot building sold for $480,000 on July 29, 2022. PCPAO lists the new owner as 5145 Gulfport LLC.

5145 Gulfport LLC consists of Asto ria, New York residents Abdelmonem Agag and Abdulrahman Ghalwash

along with St. Petersburg resident Morad Mekhail. Mekhail and Agag own St. Pete-based Mekail & Agag Realty Corp. Public records show that another realty company by the same name is registered in Queens. Thus far, The Gabber’s been unable to contact Mekhail to discover what his plans for 5145 Gulfport Blvd. S.; when The Gabber called the Queensbased company, the person on the phone hung up when we identified ourselves.

The opening date of the St. Pete location is TBD.

TORCHY’S TACO

Art for

Gulfport

By Abby Baker

Center Opens

the Public

volun teer June Johns, left) pause for a group shot.

Bryer Hall, the building between the small and large dog parks in Gulfport’s Chase Park sat locked and empty — bar ring storage — this time last year. And the year before.

On Oct. 7, the Gulfport Historical Society publicly chris tened the space as the Gulfport Arts Center.

Local painters, photographers, and sculpture artists ex hibited their work in the inaugural show, Show Us Your Gulf port!, and locals strolled the space, holding glasses of wine and sampling small bites. The Center will host exhibits, art classes, and performances.

love Gulfport”! A group of locals (including

ABBY BAKER

Laura Oldanie and “Garden Grampa” Albert Risemberg say “cheese.”

ABBY BAKER

Celinda Bailey admires one of the pieces at the Gulfport Arts Center.

ABBY BAKER

Gulfport’s Monika Watson Holds Intimate Solo Show She’s Out of the Rat Race, But This Gulfport Artist is Still Showing

By Abby Baker

The first thing you notice about Monika Watson is this is a woman who loves her dog.

Her yapping Shetland sheepdog, Shanno, is always at her feet, nos ing and circling her for a much-de served pat on the head. If that didn’t tip you off, there are paintings and ceramic creations featuring Shan no all over her home, including her kitchen tile. Watson’s a well-known Gulfport artist who’s exhibited her work in Tampa and Pinellas for some 30 years.

Her fuzzy companion isn’t the only star in her collection: Watson’s known for her ceremonial-like bo tanical pieces that she carefully crafts, using ornate ceramics that she molds and glazes herself. Her soft accent may tip you off that she’s originally from Austria, but she moved to Florida with her former husband in her youth.

She worked for Grenier Engineer ing, Inc. in Tampa doing technical work for a while, but eventually caved to the artistic urge so many

Gulfport transplants feel, and began working on her art full time from her cozy bungalow.

“Somebody gave me a lump of clay and I started making what I wanted,” Watson said. “I suppose my surroundings inspire me. I love my garden.”

At 80, Watson’s no stranger to lo cal art shows, such as the Fall Har vest Show & Sale in Dunedin and the Gulfport Fine Arts Festival. However, she’s slowed down to take time to smell the roses — both ceramic and botanical.

“I’m no longer in the rat race,” Watson said with a laugh.

So, when her friend Diana Matt asked to put on a Monika Watson art show from her home and business, Gulfport’s House Gallery, she was all in. Watson provided the artwork, glazed and bursting from the can vas, and Matt went to work inviting the community and promoting the show, hosted Oct. 7-9.

Matt previously owned Studiolo on Beach Boulevard South in Gulf

port, and she worked in advertising for years. The show was a hit with locals, thanks to both Watson’s work and Matt’s dedication to the cause.

“This one is called ‘Monika’s Di vorce’,” Matt said while gesturing to a large circular tropical-like piece of art.

The two women went to a Tampa courtroom for hours one day, finaliz ing Watson’s divorce. The next day, Watson showed up at Matt’s purple door with a gift, the giant circular art piece.

“I took time off work to go with her, but we had no idea it would take that long,” Matt said. “We’re selling [the art] now, along with everything else.”

It’s a prime example of Watson. Her life inspires her work, and she’s always eager to share it.

All the proceeds from the show went directly to Watson. If you missed the exhibit and would like to browse Watson’s collection, contact Gulfport’s House Gallery at 727-3665712.

Diana Matt, owner of Gulfport’s House Gallery, hosted a solo show featuring Watson’s work.

ABBY BAKER

Music for Florida-Ween Sunshine State Halloween Songs

By Jon Kile

It’s Halloween season. In Florida that means choosing a costume that doesn’t cause heatstroke and carv ing a pumpkin so we can watch it rot before our eyes. To get in the Hal low-mood, here’s a playlist of spooky songs with Florida connections.

Lynyrd Skynyrd, “Four Walls of Rai ford.” Although they’re best known for singing about their (adopted) sweet home of Alabama, Skynyrd hails from Jacksonville. “Four Walls of Raiford” comes from the point of view of a Vietnam veteran who can’t serve another minute in lockup, where the “Four Walls of Raiford are closing in on me.” I’m just saying, Johnny Cash wouldn’t play there.

John Anderson, “Haunted House.” It’s surprising that Florida doesn’t have a lot of songs about real estate mishaps, but Apopka’s John Anderson brings us one about the haunted house he just moved into. The country crooner’s breathy voice sounds like he’s perpet ually suppressing a yawn – in a good way. Despite the fact that the ghost eats the steak he’s about to cook, he’s not leaving.

Mandy Moore, “Candy.” I’m sure Longwood’s Mandy Moore prefers we remember her recent success on TV’s “This Is Us” and forget her debut single. “Candy” is a horrifying 3:52 seconds of inappropriate double en tendre made worse by the fact that she was 15 when it was released. “Ooh oh, yeah yeah yeah yeah / (Give it to me, give it to me) I’m so addicted to the loving that you’re feeding to me” – it only gets worse from there. The father in me can’t

ignore the fact that the unlicensed, unseatbelted Moore drives around town singing until she trades her VW Bug for an unhelmeted ride on the back of a dude’s Vespa. Be more like Britney and go dance around the school.

KC and the Sunshine Band, “I’m Your Boogie Man.” Naturally, after Hiale ah’s KC and the Sunshine Band put on their boogie shoes, they became someone’s boogie man. It’s a refrain that they repeat only 43 times.

Jimmy Buffett, “Desperation Sam ba (Halloween in Tijuana).” I know he’s not from Florida, but we ac

quired Jimmy Buffett from Alabama in exchange for Skynyrd. “Despera tion Samba” is a good song, even if we have to hear Buffett attempt the Spanish language.

Tom Petty, “Casa Dega.” Inargu ably Florida’s best export is the late Tom Petty. Petty sings about Flori da’s clairvoyant capital, Cassadega. It’s a beautiful song of Florida imag ery in which Petty proclaims, “I think I’m starting to believe the things I’ve heard / because tonight in Casa Dega, I hang on every word.” This song is good all year.

John Prine, “Daddy’s Little Pumpkin.” We can’t publish a list of songs without including Gulfport’s own snowbird, John Prine, who we lost to COVID. “Daddy’s Little Pumpkin” has a great little bit of jack-o’-lantern im agery. The song is about a guy who recognizes a little girl as his daughter by the look in her eyes. When he splits in search of trouble, he fears that the baby mama will sell the child to make his bail.

Get Your Grind On Tara Lush’s Latest Mixes Sanibel, Gulfport, Roller Skates, Coffee, and Murder

By Cathy Salustri

“My Shih Tzu had murder written all over his furry little face.”

So opens Tara Lush’s latest Cof fee Lover’s Mystery, “Live and Let Grind.” Set in the fictional Devil’s Beach – which Lush’s says is one part Gulfport and one part Sanibel – “Live and Let Grind” is packed with goodies, from a dog set on murder ing his stuffed bunny to a manic leaf-blowing neighbor who meets his end in a most... explosive way.

If you’ve read the first two books, “Grounds For Murder” and “Cold Brew Corpse,” you know most of the characters in “Live and Let Grind”: Lana, a reporter turned coffee shop owner; her pot-smoking dad, bent on saving the island’s monkeys; Noah, her police chief boyfriend; Er ica, her friend and coworker; and, of course, Stanley, the micro-pup who loves to murder squeaky toys.

Lush more fully builds the world of Devil’s Beach with each book, add ing characters that make the town more interesting: Jeri and Perry, a lesbian couple with a true-crime podcast; Joey, Erica’s boyfriend with mafia connections who might have killed someone; and Honey, the roller-skating Insta star whose much-older estranged husband most definitely did not die of natural causes.

Any of these people would fit so well into Gulfport, we wouldn’t even blink. Truthfully? They may already be here.

The story follows Lana, who’s de veloped a penchant for stumbling over dead bodies, as she struggles to balance owning a coffee shop –the delightfully named Perkatory — with a burgeoning relationship, a best friend suspected of murder, and a father who wears a (literal) monkey suit to the Devil’s Beach Po lice Department (readers, do not try this at home).

While Lush offers a reliable cozy read, don’t dismiss her latest – or any in the series – as formulaic or staid. Quite the opposite: Lush weaves to gether sunshine, coffee, and just the right amount of quirkiness to make

her series a standout among cozies – without making it seem as though Florida’s peopled solely by ex-con victs riding meth-smoking pythons. Perhaps one her most surprising characters, one I hope we see again in a future book, is Honey. In the name of amateur sleuthing, Lana takes roller skating lessons from Honey, and never have I wanted to head over to Southland Roller Pal ace more than I did during those scenes.

Finally, the enduring star of the series is ever-present in the book: coffee, in all its forms. In “Live and Let Grind,” Lana and Erica serve mushroom coffee as well as a choc

olate-orange specialty. Even if you don’t like coffee, this book might just send you to a mom-and-pop coffee shop, if only for the ambiance, spe cialty drinks and, if you’re lucky, a little friendly murder.

“Live and Let Grind” launch par ty, Gulfport Arts Center, 2726 54th Ave. S., Gulfport. Oct. 14, 7 p.m. Free, books available. Dogs welcome; some squeaky toys provided. 727201-8687; gulfporthistoricalsociety. wildapricot.org

Full disclaimer: Lush occasionally writes about Tampa Bay authors for The Gabber Newspaper. This did not influence our decision to review or the review itself.

Meet Tara Lush – and the pup who inspired Stanley – at her book launch Friday night in Gulfport.

CATHY SALUSTRI

GULFPORT

The Village Courtyard

2908 1/2 Beach Blvd. S.

Friday, Oct. 14:

Kyle Shaw, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct 15:

Jessica Rose Powell, 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16:

Reverend Billy C. Wirtz. 3 p.m. Caddy’s Gulfport

3128 Beach Blvd. S.

Friday, Oct. 14: Logan Grant and The Show Ponies, 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15:

Somebody Canceled, 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16:

The Torpedoes, 4 p.m.

ST. PETE BEACH

The Toasted Monkey

678 75th Ave.

Thursday, Oct. 13: Carlos & Joe, 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14: Mixed Signal, 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15: Pink Streets, 1 p.m.; Billy Agans, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16: Taylor Jansen, 1 p.m.; Larry Mott, 6 p.m.

Caddy’s St. Pete Beach 5501 Gulf Blvd. Friday, Oct. 14: Nathan Allen, 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15: Matt Capps, 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16: Act 3, 4 p.m.

MADEIRA BEACH

Caddy’s John’s Pass 190 Boardwalk Pl. E.

Friday, Sept. Oct. 14: Nightbreakers, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15:

Jeremy James, 4 p.m.; Obi Wan Knabe and The Force, 5:30 p.m.

TREASURE ISLAND

Ka’Tiki

8803 W. Gulf Blvd. Friday, Oct. 14: The Reality, 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15: 5 Shades of Grey, 1 p.m.; Dosage, 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16: Jimmy Gris wold Band, 1 p.m.; Cornfused, 6 p.m.

to do

Murder Mystery, Haunted Paddle + Get Lei’d

Through September 24

Go Ghoulish Is Halloween your time to shine? Enter in the City of Gulfport Annual Halloween Decorating Con test for the chance to be recognized. Deck out your home or business with creepy, spooky gear, and creative gore (whatever your jam is). Get  an application at Gulfport City Hall or the Gulfport Recreation Center. You have until October 24; that night, City judg es will haunt the streets to judge the decor. City of Gulfport. Apply by Oct. 24 at 12 p.m. 727-893-1000.

Friday, October 14

Meet Murder Mystery Novelist Ta mara Lush in the height of her sea son, October. You may know her as Tara Lush from her cozy coffee mur derous novels such as “Grounds for Murder” and “Cold Brew Corpse,” and this Friday, get acquainted with her and her latest book, “Live and Let Grind.” Afterwards, enjoy a reading from the author herself, and bring (or buy) your own reads for a signing. Registration includes the first book in the Coffee Lover’s Mys tery series “Grounds for Murder.” Gulfport Arts Center, 2726 54th St. S., Gulfport. 7 p.m. Free, books avail able. 727-201-8687, gulfporthistori calsociety.wildapricot.org

Friday, October 14Saturday, October 15

The Female Gaze Things are getting a little sexy and a little creepy this October as Mize Gallery hosts the work of St. Petersburg artists Per ry deVick and Summer Elaine Hue in The Female Gaze. “This show will play on the concept of the female gaze by taking it from a sexual con text and turning it toward Hallow een,” Mize wrote in a press release. The show features more than 60 brand-new pieces and installation elements, the subjects of which in clude witches, familiars, and tools of the occult. MIZE Gallery, 689 Dr. MLK

Jr. St. N., St. Pete. 7 p.m. chadmize. com/exhibits.html

Saturday, October 15

Black and White Art Exhibit Life isn’t always black and white, but the art work at Five Deuces Galle ria is. See this black-, white-, and grey-inspired exhibit from local artists such as Jeff Giles and Ter ry Scopelliti. The content ranges from flailing barbies to posing pop icons. Come to Saturday’s opening night to meet the artists, but see it on display until Nov. 1. Five Deuces Galleria, 222 22nd St. S., St. Pete. 5-9 p.m. fivedeucesgalleria.com

VW Bash on the Beach Let’s get groovy. The 11th annual VW Beach Bash invites all areas Bugs and Volk swagens to show their stuff by the beach. Come check out these (some glossy, some with a more vintage charm) punch buggies and shop an outdoor market. Gulf Beaches His torical Society, 115 10th Ave., St. Pete Beach. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. happening next.com/event/vw-beach-bash-ei d3a09csa450

Get Lei’ed Post Hurricane Ian, who couldn’t use a little fun? Enjoy island

dishes, wear your best tropical gear (just a lei is acceptable, per Florida rule) and frequent the fruity drink bar for the Gulfport Gets Lei’d Island Party. Gulfport Lions Club, 4630Tifton Drive S., Gulfport. 6-10 p.m. $15, advance; $20, cash at door. gulfportlionsclub.com

Haunted Paddle It’s slowly getting closer to Halloween, and Good Vibes Kayak Rentals dares you to cele brate with a night paddle through Masters Bayou. Check in at 6:30 p.m. for a costume contest at 7 p.m. — preferably a costume you don’t mind getting wet! You may just win the grand prize gift card. Then, en joy a haunted – yet guided, probably not by ghosts – paddle through the mangroves at 7:30 p.m. There will be Halloween-themed drinks after. Book your spot now as kayak rentals are  limited. Call and reserve to find the haunted location. 6:30 p.m. $3590. 727-565-6421.

Sunday, October 16

Telling Stories With Nan Colton Lo cal storyteller Nan Colton will bring LIFE Magazine photographer Marga ret Bourke-White to life with a Sun day matinee. Bourke-White was one

Things To Do continued on page 22

of LIFE Magazine’s original four staff

spent her career seeing the world – and many his torical events – through her camera lens. Among other things, the pho tographer is known for documenting Nazi concentration camps after they were liberated in the spring of 1945. Though Bourke-White died in 1971, she’s remembered as one of the greats. Watch Colton embody her on the stage. Proceeds support the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation. Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport. 4 p.m. $25. 727-893-1244.

Tuesday, October 18

Attend a Lifelong Learning Cele bration , designed to give people a chance to continue learning. Eric Deggan, NPR’s full-time TV critic, will host a discussion on “The Fu ture of TV, Social Media and Ob jective Truth in the Modern World.” Afterwards, attendees can meet a group of OLLI instructors and join

a drum circle. Get creative at the drop-in art table facilitated by lo cal artist and OLLI instructor Rea Nurmi. To end the afternoon, enjoy a screening of the National Theatre Live performance of “The Book of Dust.” Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Pete. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 727-864-7600.

Wednesday, October 19

Deadly Words Poets, poetry lovers, and fans of Jack Kerouac, attend a Dead Poets Society reading with live (get it?) jazz. Attendees may come and read works from artists who have died. If you’re feeling extra in spired, there will be a table with writ ing prompts to stir the creative juic es. This is a fundraising event for the nonprofit literary group, The Friends of Jack Kerouac. The Studio @620, 620 1st Ave. S., St. Pete. 6 p.m. $10. 727-895-6620, thestudioat620.org

CASA Opening It’s the grand open ing of the Family Justice Center for a Violence Free Pinellas! The Cen

ter makes Pinellas County histo ry as Florida’s first Family Justice Center. The Family Justice Center is part of a best-practice public health and safety model endorsed by the U.S. Department of Justice. It will bring services and resourc es to Pinellas-based survivors and their children so that they can move on with healthy, happy lives. Celebrate this part of history and meet the community with a friend ly grand opening reception. CASA Pinellas, 1011 1st Ave. N., St. Pete. 3 p.m. casapinellas.org

Thursday, October 20

Master the Screen What’s the point of having the electronic world at your fingertips if you can’t figure out how to organize your apps or up grade your storage? Learn the ba sics and find iPhone/iPad help in a safe space. Held on the third Thurs day of the month. Reservations re quired. Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport. 1 p.m. mygulf port.us, 727-893-1231.

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

Friday 7PM

Beth-El Shalom

Messianic Congregation

ShalomAdventure.com JewishHeritage.net Rabbi@JewishHeritage.net

Good Shepherd Old Catholic Church

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

Where ALL are welcome at the Lord’s table.

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

Paradise Lutheran Church on Treasure Island

10255 Paradise Blvd, Treasure Island Sunday Service

10am with Holy Communion 727-360-5739

paradiseluth102@gmail.com paradiselutheran.com

St. Vincent’s Thrift Shop

5124 Gulfport Ave S. 33707

Hours 10 AM to 2PM Wednesday to Saturday

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

Sunday Services 10AM

Misa en Español: Domingos 12PM

Unitarian Universalist United Fellowship

AN EPISCOPAL CONGREGATION

330 85th Avenue • St. Pete Beach

worship rates starting as low as $30/week.

Send an email to: advertising@thegabber.com

“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

obituaries

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

Betty, Hamila, 94

Born in Media, Pennsylvania and longtime resident of Gulfport. Betty was the youngest of four sisters and daughter to German immigrants, Karl and Erna Schneider. Betty is survived by her son, Gregory Hamilton; granddaughter, Samantha Just; and great-grandchildren Nicholas and Juliana Just. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Hamilton and their son, Harry Hamilton. Betty had a special touch with a fishing pole and, besides her family, cats were her favorite people.

On The Penny

gabber on

Diane S. (left) and Colleen Grady (right):

corn.” John (middle):

$40 per visit/hour

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 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.

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.

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

COMPANION CAREGIVER

Experienced - Will help you prepare meals, do laundry, light housekeeping, drive to appointments, play games, etc. Worked for local healthcare agency. Re liable and conscientious. Only $20 hour. Looking for St. Petersburg/Gulfport/Pas adena area. Preferably a 55+ community. Call Alice at727-433-0278.

Handy Person

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.

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.

Heating & Air Conditioning

ugly rust-colored irrigation stains from vinyl fencing and most sur faces around your house or business, including signage. Free estimate and demonstration. Call/text 727-360-7070. ruststainremoval@icloud.com

TREE SERVICE BY PAYLESS

Tree removal, trimming, stump grinding. Also do yard work, mulching, weeding, and yard clean up. Call for estimate: 727-6419033.

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 * WHENCOUNTSQUALITY

Trust Masters Painting. Making happy customers for 42 yrs. Pressure cleaning, waterproofing, honest, reliable. 727-344-1674 or 727-510-6804. 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.

CHRISTIANSON PAINTING 30 years experience. Interior and exterior work done the old-school way; strong customer service. References. Lic #C-11520. Call or text Mark 727-452-4938.

WE ARE HIRING FREELANCE & STAFF REPORTERS

727-321-6965 Monday, Tuesday

Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

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!

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.

BED & MATTRESS FOR SALE Queen size bed for sale with brand new mattress, $1200. Text Maria 727-873-8974 for details.

parties, weddings, meetings.

Yard

waterfront

ESTATE SALE - FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

Dining table and chairs, entertainment center, 2 reclining loveseats, China, silver, crystal, small appliances, books, Legos, tools, desk, o ce chair, filing cabinets, plastic shelving, and more! 5127 Caesar Way S. Friday 1 - 6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

MOVING SALE - EVERYTHING MUST GO 10/15 & 10/16; 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. both days. Furniture, clothing, decorations & so much more! No early birds, no previews or calls. Come find your next treasure! 5319 17th Avenue N, St Pete, FL 33710.

YARD SALE IN REAR OF HOUSE CARPORT

Saturday, 10/15 starting 9 a.m., 6114 10th Ave. S., Gulfport. Please park on 61st St. S. and use alley to access sale. Collectables, antiques, art supplies, miscellaneous household, adjustable tub chair, books, small oak bookcase, and more.

Plumbing

HOME WITH USABLE GARAGE

Real Estate For Rent

GULFPORT

REALTOR

Real Estate Snapshots

Here’s What Sold in Gulfport Last Week

Other Gulfport Home Sales Last Week

6020 Shore Blvd. S., #703 (Town Shores)

This 1,450-square-foot condo, built in 1974, has two bedrooms and two baths. It listed for $525,000 and sold for $482,500.

5129 Preston Ave. S. (Tangerine)

This 1,172-square-foot home, built in 2019, has two bedrooms and two baths. It listed at $430,000 and sold for $410,000.

1514 Hull St. S. (Stetson)

This 1948 home has 1,544 square feet, three bedrooms, and two baths. It listed for $424,900 and sold for $380,000.

6244 7th Ave. S. (Stetson)

This 1957, 1,299-square-foot home has two bedrooms and one bath. It listed for $390,000 and sold for $365,000.

2813 46th St. S. (Marina)

5705 Tangerine Ave. S. (Tangerine)

This 2019 home has 2,264 square feet, four bedrooms, and two-and-one-half baths. It listed at $749,900 and sold for $725,000.

This 1953, 828-square-foot home has two bedrooms and one bath. It listed for $399,999 and sold for $360,000.

3018 59th St. S., #314 (Town Shores)

This 1,060-square-foot condo, built in 1971, has one bedroom and one bath. It listed for $218,500 and sold for $211,000.

CATHY SALUSTRI