The Gabber: October 20, 2022

In Gulfport,

When the Seas Rise

By Amanda Hagood

70 to 110

Whether

just parking ourselves along the water’s edge to watch the sun set, the water is intimately connected to our town’s history and our identity as a community.

“If you want to be near the water,” says Stacey Purcell,

by 2050.

owner of Gulfport Realty, “you can’t beat Gulfport. It’s one of the last original Florida communities.”

But the water is changing. Global sea levels inch up each year, and the Tampa Bay Climate Science Advisory Panel estimates that our region will experience between 2 and

CATHY SALUSTRI

Beach Blvd.

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Farmworkers Get Little Hurricane Relief

By Sara Mangan

The Farmworker Association of Flor ida grieves with those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods due to Hurricane Ian. The storm dev astated many communities, including some of our most vulnerable farm worker communities. As we are work ing hard to respond to the urgent and immediate needs of, and to help our farmworker families and communi ties recover, we extend condolences for the lives lost and our support to those most affected. We raise a call to action by the leaders of our state and country.

“Hurricane Ian has been a tragedy for so many in the state, but farm workers have the least resources to help them recover. Most do not have insurance, and crop damage means no work or income to support their families. We depend on farmwork ers every day for our food; now is the time for farmworkers to depend on us to help them recover from this disas ter,” says Neza Xiuhtecutli, the Gen eral Coordinator of the Farmworker Association of Florida.

Many farmworkers live in inade quate housing and/or mobile homes that are particularly vulnerable to hurricane damage. Many also live below the poverty line and paycheck to paycheck, so losing the food in the refrigerator after a power outage can be a major setback. In addition, as many farms, groves, orchards, and nurseries suffered damage, many

farmworkers may be out of work for an indefinite period of time following the hurricane, making them and their families even more at risk for hunger, loss of housing, inability to pay for utilities and medical care, and other hardships.

While FEMA relief exists for agri cultural producers, there is no such targeted government relief for farm workers, and FEMA does not offer long-term assistance to farmworkers who lack immigration status. Thus, these communities find themselves exceptionally vulnerable during these trying times.

We call upon both our state and na tional elected officials to ensure that farmworkers – the essential workers who have helped make sure we had enough food to eat throughout the pandemic – are remembered, valued, and given the assistance they need and deserve, regardless of immigra tion status.

In addition, we call on our elected officials to recognize that Hurricane Ian’s strength and devastation is a di rect result of climate change. Florida has always experienced hurricanes, but Ian was one of the single most destructive storms to ever hit this state. And sadly, grievously, scientists predict more of the same weather events due to human-made caus es of climate change as the oceans warm and create ideal conditions for ever stronger and more devastating

storms. Additionally, it is often those who are least responsible for climate change, like farmworkers, who feel its impacts most acutely. We call on our leaders to take courageous steps to halt climate change by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, investing in transformative regenerative agricul ture and agroecology principles, clean energy, and working towards a just transition that prioritizes marginalized communities.

The Farmworker Association of Flor ida is working diligently to get disas ter assistance to farmworkers across the state. We stand with farmworker communities and all communities af fected by Hurricane Ian.

Sara Mangan works for the Farmworker Associ ation of Florida, whose mission is to build power among farmworker and rural low-income commu nities, to respond to and gain control over the so cial, political, economic, workplace, health, and en vironmental justice issues that impact their lives.

Don Nolan’s Days After 24 Years, This Treasure Island Beach Cleanup Volunteer is Retiring Abby Baker

Since 1999, Don Nolan has spent every second Saturday of the month meeting cleanup crews in the park ing lot of the Treasure Island Waf fle House, then heading across the street to pick up trash on the beach.

It’s not a glamorous job, and it’s a self-appointed one he’s dedicat ed 24 years of Saturdays to with out much complaint. In December, Nolan will give up his position as the head of cleanup due to a “lack of volunteers” and a need to slow down.

“It wasn’t just me; at one time, we had 25 volunteers helping out,” Nolan said. “We did this with the support of the city and the support of the community.

His presence on the beaches will be missed.

Carrie Auerbach, Beach Am bassador with Treasure Island Adopt-a-Beach – an organization under the umbrella of Keep Pinel las Beautiful – says her group will host “Don Nolan Day” on Saturday, Nov. 12, at the snack bar pavilion on Treasure Island Beach. Keep Pi nellas Beautiful will present Nolan with a certificate of appreciation. Treasure Island Mayor Tyler Payne will be there to say a few words.

“We look forward to the passing of the buckets and pick-up sticks,” Auerbach said. “Personally, I am proud to continue his legacy of a clean beach and hope to bring more awareness to our residents and visitors about the importance of a clean and clear beach. “

Nolan said he began spear heading the Treasure Island beach cleanups after the former group leader, Don Graham, asked him to take over in 1999. For most of the two decades, Graham supported his cleaning habit by selling the aluminum cans he bought, some times earning $100 a month.

“You feel like you’re doing some thing, a little something for the en vironment,” Nolan said. “The city

Don Nolan began hosting Treasure Island Beach Cleanups in 1999. At the end of this year, he’ll hang up his hat and picker.

appreciated it, the locals appreci ate it. I even had a fellow visiting from Germany jump in once. He said he liked what we were doing.”

When the city put out can recy cling bins, it cut his profits.

“Those trash pickers aren’t cheap,” said Betty Nolan, Don’s wife and former volunteer.

Though endings can be bitter sweet, the Nolans know change is unavoidable. They hope further Keep Pinellas Beautiful efforts will

pick up, and that the beach will continue to get much-needed at tention.

What will Nolan do with his free Saturdays following his retirement from beach cleanups?

“Oh, I guess now I’ll be cleaning the garage instead,” Nolan said with a laugh.

Come to Don Nolan Day: Satur day, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. 8000 W. Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. Call 215694-6692 for details.

ABBY

BAKER

Holiday Lights, Swing Dances, and More in Gulfport Street Paving List Also Approved

By Monroe Roark

Every year, Gulfport pays a contractor to bring, install, and light most of the holiday decorations around the city, including the lit holiday tree in front of the Gulfport Casino.

With the new fiscal year underway as of Oct. 1, Gulfport’s started work on several new projects.

Paving Gulfport Streets

Segments of nine different Gulfport streets should get paving improvements in the next year. Gulfport Council approved a paving contract at its Oct. 4 meeting.

The agreement with Asphalt Paving Systems Inc. carries a $380,921.11 price tag; Council approved it without any discussion,

as part of the consent agenda.

According to a City staff report, milling and resurfacing will take place in the following locations:

• 23rd Avenue, between 52nd and 54th Streets South

• 25th Avenue, between 54th and 53rd Streets South

• 13th Avenue, between 64th and 63rd Streets South

• 51st Street, between Tangerine

Avenue and Gulfport Boulevard South

• 50th Street South, from Tangerine Avenue south to the dead end

• 31st Avenue, between 49th and 53rd Streets South

• 26th Avenue, between 49th and 52nd Streets South

• Coronado Way, from 49th Street South to the Gulfport Municipal Marina

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CATHY SALUSTRI

Del Rio Way, from 49th Street South to the Gulfport Municipal

Gulfport officials said Asphalt Paving Systems had the lowest bid for a contract with the City of St. Cloud, and that Gulfport can pig gyback on that. The 22-23 fiscal year budget includes funding for the paving.

Garbage Truck Repair

Council approved a resolution authorizing the payment of an ticipated repairs to sanitation vehicles throughout the year, as long as those repairs don’t ex ceed $50,000. Rush Truck Center typically makes these repairs, as they’re a sole-source provider for Peterbilt trucks and most of the City’s sanitation fleet are Peterbilt, staff said.

Shade Sails at Tomlinson Park Playgrounds

Council also approved spending $128,436 to install shade sails at Tomlinson Park. The City will pur chase two shade sails from Creative Shade Solutions Inc., one measuring 50 by 150 feet and the other mea suring 30 by 30 feet. One will be placed at the each of the park’s two playgrounds.

All but $10,000 of this amount was

accounted for in the FY2023 budget; a budget amendment was required since updated price quotes came in higher due to inflation, officials said. The City will use its General Fund balance for the difference.

Swing and Soul Dances at the Gulfport Casino

Gulfport Council approved a pur chase order for Retro Production Company so the City can continue its Wednesday Night Swing and Second Friday Soul/Disco dances at the Gulf port Casino. This agreement includes a provision where the City of Gulfport and Retro Production split the gate 50/50. Retro Production Company has provided these dances in the Ca sino for two decades, since Septem ber, 2002, according to City officials.

Here Comes a Piano-Playing Santa Claus (and Other Holiday Decor)

Once again, Gulfport will have holiday decorations through out the city. Council approved $40,402.25 to pay  Rileighs Out door LLC (Clark Sales Display) to decorate the city for the winter holidays. The contracted com pany will provide all labor, ma terials, supervision, tools, equip ment, and vehicles needed to install and maintain the decora tions during the holiday season, as well as their removal at the

end of the season.

According to the contract, Rileighs Outdoor will have the decorations installed, lit, and functional by Nov. 21 and removed by Jan. 7.

According to a City staff report, the labor-intensive nature of the maintenance, installation, removal and storage of the large number of decorations has made the impact on regular City operations prohibi tive. The lease, installation, removal and storage of holiday decorations is the accepted practice of many communities.

The City of Gulfport display con sists of traditional elements such as low wattage LED lighting in Cly mer Park, a 7.5-foot ornament tree on Gulfport Boulevard and the 49th Street South corridor, red ribbon and two red-with-gold-trim bows along Beach and Shore Boulevards in the Waterfront Redevelopment District, and a 17-foot LED multi colored tree on the sidewalk of the Historic Gulf port Casino.

The decor in Clymer Park, which historically includes placards cele brating Hanukah, Kwanzaa, Christ mas, and a Buddha meditating, and decorations for the live cedar tree that the City will light the first Mon day in December, all belong to the City and Gulfport staff will install those decorations, save for the larg er-than-life, fully-lit, piano playing Santa, which Rileigh’s provides ev ery year.

Gulfport Gets Help with Building Inspections Council Approves Pact with County, Equipment Purchases

By Monroe Roark

It’s not unusual for the City of Gulfport to have more than 30 inspections a day, and that means Community Development needs help getting them done in a timely fashion.

Getting better equipment and faster building inspections was on the agenda at the Oct. 4 Gulfport Council meeting.

Gulfport’s spending more than $100,000 on new City equipment.

Council approved the purchase of a new Toro Workman utility ve hicle from Wesco Turf Inc., at a cost of $35,211.41. The fiscal year 22-23 budget for Public Works included this purchase.

“This is a budgeted replacement for the utility vehicle we use for the baseball fields, the beach and such,” City Manager Jim O’Reilly said.

Two new work trucks are on the way from Alan Jay Chevrolet as well: a 2023 Chevy Silverado 2500 and a 2023 GMC Sierra 3500. The total cost for two trucks comes to $133,521. The City’s public works

department will use them both: the Silverado in the sewer division and the Sierra in the water division.

Gulfport will send the two trucks those will replace to auction. Offi cials said the City was paying for additional maintenance and re pairs because of the two vehicles’ ages.

“These are budgeted replace ment vehicles, which have special size needs,” said O’Reilly, referring to towing needs that necessitate the trucks being somewhat larger.

In other business, Council ap proved a resolution to use Pinellas County and SAFEbuilt/M.T. Causley for building services.

“These are the expanded services we need when we get backed up with inspections and plan review,” said O’Reilly. “It’s a budgeted item.”

According to a staff report, per

mits and associated activities have increased steadily over the last few years, meaning the City needs extra help to keep up with the workload.

The City uses Pinellas County for in spection services and SAFEbuilt/M.T. Causley for both inspection and plan review services. Depending on the need, both vendors can work in con cert with City staff on any given day.

It is not unusual for the City to have more than 30 inspections every day.

The only effective way to keep up with this demand, officials said, is through the use of these other pro viders.

Council approved the cost of $145,000. Staff asked for council ap proval because the City needs this assistance on a regular basis and the amount is more than the city manager can spend without Council approval.

CITY OF GULFPORT/THE GABBER

Citizen Policy Academy Grads Program Revived After Two-Year Hiatus

By Monroe Roark

After a lengthy delay, the Gulf port Police Department was able to restart a popular program for local residents during this past summer.

Council recognized seven citizens at the Council’s Oct. 4 regular meet ing for completing the eight-week Citi zens Police Academy. Police Chief Robert Vincent presented certificates to Rob ert Buscemi, Regina Buscemi, April Thanos (a member of the City Council), and Elizabeth Wood. The other three participants – Karen Devoid, Lenny Guckenheim ber, and Caron Schwartz – were not present at the meeting.

The most recent program be gan July 11 and ended Aug. 29. Each weekly session lasted three hours. Participants learned various duties and responsibilities of the Gulfport Police Department, ranging from hiring requirements, the accredita tion process, criminal investigations, vehicle operations, and firearms procedures.

“We go in-depth with everything

we do – teach them what it takes to become a police officer, take them on a tour of the jail, tour the commu nications center, crime scene pro cessing, you name it,” Vincent said.

“They get to drive the police cars and even go to the firing range where they get to have a one-on-one with a firearms instructor.”

The program was an annual event for at least 25 years, Vincent said, be fore a recent hiatus in 2020 and 2021.

“It creates an alumni of people who are really, really involved in the community and become advocates for us,” he said. “When things get out that make us look not so good, these folks correct it quickly for us. That is my appreciation for the pro gram.”

Vincent also gave credit to the City Council for allowing the neces sary resources to make it happen.

“It’s not cheap to do this,” he said. “We wouldn’t be able to do it without your support. Thank you for that.”

Police Chief Robert Vincent (right), pictured with recent Citizens Police Academy graduates (left-right): April Thanos, Elizabeth Wood, Robert Buscemi, and Regina Buscemi.

CITY OF GULFPORT

“When things get out that make us look not so good, these folks correct it quickly for us.”

Sea Levels continued from cover

8.5 feet of sea level rise by 2100. For a community whose average eleva tion is around 23 feet – with signifi cant portions of the city lying with in areas the FEMA has designated high-risk flood zones – this poses an important question: How are we thinking about these risks?

Deb Birchler, an actor and semi retired realtor who has lived in her home in Gulfport’s Marina District since 2010, has already seen the im pact of rising seas. The property at the end of her street, which fronts Clam Bayou, regularly experiences king tide flooding. On the worst days, she notes, you might need a truck to access the road. A recent report from the National Oceanic and Atmospher ic Administration (NOAA) predicts that by 2050, the St. Petersburg area will experience 70 to 110 such tidal flooding events each year.

Birchler can recall when Hurricane Eta’s storm surge pushed up the path to her house and swamped her porch, right up to the bottom step to her house. It was a scary experi ence, but she is unperturbed about the thought of future flooding. When Hurricane Ian approached, she tuned in to WFTS and listened to Chief Meteorologist Denis Phillips.

“I don’t panic,” she says. “I’m pre pared. I know where to go.”

And besides, she points out, she has experienced extreme weath er before – in Minnesota. After too many winters of waist-high snow, she recalls, she never wanted to see another snowflake in her life. Discovering Gulfport was a dream come true.

“I saw the theater, the senior cen ter, the library, and a beach at the end of the street. I told my husband, we don’t have to go any further. This is it.”

Prospective buyers often ask about whether a property is in a flood zone, or has experienced flooding, Purcell notes – but this is just one of several concerns they weigh, includ ing price, access to amenities, and water view. Hurricanes are a worry; after Ian passed through, many cli ents called wondering if they should sell. But despite its vulnerability, she points out, Gulfport offers a strong

Deb Birchler stands in front of her home in the Marina District. Her property experienced flooding during Hurricane Eta, but she remains circumspect about the future. “I have a plan. I know where to go,” she says.

sense of community that makes it, in many ways, resilient. The commu nity comes together during storms. Remembering all the neighbors who called to check in during Ian, she laughs.

“Gulfport is my family. And I have a lot of family.”

Paige Valensky, co-proprietor of Gulfport Brewery (located in a flood zone), agrees.

“When I was graduating from col lege,” she recalls, “my mom asked me ‘where do you want to live? And then go from there’ and I think that still holds true. We love living and working in Gulfport, and the prices of insurance or the threat of a dev astating storm isn’t going to scare us away.” Having a plan in place and an emergency fund can help you negotiate the risks, she notes.

But the price of living in paradise is going up. Across Florida, home in surance rates have climbed as much as 14% this year, and the future of the insurance market looks bleak as some carriers have gone bankrupt or stopped writing policies in Flori da. Between high property values, interest rates, and insurance costs, Purcell is concerned that middle in come people are being priced out of living in Gulfport.

And the situation is likely to wors en in years to come. A recent report from the nonprofit news organiza tion, Climate Central, claimed that private property owners in the Unit ed States would collectively lose a New Jersey-sized chunk of land to sea level rise by 2050. This in

cludes 24,345 land parcels in Pinel las County alone, resulting in more than $2 billion in projected lost tax revenue.

In 2015, George Marshall, Founder of the Climate Outreach Information Network and author of “Don’t Even Think About It: Why Our Brains Are Wired To Ignore Climate Change,” suggested that for all these fright ening projections, climate change lacks some of the important quali ties that mobilize people into effec tive action: it is hard to visualize. Its worst impacts are uncertain and in the future, and it will require sub stantial costs to address. Perhaps this is beginning to change.

“What motivates us,” Marshall concluded, “are the people around us, our peer group, the people who share our values.”

As Gulfport grows into the 21st century, perhaps the question shouldn’t be whether we or not we should live in flood zones, but how we can adapt to living with rising water in a way that reflects and expresses our values of communi ty, creativity, and keeping it just a little bit weird.

Living shorelines? Sure. Incen tives for putting your house on stilts? Worth exploring. The pri vate sand dune that Deb Birchler has begun constructing in the wa ter-facing corner of her yard, add ing the contents of her sandbags each time her house survives an other storm? Just the beginning of how our gateway to the Gulf could grow.

AMANDA HAGOOD

Friday Night Lights: Lakewood Overpowers Gibbs 52-24 Spartans Improve to 5-3 on Season

By Monroe Roark

The Lakewood Spartans took the field Friday night, having not lost to a Pinellas County opponent in more than four years.

That streak was in jeopardy for a good portion of the game, thanks to the Gibbs Gladiators, who had the lead until late in the third quarter until the home team scored 36 unanswered points and cruised to a 52-24 win. Lakewood’s record improved to 5-3, while Gibbs fell to 0-7 on the season.

According to a tweet from longtime Pinellas high school sportswriter Bob Putnam, who publishes the Prime Time Preps website, Lakewood went into the Gibbs game with 20 consecutive wins against county opponents, 10 of them being shutouts. Their last loss to a county opponent was Oct. 12, 2018.

Gibbs looked like anything but a winless team on the opening drive, marching 73 yards in less than three minutes. Caleb Morris connected with De’Von Walton on a 34-yard pass for the first score of the night.

Lakewood answered with a scoring drive of its own, capped off by quarterback Anthony Colandrea’s 1-yard sneak across the goal line. Nathaniel Sosa-Jones nailed the extra point and the Spartans took a 7-6 lead.

Tra’quan Johnson scored the next Lakewood touchdown on a 14-yard

run and Gibbs answered with another long drive and a 1-yard scoring run by Sammy Miller Jr. on the first play of the second quarter.

Sosa-Jones put the Spartans up 16-12 with a 34-yard field goal, but on the next possession Morris lofted a pass down the left sideline to George Butler, who made a beautiful back-shoulder catch for a 36yard touchdown and an 18-16 Gibbs lead at the half.

Lakewood received the second-half kickoff and was held to a three-and-out, but an errant snap went over the punter’s head and was downed at the Spartans’ 1-yardline. After a penalty pushed the ball back to the 6, Miller took the handoff twice and scored on the second one from 3 yards out.

On the next possession, Lakewood needed only three plays to move 65 yards. After two long passes from Colandrea to Aviyon Mack-Smith, Johnson scored on a 1-yard run and Colandrea passed to Shamar Rigby for the 2-point conversion. The game was tied at 24.

The next Gibbs drive came to a screeching halt when Armani Sullivan picked off a pass and returned it 35 yards to the Gibbs 43. The Spartans offense moved the ball the rest of the way, and after a few plays Johnson took the handoff and scored from 15 yards out. Sosa-Jones put the home team up by 7.

Lakewood led the rest of the way. The Spartans defense stiffened on the ensuing possession, and when Gibbs tried to convert a fourth-and-2 a bobbled snap gave Lakewood the ball at the Gladiators’ 28. Colandrea found Montravius Lloyd over the middle for a first down, and then he connected with Mack-Smith for a 10-yard touchdown. An even bigger play by the defense came midway through the fourth quarter when Antonio Morgan picked off a pass and took it 66 yards for a score.

The defense snagged two more passes in the final minutes. Lloyd returned an interception to the Gibbs 20, setting up an 8-yard scoring pass from Colandrea to Mack-Smith. Leonard Walton ended the Gladiators’ final possession of the night with a pick, allowing the Spartans to end the game in victory formation.

Aviyon Mack-Smith hauls in his second touchdown of the game and the last score for Lakewood in its 52-24 win over Gibbs.

MONROE ROARK

Free Parking Dispatches From the Gulfport Appreciation Society

By Joe Opaleski

Pinellas County beaches aren’t cheap to visit, which means they ar en’t always accessible for lower-in come residents. St. Pete Beach’s current parking costs $3.25 an hour, a high price tag for the area’s top at traction. That’s why I’m honored to live in a place with free waterfront parking.

While it doesn’t have views straight to the horizon, or waves big enough to successfully surf or boogie board on, Gulfport’s free parking is magical. Maybe it’s the savings alone, or maybe it’s the lack of parking cops stalking you in golf carts, but the peace of mind that comes with free parking is one of my favorite things about this community.

It’s true that Gulfport could use the cash from paid parking areas to complete important projects or pay city workers. A price hike in the early days of the COVID-19 pan demic allowed the city of St. Pete Beach to provide additional clean ing for public restrooms and other facilities. That’s great, but I think every yin should have a yang.

Every beach that costs money to park beside should be comple mented by a lovely free option. This is especially true for our coun ty, where everything seems to get more expensive by the day. With out the free waterfront parking our town offers, beach days could be rare for nearby families.

A 2017 article in The Gabber quotes City Manager Jim O’Reilly explaining that Gulfport’s beach parking wasn’t always free. Around 30 years ago, drivers looking to

visit the city’s waterfront area had to pay a fee and would end up parking in the neighborhoods to avoid it. This led the city to imple ment resident parking permits for designated streets and to make the waterfront area free.

As I scroll through my ParkMobile app and groan at all the money I’ve spent parking at St. Pete Beach while showing family or friends the popular site, I’m thankful for our city’s lenient parking policies that offset the small fortune I’ve lost. Even though Boca Ciega Bay seems to be two-feet deep throughout the entire swim area, and you might get domed by a volleyball while loung ing in the sand, I’ll take our free oa sis over expensive St. Pete Beach any day.

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.

Two New Owners for Two Popular Places Changes at Let It Be and Sea Critters

By Abby Baker

Let it Go

Let it Be Ice Cream in Gulfport is a downtown staple that locals know as a pet-friendly sweet spot owned by Tina Grello and Janet Impasto. On Oct. 7, the couple an nounced the sale of the little teal ice cream spot on social media.

“Today is a big day for Let It Be Ice Cream. After much thought and deliberation, we have decided to pass on the scoops to new own ers,” Let It Be posted. “This deci sion was a hard one for us but one that we felt necessary for our cur rent journey.

The former owners decided to sell the shop to allow themselves more time for personal and fami ly reasons. It’s a bittersweet tran sition, for the pair, but ice cream-

fans in Gulfport won’t have to say goodbye to ice cream in down town.

“The new owners, Talia and Jar ed, are not looking to change what we have built, so for y’all it will be a

smooth transition. We hope that you will welcome them with the same gusto that you welcomed us!”

Red, White, and Booze

The beach bum-favorite known as Sea Critters Cafe at 2007 Pass-aGrille Way, St. Pete Beach, is getting a new name: Red, White & Booze.

Former Sea Critters regulars, Charles and Helen Collom, bought the place with the intention of main taining the atmosphere while add ing improvements to the Pass-aGrille seafood restaurant.

What’s up and coming?

“More dock space, more seating outside, newer tables, the food’s getting better and better as we go,” Charles said.

Staff will remain the same, but the Colloms are excited to announce that Red, White & Booze will add live music on Fridays from, 5-9 p.m. and Sundays from 4-8 p.m. Customers can order fish and chips, lobster, scallops, crab cakes, calamari and “catch and cook” options.

Fisherman are welcome to come in and sell their fresh catches right off the dock.

“We’re bringing back old favorites and adding more to it,”  Helen said.

Red, White, & Booze: 2007 Passa-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach. MonFri: 11 a.m.-10 p.m

Sea Critters Cafe, a local St. Pete Beach Staple is being re-imagined as “Red, White, & Booze” by the new owners, Charles and Helen Collom.

RED, WHITE & BOOZE

crime

Police Clear Themselves of Wrongdoing Gulfport Police Investigate Allegations of Brutality; Find Officers Not Guilty

By Mike Sunnucks

An internal investigation by the Gulfport Police Department has exonerated a sergeant accused by a Boca Ciega High School student of police brutality during a Sep tember incident.

Maniya Sheriffe, 15, accused Gulfport Police Sergeant Michael Vandenberg of bruising her face and shoulders after handcuffing and aggressively restraining her after a Sept. 6 altercation involving the other students.

Sheriffe and her family shared pictures of her bruised face and shoulders on social media and at press conferences bringing atten tion to the alleged incident. She claimed the officer flung her while restraining her, resulting in the in juries.

An internal police investigation of the incident clears Vandenberg of the brutality and racial discrim ination accusations and blames Sheriffe for allegedly being disor derly and aggressive toward oth er students as well as school staff and police, according to Gulfport Police Chief Robert Vincent, who shared the findings with Sheriffe’s mother, Destini Lewis, in an Oct. 10 letter.

In the letter, Vincent said Lewis declined “multiple interview re quests by our internal investiga tor.” That inquiry was conducted by GPD Commander Joshua Stone, according to police chief’s letter.

The internal police inquiry inter viewed nine witnesses — including three students and four teach er and staff; Stone also reviewed more than 100 video feeds from surveillance cameras

Vincent told Lewis he would “be happy to show them to you should you wish to see them.” The chief said surveillance videos are not going to be released by Pinellas County Schools via an exemption to public disclosure laws.

Neither Vandenberg nor the

school resource officer “were able to secure body camera footage of the interaction with your daugh ter,” Vincent wrote to the 15-yearold’s mother.

The girl’s family had previously voiced concerns about the lack of body cam footage of the incident.

“Neither Sergeant Vandenberg nor SRO [Jimmy] Embry were able to secure body camera footage of the interaction with your daughter. Vandenberg’s camera was in his

patrol car charging; however, that is not relevant to this situation,”

Vincent said in the letter, contend ing there was not time to turn on cameras during the high school al tercation.

When The Gabber asked, Vincent would not elaborate on his state ment as to why the lack of body camera footage “was not relevant.”

In his letter, the Chief explained that the officer did not have time to activate his camera.

In a letter to Maniya Sheriffe’s family, Gulfport Police Chief Rob Vincent explained why the internal investigation cleared Sergeant Mike Vandenberg of any wrongdoing at the Boca Ciega High School incident last month.

GULFPORT

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Police findings

“The facts are these,” Vincent wrote in the letter, which GPD shared with The Gabber.

“On 9/6/22, your daughter and others were disrupting a class by repeatedly laughing out loud. The teacher stopped the class because of this conduct, and several other students asked them to stop. Your daughter was apparently upset at this. After the class was over, it was your daughter who instigat ed further trouble by attempting to initiate a physical confrontation with one of the students. A school resource officer intervened when your daughter approached the other student trying to fight. This officer had to place himself be tween your daughter and the other student as she repeatedly tried to maneuver around him in an effort to get to the girl. During this en counter, your daughter cursed at the officer, refused to comply with his directions, and at one point balled her fists and lunged at him as though she wanted to attack him. In response, the officer pulled out his pepper spray and told her that he would use it on her if she continued this conduct. This was all recorded on surveillance cam eras. He then escorted her to the office where the matter between students was mediated by school officials,” Vincent said in the letter.

Vincent said that the incident was before 15-year-old’s alleged involvement in another altercation and then the detention by Vanden berg.

“Later in the day, school staff had to intervene again when your daughter was observed to be in stigating another altercation,” Vin cent said in the letter. “They had removed her from the courtyard to the lobby of the auditorium where she repeatedly proclaimed her in tention to fight. She pushed by the staff members and suddenly and quickly ran out of the auditorium, and directly toward the other stu dent who was near the entrance to the library. Your daughter ignored directions to stop, and she altered her course to avoid being detained by one officer before Sergeant Vandenberg was able to intervene. As he grabbed your daughter’s arms to stop and detain her, she actively resisted, so he pulled her arms behind her back and secured her wrists in handcuffs,” Vincent said.

Sheriffe said her face and shoul ders were bruised and she was scratched after Vandenberg ag gressively threw her into library and media center areas of the school after handcuffing her.

Vincent said the police investi gation determined that the girl’s injuries were caused by her own resistance and aggression.

“As a staff member opened the door from inside, your daughter continued to resist by physical ly pulling and jerking her body in an effort to get out of Sergeant Vandenberg’s hold. It was while she was making these movements that she struck her head on the door jam, causing a small lacera tion on her forehead. As they went

through the doorway, your daugh ter continued to actively resist, re sulting in her going to the ground in a controlled manner. She was not slung, thrown, or anything of that nature,” Vincent said. “Once on the ground, she continued thrashing about, which resulted in the abrasions (rug burns) on her face and shoulder. At no point did anyone strike her. Once she was calm, Sergeant Vandenberg helped her up and into a chair, removed the handcuffs, summoned para medics, and made sure that family was contacted.”

The internal police review exon erated Vandenberg of excessive force and racial discrimination al legations.

The GPD letter to Lewis said Van denberg was justified in restrain ing and handcuffing her daughter and that the student could have been arrested for disorderly con duct and “disruption of a school function” charges.

Vandenberg has served on the Gulfport force for 19 years.

Sheriffe, her family, and a civil rights activist with Al Sharpton’s National Action Network had taken the alleged altercation public with press confer ences, social media posts and com ments during a Gulfport City Council meeting.

A representative for Sheriffe and her family did not have an immediate comment on the letter.

Vincent also said the internal probe was justified under state law rather than an independent one request ed by the teenager’s family and civil rights activist Bryce Graham.

Fitness Center now open! To provide physi cal distancing, we’ve limited capacity, so call to register for a spot.

Supplemental food assistance for qualify ing Gulfport Seniors in need is available at the Senior Center. Pantry is open on Mon days and Thursdays from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Proper verification required prior to use of the pantry.

GEMS (Gulfport Extended Mobility Service) provides affordable Door-to-Door transportation service, rides to medical ap pointments, shopping, and much more for Gulfport residents, 55 years of age or older or disabled. 727-893-2242.

Medical Equipment Lending Program provides gently used wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches and other medical equip ment to seniors who need it. Supplies limited.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Medicare & Health Insurance Assistance Frustrated trying to navigate the insurance world? We have you covered! Make your ap pointment today.

Memory Screenings Worried about your memory? St. Anthony’s Memory Disorder Clinic offers free & confidential memory screenings.

SNAP Benefit Assistance Feeding Tampa Bay will meet with you to help you apply

for SNAP benefits.

Gulfcoast Legal Assistance Do you need assistance, with lifetime planning docs, Medicaid/Medicare issues, Social Security issues, food stamp issues, family law is sues, consumer/debt collection Issues, or housing/contract Issues? Call to make an appointment with a legal representative. By appointment only.

Ballroom Dance Instruction Learn Latin, Swint, Fox Trot, and more. Dance partner not required. Leather-soled shoes strong ly recommended. Must pre-register. Mon., 10/17 - 11/28, 5:30 p.m.

iPhone/iPad Instruction Class Learn the basic functions of your iPhone or Ipad. Must pre-register. Oct. 20, 1 p.m.

In the Kitchen with Chef Jack: Aunt Caroli na’s Mac & Cheese Casserole Improve your culinary skills with Chef Jack. Space is limit ed, must pre-register. Oct. 20, 4 p.m. Clubhouse Chatter Open discussion about MLB season and your hometown Rays. Oct. 21, 10:30 a.m.

Armchair Adventures: England Join John Herrick as he shares from his personal travels to this historic land. Oct. 25, 2 p.m. Happy Birthday to YOU Come celebrate this month’s birthdays with friends, food, & fun whether it’s your birthday or not. Oct. 26, 3 p.m.

Mah Jongg Competition Do you have what

it takes to play in the Good Life Senior Games? Registration forms available at front lobby. Door prizes, lunch, cash prizes. Oct. 29

Movie Matinee Take a break & enjoy a mov ie with friends. Call for title. Sponsored by Freedom Square of Seminole. Nov. 4, 1 p.m.

HCA Lunch & Learn Bring a friend and come on in to meet the local hospital’s doctors, get some great health tips, and lunch. Must pre-register. Nov. 1, 2 p.m.

The Girls Club A new social group of single, senior lesbians who just wanna have fun. Meet for coffee & a chat to plan monthly social events together. Nov. 1, 3 p.m.

Veterans Coffee Connection Veterans of all service eras are invited to gather for coffee, support, friendship, and learn about available community resources. Nov. 4, 10 a.m.

Gulfport ROCKS! Spend time with friends and create some fun rock art. All supplies provided. Space is limited, MUST call to pre-register. Sponsored by Moore Medicare Options. Nov. 4, 1 p.m.

GEMS GETAWAYS

Tampa Premium Outlets Don’t miss this opportunity to get ahead on your holiday shopping with over 110 shops and many delicious dining options for you to choose from. Oct. 27, $6; $10 nonmembers

Impacs Sock Hop Advance tickets avail able at Casino & Beach Bazaar. Oct. 21, 7 p.m. $15 each, two for $25; $20 each, day of.

Halloween Ballroom Dance with USA Dance DJ and dance hosts, plus a lesson. Oct. 24, 7 p.m. $10; $7, USA Dance members.

Halloween Costume Ball with Swing Time

Swing dancing to Halloweeny music. Cos tume contest, treats, and surprises! Oct. 26: 7 p.m. lessons; 8 p.m. music & dancing. $10. Fourth Friday Country Dance Party with Carol & Danielle Oct. 28: 7 p.m. lessons; 8 p.m. music & dancing. $10.

Contra Dance with Tampa Friends of Old

Shore Blvd. S.

Time Dance Oct. 30: 3:30 p.m. lessons; 4 p.m. dancing with band and caller

Casino Weekly Dances

Ballroom Lessons: Tues., 12 p.m. $10

Argentine Tango: Tues., 6:30 p.m., $10

Swing: Weds., 7 p.m. $10

Latin Night: Thurs., 7 p.m. $10

Storytime Join us for stories, rhymes, music. Thursdays, 10:15 & 11 a.m.

Baby Time Fridays, 10:15 a.m.

Teen Space Spend time with friends and make new ones. Play games, make art, watch movies, or just hang out. Ac tivities vary – and what we do is up to you! Ages 12-18 only. Mondays, 4 p.m.

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engi neering, Art, and Math) Club Special Event: Artist Pamela Joy Trow workshop, “There’s a Crystal Clear Pond, the Un seen World of Water Pollution.” Pro duced with the support of the National Endowment for the Arts; Creative Pinel las; and the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. Recommended for Grades K-5.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. For additional information call 727-893-1074. Oct. 26, 4 p.m.

SHINE Presentation: Medicare Basics

to

Presentation on Medicare Parts A, B, C, & D and what they mean to you. Oct. 15Dec. 7, open enrollment. Nov. 16, 1 p.m. floridashine.org; individual appoint ments also available; call 727-893-1073.

Gulfport Book Club Discuss “Dracula” by Bram Stoker. Available as print and audio. Oct. 20, 2 p.m.

Grown-up Movie Series Call 727-8931074 for title. Oct. 22, 1:00 pm.

COF Presents Debbie Carson, Author of “Flo” The story of an Orthodox Jew ish Baltimore boy who ran off to the circus and became one of the most fa mous clowns in the world and eventual ly found herself in an era when LGBTQ acceptance was not the norm. Spon sored by the Circle of Friends of Gulf port Library. Oct. 27, 1 p.m.

Sew Easy: Fabric Napkin Bread Warm er Warm bread and decorate your table during the upcoming holidays. Supplies

are limited, sign-up by calling 727-8931074 or email library.programs@mygulf port.us. Oct. 28, 1 p.m.

Garden Grandpa If you have little ones in grades K-5, join us in the Reading Garden on the first Wednesday of the month. Mr. Albert will share his gar dening and sustainability knowledge through storytelling and hands-on fun. Nov. 2, 4 p.m.

Reversible Pumpkin/Snowman Use paint, wood, & embellishments to make an adorable display. Registration re quired, sign-ups start Oct. 27. 727-8931074 or email library.programs@mygulf port.us. Nov. 3, 2 p.m.

Come & Go Craft Drop in for creative, self-directed crafting. For all ages, but some pieces are small. Supplies limited to a first come, first serve basis. Locat ed on tables in children’s area. Nov. 5, 10 a.m.

Annual registration: $3; $25, nonresidents Pickleball

Intermediate and advanced Mon., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Beginners Tues., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

All levels Tues., 6-8:30 p.m. and Thurs., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Adult Basketball Wed. & Fri., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thurs., 6-8:30 p.m.

Table Tennis Tues. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Game Room Mon., Wed., & Fri., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

PROGRAMS

School Year Child Care Program Regis tration continues for the 2022-23 school year child care program for kids enter ing kindergarten through age 14. Bus transportation available from Pasadena Fundamental, Gulfport Montessori, and Douglas Jamerson Elementary. Program runs until 5:30 p.m., with extended hours until 6 p.m. for an extra charge. Please contact the Recreation Center for more details.

Teen Night! Registrations continue for the 2022-2023 Teen Night Program for teens in middle and high school, students 17 and younger. Recreation, social activ

ities, field trips, cooking projects, guest speakers and service projects. Teens can use the gymnasium, game room and out door area. Mon., Wed., & Fri.: 6-9 p.m. Rec Center membership required: $3; $25, nonresidents.

Tot Time Registrations continue for the 2022-2023 Tot Time Program, a preschool, hands-on program for ages 3-5. Tot Time makes learning fun for children and helps prepare them for kindergarten. Two, three and five-day monthly options available. Program runs 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., starting Sept. 6. Registration runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. $25 depos it holds a spot and gets applied to first month’s tuition. Gulfport residents must provide proof of residency.

VPK Program Gulfport’s VPK program is accepting Voluntary Prekindergarten Vouchers for the 2022-23 school year. The program’s free for Florida children who turn 4 by Sept. 1. Parents must ap ply at elcpinellas.net, then bring the cer tificate of eligibility to registration. VPK hours: 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; program be gins Sept. 6. Registration hours are MonFri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

CLASSES

Call instructor for more information. Want to teach a class? Call John: 727893-1079.

Acrylic & Oil Painting Starting Tues. No vember 1 at 10 a.m. $130/4-week session. Jim: jim_gigurtsis@yahoo.com

Ballet Tues., 5:45 p.m., ages 5-7; 6:45 p.m. intermediate ballet, ages 8-16. $40/month. Lisa: 727-742-2594. Tap 7:45 p.m., intermediate. $20/month. Lisa: 727-742-2594

Essentrics Toning Starting Thurs., Novem ber 3 at 9 a.m. $30/month. Lauren: 248875-7030

Hatha Yoga 6:15 p.m. $12/class or $40/ month. Denise: 727-251-8868. Nia 10 a.m. $15/class, $40/month. Chris tine: 727-692-1896

Youth Hip Hop Fri., 6:30 p.m., ages 7-9; 7:30 p.m., ages 9-16. $40/month. Lisa: 727742-2594.

Hula Hoop Fitness Second & fourth Thurs day, 6:30 p.m. $10/class. Maria: mestra da1987@gmail.com

Zumba Thurs., 6 p.m., $6/class, $20/ month. Magda: 727-214-7868.

Get the city app by visiting MyGulfport.us/cityapp

Horses, Turtles, and Puppies Beach Bazaar’s Annual Pet Costume Contest Draws Competitors Big and Small

By Abby Baker

Each year, the Gulfport Beach Bazaar holds a pet costume contest and invites the community to show up with their decked out furry, feathered, and scaly family members to compete for the title of “Best Cos tume.”

This year, the downtown Gulfport gift and clothing shop held the event on Oct. 15. The fundraiser benefits Gulf

port Get Rescued, a February festival that celebrates pet adoptions and rescues.

Beach Bazaar owners Mike and Genie Fagan post the pet photos on Facebook, and whoever gets the most likes is the winner.

Place your “vote” at facebook.com/gulfportbeachbazaar

Voting ends on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Vinny Viscusi and Squirtle the tortoise. We’re not sure how Squirtle felt about this, but we think he understood the event was a Gulfport tradition.

GULFPORT BEACH BAZAAR

Bill, Lisa and Dreama Kauffman snapped a picture with their personal winner, Lucy. She’s a chorky: a chihuahua and yorkie mix.

GULFPORT

BEACH

BAZAAR

Jennifer Jones with Ginger. Hold your horses – Ginger, what’s your costume?

GULFPORT BEACH BAZAAR

Why freeFall’s Ruth Bader Ginsburg Bio-Play Made me Cry The Latest in freeFall’s American Character Series Was Full of Injustices

By Abby Baker

I’ll confess, prior to attending a Saturday showing of “All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg” at freeFall, my RBG knowledge was limited to the fact that she was the second female jus tice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

I didn’t know what to expect, not really, and the star and only cast member of this biopic, Michelle Azar, blew me away. I’d like to say it was allergies, but I found myself (and other more dramatic audience members) sniffling in my seat when this woman, strong in a cobalt pant suit, passionately yet casually dis cussed her pursuit for women and LGBTQ+ rights as well as the details of the times she was wronged.

Azar transforms into Ginsberg, even if she doesn’t nail the oldschool Brooklynite accent every time. It feels like you’re really in the presence of the now-dead associate justice of the Supreme Court. It’s in the details: The way she scribbles with her pen before loudly declaring her dissent, or the way she picks up the phone with a familiar snatch.

The play takes the form of a con versation with her fictional grand daughter’s friend, a young person interested in political science. Be tween the stories and the passion ate paraphrasing, it’s easy to forget your actual identity while RBG holds a conversation with the unnamed family friend (you) and details her life, her career, her marriage, and of course, the discrimination she ex perienced and fought in the court room. Person-less voices stand in for her colleagues, and they feel real and angry blowing through the the ater seats.

freeFall made use of the stage’s three-piece screen, occasionally using it to show the humans RBG discusses (often her political adver saries, always cranky-looking white men) and sometimes to forge a pseudo-courtroom while she deliv ers iconic speeches.

But “All Things Equal” isn’t with out its issues. Azar sometimes no ticeably struggles with delivering her lines, understandable consid ering she monologues for most of the 90 minutes. It’s hard to stage a good show with minimal (one) ac tors, even if that actor puts in their all, but freeFall and Azar pull it off, though sometimes the interesting details get lost in dates, times, and court case names that are easy to quickly forget.

But as for the story…

It’s an indescribable feeling, being told you’re not enough due to your womanhood.

Most women know the feel ing all to well, it’s threaded in the word “sweetie” when talking to your male-presenting profession

al equals, in the way you become invisible in a room of penis-hold ers even though yes, you actually do have experience on the topic at hand. The way women are “harsh” or “a bit of a bitch, right?” when they communicate without smiley faces and apologies. Noted, it’s a different type of gender discrimination than Bader felt when being questioned on her Harvard attendance by the former dean, but a painful one still.

Azar created this feeling on stage, and it’s one we should all remember so we can feel vindicated when we too, dissent.

“All Things Equal” freeFall Theatre, 6099 Central Ave. S., St. Petersburg. Through Oct. 23: Wed., Sat. & Sun., 2 p.m.; Wed.-Sat., 7 p.m. $25-$45. freef alltheatre.com, 727-498-5205.

Michelle Azar embodies Ruth Bader Ginsburg in freeFall’s “All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.”

FREEFALL THEATER COMPANY

MIZE Moves On St. Pete’s MIZE Gallery Slated to Close This December

By Abby Baker

If you know St. Pete art, chances are you know MIZE Gallery.

Every month, crowds of art-lovers and artists crowd the tiny gallery to see what provocative exhibit MIZE [689 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N.] will put on next. After December 31, there will be no more MIZE exhibits. After five years of inclusive commu nity art, the Gallery is shutting its doors.

“Even when you’re doing well, things need to progress naturally,” Chad Mize said. “I didn’t want to flake before five years, so now it’s coming to an end naturally.”

Mize has decided to let STUFF & THINGS & STUFF, his annual holi day-themed exhibit where every thing is for sale, be the gallery’s last show. He’ll pay the lease through December, but in the new year, Mize’s partner Dan Schmidt will take over and merge the soon-to-be empty gallery with the space’s nextdoor-neighbor, Uptown Eats.

Uptown Eats is owned by Schmidt, and following the restaurant’s suc cess, he’s looking for more seating and storage space.

“We were able to start simply and expand very naturally, creating great menu items along the way and adding amazing team mem bers as we were able to,” Schmidt

said. “As more and more patrons enjoyed, we grew even more.”

Mize says closing the gallery will give him more time for person al projects. In addition to running MIZE, the local artist works full-time

on commissions.

“I just love St. Pete so much; I love being a part of the scene, I’ve been a part of the scene for some 20 years and I’ll continue to be,” Mize said. “There’s so many great memories.”

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

It's an all-day celebration with noted state experts and authors, Rick Kilby and Seth Bramson, who will take us on a historical journey through Florida—by steamboat and by rail. For more info about the program head to eckerd.edu/Olli

thegabber.com

While planning the eventual clo sure, Mize kept his plans confiden tial, only alerting the people closest, and most affected by the news. That includes St. Pete artist Rhys Meat yard, a frequent contributing art ist, and someone who feels moved by the space Mize created over the years.

Meatyard along with a select few, knew ahead of time.

“Overall, the power of Chad’s en couragement and the space created for art such as my own has been a very powerful force for the area and for me personally, and I hope he knows how much that is appreciat ed,” Meatyard said.

Details are still in the works, but Mize hopes to say goodbye with a block party sometime during the fi

20, 2022 -

STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA

To be open just five years was always the goal, said gallery owner Chad Mize.

MIZE GALLERY

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NOW ACCEPTING

GULFPORT

The Village Courtyard 2908 1/2 Beach Blvd. S. Saturday, Oct 22:

James Galione, 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23:

John Frinzi, 4 p.m.

Caddy’s Gulfport 3128 Beach Blvd. S. Saturday, Oct. 22:

Paul Anthony Band, 12 p.m.; Jahfari, 6 p.m.

ST. PETE BEACH

The Toasted Monkey 678 75th Ave.

Friday, Oct. 21: Spazmatics, 6 p.m.; Fix the DJ 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22: Torpedos, 1 p.m.; Kingpen, 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23: Actual Bank Robbers, 6 p.m.

Caddy’s St. Pete Beach 5501 Gulf Blvd. Friday, Oct. 21:

Cormac Kavanagh, 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23: Act 3, 4 p.m.

MADEIRA BEACH

Caddy’s John’s Pass 190 Boardwalk Place E. Sunday, Oct 23: Somebody Canceled, 6 p.m.

TREASURE ISLAND

Ka’Tiki

8803 W. Gulf Blvd. Friday, Oct. 21: Smooth D & The Boyz, 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22: Big Bang Theory, 1 p.m.; Blackbird, 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23:

Este Loves & Friends, 1 p.m.; Cornfused, 6 p.m.

Caddy’s Treasure Island 9000 W. Gulf Blvd. Friday, Oct. 21: Hurricane Shane, 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22: Obi Wan Knabe and The Force, 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23: Logan Grant and The Show Ponies, 5 p.m.

Rock of Ages, Ghost Tours + Beetlejuice in the Park

Thursday, October 20

Free Yoga Yoga is yoga, by chair or by mat. South Pasadena hosts two classes every Thursday morn ing. The early-morning class is a chair yoga option and the subse quent is a traditional mat-on-thefloor class. Both classes include deep breathing, easier yoga poses, and deep relaxation. Veteran yogi, Barbara Moeller, leads the class. Namaste, South Pasadena. South Pasadena City Hall, 7047 Sunset Dr. S., South Pasadena. 9:30 a.m. & 10:40 a.m. mysouthpasadena. com

Dancing in the Sunlight Looking for a release? Dance on the beach. The St. Pete Beach Fun and Fitness Club hosts a gathering on the shores of Upham Beach, and anyone who wishes can come move, watch, or just relax in a safe space. You’ll find this fun group south of the conces sion stand. Upham Beach, 6850 Beach Plaza, St. Pete Beach. 6:30 p.m. facebook.com/groups/beach funandfitnessclub

Thursday, October 20Friday, October 21

Gulfport Ghost Tours Want to get in the Halloween spirit and learn about Gulfport History at the same time? Then join the Gulfport Histor ical Society on one of their ghost tours this October. The 90-min ute-long walking tour, designed by historian Deborah Frethem, author of “Ghost Stories of St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Pinellas County,” tends to sell out, so reserve your ticket(s) in advance. Gulfport Casi no, 5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport. 8 p.m. $15. gulfporthistoricalsociety. wildapricot.org/event-4919523

Friday, October 21

Supernatural Book Signing If you’re going to get spooky with anyone, it’s ghost hunter, profes

sor, and author of ”Supernatural St. Petersburg & Paranormal Pi nellas” Dr. Brandy Stark. Enjoy a talk with the author and get all your ghostly questions out with Dr. Stark, founder of the SPIRITS of St. Petersburg paranormal investiga tion team. St. Pete Beach Library, 155 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach. 4 p.m. spblibrary.com

Spirit of the Springs with Rick Kilby Florida’s springs are a magic all their own, and Florida author Rick Kilby knows all about why. Join him at the Gulfport History Mu seum as he talks about his book, “Florida’s Healing Waters.” Learn why people used to travel from all over the world to visit Florida’s springs, and also learn what chal lenges they face today. Kilby’s the preeminent Florida springs ex pert, so don’t miss your chance to hear what he has to say and check out the historic images of Florida springs. Dogs and well-behaved kids welcome. G ulfport History Mu seum, 5301 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 6:30 p.m., doors; 7 p.m., talk. BYOB; members have access to Square Mullet Clubhouse. gulfporthistori calsociety.wildapricot.org

Rock of Ages ProjectFree presents “Rock of Ages,” a colorful musical featuring 40 actors with diverse abilities. It’s a six-show act paying homage to the grit and glamour of the ’80s. Catherine A. Hickman The ater, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport. 7 p.m.$15. 727-851-9165

Saturday, October 22

SPIFFY! Come celebrate the diversi ty of St. Petersburg at the 47th St. Petersburg International Folk Fair. There will be more than 20 cultur al groups sharing their own spe cial type of  arts and crafts, food, music, and dance. Albert Whitted Park will become a mini village of vendors and artists. At 2 p.m., the Grand Parade of Nations will fea

ture performances from cultures all over the world. Adults, there’s a beer tent, and for the kids, activities and exhibits. Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Dr. SE, St Pete. spiffs.org/ folk-fair.html

American Stage Audition Class At tention actors and performers in Pinellas! Do you want to ace your next audition? Don’t leave it up to chance by only preparing in front of the mirror. American Stage pro ducing director Helen R. Murray and associate artistic producer, Patrick Arthur Jackson, will lead a pay-whatyou-want audition master class. These two industry pros will dive into the best practices for standing out while auditioning. See you on stage! American Stage, 163 3rd St. N., St. Pete. 1 p.m. americanstage. org/community-engagement

Things To Do continued on page 26

Free Vegan Options Dog-Friendlythings to do

Art Chat American art pottery expert and TV personality David Rago chronicles another ceramist’s journey (Fredrick Hurten Rhead) in this art and history chat. Rhead ventured from England and through America with his carefully curated pottery. Using stunning examples of Rhead’s work – on display at MAACM – learn how his work personified the Arts and Crafts movement. Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement, 355 4th St. N., St. Petersburg. 2 p.m. $15. 727-440-4859

Drinks and Treats Shop for your Halloween accessories while enjoying free spooky drinks, music, and food. There will be  silver Day of the Dead necklaces, rhinestone bat purses, murder bracelets, amethyst skull rings, gold skeleton earrings, and anything else a witch can dream up. Shoppers are welcome to visit the other stores in Samos Corner and drink or treat your way along the plaza. Centu-

ry Jewelers, 6801 Gulfport Blvd. S., #12, South Pasadena. 2-7 p.m. 727344-2524

Sunday, October 23

Party on the Beach Summer’s over, but the beach bum fun is not. Caddy’s Madeira Beach is the spot for music, drinks and dancing every Saturday and Sunday afternoon. It’s not live music, but a live DJ will spin fun tracks, classic and new, only a few feet from the beach. Caddy’s Madeira Beach, 14080 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach. 12-4 p.m. caddys.com

Tuesday, October 24

Hey Teens! Ages 12-18 are invited to come talk, work on projects, watch movies, or just hang out. Teen Space is a new program by the Gulfport Public Library that provides teens a safe space to chill out without pressure. Give it a try. Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 4 p.m. 727-893-1074.

Thursday, October 27

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlej–

Preserve the ‘Burg’s Movies in the Park is back, just in time for great weather! This St. Pete tradition invites locals and visitors to lounge in the park, watch a (spooky) movie and enjoy live music before the show. Picnic baskets highly encouraged. North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. 6 p.m. preservetheburg.org/events

Submit your events online at

Any

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.

Helen,

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

CARE

Nursing at The Springs, Operated by Summit Care Inc.

Watermark Resident

Suzette D. (left), Watermark resident

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

– Suzette, Watermark Resident, Ukulele Goddess

AN EPISCOPAL CONGREGATION

330 85th Avenue • St. Pete Beach

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

Paradise Lutheran Church on Treasure Island

10255 Paradise Blvd, Treasure Island

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

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

Sunday Service 10am with Holy Communion 727-360-5739

Come and See... Sunday Mass 9:30am

Stories live

2022

Ante Up

sudoku gabber on vacation

Solution on page 31

Rudy Kehoe and Keith Bonvie honeymooned in Portugal, after waiting two-and-a years. They spent two weeks there this past September. Here they are next to a tower at the 11th century castle in Silves – and they brought us along!

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.

KEITH

BONVIE

Photos by Patrick Graney

David Bertolami:

Ring’.”

Jodi Robinson:

Ben Starkey:

Ruth Walton:

Horror’.” Larry Walton:

solution

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

JS COMPUTER REPAIR Mobile computer repair – $40 per visit/hour – 727-643-0697; jscomputerrepair.com

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 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.

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

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

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.

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

PATIOS, WALKWAYS, CUSTOM STEPS, & REPAIRS

Custom concrete patios, driveway exten sions, walkways, small slabs & all types of repairs. 35 years experience. Call Mark for a free estimate: 813-859-2023.

Lawn & Landscape

Electrical

TREE SERVICE BY PAYLESS

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

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

IRRIGATION STAIN REMOVAL

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

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.

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.w

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.

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!

When

Want To

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.

#CFC1430429

residential/ commercial service. Senior and military discount. $25 o service with ad. Locally owned and operated.

Professional Services

AVAILABLE FOR HIRE Professional cleaning lady & inside painting. Call Sandra 709-0513.

O’Neill’s Marina is looking for fishing enthusiasts to join our team. We have part-time positions in our bait shop. These positions are perfect for an active retired person with a flexible schedule looking for a little extra spending $.

Contact Alysia at alysia@oneillsmarina.com or call 727-867-2585,

Plumbing

Service

General

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

Lost & Found

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

Yard / Garage Sale

PAY LESS TO SELL YOUR HOME!

Commission!

Place your classified line ads online!

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

YOUR GULFPORT REALTOR

If you are looking to buy or sell in Gulfport or the surrounding area give me a call at 727-851-8121 or shoot me an email at ras mussen.rhett@gmail.com. I would love to help. Century 21 Real Estate Champions.

Church Yard Sale

TOWNSHORES

BUCKINGHAM 10TH FLOOR UNIT FOR SALE

Modern beachy look and feel with many upgrades and improvements throughout. Selling furnished, including kitchen appli ances, washer, dryer, furniture and more. Tiled balcony with views of Boca Ciega Bay and Gulf. Under $600k. Email alanwise70@

WANTED: HOME WITH USABLE GARAGE

Looking for an older/smaller 1 or 2 bedroom fully furnished home in a safe area. Needs a usable garage for my woodworking hob by. Rental time would be November 5 to April 25, give or take a couple days on each end. Single, senior Canadian snowbird, no pets! Please call Jerry Andreas at 306-2228017 before 6 p.m. CST!

Real Estate For Rent

ROOM FOR RENT Room for Rent - Private entrance, private bath, microwave, medi um sized fridge, quiet neighborhood. Half a block to bus line. Five blocks to beach and downtown Gulfport. First, last, background check, no drugs/alcohol. $1200/month. 727-564-0464.

Real Estate Snapshots

Here’s What Sold in Gulfport Last Week

Other Gulfport Home Sales Last Week

6108 Pasadena Point Blvd. S. (Pasadena Yacht & Country Club)

This 3,664-square-foot, four-bedroom, two-and-a-halfbath home, built in 2006, listed for $1,550,000 and sold for $1,560,000.

5940 Pelican Bay Plaza, #101 (Pasadena Yacht & Country Club)

This 1,912-square-foot condo, built in 1983, has three bedrooms and two baths. It listed for $679,000 and sold for $615,000.

5521 15th Ave. S. (Tangerine)

This 856-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bath home, built in 1951, listed and sold for $310,000.

6238 14th Ave. S. (Stetson)

This home, built in 1950. listed and sold for $799,000. It has 2,170 square feet, four bedrooms, and three baths.

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