The Gabber: October 29, 2020

ONLINE EVERY DAY THEGABBER.COM

No. 2680

October 29 - November 4, 2020

Gulfport’s Friendly Ghost

By Laura Mulrooney

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727-351-6502 Gulfport’s Historic Peninsula Inn is home, some say, to a ghost named Isabelle.

In the dead of night, a hotel guest hears a noise: knock-knock-knock. The sound repeats itself, knock-knock-knock, and continues for two days, abruptly ending just the way it began – with no explanation.

Built in 1905, Gulfport’s Historic Peninsula Inn, 2937 Beach Blvd. S., has played many roles in its 115-year history. Known originally as the Bayview Hotel, the 40-room building became a hospital during WWI and WWII. After WWII, the inn was dubbed the Cedars of Sinai, a rehabilitation hospital for injured veterans.

Once Cedars of Sinai shut down, the property didn’t stray far from it’s caretaking roots. It then became a mens-only restorium – old-timey speak for a nursing homes.

Ghost continued on page 12

The Gabber’s election coverage continues this week with a breakdown of the six amendments to the Florida Constitution on the ballot this year. See page 14 for more.

Let us take care of your visiting family & friends!

The Historic Peninsula Inn is open and offers a safe, comfortable spot for your out of town guests.

historicpeninsulainn.com

publisher’s note: happier things 2908-B Beach Blvd. S. Gulfport, FL 33707 727-321-6965 Publisher

Cathy Salustri Loper

Editor

Shelly Wilson

Creative Director Joey Neill

Advertising Director Chris Madalena

Reporters & Photographers Laura Mulrooney, News and Politics

Jeff Donnelly, Theater Jennifer Ring, Food and Culture Lynn Taylor, Arts June Johns, Photographer Nano Riley, Environment

Social Media & Operations Leah Petrakis

Serving Gulfport, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg West, Downtown St. Petersburg, Kenwood, Maximo, Tierra Verde, St. Pete Beach, PassA-Grille, Treasure Island, Pinellas Point Owners Barry Loper and Cathy Salustri Loper Deadlines Friday at 5 p.m.

Saturday morning the Gabber hosted our first-ever Halloweendows, a Halloween art painting contest for kids. If you stroll downtown between now and Monday, November 2, you’ll see artwork adorning some local shops (see p. 9 for a list.)

This event, suggested by my brimming-with-ideas mom, who took me to a similar sort of thing some (coughs) years ago in Port Chester, New York, offered something free for kids to do – and something that let them express their creativity.

Because of COVID-19, we placed kids from different family groups at different windows, but other than that, Halloweendows looked like it could have happened in nonpandemic times (and, hopefully, what it will look like next year.)

socially distanced trick-or-treating and dressing our dachshunds in mermaid costumes (apologies in advance to Calypso), to election night. Or, most probably, a month of election angst. I have no idea what’s going to happen. I know this, though: Whether you’re Team Trump or Team Biden, you’re scared.

You’re angry. You’re exhausted. You feel like everything you love about America and your way of life hangs in the balance of this election.

We didn’t know what we’d get in terms of young artists, but I can tell you this: Every one of our participants painted something better than I could have. Every kid did a great job. One of my favorites? Four-year-old Jamie Spoth’s abstraction on the Florida panther. When I asked his mom how it tied into Halloween, she didn’t miss a beat: “What happened to the Florida panther is pretty scary.”

I applaud – and second – his angst.

I feel all those things. We’ve become tribal in our positions, but I believe we can take comfort in our community. Gulfport Votes 100% has a ComeUnity nonpartisan election celebration in the Village Courtyard on Election night, and the Gulfport M e r c h a n t s Chamber has a First Friday Art Walk a few days later. You’ll have plenty of chances after the election to feel good about something. On Wednesday morning, the lawn signs and flags will come down, and we’ll turn our thoughts to happier things.

Your neighbor will still be your neighbor, our sunsets will still blow you away, and we’re still the sort of place where small businesses let kids paint pumpkins and panthers on their windows.

Speaking of angst… In the coming days, we’ll move from

– Cathy Cathy@thegabber.com

thegabber.com @gabbernews @gabbernews @gabberlife The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers, advertisers, or employees of the Gabber. The Gabber is not liable for any errors in advertising beyond the cost of the first printing of any advertisement. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced or copied without permission of the publisher.

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theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

Early Voting thru Nov 1st

Vote Nov 3rd

Join those who agree: Vote Charlie Justice

CharlieJustice.com Political advertisement paid for and approved by Charlie Justice, Democrat, for Pinellas County Commission District 3

theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

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voices

announcements

Keep Up the Good Work

Halloween Decorations Winners Announced

Dear Editor: I never do this but feel I must. I truly enjoy the email that I get from the Gabber and the articles about the Black cemeteries is extremely interesting. Please keep up the great work. Gulfport is a different place for sure and I hope to be down within the month to enjoy it.

Great to see that you don’t have a town drunk but that you all take turns. Stay safe. – Michael Gerasimovich

So Lame Dear Editor: You said no politics. Well first the cartoon showing BLM, then this week [a] fundraiser for them.

No police report, knock off the humor just report like a reporter should. No horoscope. Community question so lame. Nothing much left to look forward to for me.

Sorry. – Jerri Tate Editor’s note: The Gabber has never had a policy of “no politics.” It was founded in 1968 specifically to cover local politics.

The Gabber encourages letters and commentary. Be brief and sign your real name. Email letters to news@ thegabber.com or mail them to us at 2908-B Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL 33707.

Gulfport gathers

The City of Gulfport has spoken. There were several “spooktacular” entries, but the winners of the annual Halloween Decorations Contest are Jason Durfee, 5214 26th Ave. S. for the general theme; the Gulfport Beach Bazaar, 3115 Beach Blvd. S. took top prize for the commercial theme. Other participating sites are 2202 59th St. S., 1301 Gray St. S., 2720 Beach Blvd. S. The city thanks all who participated in this year’s contest.

South Pasadena Commission Wants You Do you have what it takes to be on the South Pasadena Commission? South Pasadena’s municipal election is Tuesday, March 9, 2021. Voters will pick two commissioners to serve four-year terms. Qualifying starts at noon on Monday, November 2, and ends noon on Monday, November 16. Candidates must have been a resident of the city for at least a year. Interested residents can attend an informational meeting Tuesday, October 27 at 10 a.m. at City Hall. Contact the City Clerk’s office at 727-347-4171 or email cityhall@mysouthpasadena.com.

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theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

news Gulfport Council’s Electrifying Talk

By Laura Mulrooney

LAURA MULROONEY

Gulfport City Councilmembers Michael Fridovich, left, Christine Brown, Mayor Sam Henderson, Paul Ray and April Thanos, encouraging residents to vote.

Electric vehicles were the hot topic during the regularly scheduled Gulfport City Council meeting at the Catherine Hickman Theater, Tuesday, October 20 at 6 p.m.

On multiple occasions since swearing in this past spring, Councilmember April Thanos has encouraged other city council members to look into changing city vehicles to electric or hybrid vehicles, including police vehicles.

Dory Larson, the electric vehicle program coordinator for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy gave a presentation about the availability and benefits of electric vehicles.

“The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is a regional membership organization that promotes responsible energy choices to ensure clean, safe and healthy communities throughout the Southeast,” according to Larson.

“We have tried to answer all of Ms. Thanos’ questions in regards to alternative vehicles,” said City Manager O’Reilly.

Mayor Sam Henderson, Councilmember Paul Ray and Police Chief Rob Vincent spoke in opposition.

Most city vehicles, especially those needed for public works, are pickup trucks meant for heavy-duty tasks.

According to Larson, there are no electric or hybrid pickup trucks available at this time.

“I’m not against electric vehicles,” said Mayor Henderson. “I don’t want

to do this prematurely and cripple the ability of those departments to do their jobs.”

Ray brought up the logistics of electric charging infrastructure needs, including commercial charging stations. His concerns included the need to charge vehicles overnight for employees who take their vehicles home who are on 24-hour call.

“Would we need to supply these employees with commercial charging stations?” asked Ray. “There’s a lot of stuff we need to go through and create an infrastructure plan before we commit.”

Vincent voiced his concern about the additions required for police vehicles.

One of the evening’s resolutions was to approve four new vehicles for the police department – three patrol vehicles and one SUV for Police Explorer tasks.

“In light of conversation around electric vehicle use for police, I did a lot of looking at other agencies that have them and what they’re doing,” said Vincent. “I can tell you that there are some concerns about the aftermarket equipment and how that aftermarket equipment is put into the vehicle.”

According to Vincent no market standard defines light installation and prisoner partitions.

“In the event that something bad happens, I don’t think in any event it’s appropriate for a representative of the

theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

city to tell the family or the jury for that matter that we said this should be a police car,” said Vincent.

Until an electric car manufacturer labels and approves a certain car as a police car, Vincent remains skeptical.

Other concerns included deprecation, resale value, vehicle warranties and maintenance costs.

Council did not rule out the idea of electric vehicles; however, the consensus was that it had multiple details to work out before buying them.

Masks Not Required at Polling Places Council unanimously approved a contract with the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections to lease Gulfport City Hall for the March 9, 2021 municipal election. This decision stirred conversation about the upcoming November 3 election.

The Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections, which leases facilities from Gulfport, will not require face coverings Council continued on page 6

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Council continued from page 5

for voters during the November 3 election.

According to City Manager O’Reilly, although the City of Gulfport requires masks inside city facilities, the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections dictates the rules per their lease agreement on that one particular day.

“My concern is that there is a perception that you are interfering with someone’s ability to vote,” said O’Reilly. “That’s a much bigger picture than wearing a mask – that’s a federal lawsuit. We have to be cautious.”

“I spoke to the office of Supervisor of Elections,” said City Clerk Lesley DeMuth. “So, what’s going to happen is that all poll workers will wear PPE. PPE will be available for poll workers and for visitors.”

DeMuth continued: “There will be no mandate to interfere with someone’s ability to vote. There will be no mandate because it is your constitutional right to be able to vote.”

Working from Home Raises Issues COVID-19 has made working from home far more common. Paul Ray, who said he’s worked from home for the majority of the year, expressed concern about the impact on neighbors and neighborhoods.

Originally the city’s biggest concern for home occupation was deliveries increasing traffic in the area and possibly causing disturbances. Most neighborhoods see delivery trucks from UPS, Amazon, and more multiple times throughout the day, every day.

“This is an evolution since the city created the home occupation statute in the city charter,’’ said O’Reilly.

The main takeaway? If the primary

business address is a residential address, the business must obtain a business license. Not every Gulfport district allows this, however. The two primary places for live/work occupations, or mixed-us zoning, are the waterfront district and the 49th Street corridor.

In Gulfport, people who work from home without a business license cannot receive commercial deliveries or customers at the location.

According to the city, work done at the residence must be low intensity, generate as little traffic as possible, with no customers or other employees unless they reside at that location.

There must be no evidence that a business is located there; it must blend in with the neighborhood.

However, most complaints about violations are relatively unenforceable, according to Fred Metcalf, Director of Community Development.

Events to Look Forward To Gulfport Grassroots and Keep Pinellas Beautiful have organized a city-wide clean up on Saturday, November 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Find Gulfport Grassroots on Facebook for more.

Gulfport Historical Society plans to restart walking tours in November.

Gulfport Votes 100% will host Community Day on November 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Village Courtyard.

Council canceled the November 3 council meeting due to the election.

Starting November 17, meetings will reconvene at city hall.

Bryer Hall Lease Passes First Vote The Gulfport Historical Society plans to expand their footprint in Gulfport by leasing Bryer Hall and turning the location into an artist hub known as the Gulfport Arts Center.

“The plan is to open the Gulfport Arts Center to rotating artists throughout the year,” explained president of the GHS, Cathy Salustri.

“Local artists will be given priority and extra incentive to both display their art and teach their art, at the former City of Imagination location.”

GHS plans to kick start events and classes after the first of the year.

A second reading confirming/ denying the lease will occur at the November 17 city council meeting.

Overheard at the October 21 Gulfport City Council Meeting “I know we’re in a theater, but nonetheless let’s not make it a production.” – Mayor Sam Henderson before in-person public comment “Gulfport has the most beautiful attractions you could have: alleys.

Our alleys are masterpieces that we should consider paving with brick.” – Resident Larry Burke during public comment “We created the budget now it’s time to start spending the money on what we said we were going to spend the money on.” – Mayor Henderson “Wearing masks aren’t politics.”

– Vice Mayor Michael Fridovich

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theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

Midge Wayland Turns 100 She drove to her own centenarian birthday event, but missed the fire department’s celebratory drive by because she was primping for her drive-through party on Monday, October 19 at the First United Methodist Church of Gulfport.

Marjorie “Midge” Wayland is a force to be reckoned with. It’s her world, and we’re all just living in it.

Born on October 21, 1920, Midge met her future husband a mere 12 years later. The day she met him Midge went home and told her mother, “That’s the man I’m going to marry.”

Eight years later, at 20, Midge married Clarence “Bud” Wayland, and the love birds stayed together for 61 years until he passed in 2001.

While Bud served in World War II as an Airman, Midge worked on base at Air Force Supply.

After Bud returned from the war, they eventually welcomed their son, Donald. During Donald’s high school years in Pennsylvania, Midge worked at his school in order to keep the same schedule as her son.

Midge credits her long life and vibrancy to being an ardent walker – and to God. “I believe God is the reason for me still being here,” she said Monday.

In 2006 and 2007 (at ages 86 and 87), Midge won her age group in a 5K. She was number one in the state of

LAURA MULROONEY

By Laura Mulrooney

Florida and number two in the nation for her group in the 5K category.

Besides walking and attending church, Midge is an active artist, her passion for more than 40 years.

Midge never sold her paintings – her home is her art gallery.

Midge, who lives at Town Shores, spends her days enjoying Gulfport’s eclectic community, attending church and even dating, although she admits that 75-year-olds are just a little too young for her.

Happy 100th birthday, Midge!

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theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

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It’s Creepy and It’s Spooky

By Lynn Taylor

VINNIE SEPLESKY

VINNIE SEPLESKY VINNIE SEPLESKY

Vinnie Seplesky and Julie O’Connor take Halloween seriously.

For more than a decade, they have decorated the front of their Gulfport home at 2020 Gray St. S. with skeletons, zombies and other scary creations that populate their “cemetery.”

“I’m not a macabre kind of guy,” says Seplesky. “I don’t watch horror movies. I haven’t seen ‘Halloween,’ but every year I look forward to the display and have to improve on it.”

Seplesky and O’Connor are sticklers for authenticity, visiting local cemeteries to collect moss for their trees. Seplesky bought some of the smaller gravestones online, but made the larger ones himself. He says he learned from YouTube videos, then prints the fonts to transfer to the Styrofoam tombstones.

The effect is surprisingly realistic.

The couple has won awards from the city for their Halloween decorations a few times, but they haven’t entered the contest in recent years.

This year’s Halloween is different, and Seplesky needed an outlet for his creativity. A bass player for over 30 years, Seplesky plays with three or four local bands, including T.C. Carr & the Bolts of Blue, which is his main band. Due

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to COVID-19, the gigs have dried up.

“They’ve opted out of working until this is over,” he says.

“Like many other people, I haven’t worked since COVID. I’ve been doing some recording sessions. It’s a little hard to stay motivated. I miss live music, asking another bass player what strings they’re using during a break.”

Halloween this year is different in other ways for Seplesky and O’Connor. They are used to hosting a large gathering for friends, with music, food and drinks and giving candy to trick or treaters who stop by for a scare. All that has been put on hold.

“We encourage people to drive by and look, but we’re not giving out candy this year,” says Seplesky.

Vinnie and Julie say they will still find a way to celebrate and provide a ghoulish scare for those who walk or drive by their home.

“We usually have a lot of people, music going,” says O’Connor. “This year, we’re having groups of six to eight invited friends make appointments to stop by. We’re serious about Halloween.”

theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

Congratulations to all the artists!

K and younger: “Florida Panther” at Let It Be Ice Cream by Jamie Spoth

3-5 (also People’s Choice): “Ghost Mountain” at SumitrA by Ella BelvedereWinogradsky

6-7 (also Judge’s Choice): “Jack Skellington” at More Bazaar by Kaci Nelson

The winners will receive a $150 gift card, available at the Gabber office Monday, November 2.

Everyone who painted can come by and get $10 gift cards, too.

Saturday morning, kids enjoyed free cookies from A Friend Who Bakes while painting Halloween scenes on windows in downtown Gulfport. Their parents sipped coffee and tea from SumitrA Espresso Lounge. When they finished painting, each artist received a token for a free scoop of Let It Be Ice Cream. That's all because the City of Gulfport sponsored our first-ever Halloween windows painting contest. We appreciate the support of our kids and local businesses!

Thanks to the City of St. Pete Beach for supplying the paint. And, of course, we couldn't have done it without all kinds of support from the other family owned small businesses downtown.

theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

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Little Shops of Horror

Jamie Spoth, 4, made bold strokes in a jungle theme in honor of the Florida Panther at Let It Be Ice Cream.

Zak, 8, and Kaci Nelson, 11, set up at More Bazaar with their designs, creating sketches of their plans beforehand.

CATHY SALUSTRI

SHELLY WILSON

SHELLY WILSON

SHELLY WILSON

by Shelly Wilson

Tyler Scott-Kelly, 8, painted a motif featuring what could be a Gulfport gecko, “By Day & By Night.”

Twins Paxton, left, and Jaxon Pollard, 7, made it a family affair with brother Brayden, 2, and his cookie.

The Gabber’s first window painting competition for kids, Halloweendows, sponsored by the City of Gulfport, made spooky scenes out of shops up and down Gulfport Boulevard on Saturday, October 24. Participants ranging from 2 to 11 picked up paints and headed to a designated window to share their scary and not-so-scary designs.

Keri Nelson brought her daughter Kaci and son Zak to paint, adding that she had done a similar thing when in Connecticut when she was a kid but, considering the weather, they painted inside the shops.

“It was super cool,” she said. Her kids seemed to agree, bringing sketches from home to aid their designs.

“The first thing that came to mind when she told me about it was Jack Skellington,” said Kaci, 11, who had sketched several versions of the “Nightmare Before Christmas” character.

Others took a classic approach.

Jax Pollard, 8, who painted with his brothers Paxton and Brayden, created a night scene, with a witch flying among the stars.

“I thought of it because I usually see pictures like that,” he said, while Ella Belvedere-Winogradsky went with a touch of realism, painting a mountain in California. “I think it’s in Death Valley,” she said as she began to paint, “but there’s gonna be ghosts.”

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theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

SHELLY WILSON

SHELLY WILSON

SHELLY WILSON

Vicky and Cassie Meyer, 8, paired up at A Friend Who Bakes for their Halloweendows.

Ella Belvedere-Winogradsky’s design was inspired by reality, but with ghosts, she said.

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Daniel Termani, 8, favored a classic zombie-and-pumpkin scene for his window at Custom House Decor.

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Ghost continued from cover

The inn remained a caretaking facility until the 1980s, when they had to close their doors due to increased retirement/elder care facility standards imposed by the State of Florida.

Current owner and operator Veronica Champion believes that with all the illness and death that occurred on the property, it would only stand to reason that some “things” stayed behind.

“The entities that are on the property are friendly,” Champion told Gabber staff. “It’s a friendly environment; they’re not hostile at all.”

According to Champion, the entities that reside at the inn aren’t seen, just heard.

Guests and staff tell Champion stories of eerie knocking that lasted up to two days, footsteps running in the hallway, items falling from shelves in the kitchen and “bed bumping” in the night – a sensation guests described as when your dog or cat jumps on the bed in the middle of the night.

Of course, there is no dog or cat.

Since purchasing the inn in 2016, Champion says she has heard the footsteps running down the hallway.

Paranormal investigator Tom Anthony, founder of Skyway Paranormal, became fascinated by the Peninsula Inn in 2010 after reading “Ghost Stories of St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Pinellas County,” by Deborah Frethem, a local author and historian.

Anthony has visited several times to obtain proof of ghostly beings. During one visit in 2013, Anthony and his

partners recorded electronic voice phenomenon, E.V.P – human-sounding voices from an unknown source, captured on recorded data and only heard once the recording is played back.

In Anthony’s YouTube video, viewers can hear unexplained male voices in response to his questions in several areas throughout the inn.

The inn remains one of Anthony’s favorite haunted spots.

In Frethem’s book, she claims that a woman runs up and down the third floor of the inn between 4 and 5 in the morning.

The woman has been named Isabelle.

“You can hear the sound of her footsteps above you if you’re on the second floor. If you’re on the third floor, you don’t hear a thing,” said Champion. “I’ve experienced it myself.”

It’s possible there are multiple entities residing at the Peninsula Inn, but Champion calls them all Isabelle until they ask to be called something different.

“Makes it easier,” said Champion. The inn’s restaurant is called “Isabelle’s” in her honor.

Champion doesn’t encourage visitors who are interested in a chance paranormal encounter, because there’s no promise that one will occur.

“Truthfully, there aren’t any visuals,” said Champion.

“Just noises. There’s no reason to be afraid. Every encounter has been benign – the personalities of these entities are friendly.”

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theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

Paws to Vote

Zahra, front, and Kobe, might send arachnophobes running the other way.

LAURA MULROONEY

LAURA MULROONEY

LAURA MULROONEY

Senior rescue pup Pickles couldn’t help but stop and smell the daisies.

LAURA MULROONEY

By Laura Mulrooney

Recently street legal, 4-month-old chiweenies Willow and Poppy strutted their freedom down Beach Boulevard in their finest attire.

Mickey, a baby-faced King Charles Spaniel, can’t bite the postman if he is the postman!

What’s better than kids in costumes? Pets in costumes.

More than 50 contestants came out Saturday, October 24 to Gulfport Beach Bazaar’s Fifth Annual Pet Costume Contest.

“This is the biggest one yet,” said GPBB co-owner and operator Mike Fagan. “And it’s only going to get bigger.”

From 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday evening, it was a whirlwind of paws, tails and color. Pups stood in line sniffing out the competition as GPBB co-owner and operator Gini Fagan

had a devil of a task capturing photos of each participant’s personality.

Now it’s up to residents to vote.

Gulfport Beach Bazaar’s Facebook page features the pet costume candidates, and folks can vote virtually through Saturday, October 31 by “liking” the photo on GPBB’s page.

Winners will be announced on Facebook November 1, with prizes for the top three.

theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

13

Vote 2020: Florida Constitutional Amendments

By Shelly Wilson

In addition to a bevy of down-ballot candidate choices, Florida voters face a decision on six amendments to the state constitution this election. All amendments must pass with a “supermajority,” or a 60% vote.

The Gabber has broken down each amendment, including major arguments for and against each measure.

Find more information on Florida’s candidates and amendments at ballotpedia.org/Florida.

Amendment 1: Citizen Requirement for Voting Initiative Amendment 1 is a matter of semantics. If passed, Amendment 1 would change two words in Florida’s constitution regarding citizenship requirements to vote.

Florida’s constitution already

stipulates that voters should be citizens.

The current constitution states: “Every citizen of the United States who is at least eighteen years of age and who is a permanent resident of the state, if registered as provided by law, shall be an elector of the county where registered.” Amendment 1 would change that language to “Only a citizen of the United States…”

The proposal comes from Florida Citizen Voters, a group that has supported similar measures in Alabama and Colorado, and says they mean to clarify who cannot vote.

Opponents include the ACLU of Florida and the Florida Chapter of the League of Women Voters, which calls it “cloaked in xenophobia and false patriotism.” The groups have expressed concern over “increasingly costly and burdensome verification requirements” for voters.

The editorial boards of five major newspapers in Florida also oppose the measure.

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A “Yes” vote supports changing the language to “only a citizen”; a “No” vote maintains the current “every citizen.”

Amendment 2: $15 Minimum Wage Initiative Florida’s minimum wage is currently $8.56 an hour. Amendment 2 aims to change the minimum wage incrementally, reaching $15 an hour by 2026. After that, it calls for an annual adjustment based on increases to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers.

Opponents like the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association say raising minimum wage will force businesses to cut jobs; supporters include the League of Women Voters of Florida, which says, “Florida’s present minimum wage yields $17,800 a year for a full-time worker, which doesn’t come close to a living wage for a family of four.”

It’s worth noting that, in a recent op-ed, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Nikki Fried, warned that the Florida Legislature might find a way to subvert the will of the people if the amendment passes, as has happened with the 2014 conservation amendment, a 2016 amendment legalizing medical marijuana and, in 2018, when Floridians voted to restore felons’ voting rights.

“Given what we’ve seen from the Florida legislature,” Fried wrote, “I fear this will be another imperiled approach to impactful change that is desperately needed for working Floridians.”

A “Yes” vote supports the initiative to increase the state’s minimum wage incrementally to $15 per hour in 2026; a “No” vote keeps Florida’s minimum wage at $8.56 per hour.

Amendment 3: TopTwo Open Primaries for State Offices Initiative This one’s a bit tricky. It appears to do away with Florida’s closed primaries at the state level, where only registered Republicans vote in Republican primaries, and only

theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

registered Democrats vote in Democrat primaries – but there’s more to it.

What Amendment 3 proposes is replacing closed primaries with “toptwo” primaries. Candidates would be on one ballot regardless of political affiliation, and the two candidates with the most votes would advance to the general election. Regardless of their political party, any registered voter could vote in the primary.

The amendment was put forth by All Voters Vote, and largely financed

by Florida billionaire Miguel “Mike” Fernandez, who said his experience coming to the U.S. from Cuba as a child refugee “showed him what happens when political extremes take power,” according to WUSF. All Voters Vote says, “Closed primaries are decided by the small, extreme wings of each party… By giving all voters a chance to vote, politicians will become answerable to the majority of voters, not just a select few.”

Opponents of Amendment 3 include both the Democratic and Republican Parties of Florida.

According to WUSF, a political election committee run by former Democratic Florida Attorney General candidate Sean Shaw, People Over Profits, reviewed the racial makeup of primary voters and found that if the amendment passes, “four Florida Senate seats would lose their majority Black status and eight Florida House seats would lose their majority Black status.”

A “Yes” vote supports a top-two open primary; a “No” vote leaves the current closed primary system in place.

If approved, the new system would begin in 2024.

Amendment 4: Require Constitutional Amendments to be Passed Twice Initiative Amendment 4 asks voters to decide twice. The measure would require a supermajority of voters to approve constitutional amendments in two successive general elections before it passed.

The proposal was put forth by Keep Our Constitution Clean PC, which says it aims to reduce “whimsical constitutional amendments.”

Opponents say that not only does

the amendment disrespect the will of the people, but it will make getting new amendments on the ballot far too expensive for all but the richest interest groups.

The ACLU of Florida called it “a cynical political effort to obstruct voters’ ability to pass future constitutional amendments, even those with support from a supermajority of voters.”

Keep Our Constitution Clean PC argues that voters need the “opportunity to fully understand the immediate and future impacts of any proposed changes to our state constitution.”

The editorial boards of six major newspapers in Florida also oppose Amendment 4, with the Tampa Bay Times saying, “This is just another tool for the ruling class to remain unanswerable and out-of-touch.”

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel says “Amendment 4...would be better labeled: ‘The Evil Empire Strikes Back.’”

A “Yes” vote supports requiring two successive supermajority votes to pass constitutional amendments; a “No” vote maintains that one supermajority vote is enough.

Amendment 5: Florida Extend “Save Our Homes” Portability Period Amendment Amendment 5 aims to extend the time a person can transfer Save Our Homes benefits to a new homestead property from two to three years.

According to Ballotopedia, the Florida Revenue Estimating Conference determined that approval would reduce local property taxes by $1.8 million beginning in 2021, eventually growing to a $10.2 million reduction annually.

That’s not necessarily that much, says the Miami Herald Editorial Board: “Amendment 5’s opponents fret that approval would reduce local property taxes by as much as $10.2 million. That shouldn’t be a crippling amount when spread statewide.”

Sponsored by Florida Representative Rick Roth (R), the

theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

measure passed unanimously in both chambers of the Florida Legislature.

The League of Women Voters of Florida stands in opposition, saying the amendment would “reduce property tax revenue available for funding local schools and other services like police, fire and infrastructure…and limit the ability of local governments to control their budgets based on their county needs.”

A “Yes” vote would allow an extended period to transfer Save Our Homes benefits; a “No” vote would keep the current two-year period.

Amendment 6: Homestead Property Tax Discount for Spouses of Deceased Veterans Amendment 6 proposes allowing a homestead property tax break to go to the surviving spouse of a deceased military veteran, and remain in effect until the spouse remarries or sells the property. Currently, homestead property tax breaks for veterans expire when they die.

Florida Rep. Sam Killebrew (R) sponsored the amendment, which passed unanimously in both chambers of the Florida Legislature.

The editorial boards of all of Florida’s major newspapers support Amendment 6, however the League of Women Voters of Florida makes a case against it, citing the similar reduction in revenue for schools, police, fire and infrastructure that would result from Amendment 5.

The Miami Herald supports the amendment, but calls it “a drop in the bucket, compared to the real needs of Florida’s military families.”

A “Yes” vote supports allowing spouses of deceased veterans to inherit the tax credit; a “No” vote opposes the measure.

The Gabber used information compiled by Ballotopedia and other sources for this article.

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A Grave Situation: Part Seven

Exhuming the Past of Lincoln and Forgotten Cemeteries in Pinellas: An eight-part series special to the Gabber

By James A. Schnur

A Safe Harbor of Rest, Once Forgotten and Now Remembered Safety Harbor is a city along Old Tampa Bay east of Clearwater. Well into the 1970s, a noticeable divide separated these cities. Even as subdivisions such as Countryside took shape in eastern Clearwater, much of McMullen-Booth Road between Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and Tampa Road resembled a two-lane country road. Citrus groves and undeveloped acreage abounded.

This area had few homes in the early 20th century. Here and there, small Black settlements appeared near orange groves, citrus packing houses, and other agricultural lands.

Laborers from these enclaves helped farmers and grove owners get their products to market in a timely fashion.

West of Safety Harbor, one such settlement took shape “on the other side of the tracks” to support farms and groves around Safety Harbor, as well as provide a labor force for businesses in the city. This Black community was known as “Brooklyn.”

An Isolated Sanctuary Lacking a site nearby to bury their departed, Black residents near Safety Harbor established a cemetery on

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a small piece of land once owned

by Solomon Smith Coachman, a landowner and business leader who came to Pinellas in the late 1800s.

A strong advocate for the creation of Pinellas County, Coachman owned a substantial amount of acreage that he had purchased from the family of Captain James McMullen, along with a cabin that McMullens and Coachmans had used for years before it was moved to Heritage Village and restored.

According to some accounts, Coachman set aside this parcel as a burial site for Black families in the area. Located on a lot along the north side of South Drive, it currently sits in a residential area southeast of the intersection of Sunset Point Road and US Highway 19.

The land is a short distance away from the Sylvan Abbey Cemetery where many Pinellas pioneer families are buried. In the early 1900s, laws and customs mandating racial segregation meant Blacks could not occupy graves at Sylvan Abbey.

Burials on this land quietly began by the early 20thcentury, with the earliest known burial being that of a man who passed away in 1896. It remains uncertain whether this man, Samuel E. Swann, was originally buried there or reinterred. Coachman

lost this land and some of his other holdings to the state for delinquent taxes during the Great Depression.

Alfred and Louisa Ehle acquired some of Coachman’s land and platted a subdivision for much of it except the lot where burials had occurred. In 1951, the Ehles deeded the cemetery to the St. Vincent Helping Hand Society. Two years later this lot was transferred by deed to the “Safety Harbor Colored Community,” a nebulous designation that lacked clarity.

Burials continued, but nobody maintained accurate records. Funds for the perpetual care of the cemetery did not exist. The site fell into a terrible condition by the 1960s and 1970s.

Overgrown grass and clutter filled this lot while adjacent lands became a residential subdivision. In time, burials ceased. Clearwater annexed the formerly unincorporated land that included this cemetery and adjacent areas.

Re-Discovering a Forgotten Resting Place Homeowners grew tired of the tall grass and unkempt vegetation on the large lot in their neighborhood.

Nobody knew who owned the property. They simply wanted the excess brush removed so it would not attract wild animals or other pests in their subdivision of ranch homes and manicured lawns.

County workers arrived in 1996 to clear the overgrowth. Shortly thereafter, they saw a few headstones. Work stopped as they assessed the situation.

A review of property records and newspaper archives answered some questions. White residents learned about the historically Black cemetery that sat in their midst. People with loved ones buried on this property began to recall the dearly departed that time had forgotten. Some wondered how such a sacred place could have disappeared from our collective memory.

The exact number of burials remains a mystery. With the weeds and brush cleared away, volunteers began to inspect the gravesites and document names on the headstones. During a

theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

JAMES SCHNUR

canvassing of the site in August 2000, a handful of additional markers were located. One tombstone had cracked into more than 30 pieces.

The disappearance of some markers, especially wooden ones that deteriorated long ago, led some family members to wonder about unmarked or unknown burials.

An organization known as Whispering Souls African American Cemetery, Inc. devotes its energies to restoring this site. A corps of volunteers helps to maintain the grounds. About a year ago, a real estate lawyer working on the group’s behalf began the process of obtaining a clear and legal title to the land.

Public hearings are currently taking place as notices have been filed regarding the group’s intentions.

When clear ownership is secured and the ambiguous 1953 deed no longer poses an obstacle, this organization can develop a strategic plan to restore and preserve Whispering Souls.

In the final installment of “A Grave Situation,” we visit a historically Black cemetery with a thorny and

Whispering Souls African American Cemetery

sometimes troubled past that has received renewed interest and national recognition. Could the experience at Rose Cemetery in Tarpon Springs offer lessons for Lincoln?

A graduate of Boca Ciega High School, James A. Schnur previously served as president of the Pinellas County Historical Society and as a member of the Pinellas County Historical Commission. He has authored four photographic history books on the cities of Largo, Madeira Beach, St.

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Petersburg, and Seminole, as well as a history of Pinellas County that celebrated its centennial of independence in 2012. He taught Florida and U.S. history classes at Eckerd College for nearly 20 years.

His research on historically Black cemeteries in Pinellas County was included in a successful application that allowed Rose Hill Cemetery in Tarpon Springs to gain admission to the National Register of Historic Places in 2017.

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announcements Gulfport Senior Center Begins Reopening The Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center is taking its first steps to reopening on November 2. The Fitness Center will open to preregistered guests Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will limit capacity for social distancing, require masks on entry and ask screening questions. Staff will regularly disinfect equipment between guests. Call 727-893-5657 to register for your preferred time.

All other in-person classes and activities remain suspended until further notice.

St. Pete Beach Library News St. Pete Beach Public Library, 7470 Gulf Blvd, invites folks to use their library card to learn a new language.

Pronunciator, an online languagelearning system, can help you learn over 100 languages. It includes ESL for speakers of 50 non-English languages. Access via the “Quick Links” box on the library website at spblibrary.com. Call 727-363-9238.

St. Bart’s Thrift Shop is Open Fans of St. Bart’s Thrift Store rejoice!

The store reopened its doors on Tuesday, September 22 with safety measures in place. Throughout the pandemic, volunteers have collected donations, so they have plenty to offer. The shop is ready to welcome back their regular customers with masks and limited shopper, if necessary. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday and Monday; Friday and Saturday they’re open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shop is at 3747 34th St. S. Proceeds benefit the church food pantry.

Senior Center Offers Classes Online The Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center may be closed, but prerecorded classes are still in session. Chair exercises, yoga, art, writing, language, cooking classes and more are available on GTV 640, or streaming on ZOOM, Facebook and YouTube. Call 727893-5657 or visit facebook.com/ GulfportSeniorCenter.

Virtual Learning on the Beach St. Pete Beach Parks and Recreation offers a Virtual Learning Assistance Program at the St. Pete Beach Community Center. The program allows for smaller groups of kids, with a dedicated staff member monitoring their engagement with the PCS online curriculum. This is not a tutoring program, but oversight for children working with MyPCS online curriculum. Looking for more fun for the kids? St. Pete Beach’s licensed after school program has games, sports, homework time, swimming and more. Transportation provided from Azalea Elementary and Gulf Beaches Elementary. Go to spbrec. com or call 727-363-9245.

You Can Still Volunteer for Seniors The Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center’s classes and activities are closed for now, but they still have volunteer opportunities. If you want to make a difference and help your community join the volunteer program. You’ll meet new friends and get acquainted with more than 50 programs, classes and workshops. Volunteers assist as lobby receptionists, fitness center attendants, class/activity instructors, and with special events, the food pantry, clerical support, the flea market, promotions, bingo, card/magazine organizing and more.

Call Rachel at 727-893-1231.

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theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

things to do

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Find links to sign up for these events — and many, many other things to do — online at thegabber.com/events.

Thursday, Oct. 29 Shake your groove thing, Gulfport Head to the hula hoop class on the water and burn up to 450 calories per hour. Fun Fact: Apparently the ancient Greeks and Egyptians hula hooped.

Replace your HIIT workout with hula hoops, honor the ancients, and get outside. Sounds like a win all the way ’round. Veterans Park, 5417 Essex Ave. S., Gulfport. 6 p.m. Donations. SD Saturday, Oct. 31 Trunk or Treat, St. Pete Beach Head to Corey Avenue on St. Pete Beach and pop from shop to shop and car trunk to car trunk, collecting candy and goodies. The city’s blocking off the street and staggering times for the kids, so no worries about safety. Please get a ticket (it’s free) in advance. 300-400 blocks of Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 727-363-9245, spbrec. com. MR SD Trick or Treat, Gulfport Bring your kids and pets downtown on Halloween to trick, treat, and shop. Tutto Bene, O’Maddy’s, Gulfport Brewery + Eatery, Gulfport Beach Bazaar, Bo Tiki, Beauty Cafe Gulfport, and Let It Be Ice Cream will have treats for the kiddos and doggos. Show up to eat pizza or pasta in costume (no, a face mask is not a costume!) at Tutto Bene and get 10% off your bill. Other shops will also have specials. As with every event we mention, please wear your masks and respect social distancing. Now, go get some candy! Downtown Gulfport on Beach Blvd., 4-8 p.m.

Roll to the Polls Get in the spirit of the season and bring your decorated bike, motorcycle, scooter, skateboard, or other wheels and join the voting motorcade. The first 1,000 can get free masks, t-shirts, water bottles and other goodies who come to show democracy in action. Meet at Lot 4 for staging, then take to the streets to encourage everyone in your neighborhood to vote. Help your neighbors honor John Lewis’ life and legacy; be a part of Roll to the Polls and encourage people to return their ballots early. The Trop is

the only secure drive-through ballot location in Pinellas, so bring your completed ballots, too! Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Dr., St. Petersburg. 1:30 p.m. womentalkblack.org/roll.

Once in a Blue Moon It’s a blue moon.

On Halloween. This doesn’t happen often, so make the most of the night.

Celebrate with the Blue Moon Halloween Blitz at the American Legion. They’ll have prizes for best costume, a money hat, Halloween-themed gift baskets and live music from Saddletramp. Oh, and they’re observing social distancing – so get one of the limited tickets now!

American Legion Auxiliary #125, 6440 5th Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 6-10 p.m.

727-347-6085.

Day of the Dead Celebrate the lives of loved ones gone with Dias de los Muertos (you might know it as Day of the Dead). They’ll have live music and drink specials to celebrate this holiday of remembrance. Sloppy Joe’s, 10650 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. All day. 727367-1600, sloppyjoesonthebeach.com.

Sunday, Nov. 1 Farm-to-Beach We don’t think you can ever have enough farmer’s markets (also, some of us may sort of hate “super” markets) so knowing

there’s one more makes us happy.

This market, just on the south side of Central Avenue, brings you nutritious, local produce and other foodstuffs. For $25, you can get a box of organic fruits and veggies grown right here in Tampa Bay (because lettuce grown in California lasts about a day in our fridge.) If you want something farther afield, check out the bags and crafts made from the indigenous the Amazon, courtesy of Unbounded World.

Awakening Wellness, 2126 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

727-289-4747, awakeningwellness. org. SD MR V It’s Over. We Hope. It’s over! Well, we hope, at least. While politics divides us, Gulfport unites us; come share in that unity at this free grassroots block-party-style party. It’s outdoors, there’s live music (Jennifer Real, the Tortugas, and others will play), and there’s food… and drinks. And hey, after this election, don’t we all deserve a drink? Meet the Gecko Queens, bring the family, and relish in the worst part (we hope) being over.

Village Courtyard, 2900 block of Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. 4-7 p.m.

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theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

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arts

By Lynn Taylor

Spread Happiness with The Happy Mural Project: Hands of Change Artists Braden Everly and wife Alyssa Marie, creators of The Happy Mural Project, are on a mission to spread happiness across St. Petersburg by painting sunflower murals. Their latest project is Hands of Change, a community paint-by-numbers mural featuring hands of all colors holding their signature sunflowers in a sign of unity.

They invite volunteer artists to become part of the movement by helping them paint their next mural on the side of the St. Petersburg City Theatre, 4025 31st St. S. The mural, say the couple, will stand as a symbol of connectedness, love and growth, representing different races, colors, national origins and sexual orientation.

“Our differences make us beautiful.

We believe that life is about growth, connection and love,” they posted on the call to artists page of their website.

Volunteers can paint from October 31 to November 6, and the couple plan a celebration and mural unveiling for November 7, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Thanks to the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance and a grant from the Pinellas Community Foundation, all supplies for the project are donated. Visit happymuralproject.com/hands-ofchange for more.

Look for more about The Happy Mural Project and the artists behind it in the Gabber’s special Gratitude issue, November 26.

Creative Pinellas Announces Emerging Artist Grantees Creative Pinellas recently announced the 10 artists selected for the 2021 Emerging Artist Grant. According to the nonprofit’s website, the yearly awards help artists with recognized or proven success, a strong portfolio and promise in future projects. Disciplines include choreography, literature, media arts, music composition, theater/musical theater, visual arts and interdisciplinary arts. The program supports grantees with a financial award and culminates in a showcase of their work with an exhibition. Over the award period, visitors can get insight into their creative processes through artist blogs posted at creativepinellas.org.

The 2021 Emerging Artist Grantees are Tatiana Baccari, Chelsea Catherine, Nick Davis, Nikki Devereux, John Gascot, Mason Gehring, Gabriella Krousaniotakis, Yuly Restrepo, Sara Ries and Emily Stehle.

That Art Festival Returns The popular That Art Festival at Jannus Live returns on November 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last year, 54 Tampa Bay artists in multiple genres from both sides of the bridge

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participated. The free event is family and pet-friendly and includes a DJ, art raffles, a live interactive wall by local artists and a kids creative corner.

Partial proceeds benefit the Public Art Project. A call to artists has already gone out. Find out more by emailing art@ThatPromoCompany.com. More at fb.com/ThatArtFestival.

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theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

What We’re Reading: Halloween Edition

By Lynn Taylor

SHARA BUNIS

STEPHEN BURDICK

“What We’re Reading” is about readers in the community and the books they love, in their own words.

In honor of the most frightful day of the year, we asked three readers: What’s the scariest book you’ve ever read?

ANDREW HARLAN

Stephen Burdick Book: “Jaws” by Peter Benchley Shara Bunis

Andrew Harlan

Book: “Birdsong” by Sebastian Faulks

Book: “Revenge: Eleven Dark Tales”

by Yoko Ogawa

“Birdsong” is both a love story and a war story weaved together. The love story parts, while ultimately heartbreaking, were not scary. The war parts were an altogether different story. The author’s ability to draw the reader in, coupled with extremely intense depictions of life as a British soldier during World War I, rattled me to my core. I felt like I was right in the trenches experiencing the everyday horrors of combat. Even more scary were the descriptions of mazes of underground mining tunnels that soldiers on both sides built and used as weapons to be blown up unpredictably with horrifying results.

This collection of 11 disturbing short stories feels like it’s the irreverent child of Haruki Murakami and Angela Carter. The stories creep under your skin and turn you inside out. Ogawa finds the unabashed poetry in true horror. I’m selecting this collection because I consider it one of the best contemporary short story collections ever written – in addition to being a horror standout. This seminal work reflects the beautiful diversity of the genre. Read wide, y’all. It’s a gothic masterpiece.

After reading the book and watching the film, and being born and raised in Florida, every time I went into the Gulf, I heard the music from the movie this book is based on.

Want to thank someone who made 2020 not so awful?

Share the love in our Gratitude issue November 26. Starting at $10.

theGabber.com/Gratitude

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freeFall’s “War of the Worlds” Capitalizes on COVID-era Suspense Some of us are just not capable of being shocked anymore, no matter what happens in the remaining months of the year. So, if a news alert pops up on your phone that says alien spaceships have touched down in Plant City, is your next move to head for the hills or will you instead finish your drive-through order and see how it all plays out?

Into the disaster flick that is 2020 comes freeFall Theatre’s production of “War of the Worlds,” an adaptation of Orson Welles’ famed 1938 radio broadcast, itself an adaptation of H.G. Wells’ famed Martian invasion novel from 1898. But this production, written by the company’s Musical Director Michael Raabe and Artistic Director Eric Davis, is a creature unto itself. The original novel served as an allegory for 19th century British imperialism and the radio play, scripted as a series of news reports, caused a mass panic across the U.S. as some listeners believed the invasion was real. But Raabe and Davis’s take emerges in a very different world from Wells or Welles, and the freeFall capitalizes on the fact that surreal times call for a bit good old-fashioned laughter.

“When performances were halted in March, we came up with numerous options for digital programming,” says Matthew McGee, freeFall’s Outreach and Marketing Director. “One of the ideas was to create a radio play of

THEE PHOTO NINJA

By Jeff Donnelly

by a live quartet of announcers/performers cheekily played, from left, by Heather Baird, James Martin Roberts, Eileen B. Lymus, and Robert Spence Gabriel.

‘War of the Worlds’ that could be downloaded by patrons.”

But for a theater searching for a means of survival during the pandemic, a completely virtual experience wasn’t going to keep the lights on. Davis reached out to Raabe and, McGee says, “they worked together to create a hybrid of radio performance, stage show and drive-in multimedia experience.”

If that sounds like a lot, it is. Tackling this mission meant freeFall would need to harness some of the resources it already had (a very decent parking lot and a crack team of problem solvers) and create ones it didn’t, like an outdoor stage.

“Building the stage and creating the tech were big challenges, both artistically and financially,” McGee says, noting that the outdoor space for WotW

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is not some thrown-together plywood platform. “We had to create a whole new theater.”

Then new stage is a sturdy, fully rigged performance are that looks as though it could well outlast these lousy, socially distanced times.

“We hope the investment pays off,” McGee says. “We plan to present future socially distanced performances until it’s safe to return to indoor productions.”

The refreshing thing about this production, though, is that nothing about it feels particularly limited by the circumstances in which we live.

Certainly Raabe and Davis’s script threads COVID as well as the climate crisis into the narrative, but the show holds up as a unique theatrical adventure at any time: before, during and after a pandemic. The show is anchored by the live quartet of announcers/performers cheekily played by Eileen B. Lymus, James Martin Roberts, Robert Spence Gabriel and Heather Baird, and supported by an offstage band, and a variety of virtual correspondents who tune in via screens placed around the space. Genre/eraspanning musical mash-ups cleverly arranged to contribute to the vintage vibe, digital animations and vignettes keep the audience keyed into the absurdity of it all.

If this production is how freeFall deals with significant challenges and obstacles, it should not be surprising that the company stands out as one of the reasons little St. Pete is emerging as an artistic powerhouse. freeFall’s “War of the Worlds” runs through November 22. For more, visit freefalltheatre.com.

theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

BEHIND the SCENES

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BEHIND the SC

food Halloween Treats: Not Just for Kids

By Jen Ring

TIFFANY BEYER

Gabby Parpard shows off Golden Dinosaurs’ Seitanic Cordon Boo.

This Halloween food spread is about many things. It’s about friendship, collaboration, inspiration and perseverance in challenging times. But mostly, it’s about treating yourself.

After all, Halloween is coming up and we’re all looking for fun, safe ways to enjoy the holiday. So dig in.

Crooked Thumb & Gulfport Brewery’s Cherry Cheesecake Berliner is the perfect Halloween treat for adults Kenjiro Tomita and Jason Toft’s Cherry Cheesecake Berliner arrived in Gulfport this October in a most unexpected way.

Our story begins about 20 miles north of Gulfport, in the small town of Safety Harbor, where Tom and Cindy Bassano opened a cheesecake café in June 2020. For the past year, the couple was baking their cheesecake in home and rental kitchens, then selling it to local restaurants and delis. A year later, they’d already outgrown these spaces.

When a property opened on Safety Harbor’s Main Street, they moved in and gave it a fresh paint job, painting over a couple of old and faded grapefruits in the process.

“The painting that was on that building had been here

24

for years and they painted over it,” says Crooked Thumb Head Brewer Kenjiro Tomita. “It caused quite a stir in some of the local Safety Harbor Facebook groups.”

The controversy prompted Troubled Waters Brewing to brew a new beer and name it “Cheesecake Paintjob.”

Troubled Waters wasn’t the only Safety Harbor brewery inspired by all this. Crooked Thumb’s Kenjiro Tomita was watching these events unfold on Facebook as well.

“We’ve done beers with a similar flavor profile before, so we kind of already had an idea of how to achieve that cheesecake character,” says Tomita.

When the timing was right, Tomita reached out to his friend and former assistant brewer, Jason Toft, who is now head brewer at Gulfport Brewery.

During their four years working together at Crooked Thumb, Tomita and Toft brewed several beers together, including a couple of award winners. Their Grandpa Jack’s Pils took home silver at the 2016 Best Florida Beer Championships in the Euro and International Beer category. Two years later, in 2018, the pair won silver again, this time in the lager category, with their Harbor Lager.

When Toft left Crooked Thumb for his current position

theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

CROOKED THUMB

A FRIEND WHO BAKES

A Friend Who Bakes makes Halloween treats for all.

Crooked Thumb and Gulfport Brewery’s Cherry Cheesecake Berliner.

at Gulfport Brewery in August 2019, Tomita was eager to continue working with him, despite the distance.

For the Cherry Cheesecake Berliner collaboration, the brewing duo made the beer together at Crooked Thumb while Toft waits for a larger brewing space to become available in Gulfport.

Both Crooked Thumb and Gulfport Brewery have Ch-Ch Cherry on tap for you to try this Halloween season. I wish I could say, “And now everything’s right with the world,” but it’s still 2020. At least there’s beer. And cheesecake.

noise and jump out at you and scream at you when you go to the bathroom.”

She tells us that PJ’s bartenders are currently working on some Halloween-themed cocktails as well. Visit PJs around Halloween, and you can enjoy stone crabs along with Halloween decorations and Halloween-themed cocktails.

What a treat that would be.

Zombies at Tiki Docks Skyway Bar & Grill: Tiki Docks in St. Pete serves Zombies year-round, be we can’t think of a better time to try one than Halloween. The classic Tiki cocktail, first mixed by Donn Beachcomber in 1934, combines Trader Vic’s 151 Rum, Myers Rum, Bacardi 8, Falernum, lime, grapefruit juice, spiced simple syrup, grenadine, bitters and Pernod. Unless you have a serious Tiki hobby, I doubt you have all these ingredients at home, so you might as well let the folks at Tiki Docks mix one up for you. But be careful: Drink too much and you might turn into a zombie. Also, the CDC doesn’t recommend getting plastered in the middle of a pandemic – something about clouded judgment and bad decisions.

Halloween sugar cookies and monster cupcakes at A Friend Who Bakes: “We are doing some fun things for Halloween!” says A Friend Who Bakes owner, Brittney Sherley. “We are offering cute monster cupcakes (available in two-packs for $6 – one vanilla bean, one chocolate, with assorted faces and frosting colors), and sugar cookies (available in four-packs for $10 – Gulfport Jack, Happy Bat, Cute Kitty, and Ghostly Gecko). Pre-orders are highly encouraged.”

Find the order link on their Facebook page.

“We are also giving out free trick-or-treat goody bags to kiddos on Halloween [between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. while supplies last],” says Sherley. “The bag will have some fun, small Halloween accessories and candy. They are geared toward younger kids, but everyone is welcome to snag one.”

More Halloween Treats Seitanic Cordon Boo at Golden Dinosaurs Vegan Deli: “Golden Dinosaurs has already started celebrating Halloween!” GDVD co-founder Audrey Dingeman told the Gabber earlier this month. “We had our patio decorated by What Goes Around Vintage, and we’ve been putting out Halloween-themed treats already.”

A quick glance at their Facebook page shows a slew of pumpkin-flavored Halloween doughnuts.

Halloween weekend, they’re making Seitanic Cordon Boo. “[It] will feature a charcoal black bun, GDVD breaded seitanic chicken patty, Reaper pepper cheese from Catalyst Creamery and a White Zombie Sauce,” says Dingeman. For dessert, try the Chocolate Black Raspberry Murder Cake or Braineater Cupcakes – because where else are you going to get these things?

Stone crab claws and Halloween cocktails at PJ’s Oyster Bar: When we talked to PJs owner Kelli Umstead about stone crabs last week, she was in the process of decorating the restaurant for Halloween.

“We’ve always decorated the restaurant for Halloween,” Umstead told the Gabber. “We’ve got things that make

theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

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the gabs

LAURA MULROONEY

LAURA MULROONEY

LAURA MULROONEY

Trick or Treat: Which is your favorite?

Cheryl Hawkins, Gulfport: “Trick. My favorite trick is to have, especially men, think that I’m passive and quiet, which I am, but there’s another side.”

LAURA MULROONEY

Adam Lichtenstein, Gulfport: “I like treats because we’ve had enough tricks this year.”

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Linda Bailey, Gulfport: “Definitely trick because my husband was born on Halloween. He was born first – he’s an identical twin – so I like the trick better than the treat.”

LAURA MULROONEY

Rebecca Schlabach, Gulfport: “Trick, definitely. You always get a treat if you have the trick.”

Jerry Edwards, St. Petersburg: “Tricks.

Sounds kind of mean, but when I was a kid, using Ohio blue tips on cars of people that pissed me off.”

theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

worship Unitarian Universalist United Fellowship

Trunk or Treat 2020

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

‘Upscale Resale’

316 Corey Ave. St. Pete Beach 727-360-5647 Open five days a week: 10am-2pm Mon. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.

Clothes–Collectibles–Gifts Household Goods A Ministry of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church Proceeds go back into the community.

Paradise Lutheran Church on Treasure Island 10255 Paradise Blvd, Treasure Island

17th St. & 29th Ave N St. Petersburg 345-7777 Friday 7PM

Beth-El Shalom Messianic Congregation

ShalomAdventure.com JewishHeritage.net Rabbi@JewishHeritage.net

OPEN HOUSE AT PATRIOT SQUARE A 55 PLUS COMMUNITY! NOVEMBER 1ST 11AM-1PM Patriot Square is a pet friendly community with well maintained landscaping and many amenities - including a clubhouse which hosts many events. Located close to Gulfport, shopping, and just minutes to our wonderful Gulf Beaches!

Plenty to do here with two swimming pools, tennis, shuffleboard courts and saunas. Gated 55 plus community.

OPEN 3445 41st Terr S #210

Attractive town home with private screened porch! Washer & Dryer included. 2 bedroom 2 1/2 Bath New A/C $129,950

Tony Branch, Realtor® Forever Florida, RE (727) 460-7887

OPEN 3460 41st Ave S #175

2 bed 2 bath with enclosed porch overlooking the pool area! Spacious rooms, lots of storage, Inside Laundry. $134,900

OPEN 4115 34th Way S #195

OPEN 4125 34th Way S #191

Completely remodeled! $132,900 Beautiful 2bed 2 bath, formaldining, Plantation shutters, inside utility.

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Fully Furnished just move right in! 2 bedroom 2 bath with new hurricane proof windows & storm door, newer A/C Updated baths asking $129,900

Debbie Cunningham • (727) 460-5418 • DebbieCunninghamTeam@gmail.com

theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

27

Celebrating Sammy

By Laura Mulrooney

ROSE QUARTZ is pink quartz. It is the quintessential stone of LOVE, for oneself, one’s partner, children, family, friends, community, the Earth, the Universe, and the Divine.

WOW! One of Rose Quartz’s gifts is healing the wounded heart and reawakening its trust. Placing a small piece of Rose Quartz in each room of your home is not overdoing it – it fills the entire structure with its gentle energies and releases tension and stress.

When meditating with Rose Quartz, your heart chakra is stimulated as you are surrounded by its sweet love energy. It links your heart to the heart of Mother Earth and the Heart of the Universe. Spread the love by giving small Rose Quartz stones to friends and family – as talismans of love, Rose Quartz spreads compassion and understanding throughout the world.

For more information about Rose Quartz or any other crystal or mineral, visit Zaiya Artizen Market. We have gems and minerals in all forms – tumbled & polished, points, geode clusters, skulls, spheres, wands, and jewelry.

“We’re here to honor Sammy,” said John Riesebeck of Smokin’ J’s BBQ, host of a memorial on Monday, October 26 at for Isam “Sammy” Ammoura. “Sammy had a lot of friends and we’re here to celebrate his memory.”

Sammy, as he was known to friends and customers,, passed away at home in late September. He was the owner of the Citgo Station on Gulfport Boulevard and a beloved member of the community.

Nearly 100 people, from Gulfport and beyond, came to pay their respects, including Mayor Sam Henderson, Vice Mayor Michael Fridovich and State Representative Jennifer Webb.

The atmosphere was solemn, but overall light – the kind of energy Sammy inspired.

Riesebeck provided light bites and refreshments, including mini Cuban

sandwiches in honor of Sammy’s famous favorite.

Henderson wrote in a note shortly after Sammy’s death that he was “one of my favorite people in the city, and a friend to so many here in Gulfport. He will be deeply missed, and I may never have a Cuban sandwich as good as his.”

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theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

gabber on vacation These poor souls may have waited a bit too long for a table outside of Pia’s Trattoria on Saturday, October 17 during Gulfport’s debut IndieFaire.

At least they brought their favorite reading materials.

LAURA MULROONEY

Operation Santa Needs Little Helpers

income. Wondering if you can use the pantry? Call Rachel at 727-893-1231.

For 29 years, Gulfport Police Department employees have sponsored “Operation Santa” to give toys to needy children in Gulfport. Operation Santa is successful in part due to the contributions from residents. This year they are asking for help in the form of monetary donations, new unwrapped toys, and gift cards. It’s been a particularly challenging year for some families and your thoughtfulness will make their holiday. Call 727-8931097 and leave a message.

Check Out Child Care Kids in kindergarten through age 14 can now register for the 2020-2021 School Year Child Care Program at Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S. The program provides transportation

from Pasadena Fundamental, Bear Creek, Gulfport and Douglas Jamerson Elementary. The Recreation Center participates in the Afterschool Nutrition Program, a part of the Child Care Food Program, to provide nutritious snacks to children in after-school programs at no extra charge. To register call 727893-1068 for fees.

Making a Difference!

“As your Representative, you can count on me to make a difference for the people and businesses in this district. I’ll fight for what’s needed for our community to recover and thrive.”

– JENNIFER WEBB

Got Extra Food?

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

Have you taken the Gabber somewhere?

Or maybe stayed at home? We want to see your pictures! Please send a highresolution photo and a brief description to news@thegabber.com.

www.ElectJenniferWebb.com

JEnnifEr WiLL:

• Work to bring home every Federal Dollar Florida is entitled to and make certain federal relief funds are spent wisely.

• Fight for our businesses so they have the tools to recover, create jobs and strengthen and diversify our economy.

• Lead the way in improving and expanding education, so all of our children can help to make the future of Florida brighter.

• Stand with our neighbors so they have the training to re-enter the workforce and the benefits needed to care for their families.

• Protect our beaches, waterways, and drinking water from big polluters, while investing in infrastructure.

• Champion increase access to mental healthcare and substance use treatment for our families.

theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

Jennifer Webb is one of Florida’s Most Effective Freshman Legislators!

Look for Your Vote By Mail Ballot Starting Sept 29th Political advertisement paid for and approved by Jennifer Webb, Democrat, for State Representative, District 69.

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crossword

Solution on page 35

Give Them

C ity O f G ulfpOr t M eetinGs

THE STORAGE HOUSE

727-327-9598

City Clerk’s Office • November 2020

TheStorageHouse.com 1219 49th Street South • Gulfport

Office Hours: Mon~Fri 8~5 / Sat 8~2

NEED MORE SPACE?

November 3, 2020

City Council • No Meeting

November 4, 2020

Planning/Zoning Board - No Meeting

November 10, 2020

Senior Citizens Advisory Committee - No Meeting

November 11, 2020

City Hall Closed • Veterans Day

November 12, 2020

Board of Adjustment - 6:30 pm (City Hall • In-Person Meeting)

November 17, 2020

Council Meeting - 6:00 pm (City Hall • In-Person Meeting)

November 26 & 27, 2020

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City Hall Closed • Thanksgiving Holiday

All meetings are open to the public and are held in the City Hall, City Council Chambers, 2401 53rd Street South, unless otherwise noted. Meetings may occasionally be added, cancelled or rescheduled after this list is published; please check the city’s website mygulfport.us for updated information and login information for the City Council Virtual Meetings.

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theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

adopt a pet

sudoku

Solution on page 35

Pet Pal Animal Shelter

PET PAL ANIMAL SHELTER

Need a devoted friend? A little shy at first, Kayla is a smart girl who is eager to please. She is a 1-yearold, 40-pound shepherd mix who is ready to go home with you! Kayla is at Pet Pal Animal Shelter, 405 22nd St. S. Call 727-328-7738 or visit petpalanimalshelter.com.

Save Our Strays

SAVE OUR STRAYS

Triplet kittens - Binx, Bliss and Bram - are gray and white look-alikes. The 6-week-old cuties love to play and adore lap time. Binx (pictured) is a fun-loving male with adorable big ears. The trio will be completely vetted and microchipped when they reach two pounds. Call 727545-1116 or visit saveourstraysinc.com.

Friends of Strays Julien is a silly, energetic fellow looking for a forever home. He spends his days napping on the very top of the cat tree and playing with his feline friends. He has a great personality and temperament. He would love a home with another pet to play with. Julien is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Online FRIENDS OF STRAYS applications at friendsofstrays.org/ adopt. Friends of Strays is at 2911 47th Ave. N. Email info@ friendsofstrays.org or call 727-522-6566.  Â

Pain? Anxiety?

Acupuncture may help.

Qualified Veterans can have treatment covered

Cate Stacer-Bransfield, RN, AP 15 years experience, Board Certified, with a Masters in Oriental Medicine 5301 Gulfport Blvd.

operating out of Gulfport Chiropractic

(727) 321-9520

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DEADLINES HAVE CHANGED!

5 p.m. Friday for next Thursday’s issue.

UNITY OF ST. PETERSBURG’S

HEART AND SOUL BOOKS AND GIFTS • Christmas & greeting cards • Unity, metaphysical & kids books • Unique & inexpensive gifts • Pre-owned Jewelry & collectibles WEDNESDAY’S, THURSDAY’S, SUNDAY’S, 10A.M. TO 2P.M.

6168 1ST. AVE. NORTH, ST. PETERSBURG, FL office@unitystpete.org

theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

31

Moving back to Ireland

Saturday and Sunday Nov 7 & 8 from 9a to 3p (no early birds)

So much available it spans TWO DAYS. See below for each day's items.

Friday, November 7

Saturday, November 8

ITEMS INCLUDE

ITEMS INCLUDE

Tools, plumbing, electric, drafting table, Art, Christmas/Holiday, Kitchen Large, Outdoors, Furniture-large, Housewares, Lamps, Tables, Games, Puzzles, Dresser, Cabinetry, Golf Clubs 2 sets male and female.

Art/Frames, Collectibles, Purses, Shoes, Hats, Clothes, Luggage, Kitchen/dishes/bowls, Books lots of them, Misc., Plants, Crystal (including Waterford rare pieces of Millennium & Seahorse pattern plus a set of 10 matching goblets and champagne/wine glasses Millennium pattern), linens (including table runners, napkins, etc.), and a lifetime of sheet music

2108 59th Street South, Gulfport Don't just bring singles, bring your credit card and you'll be happy you did.

Masks are encouraged, please help us all stay safe.

Stay tuned for the final estate sale in June of 2021 to have all of our remaining property sold.

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theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

CLASSIFIEDS

If you have questions about advertising, please email us at advertising@thegabber.com or call 727-321-6965! Deadline: Friday 5 p.m.

Accounting

CLEAR NUMBERS BOOKKEEPING Virtual bookkeeping for small businesses and nonprofits. Monthly packages customized to your needs or one time cleanups. Payroll available. QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor.

10+ years experience.

Call/text to 727-248-0714 or email to nspence@clearnumbers.biz

LOCAL TAX EXPERT Certified Acceptance Agent. Anastasiya Dycus, EA, CAA. Tax Debt Help & Back Resolution. Individual and Business Tax Preparation. 1135 Pasadena Ave S, Office 105. South Pasadena, FL 33707 727-793-5419. Admin@taxhelp123. com. Open 9-5 and by appointment.

Computer Services

Gulfport Computer Repair Fast Friendly Service

727-388-3493 2321 49th St S

Mon-Thu 10am-5pm

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Computer Sales

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

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SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT! Heating & Air Conditioning

JS COMPUTER REPAIR Mobile computer repair. 40.00 per visit. www.jmswebser vices.com 727-643-0697

Computer Problems?

No Problem!

Automotive

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

2000 MERCURY COUGAR 6 cyl coupe. Red. 62,000 original miles. Service File. Leather.

Alloys. Extra clean. Must see. $3200 Call 727-748-9117 Caregivers

“Same rates seven days a week”

NO SERVICE CHARGE EVER! CAC1815513

727

709-7979 www.AirPhillips.com

QUALITY AT WORK

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3914 6th St S St. Petersburg

perfectworldllc.com Non-Medical Home Care • Private Duty Personal Care • Companionship Homemaker Services • No Contracts No Minimum Hour Requirement Licensed, Bonded, Insured Nurse Owned & Operated Free In-Home Consultation / RN Assessment

CALL TODAY 727-381-7498 www.omnipresentcaregivers.com Care@OmniPresentCaregivers.com Cleaning / Housekeeping EXPERIENCED HOUSE CLEANER And house painter as well, please call Sandra at 727709-0513 For Sale MOVING. MUST SELL. Portable Lincoln generator/welder--model 5500. Lots of contractor tools, handyman stuff. 3 inch angle iron. 30 gallon plastic drums. Call 386-846-3882.

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

COMPUTER SERVICES 727-343-2838

In-home services: Internet security, training, virus & spyware removal, maintenance & repair, data recovery. PC & Mac. 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 CARPENTER DEPENDABLE! Have Tools Will Travel Trustworthy. Doors, Decks/ Eaves/Rotted Wood, Etc. 30 Year Gabber Advertiser. Free Estimates, Lic. C-5754.

727-821-9973.

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.

Electrical

AC ELECTRIC 727-345-3108

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

theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

Help Wanted NOW HIRING HOUSEKEEPERS! Great rate of pay, drivers preferred but not essential.

Immediate start! Maids and More. Please call 727-363-1074.

CDL-A DRIVERS: CDL-A Drivers: It’s LOCAL SUGAR CANE Season! $1500 Sign-On Bonus! Make Big $$$ + Bonuses & Get Home Nightly. $1000 Referral Bonus. Great Health Benefits. 6 mos. Exp. in last 3 yrs.

Req. Call Oakley Today! 855-942-2798

Yard/Garage Sale EVERYTHING IS A $1 CARPORT SALE-8am1pm Saturday, October 31 6319 10th Ave S, alley access to carport from 64th St. Between 9th Ave and 10th Ave South

33

Home & Condo Maintenance

Painting

D.C. STRONG

MASTERS PAINTING When Quailty Counts.

Making Happy Customers for 37yrs. Pressure Cleaning, Waterproofing, Honest, Reliable. 727-344-1674. References, Guaranteed. Lic.#C4749.

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

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

Lawn / Landscape

AFFORDABLE PROMPT • RELIABLE Licensed & Insured

LIVE ON THE BEACH 2/2 spacious double wide manufactured home, 55+. Completely remodeled, move in ready. Covered parking for 2 cars, large rear patio, lot rent $700.

Too many upgrades to list. A must see. Call or text - 708-903-8685

EXTERIOR PAINTING

BY MASTERGUARD PAINTING

30 Years Painting in Pinellas County. Sherwin Williams Products used with a lifetime guarantee. Licensed and insured. Discounts for Seniors, Veterans and First Responders. MASTERGUARD PAINTING LLC. Call Steve at 727-424-4303 Home Improvement

Lee Claxton, I.S.A. Certified Arborist

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

727-220-0226 AnAffordableArborist@gmail.com

(727) 381-ROOF (7663)

AFFORDABLE GULFPORT

Family Owned Since 1964

Over 55 / No Pets / Co-op Share Included Furnished / Low Maintenance, $200 Mo.

4576 10 Ave N., St Petersburg 33713 St. Lic. #RC0066692 Insured

EXPERT SPRINKLER REPAIR

Rich Moseley, Irrigation Contractor. 25 Years Experience. Reasonable Rates. Well & Pumps. 727-439-0792. Lic.#C8312. BBB Accredited.

Real Estate for Rent GULFPORT DUPLEX Nov 1 availability. $1195.

2/1. Central heat/AC. Quiet setting. Front porch. Big closet. Parking. No pets. Smoke Free. First/last/security. Proof of income.

Credit report. Text 727-424-6085

Beachway Park Mobile Homes 2 /1 • Washer & Dryer • $55,000 2/1 • Split Bedrooms • $69,900 2 / 1 1/2 Bath • Beautifully Remodeled No Rear Neighbor • $85,000 2 / 1 1/2 Bath • Split Bedrooms Corner Lot • Beachy Feel * $95,000

Real Estate for Sale

YOU CAN BUY CHEAPER THAN RENT?

We can even get you closing costs. 1st time home buyers, down size, up size, water front.

No matter how big or small we sell them all.

Contact Jamie Campbell Turning Leaf Realty 727-543-0833 Turn over a new leaf!

BY OWNER 3BD/2BA CONDO, PATRIOT SQUARE 55+ 1385 sq ft. Pristine, New Ac. Gated community. Two pools (1 heated)/tennis/sauna/pickleball. Clubhouse with great recreational activities. Close to beaches and downtown. Must See! $154,000 Please call 443-966-0097.

TREE PRUNING & DEBRIS CLEANUP Serving South St. Petersburg • Free Estimates • 727-308-8650 Plumbing

ProFlo Plumbing 727-902-7077

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

34

FOR SALE BY OWNER FIVE TOWNS 55+ CONDO 2 BD/2 BA. 1245 sq ft. Corner unit, first floor. 6 swimming pools (some heated), tennis, racquetball, clubhouse, jacuzzi, 2 gyms. 5750 80th Ave N, Cornell A 108, St. Petersburg 33709. Asking 159,900, but am open to cash offers. Open house 10/31 and 11/1 12-3. Call 859-325-0856.

OPEN HOUSE

Spacious 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo in Patriot Square, over 55 community convenient to Gulfport. Move-in ready. Open House November 1 from 11am-1pm. Enter gate 37th St.S./ 40th Ave S. $93,450/ Tony Branch, Forever Florida Real Estate, Inc. (727) 4607887.

Bill & DeAnn Meredith

727-224-5126 727-224-5129

The Market is GREAT! Call me for a FREE market evaluation on your home Price Reduced 5410 11th Ave South $259,900

Dina Gamma, Realtor®

727-410-5035

gammadina10@gmail.com

Thinking of Selling? Call me!

theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

solutions

Place your classified line ads online!

thegabber.com

Anything These Local Experts Touch...TURNS TO SOLD!!!

Marie Drew

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theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020

727-440-1000

7316 Central Ave • St. Petersburg

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Now accepting Humana, Freedom, Optimum, United, Wellmed, Medicare, and most commercial insurance.

All Florida Family Care, Inc. S. Tirupathi M.D. Primary Care Physician

3301 66th St N, Ste-A, St. Petersburg

727-344-6200

Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 9-5pm

We are always there for YOU! 24 Hour Answering Service with doctor on call 24 hours a day.

We offer same day appointments for all our patients!

Complimentary BEMER/PEMF Treatment, Meditation Room, & Massage Chair Physician Supervised Weight Loss Program 2001 Board CertiďŹ ed in Internal Medicine at Michigan State University. Practicing as an Internist in the area since 2003.

Recipient of the 2009 and 2010 People Choice Award for Favorite Physician. A Primecare, LLC afďŹ liated Physician.

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theGabber.com | October 29 - November 4, 2020