The Gabber: November 3, 2022

A Century of Stamps in St. Petersburg

By Monroe Roark

Before we all started paying our bills online and communicating via email and text, people sent all of their correspondence through traditional mail. Papers were placed inside a sealed envelope with a stamp

attached at the top right corner.

Historians say that the adhesive postage stamp was invented in 1837 by Sir Rowland Hill (he received his knighthood solely for this accomplishment) and the first one was is-

sued in England in 1840. They were issued by the U.S. government post office beginning in 1847 and became mandatory for mail service in 1855.

Stamps have since been used in

Club secretary Bob Holmes displays a portion of the valuable and historic stamps that have passed through the club in nearly 100 years.

CATHY SALUSTRI

Late”

Larry Gelbart

by Larry Gelbart (Tootsie, MASH/

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Friday Night Lights: Gibbs Gets First Win of 2022 One Week Left in Regular Season

By Monroe Roark

Florida fall weather intruded on high school football once again last Friday night, but it didn’t put a damper on the Gibbs Gladiators’ cel ebration of their first win of the sea son, a 28-12 home victory over the Boca Ciega Pirates.

Gibbs (1-8) took the opening kick off and went 60 yards in six plays. Sammy Miller scored on a 24-yard run to put the Gladiators on the scoreboard first.

Boca Ciega (3-6) ate up nearly the rest of the first quarter on its first possession. Starting at their own 12, the Pirates threw the ball on the first play for a short gain and kept the ball on the ground the remainder of the drive, with Zahir Favors crossing the goal line on a 2-yard run to tie the game at 6.

A long kickoff return by Ke’wyan Washington put the Gladiators in great field position, and a 23-yard run by Ke’veion Wesby made it firstand-goal at the 3 to start the sec ond quarter. That is about the time the rains came, clearing much of the stands and making it impossible for those in the press box to identify the players on the field.

But the game went on, and the Gladiators scored on a 3-yard run by

Wesby followed by Miller running it in for a two-point conversion. Boca Ciega’s next drive went deep into Gibbs territory but ended with a fumble. On second-and-1 from their own 35, the Gladiators got a score when Miller broke loose on a 65yard run that resulted in a 20-6 lead with 8:36 left before halftime.

The rest of the first half saw both teams slogging in heavy rain, with Gibbs giving up the ball once on a fumble and Boca Ciega tossing an interception on the only pass at tempt in more than a quarter, just seconds before the half.

With the home stands nearly empty, the Gibbs marching band made a valiant effort to perform at halftime before the rain picked up intensity once again and chased them off the field. The rain stopped by the time the second half started

and returned only briefly for a few moments, leaving a soggy field for both teams to contend with the rest of the time.

The Pirates cut the lead to eight early in the third quarter. Starting at the Gibbs 15 after a fumble re covery, the offense moved closer but was pushed back to the 20 by a personal foul, from which quar terback Jeremiah Dennard picked up eight yards on a run and then threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Rico Freeman.

Gibbs had a chance to put the game out of reach but the Pirates defense held on fourth down at the 1-yard-line with 5:51 to play. Boca Ciega got the ball out past the 20 on a series of runs, but a pass in the backfield was timed perfectly by Gibbs defender Amarion Lewis, whose pick-six put the Gladiators up by two scores. Miller’s two-point conversion run made it a 28-12 game, and after stopping the Pi rates on the next possession the Gladiators ran out the clock.

Elsewhere in South Pinellas high school football action:

The Hollins Royals (1-8) lost 46-0 to the visiting St. Petersburg Green Devils (7-2).

The St. Pete Catholic Barons (27) hosted Cardinal Mooney and lost 35-0.

The Lakewood Spartans (6-3) did not play.

Regular-season games are wrapped up this Friday with Hollins at Osceola, Lakewood at Lakeland, Clearwater at Boca Ciega, and St. Petersburg at Gibbs.

Gibbs and Boca Ciega battle in the pouring rain.

MONROE ROARK

Gulfport Council Sets Election, OKs Pension Measures Liedtke Appointed to Board

By Monroe Roark

Election season is in full swing as far as state and county races are concerned, but municipal elections in Gulfport are not too far off, either.

The city council voted at its Oct. 18 regular meeting to approve a res olution making March 14 the official 2023 municipal election date. As part of the resolution, City Manager Jim O’Reilly will enter into a contract with the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections to conduct the elec tions.

According to the city charter, the general election for City Council members is to take place on a Tues day in March each year, as deter mined by the council.

The 2023 election will decide seats in Ward II and Ward IV. Vice Mayor Christine Brown is the current Ward II representative, while Councilman Michael Fridovich has the Ward IV seat.

The candidate qualifying period for the election begins Monday, Dec. 5, at 8:30 a.m. and ends the follow ing Monday, Dec. 12, at noon.

According to a staff report, the anticipated cost of the election is $19,141.51.

The resolution setting the election was approved without discussion as part of the consent agenda. The vote was 4-0 with Mayor Sam Hen

derson absent from the meeting.

In other business, three separate ordinances were considered with re spect to the Firefighters’ Retirement

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Pension Fund, Police Officers’ Trust Fund, and City of Gulfport General Employees’ Pension Plan. O’Reilly pointed out that all three ordinances were very similar in that they would allow more flexibility in asset in vestment allocation and also would help with compliance regarding the Internal Revenue code. All were ap proved 4-0, with no council discus sion or public comment.

A resolution was addressed ap pointing a trustee to the Munici pal Police Officers’ Pension Board, with two citizens submitting appli cations: Vickie Grant and Daniel R. Liedtke. Liedtke formerly served as the Ward I representative, losing his seat to April Thanos in the 2020 election. While serving as an elected official, Liedtke remained a stalwart supporter of the Gulfport police.

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Councilwoman April Thanos (Ward I) immediately made a motion to ap point Grant, at which time Council

Dan Liedtke, who served on Gulfport City Council from 2012-2020. Alongside his wife Michelle, he owns an enterprise resource planning consulting company.

CATHY

man Paul Ray

for legal clarifi cation of the process. City Attorney Andrew Salzman said that if the mo tion got a second, it would be voted upon. If there was no second or the vote failed, another motion could be made for an alternate appointment.

Thanos’ motion died for lack of a second, and Fridovich moved to ap point Liedtke. That motion was sec onded.

“I have no problem with Dan [Liedtke]. He would probably do a fine job,” said Thanos. “She [Grant] just has way more experience. He has no experience in this, not spe cifically in financial management. She has years and years of experi ence. I don’t know her, but just from reading the resumés I would pick her.”

Ray countered that Liedtke has a great deal of financial experience relevant to the position and is also familiar to some councilmembers already. Fridovich also pointed out his familiarity with Liedtke.

“I don’t know the lady that ap plied,” said Fridovich. “I think that

if you’re going to apply for a board and it needs city council approval, common courtesy and sense would be that you contact at least half the council members to introduce your self to them so they know who you are. Talk to them about what your thoughts are. I haven’t talked to Dan about it but we all know Dan. For that reason alone I’m going to go with Dan. If you’re not known throughout the city or on the coun cil, it would be nice if you talked to the councilmembers.”

Ray noted the experience reflect ed by Grant’s resume but echoed Fridovich’s comments.

“Dan has a lot of financial experi ence. He also understands the city,” said Ray. “I agree with Michael. I would have hoped this person would reach out to me and say, ‘I’d like to talk about being on that board.’ I did not speak to Dan, either. I did not think it was necessary in this case. I’m sticking with Dan.”

Liedtke’s appointment was ap proved 3-1, with Thanos voting in opposition.

MORE SPACE?

Treasured Neighbors Treasure Island/Mad Beach Chamber Helps Neighbors to the South

By Abby Baker

Tampa Bay and the Gulf Beaches were lucky enough to avoid a di rect hit from Hurricane Ian.Other parts of Florida, including Fort My ers, were not so lucky. That’s why the Treasure Island and Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce has started a campaign to request money, gift cards, and donations.

The TIMB Chamber will bring them to the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, which in turn will distribute them to businesses and individuals in need.

“We just feel very fortunate to be spared the grief that is happening to our neighbors in the south,” said TIMB President Barry Rubin. “Any thing we can do to help for one of our fellow chambers, we’re going to do.”

The collection will go on through November, then the TIMB will set a time to deliver the goods and cash to Fort Myers.

For now, donors can drop off gift cards and cash donations to the TIMB office at 12601 Gulf Blvd. in Treasure Island, weekdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

“Often, tragedies like these get a lot of attention and are soon for gotten when there’s another news

cycle,” Rubin said. “We just want to keep remembering our fellow Florid ians, fellow members of the human race.”

Along with the ongoing donations at the chamber office, Rubin says that TIMB members will collect do nations at upcoming events.

The Treasure Island and Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce ask that donors give Visa, Amazon, and home improvement gift cards.

Coven Crowd Causes Commotion

The Witches Walk Drew Its Largest Crowd Ever – and the Police

By Mike Sunnucks

The fifth conjuring of the Witches of Gulfport’s annual Witches Walk drew its largest crowd ever Oct. 29 which could prompt community or ganizers to look for an alternative venue for the popular Halloween gathering.

The annual Witches of Gulfport event drew an estimated 300 peo ple to the waterfront area near Beach and Shore Boulevards.

“We will have to find a new loca tion for the dance,” said Suzanne King, who helps organize the gath ering.

King’s SIK Promotions helps or ganize and put on multiple events across Pinellas County, including GeckoFest and the John’s Pass Sea food Festival.

“It grew from last year,” King said of the Gulfport witches’ confab.

She said this year’s Witches Walk was the fifth reprisal of the event with the first one drawing 13 people who dressed as witches to celebrate Hal loween.

“It’s done to support local business es,” King said of attendees patroniz ing local shops, restaurants and bars.

Crowds grew to 50, 75 and 100 in succeeding years, King told The Gabber.

King said part of the gathering included Halloween witches doing a short, four-minute dance in the street. The problem was attendees didn’t promptly clear the streets after the dance, King said.

Gulfport Police Chief Robert Vin cent said local law enforcement received one call about the large street gathering.

“We had one call about the crowd blocking the roadway. Officers were able to get them to move out of the road [with] no arrests or ci tations,” Vincent said.

Attendees’ reactions to the po lice clearing the streets after the dance were split.

“After the dance was over they gave us a grace period for clearing the street, then they came along and flipped the lights and asked us to clear the street for regular traf fic again,” Jen Shumilak told The Gabber.

“They were fine with us block ing the main road to follow the

marching band and then do the dance. Gulfport police have al ways been great with us. This is definitely the biggest turnout that I have seen.”

There were attendees from Tampa, St. Petersburg, and other parts of Pinellas County, at the event’s latest incarnation, ac cording to organizers and boost ers of the weekend event.

Others were annoyed with Gulf port police moving the Halloween weekend crowd after the street dance.

“We all thought it was uncalled for,” said Margret Pederson Fry, who also attended the festivities.

The Witches Walk did not obtain any special city permits for the event, according to King and city officials.

King said she wants to avoid getting permits, worrying the Halloween celebration will lose some of its community feel.

“We don’t want it to belong to anyone,” said King, who also cited the costs, including insurance re quirements and logistics of pull ing a permit.

She said the event’s dance por tion could be moved to the beach or a park but will stay in Gulfport.

“It’s wicked fun,” she said.

Suzanne King, Owner of SIK Promotions, helped organize the Witches Walk. She told The Gabber she wanted to avoid getting a permit for the event for several reasons.

JEN SHUMALIK

every country in the world, and the images they contain reflect current events and days long past.

“It is amazing the amount of information that is available just from stamps,” said Bob Holmes, a board member of the St. Petersburg Stamp Club.

Ask someone under 30 if he or she is a stamp collector and you will likely get a blank look. But the practice remains alive, especially locally.

For a century, members of the

St. Petersburg Stamp Club have gathered to continue enjoying their shared passion. The club will celebrate its 100th anniversary in a few months.

It was a Sunday edition of the St. Petersburg Times – Feb. 11, 1923 –that first contained a notice regarding the formation of a permanent organization of stamp collectors. The club officially received its current name in 1928 and hosted its first stamp exhibition in 1931. Sub-

EXPERIENCE COUNTS – AND SAVINGS

sequent exhibitions featured key portions of St. Pete history down through the years.

Now the club claims about 100 members, and 20-25 of them gather on a typical Saturday morning at Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown St. Pete, where they have  met since 1981. The church has supplied an area for a permanent meeting site which allowed the club to house its growing library of philatelic materials. The library contains thousands of items such as relevant catalogs, timely periodicals, and many specialty books and items donated by members or their family members over the years.

The club members’ ages range from about 36 to 96, according to Holmes, whose interest began in 1956 when he was 9 years old. He acknowledged that stamp collecting is more popular with previous generations.

“Now everything is electronic,” he said. “Kids won’t even sit down and read a book unless it’s on a computer.”

Robert Holmes hand-painted this sign, which hangs at the entrance to the St. Petersburg Stamp Club

CATHY SALUSTRI

The club is affiliated with the American Philatelic Society, and some locals have been members of that organization for more than 50 years. Over the years some mem bers have participated in stamp ex hibitions nationwide that have won awards at the highest levels.

“We buy, sell and trade from one another and we order mass quan tities from out of state and from Europe on a regular basis,” said Holmes, who has been a member since 2014.

The club’s collection includes stamps from more than 200 coun tries, some of which no longer ex ist or have changed their names. Each one contains a small portion of the history of a certain time and place.

“I think that’s as much the draw as just acquiring the stamps,” said Holmes.

The club survived the COVID-19 pandemic by staying connected via newsletters and online auc tions.

Members gather most Saturdays between 9 a.m. and noon at the church, at the corner of 5th Street and 4th Avenue North across from the shuffleboard courts and next to the Coliseum and Hollander Ho tel. Most of the regulars are men, although Holmes said a few wom en come on a regular basis.

And they’re still going strong. As Holmes pointed out, “How many organizations do you know that have been around for 100 years and are still going at it?”

The club has monthly meetings, stamp auctions, and – as you can see — no shortage of stamps.

CATHY SALUSTRI

South St. Pete Advisory Committee: Citizens Wanted Deadline is Nov. 11

By Monroe Roark

Citizens south of Central Ave nue who want to have their say in what’s happening in St. Petersburg have an excellent opportunity.

The City of St. Petersburg is look ing to fill several vacancies on its Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) for the South St. Petersburg Com munity Redevelopment Area (CRA). Any interested business owner, property owner, resident, or stake holder can apply before the Nov. 11 deadline.

The CAC is the first redevelop ment advisory committee in St. Petersburg and was created by an interlocal agreement between the City Council and the Pinellas Coun ty Board of County Commissioners. It has nine members; six get ap pointed by the mayor and three by the council.

The CAC advises the St. Peters burg Community Redevelopment Agency on the South St. Peters burg Community Redevelopment Plan and any amendments it might have along with other issues and policies pertaining to the CRA. The committee typically meets the first Tuesday of each month at 5:15 p.m., unless the meeting gets resched uled or canceled due to a holiday.

Members must attend 75% (or more) of the meetings in a con

secutive 12-month period or they risk potential removal from the CAC. Absences may get excused for “good cause” meaning illness, illness or death of an immediate family member, or due to business or vacation that requires the mem

ber to be out of the city on the day of the meeting.

The city accepts applications online only at stpete.org/CAC. You can also upload a cover letter and resume. Officials will begin review ing applications and resumés after the Nov. 11 deadline.

The initial terms of service for the appointees will vary between one and three years, but all terms end on January 31 each year. New members are potentially eligible to serve up to two additional threeyear terms. Applicants should ex pect to hear from the city within three weeks of the deadline if they are selected.

The city will accept applications and resumes on an ongoing basis beyond the deadline to maintain a pool of eligible candidates for future vacancies. Applications for this position will be valid for one year after receipt to allow the city to respond quickly to openings on the CAC that may occur during the year.

Live in South St. Pete? You could have a greater impact in your neighborhood. The city’s looking for new members on the Citizen Advisory Committee.

Stetson Area

• 807 Hull St. S.

• 5821 18th Ave. S.

• 6270 10th Ave. S.

28th Ave. S. to Gulfport Blvd.

• 2208 Beach Blvd. S.

• 2414 58th St. S.

• 2501 Beach Blvd. S.

• 2506 52nd St. S.

• 2520 Beach Blvd. S.

• 2532 Beach Blvd. S.

• 2608 53rd St. S.

• 2608 Beach Blvd. S.

• 2632 58 St. S.

• 2708 56th St. S.

• 5202 25th Ave. S.

• 5625 23rd Ave. S.

• 5819 26th Ave. S.

• 5848 23rd Ave. S.

North of Gulfport Blvd.

• 1102 52nd St. S.

• 1713 55th St. S.

• 1726 53rd St. S.

• 2001 53rd St. S.

• 5317 Gulfport Blvd. S.

• 5325 Tangerine Ave. S.

• 5414 20th Ave. S.

• 5610 19th Ave. S.

• 5722 17th Ave. S.

Marina District

• 2602 48th St. S.

• 2710 48th St. S.

Townshores to 28th Ave. S.

• 2601 54th St. S.

• 2813 56th St. S.

• 2908 54th St. S. Apt 3

• 3101 Dupont St. S.

• 3111 57th St. S.

• 3113 57th St. S.

• 3120 Beach Blvd. S.

• 3131 56th St. S.

• 3201 58th St. S. Apt 253

• 5220 Delete Ave. S.

• 5657-5659 Shore Blvd. S.

Along with this celebration that will start in our sanctuary, we will be serving a light continental breakfast before the 11 o’clock service then our annual Thanksgiving Dinner immediately after the service in the fellowship hall.

We are inviting our community to help in this celebration and to give thanks and offer blessings to our rich history with you, the citizens of Gulfport.

First

A Useful Connection Gulfport Appreciation Society

By Joe Opaleski

Crime on the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail has been a concern since its first stretch opened in 1990, connecting Taylor Park in Largo to Seminole Park in Seminole.

The one story that always stuck with me is an alleged incident of robbers stringing fishing lines across the path, tripping cyclists and stealing valuables while the cyclists are dazed, bleeding, and still clipped into their Shimano pedals. While I haven’t been able to verify such an incident, the rumor has appeared on internet forums and in the collective consciousness of the Pinellas cycling community for years. Unfortunately, this pales in comparison to some of the documented crimes involving our popular cycling route.

On Sept. 21, 2020, a cyclist hugging the mangrove-lined corners of the Skyway Trail, an offshoot of the Pinellas, hit the brakes upon finding a burned Nissan Sentra smack in the middle of the path. When authorities arrived, they found a body in the trunk.

These stories are heinous, and a quick Google search of “crime on Pinellas Trail” could easily persuade you to opt for a spin class at your local gym. But the traffic deaths involving cyclists on Pinellas County roads far outnumber

deaths recorded on the Trail.

Pinellas County recorded 85 pedestrian and cyclist fatalities in 2021, most involving cars, which confirmed Tampa Bay’s reputation as one of the most dangerous cycling destinations in the United States. Every minute I spend riding the trail is a minute I’m able to avoid our dangerous avenues, which is why I’m so grateful for Gulfport’s paved connector to the Skyway and Pinellas Trails.

The spur was Mayor Sam Henderson’s brainchild and opened in 2019. The path starts at the intersection of 26th Avenue South and Quincy Street, meandering behind residential houses and a post office before reaching the Skyway Trail. Upon meeting this corridor, cyclists then have the option to either head towards the Pinellas Trail going north or continue through the rest of Clam Bayou towards St. Pete’s Marina District going south. Without the connector, the fastest cycling route to this destination would take you on 22nd Avenue South – a road that, in my expert opinion, sucks.

I’ve had to commute to work in both downtown St. Pete and the Marina District on my bicycle, and I’ve ridden on both the Gulfport connector trail and 22nd Avenue South

to do so. Drivers on that road aren’t used to cyclists because it’s narrow and has no bike lane. In other words, expect to be honked at, harassed, and possibly hit if you choose that route instead of the connector.

But why would you? There’s a myriad of cyclists, e-cyclists, scooters, skaters, rollerbladers, and walkers using the connector path every day to cross between our village and the next, and while I’ll never discourage keeping a handy can of pepper spray for worst-case-scenarios on the trail, statistics say you’re safer off the street.

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

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Tens of Thousands Vote Early in Pinellas Mail-in Voting Proves Very Popular

By Monroe Roark

Election Day 2022 is only a few days away, but tens of thousands of Pinellas County residents decid ed not to wait until then to cast their ballots.

Using the tools at their disposal provided by county election officials, some voters in all of the more than 150 precincts countywide chose to have their ballots mailed to them, so that they could complete them at home and either return them via mail or drop them off at one of the dozens of official locations in the area designated for doing so.

According to the official web site for Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Julie Marcus, the total number of active eligible voters as of Oct. 31 was 695,575. That number will not change because the dead line to register to vote in the Nov. 8 election was in early October.

What is changing by the hour, however, is the number of votes tal lied. That total is being updated con stantly on votepinellas.gov.

As of 5 p.m. Oct. 31, the unofficial voter turnout was 182,467. That is just more than 26% of all eligible voters. The breakdown between the two major parties was almost even at that point, with 73,479 Democrats and 70,214 Republi cans. The remainder were from oth er parties or had no registered party affiliation.

The vast majority of the total vot ers through October – 164,633 – put their ballots in the mail, with 17,702

using early voting sites. Early voting began Oct. 24 and the total over the first eight days ranged from 1,325 on Oct. 30, the first Sunday for early voting, to 2,784 the next day.

Officials began tallying mail-in ballots Sept. 26. They started with a trickle, 199 in all through Oct. 8, then skyrocketed with nearly 42,000 bal lots processed Oct. 11-14.

Early voting continues through Sunday, Nov. 6, with polls open 7 a.m.-7.p.m. every day at seven lo cations around Pinellas County.

The most convenient spot for the majority of The Gabber readers is likely the Gulfport Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S. in Gulfport. Other sites in the southern half of the county include the Supervisor of Elections office at 501 1st Ave. N.

in St. Petersburg and the J.W. Cate Recreation Center at 5801 22nd Ave. N. in St. Petersburg.

Voters can go to any early voting site. In order to vote a regular ballot, voters are required to present both picture and signature identification. Voters who do not bring both types of ID will be required to vote a provi sional ballot.

According to county election of ficials, early voting was approved by the Florida Legislature in 2004 and across the state is held a min imum of the 10th day through the third day prior to any federal, state or county election. The Supervisor of Elections has the option to pro vide early voting anywhere from the 15th day to the second day pri or to the election.

County staff has already processed more than 160,000 mail-in ballots.

PHOTOGRAPHY

COURTESY

Music

Ageless

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

Residents created a ukulele club. There’s Adrienne, who first played in Hawaii. And Judy, eager to try a new instrument. Some never played a note before. In this club, talent is optional; good cheer universal.

They jam to cool tunes and sway to “Margaritaville.” Are they perfect? Nope. Are they wonderful? Beyond measure.

Let’s

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

arts

Movie Moments Looking In on a Film Acting Class at American Stage

By David Warner

I’ve acted plenty on stage, but I’m in awe of actors who can deliver believable performances with a bat talion of cameras in their faces. So when The Gabber asked if I’d like to check out one of the drama classes now offered at St. Pete’s American Stage, I was drawn to “Through the Lens: Acting for the Camera.” Helmed by local actor/director/screenwriter Cranstan Cumberbatch, the class seemed like a good opportunity to gain insights into the craft.

American Stage classes are geared to accommodate a variety of experience levels, and so it was with “Through the Lens.” Meeting for 10 weekly sessions, the six stu dents ranged from Megan Phillips, a 20-year-old American Stage Emerg ing Artist Fellow, to Elise Richmond, 67, an actress who got her SAG card in 1987 with a small role in “Wall Street.”

Cumberbatch, a bundle of friendly energy, kicked things off with some key points for us to ponder, among them:

• “On camera your face is the main thing.”

• “Each sentence brings a different moment.”

• “The good ones know how to tell you what they’re thinking before they say a word.”

Then he passed out scripts. Kath ryn Pollard, a retired flight attendant and Gulfport Community Players regular, teamed up with Doug Ronk, a “paint sales guy” with multiple im prov classes under his belt, to per form a face-off between an agent and a frustrated actress. Megan and her partner, Shaun Memmell, 21, prepared a lover’s quarrel with a poignant ending. Elise partnered with Jake Gustafson, 26, for a con frontation between two friends.

Explaining that “film always works from angles,” Cumberbatch told us that he’d be shooting the scenes in over-the-shoulder, head-andshoulder, and wide shots, all with a

Samsung Galaxy phone. But before any filming, the actors were to read through their scenes in three stag es: with no emotion, with “some” emotion, and finally with full emo tion.

Elise and Jake were a bit non plussed by the exercise at first, but it was interesting to watch the script take on a fuller life as the stages progressed — especially after Cum berbatch got them on their feet and had them repeat lines as he filmed them from different angles.

Next up were Kathryn and Doug. Their deadpan reading was surpris ingly funny, but when they moved to the on-camera stage the scene tru ly began to evolve. Doug, repeating one line as Cranstan moved from shot to shot, got a big laugh on his final delivery.

Due to time constraints — Cum berbatch took part in an online pan el about Afrofuturism in the mid dle of the two-hour class — Shaun and Megan didn’t get to show their scene (though I did hear them get ting applause during their rehears al). Next week, Cranstan told us,

there’d be more scripts to read and “clips of good actors” to watch — a chance to study the details of what makes a great performance on film.

The chance to better under stand the mechanics of film acting might be the most valuable bene fit of the class. After that session, I watched an episode of the PBS se ries “Magpie Murders,” starring the Oscar-nominated British actress Lesley Manville, and realized that a single shot of Manville saying a line might in fact have been the director’s final choice from among multiple readings of the same line, each one filmed from a different angle. Somehow it left me even more in awe of her skill — but also more aware of what her job en tailed.

I’d happily return for another “Through the Lens” session to glean more insights like that.

For information on American Stage drama classes, offered for youth as well as adults, go to americanstage. org/education.

David Warner is a St. Peters burg-based writer, editor, and actor.

AMERICAN STAGE

American Stage offers a full slate of acting classes, open to anyone.

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.

Movie Matinee Take a break & enjoy a movie

with friends. Call for title. Sponsored by Free dom 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 so cial 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, 1:30 p.m.

Senior Center Art Exhibit Stop by and visit a collection of art for the Center’s acrylic artist. Nov. 4, 6 p.m.

Fall Health Fair & Petting Zoo Meet with lo cal health resources, pet some adorable an imals, and stop inside for a health screening. Sponsored by Labrador Primary Care Center. Nov. 5, 10 a.m.

Fall Floral Arrangement Workshop Learn the art of floral design from the master, Larry Lucas. Choose flowers, use color, and create a beautiful arrangement. Nov. 8, 2 p.m.

Death Talks: Meet the Death Doula Take the mystery & fear out of death and dying with these end-of-life discussions. Nov. 8, 3 p.m.

Health Talk with Labrador Primary Dr. Mc Coy shares helpful health tips and the latest information on a variety of health topics. Nov. 10, 12 p.m.

Rhythm & Groove Jam Session Bring your instrument & join others in a casula jamming

group. Open to everyone, all instruments, all levels of experience, and listeners. Nov. 10, 3 p.m.

OTC with Cliff Your Over-The-CCounter (OTC) benefits allow you to order drugs& supplies at no cost. Let Cliff help place you order. Nov. 15, 9:30 a.m.

Trivia Fun Test your knowledge and win priz es! Nov. 15, 2 p.m.

iPhone/iPad Instruction Class Learn the basic functions of your Apple iPhone or Ipad. Must pre-register. Presented by Gulfport Li brary. Nov. 15, 1 p.m.

Wellness Wednesday: Monthly Wellness Checks Make your health a priority and track your progress with these free monthly well ness screenings. Nov. 16, 9 a.m.

Fresh Market Bring your tote bags and help yourself to some healthy fresh fruits and vegetables. Brought to you by Saving Our Seniors. Nov. 16, 11:30 a,m.

The Widowing Tribe Provides widowed peo ple a chance to meet socially to empower each other, build resilience, and make a pos itive difference. Meetings help first & third Thursdays. Nov. 17, 1 p.m.

GEMS GETAWAYS

Castile at the Hotel Zamora Inviting and extraordinary, The Hotel Zamora’s Castile Restaurant merges the atmosphere of a stylish sidewalk cafe with the sunny sensibil ity of a modern seaside grill. Nov. 3, $6; $8 nonmembers

Sanding Ovations Come see Treasure Is land’s beach come to life at the 2022 Sand ing Ovations presents “Once Upon A time.” Come see master sculptors turn piles of sand and buckets of water into outSANDing works of art! Nov. 21, $6; $8 nonmembers

Catherine Hickman

Unity of Gulfport Showcase

Upon A Star”

Art Opening Reception Featuring artwork by Town Shores Art Guild. Nov. 4,

p.m.

Gulfport Community Players present “Better Late” by Larry Gelbart Nov. 1020. Thurs., Fri., Sat. shows 8 p.m. Sat. & Sun. matinees

p.m.

Gulfport Public Library 5501 28th Ave. S. • 727-893-1074 • /gulfportlibraryfl Mygulfport.us/gpl • Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

All programs free and subject to change.

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

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

SHINE Presentation: Medicare Basics

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

SpeakOut: Intersections of LGBTQ Iden tity & Aging Presented by Dr. Milton Wend land and Ariana Drew. Sponsored by the

LGBTQ Resource Center. Funding for this program was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Human ities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this pro gram do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endow ment for the Humanities. Nov. 3, 7 p.m.

Gulfport Book Club Discuss “Sleep no More” by P.D James. Available as print and audio. Nov. 17, 2 p.m.

Grown-Up Movie Series Call 727-893-1074 for title. Nov. 5, 1 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. Located on tables in children’s area. Nov. 5, 10 a.m.

COF Presents Dr. Thomas Peacock & Elizabeth Peacock November is National AmericanHeritage Month. Dr. Peacock is the author of a dozen books on Ojibwe history and culture/ Sponsored by the Circle of Friends of Gulfport Library. Nov. 17, 1 p.m.

Lego Club See what construction chal lenges we have for you this week. Rec ommended for Grades k-5. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For addi tional information call 727-893-1074. Nov. 19, 2 p.m.

Gulfport Casino Ballroom 727-893-1070 • 5500 Shore Blvd. S.

Disco Party with Swing Time Dance to funky disco grooves and beats. No partner needed. Nov. 11: 7 p.m., hustle lesson; 8 p.m., dance. $10. swingtime.info.

Mind Body & Spirit Expo Vendors, speak ers, psychics, & seminars. Hosted by Unity

of Gulfport. Nov. 12, 9 a.m. Free. unityofgulf port.org

Impacs Sock Hop Advance tickets available at Casino & Beach Bazaar. Nov. 18, 7 p.m. $20 day of.

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

Recreation Center 5730 Shore Blvd S. • 727-893-1068 • mygulfport.us/recreation/rec

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 Reg istration continues for the 2022-23 school year child care program for kids entering kindergarten through age 14. Bus transportation available from Pas adena Fundamental, Gulfport Montes sori, and Douglas Jamerson Elementa ry. 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.

Get the city app by visiting

CLASSES

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

Acrylic & Oil Painting Tues., 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 Thurs., 9 a.m. $30/ month. Lauren: 248-875-7030

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

Tai Chi Gung Mon. 6:30p.m. and Fri. 10 a.m. $15/class or $50/month. Call Kare 727-2620880

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

the gabs

What is the Weirdest Pet Name?

Photos by Patrick Graney

Tom Hockok, South Pasadena: “Zorbo.”

Brenda Lescarbeau, Newbury Port, MA: “A miniature greyhound named Hercules.”

Josh Scornavacchi, St. John’s: “For a human or an animal?”

Dave Dalton, Dublin, Ireland: “Deeogie. He was a dog.”

Spooktacular Gulfport’s Boo-tiful Halloween Decorations Contest Contenders

By Cathy Salustri

With Halloween in the rear view mirror (only 362 days until Hal loween ‘23!), the City of Gulfport announced its winners and con tenders for the annual Halloween decoration contest. Dana Peplinski, at 2832 57th St. S. won the “General

Theme” category and the Gulfport Beach Bazaar won the “Commercial Theme” category. Other homes in cluded 2202 59th St. S., 1300 Marion Dr. S., 1207 59th St. S., 5521 12 th Ave. S., 5625 27th Ave. S., 3131 56th St. S., and 3049 Dupont St. S. Wondering

about that Marion Drive address? That home’s in the unincorporated area of Pinellas, but since they pay the City of Gulfport for utilities, the city them allowed to enter, Marivel Gutierrez, Gulfport’s Recreation Su pervisor, told The Gabber.

KAREN MONROE M.D.

Dana Peplinksi’s yard at 2832 57th St. S. won Gulfport’s “General Theme” award. The gargoyle skeleton was a nice touch, as was the creepy upstairs neighbor.

PATRICK GRANEY

This

guy

of the

of

–

CATHY SALUSTRI

This skeleton was

than the

Dupont

CATHY SALUSTRI

Beach Bazaar once again won the “Commercial Theme” award.

CATHY SALUSTRI

GULFPORT

The Village Courtyard 2908 1/2 Beach Blvd. S. Thursday, Nov. 10 Beck & Borst, 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4: The Sting Rays, 3 p.m.

Caddy’s Gulfport 3128 Beach Blvd. S. Friday, Nov. 4: Jeremy James, 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5: Daniel Carroll, 6 p.m.

ST. PETE BEACH

The Toasted Monkey 678 75th Ave. Friday, Nov. 4: Ultimate ‘80s Rock Show, 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5: 22N, 6 p.m.

Caddy’s St. Pete Beach 5501 Gulf Blvd. Friday, Nov. 4: Cleo Kelly, 6p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5: Chris Poe, 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6: Erika Najibo, 5 p.m.

MADEIRA BEACH

Caddy’s John’s Pass 190 Boardwalk Place E. Friday, Nov. 4: Paul Anthony Band, 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5: Casey Allen, 12 p.m.; Act 3, 8 p.m.

TREASURE ISLAND

Caddy’s Treasure Island 9000 W. Gulf Blvd. Friday, Nov. 4: Crownz, 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5: Paul Antho ny Band, 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6: Logan Grant and The Show Ponies, 6 p.m.

things to do

Blueberries, Swing Dance + Art Everywhere Your Weekly List of Don’t-Miss Events

Thursday, November 3

Growing Up, Growing Old Talk If you’re born gay, you age gay. The LGBTQ Resource Center hosts a free discussion on what it means to grow up (and age) as a queer person. Ex perts Dr. Milton Wendland and Ariana Drew will discuss the role of social media and image, accepting your age, and what it means to age in a culture that celebrates youth. Attend at the library or in person. Gulfport Public Li brary, 5501 28th Avenue S., Gulfport. 7 p.m. mygulfport.us/gpl

Friday, November 4

Arts About Town (Shores) Featur ing art from the Town Shores Art Guild members. Meet the artists and see their work at this opening reception. Artists include mem bers like Dianne Marlene Hargitai, Bridget Marshall, Michael Arnold, Cora Marshall, Elmer Dey, Janice Stephenson, Barbara Zegarek, Madelyn Corradino, Lyubov Aly eynik, Audrey Lynch, Jay A. Lynch, Pat Gallagher, Pat Flaherty, Cheri Labelle, Linda Weesies, Dr. Bev erly Boyarsky, and Susan Winnail. Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501

15%

27th Ave. S., Gulfport. 6-8 p.m.; exhibit runs through Nov. 22. 727893-1070.

Date Night with Clay Bring your own beer, leave with four pieces of handcrafted pottery. The Hive has a

Things To Do continued on page 26

At First Friday Art Walk, stop by Gulfport’s Catherine Hickman Theater to see work from the Town Shores Art Guild. Pictured here is work from one member, Janice Stephenson.

JANICE STEPHENSON

date night special every Friday that brings couples together over the wheel. BYOB and BYOS (bring your own smock.) Things can get messy. 559 49th St. S., St. Petersburg. 7 p.m. $79. 727-290-6515.

Thor-oughly Fun Because who doesn’t love watching Chris Hemsworth? Thor takes on Gorr the God Butcher, along with some friends. Bring some friends of your own, and settle in for a free film and popcorn. St. Pete Beach Library, 365 73rd Ave., St. Pete Beach. 12 p.m. 727-363-9238.

Saturday, November 5

Taste the Beach For the love of crab bisque! The Indian Rocks Taste of the Beaches is hosting its 16th year, and seafood lovers – be ready! Chic-a-Si Park will fill up with more than 20 restaurants, cooks, and vendors all eager to showcase some of their best bites. Enjoy crab from Crabby Bills, delectable pie

from The Pie Factory, local ven dors selling beach wear, and much more. Chic-a-Si Park, 4th Avenue and 2nd Street North, Indian Rocks Beach. 3-9 p.m. Bring money for food. indian-rocks-beach.com

Yards of Art Meet local Gulf port artists and buy their art at the semi-annual Art in the Yard that takes place at artist‘s homes across the city. Walk, bike, or drive the event, but make sure to plot your route in advance so you don’t miss even one of these taleted and dedicated artists. Throughout Gulfport. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. mygulf port.us/gulfport-art-in-the-yard

Monday, November 7

Blueberry Open (Mic Night) Bring your talent to the open mic night at everyone’s favorite hard-to-de scribe-why-we-love-it-but-we-do music venue, the Blueberry Patch. Musicians, writers, and comedians can take the stage, and if you don’t

feel so moved to get up on stage, that’s OK, too – come for a night of chill listening. BYOB. Blueberry Patch, 4923 20th Ave. S., Gulfport. $5 suggested. 7 p.m., doors; 8 p.m., start. blueberrypatch.org.

Worst. VRBO. Ever. Mystery writ er Lisa Unger is releasing her 20th novel, “Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six.” Join her in celebrating this spooky read with a launch party to remem ber. Hear Unger speak about her book with Colette Bancroft, book editor at the Tampa Bay Times. Enjoy drinks and the company of other cozy mystery-lovers. Coast al Creative, 2201 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 7 p.m. 727-755-9456, tombolobooks.com

Wednesday, November 9

Meditate Under a Tree Did you know Gulfport has a meditation tree? It does, in Veterans Park, and you can join a class of like-minded individu als for group meditation underneath it every Wednesday. Can’t make it in person? The organizer, Gulfport Uni ty, livestreams the meditation, too, so you can get your om on wherev er you are. Veterans Park, 5530 31st Ave. S., Gulfport. 11:30 a.m. unityof gulfport.org

Salty Trivia Think you know it all? Prove it! With three rounds of ques tions that run the gamut from sports to animals, you have your chance to be a know-it-all (and getting brag ging rights for same.) Bring a team or play solo, and remember, winners get prizes. Salty Nun, 2501 Central Ave., St. Pete. 6:30 p.m. gregander sonevents.com.

Swingers, Unite! Every Wednes day, meet a group of swingers for a weekly swing dance at the Casi no. These weekly dances, a proud Gulfport tradition, bring dancers –newbies and seasoned alike – from across the region, and although it’s a dance, not a singles meet, a few couples did find their happily ever after at one of the dances, so you never know. Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. 7 p.m. $10. 727-893-1070, swingtime.info

$255 a month for healthy food, over-the-counter products and utility bills

$255 a month for healthy food, over-the-counter products and utility bills

$255 a month for healthy food, over-the-counter products and utility bills

Get a flexible monthly credit to spend on healthy food or OTC products and pay utility bills. It’s just one of many extra benefits you could get with UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete® LP (HMO-POS D-SNP).

Get a flexible monthly credit to spend on healthy food or OTC products and pay utility bills. It’s just one of many extra benefits you could get with UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete® LP (HMO-POS D-SNP).

Get a flexible monthly credit to spend on healthy food or OTC products and pay utility bills. It’s just one of many extra benefits you could get with UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete® LP (HMO-POS D-SNP).

With $255 a month on your UnitedHealthcare UCard, you can:

With $255 a month on your UnitedHealthcare UCard, you can:

Get a flexible monthly credit to spend on healthy food or OTC products and pay utility bills. It’s just one of many extra benefits you could get with UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete® LP (HMO-POS D-SNP).

• Buy healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy products and water

With $255 a month on your UnitedHealthcare UCard, you can:

With $255 a month on your UnitedHealthcare UCard, you can:

• Buy healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy products and water

• Buy healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy products and water

• Choose from thousands of OTC products, like toothpaste, first aid necessities, cough drops, bladder control pads and more

• Choose from thousands of OTC products, like toothpaste, first aid necessities, cough drops, bladder control pads and more

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• Choose from thousands of OTC products, like toothpaste, first aid necessities, cough drops, bladder control pads and more

• NEW: Pay utility bills like electricity, gas, water and internet

• NEW: Pay utility bills like electricity, gas, water and internet

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See if you can get this plan. Call today.

• Choose from thousands of OTC products, like toothpaste, first aid necessities, cough drops, bladder control pads and more

See if you can get this plan. Call today.

See if you can get this plan. Call today.

1-855-277-4716, TTY 711 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week

1-855-277-4716, TTY 711 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week

• NEW: Pay utility bills like electricity, gas, water and internet

1-855-277-4716, TTY 711 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week

See if you can get this plan. Call today.

1-855-277-4716, TTY 711 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week

Dual Complete is a health plan for people who:

Dual Complete is a health plan for people who:

Dual Complete is a health plan for people who:

• Have both Medicaid and Medicare

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• Could use more help to cover more care and costs

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• Want more benefits for a $0 plan premium

• Want more benefits for a $0 plan premium

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UHCCommunityPlan.com/FL

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. Depending on your level of Medicaid eligibility, costs may vary. Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply. Food, OTC and utility benefits have expiration timeframes. Call your plan or review your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for more information. ©2022 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Y0066_220630_031744_M 23SPRJ74404_H1045-039-000

UHCCommunityPlan.com/FL

UHCCommunityPlan.com/FL

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. Depending on your level of Medicaid eligibility, costs may vary. Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply. Food, OTC and utility benefits have expiration timeframes. Call your plan or review your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for more information. ©2022 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. Depending on your level of Medicaid eligibility, costs may vary. Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply. Food, OTC and utility benefits have expiration timeframes. Call your plan or review your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for more information. ©2022 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Y0066_220630_031744_M

How Much Better Your Medicare Plan Can Be

Start To Finish

Stacey Purcell and her partner Monica Yocum are so very pleased to announce the marriage of Monica’s daughter Lydia Yocum to Stephan Hakanson. Lydia’s father Floyd “Skipper” Yocum proudly gave her away on Oct 15 at Nova 535 in down town St. Petersburg. The happy couple will live in Tampa until Stacey and Monica can convince them to move to Gulfport.

AN EPISCOPAL CONGREGATION

St. Pete Beach Reverend Omar Reyes

Sundays 10:00am Holy Eucharist

Holy Eucharist

“St.

www.StAlbanStPeteBeach.org

Paradise

Paradise Blvd, Treasure

Good Shepherd Old Catholic Church

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

Where ALL are welcome at the Lord’s table.

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

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

Friday 7PM

Beth-El Shalom

Messianic Congregation

ShalomAdventure.com JewishHeritage.net

solution

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

Attorney/Legal

PLANNING

ATTORNEY

Semi-retired attorney with 49 years ex perience in Maximo area specializing in estate planning & administration at rea sonable costs. Contact at 727-692-6807 or landrews1947@gmail.com. FL Bar No. 171761.

Classes/Tutoring PERSONAL COMPUTER COACHCONNECT WITH FAMILY

Do you have an iPad or iPhone that you need help learning? Master’s degree in Education and plenty of Patience! I work with seniors helping them connect to loved ones. Only $35 for 1 1/2 hours. Call Alice at Help to Connect: 941-500-3993.

HOUSEKEEPING Dependable, honest. If you are interested in a clean, sparkly home, call or text Judith at 727-768-3747. $10/ hour. References upon request.

Handy Person

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.

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

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.

kind, & have 25+ years experience. Level 2 background check, vaccinated, excellent references, and driving record. Largo area. Call Robin 727-520-2212.

HANDYMAN SEMI-RETIRED

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

PROFESSIONAL LOCAL HANDYMAN Bath rooms, kitchens. drywall, painting, custom high-end finishing. Any job undertaken, honest pricing. Insured, reliable. 347-9730814.

Heating & Air Conditioning

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 warranties. Our general contracting division also does kitchens, baths, additions, new construction, and much, much more. Free estimates. CCC 1333727 CGC 059964. 727-410-7323.

Painting

SEASONS BEST PAINTING & CONTRACTING, LLC Interior/exterior painting and power washing services. Over 25 years of experience. 727-506-3677. Licensed/insured. Lic. #C-11623

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

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

ARNEY’S PAINTING INC.

small

& all types of

Custom concrete patios, driveway extensions,

35 years experience. Call Mark for a free estimate: 813-859-2023.

TREE SERVICE BY PAYLESS

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

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

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!

DO YOU NEED HELP AROUND THE HOUSE

Retired RN, trustworthy, available for day work. Available to help with cooking, housekeeping, cleaning, gardening, general help around the house. Call for pricing. Vicky: 813-296-9575.

Moving / Hauling

SKIP’S MOVING & PICK-UP DELIVERY Have 14 foot box truck, willing to help. I’m the guy who moves everybody in and out of Town Shores. Available Saturdays & Sundays. Call: 727-320-3297.

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. 727-623-7219.

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

PROFLO PLUMBING 727-902-7077

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

WE ARE HIRING FREELANCE & STAFF REPORTERS

The Gabber Newspaper seeks reporters to help tell our community's stories. Area

be

features, events, and

Call 727-321-6965 Monday, Tuesday or Friday between

3

Plumbing

Miscellaneous Service

Marine Repair

For Sale

FOR SALE Hospital equipment: 2 rockets, 1 thigh, 1 arm pulsers. Orreck Air Cleaner. 3 porcelain dolls. Autoharp. All in wonderful shape. Please call Neva at 727-326-8216.

PONTIAC SUNFIRE GT 2000 One owner, automatic, A/C, maintained Florida car, 149k miles. Runs good, $1,950. 727-7489117.

Furniture/Appliances COUCH/LOVESEAT

Couch and loveseat with two-toned cloth and pillow back. Just moved, purchased the furniture in the home but folks are wanting their furniture from previ ous home. This set was professionally steamed cleaned 10/17; $500 for the set. Call or text 727-221-3864.

QUEEN BEDROOM SET Queen Bedroom Set includes bookcase headboard, two nightstands, dresser with mirror, and an armoire. $500. Good quality but not sure of name brand. There are some blemish es. Light brown in color. Please call or text 727 221 3864.

General

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

PUBLIC NOTICE: R & RS HOME SERVICES

Owner(s) intend to register the fictitious name “R & Rs Home Services” in Pinellas County, Florida with the Division of Corpo rations, Florida Department of State, pur suant to Florida Statute 865.09. 727-7100632.

Wanted

ON THE HUNT Professional singer/song writer looking for a seasoned keyboardist or guitarist who comfortably reads lead sheets and has a healthy lifestyle! If he or she also sings harmony, is deft at playing standards, including broadway hits, that would be “frosting on this cake,” but not mandatory. The creative, female maverick writing this ad possesses a versatile reper toire, including jazz, is flexible, digs com plex chords, has decades of experience on stage, and for some, strange reason — has landed in Gulfport! Go figure! Also, presently, under her bed and feeling rather lonely: a Yamaha P.A System and an elec tric piano. Interested? Curious? Please call Kristi at 608-636-0467.

Church Yard Sale

6168 First Ave. N. • St Pete Saturday, Oct. 29

8am – 2pm

THRIFT SHOP

17th Ave & Pass-a-Grille Way Regular Hours: Tues., Thurs., Sat. 9 a.m. - 12 Donations Welcome September thru May 15, 2023

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.

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!

LOOKING FOR TOWN SHORES RENTAL Currently renting in Town Shores, looking for a new place. We are employed full time, nonsmokers, no pets. Open to different pricing and apartment sizes. Please call Bryan at 412-225-7277.

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, back ground check, no drugs/alcohol. $1200/ month. 727-564-0464.

Pass-a-Grille Beach Community Church

Real Estate Snapshots

Here’s What Sold in Gulfport Last Week

Other Gulfport Home Sales Last Week

6020 Shore Blvd. S., #211 (Town Shores)

This 1,450-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath condo, built in 1974, listed for $375,000 and sold for $330,000.

6100 Gulfport Blvd. S., #414 (Stetson)

This 1973 condo has 914 square feet, two bedrooms, and one bath. It listed and sold for $299,000.

5113 12th Ave. S. (Tangerine)

This 504-square-foot bungalow, built in 1954, has one bedroom and one bath. It listed for $259,900, it sold for $250,000.

2819 Beach Blvd. S. (Waterfront District)

This 1,105-square-foot, three-bedroom, twobath home, built in 1922, listed for $550,000 and sold for $500,000.

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

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Monday, November 14, 2022 | 6:00pm-8:00pm Thursday, November 17, 2022 | 10:00am-12:00pm

Thursday, November 17, 2022 | 1:00pm-3:00pm Friday, November 18, 2022 | 10:00am-12:00pm

Monday, November 21, 2022 | 6:00pm-8:00pm

Tuesday, November 22, 2022 | 1:00pm-3:00pm

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Monday, November 28, 2022 | 6:00pm-8:00pm

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Monday, November 21, 2022 | 6:00pm-8:00pm Tuesday, November 22, 2022 | 1:00pm-3:00pm

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