The Gabber: November 11, 2021

Digital subscriptions provided by the City of Gulfport THE GABBER.COM No. 2734

November 11 - November 17, 2021

Two Veterans, Two Stories

By Abby Baker

Army Lieutenant Colonel Phyllis Plotnick and Navy Seaman Robert Stanley live a city apart, but they both joined the military at 22, in unconnected parts of the country, both gay, both serving at a time when queerness could result in discharge.

Here are their stories, told half a lifetime later.

ABBY BAKER

Slide to Safe Once a year, Plotnick steps into the army-green uniform she wore for 21 years – three years active duty and 18 in the Army Reserves – to walk in Gulfport’s Veterans Day Parade.

“I might need to find my Spanx,” Plotnick jokes.

This year, pre-parade, she remembered life 50 years ago, when the Vietnam War was in full swing.

After a college softball injury inspired Pennyslania-born Plotnick to pursue a degree in physical therapy, she joined a medical program in the Army in 1969 – against her fathers wishes.

“The important part is that I slid into second and I was safe,” she jokes. “But really, I wanted financial independence. I have a great deal of respect for women in the military, but it was unusual at the time.”

At 22, Plotnick began treating Vietnam soldiers alongside a unit of female comrades. Their patients consisted of mainly men younger than Plotnick, often for life-changing injuries. For her, the results of war were beyond what

Phyllis Plotnick, now and then.

Veterans continued on page 12

Can’t wait for more Gabber?

The Gabber’s here for you all week. Read about a crime ring the St. Pete Police busted, find more things to do and learn about a kid’s art contest at thegabber.com.

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editor’s note -30-

Publisher

Cathy Salustri Loper cathy@thegabber.com

Editor

Shelly Wilson

shelly@thegabber.com

Creative Director Joey Neill

Advertising Director Chris Madalena

chris@thegabber.com

Operations Manager Debbie Dunbar

info@thegabber.com

Reporters & Contributors Abby Baker, Events Editor & Breaking News

Jim McConville, News + Politics Jeff Donnelly, Theater Sheree Greer, Advice June Johns, Photographer Jon Kile, Columnist Gabrielle Reeder, Gabs & Beaches Nano Riley, Environment Jen Ring, Food & Culture Morgan Banno, Food Serving Gulfport, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg West, Downtown St. Petersburg, Kenneth City, Tyrone, Tierra Verde, St. Pete Beach, Pass-A-Grille, Treasure Island, Pinellas Point Owners Barry Loper and Cathy Salustri Loper Deadlines Friday at 5 p.m.

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.

2

I walked into The Gabber Newspaper office in March, 2001 to apply for a job answering phones. I was 23 years old, hadn’t finished my college degree and was convinced I was walking into an office of “blue hairs,” as my grandmother joked.

See, I grew up in Gulfport. I went to Bear Creek Elementary and to Bogie. I trick-or-treated here; I went to summer camp at Gulfport Rec. Once, I was nearly locked in the Gulfport Library because I stayed too late. I thought I knew Gulfport.

And when I walked through the newspaper doors 20 years ago, I thought I knew the Gabber: a local newspaper full of Bingo dates and city council meetings – not exactly essential reading for a twenty-something.

But I got that job. And I met a dedicated, fun staff. Former owners Ken and Deb Reichart mentored me with a passion for what this weekly paper means to our community.

While I took classified ads and fielded calls for lost pets and boat parades, I remained unsure about what my “career” might be. Ken let me try my hand at reporting. (You can thank me for headlines such as “Baking a Difference” and “Whole Auto Love.”)

I’ve been at the Gabber on and off for 15 of the past 20 years. My last return was in 2013, as editor. Twenty years is a long time. I’ve seen this paper go from the pre-internet boom times of 80-plus pages (with 20 pages of classifieds!) to the darker days of the Great Recession. I was there when Hurricane Irma had us producing a paper from a living room. I was there when pandemic shutdowns cut our advertising by nearly two-thirds overnight. And I was there when my old friend and former Gabber coworker, Cathy Salustri, called me back for the paper’s renaissance.

Because that’s what this is: a Gabber Renaissance.

Since 2001, I have been deeply proud to be part of putting out this paper every week. I am so proud to bring you news you simply won’t find anywhere else – from Little League to leaping lemurs. And I’ve been most proud to help the Gabber transition from the pandemic to the iteration you see today – with an unprecedented amount of original content, but crafted with the same love for the community from all who came before us.

Though I have certainly called it as much, the Gabber has never been “my paper.” It’s not the Salustri/Lopers’ paper, not the Reicharts’, or the Haveness’ – it’s not even founder George Brann’s paper.

It’s yours, and it always will be.

Thank you, Gabber readers, for letting me be your shepherd of community news. As we move into the next phase, please join me in welcoming a new editor to take our paper into the future, because I have no doubt the Gabber’s brightest days are still ahead.

For you long-time readers, I’ll sign off with a Gabber classic: Remember, today is the first day of the rest of your life.

SHELLY WILSON

2908-B Beach Blvd. S. Gulfport, FL 33707 727-321-6965

Shelly.

theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

voices Thinking Out of the Box

Would you want a permanent, 40-foot long, 10-foot high industrial shipping container next to your home or across the street from your home? The Methodist Church on 53rd St. S. has proposed exactly that on their 28th Ave. parking lot located along the entire side of our home to grow pea sprouts to feed the hungry.

We support multiple missions to feed the hungry. But a 40-foot industrial box in a residential neighborhood to house this project does not respect and preserve the character of our community.

Like our neighbors, we moved here because we love the art, the diversity, the restaurants, shops and the quirkiness of Gulfport. We saved all our lives to invest in our homes. This shipping container will decrease all of our property values and quality of life.

Our elected officials have worked hard to make our village attractive and inviting. This shipping container will be located on a major entry point to Gulfport. If we open our village to these enormous commercial boxes, how will it impact our businesses? Will snowbirds and locals still come to dine in our new industrial complex?

We offered to help the church find a commercial location for the shipping container and set up a community garden in the parking lot. They’re not interested and plan to expand in the future. More shipping containers?

If the church is granted a permit variance to place a 40-foot industrial box within 12 feet of our home, will the next one show up on a vacant lot next to or across the street from your home? In your neighbor’s yard? On the beach? The permit isn’t based on its intended use.

It might be a mega storage shed, like the ones in commercial locations on 34th Street.

And, the permit doesn’t enforce any aesthetic standards. The next approved shipping container can be a rusty, bright orange, hulking

REMEMBER: Today is the first day of the rest of your life!

piece of dented metal dropped in your neighborhood.

Let’s tell our elected officials we want them to deny this variance, to respect and preserve the character of our cherished Gulfport neighborhoods.

Sue Lloyd-Davies & Ken Beaudoin (property owners) and Patty Grace, Michael Grace, Sue Brewer, Karen Schroeder, Eric Levitt, Susan Levitt, Jerry O’Regan, Terri Sherony, Rich Sherony, Leslie Gray, Deborah Meteraud

The Gabber welcomes and encourages letters and commentary. One letter per person, per month. All letters must be signed with your real name, and should be as brief as possible. Letters may be lightly edited for content, clarity and length.

We will not print letters that incite violence, include hate speech or that are intentionally misleading or inaccurate. Letters sent to the Gabber for print will also appear online and on the Gabber’s social media pages. Commentary posted to the Gabber’s website and social media pages may also be used in print. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of the Gabber owners, advertisers or staff. Send letters to news@ thegabber.com or mail them to 2908-B Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL, 33707.

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news Gulfport Residents Get $50 COVID-19 Relief Vouchers Here’s how Gulfport’s spending its COVID relief funds

By Jim McConville

Gulfport City Council approved spending $1.1 million in COVID-19 relief funds at its Tuesday meeting, including a $410,000 retail voucher program that’s to provide residents $50 vouchers to spend at City retail stores. Council also approved $300,000 to fund sewer infrastructure, and $300,000 to compensate city workers for extra work during the pandemic. Finally, council set aside $71,252 in relief funds to help Gulfport small businesses hurt by COVID. Gulfport will fund its COVID relief programs by drawing on $6.2 million in Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds awarded through the State of Florida in September.

Gulfport Rebound: Money for Businesses and Gulfportians Council approved the Gulfport Rebound Program 4-1, with Vice Mayor April Thanos dissenting. The program will give Gulfport residents $50 vouchers good at participating Gulfport businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Eligible Gulfport residents will receive a one-time $50 voucher, in the form of two $25 vouchers to use at any participating Gulfport business. To use the voucher, household residents must certify by signing the voucher that they either faced a COVID-19 related financial hardship, or spent a minimum of $50 on COVID-19 relat-

ed supplies. Households with a utility lien on the property will not be eligible to receive a voucher; instead these properties will receive $50 credit on their utility bill. According to Finance Director Cheryl Hannafin, the city will mail each unit of a multi-unit residential property the voucher.

Gulfport residents can use the vouchers between Dec. 10, 2021 and Jan. 10, 2022. City staff estimates the Gulfport Rebound Program will cost $410,000.

“We wanted to do something that was impactful, and honestly a little more personal and flexible,” Mayor Sam Henderson said. “It’s a $50 voucher that can only be spent as cash at participating Gulfport businesses.”

Gulfport Finance Director Cheryl Hannafin, who oversees the program, said all Gulfport households, regardless of whether they’re billed directly for city utilities, will receive the voucher.

Any independently operated brickand-mortar business in Gulfport can participate and must apply by Nov. 24 at mygulfport.us/rebound/businessapplication.

“They must be a face-to-face business, must have a City of Gulfport tax license and have been in operation at any time between February 2020 and February 2021,” Hannafin said.

Vice Mayor Thanos, who voted

against the voucher program, said the $410,000 would be better spent on additional infrastructure.

“Personally, I wouldn’t do this program at all,” Thanos said. “I think that $410,000 would be better spent on sewers and other things. Because I think that there’s a lot of people that certainly could spend $50 on masks or sanitizers, that they can well afford to do that,” but, she added, “if we spent this money on infrastructure, it would benefit everybody.”

Other council members disagreed.

“I think this a great idea, and I think it’s just a warm thing for the City of Gulfport to do, after what we’ve all been through in the last 14 months,” said Ward 3 Councilmember Paul Ray. How Gulfport’s Funding COVID Relief Gulfport’s COVID relief funds are part of the American Recovery Plan Act 2021. The ARPA relief money comes with a list of stipulations on how municipalities such as Gulfport can spend it. The city can use fund money to combat negative economic impacts caused by the pandemic, replace COVID-related public health expenses, or offset any money cities, counties or states lost during the pandemic. Gulfport could also invest the money in its infrastructure – think sewer or water repairs,

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or for broadband. Finally, Gulfport – and cities and counties – can use the money to cover all the overtime hours logged during the periods when pandemic required extra work from its employees.

Along those lines, council approved spending $300,000 on city sewers through a private water and sewer line replacement assistance program. The program offers Gulfport residents half the money – up to $3,500 – needed to replace their water and sewer lines. Residents who wish information on whether they may be eligible can call Utilities Superintendent Clay Lott at 727-893-1085.

“I think it is a good idea,” Ward Four Councilmember Michael Fridovich said. “I think we should be putting the majority of our COVID relief money into infrastructure. I think it’s important that we take care of our sewers and our streets.”

Since joining the council, Fridovich has vocalized support for sewer replacement.

Gulfportians can also use the money to offset the costs of water and sewer work done by certified professionals on the home side of the meter. Residents can apply by Dec. 2 to get reimbursed for work done between Mar. 1 and Oct. 19.

Money for Staff Council also agreed to spend $300,000 of the recovery funds to repay city staff who worked extra hours during the pandemic but didn’t get full payment for their time worked.

City staff originally proposed a wage adjustment – not a raise, but compensation for that extra time worked during the pandemic.

Overheard at Gulfport City Council “This is an altruistic effort by the City Council to treat people right. We can look at the negative aspects of it and take it apart. You have 8,000 something vouchers that are going out. You have to believe that the majority of those vouchers will be spent in the correct manner.” –Gulfport City Manager Jim O’Reilly “A 40-foot shipping container flies in the face of everything you’ve done to respect and preserve the character of our community.” –Susan Davies, describing the container Gulfport United Methodist Church wants to place on its property to grow bean sprouts to raise funds to feed the hungry “Where do these lawyers get their information to speak for the residents of Gulfport? Neither of these lawyers live in Gulfport, nor does this law firm live in Gulfport.”

–Ray Rodriguez, in reference to the lawyers handling a lawsuit against the city

“When the city is sued, we have an insurance company, CRM, Public Risk Management that handles these kinds of lawsuits. We (Gulfport) have an independent insurance counsel. Those attorneys are not paid by the city; they’re paid by our insurance company. We don’t pay those attorneys directly, so we would have no bills.” –Gulfport City Attorney Andrew Salzman, in response to a resident’s inquiry into outside attorneys assigned by an insurance company to handle a lawsuit against the city “I would like to advocate for the possible use of some of the discretionary COVID funds that may be available. A couple of months ago, I put in a written request to look into adding free Wi-Fi internet access to Catherine Hickman Theater.” –Eileen Navarro, Gulfport resident and president of the Gulfport Community Players, who present their mainstage shows in the theater

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theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

New Design Guidelines for Waterfront Redevelopment District Gulfport City Council approved modifications for all development in the Waterfront Redevelopment District, which runs parallel to Beach Boulevard, from Shore Boulevard to 28th Ave. S., one-half block east of 56th St. S. and one-half block west of 54th St. S. These modifications deal with design standards. Council first approved the modifications in October, as did Gulfport’s planning and zoning board; this was council’s second and final vote.

“This (zoning change) is to incentivize, and offer options for people to build smaller when they develop,” Mayor Sam Henderson said. “That’s pretty much the full intent of this change – and it took a lot of maneuvering to get us here.”

Gulfport resident Greg Semick, of 31st Ave. S., said the change “may be putting the cart before the horse,” by promoting expanded building growth in Gulfport as its population shrinks.

“The underlying implication is that

CATHY SALUSTRI

By Jim McConville

the zoning change is going to stir massive, by relative standards, economic growth,” Semick said. He said the US Census data shows Gulfport’s population declining over the past 20 years.

“We are lagging in population,” Semick said. “There’s been a six percent decline, while the state itself has increased 35% and St. Petersburg and Pinellas County have

theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

increased between 5% and 15%, while at the same time, our median income in Gulfport is 11% below the state level.

“So, I ask, where are the customers and the labor going to be coming from that’s going to enable this development project to be a success?”

Semick said. “The jobs that this new retail is going to create are going to be low-paying retail jobs.”

7

Gulfport Parades for Veterans

Gulfport walked and wheeled through downtown in honor of American veterans The Sunday before Veterans Day 2021 (Nov. 7), the City of Gulfport hosted its annual Veteran’s Day parade.

The caravan of police, fire trucks, jeeps and feet marched from the Gulfport Public Library to the Gulfport Beach volleyball courts, just west of the Historic Casino.

This event marked the return of the official Veterans Day parade, which paused in 2020. Cultural Facilities Events Supervisor Justin Shea said he was relieved to see the emotional march return.

“There was a moment that made it all worthwhile ... honoring our local veterans and listening to the emcee honor Phyllis Plotnick that I got chills,” Shea said. “It’s in those moments that bringing the community together is really important.”

The parade ended on the sand, where the long-awaited 10th An-

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theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

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New Senior Center for Gulfport?

After almost 40 years, Gulfport may need a new senior center. At the Nov. 2 Gulfport city council meeting, staff gave council a sampler of existing and future capital projects for fiscal year 2021-2022 and beyond, and the most talked-about project: whether to renovate or replace the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center. City manager Jim O’Reilly laid out two options with two different price tags. Council must decide between spending an estimated $9 million to renovate the senior center, or to spend $10-$15 million to build a new one.

“That’s the question here today, where do we go from here?” O’Reilly asked.

“Raising $10 million is beyond our capacity,” Ward One Councilwoman April Thanos said.

“The longer we keep kicking the can down the road,” cautioned Ward Four Councilman Michael Fridovich, “the higher the price is likely to be.”

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After a 25-minute discussion, Council members informally gave O’Reilly the go-ahead to start the

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11

Stanley and his late husband Chuck Mitchell.

ABBY BAKER

she imagined: amputations, spinal cord complications, burns. Plotnick worked in hospitals in San Francisco, New Jersey and Texas, meeting countless people fading in and out of consciousness.

It’s a blur of nameless faces and the horrors of what happens when steel meets flesh.

“We didn’t have the experience to be around this,” Plotnick says. “We were young and working with people even younger than us, many of which were boys coming into manhood that had no idea the way their lives were about to be changed forever.”

Deep in the ‘80s and deep places like Missouri, where the remote locations almost mimicked Vietnam, Plotnick says, she worked in mainly male training units to obtain her Expert Field Medical Badge. She developed deep relationships with her teammates, but never stepped fully out of the closet.

“I wasn’t out, I couldn’t be, but many of my friends knew,” Plotnick says, flipping through faded photos. “I knew people that had electric shock therapy... and the societal barriers of course.”

It wasn’t until 1993, three years after retiring from the reserves, that Plotnick openly marched on Washington for LGBTQ (then just LGBT) rights in the military. A familiar name around town, the veteran eventually settled in Gulfport and started the Phyllis Plotnick Health Fund, a nonprofit supporting women’s wellness.

“I find there are a lot of matriarchs in Gulfport,” Plotnick says with a laugh.

VIA ROBERT STANLEY

Veterans continued from cover

Plotnick, later pictured with her all male unit at a training camp.

Out Together Korean war veteran and Navy man Robert Stanley lives in a turquoise home in St. Petersburg lined with Egyptian art, self portraits and photographs of him and his late husband, Chuck Mitchell.

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At 22, Stanley joined the Navy and worked as deck man on the USS Garcia during the Korean War. What did a deck seaman out of Rhode Island do in 1959?

“I cleaned the ship and did as I was told,” Stanley said. “There were 213 people on the ship, and we were from everywhere. I broke up more fights than I got into. At times it was funny, but not ‘ha-ha’ funny at all.”

During his seven years of service, Stanley traveled to places like Bermuda and Barcelona, out at sea for three weeks at a time. At an offshore bar, Stanley met a man with two black eyes, accused of “homosexual activity.” His higher ups were threatening to send him to the Marines where they would “beat it out of him.” Eventually, he was discharged. Stanley doesn’t remember the man’s name, but

theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

he remembers one disturbing thought: “If he’s white, and they did that to him, what will they do to me? I’m black.”

Nonetheless, Stanley was “out to himself” but there was a strong, unwavering blanket of “hush” over any type of gay pride. After his service, Stanley didn’t linger. He went home to Michigan to work in healthcare for the next 28 years.

At a Detroit day party, he met Chuck Mitchell.

Stanley is the humorously bristled, life-of-the-party type with the urge to impersonate anyone and everyone in his stories. His one soft spot was Chuck.

“I saw him, but my friend liked him, at the party... but wouldn’t you know, he just walked across the street and went to work without saying goodbye to anyone,” Stanley says, still annoyed. “Six months later and there’s that little man at my door. He asked me, ‘Who painted that horrible picture of you?’” Mitchell was referencing a self-portrait in Stanley’s home.

The multiple paintings and photographs of the two in Stanley’s home were more up to par, apparently.

“Chuck was the most talented person I ever knew,” Stanley said.

“He had talent, but he didn’t know

VIA ROBERT STANLEY

ABBY BAKER

The always joking, always blunt Stanley.

“Chuck was the most talented person I ever knew,” Stanley said.

how to control money at all.”

Once the two made it to Florida in retirement, they joined the Gulfport American Legion Post #125 and settled in St. Petersburg with a tiny dog

theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

and a knack for art.

Mitchell recently passed, but his memory lives on with wild stories and loving anecdotes speckled with a Navy man’s vocabulary.

13

Renaissance Dad: Hipster Dad Shirts The other day I was putting away some clean shirts and I ran out of hangers.

“I have a ton of extra hangers,” my wife called out.

Entering Monica’s closet, I came upon the fanciest hangers I’ve ever seen. The hangers in my closet are all the wire versions, some wrapped in torn paper emblazoned with “Rogers Cleaners,” others with that bent piece of cardboard that can no longer support the weight of a pair of pants.

Monica’s clothes hang on the wings of angels. Some of her hangers are coated in fine velvet. Others appear to be carved from a piece of ancient mahogany. These hangers cost more than my shirts.

I’m not exaggerating.

Every few weeks we donate old clothes to the local thrift shops. And over the years, I’ve acquired 17 shirts from second-hand stores near and far. One haberdasher in particular, the name of which I will not divulge, has been a gold mine for excellently unusual hipster-dad shirts. If it’s some version of plaid/cowboy/ two-pocket button-down casual, I’m interested. Typically these shirts cost me $2.50 each. But on “shirt day” they only run me $1.25.

My entire collection of shirts probably cost me $50. It wouldn’t even

14

JON KILE

By Jon Kile

be that much but for the three priciest shirts which were a whopping $7 each. I found them — brand new, tags still on — at an “estate sale” of possibly stolen merchandise at a mansion in the Berkshire Mountains.

My closet has shirts with strange pieces of decorative metal sewn to them, oddly shaped pockets and shoulder epaulettes. Almost none of them carry a brand I’ve ever heard of. And that’s the way I like it. Middle-aged dads all seem to dress alike. Over the past decade, guys my age have taken to covering their beer bellies with t-shirts bearing comic book heroes, ‘90s rock bands or sarcastic jokes. I might be the only man over 35 who doesn’t own a Captain America t-shirt. And as much as I liked Nirvana, Pink Floyd and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, I refuse to wear a replica ‘90s shirt from a store I will not name because I don’t want them to feel targeted.

If only shirts went up in value like Bitcoin. I have a few favorites. One started out as a red shirt, but it has

been washed so many times that it’s closer to salmon or pink. The inside of the collar is lined with a Union Jack pattern, giving it a British flair.

But then it goes a step further, with a nod to the Rolling Stones, with a visible patch with the words “Start Me Up.” I believe this shirt actually belonged to Mick Jagger.

There’s another gem — a cowboy shirt with snaps that is so thin and airy that it feels like I’m wearing nothing. It’s the sort of shirt that I love now, but one day I’ll look at photos and ask my wife why she let me out of the house with it on.

I know this because it’s in approximately half of the photos taken of me in the last two years.

I was forced into buying a new shirt recently. I was walking around Key West and began to notice that the town is so overrun with chickens that the whole place smells like the floor of a chicken coop. As I perused the shelves of Books and Books I Hipster Dad continued on page 19

theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

15

St. Pete Reacts to Historic Election The people have spoken: Ken Welch is the new mayor-elect of the Sunshine City. Tuesday (Nov. 2) night’s election was historic in that he will be the first Black mayor in the city’s history.

Hundreds of people packed into the Legacy Gardens of The Woodson African American Museum of Florida to watch history in the making.

From being a sundown town to former Mayor John Burroughs saying in 1958, “I like the Negro. I like him in his place,” St. Pete has seen progress but still has a long way to go.

With the election of Mayor-elect Welch, many people in the community feel that progress is in sight.

VIA KEN WELCH

The Weekly Challenger Staff

On Nov. 2, St. Petersburg voters elected the city’s first Black Mayor, Ken Welch.

Gwendolyn Reese, community activist This is a very important and historical election for several reasons.

Because for the first time, we have an African-American candidate who has gotten past the primary and is actually in the running to become the first African American mayor in this city. We have an African American, LGBTQIA person who is actually vying for a district that is very, very important and had previously been what was a historically Black district that had had Black representation for many years.

It’s also a historical election because of the charter amendments that are on the ballot. For the first time in the history, to my knowledge, of the Charter Review Commission, four of the seven amendments deal with equity. And as far as I know, this is the first time a Charter Review Commission has ever dealt with equity. So that makes it very, very, historically significant — regardless of the outcomes of any of those three things, it will not undermine at all the historical significance of each of these.

16

Leon Jackson, Courageous 12 I endorsed Ken, and it was a pleasure. I know he will do an excellent job because I know his entire family.

They’re very great people.

During the time when we filed that lawsuit, there were no African Americans in leadership at city hall. The only African Americans that worked for city hall during that time was the ones that did janitorial work. We 12 police officers, the “Courageous 12,” saw racism in the city, and we stated that, “It’s not right.” We decided to file that lawsuit, and we won!

Dr. Alex Harris, co-founder of the Arts Conservatory for Teens This is a historic moment, and I feel extremely excited to be a part of this history in the making for the City of St. Petersburg. But beyond that, his interest is to serve all people, regardless of party, regardless of race, regardless of economic status, to really continue the growth that we are seeing in our city to the next level.

Carla Bristol, Youth Farm director So, I am beyond excited; I was actually going to leave the city if he didn’t

win. Because it just doesn’t make sense, we have a qualified candidate.

For any other job on the planet, you would look at qualifications and vote based on that. And I was a little surprised that people were even having any trepidation about a highly qualified candidate. So, it’s not even only about making history; it’s definitely about the focus and attention that’s been lacking in South St. Pete. So, I feel confident that that’s what we’re going to get under this administration.

Jabaar Edmond, community activist Today our community takes a step forward. Welch will stay focused and advocate for the least of us.

Darlina Herring I started off with Commissioner Welch when he was elected in November 2000. I have been the only aide that he has had for the entire 20 years. And I am excited for him because he is a phenomenal man of God, he has a heart for the city of St. Petersburg, and he has the character, the integrity. All my prayers for him are that he will be surrounded by

theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

people who are ready to support him, to help him to bring the vision for this city that he desires to have.

Jacqueline Hubbard, Esq. Despite all of the hate and all of the negative press that we’ve been getting as a people, talking about African Americans, primarily. This is very good, because it’s going to show that the City of St. Petersburg is progressive.

Thomas “Jet” Jackson, community elder I think Ken will make a difference and will be equal across the board with everybody. That’s what I really believe in Ken. And that’s what he is now, and I know he can get the job done.

Councilwoman Lisa WheelerBowman I am so excited. I’m excited to be a part of history that not only my grandkids but other people can look back on and say, “We have elected our first African-American mayor.

Rene Flowers, Pinellas County Commissioner So, I think this gives something for our young adults in the community who’ve been aspiring to run for office like Mhariel Summers and Richie Floyd and others who are always told, “you’re too young.” No, you’re not too young, especially when you have

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people like Ken, who’s willing to work with you and mentor you.

Rev. Clarence Williams, Greater Mt. Zion AME I think we could talk about diversity and equity all we want, but until it’s realized in the communities, it’s going to be difficult for us to really grasp what it really feels like, what it looks like. I think one thing about this particular moment that intrigues me is that Ken Welch has prepared himself through forging relationships, experience, and just working in our community at the administrative branch, executive branch of our government, for this very moment.

So, he has the skills, all the abilities. I really think this city’s going to be better moving forward quickly and being able to address the issues in a wonderfully prepared way.

Senator Darryl Rouson Well, Mayor-elect Welch is living out the dreams of his father that became his dreams, that became his story, and makes history tonight. Everyone in St. Petersburg, no matter your persuasion, should be celebrating a new day in this town. And I’m grateful to be here, grateful for Ken Welch being prepared to lead. Get out of the way if you’re not going to help.

Imam Askia Muhammad Aquil Our Creator says that never will the worldly conditions of people change until people first change what is troubling their own souls and holding them back from realizing their excellence, from achieving their greatest human potential. The election of May-

Councilwoman Deborah Figgs-Sanders Our city has grown and is known as a progressive and welcoming city.

With the election of its first Black mayor, just imagine how much more inclusive our city will be when equity becomes a priority.

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Bob Devin Jones, artistic director “You always told me it takes time.

It’s taken my father’s time, my mother’s time, my uncle’s time, my brothers’ and my sisters’ time, my nieces’ and my nephews’ time… How much time do you want for your progress?”

James Baldwin Dr. Katurah Jenkins Hall, visiting professor of Health Equity & Social Justice, Eckerd College Voting exercises our collective power to influence social change, yet it is only a start. As the arc of the moral universe bends towards justice, we celebrate this historic victory, knowing that we must remain steadfast and unmovable, always abounding in this great work towards racial equity and social justice. We must actively support those we put our confidence in while we prayerfully and persistently work to bring about the change we seek.

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or-elect Ken Welch is inspiring and should restore our souls. The challenges his administration will face in the months and years ahead will test us to see if we can work collectively, seeking the greater common good rather than narrow selfish interests and greedy personal gain. I am encouraged, optimistic and faithful.

theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

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theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

kept getting wafts of foul fowl. It’s possible that bookstore owner Judy Bloom was standing near me when I realized the barnyard stench was coming from poop that had smeared from the back of a chair to my shirt.

I was forced into a Banana Republic Factory Store, where a shirt that hasn’t been owned by one or more people, cost me $29.99 (roughly a dozen thrift-store shirts). It was July in Key West and I almost suffocated in that stiff, unwashed burlap that reeked of fresh dye.

Three months later, I haven’t worn that shirt again. I should donate it — and then maybe buy it back for $1.25.

At the root of all of this is the lesson I’m teaching my children. We live in an era of cheap, disposable clothing — fast fashion. When people compliment my shirts it offers me the opportunity to brag about what I paid for them and “virtue signal” about the sustainability of thrift-store shopping. I’m hoping my kids will appreciate the moral high

JON KILE

Hipster Dad continued from page 14

ground that I occupy in my used attire.

I wear used clothes so my kids don’t have to grow up with the deprivation that Gen Xers like me suffered.

I grew up in a time when you had to walk across the room to change the TV channel and a “playlist” was

something you made by waiting all night to tape-record your favorite song from the radio. They’ll wear new clothing and hear their favorite music on demand.

And when they’re grown I’ll never let them forget that they had new toys because dad shopped at Goodwill.

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GULFPORT BUSINESS OWNERS WANTED

$ rebound

To ensure the revitalization and resiliency of local small businesses through a program that will generate long standing relations between City of Gulfport small businesses and City of Gulfport residents. The City’s incentive program will provide vouchers for Gulfport residents to be used at participating businesses that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.

Visit mygulfport.us/rebound/ businessapplication to register your business today!

Applications for eligible businesses to participate in the program will be available and begin being accepted on November 3, 2021 and the acceptance period will close on November 24, 2021.

mygulfport.us/rebound 20

theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

Gulfport Council Discusses Abortion A Gulfport woman’s request that Gulfport City Council pass a resolution supporting women’s control over their reproductive organs led to a debate on the dais.

“I ask you to continue Gulfport’s progress, championing a resolution for reproductive rights,” Natasha Milburn said at the Nov. 2 council meeting, “To protect abortion and let human rights make our own health care decisions.”

Mayor Sam Henderson demurred, saying he would rather council provide a letter of support.

“One of the things that people need to remember is that we do represent everybody,” Henderson said. “I don’t want to be the old white guy putting pen to paper, writing a resolution for women’s reproductive rights. I think that’s the wrong thing for me to do.”

Henderson added he would be “wide open” to someone creating a template of “what you would like for it to say, and putting it in the form of a letter.”

At Henderson’s urging when he became mayor, council stopped addressing national issues in the form of a resolution.

“We don’t have any ability to change those laws at this level,” Henderson said. “I am more than happy to put my name, and

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any other council member who wants to be a signatory and send that (letter) to Tallahassee or to any other representative that you want.”

“I would like to do a resolution, and there already is a written resolution that was done by Planned Parenthood,” Ward One Councilmember Thanos said.

“My preference is a signature, so I am going to stick by the letter,” Henderson replied.

Thanos, in response, told Henderson he “should check everybody’s opinion” and suggested that council place a resolution supporting women’s reproductive rights, written by Planned Parenthood and Equality Florida, on the next council agenda.

“Resolutions are ignored just as easily as a letter,” Henderson said. “I think a letter on the agenda would serve the purpose, but that’s my opinion.”

“I know it’s your opinion,” Thanos said. “But this is my opinion. A resolution is a stronger statement.”

Paul Ray, Ward Three Councilmember, suggested the council put together both a letter and a resolution, “and then decide at the next council meeting.”

“I personally don’t think it is time to go back to coat hangers; it is a

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By Jim McConville

Councilmembers Paul Ray and April Thanos at the 2021 Women’s March.

ridiculous situation that the state has put us in. But at the same time, I think a letter would be much more appropriate. I don’t want to put (council) people on the spot here,” Gulfport’s Ward Four Councilmember, Michael Fridovich, said.

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theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

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arts The Best of BungalowFest

The front porch friendly cottages of Historic Kenwood shine at BungalowFest

ABBY BAKER

By Abby Baker

ABBY BAKER

ABBY BAKER

BungalowFest’s “Art in the Garden” tour invited landscaping enthusiasts to sightsee within the gardens of St. Petersburg’s Historic Kenwood.

After a two-year hiatus, BungalowFest returned to St. Petersburg with a COVID-friendly theme: Art in the Garden. The self-guided tour brought local artists from the Artist Enclave of Historic Kenwood (AEHK) into the 13 outdoor gardens at the 23rd BungalowFest on Nov. 6.

“We wanted each of the gardens to be a totally different experience,” said Sharon Zimmeman, Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association committee member.

“This year, we really wanted to be sure that the homes were evenly dispersed among Kenwood.”

22

D. YaeL Kelley and her work.

Artists such as Richard Pollin and D. YaeL Kelley set up shop on the lawns and front porches of featured homes. The pair sold their art side by side at the Burlington Avenue bungalow with starkly contrasting work.

Pollin’s grunge photography featured crumbling houses and men in bondage; Kelley displayed abstract oils with layers of nonsensical colors.

Find all the BungalowFest featured creators and more AEHK artists historickenwood.org/about-aehk.

theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

The Sunshine Boys

By Neil Simon

November 11-21

Doctor’s orders! Socially-distant seating. Masks are required. Tickets must be purchased ONLINE. www.GulfportCommunityPlayers.org

Thurs-Fri-Sat @ 8 PM Sat & Sun @ 2PM Catherine Hickman Theater 26th & Beach

Tickets $20 ONLINE ONLY www.GulfportCommunityPlayers.org

Dean Wick (L) and Ron Zietz (R) portray former vaudeville comedians in this Neil Simon classic about theater, male friendship and comedy. Get set for a night of sparks, one-liners, and a flood of memories, and laughs.

No Lobby Sales - Tickets Must Be Purchased Online

City of Gulfport, Florida Notice of 2022 Municipal General Election and Qualifying Period

Ciudad de Gulfport, Florida Notificación del Periodo de Calificación y Elección General Municipal 2022

Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with

Por medio de la presente se notifica que de conformidad con las disposiciones de los Estatutos, la Ciudad de Gulfport celebrará una Elección General Municipal el martes 15 de marzo de 2022, se realizará para le elección de un Alcalde, un Miembro del Consejo para el Distrito I y un Miembro del Consejo para el Distrito III. La calificación iniciará a las 8:30 a. m. el lunes 6 de diciembre de 2021, y finalizará al mediodía del lunes 13 de diciembre de 2021. Los candidatos para Alcalde deberán ser residentes de la ciudad al menos durante un (1) año previo a la fecha de calificación y los candidatos para Miembros del Consejo deberán ser residentes de su distrito al menos durante un (1) año previo a la fecha de calificación. Comuníquese a la Oficina del Secretario de la Ciudad para recibir mayor información sobre la calificación y documentación requerida, 893-1012.

Charter provisions, the City of Gulfport will hold a Municipal General Election on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, for the election of Mayor, Council Member Ward I and Council Member Ward III. Qualifying begins at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, December 6, 2021 and ends at Noon, Monday, December 13, 2021. Candidates for Mayor shall be a resident of the city for at least one (1) year prior to the date of qualification and candidates for Council Member shall be a resident of their ward for at least one (1) year prior to the date of qualification. Please contact the Office of the City Clerk for further qualifying information and paperwork, 893-1012.

theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

23

City of South Pasadena

Holiday Tree Lighting!

Friday, November 19, 2021 at 6:30 PM Join us as Mayor Penny throws the switch and lights up South Pasadena!

Check out MySouthPasadena.com for more details!

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theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

Online Dating Can Be Murder

Florida writer Lisa Unger offers terrified escapism With its brisk pace and layered 2021 got you down? Sick and tired characters (including an “imagof global pandemics, environmental inary friend” from Wren’s childcollapse and the dystopian social hood), “Last Girl Ghosted” is enmores of the internet? Then I might joyable, even as it pushes all your have just the book for you: Lisa Ungfright buttons. Wren narrates in er’s newest thriller, “Last Girl Ghostpresent tense, often directly to the ed.” missing Adam (“Your eyes linger This hair-raising tale follows New on me as you close the door”) creYorker Wren Greenwood, author of a ating a poignant popular advice column, down a dan- “Last Girl Ghosted” isn’t sense of immedigerous rabbit hole so much escape from our acy and loss. The contemthat begins when weird historical moment story’s porary texture she meets Adam as it is immersion therapy. mixes with classic through an dating themes such as jealousy and beapp called Torch. (Does that sound trayal, family conflict, fate and rea bit ominous? It should). Wren falls demption – perhaps not a surprise hard for this serious, soft-spoken, for an author who lists among cybersecurity specialist, who seems her greatest influences Charlotte so different from the endless parade Brontë, Stephen King and Truman of self-promoters she’s met online.

Capote.

They even share a favorite poet: brilBut how will this help with the liant and broody Ranier Maria Rilke, 2021 blues? whose lines Unger weaves through“Last Girl Ghosted” isn’t so much out the novel. One night, she takes a escape from our weird historical daring step, revealing a long-buried moment as it is immersion therasecret. py. It plunges right into the underWren bares her soul. Then Adam, currents of loneliness, anxiety, and leaving only a cryptic text message, inhumanity that run through our disappears. Determined not to be headlines and our hearts, explorghosted, Wren follows a trail of clues ing a world in which hook-ups are to private eye Bailey Kirk. As she inchthe norm, emotional connections es closer to Adam, Wren must reckon are elusive and the pursuit of ronot only with the terrors of her past, mance requires you to master the but with the realties of her future. art of emotional (and sometimes physical) self-defense.

Fiction, as Unger points out, can be a powerful way to process frightening realities.

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Lisa Unger’s latest will make you never want to swipe right again.

“I have always turned to the page to metabolize the darkness and chaos I perceive in the world,” she reflects. And I see what she’s saying: As Wren’s heartbreak transforms into a quest for justice – a riveting pursuit that winds through shady spaces in the city and down lonesome country roads, as well as into the wilderness of the dark web – I see the outlines of our real-life search for trust and intimacy in a world where technology has changed the ways we connect to others.

Following Wren through the novel’s dark twists and turns might just shed a light on the darkness itself – and it will reward with the novel’s positively electrifying conclusion.

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the gabs When do you start your holiday shopping?

Photos by Gabrielle Reeder

Rachel Saltzgiver, Falls Church, VA: “The week before the holiday.”

Skylar Morgan, Buffalo, NY: “I usually start my Christmas shopping like three weeks or so before.”

Kimi Lamas, Austin, TX: “I usually start holiday shopping when the holidays are around the corner because it helps me get into the holiday spirit.”

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Samuel Coates, Berkeley, CA: “Well that depends on the holiday. So, for Christmas maybe I’ll start two or three weeks before. For Halloween, I bought this little number a week ago. Easter, I don’t normally do a lot of holiday shopping for that. Thanksgiving, again, not a lot of shopping. It really depends. You know. Just a couple weeks, maybe.”

Visit theGabber.com and click on the YouTube link to view more of The Gabs!

theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

crossword

Solution on page 35

Go Daddy-O

gabber on vacation

Solution on page 35

VIA MARGE FLYNN

sudoku

Gulfport residents Rick Rubow, Marge Flynn, Chris Crippen and Anthony Gonzalez spent a week in Puerto Rico... and did The Gabber Newspaper.

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

theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

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5501 Shore Blvd. S. Saturday, Nov. 13: Brittany Baldwin, 6 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 14: Justin Layman, 1-4 p.m.

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357 Corey Ave. Friday, Nov. 12: Janie Richards and Motel Funk!, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 13: The Griswolds, 6:30 p.m.

Woody’s Waterfront

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Saturday, Nov. 13: J.D. Early 7 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 14: Carl’s Piano Bar 3-7 p.m.

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Friday, Nov. 12: Jeremy Thomas Band, 7-11 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 13: R&B Project, 1-5 p.m., Scream Machine, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 14: Pete and Dean, Trio 1-5 p.m. & Cornfused, 6-10 p.m.

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Friday, Nov. 12: Kevin Toon, 5 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 13: Jeff Gurney, 6 p.m.

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Friday, Nov. 12: Anthony Barcelo, 1:30- 5:30 p.m. & Ryan Marchand, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 13: JT Wilde 1:30-5:30 p.m., Mark Mann, 6 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 14: Gail Trippsmith & Joey, 1:30-5:30 p.m. & Boston Bob 6 p.m.

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theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

things to do

Masks Recommended

Social Distancing Observed

Vegan Options

Dog-Friendly

Virtual

Gulfport’s Fishing Tournament + Acting Auditions + Disco Digs Find links for these events - and many other things to do - online at thegabber.com/events.

All Month Long Turkey on the mind? The Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center is accepting hams and turkeys 4-8 pounds for the center’s Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Drop off these Thanksgiving staples or $10 grocery gift cards.

Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport. Through Nov. 17: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Sunshine Boys Cut loose with a night of community theater, laughs and nostalgic male friendship at a showing of “The Sunshine Boys” by the Gulfport Community Players.

Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport. Through Nov. 21: Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 2 p.m. $20. gulfportcommunityplayers.org.

Friday, November 12 Funkytown Soul night returns to Gulfport, every second Friday of the month. There will be disco, funk, dancing, and rhythm and blues in the Gulfport Casino Ballroom. Arrive early for a hustle dance lesson.

Feel free to dress the part. Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd.

S., Gulfport. S. 7 p.m., lesson; and 8 p.m., dance.

Saturday, November 13 Deadliest Catch The Gulfport Marina will be a starting point for casting lines, catching fish and potentially winning thousands of dollars this Saturday. Rock the Bay’s Inshore Fishing Tournament & Festival is bringing a salty competition of anglers and rookies. Gulfport Marina, 4630 29th Ave. S., Gulfport. 6:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. timbchamber.org/fishing-tournament Miss Puff’s Boating School Learn boat safety, on-the-water tips and emergency situation information at this Gulfport Recreational Boating

Safety Course, led by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Complete the course and get your Florida Boating I.D. Card.

Happy (safe) sailing! 3120 Miriam St. S., Gulfport. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 630-6745352; merichardsonjr@att.net.

Tell your Tales, true or tall at the Second Saturday Story Tellers of Old Tampa Bay open mic. Express your spoken word for three-eight minutes in front of fellow story lovers. The stories are for grown-ups, but family friendly. Tellers present their favorite myths, humorous, personal, family history or other stories, and they’re often new stories they have created. Knock them out, verbally. Skyway Marina Mall, 4301 34th St. S., St. Petersburg.

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Parade On Treasure ​​ Island’s Veteran Day parade is back! Spend the day watching the action from the sidelines, or marching yourself.

The parade will head north on Paradise Boulevard to 107th Avenue/ TI Causeway, then head west on 107th Avenue/TI Causeway to 1st St. E., where the march will turn south to its last stop, the Treasure Island Community Center, 154 106th Ave., Treasure Island. 11 a.m.

Monday, November 15 - Tuesday, November 16 Are you a Skipper or a Mary Ann? The Gulfport Community Players are scouring the sea for the cast of “Gilligan’s Island, The Musical.” This Gulfport production will dance and sing around the iconic ‘60s TV comedy show in January. For now, interested crew members can prepare 16 bars of an upbeat song and be prepared to sing the “Gilligan’s Island” theme song (Google it if you need to!) The show runs with five masculine characters – Skipper, Gilligan, Professor, Thurston and an alien commander – and three feminine characters – Mary Ann, Ginger and Lovey. The Player’s Back Door Theater, 1619 49th St. S., Gulfport. 7 p.m.

theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

Monday, November 15 Plant Life Step into the monthly Botanicals and Brews market at Gulfport Brewery + Eatery for all your plant-based, green needs. The brewery’s outdoor garden will become a pop up space for vendors and green thumbs every third Monday of the month. Gulfport Brewery + Eatery, 3007 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. 5-8 p.m.

Monday, November 16 Need business advice? The St. Pete Beach Library has you covered. Whether you are starting up, facing trouble or ready to expand, SCORE can help. SCORE mentors are industry veterans who “pay it forward” by donating their time and expertise to industry babies who need it. This is a one-on-one class made to help you sell more flowers, dog sweaters or whatever you have on offer. St. Pete Beach Public Library, 365 73rd Ave., St. Pete Beach. 3-4 p.m.

Thursday, November 18 Sand Skyscrapers Not everyone can be a sand castle master, but someone is. Sanding Ovations Presents Sandlantis, a sand sculpting competition featuring the temporary, yet stunning, gigantic work of renowned sand sculptors. The free event brings sand art, kite displays, vendors and sea-lit fireworks to Treasure Island all weekend long. 10400 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

In the Know Gulfportians stay informed, live or later. Attend a Gulfport city council meeting with fellow residents. After reading The Gabber, this is the best way to stay up-to-date on happenings in city hall. Masks are highly recommended. Those who would like to avoid the crowds canwatch live and comment via Zoom. Gulfport City Hall, 2401 53rd St S., Gulfport.

6 p.m. mygulfport.us/councilmeetings

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obituaries lifetime best friend, Beverly Thompson Jerger.

The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses in the Med/Surg unit of St. Pete General for their care and compassion; it did not go unnoticed.

Susie will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Services to be held at a later date.

Susan Leigh Atkinson Merryman of Pinellas Park, formerly of Silver Spring, Maryland, passed away on Oct 21, 2021 at St. Pete General Hospital. Susie was born on May 6, 1954, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, to George “Lum” and Mary Atkinson (deceased.) She grew up in Gulfport, Florida, and attended Gulfport Elementary, Disston Junior High and Boca Ciega High School. She was a property manager in Maryland, and also worked at Strosniders Ace Hardware in Silver Springs, Maryland.

Susie loved life, loved listening to both of her sons sing, loved to dance with her husband, and had an enormous love for her family.

She is survived by her loving husband of 32 years, Ron Merryman; two sons, Michael (Robin) Rowe and Robert (Sondra) Rowe; two daughters, Cynthia (Robbie) Whitmore and Josie (Marie) Merryman; two grandsons, Trent and Alex; six granddaughters, Tiffany, Allina, Cassidy, Madison, and her youngest granddaughters Samantha and Tabitha (who both lovingly referred to their Grandmother as Silly Goose); her father, Lum Atkinson; two sisters, Mary DeAngelis, Cookie (Walter) Cottrell; many nieces, nephews, cousins (two of whom she thought of as brothers, Joe Hickman of Colorado and Bobby Powell of Georgia); aunts and uncles sprinkled around the country; friends Janet Weiner, Lynn Howser (who introduced Susie to Ron), Debbie and Ernie Reams; and Susie’s

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Elizabeth “Betsy” Rivero died peacefully at her home in Gulfport, Florida on Friday, Oct. 22 at age 92. Born in 1929 to Earle and Abigail Leonard of Trenton, New Jersey, she graduated from Trenton Central High in 1947 and from Mercer Hospital School of Nursing in 1950.

In December, 1953, she married Dr. August Serafin Rivero, an immigrant from Cuba, 11 months after their first blind date. From 1953-1956 she was the head maternity nurse at the West Jersey Hospital. After moving to Lawrenceville to raise their three children, she studied at Trenton State College in 1970 to be certified as a school nurse. For over a decade, Miss Betsy was beloved by the children she cared for in the Lawrence Township schools, famous for her Daffy Duck impression. After her husband was diagnosed with Parkinsons, Betsy and August retired to Florida in 1983.

Her youth was spent in Seaside Park, New Jersey – fishing, boating and swimming – instilling the love of the Jersey Shore in the generations

to follow. Betsy and August loved to golf, and they could dance the merengue like nobody’s business.

Betsy cared for her husband and volunteered for the Suncoast ADPA Chapter to help other families facing Parkinson’s. She enjoyed sewing, puzzles, playing cards with her grandchildren and bridge with the women of the Pasadena Yacht Club.

At her recent 90th birthday, Betsy’s life was celebrated by countless family and friends from across the country.

Thanks to the loving care of her daughter Joanne and hospice, she was able to stay in her beautiful home as she wished. Betsy is survived by her daughters Joanne and Linda (John), daughter-in-law Jodie, grandchildren Niccole, Samantha, Justin, Andrew and Tyler, and great-granddaughter Mia. She is preceded in death by her husband (2006) and son, John August (2017).

A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation or your local hospice.

Keith Stillwagon Funeral at Bay Pines VA, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines. Dec. 1, 2 p.m.; a Celebration of Life follows at 3:30 p.m. The Historic Peninsula Inn, 2937 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport.

Their life deserves more than five lines.

We make sharing it affordable.

Remember your loved ones forever with us.

Free obituaries available; prices range from $10-$300. Obituary on Legacy included

In partnership with

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worship Unitarian Universalist United Fellowship

During the pandemic join us Sundays on Zoom.

St. Vincent’s Thrift Shop 5124 Gulfport Ave S. 33707

Hours 10 AM to 2PM Wednesday to Saturday

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

AN EPISCOPAL CONGREGATION 330 85th Avenue • St. Pete Beach (Blind Pass Road at 85th Avenue)

Sundays 10:00am Holy Eucharist

5441 9 th Ave N. • St. Petersburg, FL 33710

“St. Alban's is an inviting faith community striving to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

So, no matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.”

Sunday Services 10AM & Noon Spanish Service

727-360-8406 • www.StAlbanStPeteBeach.org

Affiliated with

St Vincent’s Episcopal Church

HERE FOR YOU FOR 110 YEARS!

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.goodshepardocc.net 727-403-7178

First United Methodist Church of Gulfport Sundays:

28th Ave. S. & 53rd St.

321-3620

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

Beth-El Shalom Messianic Congregation

ShalomAdventure.com JewishHeritage.net Rabbi@JewishHeritage.net

We are excited to announce that Dr. Austin Mason O.D. has now joined his father Dr. John H. Mason P.A. providing the personalized family eye care you have trusted us with since 1984.

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME CONTACT LENS SPECIALIST • CHILDREN & ADULT VISION CARE • QUALITY FASHION EYEWEAR• TREATMENT OF EYE DISEASE • EMERGENCY CARE & LASIK CONSULTATION • GLAUCOMA & CATARACT TESTING MOST INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED INCLUDING MEDICARE, EYEMED, SUPERIOR, UNITED HEALTH CARE, SPECTERA, HUMANA VISION, VSP, AND BCBS

DR. AUSTIN MASON O.D.

5712 5TH AVE. N. • MEDICAL PLAZA BUILDING

344-0800 • MASONEYECLINIC.COM theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

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CLASSIFIEDS

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

CAROL’S ERRANDS & MORE

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

Caregivers

Do you need help with daily activities? I can be of assistance to you! Shopping, Meal Planning/Meal Prep, Transportation To & From Appointments, Help Around the Home and More. 727-365-0884

PROFESSIONAL CARPET, GROUT & PRESSURE CLEANING

The pollen has finally subsided. Make your home beautiful again. We pressure clean fences, driveways, homes, sidewalks, pavers, stepping stones, pool cages, pool area, you name it we can make it look new again.

40 yrs exp. Excellent references, call 727743-0701 for a free estimate.

HAPPIEST HOUSEKEEPER IN GULFPORT Computer Service

Non-Medical Home Care • Private Duty Personal Care • Companionship Homemaker Services • No Contracts Licensed, Bonded, Insured Nurse Owned & Operated

Free In-Home Consultation / RN Assessment

CALL TODAY 727-381-7498

www.omnipresentcaregivers.com Care@OmniPresentCaregivers.com

HOMEWATCH CAREGIVERS OF ST. PETE BEACH

Serving the greater St. Petersburg area.

Family owned and local business. Providing in home personal aid companion care, after surgery care, 24-hour care, dementia care, postpartum support, childcare, to name a few. 727-914-7472 hwcg.com/St-PeteBeach AHCA #299995153

QUALITY COMPANION AVAILABLE FOR YOUR LOVED ONE

I am dependable, have 25 + yrs. in Nursing/ Rehab facilities, level 2 background check, CNA, vaccinated, good driving record and have excellent references. 31 yr. Gulfport resident. Donna 727-564-0464

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

Cleaning / Housekeeping

I shine and I’ll make your house shine, happily! Call Laura. 727-557-4247

Now Hiring, Retiree’s Welcomed

Computer Problems?

No Problem!

JS COMPUTER REPAIR Mobile Computer Repair – $40 per visit/hr – 727-643-0697, jmswebservices.com

Gulfport Computer Repair Fast Friendly Service

727-388-3493

perfectworldllc.com 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.

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

FREE ESTIMATES

525-0677

Licensed Bonded Insured St. Lic. #EC0002881

SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT!

2321 49th St S

Mon-Thu 10am-5pm

15 Years in Gulfport 45 Years Experience

Computer Sales

Fax, Copy, Print

COMPUTER SERVICES 727-343-2838

In-Home Services: Internet Security, Training, Virus & SpyWare Removal, Maintenance & Repair, Data Recovery. (PC & Mac).

727-687-7999 CourtesyElectricFL@gmail.com

5030 78th Ave. N. Suite 12, Pinellas Park, FL 33781

COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR LICENSED AND INSURED EC-13008313

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

theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

Handy Person

Home Improvement

Miscellaneous Service

CLEAN UP CLEAN UP CLEAN UP Handy Helper. 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 experience. Holiday season is near. St Pete /Gulfport area. Call James 407-244-6045

TAMPA BAY FLOORS & CARPETS CLEANING SOLUTION

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

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.

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.

Heat / Air Conditioning

We offer Marble, Vinyl, Ceramic, Grout Cleaning, All Kinds of Carpet Cleaning. We Clean Upholstery, Also Power washing. We Cover All Your Cleaning Needs. We are fully Equipped We are 24:7 Emergency Flooding Service COVID Fumigation Available 727623-7948 Or 813-750-9851 Lawn & Landscape

EXPERT SPRINKLER REPAIR

Rich Moseley, irrigation contractor. 25 years experience. Reasonable rates. Well & pumps. 727-439-0792. Lic.#C8312. BBB Accredited.

IRRIGATION STAIN REMOVAL

Remove ugly rust-colored irrigation stains from PVC fence, siding - stucco - wood, pavers, railings, windows and most other surfaces around your house or business including signage. Cars, too.

Free estimate and demonstration. Surprisingly low prices. Call/text 727-3607070 RustStainRemoval@icloud.com

Moving & Hauling CHARLES JUNK HAULING & DEMOLITION Junk & trash removal. Low, low prices guaranteed. Daily specials. Kitchen, bath, shed, fencing, etc. Demolition. 727-831-0507.

Painting 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.

PINNIX PAINTING INC. Interior, Exterior.

In Business Locally Since 1980. Free Estimates. Commercial, Residential. References Upon Request. Lic. #C4334. 727-6411888. We appreciate your business.

WHEN QUALITY COUNTS

Trust Masters Painting. Making Happy Customers for 42 yrs. Pressure Cleaning, Waterproofing, Honest, Reliable. 727-3441674. References, Guaranteed. Lic.#C4749.

ARNEY’S PAINTING INC.

30 years experience. Painting expert plus wallpaper hanging and removing. Lic. #C9579. Call Arney 727-900-3459 BYRON JOHNSON PAINTING PLUS, INC. Time to refresh the interior/exterior of your house or business? High Quality, Professional Painting. Free estimates. Lic.#9894.

Insured. 727-365-1088 Plumbing

PROFLO PLUMBING 727-902-7077

“Same rates seven days a week”

NO SERVICE CHARGE EVER! CAC1815513

727

709-7979 www.AirPhillips.com

QUALITY AT WORK

Luke Phillips

3914 6th St S St. Petersburg

AFFORDABLE PROMPT • RELIABLE Licensed & Insured

Lee Claxton, I.S.A. Certified Arborist

Home & Condo Maintenance

D.C. STRONG

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

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

727-220-0226 AnAffordableArborist@gmail.com

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

Professional Services

DARLENE KAY FROM TANGLEZ HAIR AND NAILS

St. Pete Beach. Now offering 20% off all services for all clients. ph: 727- 424-4124

Automotive FORD TAURUS SE 2003 One owner, 80k original miles, all power, Cold A/C alloys, Nice blue color, good transportation $2,950. 727-748-9117

theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

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For Sale

GIVE THE GIFT OF JEWELRY

The holidays are quickly approaching. Get ahead of the rush and purchase a custom, one of a kind or limited-edition jewelry item today! Visit www.TeeSankeyDesigns. com Use code GABBER for 10% off your purchase.

FOR SALE Full size GE refrigerator with Ice Maker $200, 2 apartment size refrigerators $75 each, Large Antique Cherry wood dining room set with table (62” x 40” - covers included) & 6 chairs, $300 plus large matching China Cabinet $300, White dining room set (covers included) with 4 chairs $100, White ceramic floor lamp with dolphin design $75, Rod iron and glass coffee table with 2 end tables $75, Long rectangular coffee table with 3 glass panels (54”x24”) $75. Various crystal pieces and corning ware, priced to sell. 727418-8442 General GULFPORT LIONS CLUB Available for parties, weddings, meetings. Great waterfront location with full facilities. Call Jean for info and dates. 727-366-6341.

Church Yard Sale

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED LINE ADS ONLINE!

6168 First Ave. N. • St Pete

Saturday, Nov. 13 8am – 2pm

Real Estate for Rent

FITNESS SPACE FOR RENT

Personal trainers, fitness class leaders, yoga instructors we have a space for you in Gulfport. 17x27 room with padded floor, bathroom and more. Hourly, weekly, monthly. Some storage available. Call 305619-9734.

Real Estate for Sale

Get a FREE HAM from Nelda Hamm for listing a property!

727-418-8948

neldasellsfla@gmail.com Health & Fitness NEW SIEMENS/SIGNIA BTE HEARING AIDS(S) $200/$250 EACH. New Siemens/ Signia Behind The Ear hearing aids, for Moderate to Severe hearing loss, BIG hearing improvement! $200 each, or $250 each for Severe to Extreme hearing loss model. 727796-0166

Nelda Hamm

3037 Beach Blvd. S. 505 Pasadena Ave. S.

Yard / Garage Sale YARD SALE You can find a vast variety of gifts to clothes at the Columbiettes of St. Joseph Catholic Church’s yard sale. In addition, there will be sweets and food on sale. The yard sale is Nov. 13 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2101 22nd Ave. So. CHRISTMAS RECYCLE PLUS PLUS SALE St. Petersburg Garden Club is having their third annual Christmas Recycle Plus Plus Sale on Saturday November 20, 9am – 3pm.

Recycle Christmas items, gifts, plants and vendors.. Hope to see you there at 500 Sunset Drive South (Park Street S. and 5th Ave. So.) For more information, call 727 381-8920.

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solution

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

Are you thinking about

Let Marie Drew be your guide!

Marie has been helping sellers in Gulfport for over 15 years as a Realtor and broker with RE/MAX (earning a Hall of Fame designation) with a big heart for our elderly Gulfport residents. Marie and her team has everything you need to get your home sold quickly and professionally.

Call today to find out why we are home to the #1 trusted agents in the business based on a recent national survey.

Marie Drew 727-657-1259

mdrew@remax.net theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021

6641 Central Ave 35

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 Physician Supervised Weight Loss Program 2001 Board Certified 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.

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theGabber.com | November 11, 2021 - November 17, 2021