Announcements

Need a COVID Test?

Community Health Centers of Pinellas and the Florida Department of Health offer COVID-19 testing at locations throughout the county. Visit covid19. pinellascounty.org/testing for sites and hours.

St. Pete Beach Public Library

The Little Free Pantry located just outside the St. Pete Beach Library, 7470 Gulf Blvd., has been more popular than anticipated and they would appreciate any donations. Also for the kids: Try their new Take & Make Kits on the themes of art, engineering, coding or upcycling. Activities are geared toward grades 3 to 5 and offer a fun, hands-on way to learn at home. Visit spblibrary. com for more, or to browse the catalog.

Senior Center Offers Classes Online

The Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center may be closed, but pre-recorded classes are still in session. Chair exercises, yoga, art, writing, language, cooking classes and more are available on GTV 640, or streaming on Zoom, Facebook and YouTube. Call 727-893-5657 or visit fb.com/GulfportSeniorCenter.

Virtual Learning on the Beach

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

Operation Santa Needs Little Helpers

For 29 years, Gulfport Police Department employees have sponsored “Operation Santa” to give toys to needy children in Gulfport. Operation Santa is successful

in part due to the contributions from residents. This year they want help in the form of monetary donations, new unwrapped toys, and gift cards. It’s been a particularly challenging year for some families and your thoughtfulness will make their holiday. Call 727-893- 1097 and leave a message.

You Might Qualify for a Free Smoke Detector

The City of Gulfport provides free smoke detectors for elderly and low-income households within Gulfport City limits. If you need one, please call 727-893- 1059 for more information.

St. Bart’s Thrift Shop is Open

Fans of St. Bart’s Thrift Store rejoice! The store reopened its doors on Tuesday, September 22 with safety measures in place. Throughout the pandemic, volunteers have collected donations, so they have plenty to offer. The shop is ready to welcome back their regular customers with masks and social distancing. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shop is at 3747 34th St. S. Proceeds benefit the church food pantry.

Have a Blast at Gulfport’s Teen Night

Register now for Gulfport’s Teen Night Program for teens and middle school kids to age 17. Teens enjoy recreational and social activities, as well as monthly field trips, cooking projects, service projects and overnight lockins. The teens get to use the Gulfport Recreation Center’s gymnasium, game room and outdoor area on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. Annual registration costs $3 for residents/$25 non-residents. For more, call John at 727-893-1079.

Drivers Wanted

Meals on Wheels needs you…to drive. The Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center, as part of the Neighborly Dining & Meals on Wheels program, delivers meals to those who need it, provided they’re at least 60 years old. Little problem: They don’t have enough drivers. People who can volunteer to deliver meals should visit neighborly.org.