Announcements

Help Bring Holiday Cheer to Seniors

The Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S., offers a chance for folks to bring cheer to a senior with a gift for the holidays. Head to the center, choose a gift tag for a deserving senior, and become a Silver Santa Shopper, providing gifts for seniors that might otherwise be forgotten. Silver Santas is a grassroots project that provides gifts during the holiday season to isolated and low-income seniors through providers like assisted living communities, senior housing communities and guardians or caregivers. For more information, call 727-893-5657.

Get Ready to Deck Your Halls

Are you ready to get in the holiday spirit and brighten up Gulfport for the holiday season? It’s time for the City of Gulfport’s Holiday Decorations Contest. Santa and his elves will judge on Wednesday, December 16. No one knows what time the big red sleigh will come through, but please be ready by 6 p.m. Deadline to enter the contest is noon on December 16. There are two theme categories: general and commercial. The general theme is for single home only, and the commercial theme is for single business and professional locations, including home occupations. Stop by the Gulfport Recreation Center or City Hall to pick up an application. Call 727-893-1068 for more.

Don’t Be a Scam Victim

Scammers are getting more creative during the pandemic, preying on folks of all ages, backgrounds and incomes. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is here to help, protect and educate consumers on fraud at the gas pump, through tele-marketing schemes and sham charities. If you have concerns about charities, consumer issues, or are a victim of fraud, visit floridaconsumerhelp.com or call 1-800-help-fla or 1-800-fl-ayuda en Español.

Need a Little Help from Santa?

Gulfport kids could use a little cheer and it’s time again for Santa to make his list and check it twice. If you are a Gulfport resident and could use a little help, the Gulfport Police Department “Operation Santa” is now accepting applications for Christmas assistance through December 18 between 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday at 2401 53rd St. S. Operation Santa will collect Christmas gifts for kids up to 10 years. For more information, call at 727-893-1097 and leave a message.

Share the Warmth

The Gulfport Senior Center is helping folks stay warm this winter with a blanket drive. Join the effort by donating a new or gently used blanket through December 10 at 5501 27th Ave. S. Call 727-893-5657 or email gpseniorcenter@ mygulfport.us for more.

Know When to Water

As we head into the drier season, St. Petersburg residents need to observe twice-a-week watering rules for potable, well and surface water irrigation. Know your zones and days, check for updates or download the watering restrictions fact sheet at stpete.org/water, or call 727-8925300.

Curbside Reading at the Library

Don’t feel safe going back into public places? The Gulfport Public Library has you covered at the curb! You can pick up requested materials — books, reemployment forms, tax forms, your copy of the Gabber, what have you — at the curb. You can either reserve books online, via email, or by calling the library, Pick up materials Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Get more details at mygulfport.us/gpl.

Saving Water Pays

Did you know St. Petersburg residents can get a rebate for rain barrels and rain gardens? The City of St. Petersburg developed the Rainwater Rebate Program to help folks conserve water and reduce stormwater runoff. Residents may be eligible for up to $100 for installing water-saving features. Email rainwaterrebates@ stpete.org or call 727-893-7341 to learn more.