Digital subscriptions provided by the City of Gulfport THE GABBER.COM No. 2738
December 9 - December 15, 2021
Gulfport-Based Elves By Abby Baker
VERONICA DASILVA
An early letter delivered by Brianna in 2020.
The five-foot-tall box has been collecting children’s letters and sending back responses from the big man himself since 2019 – and this year, Santa’s Mailbox helpers Veron-
ica DaSilva and Julie Stenstrom hope to collect 1,000 handwritten notes. It’s no small feat for the retired pair. “I went to 11 nearby schools to
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drop off flyers and get the word out,” DaSilva said. “Some of them had never heard about it, but they were really jazzed.”
Santa continued on page 8
Online at thegabber.com, we update you on who’s running in Gulfport elections, what our reviewer thought of freeFall’s “The Night Before”, and how to help needy families with Operation Santa.
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voices How Did Larry Die? I read the article about Larry and what is listed (is) powerful. Let his widow know to go obtain his medical records, which she is entitled to, and compare what is on there to what is listed on the death certificate. If in fact they list COVID/pneumonia as his admitting diagnosis then she has a right to have this on his death certificate. I have worked in the hospital system for the past 15 years and still am. Omitting and falsifying a chartered diagnosis is a concern and frowned upon. –Joanne Banno, Gulfport
Festival of (Mini) Trees The Gulfport Historical Society Board of Directors would like to thank all those who made this past weekend’s Festival of (Mini) Trees auction fundraiser a success. Thank you to the 20 different artists who participated, the volunteers who set up the exhibit at the museum, the library and the night of the auction. Thanks also to Barbara Banno for letting us use Stella’s for the auction and to auctioneer Philip Bailey. Last but not least, thank you to all who came out and supported the event, and who placed the winning bids for a unique holiday art tree. –Nicole Spence, Amanda Hagood, Cathy Salustri Loper, Margarete Tober, Bob Bates, David Kanter and Jim Thaler
Thoughts on Thanksgiving & the New Year
REMEMBER: Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
Thanksgiving Day season. First: I learned that Congress never asked for an annual celebration of Plymouth Colony or any other colony, so there’s no need to dress in Pilgrim costumes and to sing hymns about Plymouth Rock. I participated in a church service that never mentioned Massachusetts. Cranberry sauce and pumpkin pies were mentioned, but it was acknowledged there are many people, in many places, who enjoy the autumn harvest. Sauerkraut and potatoes are popular with some families, and you can serve conch chowder and key lime pie, and anything else that seems appropriate. What do you like to eat on special days? What’s needed are national holidays that are multiracial, multicultural, and multi-regional. It may happen for Thanksgiving Day. In the meantime, put the New Years Day holiday to good use. It doesn’t belong to this group or that group, and New Years Day isn’t associated with a particular time or place in history. According to some reports, it’s the most popular holiday in the world, although there are different traditions in the different nations. In the Philippines, there’s lots of noise, in order to drive away evil spirits. People in Denmark smash dishes on their doorsteps. In the rowdy areas in Cuba, pedestrians are doused with buckets of water. In our region, there are several shell mounds. We’re reminded that indigenous people lived in Gulfport
The American Thanksgiving Day holiday has come and gone. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of climate change, and a hundred other problems that can be named, the need to express gratitude continues. You’re still alive, if you can read The Gabber. There are opportunities to get things right in our region during the new year. It may happen. Give thanks that you can do some good for your neighbors and yourself during the months ahead. I learned several things during the
theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
and St. Petersburg long before the Europeans arrived. The first day of thanksgiving in our area may have taken place thousands of years ago. Keep asking, “What happened to those people? How do we honor their memory?” Native Americans live in today’s Sunshine State. It’s important to ask, “How do we work for peace with justice for all of the nations?” There’s a need to get things right in Florida. New Years Day is famous for promises of good behavior but there have been too many broken promises. Make some progress in the new year. —Robert Murphy, Pinellas Point 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 personal attacks on private citizens 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 Madeira Beach Commissioners Remain in Legal Battle
The Lawsuit, Alleging Sunshine Law Violations, Names Mayor and Commissioners By Mike Sunnucks
CITY OF MADEIRA BEACH
The lawsuit alleges the Madeira Beach mayor and some commissioners circumvented open government laws.
The City of Madeira Beach has been dropped from a lawsuit challenging the beach town’s process for hiring a new city attorney. The lawsuit, brought by William Gay, still names Madeira Beach Mayor John Hendricks and Commissioners Doug Andrews, Nancy Hodges and Helen ”Happy” Price as defendants. Gay is suing over the mayor and commissioners’ decision to hire Thomas J. Trask and his law firm Trask Daigneault LLP as city attorney in 2020, arguing the process violated Florida’s Sunshine Law. Florida’s Sunshine Laws require public meetings and transparency for government decisions, including personnel hires and procurement. The Madeira Beach Board of Commissioners approved Trask’s hiring and a retainer plan at a meeting in 2020. Gay argues the approval runs afoul of state transparency laws. Trask previously served as city attorney in 2015; he resigned in 2017. He also does legal work for other Pinellas County jurisdictions. He succeeded Ralf Brookes as Madeira Beach city attorney. Brookes served in the post from 2017 until being dismissed by the commissioners in April 2020 before Trask’s hiring. The lawsuit points to city meetings in 2020, a request for proposals (RFP) for legal services and the appointment of Trask last year as violating the state’s Sunshine Law. “In the past, the city always held public meetings with candidates during the selection process for filling a city attorney vacancy. At those meetings, the commission and the public were present during the interviews of all candidates by the commission as required by the Sunshine Law. The entire selection process during past city attorney appointments was conducted in public via no-
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ticed public meetings,” Gay contends in his lawsuit filed in Pinellas County Circuit Court in October. The suit contends Madeira Beach officials held private meetings with Trask and potentially other city attorney candidates. The suit also contends legal retainer fees were also negotiated privately. “The commissioners violated the Sunshine Law by holding private unnoticed interviews with Trask for the purpose of selecting a city attorney and negotiating his retainer,” Gay contends in his lawsuit. Gay’s attorney – Marcy LaHart – referred the case to her client. He has not yet responded to those requests. The City of Madeira Beach, mayor and commissioners filed for motion to dismiss the case Nov. 10 arguing the lawsuit “failed to properly plead a cause of action on behalf of the ‘citizens of the city’ and questioned where the court had jurisdiction over the local government’s decisions. LaHart filed a motion with the court on Nov. 30 to remove the city from Gay’s lawsuit. She said the civil case continues against the mayor and named commissioners. Madeira Beach officials and attorneys either declined comment or did not respond to requests for comment from The Gabber. “I would love to talk about this, but have been advised by our city attorney not to have any comment until the case is resolved,” Hendricks said. Price and Hodges also declined comment on the case. Trask also declined to comment on “pending litigation.” Commissioner David Dean Hutson is not named in Gay’s lawsuit. Public officials and others who violate Florida’s Sunshine Law could face fines, suspension or removal from office and potentially misdemeanor charges.
theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
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Breathing Life in Boca Ciega Bay
Living Shoreline Project Will Offer a More “Natural” Experience, Protect Shoreline By Jim McConville
CITY OF GULFPORT
As part of the Living Shoreline project, the city will place oyster cones and bags in Boca Ciega Bay.
Gulfport City Council got a sneak peek at Phase I of the Gulfport’s Marina Living Shoreline Improvement Project to redevelop the southern tip of Gulfport Marina. Environmental Science Associates, a Tampa Bay environmental consulting firm, outlined the project at the Nov. 16 council meeting. Estimated to cost around $350,000, the first leg of the project is to make the marina resi-
dent friendly and block storm erosion. The City of Gulfport paid ESA $65,000 to plan the marina restoration and apply for funding grants. The city hopes its Phase I price tag will be paid in part by a $175,000 Florida State Department of Environment Protection grant, along with local or matching funding, said Gulfport City Manager Jim O’Reilly. “Like any project in our city, we
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had to leverage our dollars, looking for ways to fund the project,” O’Reilly said. The DEP will make its grant decision by July 1, he said. When completed, the Gulfport Marina project will improve marina public access. “It’s to give the public the natural experience like at Clam Bayou, without impacting the environmental as-
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theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
pects of it – to create public access,” O’Reilly said. “And at the same time, improve this area to provide better protection for the south base of the (Gulfport) marina.” Erosion Worries
funding two years later, applying for an estimated $800,000 grant from the Florida State Legislature. While the house bill passed by committee, it was subsequently eliminated by a line-item veto by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. “The governor does have the ability to line-item veto things, and he elected, two days before signing the budget, to veto the project,” O’Reilly said. Phase I would be completed within a year of approval and funding, according to city documents.
there, while ensuring the environmental aspect – birds and other wildlife – of it,” O’Reilly said. “It’s to improve the resiliency and the aesthetic of it.” Gulfport has also started talking with Boca Ciega Yacht Club officials about the city’s plans to improve a dry storage area adjacent to the club. “We would make it a permeable surface and improve the aesthetics and the security aspects of it, while attempting to create more public access to the water,” O’Reilly said. The city has contacted Boca Ciega Yacht Club officials to discuss how the club may be impacted by the marina restoration plans, O’Reilly said. The club, he explained, may need to move some its boats as part of the Phase II to upgrade the upland portion of the park. “When (the) lease issues are resolved, it will likely include an area that they may utilize,” O’Reilly said. “We’ve been in regular contact with club leaders, and that the planned (marina) changes “may require relocating some of their equipment and their vessels,” O’Reilly said. Added O’Reilly: “We’ve got two or three issues that need to be resolved, and yes the crane they utilize is one of them, but our goal is to open up as much to public access, and at the same time allow the club to maintain its presence in that area to the east side.”
It will also reduce ongoing ecological erosion to the marina. “The protection of Gulfport Marina is slowly eroding away due to wave energy,” said Thomas F. Ries, Southeast Biological Services and Restoration director/vice president of ESA at the Nov. 16 council meeting. Phase I, if funded and approved, Upland Improvements would install two tiers of oysters in front of the marina peninsula Phase II of Gulfport’s Living Shoreto strengthen its shoreline barrier line would build the upland portion against erosion. the project, O’Reilly The oyster tiers create a of The first tier of said. “oyster domes” natural barrier layer that Phase II was initialare concrete would protect the penin- ly expected to cost cones filled with sula against a Category around $800,000, oysters plantbased upon an es2 hurricane. ed in bay water timate provided by just off the peninsula. A second tier Clearwater-based construction of oyster-filled burlap bags – to range management firm Cardno Construcfrom 65 lbs. to 400 lbs. each – would tion. be planted in the peninsula sand. To O’Reilly said that figure is likely to gether, the oyster tiers create a natube scaled back. ral barrier layer that would protect the Phase II is to provide the marina a peninsula against a Category 2 hurripedestrian walkway, a small scenic cane, Ries said. overlook, docks and piers similar to The city’s Living Shoreline project Clam Bayou, and educational sigwas first proposed during Gulfport’s nage along the way. 2018-19 budget talks, but tabled for “It’s to structurally improve the lack of funding. The city sought state upland area, so to protect what’s
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The now-holiday tradition first got serious steam when multiple classes from Gulfport Montessori Elementary dropped off their own wishes to Santa last year. In all, the Gulfport box received 350 letters in 2020 – and Santa promptly answered each and every one. The enthusiasm from the community - this year the box got its first letter of the season before December - prompted the 1,000 goal by DaSilva. “I’ll do anything to put a smile on a kid’s face, especially this past year with COVID,” DaSilva said. “People always want to help and volunteer … and we need the help when we get a big drop off all at once.” Flyers have also been spotted at local Gulfport businesses, an idea that DaSilva and Julie Stenstrom hatched after perhaps their most heartwarming Santa’s Mailbox story last year. A letter from an adopted teen came in pleading for Santa to fix his mother’s 1994 Ford Thunderbird,
VERONICA DASILVA
Santa continued from cover
The first letter of the holiday season got to Santa’s Mailbox in Gulfport a few days before Dec. 1.
explaining that hers was unsafe to drive. Gulfport Garage owner Eric Cudar fixed up her vehicle pro bono when he heard the news. “That just still touches us to this
day,” DaSilva said. Drop off letters anytime at Santa’s Mailbox: 2304 51st St. S. Santa and his team of Gulfport-based elves respond to letters every few days.
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theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
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Shuman Lives On
Bogie Basketball Coach Gets His Name on the Court He Dominated The now-retired Randy Shuman returned to the Kenneth T. Robinson Memorial Gymnasium with his iconic handlebar mustache a bit whiter than when he started at Boca Ciega High School 34 years before. Bogie officially renamed the court “Shuman Court” at the dedication on Nov. 30, and Shuman was quick to reminisce. “This is perhaps one of the most humbling experiences of my life,” Shuman said. “And I’m blessed to have had administrative support through my entire ride.” Three years after he started at Bogie, he became head coach – and held that role for 31 years. Former student athletes – some from decades back – sat among the fresh faces of today’s team, all to honor Shuman’s legacy of 601 games and a state title. “Basketball is a tough sport to coach; you miss Thanksgiving, Christmas and summers,” Shuman said. He retired in February of 2021, but not before making his name – and stories – a piece of the Gulfport school. The famous tale of how Shuman threw his jacket into the crowd in a fit of rage (or excitement) lives
ABBY BAKER
By Abby Baker
“It was here, during practice on this court that we had some of our best games,” Shuman said.
on – and he demonstrated it – at Tuesday’s dedication. “There was a time that they were putting names on everything in this school .. we used to have a joke that I would maybe
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get a urinal,” Shuman joked. “But really, it’s the guys that did all the work … the players that could play this game at a very high level and the coaches that make this a great thing.”
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Picturesque Picnics The Picnic Boys Pop-Up By Gabrielle Reeder
THE PICNIC BOYS
A picnic along the seawall of Downtown St. Pete
In June, Ryan Winters and Jay Negron, otherwise known as The Picnic Boys, noticed a pop-up picnic trend stemming from the West Coast. The couple decided to bring their own version to the East Coast and serve Tampa Bay. Starting as a small, popup business, The Picnic Boys now
cater to weddings, proposals, baby showers and birthday parties. “It was just a small little idea, and then it kind of blew up. We started in June and were booking two to six, maybe eight people picnics and then September, for some reason, it just, it blew up. I feel like we’re al-
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most a full-blown event company,” Negron said, adding that The Picnic Boys have catered to weddings and around 25 proposals, so far. With the urge to make the pop-up picnics their own, and combine their individual interests (Negron’s sales background and Winters’ decorating experience), the couple created their business model, separating themselves from the West Coast businesses. “They were doing like boho, like a boho theme, that’s like really trending now, and we kind of just thought, how could we do this differently, because boho is not necessarily our style. I love decorating and I love a good themed party, so we’re like, why don’t we do themes,” Winters said. Including seasonal themes, the Picnic Boys have nine total themes. Christmas, Halloween, Tiki Kiki,
theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
THE PICNIC BOYS
THE PICNIC BOYS
Set up for a two person beach picnic
Golden Garden, Nautical, Beach Tropical, Golden Woods, Beach Breeze and Cursed Queen,” Winters said, adding that the duo is open to adding more. “When we first started out, it was kind of like throwing a whole bunch of paint against a wall and trying to figure out what looked good together,” Winters said. If there is a specific ornamental
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object Winters is fond of, he designs the theme around it. For example, for the most popular theme among customers, as well as Negron’s favorite, the Golden Garden theme came from Winters’ fondness toward a “gold birdcage tabletop candle holder”. The Picnic Boys recently hosted their first baby shower tea party, which elevated Winters’ desire for more tea parties. “Now I’m really
craving to do a Mad Hatter Tea Party theme, so that’ll probably end up coming out,” Winters said. Negron and Winters set up the picnics briskly. Between the two of them, a two person picnic setup takes about 20 minutes with an even quicker take-down time. For parties up to 25 people, the setups are between an hour and 1.5 hours, according to The Picnic Boys.
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crime DeSantis’ Incentives May Not Help Local Police
They Could Grow the Hiring Pool, But Won’t Help With Retention Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signing bonus plan for new local police recruits will help grow applicant pools but law enforcement agencies face other challenges in hiring and retaining officers, according to Gulfport Police Chief Robert Vincent. DeSantis unveiled a $400 million plan Monday, Nov. 29, that would raise the pay for state police, offer $5,000 signing bonuses for local police recruits and waive certification exam and other fees for other new officers. Vincent said the state plan will potentially help with overall officer recruitment, but not with some of the wider issues of pay at the local level. “If these benefits are applied universally throughout the state, it will likely increase the pool of applicants, which will certainly help. However, it will do nothing to make us more competitive in our job market. Much of our recent turnover is due to officers leaving to work for local agencies with higher pay or better benefits,” Vincent said. Gulfport Police officers earn between $22.50 per hour and $33.08 per hour, Vincent said. That translates to between $49,140 to $72,247 per year for full-time work. Gulfport officers work a 42-hour work week. The Gulfport chief said the department has four of its 32 sworn officer positions currently vacant.
GULFPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT
By Mike Sunnucks
Gulfport Police earn $9,000-21,000 less than neighboring St. Petersburg Police.
The challenge for some smaller local agencies – in Florida and across the country – is that they don’t pay as well as other departments, so they often see their current and prospective officers take higher-paying positions. St. Petersburg Police’s pay for officers ranges between $27.89 per hour ($58,016 per year) to $45.11 per hour ($93,832 per year). The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office – which provides police services for all unincorporated parts of Pinellas, as well as smaller cities, including Madeira Beach, South Pasadena and St. Pete Beach – offers starting pay for new recruits at $39,220 per
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year and deputies can earn between $51,728 and $80,287, depending on experience and duties, according to job postings. DeSantis’ plan would put $73 million toward raising state police officers’ pay by 20% to 25% and another $135 million to up base compensation for correctional officers. State troopers’ pay currently starts at $41,918 per year after graduating from the police academy. State police who live and work in Pinellas County currently have starting pay of $46,917 per year. At the local level, the governor’s push calls for $5,000 signing bonuses for police recruits, waiving state certification and training fees for officers relocating to Florida as well as $1,000 annual bonuses for paramedics, law enforcement, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and firefighters. DeSantis has also offered $5,000 bonuses for police officers who want to relocate to Florida from other states. Earlier this year, the state also approved $1,000 “pandemic bonuses” for first responders statewide. The Florida Legislature will vote on bonuses and higher pay, the governor said.
theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
Kia Meets Caddy’s
The Restaurant Remains Open and Police Say the Driver Was Not Injured A 67-year-old woman drove her car into a wall at Caddy’s Gulfport restaurant and bar the afternoon of Dec. 2. Gulfport Police Sergeant Thomas Woodman said the woman “was attempting to park and hit the gas instead of the brake, and ran into the Caddy’s.” Woodman said the driver was not injured and there were no injuries to staff or customers inside the restaurant and bar on Beach Boulevard South. He said the restaurant building was judged “structurally sound” after the mishap. The accident happened around 3 p.m. on Dec. 2. There was minor damage to the driver’s 2016 silver Kia sport utility vehicle, Woodman said. Caddy’s Gulfport location remains open with estimates on repairs to damage caused by the car ongoing. Restaurant employees did respond quickly to see if the driver was OK. There are also Caddy’s locations in Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, Bradenton, St. Pete Beach and Indian Shores.
MIKE FAGAN
By Mike Sunnucks
The driver was uninjured, Gulfport PD says. Additionally, the building remains structurally sound.
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15
arts The Muralists of Tomorrow
The Legacy of Gibbs Mural Club Lives On in Color For 10 days, Gibbs High School art students chipped away at the deep sea-depicting mural on the side of St. Petersburg Distillery. They aren’t old enough to enter, but they’re old enough to participate in public art. Teacher and illustrator Brian McAllister runs the Gibbs High School Mural Club. McAllister previously taught children the art of mural painting overseas when he lived on the tiny Pacific island of Saipan. In 13 years, the club has exploded into a mural-producing team of 36 students who are responsible for work on the side of the Morean Arts Center, Gulf Coast Arts Alliance and many more local spots. “It’s not kids doodling on walls,” McAllister said. “This is significant, professional work.” The Walls The distillery’s cheekily named “Raising Local Spirits” mural faces the school and features a mask-wearing diver and a spiraling octopus. McAllister estimates a mural this size would typically cost more than $20,000. Though the latest mural’s price was not disclosed, the club typically receives donations for their wallscapes, and those donations pay for things like cranes and buckets of paint. McAllister donates his time.
ABBY BAKER
By Abby Baker
Gibbs High School art teacher Brian McAllister and mural club students Andy Bray and Thomas Hunter with their latest piece of public art.
“Everything we do, everything we receive, goes back into the club,” he said. “We have a big responsibility when it comes to public art projects like this.” McAllister has seen hundreds of students cycle in and out of the club as seniors graduate and people grow up, but he is a constant. The Kids Gibbs senior Anderson (Andy) Bray is the club’s president and worked as part of the distillery mural’s “octopus team.” She’s wrapping up her high school career after four years and several permanent art fixtures in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. “It feels bittersweet,” Bray said, sitting on a colossal wheel of a crane tire. “It’s kind of a once in life-
time thing to paint something this big, and be all over Tampa Bay.” Towering over her, Thomas Hunter has to agree. “I just hope I’m able to leave here as an upperclassman that inspires others and leaves my mark,” Hunter said. “Getting to challenge myself and watch things evolve … it’s a lot of fun.” The stains of blue paint adorning the distillery’s lawn – a byproduct of the mural – will wash away, but the mural and the work by Gibbs students will live on in a city that loves its painted walls. “Once you’re in the mural club, you’re always in the mural club,” McAllister said. See more artwork at jbmstudios. com and check out their Insta @ gibbs_mural_club.
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theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
“Soul of Bob Newcomb” Moves to Domingo Studio A Life-Sized Portrait of the Gulfport Icon Has a New Home The year after Bob Newcomb died, Gulfport, artist and close friend Ray Domingo painted a lifelike portrait of the “larger than life” figure in an effort to keep a piece of him alive. Until recently, the massive painting lived at The Historic Peninsula Inn. Now, the artist decided that the lookalike belongs in his working studio to encourage him as Newcomb eternally clutches a cocktail glass and displays his gleaming wedding band. “I think I can feel his soul in there,” Domingo said. “I think this is where he’s meant to be.” Domingo, whose typical work depicts National Geographic-worthy oceanic creatures, brought his friend to life using Newcomb’s shoes and green button-down shirt for inspiration. But not before he asked Newcomb’s wife, Beverly, for permission to recreate her husband.
ART BY RAY DOMINGO; PHOTO BY ABBY BAKER
By Abby Baker
“I think it’s the greatest gift I’ve ever received,” said Bob Newcomb’s wife, Beverly.
“I didn’t know what to expect; Ray paints fish,” Beverly said. “But when I saw it I couldn’t breathe. I was 15 when we first dated and life without him is only half a life … but I’m fortunate to be here in Gulfport. It’s like my big family.”
theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
Newcomb’s portrait will live on in the Domingo Studio forever, says the artist. “He’s got a look on him, ‘’ Domingo said, gesturing to Newcomb’s perpetual smirk. “I think it’s an intriguing look.”
17
No Bah Humbugs Here
St. Petersburg City Theatre’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ a Treasured Standby “There is no heart,” said Mark Twain after attending a reading of “A Christmas Carol” by its author Charles Dickens. “No feeling – it is nothing but glittering frostwork.” Twain’s sharp wit was dead-on about a lot of things, but glittering frostwork doesn’t have legs like this holiday classic. It’s been beloved, adapted, staged, and spoofed endlessly since publication in 1843, and St. Petersburg City Theatre’s most recent production has more heart than Scrooge has gold coins, so Mr. Twain can stick that in his pipe. Of all the Marleys, Ebeneezers, and Tiny Tims one could choose from this time of year, the standout charm of SPCT’s take on the old standby is the genuine joy this cast emanates as they put it up. There’s a wide spectrum of talent, age, and experience on stage for this production that makes it all the more engaging. Director David W. Collins (who also adapted the story for this stage) has a lot of townsfolk and a handful of ghosts to wrangle, but he and his team manage to gracefully transport us through all corners of time and Victorian London with the help of some cleverly designed, multi-functional set pieces. The daunting task of wielding the top hat and walking stick of old Scrooge – one of the most recognizable villains/heroes in literary history – falls to stage vet Allen Coyle, whose grumbles of “Bah Humbug” and impressive mutton chops
KRISTI DEMERS-CROWELL
By Jeff Donnelly
Director David Collins has quite a cast to wrangle in St. Petersburg City Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol.”
more than meet the challenge. And speaking of challenges, try to not come away from this show wishing Jim Gunning’s earnest, optimistic, forgiving Bob Cratchit was your dad. Julian Vega, like many cast members, gamely takes on double-duty as Young Marley – who helped lure Scrooge over to the dark side – and Scrooge’s nephew Fred – whose dogged persistence helps to bring him back. Kelsey Gonzalez pulls this off beautifully too, as Cratchit’s daughter Martha and, heartbreakingly, as Ebeneezer’s lost love, Belle. And folks say that in show busi-
ness one should never work with animals or children as they’re both too unpredictable, but maybe those folks need to meet Adelaide Martino. As Belle’s young daughter Elizabeth, but also – most affectingly – as Tiny Tim, Ms. Martino breaks and warms hearts as well as any professional and makes that famous last line (you know the one) pay off big time for all of us. St. Petersburg City Theatre, 4025 31st St. S., St. Petersburg. Through Dec. 12: Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. $23; $15, students; and $10, under 10. spcitytheatre.org.
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theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
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theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
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the gabs What are you looking forward to this holiday season? Photos by Gabrielle Reeder
Steve Green, New Haven, Connecticut: “Getting through it.”
Kendra Olwen, Gulfport: “Well, I’m looking forward to having a good time, connecting with the friends, and the tribe. And I’m an astrologer, so I feel like this is an important time when people are making a lot of changes and we really have an opportunity to lift up our energies and embrace the season of the light, because all religions seem to be celebrating that, and we can all agree on that.”
Reverend Dee Graham, Bradenton: “I’m looking forward to my grandson coming back from South Carolina and having all three of my grandchildren together to celebrate the holidays.”
Kayla Mitchell, St. Petersburg: “I’m really enjoying just seeing Christmas through my kids’ eyes. They’re so excited about everything, the decorations and the music and gifts. It’s just awesome to see how excited they are.”
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theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
crossword
Solution on page 31
Be Seated
gabber on vacation
Solution on page 31
AVIVA BAKER
sudoku
After a 13-hour drive – with three people and one dog – to the fall-tastic suburbs of Crofton, Maryland, Aviva Baker was ready for her community news break. The Tampa native spent her Thanksgiving holiday up north with her family far from sunny Florida. Have you taken The Gabber on vacation? Send us your pictures! Please send a high-resolution photo and a brief description to news@thegabber.com.
theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
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10601 Gulf Blvd. Friday, Dec. 10: Cornfused 5 p.m.; Matt Weis 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11: Rob Tyre 4 p.m.; Kevin Toon 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12: Kevin Toon 5 p.m.
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theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
things to do
Masks Recommended
Social Distancing Observed
Vegan Options
Dog-Friendly
Virtual
Santa Sighting, Blues Legend + Mingles Find links for these events — and many other things to do — online at thegabber.com/events. Friday, December 10 Santa’s Cookies In a snowless flurry, the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement invites children and their families to decorate gingerbread cookies, meet Santa and his elves, and browse trinkets from the North Pole. All gifts are priced around $5 and come with an elf-approved gift wrapping job. Register now to reserve your cookies – and your spot. Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3010 31st St. S., St. Petersburg. 6-8 p.m. $10. Soul Night returns to Gulfport, every second Friday of the month. The night brings disco, funk, dancing, and rhythm and blues into the Gulfport Casino Ballroom. Hustle in early to learn how to hustle. Feel free to dress the part. Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. 7 p.m., lesson; 8 p.m., dance. $10. Saturday, December 11 Jurassic Run For the raptors! The Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St Petersburg is hosting its sixth Raptor Run 5K. Human runners, your adventure through the park benefits Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and The Friends of Boyd Hill’s Raptor Fest, which helps fund their Birds of Prey Program. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101, Country Club Way S., St. Petersburg. 8-11 a.m. $35-40. A Santa Rampage Beard-wearing Santa Claus impersonators will paint the town red this holiday season at the 2nd Annual Santa Rampage. Brought to you by the Witches of Gulfport, this is a dress-up event; anyone and everyone can put on their best Kris Kringle digs and “rampage” Beach Boulevard. A photo op will magically appear in front of the Gulfport Casino Ballroom at 5:30 p.m., right before the Boca Cie-
ga Yacht Annual Lighted Boat Parade at 6:30 p.m. Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. 2-9 p.m. Dogs of the Burg Get your tails wagging, because Books at Park Place (no longer at Park Place) hosts author and photographer Laurie Elmer’s book signing for “Dogs of the Burg.” The coffee table book celebrates the dogs who live and play in St. Petersburg, Elmer’s book is a fun gift for anyone who loves the Sunshine City – and dogs! Proceeds from book sales benefit the local Fluff Animal Rescue. Representatives from Fluff will be there to talk about their work and to accept donations. Books at Park Place, 6800 Gulfport Blvd. S. #113, South Pasadena. 3-5 p.m. Walking or (Biking) Market Come out to the Warehouse Arts District and The Deuces Live for an expan-
theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
sive winter market with 12 participating locations (think The Factory and 22 Food Hall South). Find fun and fresh gifts, clothing and art along the shopping trail along with live music and local DJs. Remember, the luminaries hit at sunset. Find a complete list of participating locations on Facebook. The Factory, 2622 Fairfield Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 3-9 p.m. It’s an Extravaganza Members of the Gulf Coast Artists’ Alliance present their annual Art Extravaganza, just in time for Christmas giving. Shop small paintings, jewelry, ornaments, glass, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and affordable prints. It’s all here during the month of December with a reception during the second Saturday Art Walk featuring jazz flautist, Bruce Daniels. Gulf Coast Artists’ Alliance 2604 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 5-9 p.m. Things To Do continued on page 24
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Things To Do continued from page 23
More Boating Goodness Here’s another sparkling boat parade to get land lubbers and salty sailors into the holiday spirit. The Madeira Beach 55th Annual Festival of Lights Boat Parade invites onlookers to the Madeira Beach Municipal Marina to watch the fun. Madeira Beach Marina, 503 150th Ave, Madeira Beach. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Rainbow Party A LGBTQ+ centric holiday party brought to you by the same people that brought you St. Pete Pride. The Red and Green holiday party will wrap around Sunken Gardens, a 100-year-old botanical garden in St. Petersburg. A ticket brings you live entertainment, access to the full bar, free valet and a sampling of light bites. Plus, you can throw on that iconic Santa sweater knowing your admission is supporting the organization behind Florida’s largest Pride celebration. Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th S. N., St. Petersburg. 7-10 p.m. $50.
more – all outdoors. Lithuanian American Club, 4880 46th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Gas Plant Reunion Do you have a history with the Gas Plant District or Laurel Park? Former residents and family members from both neighborhoods are invited to reminisce about old times and new memories. Share memories and old photographs among friends. Food and drinks provided. Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Dr., St Petersburg. 12-3 p.m.
Mingle at Caddy’s The holidays are for mixing, mingling and getting to know your fellow Chamber and community members. Head to Caddy’s on Treasure Island for a holiday mixer hosted by the Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce. Registration gets minglers one free appetizer and drink. Cheers! Caddy’s on Treasure Island, 9000 W. Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. 5:30-6:30 p.m. $15; $10, TI/Mad Beach Chamber members.
Tuesday, December 14 Thursday, December 16 ProSisters Mingle Celebrate the holidays with family. ProSisters (formerly ProSuzy) is throwing the annual holiday mingle at Gulfport’s Tiki Bar & Grill. There will be laughs, Santa sightings, drinks and holiday cheer all night long. The price of admission is one can of food for the benefit of the Gulfport Senior Center food pantry. Tiki Bar & Grille, 5519 Shore Blvd. S. 6-8 p.m.
Sunday, December 12 Dale Gotceitas, Anyone? The Lithuanian American Club in St Petersburg is throwing a public Christmas Bazaar in the name of the holidays. There will be an interesting lineup of vendors selling things like freshly baked breads, handmade jewelry, Lithuanian children’s books, and
Wednesday, December 15
A Very Holiday Concert It’s the official season of holiday music! The New Horizons Band Holiday Concert is hosting a festive concert at the Catherine Hickman Theater. Enjoy old classics and new versions of the favorites. Catherine A. Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. 7-9 p.m.
Winter Solstice It’s the shortest day and longest night of the year, the Winter Solstice. Take advantage of the event by attending a renewal and regeneration class in St. Petersburg. Join the Traditions School of Herbal Studies and its students in a refreshing nod to new beginnings. Traditions School of Herbal Studies, 6340 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $25. Meet Tommy Gulfport lost country music legend to COVID-19 last year, but Prine’s son, Tommy is playing the Hideaway Cafe on Central Ave. Enjoy his indie sound downtown for one night only. Hideaway Cafe, 1756 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. $25.
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We have live entertainment every day and Open Mic every Tuesday, located in the Village Courtyard. Dec 9 Gage Mooney 7-10pm Dec 10 Rob Pieniak 7-10pm Dec 11 Leify Green 3-6pm Shaun Hopper 7-10pm Dec 12 Christian Walker 3-6pm Dec 13 Customer Appreciation Night 7-8pm
Operation Santa Fundraiser 7-10pm Team Trivia 8-10pm Dec 14 Open Mic 7-10pm
2908 1/2 Beach Blvd S Gulfport, FL
24
Dec 15 Hot Tonic 6-9pm
theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
The 36th Annual BCYC Lighted Christmas Boat Parade! Saturday, December 11, 2021 Parade starts at 6 pm
Entry Fee:
Two (or more) new unwrapped children’s presents OR a check made out to “Operation Santa”, the City of Gulfport’s annual toy drive.
See the parade from Osgood Point, Gulfport Municipal Marina, Williams Pier, Gulfport Beach and Casino, Town Shores, Skimmer’s Point, Kipps Colony, PYCC Marina area, Pasadena Golf Club Estates and Isla del Sol.
Parade map available at www.sailbcyc.org/ChristmasBoatParade Mandatory Skipper’s Meeting Friday, December 10th at 6:00 pm at the BCYC Clubhouse Boats assemble in Boca Ciega Bay Saturday at 5:30 pm. Parade begins at 6:00 pm. Non-members are invited to participate - sail or power. The more the merrier!
Learn more and register at www.sailbcyc.org/ChristmasBoatParade Registration deadline 12/09/2021
Social distancing and other safety protocols will be observed.
theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
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theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
worship Unitarian Universalist United Fellowship
During the pandemic join us Sundays on Zoom.
Paradise Lutheran Church
on Treasure Island 10255 Paradise Blvd, Treasure Island
“You need not think alike to love alike.” - Francis David, 1534
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Hours 10 AM to 2PM Wednesday to Saturday
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Sunday Services 10AM & Noon Spanish Service
First United Methodist Church of Gulfport Sundays:
Discussion -10:30 Program - 11:00 For Zoom directions email us at uuunited@earthlink.net
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28th Ave. S. & 53rd St.
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Beth-El Shalom Messianic Congregation
ShalomAdventure.com JewishHeritage.net Rabbi@JewishHeritage.net
AN EPISCOPAL CONGREGATION 330 85th Avenue • St. Pete Beach (Blind Pass Road at 85th Avenue)
Sundays 10:00am Holy Eucharist “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.” 727-360-8406 • www.StAlbanStPeteBeach.org
theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
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Handy Person 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 HANDYMAN SEMI-RETIRED All types of repairs • small jobs welcome • Quality work at reasonable prices • Honest • Reliable • Free estimates • John, 727-410-2201
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.
theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
MASTERS PAINTING * WHEN QUALITY COUNTS Trust Masters Painting. Making happy customers for 42 years. Pressure cleaning, waterproofing, honest, reliable. 727-344-1674. References. Guaranteed. Lic.#C4749.
Heat / Air Conditioning
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.
AFFORDABLE PROMPT • RELIABLE Licensed & Insured
Lee Claxton, I.S.A. Certified Arborist
“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
Home & Condo Maintenance
D.C. STRONG
Home & condo maintenance • Interior & Exterior • Experienced in all work, A-Z • Insured. Call Dennis Strong 727-301-4530
Home Improvement
D.C. STRONG
PRESSURE WASH: Homes, Driveways, Sidewalks, Decks and Docks. Insured. Call Dennis Strong 727-301-4530
TAMPA BAY FLOORS & CARPETS CLEANING SOLUTION
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.
Planting • Trimming Tree & Stump Removal Cabling/Bracing • Pruning/Shaping
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
#CFC1430429 State-certified, residential/ commercial service. Senior and military discount. $25 off service with ad. Locally owned and operated.
727-220-0226 AnAffordableArborist@gmail.com
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 727-360-7070 Email RustStainRemoval@icloud.com Miscellaneous Service
Professional Services
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!
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.
theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED LINE ADS ONLINE!
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Help Wanted
Automotive
O’Neill’s Marina is looking for a fishing enthusiast to join our family. We have a parttime position in our bait shop 12pm-7pm various days, and fill in as needed. This position is perfect for an active retired person looking for a little extra spending $.
BUICK CENTURY CUSTOM 2000 One-owner vehicle, beige/gold color, ice-cold A/C, 75k miles, tinted windows, new tires, runs good. $2000. 727-748-9177.
Please send resume and cover letter to:
alysia@oneillsmarina.com or stop by to fill out an application.
O’Neill’s Marina. We have P/T or F/T night security positions available, with light janitorial duties. Various nights 7pm-midnight, midnight-5am, and/or 6pm-5am - and fill in as needed. These positions are perfect for an active retired person looking for a little extra spending $.
For Sale
receipt of proof of the publication of this notice, the fictitious name, to wit: Enchanted Treasure Box under which I am engaged in business at 5220 9th Avenue South, Gulfport, Florida 33707. That the party interested in said business enterprise is as follows: Enchanted Treasure Box, Beth Matson, Pinellas County, Florida.
Real Estate for Sale
PLANT SALE
Butterfly plants: Pentas, porterweed, some milkweed, Mexican petunia, vinca. Tropicals: aloe vera, frangipani, oyster plants, African iris, elephant ears, snake plant, kalanchoe, flowering ginger & ferns. Natives: spiderwort & porterweed. Plants grown on premises & low maintenance. 12/11. 9 a.m.12 p.m., 4825 Del Rio Way S., Gulfport.
Get a FREE HAM from Nelda Hamm for listing a property!
ANTIQUE COLLECTIBLES FOR SALE 1920s original beaded flapper dress, three porcelain dolls, auto harp, tens unit, boxed large chess pieces, drafting table. Offers: Call Neva 727-326-8216
727-418-8948
General
3037 Beach Blvd. S. 505 Pasadena Ave. S.
GULFPORT LIONS CLUB Available for parties, weddings, meetings. Great waterfront location with full facilities. Call Jean for info and dates. 727-366-6341.
Please send resume and cover letter to:
alysia@oneillsmarina.com or stop by to fill out an application.
neldasellsfla@gmail.com
Nelda Hamm
Place your classified line ads online!
OLDER WORKERS NEEDED Paid office admin/clerical training available for older workers through AARP Foundation SCSEP. Must be 55+, low income, Pinellas resident, unemployed & looking for a job. Basic computer skills and proficiency with email & smartphone functions required. Email resume to gkravitz@aarp.org. Positions Wanted WILLING AND ABLE HELPER, LIGHT GARDEN WORK Repotting, weeding, clearing, trimming, watering. I am an able bodied female who loves being outdoors. I can use your tools and offer my helping hands. Local lady, raised in St Pete, friendly, happy nature. 727-370-7920
CDL CLASS A DRIVER
and Heavy Equipment Operator for Hire. Call MG 813-610-7533 EXPERIENCED IN-HOME COMPANION Care Professional seeks opportunity to support you with light cleaning, errands, yard work, grocery shopping, meal prep, laundry, and transportation in exchange for room/bathroom. Easy-going, mindful, kind, communicator seeks same to share space. Call Amy: 404-502-7012
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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
Legal Notices FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the undersigned intends to register the fictitious name of "Gulfport Guesthouse" in accordance with the Fictitious Name Act (s.865.09, F.S.) Courtney Prokopas 5933 15th Ave S. Gulfport, FL 33707 FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE Undersigned pursuant to the “Fictitious Name Statute”, Chapter 865.09, Florida Statutes, will register with the Division of Corporations, Department of State, State of Florida upon
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theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
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ADVERTISING DEADLINE FOR NEXT THURSDAY’S ISSUE IS FRIDAY BY 5 p.m.
Give the gift of The Gabber! Call or Text
727-321-6965 For Print Subscriptions
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Now accepting Humana, Freedom, Optimum, United, Wellmed, Medicare, and most commercial insurance.
All Florida Family Care, Inc. S. Tirupathi M.D. Primary Care Physician
3301 66th St N, Ste-A, St. Petersburg
727-344-6200
Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 9-5pm
We are always there for YOU! 24 Hour Answering Service with doctor on call 24 hours a day. We offer same day appointments for all our patients!
Complimentary BEMER/PEMF Treatment, & Meditation Room 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. 32
theGabber.com | December 9, 2021 - December 15, 2021
