The Gabber: December 15, 2022

Artful Thievery

Enter the first gallery in the Museum of Fine Arts’ splendid exhibition, True Nature: Rodin and the Nature of Impressionism, and you quickly understand the case being made by the title. In the center stands a small bronze, “John the Baptist Preaching,” by Auguste Rodin (1840-1917), the sculptor often regarded as the epitome of the tormented lone-wolf artist. Yet the sculpture is surrounded by works (and wall cards) that show that, rather than relying strictly on his own inspiration, he drew from the swirl of influences of his time.

Two details in the gallery bring that connection into relief: the creases Rodin has forged into John’s forehead and the water lily blossoms in Monet’s “Nympheas,” hung on the gallery wall to the right. While you’re commonly told to stand back from Impressionist paintings to get their full effect, get close to this one to see the brushstrokes emanating from the blossoms. Like Rodin’s “John the Baptist,” fervent in thought, Monet’s flowers seem almost to vibrate with life — works by two artists who, like many others in the late 19th century, were committed to capturing the

By David Warner

Rodin’s “Jean d’Aire.”

DAVID WARNER

A Personal Perspective on Being 84

Upon turning 84, I wondered, “How did this happen?” I still feel just middle age. I attribute my situation, for better and for worse, to overlapping determinants, particularly: Good fortune (aka random chance, luck and circumstances, such as place of birth, demographics, and cultural/ social influences)

• Genetics

• Environments

• The influence of significant others

• Lifestyle Lifestyle, of course, ensues from biological, cultural, and social determinants; any rank order is arbitrary and circular, since all factors interact in unrecognizable ways. Therefore, I conclude that while all factors seem equally determinative, some are more equally so, sort of like pigs in Orwell’s Animal Farm. It’s difficult to know which factors are more equal. I think

all this applies to most of the eight billion folks here on earth at this time, courtesy of ancient stardust. Omitting religion is not an oversight. Religion matters for most, but I’m with Kathy Griffin, the actress who shook up the Emmys in 2007. While holding her award, she said: A lot of people come up here and thank Jesus for this award. I want you to know that no one had less to do with my getting this award than Jesus. —Don Ardell, Gulfport

Hate’s Alive in Gulfport

I have lived here almost 20 years. I never thought I would be called a f****t, but while riding our bikes over by 25th Avenue and 51st Avenue South, this guy yells out “f****ts.” I believe this old guy needs to move from Gulfport if he doesn’t like LGBTQ people. –Mike M., Gulfport (last name withheld out of an abundance of caution)

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

The Gabber welcomes and encourages letters and commentary. One letter per person, per month. You must sign your real name and city to your letter, and letters should be less than 250 words. We may edit letters 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 may also appear online and on The Gabber’s social media pages. We may also use commentary posted to The Gabber’s website and social media pages 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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Review of Gulfport’s Sidewalks in the Works

All 37 Miles of Them

By Monroe Roark

Have you ever walked or biked the Pinellas Trail from downtown St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs?

If so, you traveled roughly the same distance as if you’d walked on all of the sidewalks in the city limits of Gulfport – about 37 miles.

Even members of the Gulfport City Council were amazed to learn that the city’s sidewalk network is so large in a town that is barely two miles, from end to end, in any direction. Now they have approved a proposal to have a company called StreetScan conduct a sidewalk inventory and condition assessment at a cost of $29,858.

That money will come from the American Rescue Plan Act funds the city has received, a total of nearly $6.2 million earmarked for COVID-19 recovery. The City has targeted more than two dozen projects so far using that money, and there is now about $1.275 million left.

Pinellas County recently bid out a similar project to StreetScan involving 1,000 miles of sidewalks, and Gulfport was able to piggyback on that contract at the same rate, according to Gulfport Public Works Director Tom Nicholls.

“They’ll do a complete assessment,” said Nicholls. “They’ll actually take a scooter with a video camera. They’ll take the measurements and check all the slopes for ADA accessibility on all the more than 700 ramps we have throughout the city. It will give us a roadmap to move forward.”

City Manager Jim O’Reilly told council that once the evaluation and needs assessment are completed, crews will start repair work at the south end of town and work in quadrants, much like they do with street paving.

All of the data will be added to the city’s existing GIS database, creating a comprehensive inventory of the sidewalk network, according to a city staff report.

All of Gulfport’s sidewalks are about to be assessed for needed repairs, and areas that do not have sidewalks will also be logged.

“It’s going to evaluate the current sidewalks, give us all the data, and we’ll decide where and what, based on need,” said Nicholls.

That will include gaps in sidewalk segments, or “hidden sidewalks” as Councilmember Michael Fridovich called them. “We’ve got a lot of hidden sidewalks that grass has grown over, and people think it’s their front yard, when it’s really not,” he said.

The 37-mile estimate is based on an aerial survey and does not include city blocks that don’t have

sidewalks at all. Any new building project in the city require the developer to put a sidewalk in front of it, if there isn’t one, but that has not always been the rule. And there are still plenty of places without them.

The time limit for the county’s sidewalk project is six months, and Gulfport’s work will also be finished inside that window.

“Since [StreetScan] are in town, they’re going to do us as well,” said Nicholls. “I think within the next six months I’ll have all the data.”

MONROE ROARK

Pass-a-Grille Park Plan Still in the Works Updated Proposal Expected in Early 2023

By Monroe Roark

Plans for a proposed park in Passa-Grille have taken a sizable shift in a different direction after community input was received by officials in St. Pete Beach.

An initial architectural rendering for the site, which stretches from Gulf Way to Pass-a-Grille Way between 9th and 10th Avenues, included a number of amenities such as open lawn space, benches, an event stage, a pavilion with picnic tables and grills, and reconfigured sidewalks.

What the design did not address was the intersections of the surrounding streets and how to provide safer access. That omission caused many citizens to balk at the proposal, according to St. Pete Beach Chief Operating Officer Jennifer McMahon.

“We’re going to focus more on the intersections and crosswalks and things like that, leading into the park on the east end and west end,” she told the Gabber.

The safety concerns were sparked by an accident in October involving a pedestrian who was struck by a motorist while crossing 8th Avenue and died. The fact that the accident was that recent is why it was on everyone’s mind during public input sessions involving the city’s Historic Preservation Board as well as the

Parks and Recreation Department, McMahon said.

“There’s an emphasis on pedestrian safety,” she said. “Whatever we can do to try to improve that, we’re going to pivot that way a little bit.”

A notice about the project in a recent regular email from city officials included the previous architectural rendering. McMahon said the next such drawing, expected to be done in January, will probably

be completely different.

“I would say the next concept we get back and start taking out to the community will be the closer version of what we may end up with,” she said.

The design team has taken all of the public feedback and is incorporating it into the redesign, which will be brought back to the community for review. A vote by the city commission on the plan could come in March, McMahon said.

A recent accident involving a pedestrian trying to cross 8th Avenue in Pass-a-Grille factored heavily into citizen input on a nearby park project.

GABBY REEDER

Humanities Council Says Gay Gulfport’s Annual ReadOut Gets FHC Grant

By Monroe Roark

Gulfport City Council voted at its Dec. 6 regular meeting to approve a Florida Humanities’ Book Festival grant providing $10,000 for an upcoming event at the city’s library. A

budget amendment was required to accept the award and to allow the new funding to be spent.

The grant typically awards up to that amount to support human-

ities-based learning experiences, and is intended to provide funding to eligible Florida nonprofit organizations to support events “that celebrate the joy of reading, encourage thoughtful interactions between authors and their readers, and reflect on how literature conveys the human experience,” according to a city staff report.

City Manager Jim O’Reilly put it simply when addressing the council: “This grant is in support of events that promote reading.”

Locally it will be used for “ReadOut 2023: Literary Queeries.”

In recent years, the Gulfport Library and its LGBTQ Resource Center has hosted annual “ReadOut” events as a weekend celebration of lesbian literature, according to officials, although the 2023 event will be expanded to include all aspects of the LGBTQ community. The grant funds expenses incurred by event speakers and advertising.

“ReadOut” has traditionally taken place over Presidents Day weekend, either virtually or in person. LGBTQ Resource Center board chair Susan Gore told council a few months ago that, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision to make the event virtual resulted in a considerable increase in attendance.

This year’s event will take place in a hybrid fashion, according to city officials, with speakers from across the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

The LGBTQ Resource Center at the Gulfport Public Library sponsors an annual “ReadOut” weekend festival, the next of which will

a boost from a state grant.

MONROE ROARK

$435,000 Doesn’t Buy What It Used To Gulfport Council Talks About Affordable Housing

By Monroe Roark

It wasn’t exactly news, considering what people have been struggling with of late regarding housing costs, but the actual numbers presented to the Gulfport City Council at its Dec. 6 meeting still packed a wallop.

Linda Fisher with Forward Pinellas reported that the median sales price for a single-family home in Pinellas County is now around $435,000 and the median price for a townhome or condo is $290,000. Both of those figures are 24% above the median prices one year ago.

For context, she provided a recent Zillow listing of a single-family house with a $435,000 asking price. It was a three-bedroom, two-bath, ranchstyle house in Dunedin in average condition. Zillow pegged the likely cost for the monthly mortgage of this house at $2,700, without taxes and insurance.

The average rent countywide for a one-bedroom unit is $1,500. In some parts of the county rent costs have nearly doubled, she said. In Gulfport the number runs closer to $1,765.

“Overall, more than one out of every three households in Pinellas County is cost-burdened, and if you look at just renters, it is more than half,” she said.

“It’s a problem everywhere, and the need is greater than just providing a small number of publicly-funded affordable housing units.”

All of these depressing statistics served as an introduction to Fisher’s presentation on the formation of a new housing compact for Pinellas County. With Forward Pinellas already on board as well as the five municipalities which receive their own state and federal funds for affordable housing programs – Pinellas County, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, and Pinellas Park – the goal is to get all of the two dozen cities in the county to join, Fisher said.

“If you sign on to the compact, no one is going to force you to do anything. But we are going to ask,” she said.

Stressing that it is a countywide plan, Fisher pointed out that no single community will be able to do everything in it.

The major points include an approach to corridor planning to benefit housing and transit; an emphasis on healthy communities with access to active recreation, healthy food and medical care; addressing inequality in areas such as gentrification/displacement and historic disinvestment; and resiliency planning for homes in locations that are vulnerable to flooding and other extreme weather conditions.

Using multiple community stakeholders, the compact will ultimately provide various tools and resources to help its partners reach these goals. Each local partner’s governing body will retain authority of local decision-making, Fisher said.

The compact will remain in place for 10 years, although any partner may terminate participation at any time and it does not affect the commitment of the remaining partners.

Mayor Sam Henderson asked what the cost would be to Gulfport to sign on to the compact, and Fisher said costs nothing. Then the mayor reiterated his understanding that Gulfport could take the parts of the compact that fit its needs and not be compelled to commit to everything.

“You’ve described the compact perfectly,” Fisher replied.

Henderson asked for council consensus to join, and everyone was in agreement. City Manager Jim O’Reilly said a resolution to that effect would be drawn up and brought back for council approval.

CATHY

No Fear Gulfport’s LGBTQ Residents Say They Feel Safe Here

By Andrew Hill

Live and let live.

This motto shines in Gulfport, Susan Gore believes, despite news of the Nov. 19 hate crime mass shooting in Colorado Springs. A shooter killed five and wounded nearly 20 others with an AR-15-style rifle at an LGBTQ nightclub. Gore, Gulfport resident and president of the library’s LGBTQ Resource Center, said Gulfport’s unlike other places that struggle to coexist with LGBTQ people.

“Gulfport is an example of ‘live and let live’ and embracing differences,” Gore said. “Gulfport has been called P-town South or Ann Arbor South. Those who know understand those references.”

Carly Russell said the shooting news didn’t make her concerned about her safety in an openly gay community or working at Stella’s, where a pride flag hangs at the door.

“That’s what I know about Gulfport,” Russell said. “When people from out of town ask, I tell them they are just going to have to get used to it.”

According to estimates by Gulfport Peace, Love and Pride Festival (Mar. 12) organizers, about 30% of Gulfport’s 12,000 residents identify as LGBTQ. They can feel safe here, said four-year resident David Henderson.

“Anything can happen anywhere, but hate and violence just don’t come

to mind when you look at Gulfport,” said Henderson. “When you look around here, you’re probably going to see men holding hands or women hugging. But it’s 2022 and it’s Gulfport, so it is what it is.”

Along with pride festivals, Gore sees support for LGBTQ people with the growth of Florida’s first LGBTQ Resource Center. The Gulfport Center has more than 10,000 items, hosts weekly LGBTQ-related events, and offers three scholarships.

“We have a lot going on for us here,” Gore said.

Local ordinances and awards also protect Gulfport’s LGBTQ individuals.

Gulfport was the first Pinellas city to pass a domestic partnership registry

(2012), and the 2005 Human Rights Ordinance protects residents, visitors, and employees from all forms of discrimination.

Some gay bars in St. Pete host events, such as drag shows, similar to the ones held at the Colorado Springs bar, but the owners at Cocktail St. Pete on Central Avenue said patrons can feel safe. The club employs has an additonal five security guards on the weekend, some of whom are trained in mass shooter response, and every ID gets scanned and kept on file in case of any issues.

“Plus, we have security cameras everywhere,” said Lee, one of the Cocktail owners.

Gulfport shops like Stella’s Sundries celebrate LGBTQ people.

CATHY SALUSTRI

By Monroe Roark About Housing

Affordability

“The benchmark is that housing should cost no more than 30% of your gross income. Almost nobody in these professions that we rely on, from teachers to grocery store workers, can comfortably afford rent or mortgage costs in Pinellas County right now.” –Linda Fisher, planner with Forward Pinellas

“Transportation is the second highest cost most households will face. Households that struggle with housing costs also struggle with finding reliable transportation – to work, to school, to the doctor’s office, to the grocery store. If we want to ensure that everyone has a high quality of life, we need to plan for transportation as well as housing.” –Fisher

About Public Comment Participation

“Please don’t make me be a grinch this close to Christmas. Everyone, be nice.” –Mayor Sam Henderson

About Gulfport’s Ongoing Negotiations with Boca Ciega Yacht Club

“I provided each of you with information. You have two options. One is to direct the city attorney and me to once again meet with them and see if we can reach some kind of mutual agreement. Or, we can ask them for their best offer they would like, and you can vote that up or down. I don’t want the council in the predicament of trying to negotiate with them at the dais.” –City Manager Jim O’Reilly

“I am personally in favor of option 1. If we reject a proposal now, they will just come back with another proposal. I want to get it handled and hammered out without dragging it out for another year.” –Henderson

About the Casino’s New Air Conditioner

“Thank you, everybody, for the new air conditioner. It is so uncomfortable, so cold, in the Casino. I’ve been to a number of events and I go to tai chi a couple of times a week. Whatever that temporary system is, it is just so cold in there.” –Caron Schwartz

About the Christmas Tree Lighting

“There were more kids this year than in past years. It was just a greatly attended, beautiful event and one of my favorites of the year. It’s just so much fun and festive, and I was so happy to see Mrs. Johnson there. She’s our first woman mayor. She hadn’t been in a couple of years but it was great to have her there.” –Vice Mayor Christine Brown (Ward II)

About the RV Ordinance

“Down the street there’s a guy who has been living here his whole life. He had a pop-up and it’s really aging. He’s getting to the point where [he] can’t really replace it but it’s getting old so what is he going to do? It’s kind of getting to the point where we wanted to get rid of all those eyesores and now some of the grandfathers are turning into the eyesores.” –Councilmember Paul Ray (Ward III), who asked if the city council could discuss the ordinance at a future meeting

business beat

Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber Awards + Gulfport Furniture

Stay up to Date With Organizations and Businesses

By Cameron Healy

Statewide Recognition for Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber

The Florida Association of Chamber Professionals recognized and honored two members from the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce at its annual conference on Dec. 7.

FACP recognized Membership Director Roxanne Anderson for her excellence in the Chamber of Com-

merce profession while being a part of the FACP Certified Professionals Program. She is now a Florida Certified Chamber Professional.

FACP named President and CEO, Robin Miller, the 2022 Executive of the Year. She made outstanding contributions to the state and chamber management work,  according to a press release from the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce,  which lead to this award.

The End of an Era

Gulfport Furniture is entering its retirement era. After 45 years, the local furniture store is closing down. The building last sold in 1977 for $75,000, according to the Pinellas County Property Appraiser. The owner did not want to answer any further questions about the closure of the long-lived Gulfport store.

Eckerd.

President and CEO of Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce Robin Miller with her 2022 Executive of the Year award.

TAMPA BAY BEACHES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

After four decades of Gulfport Furniture, the store is going out of business.

MONROE ROARK

“My mother was in the knitting club, too! Oh, it’s fun. We sit and gossip and chit chat.”

talk about everything, losing track of time until someone says, “Oh, it’s time to eat!”

Tradition is Ageless

They enjoy fitness classes and events together as well as local excursions. Their days end when Helen and Barbara each say, “I’ll say a prayer for you!”

Thirty years ago, a group of knitters at Watermark noticed some kids at their local schools needed warmer winter clothes. And so, a tradition began. 11,000 handmade sweaters later, they still get together every week and the walls of their meeting room are covered in photos of kids they’ve helped, including one little girl who was drawn to a bright pink sweater even though it was two sizes too big. She wore it day in and day out, even to bed. It made her happy.

Let’s Start a New Tradition

“I never thought I’d find my best friend at age 97.”

Helen,

And that’s why they keep knitting, generation after generation. Bringing people joy is one of their traditions – just like creating communities where people thrive is one of ours.

Call 727-202-3474 to plan a private tour and consultation. Meet residents who are thriving in our upbeat environment. Scan QR code or visit whatisageless.com/BCB

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– Kaye, Watermark Resident, Knitting Luminary

When You Gotta Go....

By Monroe Roark and Cathy Salustri

And the award for the most… unusual… holiday inflatable goes to the Outhouse Santa, seen alongside some 20 other inflatables at this house on the corner of 53rd Street and 19th Avenue South in Gulfport. We’re not

sure if this home’s entered in the City of Gulfport’s holiday decoration contest, but if you’re in the neighborhood at night, it’s worth a slow roll past the home – just knock before you open the door to the outhouse!

Gulfport’s holiday decorations contest is right around the corner, with judging Tuesday, Dec. 20. Deadline to enter is noon that day, and your display must be ready by 6 p.m. There are two themed categories: general, for single homes only; and commercial, for single business and professional locations, including home occupations. All entries in both categories must be located within Gulfport city limits.

One winner in each category will receive a plaque and get recognized at the Jan. 3 regular Gulfport Council meeting. To enter, stop by City Hall or the Gulfport Recreation Center to pick up an application, or call 727893-1068.

Follow us on Instagram (@gabberlife) for more Gulfport and beach news.

CATHY SALUSTRI

CATHY SALUSTRI

The Doctor Is In Doc Ford’s Jungle Terrace Opens on St. Pete’s West Side

By Cameron Healy

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille opened a second home in St. Petersburg, but this time on the west side of the city. On the opening day of Dec. 9, I scoped out the new Jungle Terrace location.

Doc Ford is a fictional character who exists in the mind and mystery novels of novelist Randy Wayne White. Dr. Marion Ford is a marine biologist who resides on the west coast of Florida.

The restaurant brings to life the beloved characteristics of the character. As a marine biologist, Doc Ford has a strong love for the saltwater, but he also enjoys baseball and history.

This Jungle Terrace location faces Boca Ciega Bay. I made my way to the “first come, first serve” seats along the railing of the upper deck so I could get a good look of its waterfront view. I definitely suggest sitting anywhere that faces the water. The sun felt great as I sat and watched boaters drift through the water.

This location also has patio seating where customers can still see the beautiful view of the bay, but also allows them to not stray too far from the bar full of flat screen TVs constantly playing sports chan-

nels. Other than the railing seats, the hosts can seat customers inside and outside anywhere they’d like. The place is absolutely ginormous.

There’s even a dock for anyone traveling by boat to tie up on. The dock is long and leads right to the stairway of the upper deck of the restaurant.

I wanted to try anything that was special to Doc Ford’s, so I ordered the Doc Ford’s Hammerhead Wit, which was very light and citrusy.

I also ordered Doc’s Beach Bread for an appetizer. The baked French bread topped with various cheeses and diced tomatoes was filling. I also ordered their tropical salad, which included fresh greens, grape tomatoes, mozzarella, mandarin oranges, sun-dried cherries, and pecans also tossed in their “secret” balsamic vinaigrette, and on top were some skinny (but crispy) onion rings.

I’m not super fond of seafood, but everyone around me had either a grouper sandwich or shrimp as their main dish.

What’s cool about this restaurant is how it’s not only named after a character, but many of the dishes are based on the characters.

They had advertisements for their signature Yucatán shrimp dish on every table. The menu credits this signature dish to Doc Ford’s buddy, Tomlinson. The menu explains that “Tomlinson traveled to the Bay of Ascension, Quintana Roo, Mexico to fish for bonefish and came back with this great recipe.”

The service was quick, the views were phenomenal, and my meal was delicious. The representation of the characters in the menu is a cool touch to this Floridian restaurant.

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille 8790 Bay Pines Blvd., St. Pete, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., 727-290-9578, docfords.com

CAMERON HEALY

Fitness Center now open! To provide physical distancing, we’ve limited capacity, so call to register for a spot.

Supplemental food assistance for qualifying Gulfport Seniors in need is available at the Senior Center. Pantry is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Proper verification required prior to use of the pantry.

GEMS (Gulfport Extended Mobility Service) provides affordable Door-to-Door transportation service, rides to medical appointments, shopping, and much more for Gulfport residents, 55 years of age or older or disabled. 727-893-2242.

Medical Equipment Lending Program provides gently used wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches and other medical equipment to seniors who need it. Supplies limited.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Medicare & Health Insurance Assistance Frustrated trying to navigate the insurance world? We have you covered! Make your appointment today.

Memory Screenings Worried about your memory? St. Anthony’s Memory Disorder Clinic offers free & confidential memory screenings.

SNAP Benefit Assistance Feeding Tampa Bay will meet with you to help you apply for SNAP benefits.

Gulfcoast Legal Assistance Do you need assistance, with lifetime planning docs, Medicaid/Medicare issues, Social Security issues, food stamp issues, family law issues, consumer/debt collection Issues, or housing/ contract Issues? Call to make an appointment with a legal representative. By appointment only.

Gingerbread House Contest Be a part of the Gingerbread House Contest by making your vote count. Contest entries will be displayed at the Center 12/14-19. Vote for your favorite in 3 categories. Winners will be announced 12/19 at the Holiday Party.

In the Kitchen with Chef Jack: Turkey Wild Rice Casserole Improve your culinary skills with step-by-step instruction from Chef Jack.

Space is limited. MUST pre-register. Dec. 15, 4 p.m.

Clubhouse Chatter Open discussion about the MLB season & your hometown Rays. Dec. 16, 10:30 a.m.

Senior Center’s Holiday Party Celebrate the Holiday Season with your friends at the Center. Hot cocoa bar, Christmas lights tour, festive treats, and announcement of the Gingerbread Contest Winners! Dec. 19, 5 p.m. $5 per person

OTC with Cliff Are you using all your Medicare benefits? Your OTC (Over-The-Counter) benefits allow you to order drugs & supplies at no cost. Swing by and let Cliff help place your order. Dec. 20, 9:30 a.m.

iPhone/iPad Instruction Class Learn the basic functions of your Apple iPhone or iPad. Must pre-register. Presented by the Gulfport Library. Dec. 20, 1 p.m

Trivia Fun Have fun, test your knowledge, and win prizes! Call to pre-register. Dec. 20, 2 p.m.

Wellness Wednesday: Monthly Wellness Checks MAke your health a priority & track your progress with free monthly wellness screenings. Dec. 21, 9 a.m.

Happy Birthday to YOU Come celebrate this month’s birthdays with friends, food, & fun whether it’s your birthday or not. Dec. 28, 3 p.m.

MONDAYS

Monday Mile Walking Club 8 a.m., call for location

Spanish Conversation 8:30 a.m., Room 107

Chair Exercise/Yoga 9:30 a.m., Theater lobby

Spanish for Beginners 10 a.m., Room 107

Stretch & Strength 10 a.m., Casino

Wisdom Healing Qigong 11 a.m., Theater lobby

Mahjong 12 p.m., Room 107

Dominos 1 p.m., Theater lobby

Chair Yoga 1 p.m., Casino

Strength Training & Aerobics 1:30 p.m., Dining Hall

Chair Volleyball 3 p.m., Dining Hall

TUESDAYS

Gulfport Senior Citizens Harmonica Club 9 a.m., Room 107

Line Dancing for Beginners 10 a.m., Neighborhood Center

Tai Chi 10 a.m., Casino

Gulfport Quilting Club 10 a.m., Room 106

Texas Hold ‘Em 11 a.m., Theater lobby

Contract Bridge 1:30 p.m., Theater lobby

New Horizons Band of Gulfport Jazz Practice 4:30 p.m., Room 107

New Horizons Band of Gulfport Concert Practice 6 p.m., Dining Hall

WEDNESDAYS

Gentle Mindful Yoga 10 a.m., Neighborhood Center

Investment Discussion Group 10 a.m., Room 107

Canasta 1 p.m., Theater lobby

Bingo 1:30 p.m., Dining Hall

Intermediate Spanish 6 p.m., Room 106

Gulfport Toastmasters 6 p.m., Room 107

THURSDAYS

Guided Meditation 10 a.m., Room 107

Tai Chi 10 a.m., Casino

Stretch & Strength 10 a.m., Casino

Texas Hold ‘Em 11 a.m., Theater lobby

Contract Bridge 1:30 p.m., Theater lobby

Strength Training & Aerobics 1:30 p.m., Dining Hall

Italian Language Classes 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., various rooms

FRIDAYS

Wellness Movement 9 a.m., Room 106

Gulfport Writers’ Workshop 9:30 a.m., Room 107

Knitting & Crocheting 10 a.m., Theater lobby

Healing Yoga Therapy 11 a.m., Casino

Bridge Instruction 12:30 p.m., Room 107

Dominos 1 p.m., Theater lobby

Chair Volleyball 1:30 p.m., Dining Hall

Senior Center

/gulfportseniorcenter

S.

“Wonderful Life” featuring Matt McGee in a one-person performance. Dec. 22, 7 p.m. Dec. 23, 8 p.m. Dec. 24, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Tickets $35 at americanstage.org

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

All programs free and subject to change.

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

Baby Time Fridays, 10:15 a.m.

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

Gulfport Book Club Discuss “In the Midst of Winter” by Isabel Allende. Available as print and audio. Dec. 15, 2 p.m.

St. Pete Saxophone Quartet Holiday & Big Band music to get everyone in a seasonal mood. Sponsored by Circle of Friends of the

Gulfport Library. Dec. 15, 7 p.m.

Lego Club See what construction challenges we have for you this week. Recommended for Grades k-5. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For additional information call 727-893-1074. Dec. 17, 2 p.m.

Take & Make Holiday Craft Merry Everything! Pick up a holiday-themed craft to make at home. Supplies are limited and on a first come, first served basis. One kit per child. Dec. 19, 10 a.m.

SHINE Presentation: Medicare Basics Presentation on Medicare Parts A, B, C,

& D and whatb they mean to you. Oct. 15-Dec. 7, open enrollment. Dec. 21, 1 p.m. floridashine.org; individual appointments also available; call 727-893-1073.

Garden Grandpa If you have little ones in grades K-5, join us the first Wednesday of the month in the Reading Garden. Mr. Albert will share his knowledge of gardening and sustainability through storytelling and hands-on fun. Jan. 4, 4 p.m.

Grown-Up Movie Series Call 727-8931074 for title. Jan. 7, 1 p.m.

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

Impacs Sock Hop Advance tickets available at Casino & Beach Bazaar. Dec. 16, 7 p.m. $15 each, two for $25; $20 day of.

Contra Dance with Tampa Friends of Old Time Dance Dec. 18: 3:30 p.m., Contra lesson; 4 p.m., Contra dancing with band &

caller. $10.

Ballroom Dance with USA Dance DJ and dance hosts, plus a lesson. Dec. 19, 7 p.m. $10; $7, USA Dance members.

Holiday dance Party with Swing Time Dec. 21: 7 p.m., swing lesson; 8 p.m., dance. $10.

swingtime.info.

Casino Weekly Dances

Ballroom Lessons: Tues., 12 p.m. $10

Argentine Tango: Tues., 6:30 p.m., $10

Swing: Weds., 7 p.m. $10

Latin Night: Thurs., 7 p.m. $10

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

Annual registration: $3; $25, nonresidents Pickleball

Intermediate and advanced Mon., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Beginners Tues., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. All levels Tues., 6-8:30 p.m. and Thurs., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Adult Basketball Wed. & Fri., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thurs., 6-8:30 p.m.

Table Tennis Tues. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Game Room Mon., Wed., & Fri., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

PROGRAMS

School Year Child Care Program Registration continues for the 2022-23 school year child care program for kids entering kindergarten through age 14. Bus transportation available from Pasadena Fundamental, Gulfport Montessori, and Douglas Jamerson Elementary. Program runs until 5:30 p.m., with extended hours until 6 p.m. for an extra charge. Program runs until 5:30 p.m., with extended hours until 6 p.m. for an ex-

tra charge. Please contact the Recreation Center for more details.

Teen Night! Registrations continue for the 2022-2023 Teen Night Program for teens in middle and high school, students 17 and younger. Recreation, social activities, field trips, cooking projects, guest speakers and service projects. Teens can use the gymnasium, game room and outdoor area. Mon., Wed., & Fri.: 6-9 p.m. Rec Center membership required: $3; $25, nonresidents.

CLASSES

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

Ballet Tues., 5:45 p.m., ages 5-7; 6:45 p.m. intermediate ballet, ages 8-16. $40/month. Lisa: 727-742-2594. Tap Tues., 7:45 p.m., intermediate. $20/ month. Lisa: 727-742-2594

Essentrics Toning Thurs., 9 a.m. $30/ month. Lauren: 248-875-7030

Danskinetics Tues., 9 a,m. $8/class or $28/month. Carol: 845-654-0609

Hatha Yoga 6:15 p.m. $12/class or $40/ month. Denise: 727-251-8868. Nia 10 a.m. $15/class, $40/month. Christine: 727-692-1896

Youth Hip Hop Fri., 6:30 p.m., ages 7-9; 7:30 p.m., ages 9-16. $40/month. Lisa: 727742-2594.

Hula Hoop Fitness Second & fourth Thursday, 6:30 p.m. $10/class. Maria: mestrada1987@gmail.com

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

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

Catherine Hickman Theater 727-893-1070 • 5501 27th Ave.

artsBecca’s World

Former Gulfportian Becca McCoy Brings Her Real Life to the Stage

By David Warner

When I first heard that actor/ writer/photographer Becca McCoy was planning to turn her book, “The Year of Extraordinary Travel,” into a solo theater piece, I wondered how it would work. The book, published in 2021 by St. Petersburg Press, traces the odysseys she embarked upon from September 2018 to August 2019 following the end of her marriage and the sale of her house. I loved the book, but couldn’t quite envision how she could compress a 138-page account of travels to eight U.S. states and seven countries, experiences with five different travel companions (including her young daughter), and 10,500 photos into a 75-minute show.

Turns out she made it work just fine. In collaboration with director Vickie Daignault, McCoy has created an enthralling, suspenseful, often hilarious, and ultimately profound piece of theater. After seeing The Year of Extraordinary Travel, which

runs through Dec. 18 at Studio Grand Central, you may want to do like Becca and jump on the next plane.

McCoy’s charisma, wit and serious vocal chops are wellknown; she’s won applause and acting awards in Tampa Bay and in regional theater in shows like “Mamma Mia!” and “Gypsy.” Daignault is an accomplished actor as well as director (and a Gulfport resident), and gave an award-winning solo performance as Joan Didion in Stageworks’ “The Year of Magical Thinking.” Both are keen to the demands of theatrical story-telling, of keeping an audience engaged through rhythm, flow and the occasional surprise.

McCoy upends expectations right away. After jokingly warning that she’s going to show us all 10,000+ of her photos, she sits down on a couch and begins to read from her book as

photos appear on the screen behind her… and then leaps up in a burst of exuberance, unable to contain her joy at talking to us.

The show continues in this vein as McCoy shares her stories from readings and from memory. The photos add another dimension, with each journey introduced on screen by a litany of facts, including places visited, miles traveled, and means of transport (including schooner and tuktuk).

And what stories she has to tell! In Alaska, she stayed at the Borealis Base Camp and swooned at the Northern Lights. In NYC, she wound up sleeping on the couch of a Very Famous Person. In Thailand, she met a blind elephant in mourning, and in France, New Zealand and other locales she managed the task of traveling with her simultaneously “unbreakable and delicate” 11-yearold.

A love affair evolved over the course of these journeys (she now lives with her partner in Atlanta), and she continued to act in shows around the country. Then, after “self-actualizing all over the globe for 12 months,” the pandemic hit, and she found herself suspended between “the no longer and the not yet.” Fortunately for us, that gave her the time to turn her extraordinary travel into an extraordinary work of art.

The Year of Extraordinary Travel Studio Grand Central, 2260 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg. Through Dec. 18: Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. studiograndcentral.com.

Photos from Becca McCoy’s travels are now on view at the Studio Grand Central gallery, where they pop much more dramatically than on screen. Her book is on sale there as well.

Becca McCoy traveled the globe, and in her new one-woman show, she shares those memories with the audience. Pictured here: A photo taken in Bangkok, Thailand.

BECCA

MCCOY

McCoy has created an enthralling, suspenseful, often hilarious, and ultimately profound piece of theater

pulse of the natural world.

“I obey nature,” said Rodin. “I never presume to command her.”

True Nature, drawn from the permanent collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, is “St.Petersburg’s first major exhibition devoted to Rodin and the Impressionists,” says Stanton Thomas, the MFA’s Senior Curator of Collections and Exhibitions. As such it’s not only a chance to survey the career of Rodin but to enjoy a roundup of Impressionism’s star players, not just Monet but Renoir, Cezanne, Degas, and others. I particularly loved the picturesque cragginess of Monet’s “The Beach at Honfleur” and the expressiveness of the family on the bridge in Bonnard’s “Le Pont du Carrousel à Paris.”

But wow — those Rodins! They pack such an emotional wallop that it’s sometimes hard for the paintings to compete. Take the haunted face and defiant stance of Jean D’Aire, one of six figures Rodin created to commemorate the courageous Burghers of Calais, who offered to sacrifice themselves in order to halt a siege. By contrast, Renoir’s Jean as a Huntsman — a portrait hanging nearby of a boy in a blue suit — is all pastel gentility, and kind of a yawn.

It’s apparent how Rodin got (and fostered) his tortured-genius rep. The anguish, the straining musculature, the sheer size and power of his sculptures seem like they could only have come from an artist of mythic proportions (though he was reportedly only 5’3”). You can decide; a nice fillip to this must-see exhibition is a room with stills and rare film footage (including shots by Edward Steichen) of the man himself.

The juxtapositions in the Rodin/ Impressionist show are the purview of the curator and the installers. The juxtapositions in Borrow and Steal: Appropriation from the Collection are contained within the artworks themselves — examples of the 20th/21st-century practice of appropriating (that is to say, borrowing and stealing) iconic works of the past and giving them a new context.

The acts of artistic thievery in the show have been smartly assembled from the MFA’s own holdings by Cu-

rator of Contemporary Art Katherine Pill. Some are blasts of outraged snark, like the notorious poster by the Guerrilla Girls collective used to protest the paucity of women artists in the collection of NYC’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Other artists reconfigure pop iconography, as in Deborah Kass’ “Gold Barbra,” inspired by Andy Warhol’s “Gold Marilyn” but replacing Monroe with Streisand, a less-victimized heroine. In “American Neighbors,” Roger Shimomura — who at the age of 2 was sent with his family to a Japanese internment camp in Idaho — juxtaposes Warhol’s portrait of Liz Taylor with an image of a geisha: two feminine stereotypes in uneasy coexistence. Christian Marclay is a master at splicing together clips from movies and TV to show multiple variations of common cinematic devices, like the ticking clock or the fraught phone call. You could watch his “Telephones” just to see how many actors and movies you recog-

nize, but it may also make you nostalgic for the satisfaction of slamming down a receiver.

The image that will stay with me the longest from this show is perhaps the simplest. Using vintage photographs from the Civil War era, American artist Whitfield Lovell creates portraits of anonymous Black subjects. The expression on the face of the young Black woman in “Sparrow” is, like the faces immortalized by Rodin, unforgettable.

True Nature: Rodin and the Nature of Impressionism Through Mar. 26, 2023.  Borrow and Steal: Appropriation from the Collection Through Feb. 5, 2023. Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. Tues., Wed., Fri., & Sat.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 12-5 p.m.; and Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. $17-$22; members and SNAP EBT cardholders, free. Check out a free ticket at any participating Pinellas library. 727-896-2667, mfastpete.org.

The Guerrilla Girls’ pointed question.

DAVID WARNER

Photos by Cameron Healy

Veata Blair-Kraybill, Philadelphia, PA: “Iced white mocha latte.”

Abby Baker, Seminole Heights, Tampa: “Crack-tini: four shots of espresso over oat milk with no ice.”

Travis Hawkes, Jungle Terrace, St. Pete: “White chocolate mocha from Starbucks.” Avery Anderson, St. Pete: “Barq’s root beer.”

Timing

gabber on vacation

Peg Martinus and Kate Carter took a break from vacationing in West Asheville to read The Gabber.

Boat Parades, Christmas Shows, Holiday Parties

Thursday, December 15-24

It’s A Wonderful One-Man Show

You won’t want to miss this popup show of “It’s a Wonderful Life” from American Stage. This oneman Christmas show stars drag performer and actor Matt McGee, who plays every role in this new adaption of a holiday classic. You can see this performance at four Pinellas locations: Coastal Creative, Studio @620, The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art,

and Gulfport’s Catherine A. Hickman Theater. $35. 727-823-7529, americanstage.org

Thursday, December 15

Widowing Tribe Meeting You’re not alone and the widowing tribe is here to help. This group provides widowed people a chance to speak their minds while also socializing others in the same boat. The group works to empower each other, encourages positive changes, and

builds resilience. Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport. 12:30 p.m. 727-893-1231.

Friday, December 16

Holiday Benefit Concert During the season of giving, make a difference by attending Sacred Lands’ holiday benefit concert. The proceeds from the concert go toward ending the cycle of homelessness in our community. A variety of performers will perform and they’ll have a potluck dinner during the performances, so bring an item to share. Sacred Lands, 1700 Park St., St. Petersburg. 6 p.m. $15. 727-347-0354, sacredlandspreservation.org

Saturday, December 17

Mistletoe Market Spend your Saturday morning shopping locally at the Mistletoe Market. Local vendors

will set up shop for you to check out their holiday items. Maybe you’ll find that perfect holiday gift! Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St Pete Beach. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Holiday Paddle Tour Decorate your kayak, stand-up paddle board, or canoe for this group guided tour through mangroves, a sunset in Boca Ciega Bay, and the Gulfport boat parade. The groups are collecting donations so bring a toy to help families in need during the holidays. Don’t forget to make a reservation to join. Clam Bayou Kayak Launch, 2901 Miriam St. S., St. Petersburg. 5 p.m. $45-$80. 727-565-6421.

Lit Boat Parade Join the celebration of Treasure Island’s 37th annual lighted boat parade. This is one of the largest boat parades in the Tampa Bay area, and, like the others, it features boats covered in festive lights and decorations. This event includes musical entertainment, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a concession stand. 120 108th Ave., Treasure Island. 5 p.m. 727-547-4575.

Boats Gettin’ Lit Join Boca Ciega Yacht Club’s 37th annual lighted Christmas boat parade. Bring holiday gift donations to help Gulfport’s Operation Santa. It starts by Osgood Point, goes through the bay’s canals, then crosses to Isla del Sol, and circles back around. Boca Ciega Yacht Club, 4600 Tifton Dr. S., Gulfport. 6 p.m. 727-321-7925.

Sunday, December 18

Book Sale Attention all book lovers! Indian Shores hosts a library book sale full of magazines, puzzles, DVDS, and of course, books. The market includes other vendors selling gourmet treats, arts, and plenty more. Indian Shores Town Hall, 19305 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. thebeachmarkets.com.

Holiday Opera Check out this pop-opera styled holiday performance from the St. Pete Opera Company. Don’t forget to bring some

snacks, drinks, a couple of chairs for you and your friends or family, and a blanket to sit and enjoy this holiday show in the park. North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. 3 p.m. $35. 727-823-2040, my.stpeteopera.org

Even More Holiday Boats Enjoy the dazzling lights on these locally decorated boats from Redington Beaches/Indian Shores as they go from the Tom Stuart Causeway to Caddy’s Indian Shores. The top three boats win up to $500 in prize money. 105 164th Ave. Redington Beach. 6 p.m.

Monday, December 19

A Holly Jolly Holiday Party Celebrate the holidays with your friends and Gulfport neighbors at this holiday party. Enjoy a hot chocolate bar, holiday treats and desserts, Christmas light displays, and listen for the announcements of the gingerbread house contest winners. Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport. 12:30 p.m. 727-893-1231.

Tuesday, December 20

Make Gulfport Festive! Decorate your home or business to be a part of Gulfport’s holiday decorations contest. Awards go to one home and one business who put together the most festive decorations

judged by Santa and his elves. Brighten up Gulfport with your favorite holiday decorations and the most colorful lights. Have your home registered by noon; judges will make their rounds by 6 p.m. Gulfport City Hall, 2401 53rd St. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1000.

Submit your events online at thegabber.com

Gulfport Beach Bazaar’s 1st Annual

Holiday Pet Costume Photo-Op

During the 3rd Saturday Indie Faire. Donate to Gulfport Get Rescued for an emailed professional holiday photo. December 17th, 2022 3-6pm

worship

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

Friday 7PM

Beth-El Shalom

Messianic Congregation

ShalomAdventure.com JewishHeritage.net Rabbi@JewishHeritage.net

Good Shepherd Old Catholic Church

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

Where ALL are welcome at the Lord’s table.

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

AN EPISCOPAL CONGREGATION

330 85th Avenue • St. Pete Beach

Reverend Omar Reyes Sundays 10:00am Holy Eucharist Wednesdays 11:00am Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing

“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

St. Vincent’s Thrift Shop

5124 Gulfport Ave S. 33707

Hours 10 AM to 2PM Wednesday to Saturday

Affiliated with St Vincent’s Episcopal Church 5441 9 th Ave N. • St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Unitarian Universalist United Fellowship

During the pandemic join us Sundays on Zoom.

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

Provider may also contract with other Plans/Part D sponsors. Tampa area. CarePlus is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in CarePlus depends on contract renewal. Other providers are available in our network. 1From a preferred cost-sharing retail pharmacy. Important: At CarePlus, it is important you are treated fairly. CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, age, marital status, religion, or language in their programs and activities, including in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, their programs and activities. The following department has been designated to handle inquiries regarding CarePlus’ non-discrimination policies: Member Services, PO Box 277810, Miramar, FL 33027, 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: 711). Auxiliary aids and services, free of charge, are available to you. 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: 711) CarePlus provides free auxiliary aids and services, such as qualified sign language interpreters, video remote interpretation, and written information in other formats to people with disabilities when such auxiliary aids and services are necessary to ensure an equal opportunity to participate. This information is available for free in other languages. Please call our Member Services number at 1-800-794-5907. Hours of operation: October 1 – March 31, 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 1 – September 30, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You may leave a voicemail after hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and we will return your call within one business day. Español (Spanish): Esta información está disponible de forma gratuita en otros idiomas. Favor de llamar a Servicios para Afiliados al número que aparece anteriormente. Kreyòl Ayisyen (French Creole): Enfòmasyon sa a disponib gratis nan lòt lang. Tanpri rele nimewo Sèvis pou Manm nou yo ki nan

obituaries

Donald Earl Constantino, 87, passed away peacefully at his residence on Dec. 6, 2022 in Conway, South Carolina, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 13, 1935 in Springfield, Massachusetts. The son of Anna (Constantino) Booth and Lester Booth, Donald was the owner of Steer-Rite

(automotive shop) and co-owner of Palmer Marine Sales, served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard and a long-time member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Monson and St. Thomas Catholic Church of Palmer. Donald also spent some time in Michigan, opening and managing a golf course in Fenton for the late George and Barbara Fazio and was appointed Deputy Sheriff of Genesee County. He later retired and relocated to Gulfport. He was an avid sports fan who loved the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots, and enjoyed playing softball, golf, cribbage, and bocce.  Along with his parents, Donald is preceded in death by his son Donald Constantino Jr. He is survived by his daughter Kim Constantino-Wheeler (Justin); granddaughters, Melanee Howell and Leigha Howell; two great-grandsons, Wesley Powell and Conner Stodola.  An inurnment will be held in Monson, Massachusetts, at the Bethany Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of

flowers, donations can be made in memory of Donald to the Alzheimer’s Association. Please sign a guestbook at watsonfuneralservices.com. Watson Funeral Services and Crematory, 2300 Hwy 378, Conway, SC is serving the family.

William (Bill) Lamport A celebration of life was held Oct. 30 for Bill Lamport, who passed away Oct 8 peacefully at Elgin Manor with his family by his side. He’s survived by his beloved wife, Coral; his daughter, Lorraine (Gerry); his sons, Bill and Greg (Karen); his grandsons, Greg, Brad (Lindsay) McElroy, and Robert (Carlyn) Lamport; granddaughter, Erin (Josh DeJonge); and 10 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and large circle of friends. After retiring from Bacardi Canada Inc., Bill, along with Coral, wintered for 20-plus years in Gulfport. He traded a hockey stick for golf clubs, the ice for sand, and added an amazing circle of American friends. He enjoyed a second annual Thanksgiving dinner with these friends, hosted an annual Christmas boat parade watch, attended BBQs at Fort De Soto, and to say he loved Gulfport would be an understatement. He enjoyed all his friendships, but Sunday morning breakfasts with Cathy Culler, who assisted in the care of his home were special. He will be missed.

Shows up late, charges too much, does a crappy job. Taking on new clients. Call Sharon: 727-557-4247.

Computer Service

JS COMPUTER REPAIR Mobile computer repair – $40 per visit/hour – 727-643-0697; jscomputerrepair.com

COMPUTER SERVICES 727-343-2838

In-Home services: Internet security, training, virus & spyware removal, maintenance and repair, data recovery. (PC & Mac)

SEMI-RETIRED CARPENTER At discount prices! Free estimates. Frame and finish work. Clearwater, Gulfport and Pinellas Park areas. Call the Door Doctor. Gus: 727-644-6194.

Heating & Air Conditioning

Handy Person

CLEAN UP CLEAN UP CLEAN UP Handy helpers. Skilled labor, anything around the house from A-Z. Weeding, rock gardens cleaned, mulch, sod, and plants installed. Small trees planted and removed. Pressure washing. Free estimates. 30 years experience. Locally St. Pete /Gulfport: 407-244-6045. 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.

Home Improvement AMERICAN BUILDERS GROUP LLC

Residential/Commercial. All phases of remodeling or renovations. Roofs, kitchens, baths, room additions, new construction, doors, windows, stone or concrete work, flooring, and much, much more. Free estimates. CCC 1333727 CGC 059964. 727-410-7323.

DARCY ROOFING LLC

Residential/Commercial. All roofing types - T.P.O., tapered systems, shingle, metal, tile, & flat roofs. Great prices, best warranties. Our general contracting division also does kitchens, baths, additions, new construction, and much, much more. Free estimates. CCC 1333727 CGC 059964. 727-410-7323.

Lawn & Landscape

TREE SERVICE BY PAYLESS

Tree removal, trimming, stump grinding. Also do yard work, mulching, weeding, and yard clean up. Call for estimate: 727-641-9033.

IRRIGATION STAIN REMOVAL

Remove ugly rust-colored irrigation stains from vinyl fencing and most surfaces around your house or business, including signage. Free estimate and demonstration. Call/text 727-360-7070. ruststainremoval@icloud.com

NOTARY SERVICES - $10

The Gabber now provides Notary Services (in office only) at 2908-B Beach Blvd S., Gulfport. Our Notary Public is not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, and may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.

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

Moving / Hauling

ARRON’S HAULINGONE CALL HAULS IT ALL

Positions Wanted

DO YOU NEED A LIVE-IN CAREGIVER? I take the well-being of the elderly seriously. I'm licensed, have outstanding references, COVID-free. Call Lorraine: 727-410-2500.

Full

your home or business. Appliances, furniture, TV, carpet, concrete, yard debris, paints/chemicals, overgrown lawns, etc. Hoarding, eviction, foreclosure clean outs. 727-623-7219.

SKIP’S MOVING & PICK-UP DELIVERY

Have 14 foot box truck, willing to help. I’m the guy who moves everybody in and out of Town Shores. Available Monday thru Sunday. Call: 727-320-3297.

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.

ARNEY’S PAINTING INC.

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

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

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

Plumbing

#CFC1430429

General

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

937-767-2326.

Yard / Garage Sale

OFFICE & HOME FURNITURE SALE 5318 Newton Ave S., Gulfport. ; Sat, Dec 17 , 9 a.m. Former massage with healing touch business selling excellent condition o ce and home items. Massage table, lamps, beautiful art, file cabinets, everything you need for your o ce or home. Call 727-8512167 for details.

Dear Santa Danni has a list for Santa: A human to love her, car rides to Three Dog Bakery, a 2023 filled with dog park adventures, and a new pair

of jammies. Can you be her not-sosecret Santa and give her a home? This 2-year-old still has the heart of a puppy, and she loves to play with other dogs (but please arrange a meet-and-greet with yours). Danni came to Pet Pal with skin and ear infections, but she’s all better now and ready to go to her forever home and has now been cleared for adoption. Tina Grieshop sponsored her via The Pit Project, so Danni’s adoption fee is only $75. Danni’s spayed, vaccinated, micro-chipped and dewormed. Pet Pal Animal Shelter, 405 22nd Ave. S., St. Pete. 727-328-7738; petpalanimalshelter.com.

STELLA! She’s as memorable as a Tennessee Williams play, except Stella’s more polite, calm, and affectionate. This 9-year-old kitty gets along just fine with other cats.

Master Splinter Oh, he looks like a tough guy, but has the heart of a marshmallow. Master Splinter (don’t ask us about the name, we don’t know, either) will be a bit timid when he first meets you, but once he trusts you, this 4-year-old good boy will stick by your side for some pets. Have another cat at home? If it’s a calm kitty, that’s perfect for this kitty!

Friends of Strays celebrates the holidays with an adoption special: the 12 Days of Strays! During the Adoption Center’s 12 remaining days open in 2022 (Dec. 14-31), adopt a pet and name your adoption fee (minimum $25 for cats and $75 for dogs, but FoS always welcomes a little extra jingle.) Adopt your new BFF from 1-6 p.m. Weds.-Fri., and 10-6 p.m. on weekends. FoS closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1.

PET PAL ANIMAL SHELTER

FRIENDS OF STRAYS

FRIENDS OF STRAYS

Real Estate Snapshots

Here’s What Sold in Gulfport Last Week

Other Gulfport Home Sales Last Week

3007 56th St. S. (Waterfront District)

This 840-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bath home, built in 1959, listed for $375,000 and sold for $385,000.

St. Pete Beach

515 55th Ave. (Brightwater)

Built in 1968, this 3,446-square-foot home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It listed for $3,295,000 and sold for $3,120,000.

301 N. Tessier Dr. (Vina del Mar)

This 1,954-square-foot home, built in 1970, has three bedrooms and two baths. It listed for $1,695,000 and sold for $1,575,000.

3820 Gulf Blvd., #1003 (SanSeair)

This 1974 condo has two bedrooms, two baths, and 1,410 square feet. It listed and sold for $1.4 million.

2610 Quincy St. S. (Marina)

This brand-new four-bedroom, three-and-ahalf-bath home listed for $988,600 and sold for $1,012,816. When completed, it will have 2,459 square feet.

200 42nd Ave. (Belle Vista)

Built in 1953, this two-bedroom, two-bath home has 1,300 square feet. It listed for $779,000 and sold for $750,000.

6111 2nd St. E., #29 [Sylvette]

This two-bedroom, two-bath condo, built in 1965, has 1,110 square feet. It listed for $499,900 and sold for $490,000.

CATHY SALUSTRI