The Gabber: December 22, 2022

By June Johns

Photos

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

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Cathy Salustri Loper cathy@thegabber.com

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Barry Loper barry@thegabber.com

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Joey Neill joey@thegabber.com

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Monroe Roark monroe@thegabber.com

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Cameron Healy cameron@thegabber.com

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Patrick Graney patrick@thegabber.com

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Mike Sunnucks, Crime Amanda Hagood, Books & Environment Jon Kile, Columnist Joe Opaleski, Columnist

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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

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No, not Christmas (although I do love this time of the year) – city elections. I don’t love the nasty bits of it (sign stealing, pointed accusations, and rumors flying through our community at Mach 3 all come to mind), but what I do enjoy is the smallest-scale evidence of our democracy at work. When I worked at this paper as a reporter, I was the weirdo who loved going through election paperwork to see who supported who, how much people donated to each candidate, and — most importantly — what each candidate loved or didn’t love about Gulfport.

It takes a lot to run for office, and it takes even more to serve the people who elect the winner – and those who voted against the victor. It’s an essentially thankless job performed for pay that works out to such a low hourly rate that the elected officials would make more money at a sneaker factory in China. Add to that the people who show up at council meetings to rail against decisions with which they disagree, the social media pile-on for any comment (perhaps taken out of context) made at a meeting, and, honestly, it seems to me it’s a lot like working as a journalist.

That doesn’t mean I agree with all the decisions our city council makes, or even that I want to see them all re-elected. I do, however, want to

see all the candidates shown respect — and I want them to show one another respect, too.

This is why The Gabber will have its second Gulfport Candidate Forum on Feb. 2 (we held our first two years ago; last year, no one ran against the incumbents, so there was no need for a forum), and here’s how it’s going to work. We believe it’s a newspaper’s responsibility to help the community it serves understand what motivates a candidate, especially as the newspaper will follow the actions of those who the voters choose to represent them.

Each candidate will have three minutes to give an opening statement, and another three minutes to give a closing statement at the end of the debate.

Monroe Roark, our news and politics reporter, will moderate the debate.

We will not take questions from the audience or in advance; instead, we’re asking voters to tell us on what issues they want to hear the candidates’ positions. We’re doing this because often times the questions are clearly targeted around a decision an elected official has made in office and is already decided, or they center on things upon

which a city council has no control. An example of this would be questions about why teachers can’t get more money, or why we can’t create a median in Gulfport Boulevard (school board and county issues, respectively.) So, no, we’re not asking you to submit questions. We are asking you to email us what issues matter to you. We will not provide a list of issues to the candidates in advance. While they can certainly deduct some of those issues — for example, short-term rentals and the Boca Ciega Yacht Club are hot-button issues right now – we would prefer to hear what candidates think about the issues without having others help them prepare.

We will not entertain or ask any topics about a candidates party affiliation. City elections are nonpartisan. For the purposes of our election, we don’t care how a candidate feels about abortion or EPA regulations. We care about which candidate is going to work best to represent the needs and wishes of Gulfportians.

We will ask each candidate to speak for two minutes on each of the issues presented

We will only allow a rebuttal if one candidate calls out, by name or implication, another candidate.

We will post the video in its entirety on our YouTube channel as soon as possible after the forum ends.

We hope this forum will allow our candidates to offer voters insight into how they truly feel about the issues facing Gulfportians. Our intention is to serve those who live and vote here, and while this may not be the perfect way to do so, it’s the best system we have right now.

While I, as a voter in Gulfport, certainly have my own strong convictions about who should sit on the dais and how they should lead, none of this is about me and my lone vote, and I trust Monroe implicitly to make sure this is a fair forum and that no one’s opinions

or emotions enter into offering our community insight into the minds and hearts of every candidate. One of Monroe’s greatest assets in his capacity as moderator is that he lives outside Gulfport city limits and has no proverbial dog in this fight.

To that end, readers, please email issues (not questions; think topics) to elections@thegabber. com. While we may receive more than we can use in the two-hour time allotted, Monroe will use as many as he can. In the interest of fairness, we will not let you know whether we plan to use your topic.

Finally, we thank the City of Gulfport for co-sponsoring the forum with us, and we thank each of the six candidates for caring enough to want to represent their wards and people throughout the city. And, of course, thank you all for being a part of a representative democracy. Please vote in this election.

–Cathy Salustri Loper, publisher and editor

Dinghy Dock? Keep Your Eye on the Clock City Enforces Four-Hour Parking Limit

By Monroe Roark

Some of Gulfport’s current residents in less-conventional housing expressed concerns to council about their transportation to and from downtown – and how it had recently led to significant inconvenience.

A small dock on the east side of the Casino was built specifically for boaters who live aboard vessels moored in the bay so that they can ride a small dinghy and park it before venturing onto dry land at Shore Boulevard. What some of those boaters had not noticed was a small sign informing them of a fourhour limit for parking there.

A transient boater named Rachel

(no last name given) addressed council about this because the dinghy belonging to her and her partner was recently  impounded and towed from the dock. At first they believed it was stolen. They live on a 41-foot sailboat bound for the Bahamas, but chose to wait out the final weeks of hurricane season in Gulfport, a place she said they have grown to love.

“Why is there no notice or warning on a first offense before a vehicle is towed away?” she asked. “There was no sign posted at the dinghy dock stating that if you exceeded the time limit or overnight your vessel would be towed like in a parking lot for cars.”

She said she reviewed the city code closely and could not find anything stating that this type of action would be taken, only finding reference to public nuisances or abandoned property, in which cases written notice was given as the first step.

“Is our legally registered tender, being parked at the proper and legal location, considered a nuisance?” she asked. “Was the immediate removal of our tender in the best interests of public health, safety, or general welfare? Were we allowed a notice so we could quickly remove said nuisance? Had we been given any type of notice, we would have

The small dinghy dock next to the Gulfport Casino is intended for boaters to make short trips into town, and city officials monitor its use.

MONROE ROARK

taken care of it as soon as we were made aware, and we would make certain it would not happen again.”

She suggested that the city post signs that state the consequences clearly, so they will know what happened to their tender should they come back late and find it gone.

“All I am asking for tonight is transparency of the rules and consequences for it to be fair and legal,” she said.

When asked by Mayor Sam Henderson about following up on this issue, City Manager Jim O’Reilly said officials will be posting better signage, acknowledging that what is there now is small.

Fred Rowe, identifying himself as a “mobile resident on a boat,” said the four-hour rule causes undue hardship for a number of people, including those who live in the mooring field but have regular jobs in town.

“I am retired. When things are made hard, people like me leave –people who have money, who are settled,” he said. “The people who can’t leave are staying. The best that can happen is we have to wetfoot it, which means we park our dinghies out in the water and wade or swim in. All that does is make people miserable. It doesn’t solve any problems.”

Rowe said the dinghy dock “could probably hold an infinite amount of dinghies because there are no slips

there.” O’Reilly later disputed that assertion, noting that it is only 16 feet by eight feet in size.

O’Reilly said that anyone living on a boat that is moored in the bay can ride a dinghy to the Gulfport Marina and park it there as long as he or she likes. “That is free and included with your mooring ball, and there is plenty of parking for their vehicles,” he said.

Noting that parking is typically scarce during busy times downtown, he said the four-hour rule was established to encourage boaters to come in for a short time to eat and shop without tying up the space all day.

“If council would like to change it, they can, but understand how it will be utilized,” he said. “It is supposed to be a transient, convenient dock for use of that visit downtown. You have other options if you choose to do it for any further length of time. As we spoke about with parking downtown, it is a convenience issue.”

Councilmember April Thanos noted that those who park at the marina have a much longer walk to get downtown or even catch a bus somewhere else, but she was the only one expressing that concern.

“A mile and a half on a dinghy is not a very big deal,” said Councilmember Michael Fridovich. “It would be nice if it were closer, but I don’t see this as a major problem. I

don’t see any reason to change anything at the moment.”

Aside from this particular case in which the dinghy was impounded, O’Reilly said his office has not received complaints from boaters who are registered with the city and have mooring balls attached to their vessels.

Councilmember Paul Ray pointed out that since the city issues a blue tag with each mooring ball, perhaps it could be placed on a dinghy parked at the dock and officials could identify the owner without having to impound it.

Thanos suggested making a portion of the dinghy dock available for longer hours but was told that could not be enforceable. She also suggested letting people pay to stay longer, but Henderson said the city cannot collect revenue from the dock.

“It was built with state funds initially. We’re on a submerged land lease on that property,” said O’Reilly, expounding on Henderson’s statement.

“The same thing that invites people to your restaurants is what invites people who are on the mooring balls to dock there – the convenience of downtown, the restaurants, the entertainment, the hospitality aspect,” he said.

“[The four-hour limit] was the idea that people come and go using those docks.”

Affordable Help On the Way for Homeowners New Habitat Housing Project in South St. Pete

By Monroe Roark

A new option for affordable housing is on the way in south St. Petersburg.

Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties broke ground Dec. 6 on a new project, in partnership with the City of St. Petersburg and Exact – Shell Dash LLC. The 10-unit townhome development is planned for the 16th Street business corridor bordering the Campbell Park neighborhood.

“The housing crisis that we’re in continues to really kind of amplify the challenges so many families are facing in our community. So today’s a good day,” said Habitat president/ CEO Mike Sutton. “We’re able to put some shovels in the ground and really show this community in South Saint Petersburg that, you know, there’s a great project coming.”

The new development will be marketed solely to potential homeowners making less than 80% of the area median income and willing to participate in the Habitat for Humanity program. Each unit will be two stories, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a single-car garage. Construction is slated to be completed by Q3 of 2024.

Habitat homes are sold at no profit and no interest to households who do not qualify for a traditional mortgage. The program prepares homeowner

partners to be successful through an education curriculum of 32 classes, from budgeting to home maintenance.

“When you’ve got that intentionality and when you have public private partnerships like we have here, you can make a substantial impact on affordable housing,” said St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch. “We have several projects in this corridor, in this area with Habitat that will, for the first time, bring home-ownership opportunities to folks that have been excluded from that for years.”

“Exact partners and architects are excited about our partnership with the City of St. Petersburg and Habitat for Humanity,” said developer Bob Mayer. “It has been a long time coming to provide this affordable new

housing to the south side of St. Petersburg. This truly is a public, private, and nonprofit partnership model for getting affordable housing to the people of St. Petersburg.”

City officials touted a unique partnership that brings together Habitat’s expertise in affordable homeownership, the Shell Dash team’s development experience, and DuCon’s residential construction capabilities “to execute on the city’s vision of building housing opportunities for all.”

These homes, just blocks away from the historic Gas Plant District, will have a maximum purchase price less than half the cost of other new construction in the area, according to officials.

For more information, visit habitatpwp.org/shelldash.

From left: Mike Sutton (Habitat President & CEO), City Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders, Mayor Ken Welch, City Council Chair Gina Driscoll, Bob Mayer (President of Exact), Alfredo Anthony (Habitat Immediate Past Board Chair), Ernie DuBose (CEO of DuCon Construction).

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF PINELLAS AND WEST PASCO COUNTIES

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Mayor Henderson to Council: Order, Please Frustration

Builds Over Constant Back-and-Forth

By Monroe Roark

One of the primary jobs of the mayor in thousands of cities and towns across the United States is to chair the meetings of that municipality’s council or commission.

At Gulfport City Council’s Dec. 6 regular meeting, Mayor Sam Henderson emphasized his desire to keep the meetings moving as smoothly and orderly as possible. On this particular night he was thwarted more often than usual by a colleague with different opinions on how the process should work.

Council meetings always follow the same general outline. After the invocation and pledge of allegiance to the flag, roll is taken by the city clerk and then any special presentations on the agenda are seen and heard, whether it be an award or recognition to a local group or, as was the case at this meeting, an address by a Forward Pinellas official about the housing situation in the county.

That is followed by public comment, in which citizens come to the lectern individually and have three minutes to speak on whatever concerns they have that are not related to any items on that night’s agenda. Partly to address those concerns with some immediacy when possible, City Manager Jim O’Reilly gives his regular report right after public comment time has ended.

This was where the meeting got bogged down the first time. Rather than give O’Reilly time to address all of his topics, questions were peppered in between and it got to the point that it was unclear if O’Reilly had given all of the information on a particular topic or had concluded his remarks in general. Henderson finally stopped everything and made his case.

“You have got to help me with this,” he told councilmembers. “When city staff is giving us their reports, hold questions until the

end. Unless our goal is to constantly get distracted and have three-and-a-half-hour meetings we could be much more efficient about, we will let city staff finish their reports and we can ask questions at the end.”

All of the members of council concurred, with one exception.

“I’d rather ask questions when it’s happening,” said April Thanos.

Henderson’s reply was instant. “I know you would.”

“Because it’s more efficient. It makes more sense,” she said.

“It’s not more efficient,” he replied. “It’s just more immediate.”

Things calmed down and O’Reilly completed his report. City Attorney Andrew Salzman and City Clerk Lesley DeMuth always follow him on the agenda, but more often than not they have nothing to report, and this meeting was no different.

The standard city business consisting of the consent agenda, res-

Gulfport City Council – from left, Michael Fridovich, Mayor Sam Henderson, Vice Mayor Christine Brown, Paul Ray, and April Thanos – enjoyed the annual tree-lighting event Dec. 5. The next night, at the regular council meeting, there were a few tense moments between them.

CITY OF GULFPORT

olutions and ordinances will typically make up the middle portion of the meeting, with the final items being comments and reports from individual councilmembers and the mayor, who goes last. Each one is allotted five minutes.

This time it led to another clash between Henderson and Thanos. Henderson took notes as Thanos discussed her various topics, intending to address them all concisely during his own designated time. Thanos was more inclined to turn each session into a discussion, which Henderson was not going to let happen. He made this clear when taking his turn.

“I’m going to finish my report and we’re going to make an effort to not interrupt,” he said to everyone on the dais, then turned his comments to Thanos. “I am using my report to talk about the things in your report. I don’t understand what is so difficult about this concept.”

“I didn’t think my time was up,” she replied. “I thought part of my

five minutes was a discussion. If it isn’t, that’s fine.”

Henderson firmly stated, “I’m going to wait until you tell me you’re definitely done so I can have my report.”

“Whatever,” said Thanos, now as exasperated as the mayor. “Do whatever you want, Sam.”

But Henderson wasn’t quite finished.

“I’m not asking what your opinion is because I already know it,” he said. “You can’t seem to let people give their own opinion without inserting yours.”

At the very end of his remarks, Henderson again appealed to everyone for order and proper procedure in the meetings, acknowledging that he is also to blame at times.

“I’m saying this to all of us, including me. I’ve interrupted some of you from time to time. I’ve jumped in on the city manager. But if we’re going to make these things clean and efficient, we’ve got to maintain some kind of rule

of order about when we do reports, whether it’s city staff or us, and really make an effort not to interrupt each other and give them their time.”

Henderson also made a distinction between the elected officials and the staff as far as their roles are concerned.

“It’s not our job as councilmembers to tell the other councilmembers what to think. You’re here to tell people what you think, and everyone else is afforded that same respect. When we have city staff members we’ve hired because of their expertise tell us their opinions and recommendations for the betterment of the city, it’s not our job to try and be a bigger expert than they are. We can disagree, but for any of us to think we are better than a Tom Nicholls or a Chief Vincent or a Jim O’Reilly at their jobs, unless that’s also what we do for a living – we need to be cognizant of the ways we disagree. I’m just asking that from all of us, including me.”

Council Approves Air Conditioner for Gulfport Casino Delivery a Few Months Away

By Monroe Roark

A new air conditioner for the Gulfport Casino is on the way – eventually.

Gulfport City Council voted at its Dec. 6 regular meeting to approve the $93,850 purchase of a new 30ton air conditioning unit for the historic building from United Air Conditioning and Heating. City officials said the replacement was recommended because it was not worth spending any more money on parts and repairs for the existing one, which is 10 years old.

City Manager Jim O’Reilly told council this is the second such purchase he has had to make during his time on the job.

“Because of where it sits, right on the bay and the salt water and the salt air, we get about an eight-year life expectancy out of them,” he said.

O’Reilly emphasized how important air conditioning is at the Casino, and it’s not just to make the patrons more comfortable during the summer.

“It keeps the humidity out of the floor,” he said. “We have a floor that is probably worth as much as the building, structurally. So it’s very important to maintain it.”

Vice Mayor Christine Brown concurred, noting that she has the same two-inch maple floors in her 100-year-old house, but hers “don’t look as pretty as those do,” she said. “We’ve got to take care of the floors.”

According to a city staff report, the new unit is a special order. Once it is

placed, the estimated build time is 27 weeks plus shipping.

Councilmembers expressed sur-

prise at the wait time, and Public Works Director Tom Nicholls said that was the shortest period possible based on information from the three vendors that submitted bids.

United Air Conditioning and Heating was the lowest bid, and there is money in the city’s budget for its purchase.

The city invested $6,000 per month in a temporary unit to keep the building operational, but then the staff worked on the old unit as another option.

“We did invest some money to get that rental unit out of there and save that money,” said Nicholls. “Fingers crossed that it lasts.”

The Gulfport Casino is getting a new air conditioning unit.

MONROE ROARK

House Husbandry

For Love of a Vacuum. Really.

By Jon Kile

Before we had kids, nobody warned me that I’d end up with an unpaid part-time job sweeping floors for 18 years. Children generate flotsam and jetsam in the form of food, tiny pieces of paper, bits of plastic toys, candy wrappers, and materials that cannot be identified by scientists. The floors in our house are a prairie of hardwood, tile, and rugs, and keeping these diverse surfaces clean drives me nuts.

My struggle to keep them neat reminds me of my 6th-grade Civics teacher at Sierra Intermediate School in Santa Ana, California (go Rangers!). Maj. “Rocky” Gillis (Ret.) was a towering, highly decorated fighter pilot in WWII and Korea. He distinguished himself for being the first “ace” in Korea, downing three Russian MiGs — two in one day (top that, Maverick). But the only thing he told my class about his service was that he once accidentally landed on the wrong aircraft carrier. Mr. Gillis hated dirty floors. When Mr. Gillis gave students detention, they had to crawl on their hands and knees and pick up the little tiny pieces of paper that had collected on the classroom’s utility carpet that day. I think he gave me detention because I was so thorough.

I didn’t know it, but Mr. Gillis was training me for parenthood. All of this is to explain my sheer joy when my wife gave me a new vacuum for my 49th birthday. Our new Shark vacuum is like a state-of-the-art F-25 jet. With the flick of the thumb, I can change the surface I’m cleaning. “I’m switching from carpet to hardwood, Goose,” I say above the hum of turbines. My floors now look like my wife and I still live alone, eat dinner at 9 p.m., and have conversations without getting interrupted.

My domesticity is a point of amusement as my wife points out that last year she got me an Instant Pot for Christmas. For our anniversary it was a fancy Nespresso coffee maker. Add my recent acquisition of a gently used air fryer and there’s no pretending I’m not a sucker for

the latest convenience. You might call me Johnny Homemaker, but I declare that these are manly gifts. When Johnny comes marching home again to two kids, a dog, and a cat, it’s a war keeping our floors clean. Perhaps not on the scale of the wars Mr. Gillis fought, but a teeny tiny battle against the forces of gravity.

Although I cling to my George Foreman Grill, I know that the Instant Pot

and the air fryer are destined to join the breadmaker, the hot-air popcorn popper, and the Veg-o-matic in the Cemetery of Small Appliances, but the vacuum will endure. Just as my dad has a closet full of old vacuums that belong in the Smithsonian, I’ll retire my old 30-pound Bissel upright to our garage, in case it gets called back to active duty.

What could possibly be under the Christmas tree for me this year?

Jon Kile is a stay-at-home dad, writer and amateur homeschool teacher in St. Pete. He and his wife Monica, a nonprofit consultant and marathoner, have a habit of loading their two kids into their RV and disappearing down the backroads of America. After he was diagnosed with a rare condition called Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Jon adjusted his lifestyle while finding inner peace and humor. Visit dontmakemeturnthisvanaround.com.

JON KILE

Still Having a Ball Thursday Night Regulars at Gulfport Rec Center

By Monroe Roark

There are many ways to occupy one’s time at the Gulfport Recreation Center, with classes and programs geared for every age group, from toddlers and teens to seniors.

It’s also a good place for grownups who still think of themselves as ballers.

A small group of guys can typically be found taking the ball to the hoop on Thursday nights when the gym at the center is reserved for adult basketball. They are mostly in the senior category, but they still enjoy the game and are hoping others in town in their age group will join them.

“We’re looking for guys who are 55 and older,” said Eric Levitt, 69.

Usually four to eight players show up for Thursday night open gym at the center, including at least one regular who is in his 70s. They also play in St. Petersburg most Monday nights with other players who are younger.

“Even the ones in their 40s and 50s can still get around, but I think we keep up with them pretty well,” said Levitt. “But 55 and up is our spot. If we can get more people playing [in Gulfport], that would be awesome.”

The court at the Gulfport center is a bit shorter than a regulation

ERIC LEVITT

high school basketball court, to the point that a proficient three-point

shooter could be a threat from midcourt in a game. Many nights

• Ten of the last 11 recessions started during Republican administrations

• Six of the seven administrations with the highest job growth since WWII were Democratic

• The first two presidents who doubled the national debt were Republican

A recent Thursday night at the Gulfport Recreation Center. From left: John Dennehy, Eric Levitt, Tom Saieva, and Glen Stamm.

Levitt and his friends play halfcourt games because of a lack of players.

“That’s the struggle,” he said. “[The shorter court] is a great thing for us senior guys. We generally don’t get enough to play full-court, as much as I’d like to. On Monday nights we play fullcourt on a high school court. But at that age when you’re running around for an hour, I don’t care what size court it is. You’re getting a heck of a workout.”

The regulars in his group are still in fairly good shape, with only the occasional knee brace showing any obvious sign of slowing down. Levitt admits that after the Monday night games it can take him two days to recuperate.

Activity should be picking up fairly soon at the center, however, according to recreation supervisor Marivel Gutierrez.

“The snowbirds are coming back,” she said, pointing out that all of the activities have more participation when those parttime residents return to Gulfport for the winter.

Levitt said one new player who showed up for the first time a couple of weeks ago is a snowbird, but he thinks there are plenty in that category who simply don’t know about this activity and would come out if they did.

Adult basketball takes over the gym three times a week, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday and Friday as well as 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, which is the most popular time.

Pickleball is the sport of choice Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings. The game room is wide open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings and used for table tennis the other two days.

The holiday season alters this schedule significantly. Beginning Dec. 22, both the gym and the game room are unavailable to adults in the morning because of day camp for kids who are out of school for Christmas break. Evening activities are, for the most part, unaffected.

Alphabet Soup + Annex Coffee House Keep

Updated on

New

By Cameron Healy Alphabet Soup Private Club

Businesses Opening up in Gulfport

Perhaps you’ve seen a colorful sign on 49th St. S. that reads “Alphabet Soup.” No, it’s not some funky new restaurant exclusively selling soup.

Alphabet Soup is actually a private club for the LGBTQ+ community and allies where members are told to “Bring Your Own Booze.”

“You supply the liquor, we make and serve the drink! Simple!” the club said on a Facebook post. “This is your club!”

The private club intends to hold karaoke nights, bingo, drag, live music and DJs, themed nights, Sunday T-dances, and a bloody mary bar.

There will be a daily entry fee of $7. But to become a member, you must pay $60 per year and sign “a statement that you do, and will lift up the LGBTQ2+ community and help maintain Alphabet Soup as a safe space for all.” Members will receive an entry key card that allows them in all year long.

Owner Metria Jones is almost done with all the processing that comes with opening a new business and hopes to have the place open and

running before the end of the year.

Jones said her intent for Alphabet Soup is to “create a safe place for like-minded members of our community to share our history, experiences, encouragement, support, and camaraderie for the LGBTQ2+ community and its supporters.”

Along with this effort, having a private location, she said, will help develop a gathering of a “scattered community back together without having to travel all over the county.” She said she has a goal to become an

asset to this community by providing a presence that is not only social, but political, and charitable in the city.

Once the business becomes profitable, they plan to start a charitable organization that will receive a percentage of their profits as an effort to better their community.

Alphabet Soup, 2321 49th St. S., Gulfport.

Drive-Through Coffee Shop

Welcome the Annex Coffee House to the Gulfport neighborhood.

This new, local coffee shop will have a quick and convenient drivethrough where they serve hot and iced coffee drinks with Kawha coffee. They plan to open at the beginning of 2023.

“Our mission is to provide locals with fast, reliable and delicious coffee, which will set the tone for their day,” the coffee shop said on an Instagram post.

They are also hiring! If you have any experience as a barista or hope to learn, this just might be the place for you.

Annex Coffee House, 5133 Gulfport Blvd. S., Gulfport.

Bring your own booze to this new LGBTQ+ private club in Gulfport.

METRIA JONES

Seeking the Skunk Ape

Watt Key’s Latest a Great Read for Teens *and* Adults

By Amanda Hagood

As proud Florida transplants, and the even prouder parents of a Florida native, we take great satisfaction in the fact that our first-grader can imitate the alarm call of a blue jay, spot a thunderhead on the horizon, and tell you the best way to avoid being eaten by an alligator. He’s even written a nifty illustrated guide to “Surviving the Florida Wilderness.”

Nevertheless, I don’t think he’s quite ready for the ferocious Florida frontier of Watt Key’s spine-tingling young adult novel “Beast” (Square Fish, 2020). Or for its furry foe – none other than the notorious Florida Skunk Ape.

Adam Parks is a normal Florida teen on his way home from Walt Disney World when tragedy strikes. An accident sends his family’s car careening off the road near the mighty Suwannee River, and while he can’t remember much – most importantly, what might have hap-

pened to his missing parents – he can recall the hulking, ape-like figure that strayed onto the blacktop right before the crash. You can imagine how the local law enforcement, not to say Adam’s classmates, respond to that little detail. Stung by ridicule and spurred on by grief, Adam embarks on a dangerous quest into the wilds of the Suwannee country to track down his parents and their cryptid killer.

Key, a prolific and much-celebrated author of young adult survival stories, paints a vivid picture of the wilderness of north central Florida: a land of labyrinthine cypress groves, crystal blue springs, and fish so huge and powerful they can leap right out of the water and knock you over (true story! – look up the Gulf sturgeon). Teens and tweens inclined toward adventure will love this action-packed journey, filled with moments of inspired wildcraft problem-solving,

and tinted with the moody, malodorous shadow of the “bigfoots” that haunt these woods.

Adam’s quest to find his parents works on a psychological level, too. Anyone who has ever grieved a loved one will recognize the utter bewilderment and the search for understanding that drives Adam forward. We all find our closure in our own ways; Adam’s way, as it turns out, involves a bizarre ritual conducted by skunk apes and making friends with Levy County’s most quarrelsome old geezer. But it’s emotionally satisfying all the same – and no weirder than some other things I’ve seen at funerals.

So, whether you’ve got a crypto-curious naturalist, a young trekker, or going-through-a-thing teen, “Beast” is a fun and fulfilling tale for the young reader in your life.

Maybe get ‘em through elementary school first.

Watt Key’s “Beast” (2020) offers a trip through wild Florida country that teens – and maybe even their parents – will enjoy. Who doesn’t want to meet the famous Florida skunk ape?

AMANDA HAGOOD

Deck The Windows

Gulfport Kids Unleash Their Inner Artist on Shop Windows

By Gabber Staff

Alyse, age 9, with her “Starry Snowman.”

Wes, age 8 displays his “Santa

Mark,

7,

Ella, age 6, presents her “Starry Night.”

Mari, age 4, presents “POP POP POP.”

Berkley,

This past Saturday (Dec. 17), a small but mighty group of Gulfport kids participated in Deck the Windows, a holiday art contest co-sponsored by the City of Gulfport. Our judges chose two winners: “Starry Snowman” by 9-year-old Alyse, for Best in Show, and 9-year-old Berkley for “Most Creative” (seriously, we want this on a t-shirt!). Thanks to our sponsor, we’re able to offer cash prizes. Both artists will receive Visa gift cards, and we’ll also make sure every artist gets a little something, too. Artists, please make sure your parent or guardian has given us your address so we can mail your prizes!

TRICIA

DIFRANSCESCO

Gingerbread Man.”

PATRICK GRANEY

age

with the “Empire State Building.”

PATRICK GRANEY

PATRICK GRANEY

age 9, with her “Phases of Christmas Cookies.”

NEVIN HEFFNER

BARRY

LOPER

BARRY

LOPER

One-derful A One-Man ‘Wonderful Life’ Comes to Gulfport for Three Performances

By David Warner

Helen R. Murray and Jason Lott’s stage adaptation of the holiday classic “It’s A Wonderful Life” is called, simply, “Wonderful Life” — shorter than the original title, but broader in scope. The same could be said of the adaptation. With just one actor playing 15 characters for 75 minutes on an almost-bare stage, it cuts through the fog of nostalgia that hovers over the 1946 Frank Capra film to retell the story with striking immediacy.

The script has won accolades across the country since premiering in 2012 at The Hub Theatre in Arlington, where Murray was the founding artistic director. Now she’s leading St. Pete’s American Stage, which this month has been touring a production of “Wonderful Life” to multiple local venues. The final three performances take place in Gulfport, starting tonight.

You know the story. George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart in the movie) is the quintessential nice guy who has always set aside his own dreams to help others realize theirs. But, after an apparent mistake at his bank

threatens him and his beloved Bedford Falls with ruin, he’s poised to jump off a bridge on Christmas Eve when a droll angel named Clarence drops down from heaven to show him all the good things that wouldn’t have happened if he had never lived.   Matthew McGee, dressed in jacket and vest, plays not just George and Clarence, but George’s wife, Mary, plus his war-hero brother, his doting mother, his dotty uncle, and numerous townspeople, including villainous banker Henry Potter. That these characters remain distinct from one another is a credit to the playwrights, to Murray’s direction, and to the quiet virtuosity of McGee. After a while, you hardly notice that

he’s reading from a script — kind of in the same way you stop noticing the humans powering the puppet in “The Lion King.”

McGee conveys changes in location by moving to different parts of the stage, which is decorated only with a Bedford Falls sign, a lectern, and a bench. Character shifts are marked by the slightest of adjustments in vocal tone and gesture: Ma Bailey clutches her lapels, as if feeling a perpetual chill; Nick the bartender is pure Noo Yawk; and, because McGee is so adept at realizing the acute pain of Potter, a polio victim, we (almost) sympathize with the cad.

The pared-down approach of the Murray/Lott adaptation heightens the story’s contemporary resonance. Potter’s hard-nosed opposition to handouts vs. George’s insistence on financial equity come through loud and clear. The pain that can lead to suicide is vividly felt, as is the suggestion of its aftermath. And while George’s inherent goodness is key, it’s his belief in others that ultimately makes him a hero — underscoring the point that leaders are men who connect people rather than divide them.

And let’s face it — could anyone be a better embodiment of George Bailey-ness than Matthew McGee? Follow his lead, and discover a holiday show that’s funny, moving, and unexpectedly relevant.

Wonderful Life American Stage at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport. Dec. 22, 7 p.m.; Dec. 23, 8 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 24, 2 & 8 p.m. 727-823-7529; americanstage.org.

Matthew McGee’s a one-man show – literally – in this retelling of a Frank Capra classic.

ABBY BAKER

food Cheers!

Taste-Testing Stella’s New Holiday Cocktails

By David Warner

I have known and loved Stella’s for its Benedicts and BLTs for many years, but I didn’t know they had a liquor license until The Gabber asked if I’d like to review the restaurant’s new holiday cocktails. (I selflessly agreed to shoulder the task.)

Turns out they’ve had their license for more than a year, which I would have known if I’d read the news in, ahem , The Gabber. As Abby Baker reported at the time, “Stella’s previously sold beer and wine, but the additional liquor license allows for stronger drinks, meaning the previously wine-based bloody mary is getting a revamp.”

Which also means – holiday cocktails! General Manager Carly Russell collaborated with Shift Manager Daniel Webb on the concoctions, which cost $8. With my fellow taster, Larry, we tried all three, along with a chicken salad wrap and a Key West BLT.

Mistletoe Mimosa

(cointreau, prosecco, cranberry juice, rosemary, sugar rim)

A beautiful drink, the cranberry giving it a rosé hue and the sprig of rosemary evoking Christmas greenery (but not adding much in the way of aroma). It tasted a tad medicinal at first, with prosecco the dominant flavor, but it drank easily and  paired well with the food.

Stella’s Spiked Nog

(spiced rum, eggnog, sugar/spice rim)

Ya gotta get a nog, no? And this version is a winner. Shaken over ice before serving, it’s lighter than store-bought nog, the rum doesn’t overwhelm, and the sugar/spice rim adds a nice crunch.  This was Larry’s fave.

Stella’s Spiked Nog can make you see green and red everywhere!

Grumpy Grinch

(Tito’s vodka, Midori, peppermint schnapps, pineapple juice, lime juice, basil, cherry, and a candy cane)

Sounds god-awful sweet from the ingredients, doesn’t it? But through some bartending alchemy, it all blends together with a peppermint pop. And while I’m generally wary of drinks that are green or yellow or otherwise suggestive of chemically induced hangovers-to-come, this tipple is perfectly Christmasy in appearance, what with the green of the Midori, the red of the cherry and the red/white striping of the candy cane. It’s all reminiscent of the Grinch, color-wise, but it won’t leave you feeling Grinchy. This was my favorite.

And don’t forget to check out the

main cocktail menu, aptly entitled “Happy Drinks” ($10 each). Russell credits executive assistant Marilyn Baker with the menu’s witty wordplay, which, like the name of the restaurant, takes inspiration from owner Barbara Banno’s Aunt Stella, a nun and a talented cook. We doubt Stella was either a “Roamin’ Catholic” (Irish Cream and coconut rum) or a “Twisted Sister” (the amped-up Bloody), but we bet she’d like the jokes.

Then there’s “The Manger” (vodka, ginger beer, blue curacao). It’s not on the holiday menu, for some reason, but if you try one, you might want to have three wise men on hand to carry you home.

Stella’s, 2914 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. 727-498-8950, stellasingulfport.com.

STELLA’S

Rhyme Time

gabber on vacation

Newton’s family lives in Gulfport: She has sisters in Beachway

Park and near downtown, and an aunt in Town

She visits Gulfport whenever she has the chance, and she enjoys reading us so much she took us to Thornes Market in Northampton, MA. Thanks, Nancy!

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

Nancy

Mobile Home

Shores.

things to do

Holiday Golf Cart Parade, Christmas Concerts + Die Hard

Thursday, December 22

Gingerbread Houses Grab all your friends and head over to this gingerbread house party. Bring your own gingerbread house to decorate. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and jam out to some holiday music. Don’t forget to take some holiday photos with their 13foot Christmas tree too. The Centre Coffee Exchange, 7525 Blind Pass Road, St. Pete Beach. 2 p.m.-5 p.m. 727-258-2001

Lit Golf Cart Parade It wouldn’t be a Florida Christmas if there wasn’t a golf cart parade for the holidays. Check out this Christmas lighted golf cart parade fundraiser starting at the intersection of Lansing and Montana in Shore Acres. The proceeds from raffle tickets and

donations will go toward the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg. 1935 Montana Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. 4 p.m.-9 p.m. allevents.in

Winter Solstice Meditation Meditate to harpist Eliza Sydney, and relax to crystal sound bowls and singer Crea Egan at the Winter Solstice Oracle Harp Meditation. Join in on the plant-based potluck after and hang out around the fire, too. Make sure to reserve yourself and friends a spot at the session. Red Feathers Studio, 1301 49th St. S., Gulfport. 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. 727560-0608

The Season of Giving It’s never too late to give back during the holidays. Join the first annual Meals On OneWheels St. Pete Stokemas Float with the St. Pete Float Fleet.

This event will collect unwrapped toys and supplies to donate to the Alpha House of Pinellas Park. Not only will they donate gifts, but they’re also putting together care packages to hand out to those who are homeless during the holidays. Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. 6:30 p.m.

Friday, December 23

Yippee Ki-Yay! But is “Die Hard” a Christmas movie? Find out for yourself! Watch as NYC cop John McClane takes matters into his own hands fighting cold-blooded thieves in Los Angeles on Christmas Eve. St. Pete Beach Library, 365 73rd Ave., St. Pete Beach. 2 p.m. 727-3639238, spblibrary.com

Celebrate like the Craig family (Able and Jack in the front and Tommy and Cristina in the back)!

JUNE JOHNS

Santa Meet + Greet  Here’s your last chance to chat with Santa before he spends Christmas weekend delivering presents overnight. You can find Santa in a rocking chair ready to ask about your wishlist, and to take a Christmas photo with him. Don’t miss out on this opportunity! North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

Curated Heat Market Shop local at the Curated Christmas Market for some last-minute presents, stocking stuffers, and (obviously) anything you want to buy for yourself this holiday season. Expect to see loads of awesome vintage clothes and accessories, shoes, craft art, and live music. Coastal Creative, 2201 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 6 p.m.-12 a.m. 813-452-9799.

Gulfport Holiday Golf Cart Parade Here’s your last chance to check out your local friends and the Golf Cart Cruisers drive through Gulfport in their holiday-themed golf

carts, bikes, and scooters. You can join the fun with your own festive transportation. Anyone joining the parade, stop by the Town Shores Plaza at 6 p.m. Town Shores Plaza, 3210 59th St. S., Gulfport. 6:30 p.m. 813-601-0238

Ugly Sweaters + Silent Disco Get your party on at this holiday party. Eat, drink, and jam out to some bumpin’ tunes. There’s three different DJs you can choose to listen to, and the headphones that change different colors so your friends can see which station you’re hearing. Buy your tickets as soon as you can, because headphones are not guaranteed the day of the disco. 3 Daughters Brewing, 222 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg. 8 p.m.-11 p.m. $15$30. 727-495-6002, eventbrite.com

Saturday, December 24

Christmas Eve Concert Get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy this special Christmas concert from the Cavalry Chapel Fellowship. Listen

to live music and take some holiday photos with Santa Claus. Hot cocoa and cookies provided by Craft Kafe for all visitors. St. Pete Pier, 600 2nd Ave. NE., St. Petersburg. 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

Wednesday, December 28

All Aboard! Enjoy the magic of the holidays with this special Christmas and holiday model train display. All are welcome to visit the model train set-ups. All of the funds raised from the presentations will go toward the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation.  5314 10th Ave. S., Gulfport. 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. 407-908-5868

Business + Brews Drink, network, and donate to Ovations School of Art. Here’s your opportunity to network with others over a nice, cold beer while also helping a good cause. Mastry’s Brewing Co., 7701 Blind Pass Road, St. Pete Beach. 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. 727-202-8045.

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

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

Photos by Cameron Healy

John Parker, Gulfport: “My mother’s zucchini bread.” Beryl Odour, St. Petersburg: “Peppermint bark chocolate.”

Helena Demacopoulos, Clearwater: “Gingerbread cookies.”

Jessica Steel Koupas, St. Petersburg: “Apple pie with ice cream.”

gabberlife

Being a Good Boy for Santa

Dy$on, a 3-year-old fawn piebold French bulldog, waits patiently for Santa. Or maybe a tater tot. Hard to tell with dogs. Unlike most Frenchies, he can swim. His owners, Julius and Garrett Little, live in St. Pete but came to Gulfport with their BFF Mora Galin for a lit-

A Watery Sleigh

tle pre-holiday grilled cheese and black bean cakes.

Dy$on’s last name is Hawthorne, named for the brick street in San Francisco.

We hope Santa brings you everything you want, Dy$on, and all the tater tots you can eat!

“None of your business!”

Follow us on Instagram @GabberLife for more snaps of what we see around town.

Take a look at the view from FUSION on Treasure Island as the annual boat parade ramped up on Dec. 17. The sold-out restaurant and rooftop bar offered prime viewing. One boat yelled up to the crowd, “Have you been naughty or nice?” The response?

Santa took note of the sass.

CATHY SALUSTRI

CATHY

SALUSTRI

CATHY SALUSTRI

CHRISTMAS DAY

Sunday, December 25, 2022

Monday’s pickup will be on Tuesday, December 27

Tuesday’s pickup will be on Wednesday, December 28

*No Wednesday yard waste pickup this week*

The Public Works Office will be closed on Monday, December 26, 2022.

NEW YEAR’S DAY

Sunday, January 1, 2023

Monday’s pickup will be on Tuesday, January 3

Tuesday’s pickup will be on Wednesday, January 4 *No Wednesday

January 2, 2023.

Caregivers

OF ST. PETE BEACH

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

THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS Organized, conscientious companion/maid. Paid by the job. Immaculate costs more. Medical license. Email vmorley908@gmail.com or call 863-201-3078.

Cleaning/Housekeeping

HORRIBLE HOUSEKEEPER

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

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.

PROFESSIONAL LOCAL HANDYMAN

Bathrooms, kitchens. drywall, painting, custom high-end finishing. Any job undertaken, honest pricing. Insured, reliable. 347-973-0814.

Heating & Air Conditioning

Handy Person

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.

AFFORDABLE CONCRETE PATIOS, WALKWAYS, CUSTOM STEPS, & REPAIRS

Concrete patios, extensions, walkways & custom steps. All types of concrete repairs. Asphalt resurfacing & pot hole repairs. Resurface with colored sealer in brick red, dove grey, & dark beige. 35 yrs. exp. Call Mark for Free Estimate. 813859-2023.

727-410-2201.

IRRIGATION STAIN REMOVAL

Miscellaneous Service

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

LOOKING FOR FEMALE PT CAREGIVER(S) AGAIN

Seeking 1 or 2 female caregiver(s) beginning January. M-F 8:30-9:30 pm, personal care. SU 9-11 am, LPN/RN preferred. Experience preferred. Non-smoker strongly preferred. Call 404-822-4327. Current caregivers moving out of the area due to increasing rents.

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.

Card of Thanks

Painting

PAINTING INC.

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

POWERFUL PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Holy Spirit, you who solves all problems, who lights all roads so that I can attain my goal, you who give me the divine gi s to forgive and forget all evil against me and that in all instances of my life you are with me, I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things and confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you, even in spite of all material illusions. I wish to be with you, in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy toward me and mine. The person must say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. A er 3 days the favor requested will be granted, even if it may appear di cult. This prayer must be published immediately a er the favor is granted, without mentioning the favor, only your initials should appear at the bottom. TTD

For Sale

ITEMS FOR SALE Men’s Hosi 21 Speed, 26inch Mountain bike. Various small outdoor grills. Samsung Galaxy Tab Elite. 40 inch Smart TV. Beach tent for 2-3 people. All new in boxes. Prices negotiable. Pasadena area. Contact 727-481-5300.

2007 TOYOTA CAMRY - $6,000 Well maintained, oil changed every 2,000 miles. Silver, 4-door. Runs good, cold air conditioning. One owner,. $6,000 or best o er. Call or text 727-343-3965 or 727-455-8998.

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Right in Time

Towing, LLC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 1/8/2023 01:22 p.m. at 5304 1st Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33710 pursuant to subsection 713.78 of Florida Statutes. Right In Time Towing, LLC reserves the right to accept or reject and and/or all bids. 1B7GL22XIYS560251 2000 Dodge Dakota.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Right in

Time

Towing, LLC gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 1/6/2023 12:00 a.m. at 5304 1st Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33710 pursuant to subsection 713.78 of Florida Statutes. Right In Time Towing, LLC reserves the right to accept or reject and and/or all bids. 1HGFA16548L009876 2008 Honda Civic LX

ST PETE S. APARTMENT

RENTALS

GULFPORT CONDO FOR RENT TOWN SHORES

One bedroom/one bath. Fully furnished. Million Dollar View. Beautiful grounds, four pools, exercise room, tennis, bocci, billiards, arts and crafts. Walk to bay beach and restaurants. Six month contract. Feb to August. $2,200 per month. Credit check required. 845-518-4017.

Real Estate Snapshots

Here’s What Sold in Gulfport Last Week

Other Gulfport Home Sales Last Week

6124 Kipps Colony Dr. W. (Pasadena Yacht & Country Club)

This 6,072-square-foot, five-bedroom, six-bath home, built in 1995, listed for $3.095 million and sold for $3,399,975.

5232 26th Ave. S. (Waterfront District)

This 1956 home has 1,493 square feet, three bedrooms, and two baths. It listed for $597,000 and sold for $550,000.

2838 53rd St. S. (Waterfront District)

Built in 1948, this two-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home has 1,555 square feet. It listed for $575,000 and sold for $540,000.

1025 61st St. S. (Stetson)

This 1950 home has three bedrooms, two baths, and 1,719 square feet. It listed for $479,600 and sold for $455,000.

2805 48th St. S. (Marina)

2618 Tifton St. S. (Marina)

This four-bedroom, three-bath home listed for $750,000 and sold for $720,000. It has 2,100 square feet.

This 1950 home has 1,126 square feet, two bedrooms, and two baths. It listed for $425,000 and sold for $405,000.

5622 18th Ave. S. (Tangerine)

This four-bedroom, one-and-one-half bath, built in 1957, has 1,108 square feet. It listed and sold for $399,000.

CATHY SALUSTRI

Suzette played the piano at age 4 and plucked a mean ukulele in college. Then she played “Tiny Bubbles” at a Watermark luau. That’s how it started.

Residents created a ukulele club. There’s Adrienne, who first played in Hawaii. And Judy, eager to try a new instrument. Some never played a note before. In this club, talent is optional; good cheer universal. They jam to cool tunes and sway to “Margaritaville.” Are they perfect? Nope. Are they wonderful? Beyond measure.

Watermark Resident Helen,

Suzette D. (left), Watermark resident

“

beauty in making music together.”

– Suzette, Watermark Resident, Ukulele Goddess