The Gabber: December 23, 2021

Digital subscriptions provided by the City of Gulfport THE GABBER.COM No. 2740

December 23 - December 29, 2021

Ballerina in Blue At 21, Brianna Melton is directing, choreographing and dancing in the St. Petersburg Ballet Conservatory’s “The Nutcracker.”

A ballerina since she was three years old, Melton aims to dance for a Florida ballet company and eventually teach full time.

Her parents, Brian and Anna Melton, own the Gulfport-based ballet, so it was no surprise when the young ballerina took a break from searching for a company and stepped in the role of artistic director.

For months she’s been training a group of young dancers to take the stage. Melton pins their hair back, makes conversation around the “lipstick mirror”, and works diligently with dancers not much younger then herself.

But it wasn’t necessarily on a happy note.

This past May, Servy Gallardo, previous artistic director and co-founder with the Meltons, was accused Ballet continued on page 14

ABBY BAKER

By Abby Baker

Willow Brightman as “Clara.”

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voices Charles When I passed Charles as he sat on the bench, he always had a kind word for me. He kept his belongings organized. I admired his fortitude while enduring a life on the street. Charles made me feel grateful that I could return to a home with running water. –Janet Folsom, Gulfport

Kenneth City I enjoyed reading the article written by Jim Schnur titled “Kenneth’s Town”. It was well put together and accurate. Please extend my thanks to him. Thank you. –Kenneth D. Colen, Ocala (but yes, that Kenneth)

How Did Larry Die? I thank readers for your concern regarding the cause of death recorded on my husband’s death certificate subsequent to his hospitalization for COVID pneumonia.

I was finally able to speak with the physician who signed Larry’s death certificate. She gave me her reasons and, in this particular case, without going into details, I understand where she’s coming from.

She understood my concern about underreporting COVID deaths, and said if I can get the medical examiner to let her change the death certificate she would be okay with adding COVID on one of the lines available for comments. —Maureen Kilroy, Gulfport

Gulfport Elections This Monday (Dec. 17) the deadline passed for candidates to submit their applications to run for three elected positions including mayor and two council openings.

Not one person applied and it’s not because the incumbents are so loved by the people. Gulfport in fact has a wealth of talented people with great vision and leadership experience but they chose not to run because the pay is un-

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deservedly low for such an important yet thankless position.

Each council member earns only $10,000 per year, which equates to about $10 per hour. This is at or below minimum wage and in the bottom 10th percentile of national councilmember pay despite the importance and challenges of this position. We need to pay more than minimum wage to attract the right kind of people! It’s so rare to see a working parent in council. But who can blame them? Why would a mom or dad juggling both a fulltime job and family obligations want to take a pay cut to $10/hour while also sacrificing time spent with spouse, children and career?

The tradeoff just isn’t worth it.

Or what about the many empty-nesters with considerable business leadership experience who live in Gulfport? Many want to improve the community and could be enticed to run if only the wages were more commensurate with the responsibility of leading a city within the important fast-growing Tampa Bay metro.

Until we can accept that we need to pay more to see the progress we desire then we should be not be surprised if we find an element of truth to the old proverb, “if you pay peanuts you get monkeys.” –Greg Simek, Gulfport Please note: Edited for length; to read the full version, please visit thegabber.com/category/voices

BCYC Boat Parade Boca Ciega Yacht Club wrapped up our very successful 36th Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade with 23 registered boats, including one fake “#10” boat that jumped the parade line, and a quick assist from TowBoatUS. Thank you to Gulfport Detective Priest, who led the parade, and to Councilman Paul Ray for filling Santa’s boots!

We collected over seven-anda-half large moving boxes of toys and over $1,000 for Gulfport Police Department’s Operation Santa pro-

theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

gram — our most significant haul of toys ever (per Francine)!

The parade was a fantastic display of light and sound, creativity and engagement, enjoyed by everyone in Gulfport. Reports were that all the restaurants, bars, and public spaces along Shore Boulevard and downtown Gulfport were at full capacity. Those who came out to see the parade, stayed to enjoy the community we love fulfilling our goal of bringing joy and holiday cheer to every community and neighborhood we visited.

Our local Gulfport businesses and supporters generously donated all the prizes for the boat captains, and we thank them for their support.

So if you are in the Gulfport area, please share the love by stopping by to say “thank you” to the sponsors if you are able.

Have a wonderful holiday season, a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and we hope to see you next year! —Jenn Buckley, Christmas Lighted Boat Parade Chair, 2021, Vice Commodore, BCYC, 2021 Please note: Edited for length; to read the full version, please visit thegabber.com/category/voices The Gabber welcomes and encourages letters and commentary. One letter per person, per month. All letters must be signed with your real name, and should be as brief as possible. Letters may be lightly edited for content, clarity and length.

We will not print letters that incite violence, include personal attacks on private citizens or that are intentionally misleading or inaccurate.

Letters sent to the Gabber for print will also appear online and on the Gabber’s social media pages. Commentary posted to the Gabber’s website and social media pages may also be used in print. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of the Gabber owners, advertisers or staff. Send letters to news@ thegabber.com or mail them to 2908-B Beach Blvd.

S., Gulfport, FL, 33707.

3

news Scout Hall Repairs on Horizon

The Community Meeting Place has Severe Structural Damage

By Jim McConville

ABBY BAKER

Gulfport’s Scout Hall has a roof leak – because the foundation shifted, which made the walls move, which caused a roof leak.

Repairs on Gulfport’s Scout Hall, a community meeting place, could begin in the next 90 days. Gulfport Public Works Director Tom Nicholls said the city’s structural engineer is assessing the hall and will give a list of needed repairs to the city this week. Located at 5315 28th Ave. S., Scout Hall closed after city employees found a severe roof link on Sept.

15.

The community uses the hall as a meeting place.

Nicholls said repairs will start soon – if the city’s insurance company will pay for it.

“We’re still trying to work through the city’s insurance company, hopefully, to pay for those repairs,” Nicholls said. “After that, we’ll begin.”

If Scout Hall repairs aren’t covered by insurance, Nicholls said he’ll likely have to go out to bid on the project.

“Either way, I’d say the repairs, with the bidding process, will be within the next 90 days,” Nicholls said.

Nicholls said repairs will include more than fixing its collapsed roof.

“It’s a foundation issue, where the foundation has shifted, causing the roof to be displaced and the wall

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to move,” Nicholls said. “Obviously, we are going to find the root cause and then repair everything up from it, once we stabilize the foundation, we’ll make the other repairs.”

Gulfport’s Sea Scouts Program Director Tony Angel appeared before city council Dec. 7 to ask whether the city had planned to budget for the roof repairs to the building. Angel said city officials told him the city hadn’t budgeted to fix the building’s roof.

“I wanted to come before you to suggest that we at least budget money in the future to make the repairs, so we can get back to using it,” Angel said.

Renovated in 2008, Scout Hall features a stage, small kitchen, brick patio, a fire pit and benches. The Gulfport History Museum shares the fire pit and patio.

Scout Hall can hold 63 people and gets used by churches, for private parties, showers, funerals, town hall meetings and community events.

theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

We Tried it: Ice Skating at Winter Beach

Our Reporter Prefers Sun and Sand, Not Sun and Ice Everything considered, there’s no real reason to ice skate in Florida.

It’s 80° and sunny most of the time, so the Coca-Cola commercial-fueled urge to skate around a temporary ice floor is really pushing the limits of what we Floridians should attempt.

That being said, the Winter Beach Ice Rink at the St. Pete Pier is a good time. For some people.

I have zero athletic ability and no children to distract from the fact that I look like a goblin on skates, so I invited two of my model-esque, similarly family-less friends to zip around the rink for 30 minutes to see what all the hype was about.

The best part? The view of Tampa Bay – complete with palm trees – from the tented ice rink. It feels like you’re getting away with something, skating in the subtropics.

The worst part is that because the rink is made from real ice, it’s really small. Which means when some guy

ABBY BAKER

By Abby Baker

from Chicago shows off his Olympic-style moves and comes to a screeching stop two feet in front of you, he completely annihilates you – and everyone else clutching the wall for dear life. Said guy, more of a concept than a person, knocked me – and a small child – off our skates. The entire set up is only 4000 square feet,

so we crossed paths at least 4,000 more times.

Winter Beach includes a holiday market with potential Christmas gifts such as sun hats and cacti and busking musicians playing holiday music.

If nothing else, it’s worth a visit for the guy playing “Jingle Bells” on a harmonica.

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5

It Takes a Village

Operation Santa Represents 30 Years of Gulfport Giving Francine Whitten has long retired from her post on the Gulfport Police Department dispatch, but she continues to herd the flow of toys and gifts that Operation Santa provides to Gulfport families each holiday season.

For more than three decades the GPD has put out a call for donations, and the community has answered.

“We’ve gotten more toys than ever this year,” Whitten told The Gabber. “We couldn’t do it without everyone here and everyone out there.”

Individuals with boxed toys and organizations with truck loads of gifts – such as the Blueberry Patch the Gulfport Fire Department – have shown up to fill black garbage bags of goods that to 70 families and more than 200 kids.

In the past, officers and volunteers wrapped the goods in holiday paper and bows but that stopped after it was clear that parents wanted to choose what they were delivering to their children.

Good Karma Gulfport’s local party spot and artist retreat, The Blueberry Patch, sets aside funds every year for Op-

ABBY BAKER

By Abby Baker

Beachway Park Vice President David Lellig brings a trunkload of donations to the police station. “Every year it gets a little bigger.”

eration Santa deliveries specifically, says Patch board member Bob Feckner.

And when the Blueberry Patch Santa delivers, he brings harmonicas and paint.

“We set aside $500 this year to buy art supplies, musical instruments, books,” Feckner said. “You never know what’s going to spark creativity in someone, especially a kid.”

A trumpet man himself, Feckner hopes that the kazoos and recorders from the Blueberry Patch will provide an outlet for kids in need.

“Sing off key, it doesn’t matter,” he tells The Gabber. “You don’t have to be great at an art form to enjoy doing it. If a kid grows up to be a musician, sure, but it’s the idea of creating that’s important.”

In contrast, the residents of

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ABBY BAKER

Operation Santa is Gulfport Police Department’s longstanding donation program that gifts presents to families in need.

Beachway Park, a mobile home neighborhood in Gulfport come together individually to provide an overflow of freshly purchased toys and stuffed animals.

David Lellig, Vice President at Beachway, is the designated toy delivery man, and he’s impressed with the turnout this year. ` “We have 155 homes and so many people that go out of their way to help with cash and toys,” he says, holding a teddy bear. “It’s our way of saying thank you to the Gulfport Police Department.”

For now, the presents are locked away in the former Gulfport jail, awaiting homes, and families stop by on the Monday and Tuesday before Christmas [Dec. 20-21] to sort through the treasures.

For Whitten, that’s the moment that makes it all worth it.

“There was one man that came back and brought me flowers,” Whitten said. “It was a rough year for him … and to see people that are so appreciative, it’s making me emotional even right now.”

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theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

7

Nominations Open for Gulfport’s Pet Mayor

Gulfport’s Incumbent Pet Mayor Will Not Run, Citing Support for Term Limits Calling all pawlitical animals: It’s time to elect Gulfport’s next pet mayor.

Now through Jan. 5, anyone can nominate their pet. Pets must live in Gulfport.

Although nomination is free, votes cost $1 each, benefiting the Gulfport Historical Society – the pet supervisor of elections, so to speak – and SPCA Tampa Bay. The pet who gets the most votes becomes the next pet mayor. GHS will announce the winner at a wagging-in ceremony during Get Rescued on February 26, 2022. The term lasts one year.

Competition will be fierce, but pets won’t be facing an incumbent.

Coco the dog, Gulfport’s first pet mayor, who has held this pawsition for the last year while also performing her duties as official doggie innkeeper of the Peninsula Inn, is not running again.

“We believe in term limits,” said her owner’s brother, Thomas O’Connor, when reached by phone at the Peninsula. O’Connor added that Coco may or may not give her endorsement to a new candidate, we’ll just have to “wait and see.”

The Gulfport pet mayor is a largely ceremonial position — though the winner may be asked to pre-

LARRY BUSBY

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Coco, Gulfport’s first-ever pet mayor, served an extra term because of COVID, but she’s ready to pass the crown.

side at a parade or two, and give handshakes (and/or head butts) where appropriate.

“I guess you could say the duties are what pets really do best, making

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our lives more companionable,” says Gulfport Historical Society secretary Amanda Hagood, who also teaches classes on animal studies at Eckerd College.

Which is not to say the candidates – or, at least, their owners — are not taking the race at least somewhat seriously. Hagood says two people have already shown her campaign posters to get her opinion on whether they convey the right message.

“Is this effective? Does it show Charlie as a leader?” she says, adding: “Charlie is a Siamese cat.”

Hagood urges all species to throw their hats in the ring — not just the politi-cats and dog-ocrats, but “we really would love to see some with feathers in the race, someone with scales. It would be fun to increase biodiversity.”

Find out more on the Gulfport Historical Society website. May the best pet win! (They’re all the best pet.)

theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

9

crime Judge Rules Against Ice Cream Vendor

Jesse Lee Says He Will Appeal Illegal Ice Cream Sales Ruling

By Mike Sunnucks

A Pinellas County Court judge ruled in favor of the City of Gulfport in a case involving a mobile food vendor’s violations of a city ordinance related to events and outdoor food sales in the waterfront area.

The city cited Gulfport resident Jesse Lee, 38, for twice setting up a mobile ice cream cart at the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market in 2020 without the necessary city permits. Lee challenged the city’s ordinance, his tickets, and how the rules are enforced during a trial Dec. 16 in Clearwater.

He lost, but said after the non-jury trial that he plans to appeal the ruling by Pinellas County Court Judge John Carballo.

Lee faces a $205 fine for violating Gulfport ordinance governing outdoor sales in the city’s Waterfront Redevelopment District, according to court records. The Gulfport measure requires special permits for organizers and vendors at outdoor events in the waterfront and beach area.

Lee was officially not part of the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market on Beach Boulevard South, organized by the Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce, and the city cited him for setting up shop during the weekly event, once in October and again in November of 2020.

He served as his own attorney during the approximately twohour trial.

The Dec. 16 trial featured testimony from Gulfport Police, Gulfport City Manager James O’Reilly, Community Development Director Fred Metcalf, and Barbara Banno, president of the Gulfport Me rc h a nt s Chamber of Commerce (GMC) and owner of Stella’s restaurant.

Gulfport lifted citywide restrictions on food trucks in August 2020 to abide by state laws passed that bar local hindrances to mobile food trucks. Cities can, however, regulate food trucks and mobile carts via zoning rules, such as the ones used in the waterfront area.

That includes requiring permits and insurance coverage from those putting on events in specially designated areas or on public property.

Lee argued the city singled him

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out for the citations, that the language of the ordinance allowed him to operate adjacent to the sanctioned event, and that his efforts to obtain local approvals were rebuffed.

“I was trying to operate my business,” said Lee, adding that he had necessary state paperwork for his ice cream cart.

Banno — who contacted the city to report Lee during the 2020 incidents — said the GMC takes out a $1 million insurance policy with $8,000 premiums to host the weekly events. She said Lee was not part of the approved list of vendors for the 2020 events where he was cited.

“He has never applied,” Banno said.

Lee countered that he tried to apply for local approvals and inclusions in events. He feels mistreated by the city.

“I’m the only one ever being given a ticket,” said Lee referring to other mobile food business and vendors he said might have violated the Gulfport rules.

Gulfport Police Officer J. Ken McIntyre, who was on the scene of Lee’s 2020 ordinance violations, said during the trial he did not see Lee make any sales and that he had at one point recommended recanting the tickets in the case. McIntrye said during the trial Lee said in previous conversations he feels mistreated because he is Hispanic and gay.

There was no additional testimony brought forward on that

theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

front during the trial. approved special event,” Metcalf Justin Shea, cultural facilities said during the trial. and events supervisor for the Salzman said Lee violated the city, said during the trial he has ordinance. The judge agreed. tried to work with Lee on the per The city welcomed the judge’s mitting issue. ruling.

“I did everything I could to help “The city is appreciative of the Mr. Lee,” Shea said during quescourt’s finding in support of the tioning. integrity of the city’s zoning code Carbollo said throughout the and the city council’s special one-day trievent approval and/ al that he was Carbollo said throughout or criteria process. not interested the one-day trial that he The city’s attorney, in Lee’s fruswas not interested in Lee’s Mr. Salzman, did an trations with excellent job in dethe city’s treat- frustrations with the city’s fense of the city’s ment of him treatment of him and his code of ordinancand his food food business. es,” O’Reilly said. business, but Lee has 30 days instead focused on whether the to appeal to the ruling. He also city proved its case in terms of faces a Jan. 31 hearing related the violations. to another case involving a July Gulfport City Attorney Andrew 2021 incident where he tossed a Salzman and Metcalf said despite CD that struck a Gulfport police the lifting of broader food truck officer. restrictions there are still rules Police charged Lee with batfor mobile food sales in the watery on a law enforcement officer terfront area. over that incident outside city “It would have to be part of an hall. Lee and his counsel in that

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11

food Lucky Number Seven

Make Christmas Eve an Italian Feast

By Morgan Banno

As a chef, I love the cooler feastfilled holidays and welcome any excuse to cook or experiment in the kitchen. As a chef who married into a New York Italian family, I have a whole new appreciation for what all is involved in the family dinner production, particularly at Christmas.

Because let’s face it, Italians know how to make holidays all about the food. And the Feast of the Seven Fishes is the epitome of an Italian family dinner.

The origins of the Feast are hotly debated as to whether the tradition is authentically Italian or if Italian immigrants adapted the tradition with their own American spin around 1880-1924. In Catholic-dominated Italy, La Vigilia (the vigil) is the hours-long Christmas Eve celebration awaiting the birth of Christ

on Christmas Day. It was a day of with pasta. For appetizers, start abstinence from eating meat and with baked clams, fried smelts and instead, observant Catholics noshed baccala with tomatoes and capers. on the fresh seafood that celebrated Next, pan-seared scungilli over a the bountiful Italian coastline. tossed arugula salad with lemon vin Different Italian families will give aigrette. Shrimp cocktail will enliven a variety of answers as to the fish the palate and prepare your taste in the dinner preparation but the buds for seafood cioppino, musmost commonly sels and pasta, or face it, Italians shrimp pomodoro. used seafoods are: Let’s vongole (clams), know how to make holi- And for the pièce baccala (salt cod), days all about the food. de résistance, try frutti de mare crab-stuffed lob(shellfish), capitone (eel), calamari ster tails or spicy lobster fra diavolo! (squid), scungilli (conch) and aragos If you’re feeling ambitious and ta (lobster.) ready to impress the in-laws with Seeing as the Feast is a minia nostalgia-fueled dinner, serving mum of seven courses, it’s wise to the Feast of the Seven Fishes is a be strategic in your menu planning. delectable culinary blend of family Work from lighter food to heavier tradition and religion. But if the holdishes; salad counts as a course; idays are your time to unwind with and not every dish has to be served friends, leave the Italian cooking to

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theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

the trusted culinary professionals at Mazzaro’s Italian Market (2909 22nd Ave S.,St. Petersburg), Italy Bottega (1045 Central Ave., St. Petersburg) or

Seafood Cioppino

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MORGAN BANNO

Ippolito’s Italian Market (14100 Walsingham Road, Largo).

When it comes to the Feast of the Seven Fishes, there are no set-in-

stone rules about the preparation but one thing is a must: serve this meal with plenty of wine. Salut!

Ingredients 1/4 cup olive oil 2 cup fennel bulb (white part only), diced 1 ½ cup yellow onion 3 garlic cloves minced 1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes 4 cup seafood stock 1 ½ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc recommended) Salt and pepper to taste 1 pound skinless cod fillets cut into 2-inch pieces 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 pound sea scallops, halved crosswise 1 dozen mussels, scrubbed 1 dozen littleneck clams 2 whole star anise pods (optional) Fresh parsley to garnish (optional)

Method Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the fennel and onion and sauté until tender (approximately 10 minutes). Stir in garlic, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes and cook for two minutes, until fragrant. Add the tomatoes, stock, wine, salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Add the seafood in the following order: first cod, then shrimp, scallops, and lastly, the mussels. Do not stir. Bring to a simmer, lower the heat, cover and cook for 10 minutes until the seafood is cooked and the shellfish open. Add star anise pods. Simmer for two minutes. Discard any mussels that have not opened. Ladle into bowls and serve garnished with minced parsley.

theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

13

arts

ABBY BAKER

“The Nutcracker” is the studio’s first show back since the previous artist director was arrested in May.

and arrested on four counts of lewd and lascivious battery and one count of lewd and lascivious molestation.

The victim was a 15-year-old ballet student who was living in Gallardo’s home.

Police took Gallardo away in handcuffs during a practice, in front of many of the young students. According to the Meltons, he attempted to walk out as soon as he saw the officers.

Now back with the first live show since the incident, the students, parents and owners of the St. Petersburg Ballet Conservatory remain hopeful that the art of ballet will live on in Gulfport.

“It was very triggering for our students,” Anna said. “We changed the

“The Nutcracker” is really the number one moneymaker for ballet studios,” said owner Anna Melton.

music, the way things are set up, to try to move away from those triggers.”

The Gulfport-based conservatory made it through with online shows and Zoom classes, but was left director-less during Nutcracker season.

“For many studios, “The Nutcracker” is the biggest show of the year,” Anna said. “We can’t hire during that season, and we wouldn’t, because that would be devastating for any studio to lose a director … the dancers train so hard.”

That’s where Melton stepped her slipper in.

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ABBY BAKER

Ballet continued from cover

ter a few early classes. Anna and Brian had no previous experience in the world of dance, but they made it work.

“I think I was born a dancer and I was made to teach,” Melton told The Gabber, mid-practice.

Nearly 20 years later, her parents are the owners of Gulfport’s sole ballet studio.

“She was the inspiration behind all of this,” Brian said.

For months leading up to the Nutcracker performance, the recent University of South Florida graduate took the reins and began teaching both the younger and older age group her version of a winter classic.

Alongside her students, Melton herself learned her own routine.

The unconventional dynamic clicked.

“I was definitely thrown in the fire. I knew I wanted to teach but I didn’t expect it to be so soon, like this,” Melton said. “It was kind of a necessity; these kids were looking at me for when to go next.”

She may eventually leave the studio where she got her start teaching, but Melton plans to return to her roots someday.

See more from Gulfport’s home for ballet at stpeteballetconservatory.com.

theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

Prine Time

John Prine’s Son, Tommy, Sells Out Hideaway Tommy Prine’s penultimate tour date of his debut solo tour sold out the Hideaway Cafe in downtown St. Petersburg on Dec. 16. The 8 p.m. show commenced when Prine hopped onstage clad in a t-shirt, dark jeans and an electric-acoustic guitar for a preview of his debut album and some odes and dedications to his father, John Prine.

“It’s been an interesting process, even just starting my career. When I decided to do the record, things were still not great. And I had a whole bunch of time on my hands just to hang out inside and write songs,” Prine said.

Backed by a crimson curtain and red lights, Prine opened the show with a soulful, somber and sweet ballad “I Love you Always”, dedicated to his fiance and soon-to-be wife, Savannah, followed by a lighthearted melody “Observations” detailing some specifics of being a parent to a foster animal, as well as day-to-day reflections. Prine’s soulful, emotive voice paralleled the deeper acoustic tones excellently.

Prine’s natural camaraderie invited gaggles of laughter from the audience and his impeccable stage presence rivaled those of masterful performers. He knew where to stand, when to interject with an anecdote,

Prine continued on page 16

GABBY REEDER

By Gabby Reeder

Tommy Prine during his tour at the Hideaway Cafe in downtown St. Petersburg on Dec. 16 at 8 p.m.

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Prine continued from page 15

or a backstory and he knew how to demand the audience’s attention with lyrical storytelling. In the silence between tracks, he entertained the guests with freestyle finger-picked melodies, serving as an artistic interlude between numbers.

“I think everyone can expect to not see a John Prine Jr., per se, but, you know, I think there’s a lot of things that I learned from him as a person and musically, that I’m sure some of his hardcore fans will pick up on,” Prine told The Gabber. “I’ve been told that I look like him and act like him,

so I’m sure that will be something people will notice, but the songs that I write and the way I sing, and everything is pretty different.”

The set list combined original songs from the debut album, a cover of “I Still Miss Someone” by Johnny Cash and a tribute “Cash Carter Hill” and a cover of one of his dad’s songs “The Late John Garfield Blues.”

After each song, guests applauded, nodded, whistled and hollered at Prine, letting him know how the words resonated.

“I think my job as a songwriter is to be as vulnerable as possible and to deliver my work with emotion because I think people can tell when artists can sing songs that they don’t mean. I think it adds a level of connectivity when the artist has a true emotional connection with the words in the song,” Prine said.

All 11 tracks of the debut album were recorded mid-pandemic and the debut album is set to be mastered in the coming weeks, according to Prine. He also mentioned that the release date is set for sometime in 2022.

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The Men in Plaid

The All-Gay Male Chorus That Only Comes Out for the Holidays Recognizable in identical red plaid scarves, the Bay Voices Chorus makes rounds to Pinellas venues each holiday season.

Aside from Director Stephen L. Allen, only a handful of the choir members have studied music professionally. They are bakers, florists, nurses and even one psychologist who dedicate themselves to the act of singing each December.

“For these people, trying to make the time and sing during Christmas is insane,” Allen said. “But we make it work.”

All 11 current members identify as LGBTQ+.

“We do this free of charge just for the enjoyment of singing and making another person’s holiday a little brighter,” Allen said.

The group is a product of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay, which came to fruition in 1987 and splintered in 2003 due to a lack of funding. Not all, but many of the current group’s members were a part of the original ensemble and remember singing during a different era.

“It was the early 2000s and money was tight for an arts organization that didn’t have a real tight financial situation,” said choir member Charlie Boyd.

“We just kind of gave it up.”

Until 2007, that is, when a few of

18

ABBY BAKER

By Abby Baker

The Bay Voices Chorus, an all-gay male ensemble, performs in Pinellas at the holidays under director Stephen L. Allen.

the members decided to restart under Bay Voices under the directorship of silver-haired Allen.

“Singing in the ‘80s and ‘90s was more of a struggle … we would sing ‘We Shall Overcome’ and that sort of thing. Now that things are changing, the chorus being a political thing is done, Allen said. “We want to be a good men’s ensemble, and we just happen to be gay.”

While the group performs at echoing places like the Sandpearl Resort, The Dalí Museum, and the St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, they maintain that one of their favorite

venues is the Gulfport Public Library.

“There’s a moment where our voices are all blending and you just get a chill,” said choir member Brian Thompson.

It’s toward the end of the show that Allen and his singers typically dedicate a song -“Danny Boy”-to previous choir member Doug Larry, who died from cancer several years ago.

Larry, a longtime librarian at the Largo Library lives on with the group, says Allen.

Bay Voices would like to ask that you consider Moffit (moffit.org) in your endof-year giving, in Larry’s honor.

theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

Marley is a Punk Rocker

Jacob’s Side of the Classic Christmas Story, Told at American Stage The first line of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” reads ‘Marley was dead: to begin with,’ and yet from there unfolds the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge’s redemption: Jacob Marley appears, three spirits, ‘God bless us, everyone’ – all of it quite familiar.

But what of the other crooked old coot whose return sets the story in motion? Painfully and eternally entangled in the chains he “forged in life,” Jacob must have been as bad, if not worse, than his old partner. So what happened in the seven years he’s been dead that inspires his mission to save Scrooge?

“Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” at American Stage is here to tell that tale.

The musical, based on the 1995 script from Tom Mula (the same year Gregory Maguire’s novel “Wicked” hit bookstores) tells the Dickens story from Marley’s perspective. As Maguire does with the so-called Wicked Witch, Mula brings affecting humanity to a character often reduced to a two-dimensional caricature.

For whatever reason, that wasn’t enough for director Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj and the team at American Stage. The production relocates from Victorian London to a some sort of ‘80s steampunk-rock version of Victorian London, and there’s wonderful evidence of the “why” in the lobby display, but the proof is in the pudding. This pudding is a delicious, raucous and electric experience disguised as a holiday treat that would pack an emotional punch any time of year.

American Stage’s space is not tiny, but it’s intimate, which puts the action in your face, in alignment with the punk aesthetic. Carried by four actors in various roles who also trade off narrator duties throughout the performance, cast members Saren Nofs Snyder, Amanda Jane Snyder, Patrick A. Jackson and Amber McNew don’t have many moments to catch a breath. Even when one does disappear backstage for a few minutes, it’s to change into one of costume designer Jordan Jeffers’

CHAZ D.

By Jeff Donnelly

Amanda Jane Snyder might grab the scene stealer award for her charmingly compelling Bogle, Marley’s guide in and out of the Underworld in “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” at American Stage. Pictured from left to right, Amber McNew, Snyder, and Saren Nofs Snyder.

meticulously chaotic creations.

Speaking of quick changes, the production takes a huge swing in its staging and could easily collapse into an overlong mess of frenetic whiplash and schmaltz if the pacing is off.

Club kid dance routines transition into borderline cartoonish characters who – without warning – sock us with an emotional gut punch. There’s a lot to take in visually too, in scenic designer Phillip Franck’s set. Taken in all at once it looks a bit like a squatters den – graffitied, overrun with piles of stuff,

severely disjointed, oddly shaped platforms – but nothing in this production is random. Much like the actors transform from one character to the next, every inch of the stage is carefully set so that it can transform from inside to outside, from the underworld to the world of the living, or from decades ago to today to Christmas yet to come.

American Stage, 163 3rd St. N., St. Petersburg. Through Jan. 2: Tues.Sun., times vary. $45-$57. 727-8937529; americanstage.org.

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the gabs Do you have any holiday traditions?

Photos by Gabby Reeder

Evan Dean, NJ: “We don’t really have holiday traditions aside from buying a tree last minute.”

Jazmine Fraga, Manchester, NH: “We listen to one of Andrea Bocelli’s Christmas albums when opening presents.”

Ainsley Bright, Salida, CO: “Holiday tradition: Advent calendar. Each year my mom sets out a box that has 24 little boxes in it. Each day in the month of December leading up to Christmas Day I opened a box. There usually would be a piece of candy and either a dollar or a fun little toy or activity to mess with.”

Dylan McManis, Lawrence, KS: “Every year me and my mom watch ‘A Christmas Story’ together, no matter where we are or who we’re with. It’s not Christmas to us without Ralphie and family celebrating with us.”

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theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

crossword

Solution on page 31

Get On With it

gabber on vacation

Solution on page 31

KATHY SCHNELL

sudoku

Winter residents Tom and Kathy Schnell (pictured: Kathy) enjoy a drink and sandwich at Neptune Grill while on winter holiday in Gulfport!

Have you taken The Gabber on vacation? Send us your pictures! Please send a high-resolution photo and a brief description to news@thegabber.com.

theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

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Friday, Dec. 24: Katie Talbert, 6 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 26: 3’s Company Band, 1-4 p.m.

ST. PETE BEACH

Jimmy B’s Beach Bar, 6200 Gulf Blvd.

Friday, Dec. 24: Ryan Marchand, 1-4 p.m.

Burgerish Bar & Grille, 4755 Gulf Blvd.

Friday, Dec. 24: Nolan Strong, 6 p.m.

Woody’s Waterfront, 7308 Sunset Way

Friday, Dec. 24: J.D. Early, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 25: J.D. Early, 7 p.m.

TREASURE ISLAND

Ricky T’s Bar and Grille, 10601 Gulf Blvd.

Friday, Dec. 24: Cornfused, 5 p.m.; High Rollers, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 25: Rob Tyre, 4 p.m., Kevin Toon, 5 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 26: Kevin Toon, 5 p.m.

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Friday, Dec. 24: Britney Mone, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 25: Pred Shreds, 1:30 p.m.; Mark Mann, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 26: Gail Trippsmith & Joey, 1:30-5:30 p.m.; Pred Shreds, 6 p.m.

More live music at thegabber.com.

theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

things to do

Masks Recommended

Social Distancing Observed

Vegan Options

Dog-Friendly

Virtual

Witchy Finds, Clay Class + An Open Mic Find links for these events — and many other things to do — online at thegabber.com/events.

Thursday, December 23 Friday, December 24 On Stage Up to literally the night before Christmas, catch freeFall’s “The Night Before” for a holiday musical close to home. Posed as if on the stage of a particularly musical family’s home, this is the tale of togetherness, holiday cheer and a grumpy cat named Stephen Sondheim. freeFall Theater, 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 7 p.m. $25-40. freefalltheatre.com

Show up at 11:11 a.m. on the dot to truly abide by the Patch’s magic. The Blueberry Patch, 4923 20th Ave. S. 11:11 a.m.-3 p.m. blueberrypatch.org Sunday, December 26 Street Style Ever seen a ball gown on a trolley? Zero waste fashion designer Tailor Sallee is touring downtown St. Petersburg on the Star Trolley. Models wearing Sallee’s funky fashion will make a scene at several select downtown locations. Look for live musical performances at each stop. Downtown St. Petersburg. 6-9 p.m. 816-288-1655 Monday, December 27

Thursday, December 23 A “Witchmas” market for all your crystal and tarot needs. Two days before the big day, Blue Raven Collective hosts an alternative art market in the Squeeze Juice courtyard. A blend of artists, alchemists, and creatives will bring their crafts to this nighttime treasure trove. Squeeze Juice Works Central, 18 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg.

5:30-9:30 p.m.

Friday, December 24 Winter Spooks Halloween has come a tad late (or early) this year. Load the spooky seats of St. Petersburg’s scariest haunted history bus tour every Friday. Paranormal expert Dr. Brandy Stark guide you through every creepy crawl space that downtown has to offer. Paradise Haunted Tours, 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 1:50-2:50 p.m. paradisetoursandtransportationservice.com/copy-of-transportation-tours $35 Saturday, December 25 Volunteer at the Patch Excuse the dust, and oh, the huge elephant sculptures. The Blueberry Patch, an artist-retreat -turned-music-venue, relies on volunteers every Saturday to maintain the outdoor space.

ly Wednesday group dives into the basics of making the coveted hand made bowl. The Hive, 4605 4th St. N., St Petersburg. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $45-50. thehivestpete.com

Open Mic Alert Bring your words, spoken and sung, to the Gulfport Public Library for an open mic night.

The microphone is open to everyone and every talent. Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. 5-6 p.m.

727-893-1073

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Tuesday, December 28 All Aboard Come see a collection of show-worthy model train chains at a private Gulfport residence. All proceeds will chug into the Gulfport Senior Center. Choo-choo, Gulfport!

5314 10th Ave. S. 6-8 p.m.

Wednesday, December 29 Mid-Week Market A maker’s market with beachside vibes. Shoppers can browse clothing, produce, homemade arts and crafts along with live music at the Madeira Beach Morning Market. Concerned about parking? No worries, spots are available at Archibald Memorial Beach Park, city hall, and the recreation center. 1500 Madeira Way, Madeira Beach. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. madeirabeachfl.gov Clay Class New to the wheel? Take a hand-building pottery class at The Hive. This beginner-friend-

theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

The community is invited to a family-oriented

Christmas Eve service hosted by

Gulfport Presbyterian Church

The church is located at the intersection of 27th Ave and 54th St S. The service will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Everyone is encouraged to wear a mask.

Participants will include musicians and speakers from Trinity Presbyterian Church, Circle of Faith, Lakeview Prebyterian Church, Gulfport Presbyterian Church and the children of TCR, and an after-school program at Trinity P.C. Children will be participating in a drama, "The Word Became Flesh."

23

Ending on a Good Note: Holiday Things to Do Better Late Than Never, Santa Always Says

By Abby Baker

That hazy period of time between Christmas and the New Year is quickly approaching, and before the 2022 diet rage sets in, hit South St. Petersburg for every last drop of the holiday markets and cookie crumbs.

Here’s the lineup, Gabber style: Through December 24 Homemade Trinkets Shop small this holiday season at Florida CraftArt in a walkable, shoppable holiday gallery. Christmas trees, menorahs, dancing bears, and more. It’s open seven days a week until Christmas Day, so you can pop in at the last minute without alarming the family of poor time management skills. Florida CraftArt, 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. floridacraftart.org

Dog Snuggies (they’re real, we own one) welcome at Dog Bar!

Tuesday, December 28 Monday, January 3

Through Sunday, January 2 Christmas in the Dome Along with Las Vegas and Dallas, St. Petersburg also has a temporary light maze and holiday hotspot, Enchant Christmas. It’s the consistent Floridian go-to for hot chocolate and fake snow. The downtown dome will host a glittering maze, ice skating rink and Santa landing through the holidays. Tropicana Field, Lot 1, 1759 4th Ave. S. St. Petersburg. Hours vary. $25-35. enchantchristmas.com

Fake Ice, Real Skates Postcard Inn on the Beach is bringing a rink by the sea to St. Pete Beach. The synthetic ice rink sits right below palm trees for a Florida-style skating experience, 60 minutes per session.

Post Card Inn on the Beach, 6300 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach. $15. postcardinn.com Friday, December 24 Four Paws The Dog Bar St. Pete will be full of onesie-wearing pups all day on Christmas Eve. There will

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be hot cocoa, dog treats and a full bar for the human counterparts. So bring your furry friend in his or her best onesie for as long as they’ll allow it. The Dog Bar St. Pete, 2300 Central Ave. St. Petersburg. 12-10 p.m. dogbarstpete.com Christmas ‘Carting The 2021 Holiday Golf Cart Parade is making rounds through Gulfport every slightly chilly Friday night in December. Local golf cart owners and their tagalongs drive through downtown with the brightest holiday cheer they can squeeze onto four wheels. The fun starts at Town Shores, and wraps around the city.

Keep an eye out and extend a wave.

Downtown Gulfport. 6 p.m.

Thursday, December 30 Merry Market You’ve heard of the Open Air Beach Market behind the Postcard Inn, but here’s a holiday-style twist for December: Per usual, the sand will be chock-full of vendors, drinks and live music, but this Thursday will feature merrier-than-normal goods and crafts.

Check it out; shoes optional. Postcard Inn on the Beach, 6300 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach. 5-8 p.m. postcardinn.com

theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

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theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

25

obituaries

FAMILY OF CHELSEA PURDUE

Chelsea Perdue (Montemagno) was born on June 12, 1984 to Ron and Lynda Perdue of St. Petersburg, FL. She married Josh Montemagno and they had one beautiful and amazing boy, Logan. Chelsea found love again in the arms of Stephen Schrig, who continued to hold onto her lovingly until her light sadly faded out on Dec. 10, 2021.

But now Chelsea is back in the comfort of her mother’s arms again. Sadly, though, she leaves behind her father, Ron; her brother, Morgan; her son Logan; and numerous family members from Virginia all the way across to England. Chelsea had a vast amount of friends who will miss her so much, but especially Anna Martin who was so very close to her; they became more like sisters than just regular friends. Chelsea, you were an unforgettable part of everyone’s life. You will never be forgotten. Gone too soon, but always in our hearts. RIP.

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theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

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28th Ave. S. & 53rd St.

321-3620

5PM DRIVE-IN • 7PM INSIDE 10PM INSIDE

(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

St. Vincent’s Thrift Shop AN EPISCOPAL CONGREGATION 330 85th Avenue • St. Pete Beach (Blind Pass Road at 85th Avenue)

Sundays 10:00am Holy Eucharist

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services

2728 53rd St. S. Gulfport, FL 33707

Sundays:

Paradise Lutheran Church

on Treasure Island

Good Shepherd Old Catholic Church

HERE FOR YOU FOR 110 YEARS!

Join us for our Christmas Eve Service 12/24 at 8:00 pm Christmas Carols begin at 7:30 pm.

“O Come let us adore Him” 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

Sunday Services 10AM Miss en Español: Domingos 12PM

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

We are excited to announce that Dr. Austin Mason O.D. has now joined his father Dr. John H. Mason P.A. providing the personalized family eye care you have trusted us with since 1984.

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME CONTACT LENS SPECIALIST • CHILDREN & ADULT VISION CARE • QUALITY FASHION EYEWEAR• TREATMENT OF EYE DISEASE • EMERGENCY CARE & LASIK CONSULTATION • GLAUCOMA & CATARACT TESTING MOST INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED INCLUDING MEDICARE, EYEMED, SUPERIOR, UNITED HEALTH CARE, SPECTERA, HUMANA VISION, VSP, AND BCBS

DR. AUSTIN MASON O.D.

5712 5TH AVE. N. • MEDICAL PLAZA BUILDING

344-0800 • MASONEYECLINIC.COM theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

27

CLASSIFIEDS

If you have questions about advertising, please email us at advertising@thegabber.com or call 727-321-6965! Deadline: Friday 5 p.m.

Cleaning / Housekeeping

Accounting

CLEAR NUMBERS BOOKKEEPING Virtual bookkeeping for small businesses and nonprofits. Monthly packages customized to your needs or one time cleanups. Payroll available. QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor.

10+ years experience.

Call/text to 727-248-0714 or email to nspence@clearnumbers.biz

Caregivers

PROFESSIONAL CARPET, GROUT & PRESSURE CLEANING

The pollen has finally subsided. Make your home beautiful again. We pressure clean fences, driveways, homes, sidewalks, pavers, stepping stones, pool cages, pool area, you name it we can make it look new again.

40 yrs exp. Excellent references, call 727743-0701 for a free estimate.

Non-Medical Home Care • Private Duty Personal Care • Companionship Homemaker Services • No Contracts Licensed, Bonded, Insured Nurse Owned & Operated

Free In-Home Consultation / RN Assessment

HOMEWATCH 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-PeteBeach AHCA #299995153

CAROL’S ERRANDS & MORE

Do you need help with daily activities? I can be of assistance to you! Shopping, Meal Planning/Meal Prep, Transportation To & From Appointments, Help Around the Home, and More. 727-365-0884

28

COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTOR LICENSED AND INSURED

JS COMPUTER REPAIR Mobile Computer Repair – $40 per visit/hr – 727-643-0697, jmswebservices.com

Handy Person

EC-13008313

COMPUTER SERVICES 727-343-2838

In-Home Services: Internet Security, Training, Virus & SpyWare Removal, Maintenance & Repair, Data Recovery. (PC & Mac).

Fast Friendly Service

727-388-3493 2321 49th St S

Mon-Thu 10am-5pm

15 Years in Gulfport 45 Years Experience

CALL TODAY 727-381-7498

www.omnipresentcaregivers.com Care@OmniPresentCaregivers.com

CourtesyElectricFL@gmail.com

5030 78th Ave. N. Suite 12, Pinellas Park, FL 33781

Computer Service

Gulfport Computer Repair Now Hiring, Retiree’s Welcomed

727-687-7999

Computer Sales

Fax, Copy, Print

Electrical

CLEAN UP CLEAN UP CLEAN UP Handy Helper. Skilled labor, Anything around the house from A-Z. Weeding, Rock gardens cleaned, Mulch, Sod and Plants installed.

Small trees planted and removed. Pressure washing. Free estimates. 30 years experience. Holiday season is near. St Pete /Gulfport area. Call James 407-244-6045 HANDYMAN SEMI-RETIRED All types of repairs • small jobs welcome • Quality work at reasonable prices • Honest • Reliable • Free estimates • John, 727-410-2201

SEMI RETIRED CARPENTER

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

CARPENTER DEPENDABLE Have Tools Will Travel. Trustworthy. Doors, Decks/Eaves/ Rotted Wood, Etc. 30 Year Gabber Advertiser.

Free Estimates, Lic. C-5754. 727-821-9973.

AC ELECTRIC 727-345-3108

Over 30 years experience. Residential & commercial. New or remodel work, service upgrades, lightning arrestors. Fans and lighting installed. State License #ER0007653.

MAYNARD ELECTRIC • Room Additions • Lightning Protection • Fuses to Breakers • Mobile Homes • Circuits Added • Phone Wiring • Ceiling Fans • Security Lighting & More 24 Hour Service

FREE ESTIMATES

525-0677

Licensed Bonded Insured St. Lic. #EC0002881

thegabber.com

SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT! theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

Heat / Air Conditioning

Submit your events online at thegabber.com

ARNEY’S PAINTING INC.

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

AFFORDABLE PROMPT • RELIABLE Licensed & Insured

Lee Claxton, I.S.A. Certified Arborist

“Same rates seven days a week”

NO SERVICE CHARGE EVER! CAC1815513

727

709-7979 www.AirPhillips.com

QUALITY AT WORK

Luke Phillips

3914 6th St S St. Petersburg

Home & Condo Maintenance

D.C. STRONG

Home & condo maintenance • Interior & Exterior • Experienced in all work, A-Z • Insured. Call Dennis Strong 727-301-4530

Home Improvement

TAMPA BAY FLOORS & CARPETS CLEANING SOLUTION

We offer Marble, Vinyl, Ceramic, Grout Cleaning, All Kinds of Carpet Cleaning. We Clean Upholstery, Also Power washing. We Cover All Your Cleaning Needs. We are fully Equipped We are 24:7 Emergency Flooding Service COVID Fumigation Available 727623-7948 Or 813-750-9851 Lawn & Landscape

EXPERT SPRINKLER REPAIR

Rich Moseley, irrigation contractor. 25 years experience. Reasonable rates. Well & pumps. 727-439-0792. Lic.#C8312. BBB Accredited.

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED LINE ADS ONLINE!

theGabber.com

Planting • Trimming Tree & Stump Removal Cabling/Bracing • Pruning/Shaping

727-220-0226 AnAffordableArborist@gmail.com

BYRON JOHNSON PAINTING PLUS, INC.

Time to refresh the interior/exterior of your house or business? High Quality, Professional Painting. Free estimates. Lic.#9894.

Insured. 727-365-1088 Plumbing

PROFLO PLUMBING 727-902-7077

#CFC1430429 State-certified, residential/ commercial service. Senior and military discount. $25 off service with ad. Locally owned and operated.

IRRIGATION STAIN REMOVAL

Remove ugly rust-colored irrigation stains from PVC fence, siding - stucco - wood, pavers, railings, windows and most other surfaces around your house or business including signage. Cars, too. Free estimate and demonstration. Surprisingly low prices.

Call/text 727-360-7070 Email RustStainRemoval@icloud.com Miscellaneous Service THE TRASH QUEEN Overwhelmed with the mess? Clean up/clean out, inside and out, recycling and organizing, and we do mulching and weeding! Free estimate from Kathy, Trashologist, licensed/insured, with truck/trailer. Call/text 845-866-3867. Responsible, reasonable, and ready!

Moving & Hauling CHARLES JUNK HAULING & DEMOLITION Junk & trash removal. Low, low prices guaranteed. Daily specials. Kitchen, bath, shed, fencing, etc. Demolition. 727-831-0507.

Painting PINNIX PAINTING INC. Interior, Exterior.

In Business Locally Since 1980. Free Estimates. Commercial, Residential. References Upon Request. Lic. #C4334. 727-6411888. We appreciate your business.

MASTERS PAINTING * WHEN QUALITY COUNTS Trust Masters Painting. Making happy customers for 42 years. Pressure cleaning, waterproofing, honest, reliable.

727-344-1674. References. Guaranteed.

Lic.#C4749.

theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

Help Wanted HELP WANTED Writer: Prepare written content for mobile app. Bachelor Degree in Journalism or Writing. Send resume: Pao & Co LLC, 1402 Harbour Walk Rd, Tampa, FL 33602 Positions Wanted WILLING AND ABLE HELPER, LIGHT GARDEN WORK Repotting, weeding, clearing, trimming, watering. I am an able-bodied female who loves being outdoors. I can use your tools and offer my helping hands.

Local lady, raised in St Pete, friendly, happy nature. 727-370-7920 IDM/EDM DEMOS NEEDED idm/edm demos needed.contact : idm-edm.com

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Use your Gulfport Rebound Voucher for a Classified Line Ad with a Bold Headline!

Automotive NISSAN SENTRA 1.8 S. 2005 Grandmother's car, 40k original miles, Florida white, No accidents, One owner, Clean carfax, excellent condition. $4950. 727-748-9117

For Sale IMMEDIATE MOVING SALE Town Shores.

Drexel Heritage triple dresser and Queen headboard. Tulo Queen mattress, brand new. Various hanging Tiffany lamps, Technic Stereo, Much more. All offers will be seriously considered. Lois 727-289-8086 or 914-318 6485.

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

Waist Away in

Call Marlene

5012 Gulfport Blvd M-F 7:15-3, Sat 8-3

305-619-9734

Gulfport residents: The Gabber will accept your Rebound Vouchers to cover the cost of a line ad with a featured headline!

You must contact us directly to use: classified@thegabber.com

Let us help you get started today!

General

6 Week Weight Loss Challenge Starts Friday January 7th

Place your classified line ads online!

Let’s make

Must be used by our Jan. 13, 2022 issue (deadline is Jan. 7, 2022)

Health & Fitness NEW SIEMENS/SIGNIA BTE HEARING AIDS(S) $200/$250 EACH. New Siemens/ Signia Behind The Ear hearing aids, for Moderate to Severe hearing loss, BIG hearing improvement! $200 each, or $250 each for Severe to Extreme hearing loss model. 727796-0166

2022

your year!

Cash prizes, menu plans, group support.

Real Estate for Sale

1.3 ACRE LOT NEAR WESLEY CHAPEL

$65,000

8046 STIMIE AVE.N

$775,000 SOLD

727-418-8948

neldasellsfla@gmail.com

Nelda Hamm

3037 Beach Blvd. S. 505 Pasadena Ave. S.

OPEN HOUSE Sun., Dec 26 11a-3p NEW LISTING

#312 Kenmore, Town Shores EXCEPTIONALLY REMODELED 1 Bd / 1 Ba • $240,000

Kim Morwood

970-390-5015

"Extraordinary" Real Estate Broker

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theGabber.com

theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

solution

ADVERTISING DEADLINE FOR NEXT THURSDAY’S ISSUE IS FRIDAY BY 5 p.m.

CHRISTMAS DAY

NEW YEAR’S DAY

*No Wednesday yard waste pickup this week* The Public Works Office will be closed on Friday, December 24th, 2021.

*No Wednesday yard waste pickup this week* The Public Works Office will be closed on Friday, December 31st, 2021.

Saturday, December 25, 2021 Thursday’s pickup will be on Wednesday, December 22 Friday’s pickup will be on Thursday, December 23

Saturday, January 1st, 2022 Thursday’s pickup will be on Wednesday, December 29 Friday’s pickup will be on Thursday, December 30

PLEASE RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE

Trees will be chopped and processed into mulch then made available to residents at The Neighborhood Center located at 1617 49th Street South.

TO PREPARE YOUR TREE FOR RECYCLING:

• Remove all decorations, including hooks, garland, tinsel and lights.

• Place tree at curb or alley for regular Wednesday yard waste pickup.

• Do NOT bag or place tree in can.

• For multiple-dwelling units, place your tree near the dumpster without blocking access to it.

City of Gulfport Public Works Department • 727-893-1089

theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021

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peripheral Neuropathy?

Dr. Gibbons, founder of Achieve Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine in St. Call now to schedule a consultation. Now $30 (normally $230). Petersburg, is using the science of acupuncture and other integrative techniques that assist in increasing blood flow and expediting recovery and healing Peripheral neuropathy is the pain, discomfort and numbness caused by nerve to treat this debilitating disease. damage of the peripheral nervous system.

“Now when I go to bed at night I don’t Jean explained that daily tasks like have those shooting pains. I don’t have opening doors and using the bathroom that burning sensation. I don’t have pain coming up my legs,”Jean were overwhelmingly painful. “How can enthusiastically describes life after you live for the next 30 years when you receiving Dr. Gibbons treatments. 'I can don’t even want to get out of bed to do wear socks and shoes!” simple things?"

Jean and her sister now operate a She was experiencing the burning, successful dog walking business, numbness, tingling and sharp pains that sometimes covering up to 5 miles a day. those suffering with neuropathy often describe. “The way that I would describe it, "It's life altering. As far as I am concerned, is that it's equivalent to walking on glass.” Dr. Gibbons saved my life!"

Jean hadn’t worn socks in five years and Dr. Gibbons who has also been an RN for was wearing shoes two sizes too big so over 15 years, integrates both her western that nothing would ‘touch’ her feet. medicine background with effective eastern medicine strategies to be able to Unfortunately Jean's story is all offer a different non-drug, non surgical too familiar. For the over 3 million option to those who have chronic pain and people in the U.S. suffering from complex chronic conditions. She specializes peripheral neuropathy. in chronic cases, specifically those that have been deemed ‘hopeless’ If you’re unfortunate enough to be facing or ‘untreatable’. the same disheartening prognosis, you’re It is time to let your golden years be golden! not sleeping at night because of the our services: burning in your feet. You have difficulty f you’ve missed too many tee times acupuncture walking, shopping or doing any activity for because of pain or you’ve had to miss more than 30 minutes because of the pain. dry needling out on enjoying our beautiful weather and You’re struggling with balance and living in acupuncture beaches because you’re afraid of falling, fear that you might fall. it’s time to contact Dr. Gibbons and her

727-272-3587

injection point therapy O3 Regenerative Therapy™ ATP Resonance BioTherapy™

Your doctor told you to ‘just live with the pain’ and you’re taking medications that aren’t working or have uncomfortable side effects.

ACHIEVEACUIM.COM 32

staff at...

Achieve Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine

701 49th St. N St. Petersburg, FL 33710 Call (727) 272-3587 now to schedule a consultation.

theGabber.com | December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021