The Gabber: December 24, 2020

Digital subscriptions provided by the City of Gulfport THE GABBER.COM No. 2688

December 24 - December 30, 2020

A Christmas Delivery for Santa

By Laura Mulrooney

LAURA MULROONEY

Gulfport Elementary teacher Sheryl Barnes helps one of her students drop off a letter to Santa at the big red mailbox in Gulfport.

On Monday, December 14 Ms. Taylor Brown’s and Ms. Sheryl Barnes’ Gulfport Montessori Elementary VPK classes were entrusted with a very special holiday task. The students dropped 120 letters to Santa from the school in Gulfport’s very own Santa’s Mailbox.

Santa continued on page 11

Gulfport Decks the Halls P. 8

Thriving in ‘Difficult Times’ P. 22

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Creative Director Joey Neill

Advertising Director Chris Madalena

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Reporters & Photographers Laura Mulrooney,

News and Politics laura@thegabber.com Jeff Donnelly, Theater Jennifer Ring, Food and Culture Lynn Taylor, Arts June Johns, Photographer Nano Riley, Environment

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thegabber.com @gabbernews @gabbernews @gabberlife The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers, advertisers, or employees of the Gabber. The Gabber is not liable for any errors in advertising beyond the cost of the first printing of any advertisement. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced or copied without permission of the publisher.

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theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

announcements Gulfport Holiday Closures Gulfport City Hall and city facilities will close on Friday, December 25 for Christmas Day, and Friday, January 1 for New Year’s Day. Friday’s sanitation routes will be collected on Thursday during both weeks, and Thursday’s routes will be collected on Wednesday.

There will be no yard waste collection either week. Residents should call 727-582-6177 for after-hours water or sewer emergencies.

Recycle Your Christmas Tree When you’ve finished with your festivities this year, Gulfport residents can recycle their Christmas trees and turn them into mulch. Residents should remove all decorations, including hooks, garland, tinsel and lights. Place your tree at the curb or in your alley for regular Wednesday yard waste pickup. Do not bag the tree or put it in the trash can. For multipledwelling units, place your tree near the dumpster without blocking access to it. Trees will be chopped and processed into mulch, which residents can then pick up at the Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S.

Gulfport Candidate Debates It’s election season again in Gulfport!

The Gabber Newspaper and the Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce will host the Gulfport Candidate Debates in the Catherine

A. Hickman Theater February 11.

Barbara Banno, president of the GMC, and Cathy Salustri Loper, publisher of the Gabber, will co-moderate.

Social distancing and mask protocols enforced; families and people in the same “quarantine bubble� may sit together in the theater, but two seats will separate people not in the same bubble. Doors open at 5 p.m. for ticket holders; at 5:30 p.m.; remaining seats open to walk-up traffic. The Gabber and the GMC will also stream the events as a Zoom webinar so those who cannot attend can see the debates and submit questions. Submit questions prior to the event at elections@thegabber. com and from 5 to 5:45 p.m. the night of the event. If you wish to attend via Zoom, please email elections@thegabber.com and ask to be added to the list; you’ll get a link shortly before the event.

Need a COVID Test?

Community Health Centers of Pinellas and the Florida Department of Health offer COVID-19 testing at locations throughout the county.

Visit covid19.pinellascounty.org/ testing for sites and hours.

St. Pete Beach Library News The St. Pete Beach Library will close at 5 p.m., on Thursday, December 24, and will remain closed Friday through Sunday, December 25 to 27. Regular hours resume Monday, December 28, but the library will close again January 1 through the 3.

Happy Holidays! Call 727-363-9238 or visit spblibrary.com.

Be a Part of History Do you have some extra time? Looking to get out of the house? The Gulfport Historical Society has some open volunteer opportunities in December.

They need volunteers to docent at the museum, as well as painters to get the Art Center ready for its grand opening. They also need people to donate paint (or gift cards to a local hardware store) – for the gallery walls.

Additionally, they need help with some handyman projects at the Art Center. COVID protocols in place with masks and social distancing. Email info@gulfporthistoricalsociety.org.

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

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theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

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news Gulfport Council Has a ‘Lot’ of Candidates

overseas ballots by January 23, 2021; mail-in ballots get mailed starting January 28.

By Laura Mulrooney and Gabber Staff

A Season of Giving

LAURA MULROONEY

Gulfport Family Restaurant’s Peter Kiriopolous presented Gulfport Fire Chief James Marenkovic with a $5,000 check for the benefit of the fire department.

At the Tuesday, December 15 Gulfport City Council meeting, the sole item on the agenda dealt with the 2021 municipal elections and drawing lots to determine name placement on the March 9 ballot.

“The Charter requires it be done by the City Clerk,” City Clerk Lesley DeMuth said. To ensure the names dropped in the bucket were the same size and shape, Demuth wrote the candidate names on the back of her own business cards.

The city’s Charter Review Committee, which, until 2020, consisted of private citizens (in 2020 council acted as the charter review committee), recommended the city change from the way it traditionally listed candidates on the ballot (alphabetically) to the current method.

Ordinance 2005-06, which council passed in May 2005, mandated that the clerk draw lots for order on the ballot.

Five candidates will vie for two offices.

“We’ll have two [candidates] for Ward Two and three for Ward Four,” said Demuth.

The Ward Two incumbent councilmember, Christine Brown, faces a challenge from Mike Bauer.

In Ward Four, incumbent Michael Fridovich faces three challengers: repeated challenger (and sometimes elf-costumed-council attendee) Richard Fried; and Ian O’Hara. A fourth candidate for the Ward Four race, Robert Barto, qualified but withdrew. Barto works for the City of St. Petersburg and expressed to the Gabber that he couldn’t effectively serve two cities at this time.

DeMuth drew lots as follows: For Ward Two, Michael Bauer will appear first on the ballot, followed

by Christine Brown. In Ward Four, Ian O’Hara will appear first on the ballot followed by Richard Fried and then Michael Fridovich.

The election will cost the city more than $17,000. The Supervisor of Elections will mail all military and

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Beverly Newcomb accepted the “Spirit of Gulfport” award on behalf of herself and her late husband, Bob. Gulfport artist Ray Domingo painted a likeness of Bob, and the portrait appeared on stage as she accepted the award on behalf of them both.

“I have to say a few words. Bob would never forgive me; he didn’t leave silence very long. I want you to know how grateful the Newcomb family is to Ray Domingo for this fabulous portrait.

We have smaller copies – couldn’t quite fit that in my home,” Newcomb said, adding, “I called Ray to ask if Bob could be with me, as he always was.”

Bob Newcomb passed away on May 4, 2020 at 84.

Bob was a force to be reckoned with in Gulfport. He hailed from Massachusetts, but you wouldn’t know it from the way Bob loved Gulfport.

Bob and his wife Beverly, “Bev,” moved to Gulfport 14 years ago and were an integral part of the community ever since.

The Newcombs’ work throughout the city continues, particularly with the Gulfport Senior Center. Mrs. Newcomb donated to the Gabber to help the current owners purchase the paper, telling us Bob would have wanted to see the paper continue.

“Bob is the embodiment of what it means to be a Gulfportian,” said Councilmember Paul Ray, acknowledging Bob Newcomb’s Spirit of Gulfport award during council comments.

Gulfport Family Restaurant Donates $5,000 to GP Fire and Rescue Gulfport firefighters will get better beds at work, thanks to the generosity of Gulfport Family Restaurant. At the December 15 city council meeting, restaurateur Peter Kiriopolous presented Fire Chief James Marenkovic with a $5,000 check.

Marenkovic, who thought the station could benefit from a new radio, listened to his staff and decided that the firefighters will receive all new mattresses in their rest areas at the station with the donation.

theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

Overheard at the December 15 Gulfport Council Meeting “We raided our budget to buy $800 in gift cards from local businesses.” – Jenn Buckley, of the Boca Ciega Yacht Club.

The Club gave the gift cards to the BCYC lighted boat parade captains as a thank-you gift.

“I want to blow my own horn here a little. I’m a past recipient of the Spirit of Gulfport award, along with the keys to the city, which I lost in the fire. I want council to re-hear my variance, because it was presented totally wrong. I asked just to rebuild what I had there. It was denied because I’m positive the pictures were bad, what I was asking for was not presented properly.” – Pat Dunham, who wanted council to let her go back before the variance board. The city will hear her appeal on January 5.

“Message heard loud and clear.”

– Mayor Sam Henderson, to Pat Dunham “We had three fire hydrants that didn’t work. Three fire departments had to stand around and watch [my home] burn to the ground.” – Pat Dunham, about the fire that destroyed her home in March. City Manager Jim O’Reilly asked to put on the record that the hydrant error Pat

Dunham raised was not lack of water, but that a neighboring fire department broke the hydrant trying to open the water flow.

“It ends up strangling and killing the tree. We’ve got a problem going on; it’s getting worse. In Clam Bayou park we have a lot of invasives.” – David Falwell, about strangler figs throughout Gulfport and other unspecified invasives in Clam Bayou.

“I wanted to take a moment to thank the city for all the holiday activities that are taking place.

The things that took place – the parade, the tree lighting and now establishing a list for people going around to see the lights. It was all very lovely.” – Margarete Tober “Please, everybody, eat blackeyed peas on New Year’s Day. We absolutely cannot have another year like this. I think there were a lot of people who didn’t eat black-eyed peas this year and that’s why we had 2020.” – Councilmember Christine Brown “I want to thank Mrs. Claus.” – Councilman Michael Fridovich, about the BCYC boat parade. Mrs. Claus kept reminding Fridovich, who impersonated Santa for the

boat parade (the real Santa was social distancing in preparation for his big night later this month).

Mrs. Claus kept tapping Fridovich on the shoulder, saying, “Look, there are the children, Santa!”

“Saturday night was a COVID disaster … Y’all have got to start taking responsibility for your patrons. I realize everybody needs to make money, but if you’re outside, you’re not required to wear a mask, but it would be nice if you asked your patrons to do some sort of social distancing.”

– Councilman Michael Fridovich “If we still feel that’s safe, if we want to talk about that.” – Councilwoman April Thanos, about possibly canceling the New Year’s Eve fireworks. No one on council raised the issue after Thanos’s comment.

“That was my favorite boat in the parade, ‘Buh-bye 2020.’” – Mayor Sam Henderson “I tend to believe that the kind of campaign that you’ll run says a lot about the job you’ll do. I think it would be very Gulfport of us to back away from what we’ve seen at the state and federal level.”

– Mayor Sam Henderson, about the upcoming city council races.

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Making Christmas Merry and Bright

By Laura Mulrooney

LAURA MULROONEY

From left, Flotilla member Howard Bush, Flotilla Vice Commander Marcella Ruso and Flotilla Commander Marty Richardson present Gulfport Police Chief Robert Vincent with a Christmas stash large enough for several families.

On Tuesday, December 15, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 7-16, at 3120 Miriam St. S., presented sacks full of toys to the Gulfport Police Department’s yearly charity event, Operation Santa.

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The USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 7-16 is an all-volunteer force that focuses on safety and the betterment of the community.

This year the flotilla decided to focus their efforts on helping children have a merry and bright Christmas.

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Gulfport Decks the Halls

By Laura Mulrooney

LAURA MULROONEY

For the seventh year in a row, Smokin’ J’s BBQ won the award for best Commercial Theme.

On Monday, December 14, Santa and his elves cruised around town, judging this year’s entries in the City of Gulfport’s Holiday Decorating Contest.

Santa and crew decided on two winners: one General Theme and one Commercial Theme. This reporter decided to go see what all the fuss was about.

Driving up to Bill and Betty Drexler’s home at 5314 10th Ave. S., I thought I was in the wrong place. The outside of the house had minimalist decoration, with sparse lighting along the roof and lights projecting on the wall.

I thought, “This can’t be right.”

I ran into Betty as I walked up their driveway and we got to talking. Apparently, the real design was out of sight.

Betty hollered to Bill through their front door: “The Gabber wants to take your photo.”

I didn’t see what happened next, but I heard it.

As Bill clamored out of his recliner and jumped to his feet, I heard him yell, “I’ve got to get my hat.”

The next thing I know, I’m standing in the Drexler’s garage, in front of one of the most elaborate miniature train models I’ve ever seen, with Bill rocking back and forth on the soles of his house slippers like a kid on Christmas morning.

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LAURA MULROONEY

Bill and Betty Drexler won this year’s decorations contest with their elaborate holiday train display.

This display is something to behold: four tiers of little mechanical gadgets, rolling around, lighting up, and making all of the holiday noises.

Every year Bill creates two different train displays – one for the summer and one for the holidays. The design and set up takes Bill about a month. He has to take every figurine and model out of their boxes, dust them off and get them moving in all the right places.

In his holiday display, Bill has one Hoyt Field, two food shops, three moving trains, four trolley carts and five blue latrines. (Actually, he has way more than that, but I wanted you to sing that in tune of the “12 Days of Christmas,” like I did.)

On the business front, for the seventh year in a row, Smokin’ J’s BBQ won the award for best Commercial Theme.

“I think everyone needs a little joy in life, especially this year,” said John Riesebeck, owner and operator of Smokin’ J’s BBQ on Gulfport Boulevard.

“We try to add at least two, or more, new items each year. We lose some, but we look forward to shopping to replacing them,” said Riesebeck of his massive holiday display, featuring scores of lights and inflatable characters.

“Christmas is [co-owner] Lisa’s favorite holiday – her birthday is the 21st – so I enjoy getting the place all decked out and putting a smile on her face. The kids and adults seem to enjoy it as well. Watching people take pictures, bringing their kids by – and my grandkids look forward to coming over and helping turn them on everyday.”

Riesebeck said he wished more businesses decorated for the holidays.

“Yes, it’s extra work,” he said, “but the finished product itself is so rewarding.”

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Santa continued from cover

LAURA MULROONEY

Ms. Brown’s and Ms. Barnes’ Gulfport Montessori Elementary VPK classes dropped 120 letters to Santa from the school in Gulfport’s very own Santa’s Mailbox.

The five-foot, red mailbox at 2304 51st St. S. is guarded by Santa’s special helpers, Veronica DaSilva and Julie Stenstrom.

During recess, Brown and Barnes took their students on an adventure that is sure to reap major rewards – Santa has promised to respond to each and every letter dropped in this special mailbox.

“We just want to bring joy to people,” said DaSilva. “It’s fun to spread joy and keep the spirit of Christmas alive.”

Last year, Santa’s helpers sent out more than 100 response letters.

This year, they have received more than 350 letters.

“As Santa’s elves, we have truly enjoyed seeing the kids drop their letters off,” said DaSilva. “Our hearts are filled with joy and love knowing that the kids are anticipating their letter from Santa.”

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DaSilva and Stenstrom make sure each child’s letter is answered, so interested elves can reach DaSilva at vldas@i4u.net.

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theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

11

Zooming to the Divine

By Greg Stemm

PIKIST

And on the eighth day God created Zoom.

You might be tempted to believe that, talking to faith leaders in 2020.

From Quakers to Muslims, Unitarians to Jews, the faithful across the world have had to adapt to these challenging times, and many of them are using Zoom and other technology to gather for worship and keep their faith communities strong.

“Zoom is working really well for us, better than I would have predicted,” Susan Gore, president of the board of trustees for the Clearwater Unitarian Universalists, says. “I’m not technosavvy, but I have learned enough to host multiple meetings every week. An unexpected bonus is that our Sunday attendance has been significantly higher than usual in the summer. It’s easier simply to turn on your computer, not having to fight traffic and/or the heat. We also are providing training on how to do Zoom to committee leaders, members and anyone who wants to learn.”

Rabbi Michael Porop says that Temple Beth-el in South Pasadena has always used some technology, live streaming their regular services and high holy day events, but the virus made them “up their game.”

“We used to just have a single,

12

fixed-angle camera streaming in a lower-res, but since the pandemic we have added cameras and gotten a much higher res,” Porop says. “We’re also doing things like pre-recording musical numbers that we can drop into a live broadcast.”

Porop said that the temple now provides a variety of options, like live streaming on their website, on Zoom or through Facebook and YouTube.

“We like to be able to give people the option of using whatever platform works best for them,” he said.

Unfortunately, these technologies do have drawbacks.

Porop says his synagogue experienced two instances of “Zoom bombing,” where unwelcome guests tried to disrupt the worship experience.

“It was disturbing, yes, but it forced us to put better protections in place for our Zoom events,” he said. “Now we require passwords or ‘waiting rooms’ before people are allowed to participate. So far those precautions seem to be working.”

What’s it like to worship virtually?

“Meeting by Zoom was strange at first for many of us,” Linda Morganstein, clerk of the Meeting of the St. Petersburg Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), says. “We tend

to be an older group of folks, some of whom are tech-challenged. But the younger among us helped a lot and got us set up and now it feels as if we are actually more respectful of each other; perhaps even kinder and more thoughtful while we navigate being together via phone and computer.

I think it’s made us kinder; more compassionate.”

Imam Abdul Karim Ali is the chairman of the Tampa Bay Muslim Association.

While he said a few mosques have begun meeting in person, most have elected to have traditional Friday evening prayer via Zoom. Muslims pray five times a day, so many are used to following that ritual at home with their families.

“Thank Allah that we live when we do,” Ali said. “If this pandemic had hit 1400 years ago when Islam was just beginning, we would not have had the options that today’s technology affords us.”

Ali likes to use a traditional Muslim story to illustrate how the community perceives and reacts to the pandemic.

The story goes that a man entered a village on his camel and stopped at a local establishment for some refreshment. But he neglected to adequately tie up his camel and when he came out the camel was gone.

theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

PIKIST

The lesson is that, metaphorically, you should always keep track of your camel – and Ali compares the virus to the camel.

“It’s important for us to know where the camel is and what he is doing so we can react accordingly,” Ali says.

Ali explains that Muslims believe in science and will be looking to the scientists, doctors and other health professionals to give them guidance on when it’s appropriate for the community to begin meeting in person. He notes there is nothing in the Muslim faith to preclude members from being vaccinated. If proven safe and effective, he says he and his family will be in line to take it.

Following the direction of science is also a top priority in Porop’s community. He notes that the temple put together a task force of people in health care, education, business and science to guide them on when it will be safe to start in-person worship again.

The Quakers are also taking a communal approach to the challenge of in-person gathering.

“There is a Quaker committee formed of people from all over the state addressing that issue,” said Morganstein. “We will have the knowledge and thought from those folks to guide us. In addition, our Meeting will talk about what may need to happen with our particular Meeting and Meetinghouse in order for us to feel OK about worshipping in person again. We want to honor the vulnerabilities of our community and not push for any particular date.

God is within us and around us; so everywhere is sacred, we don’t necessarily need a building for that.”

Gore says that while UUs take all precautions when it comes to the virus, there is some impatience in the community.

“UUs tend to be very ‘heady’ people,” Gore says. “We mask up, wash our hands and stay home – mostly. Mostly, I say, because we also pride ourselves in our diversity.

Some UU Clearwater members feel it is time to ‘get back together.’

As much as I would like to see my friends face to face, I believe it is way too early to predict when we will be meeting in person again.

Next spring, perhaps...if there isn’t a resurgence coupled with the flu.”

Morganstein believes that the

challenges of 2020 may actually serve to strengthen community bonds.

“I am hoping that other organizations are having the same type of ‘cracking-open’ experiences we’ve talked about in our Meeting

– seeing each other and ourselves in new ways, and realizing how deep and alive our bonds are,” she says. “Occasionally, a catastrophe brings solace and gifts with it that we couldn’t have foreseen. I think this was one of those times.”

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theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

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CRA: How to Keep Downtown, Downtown Gulfport city officials want to find a way to keep large buildings from swallowing Gulfport’s waterfront district, and met twice publicly to discuss the future of the city’s waterfront district.

During the last two Community Redevelopment Agency meetings, on October 20 and December 15, Gulfport Community Development Director Fred Metcalf and Forward Pinellas representative Linda Fisher discussed the future of the waterfront district – the Waterfront Building Form project.

Fisher’s presentation focused on parking issues and building height.

The city made no changes to existing code; rather, city manager Jim O’Reilly stressed, staff and council would like to find ways to entice waterfront redevelopment district property owners to redevelop in ways that maintain downtown’s character. “We’re not looking to take away anyone’s property rights,� O’Reilly said before Fisher’s presentation. “We’re trying to shorten the process if you stay in a much smaller envelope.�

Both Metcalf and Fisher emphasized maintaining Gulfport’s character, but admitted that buildings don’t last forever and that, due to safety and other concerns, must get rehabbed or replaced. When that happens, the city wants to find a way to convince property owners to replace older buildings with ones that don’t change the look of downtown.

That doesn’t mean no three-story buildings; one of the photos Fisher

FORWARD PINELLAS

By Laura Mulrooney

Slide from Forward Pinellas representative Linda Fisher’s presentation to the CRA showing how similar building footprints are perceived.

presented showed a three story building with the upper two floors stepped back from the street: The Historic Peninsula Inn. That’s the sort of architecture Gulfport officials would like to see more of downtown.

The city could offer incentives if property owners steered clear of the proverbial “McMansion,� O’Reilly said.

Those incentives could include waiving parking requirements. Current parking requirements continue to frustrate downtown businesses and don’t account for trends that draw people who travel via rideshare, bike or foot.

Nevertheless, parking grows scarce during Gulfport Tuesday Market and other special events. Fisher talked about parking challenges in popular cities with historic character.

Gulfport’s first few generations built the city for the convenience of pedestrians, not cars, and Fisher said

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this historic land-use pattern makes Gulfport so attractive, with buildings closer to the sidewalk. “This is due to the historic landuse pattern; these places were built before cars were prevalent,� Fisher said, adding that “the only downtown and main streets that don’t have parking problems are places where no one wants to go – and that is not Gulfport.�

The city will contact the property owners in the WRD and actively seeks ideas and feedback on how Gulfport could persuade them not to build McMansions and McBuildings.

For more information and project input, contact Gulfport Community Development Director Fred Metcalf at fmetcalf@mygulfport.us or 727893-1095. Reach Forward Pinellas representative Linda Fisher at lfisher@forwardpinellas.org or 727464-8220.

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theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

Got Stuff?

Gulfport’s permit-free, city-wide yard sale is back! Gulfport residents, dust off your unused stuff and clear out the clutter on Saturday, January 16 (rain date, Sunday, January 17). Sign up now and get your Gulfport address on the brochure. Sign up by January 8 at 3 p.m. in order to make the print deadline. The easiest way to register is at mygulfport.us/gulfport-city-wideyard-sale. You can also fill out a form at Gulfport City Hall, 2401 53rd St. S. or the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. Questions? Call Kristin Ossola at 727-893-1118.

Senior Center Pantry Needs Donations Got extra food? If you do, the Gulfport Senior Center Pantry needs it. They’re looking for non-perishables like tuna, peanut butter, dry cereal, pasta sauce, soups and canned meats. Any Gulfport resident 50 and older can use the pantry. The Senior Center keeps the pantry open from 1 to 3 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. If you have food to donate, drop it off anytime. If you could use food, bring your photo

ID, a utility bill, or bank statement (to prove residence) and your SSI proof of income. Wondering if you can use the pantry? Call Rachel at 727-893-1231.

464-7500 or visit pinellascounty.org/ solidwaste.

Be a Helper with CERT

Scammers are getting more creative during the pandemic, preying on folks of all ages, backgrounds and incomes.

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is here to help, protect and educate consumers on fraud at the gas pump, through telemarketing schemes and sham cause. If you have concerns about charities, consumer issues, or are a victim of fraud, visit floridaconsumerhelp.com or call 1-800-help-fla or 1-800-fl-ayuda en Español.

They always say, “Look for the helpers.”

Now, you can be one, as a member of Gulfport’s Community Emergency Response Team. CERT trains citizens to help the community during a disaster, as well as assist the city for things like traffic control during planned events.

CERT meets at 7 p.m. every third Monday of the month. Call James Wright at 727-893-1022.

Get Rid of Household Electronics and Chemicals The Household Electronics and Chemical Collection Center is open, but for the safety of customers and staff, they’ve changed how they handle items. Staff and customers must practice social distancing, and customers must unload their own items. Call Pinellas County Department of Solid Waste at 727-

theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

Don’t Be a Scam Victim

Saving Water Pays Did you know St. Petersburg residents can get a rebate for rain barrels and rain gardens? The City of St. Petersburg developed the Rainwater Rebate Program to help folks conserve water and reduce stormwater runoff.

Residents may be eligible for up to $100 for installing water-saving features.

Email rainwaterrebates@stpete.org or call 727-893-7341 to learn more.

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theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

Keep Yourself and Your Stuff Safe this Season

By Sheriff Bob Gualtieri

Giving gifts during the holidays is an expression of love and appreciation. However, returning, exchanging and even selling presents is also a common practice in the months following the holiday season.

Whether you drive to the store to return an item or sell it online, here are some ways you can stay safe while getting rid of those unwanted gifts or making new purchases.

Shopping in Stores:

• Meet the buyer or seller during the day or in a well-lit area at night. As an extra precaution, take a person with you so you are not alone.

THEDIGITALWAY

• Do not go through with the transaction if the communication with the buyer or seller seems suspicious or you do not feel safe completing it.

• Ask for identification. If the individual is lying about their identity, they will most likely not continue communication or complete the meetup. In the event the transaction goes wrong, you will have their information to report to law enforcement.

Home Deliveries:

• Park in a well-lit, public area when possible and become familiar with your surroundings before walking inside.

ANNALISEART

• Always lock your car doors. Even if you won’t be in the store long, it only takes seconds for a criminal to open a door, take something inside, or steal your vehicle.

• Vehicles are easy targets because they often contain valuable items like laptops, recent store purchases, firearms, purses and cell phones. Place valuables in the trunk before you park in public so they are not visible to burglars.

• If your vehicle doesn’t have an alarm, consider purchasing one. The noise alone is often enough to scare away inexperienced criminals.

• “Porch pirates,” thieves who steal packages left on doorsteps, are all too common today. Use a surveillance camera to monitor the activity at your door, have packages delivered to a secure location, or schedule deliveries when you are home to ensure they make it inside your residence.

• Once you leave the store, have your car keys in hand, ready to use, so that you can put any valuables in the trunk and enter your vehicle quickly.

Online Transactions:

This year, make New Year’s resolutions that will protect you, your belongings, and your community. Lock your car doors regularly and take necessary precautions when making transactions or meeting with strangers.

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• If you are buying or selling something online, meet the potential buyer or seller in a public location, like the parking lot of a police department or the sheriff’s office.

theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

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Little Free Pantry Needs Food The Little Free Pantry located just outside the St. Pete Beach Library, 7470 Gulf Blvd., has been more popular than anticipated and they would appreciate any donations. Also for the kids: Try their new Take & Make Kits on the themes of art, engineering, coding or upcycling. Activities are geared toward grades 3 to 5 and offer a fun, hands-on way to learn at home.

Visit spblibrary.com for more, or to browse the catalog.

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Meals on Wheels needs you…to drive.

The Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center, as part of the Neighborly Dining & Meals on Wheels program, delivers meals to those who need it, provided they’re at least 60 years old. Little problem: They don’t have enough drivers. People who can volunteer to deliver meals should visit neighborly.org.

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Check Out Child Care Kids in kindergarten through age 14 can now register for the 2020-2021 School Year Child Care Program at Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S. The program provides transportation from Pasadena Fundamental, Bear Creek, Gulfport and Douglas Jamerson Elementary.

The Recreation Center participates in the Afterschool Nutrition Program, a part of the Child Care Food Program, to provide nutritious snacks to children in after-school programs at no extra charge. Call 727-893-1068 for more.

Get Gulfport on the Go Check out the newest way to connect in Gulfport: an app for iOS and Android. The official City of Gulfport app gives residents a simple way to ask questions or report potholes, signs, trash or debris, code violations and more. Users can submit GPS data and photos, keep track of requests and find direct links to utility bill payment, the city calendar, frequently asked questions, the city employee

theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

directory, sanitation department, newsletter sign up and more. Email info@mygulfport.us, call 727-893-1118 or visit mygulfport.us/cityapp.

Virtual Learning on the Beach

recorded classes are still in session.

Chair exercises, yoga, art, writing, language, cooking classes and more are available on GTV 640, or streaming on Zoom, Facebook and YouTube. Call 727-893-5657 or visit fb.com/GulfportSeniorCenter.

St. Pete Beach Parks and Recreation offers a Virtual Learning Assistance Program at the St. Pete Beach Community Center. The program allows for smaller groups of kids, with a dedicated staff member monitoring their engagement with the PCS online curriculum. This is not a tutoring program, but oversight for children working with MyPCS online curriculum. Looking for more fun for the kids? St. Pete Beach’s licensed after school program has games, sports, homework time, swimming and more. Transportation provided from Azalea Elementary and Gulf Beaches Elementary. Go to spbrec. com or call 727-363-9245.

Curbside Reading at the Library

Senior Center Offers Classes Online

The City of Gulfport provides free smoke detectors for elderly and lowincome households within Gulfport City limits. If you need one, please call 727-893-1059 for more information.

The Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center may be closed, but pre-

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

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Candlelight in the Park, Kwanzaa and Pup Socials

By Abby Baker

Find links for signing up for these events — and many other things to do — online at thegabber.com/events.

Thursday, December 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Spills into the Park Add a pinch of the unconventional at a traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service in Williams Park this holiday season. First Unity Spiritual Campus typically hosts this event as a “standing room only” service with attendees spilling out into the lobby and parking lot. This year, they are celebrating in the park to allow all to join in this spiritual experience regardless of faith, religion or belief.

Williams Park, 350 2nd Ave. N., St. 6-7:30 p.m.

Put Your Hips into Hoops in Gulfport Shake your groove thing, Gulfport! Head to the hula hoop class on the water and burn up to 450 calories per hour. Fun

Fact: Apparently the ancient Greeks and Egyptians hula hooped. Replace your HIIT workout with hula hoops, honor the ancients, and get outside. Sounds like a win all the way ’round. Donationbased class; pay what you can afford.

Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S., 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 25 Treasure Island Treats If there’s one thing Pinellas has no shortage of, it’s outdoor marketplaces. From December through April, the Treasure Island Friday Morning Market will feature – you guessed it – local art, produce, foods, flowers, plants and “interesting flea items.” This is an open air outdoor bazaar, so check out what Treasure Island has to offer while you can.

Treasure Island Community Center, 154 106th Ave. Fri. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. DF

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Sunday, December 27 Listen to Your Heart: Sound Healing Drum Bath Come lie on the beach and feel the healing vibration of a hoop drum. Sound healing with the drum is nourishing, and is a great way to simply relax into a peaceful meditation.

Gulfport Beach, Shore Blvd. S. between 54th and 58th St., 7–8 p.m. $10 Long Legs in the Park The Italian Greyhound Community of St. Petersburg is meeting in Gulfport’s Chase Dog Park for the first time this Sunday. Group creator, Aron Bryce, typically hosts meetings at dog-friendly parks in the downtown St. Pete area, but not this week. “I really like that it is all very organic – people just choosing to meet with one another and let their dogs play,” Bryce said. “It has been a very fun, low risk activity that I have put together during the pandemic.”

People wear must masks and physically distance; the dogs – not so much.

Chase Park, 5313 27th Ave. S., 1-2 p.m.

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Kwanzaa at the Farm: Enjoy a Cultural Community Celebration Do you have Kwanzaa plans yet? Celebrate at the St. Pete Youth Farm’s Kwanzaa at the Farm event. Hosted by Gallerie 909, the St. Petersburg urban farm will be filled with African garments and the beating of drums. So march to your own drum and enjoy a family filled festivity. The organizers ask that you bring your own instruments and cultural clothing, if possible. St. Pete Youth Farm, 1664 12th St. S., 2-5 p.m.

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Maderia Morning Market Bring the dog, bring your family, or maybe just yourself. From November through March, Wednesday morning shoppers can browse clothing, produce, homemade arts and crafts along with other sea-side favorites at the Madeira Beach Morning Market. Held at the City Hall parking lot, across from Winn Dixie.

Madeira Beach City Hall, 300 Municipal Drive. Wends., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. SD MR DF

theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

crime 49th Street Convenience Store in Drug Bust

ST. PETERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT

On Tuesday, December 15, at about 12:30 p.m., St. Petersburg Police detectives served a search warrant on the Quick Stop Food Mart, 1440 49th St. S. According to police, detectives had video evidence of open illegal drug sales happening inside the store. SPPD reported that in some cases, the clerks were also involved.

SPPD detectives said they collected video footage of Tyree Bell, who is wanted for the murder of Arnieceia Milton on November 15, 2020, weighing and selling drugs openly in the store.

If this location sounds familiar,

it may be because on November 1, two men were gunned down in the parking lot of the Quick Stop. One of them, Dameion Cookinson, was killed, just two days shy of his 35th birthday. SPPD is still investigating his murder.

On December 15, SPPD arrested four men after police served the warrant.

Jeramie Lamar Maynor, 33, was arrested and charged with six counts of intent to sell/possess controlled substance (marijuana) within 1,000 feet of a convenience business, and seven counts of possession of marijuana.

LAURA MULROONEY

By Laura Mulrooney

Jarvis Maynor, 31, was charged with two counts of the sale/delivery of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a convenience business, and two counts of possession of cocaine.

Trevon Montrell Barton, 21, was charged with one count of the sale/ delivery of crack cocaine, and one count possession of crack cocaine.

Adrian Leon Harris, 31, was charged with two counts of the sale/ possession of controlled substance (marijuana) within 1,000 feet of a convenience business, three counts of possession of marijuana and one count of conspiracy to deliver marijuana.

Tyree Lamons Bell remains at large. Anyone with information leading to his arrest may be eligible for a reward of up to $3,000, can contact Crime Stoppers of Pinellas anonymously at 1-800-873-TIPS or crimestoppersofpinellas.org

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theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

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arts Thriving in ‘Difficult Times’ Jamie Edwards says she has been an artist her entire life. So when she and her wife moved from Brooklyn, New York, four years ago, she found herself with more space to create and started making art on reclaimed wood and painting furniture.

Fast forward to 2020. The year has been difficult for everyone, and many artists found themselves just trying to get by. Edwards looked for ways to help her newfound art community, and opened Beach House 5317 as a collective for local artists to show and sell their work.

“COVID really had me struggling as an artist and I knew several other artists were feeling the effects as well,” she says. Edwards wanted to create a space with a beachy, boho vibe where people could bring that aesthetic home and create their own peaceful beach house.

Beach House 5317 had a soft opening on August 15 and held a grand opening a month later, on September 13. Edwards says she carefully curates the art in the store, looking for work that is creative and original.

“I wanted one-of-a-kind items you won’t find in any other shops,” she said.

Because of the diversity of art in the space, Edwards says, there’s always something new on display.

L. SMITH

By Lynn Taylor

“Colors of Blue” by L. Smith

Currently, 25 Bay Area artists show and sell their work at Beach House 5317. The shop’s art ranges from paintings, furniture, crystals, home items and décor.

Muralist Kiersty Long painted the sign out front and also has some of her paintings for sale in the store.

Artist L. Smith, who displays tropical

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art, animal portraits and musically themed acrylics at Beach House 5317, has created art over the years for the Tampa Bay Blues Festival, Sea Hag’s restaurant and Dockside Studio Unleashed in Madeira Beach.

She says she looks at the physical and emotional landscapes of a tropical life and sees the intangibles – lush, narrative, moody, whimsical – and weaves these into her designs, inviting the observer into her experience through their own imagination.

“I try to keep things fun and interesting and emotional,” says Smith.

Because of the pandemic, Edwards has had to get creative about events. She’s hosted Sip ‘n’ Shops and outdoor guest artist pop-ups, some with live music in the courtyard, making good on her mission to support the arts community.

“I wanted to create a sort of shared space that would help us thrive during these difficult times,” she said.

For more, find Beach House 5317 on Facebook.

theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

A Poet Looks at Endings and Beginnings

By Lynn Taylor

VINCENT SPINA

When Vincent Spina writes a poem, he says he looks for what “sings,” creating a rhythm that supports the images and will carry the reader through the poem.

“I don’t think a poem is strictly about meaning; it is also about the

flow of the words, the ‘music.’ This may be how a prayer starts, when something strikes you hard and opens you to a feeling – an image or a piece of the human drama – and you need to find the words that match the feeling that will strike others.”

Vincent Spina was born in Brooklyn and lives in St. Petersburg. He is the author of three traditionally published books of poetry: “Outer Borough,” “Dialogue” and “The Sumptuous Hills of Gulfport.”

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theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

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Art Bits

By Lynn Taylor

Artists are always looking for new ways to display their work – and the work of other artists. Enter Lucid Vending’s art vending machines, a new concept popping up in Bay area businesses. The most recent was installed at Pom Pom’s Tea House and Sandwicheria in the Grand Central District. Another is located at Studios at 5663 in Pinellas Park.

Lucid Vending owners Kayla Cox and Chance Ryan say their machines are community-driven, stylish and carry not only local art but also entertaining, whimsical crafts and essential items that are fun to get out of a vending machine. For the art machines, they look for up-andcoming creatives who produce work with a Lucid perspective, which tends to be more alternative and bizarre.

Cox and Ryan also customize machines to fit specific venues. If a business is family friendly, they can supply goodies for the kids. If a location has more dogs than people, they’ll make sure those doggos have stuff too.

Most important, Cox and Ryan feel their machines are designed to support independent artists and businesses, and their hope is they help bring visitors, locals, businesses and artists together – all in the same box. lucidvending.com Diversity Arts Workshop

Hosts

Youth

Diversity Arts hosts its final youth art workshop of the year with the Sky’s the Limit Graffiti Arts Workshop on December 29. St. Petersburg muralist Derek Donnelly teaches the two-hour workshop. Participants will learn pro tips while creating their own galaxy art piece – to represent their limitless potential. The workshop will be in an open air “classroom,” observing all CDC-recommended COVID precautions.

Diversity Arts is a nonprofit that aims to support underserved youth and communities in creative self-discovery, expression and sociocultural interaction. The Graffiti Arts workshop is free to kids ages 13

24

LUCID VENDING

Art Vending Machines Installed in Local Businesses

Lucid Vending’s art vending machine at The Studios at 5663.

to 17 from underserved communities, and includes materials and a boxed lunch. Class size is limited to 15. Email jgascot@diversityartsinc.com. diversityartsinc.com or fb.com/ diversityartsinc Best Seat in the House Auction Date Announced The long-awaited date has been set for the Best Seat in the House Chair-ity Auction (with a View!).

Sixteen local artists applied their artistry to 10 Adirondack chairs and six vintage windows to benefit the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation.

The art will be on display during the First Friday Art Walk on March 5, 2021 and the Pink Flamingo Garden Tour on March 6.

The chairs will be live auctioned during the third Saturday Indie Faire on March 20 at the Tiki Bar & Grill at the corner of Shore Boulevard South and 56th Street from 5 to 7 p.m.

theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

obituaries Reckinger, Joseph Mark, 69, died unexpectedly at his home in the first week of December in Gulfport, Florida.

Born in Detroit, MI, Joe grew up in Dearborn, MI with his six siblings and parents. He was a loving brother, son, uncle and great uncle and a self-taught artist, photographer, and musician. Joe attended Sacred Heart High and Henry Ford Community College, and then spent his life’s work as a master journeyman in the HVAC Industry where he worked and trained under the family owned HVAC company, and later for large companies in Texas and Florida. Joe took up painting with oil and acrylics and photography, and captured many seascapes across Michigan and Florida. Joe was owner of Mixed-Media Art & Photography where his photos have graced several Gulfport publications. Joe is survived by his siblings Walter (Pete) M. Reckinger III, Suzanne Petricca, Mary Beth Reckinger Weaver, Phil Reckinger and Denise Reckinger along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter M. Reckinger Jr.; mother, Therese L. Reckinger; and brother, Robert M. Reckinger. Services will be arranged later this coming spring for a Catholic Mass Memorial at his home Parish of Sacred Heart, Dearborn Michigan.

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Serving Our Community for Over 27 Years

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Two Scrooges and a George Bailey

By Jeff Donnelly

FREEFALL

It just isn’t the holiday season until Scrooge makes an appearance.

St. Pete has not one but two Ebenezers this month, along with George and Mary Bailey to make sure the most wonderful time of year is especially wonderful.

Bells are ringing and angels are getting their wings over at American Stage, where a radio play adaptation of the classic “It’s A Wonderful Life” runs until December 27. Adapted by Joe Landry, the holiday classic comes

to life as a 1940’s radio broadcast.

View through American Stage’s new streaming partner site, Broadway On Demand.

With the help of an ensemble that brings dozens of characters to the stage, the story of idealistic

City of Gulfport Holiday Sanitation Schedule CHRISTMAS DAY Friday, December 25, 2020

NEW YEAR’S DAY Friday, January 1 st , 2021

Thursday’s pickup will be on Wednesday, December 23 Friday’s pickup will be on Thursday, December 24 *No Wednesday yard waste pickup this week* The Public Works Office will be closed on Friday, December 25 th , 2020.

Thursday’s pickup will be on Wednesday, December 30 Friday’s pickup will be Thursday, December 31, 2020 *No Wednesday yard waste pickup this week* The Public Works Office will be closed on Friday, January 1 st , 2021.

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.

Please call Public Works at (727) 893-1089, if you have any questions.

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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.

theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

George Bailey unfolds as, one fateful Christmas Eve, he considers a world in which he’d never been born. Visit americanstage.org.

The St. Petersburg City Theatre wrapped its annual production of “A Christmas Carol,” the theatrical adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ novella about the miserly, bitter old Scrooge who, after being visited by a series of ghosts on Christmas Eve, is transformed into a kinder, gentler man. SPCT is streaming the performance for free, but the community theater asks for donations in lieu of ticket purchase.

Visit spcitytheatre.org.

If you’re reading this on Christmas Eve, there’s still time to get tickets for freeFall’s last performance of the legendary Dickens antihero.

Artistic Director Eric Davis brought the show back after the audience favorite took a hiatus.

“When freeFall moved into our permanent home at 6099 Central Avenue in 2011,” Matthew McGee, freeFall’s Outreach/Marketing Manager, says. “Eric wanted to produce an annual production of A Christmas Carol. And we did for about four years.”

The company decided to give the popular play a rest after that and staged some slightly less obvious, but very successful holiday shows, including “The Little Prince,” “Every Christmas Story Ever Told,” “Peter Pan,” “Peter and The Starcatcher” and last season’s smash hit “The Lion in Winter.”

“Over the years, we continued to receive messages, emails and comments about how much our audiences missed ‘A Christmas Carol,’” McGee said.

Conceived as a drive-in concert and performed on freeFall’s outdoor stage, much in the style of it’s recent production of “War of the Worlds,” four singers, separated by plexiglass, perform the score by Keith Ferguson and Bruce Greer. Sound is transmitted through freeFall’s radio station to people’s cars, and Davis created an animated multimedia presentation using the drawings of renowned illustrator PJ Lynch, who gave the theater the rights for free. McGee, an award-winning actor himself, narrates the story, playing all the voices, from Scrooge to Tiny Tim. Visit freefalltheatre.com.

Isabelle’s is open Christmas Day RESERVATIONS ARE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED AS THERE IS LIMITED SEATING - PLEASE CALL 727-346-9800 FOR RESERVATIONS

Meals will served between 12 - 8pm on Christmas Day WE HAVE COVERED OUTDOOR SEATING. Please, no parties greater than 10.

Appetizers

Soups & Salads

Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread & Biscuit Basket ............................................4 Short Rib Egg Rolls....................................8 Crispy Pork Belly Bites ............................11 5 Vintage Vegan Dumplings ....................10 Shrimp Cocktail Marishnakov (6) ...........12

Lobster Bisque ...........................................8 Wild Mushroom and Brie Soup ................8 Classic Caesar Salad .................................9 Holiday Strawberry Salad (v) ..................10

Entrees

12 oz Prime Rib ........................................................................................................................ 28 with Au Jus or Horseradish Cream Sauce & Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes Pork Tenderloin ........................................................................................................................ 22 with Bourbon Cranberry-Apple Compote, Au Gratin Potatoes Grilled Diver Scallops ............................................................................................................. 32 served with Lemon Caviar Angel Hair Pasta Duck à l'orange ........................................................................................................................ 25 with a citrus Grand Marnier Sauce & Lemon risotto Braised Short Ribs .................................................................................................................. 25 Fall off the bone Short Ribs, braised in our secret tangy sauce - with 2 sides Grand Peninsula Burger .................................................................... 13 or (Beyond Burger) 14 Hand packed 8 oz Angus beef with applewood smoked bacon, Gouda, lettuce tomato, onion & house aioli Our Low Country Shrimp & Grits .......................................................................................... 22 Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, Garlic,Tomatoes, Red Onions nestled on Creamy Grits with a delicious Grit Cake & Lobster Cream Sauce Salmon Florentine ................................................................................................................... 22 Stuffed with a mix of Cream Cheese, spinach, artichoke hearts, Garlic, Parmesan sautéed & topped with lemon butter served - with 2 sides Baked Stuffed Acorn Squash ................................................................................................. 18 with Lemon Risotto Chicken & Biscuits .................................................................................................................. 18 Chicken Breast & vegetables in a delicious cream sauce served with biscuits

theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

All entrees come with choice of one Vegetable: Asparagus, Green Beans or Brussel Sprouts

Desserts

Please ask for our homemade desserts menu – They are amazing!

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the gabs

LAURA MULROONEY

Alexis Julianna, St. Petersburg: “My favorite holiday dessert would have to be pumpkin bread. My mom made that every single year, so I have very fond memories of that. I learned how to make it, so I made it. I just made a batch this past week and it was delicious.”

Brian Flemister, St. Petersburg: “My favorite holiday dessert is tres leches cake, made by my sister. I had it for the first time this holiday season and I’m hooked. Red velvet is out the window. Pound cake is out the window.

Tres leches cake top of the list now.”

LAURA MULROONEY

LAURA MULROONEY

Bill Drexler, Gulfport: “Pistachio cream cannoli in a fresh shell, with chocolate chips. It’s something my family made when I was a small child and it’s very sweet and mighty tasty.”

LAURA MULROONEY

What is your favorite holiday dessert?

Chris Clarke, St. Petersburg: “Dutch apple pie with vanilla ice cream. It brings a sense of holiday spirit, but yet, almost a piece of America. Your apple pie, and have that ice cream – it makes it all come together.”

Visit theGabber.com and click on the YouTube link to view more of The Gabs!

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theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

pets Pet Pal Animal Shelter

Gorgeous, sweet, well-mannered...

Chief is awesome! If you are looking for a loyal companion, you have found him. Thanks to the Pit Project and his sponsor, Diane Flanagan, his adoption fee is $75. You must own your home to adopt this 1-year-old, 70-pound pit bull mix.

Save Our Strays

Champagne is a 2-month-old beautiful boy. He is a super snuggler and loves Jackson Galaxy light up toys the most. Will you be the lucky human to bring Champagne home for the holidays?

Meet Chief and Champagne at Pet Pal Animal Shelter, 405 22nd St. S. 727-3287738; visit petpalanimalshelter.com.

Save Our Strays rescued Tiki when she was pregnant. She gave birth to three healthy kittens in October. The kitties have all found forever homes, and now it is Tiki’s turn! Less than 1 year old, Tiki was originally named “Big Eyes,” as her peepers are extra large and expressive.

She interacts well with other cats and will be a great friend for a family with no small children. Completely vetted and microchipped, she is a happy lap cat.

727-545-1116; saveourstraysinc.com

Robert J. Myers, Esq. Akerson Law Offices

347-5131

Complimentary Estate Plan Review

535 49th Street North St. Petersburg FL 33710 Wills/Trusts Estate Planning Probate Trust Administration Real Estate Sales/Closings Business Law Elder Law Disputes Personal Injury * The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertising. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME OPEN EVENINGS & SATURDAYS

BY APPOINTMENT

PERSONALIZED FAMILY EYE CARE SERVING ST. PETERSBURG SINCE 1984

DR. JOHN H. MASON P.A.

BOARD CERTIFIED OPTOMETRIC PHYSICIAN

OPEN WITH SAFETY IN MIND 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 EYEMED, SUPERIOR, MEDICARE, UNITED HEALTH CARE, SPECTERA, HUMANA VISION, AND VSP

5712 5TH AVE. N. • MEDICAL PLAZA BUILDING

344-0800 • MASONEYECLINIC.COM

theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

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TRAVEL IS FUN TOURS

Licensed FL Seller of Travel #ST12255

727-347-1600 1600

• • • •

Tours Designed with you in mind!

Full Brochures available on all trips!

Over 38 years in business Expert Drivers, Luxury Coaches!

www.tiftours.com

919 Tyrone Blvd, St. Pete, FL 33710

AMELIA ISLAND/FERNANDINA BEACH JAN 24-26, 2021—3 DAY

Includes: 2 Nights at the Hampton Inn Amelia Island Historic Harbor Front, Views of Cumberland Island and the local Wild Horses (If they cooperate!), Guided Historic Area Tour, Beach Creek Boat Tour, Atlantic Ocean Driving Tour, Visit to St Augustine & much more!!

COST: $369* per person double or $479 single

SOUTH FLORIDA GETAWAY JAN 31-FEB 2, 2021—3 DAY

2 Great nights at the Springhill Suites Ft Lauderdale Airport, Cross the Everglades on Alligator Alley, Boat Tour along NEW RIVER in Ft Lauderdale, Tour of VIZCAYA Museum & Gardens, Bayside Marketplace, “Gator Boys” Everglades Holiday Park, Airboat Ride & More!

COST: $425* per person double or $559 single

FLORIDA SPACE COAST ADVENTURE! FEB 22-24, 2021—3 DAY

2 Nts at Best Western Space Shuttle Inn, Historic Tour of Cocoa Beach with local step-on guide, visit to Ron-Jon, Full day at Kennedy Space Center, and Atlantic Cruise aboard the Victory Casino Ship!!

COST: $359* per person double or $419 single

ST AUGUSTINE & JACKSONVILLE MAR 21-24, 2021—4 DAY

Includes 3 Nights at the St Augustine Beach Sleep Inn, St Augustine Trolley Ticket, Full Day In St Augustine, Tour & Lap of the Track at Daytona International Speedway, Full Day in Jacksonville & more!

COST: $499* per person double or $639 single More Great 2021 Multi-Day Tours

• • •

MAR 27, 5 DAY—NEW ORLEANS ADVENTURE with cruise…$729*/$959 APR 21, 6 DAY—CHATTANOOGA with 3 Train Rides & cruise!...$999*/$1289 MAY 12, 16 DAY—BEST OF THE WEST—GRAND CANYON!..$2369*/$3079 *Price is Per Person for Double Occupancy

Plus Dozens of Great Day Trips! Here are just a few!

• • • •

•

•

JAN 19, TUE—MARINA JACKS SARASOTA BAY LUNCHEON CRUISE…$74 JAN 27, WED—”HAPPY DAYS—Musical” Broadway Palm Dinner Theater..$105 JAN 29, FRI—COLUMBIA YBOR—Dinner & Flamenco Show!...$89 JAN 30, SAT—WILD FLORIDA—Drive Through Safari with Walk Through Park, plus Airboats & Animal encounters, Lunch on own, fee for rides & encounters…$89 FEB 1, MON—MANATEES & STRAWBERRIES—TECO Viewing Center, Lunch at Plant City Fred’s Market, a stop at Parksdale Farms & more…$59 FEB 5, FRI—TAMPA BAY DOWNS—Horseraces & great lunch, big fun!...$78

FREE TRAVEL CLUB MEETINGS! - Prizes & Excitement!!!

WEDNESDAY JAN 13th, 1:30PM at Big Apple Buf fet in Tyrone Gardens or on Youtube live!!

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Have a Blast at Gulfport’s Teen Night Register now for Gulfport’s Teen Night Program for teens and middle school kids to age 17. Teens enjoy recreational and social activities, as well as monthly field trips, cooking projects, service projects and overnight lockins. The teens get to use the Gulfport Recreation Center’s gymnasium, game room and outdoor area on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. Annual registration costs $3 for residents/$25 non-residents.

For more, call John at 727-893-1079.

You Can Still Volunteer for Seniors The Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center’s in-person classes and activities are closed for now, but they still have volunteer opportunities.

If you want to make a difference and help your community join the volunteer program. You’ll meet new friends and get acquainted with more than 50 programs, classes and workshops. Volunteers assist as lobby receptionists, fitness center attendants, class/activity instructors, and with special events, the food pantry, clerical support, the flea market, promotions, bingo, card/ magazine organizing and more. Call Rachel at 727-893-1231.

Keep Informed with Alert Pinellas Do you feel like you’re always the last to know? Alert Pinellas Emergency and Community Notification Service for Pinellas County lets your city keep residents up-to-date on critical information, quickly and with myriad delivery methods. Visit mygulfport. us/alertpinellas for more, and sign up for this free service. Follow prompts to register your email address to receive City of Gulfport emergency announcements electronically.

Pay Your Water Bill at Enoch Davis Center The Enoch Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave. S., may be closed to the public, but folks can still stop by to pay water bills at the Water Collections window, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 2 to 5 p.m.

Call 727-893-7134 for more.

theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

crossword

Solution on page 35

It’s A Horse Race

gabber on vacation

Solution on page 35

THOMAS STEIGER

sudoku

Kayak is on vacation from Indianapolis and was hoping to meet Gabber Dog Calypso, but it was not meant to be. “I noticed we sorta look alike,” Kayak said. “Sorry I missed you. My humans left me behind because they thought it was going to rain. They still brought me and Pooka bacon.” And, of course, a Gabber.

Have you taken the Gabber somewhere? Or maybe stayed at home?

We want to see your pictures! Please send a high-resolution photo and a brief description to news@thegabber.com.

theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

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CLASSIFIEDS 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

Airing of Grievances LITTERING IS OUT OF CONTROL!! Here we are in one of the most beautiful cities in the US, yet littering is out of control. It’s time for a talk with your family and yourself about why litter is so wrong. Better Yourself. Don’t Litter!

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

Caregivers

QUALITY CARE FOR YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE

Certified, 30-years experience, references.

Caring & loving. COVID vaccinated. 727564-0464.

Non-Medical Home Care • Private Duty Personal Care • Companionship Homemaker Services • No Contracts No Minimum Hour Requirement Licensed, Bonded, Insured Nurse Owned & Operated Free In-Home Consultation / RN Assessment

CALL TODAY 727-381-7498 www.omnipresentcaregivers.com Care@OmniPresentCaregivers.com

The current day Soros the traitor that turned in his own Jewish people to be killed

by Hitler. You gabber are the Hitler brown shirts. Instead of defending you are contributing to hysteria!!

Automotive

Housekeeping / Cleaning

2006 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SILVER. Good condition. 138,000 miles. Cold Air. Asking $1450. Call 727-798-7124.

HORRIBLE HOUSEKEEPER Show up Late, Charge too Much, Terrible Job. Call Sharon.

We know you don’t want to do it, so we’ll do it for you. 727-557-4247.

KIA SEPHIA Bluebook $981. Your cost $555. Runs good. Pease call 727-3018675.

Computer Services

Card of Thanks PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (Never Known to Fail) - Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, star of the sea, help me & show me here you are my mother.

Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3) times. Holy Spirit, you Who Solve All Problems, Light All Roads, So That I Can Attain My Goal. You Who Gave Me The Divine Gift To Forgive And Forget All Evil Against Me And That In All Instances In My Life You Are With Me. I Want In This Short Prayer To Thank You For All Things As You Confirm Once Again That I Never Want To Be Seperated From You In Eternal Glory. Thank You For Your Mercy Towards Me and Mine.

L.M.G.

Fast Friendly Service

727-388-3493 2321 49th St S

TRANSFORMATIONAL CAREGIVING Former hospitality manager with a heart for service is now working as a Home Health Aide. Three years experience in providing competent, compassionate and attentive assistance with personal care, homemaking, errands and companionship. If you are in need of in-home assistance please call 727-282-2320. Certified/references available.

GABBER IS THE CURRENT DAY GESTAPO!

Gulfport Computer Repair

COMPUTER SERVICES 727-343-2838

In-home services: Internet security, training, virus & spyware removal, maintenance & repair, data recovery. PC & Mac. JS COMPUTER REPAIR Mobile Computer Repair. 40.00 per visit. www.jmswebservices.com 727-643-0697

Computer Problems?

No Problem!

In-Home Service FREE Phone Consultation Virus/Malware Removal Setup • Repair • Tutoring Courteous, Competent, Reliable Service

Mon-Thu 10am-5pm

15 Years in Gulfport 45 Years Experience

Computer Sales

Fax, Copy, Print

Electrical

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

SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT! For Sale

RYOBI CORDLESS DRILL & CIRCULAR SAW Extra blades. Extra tools. $120. Also for sale: Coleman portable toilet. Four bottles liquid fluid. $50. Please call 727244-6782 after 10am.Call 727-321-6965.

SANY MOTOR SCOOTER 200cc. Low mileage (just over 4000). Extras. Also for sale--Mini Pac Man game. Fun for whole family. Original sounds. $75. Please call 727-244-6782 after 10 am.

Furnished Rentals

LIVE QUIETLY IN TOWN SHORES KENMORE 103 Beautiful one bedroom deluxe. Nicely furnished. Easy clean ceramic floors. Hot and cold HVAC. Handy carport. Steps to pool. Annual lease - $1,200 monthly, plus electric and internet. Available: January 1, 2021. For appointment call Dann at: 727-687-4089

perfectworldllc.com 32

theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

Handy Person

General

HANDYMAN SEMI-RETIRED All types of repairs • small jobs welcome • Quality work at reasonable prices • Honest • Reliable • Free estimates • John, 727-410-2201

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

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.

ARTISTIC PAINTER And regular painting and house cleaning as well. Please call Sandra at 727-709-0513

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.

Lawn / Landscape TREE PRUNING & DEBRIS CLEANUP Serving South St. Petersburg • Free Estimates • 727-308-8650

AFFORDABLE PROMPT • RELIABLE Licensed & Insured

Heating & Air Conditioning

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

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

727-220-0226 AnAffordableArborist@gmail.com

EXPERT SPRINKLER REPAIR

Rich Moseley, Irrigation Contractor. 25 Years Experience. Reasonable Rates. Well & Pumps. 727-439-0792. Lic.#C8312. BBB Accredited.

Plumbing PLUMBING BEACH CONST & PLUMBING SERVICES #CFC1428945 Senior Discounts, $25 with ad. All Plumbing Needs. No Overtime Charges. 40+ yrs. Experience. Bill Strickland, 727-421-4903.

ProFlo Plumbing 727-902-7077

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

Moving / Hauling CHARLES JUNK HAULING & DEMOLITION Junk & Trash Removal. Low, Low Prices Guaranteed, Daily Specials. Kitchen, Bath, Shed, Fencing, etc. Demolition. 727-8310507.

Miscellaneous Services

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

Wanted

BUYING VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY KAYE’S VINTAGE JEWELRY Buying vintage Costume Jewelry. I make House Calls.

Call Kaye 239 560 2816 or email kayesvintagejewelry@gmail.com. I buy brooches, clip on earrings, necklaces, bracelets, men and women’s watches any condition and watch parts. Call anytime. I do Internet sales.

Home & Condo Maintenance

D.C. STRONG

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

(727) 381-ROOF (7663)

4576 10 Ave N., St Petersburg 33713

Family Owned Since 1964 St. Lic. #RC0066692 Insured

Irrigation Stain Removal We remove ugly rust-colored stains from PVC Fencing, house siding, signs, mailboxes, painted wood & concrete/ stucco, cars.

THE GABBER NEEDS A VAN FOR CHRISTMAS

The Gabber Newspaper needs a reliable van for delivering the newspaper every week. We don’t care if it’s a minivan or a cargo van, as long as it runs reliably. Before we buy one we thought we’d check with our readers to see if anyone had a van to donate or trade for advertising. Please call 727-321-6965 or email social@thegabber. com. Merry Christmas and thank you!

Real Estate for Rent

TREASURE ISLAND CONDO--MUST SEE!!

2BD/2BA, on the water, beautifully furnished, high end finishes. Heated pool, fitness center, walk to beach and other amenities! $3875/mo. Please call 410-979-7579

free quote & DEMO (727) 360-7070

theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

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Real Estate for Rent

For Sale or Rent Located in South Pasadena, in the famous waterfront Chateaux Tower. PENTHOUSE 2 bed 2 bath unit on the 16th floor featuring gorgeous open water views and is totally remodeled. Available for $535K, or rent $2850/mo. We also have a 4th floor corner unit for $399k (currently rented with good income). Call 702-580-1552 Real Estate for Sale

Happy Holidays

The Market is GREAT! Call me for a FREE market evaluation on your home 5410 11th Ave South $249,900

Dina Gamma, Realtor®

727-410-5035

gammadina10@gmail.com

Thinking of Selling? Call me!

Happy Holidays

from everyone at Your Florida Real Estate Company

Call us today and let us show you the difference a personal relationship makes.

Debbie

Cunningham YOUR FLORIDA REAL ESTATE COMPANY

(727) 460-5418

Cinnamon Ice Cream with Caramel Swirl & Gluten-Free Ginger Snap Let It Be will donate $1 per cup or cone sold to the Gabber Newspaper. Dec. 1-Dec. 31 3127 Beach Blvd. S. • Gulfport • 727-543-4949

DebbieCunninghamTeam@gmail.com

MYSTPETE.COM

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theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

solutions

DEADLINES HAVE CHANGED! 5 p.m. Friday for next Thursday’s issue.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

Marie Drew

Jodi Jenco

Chris Brady

Lisa Bambace

Daniela Nankova

Margo Spoerl

Buying or Selling - Put a LOCAL EXPERT on your side!

CALL US TODAY!!!

Steve Michalski

Chip Hall

Destiny Khamphanh Hillary DeBlasio

theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020

727-440-1000

7316 Central Ave • St. Petersburg

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We Are The Most Efficient, Cost-Effective, Hassle-Free Way To Sell Your House For CASH Today!

• We Buy In “As Is Condition” • Any Situation, Any Price Range

No Need For Repairs

Close When You Want ...

• Better Than National Home Buying Companies • National Companies Charge 6-13% In Service Fees • We Charge 0% Fees and 0% In Commissions • We Are Local Cash Buyers • More Money In Your Pocket At Closing

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theGabber.com | December 24 - December 30, 2020