The Gabber: Year in Review

Tampa Bay's Aquatic Preserves Get New Friends'

January

Friends in wet places.

With more people outside than ever before, Tampa Bay’s aquatic preserves got a boost from “friends” groups. This cover – with a stunning self portrait of park ranger Larry Busby – celebrates the people in and around Tampa Bay working to protect it.

Skunks, Chihuahuas and Kitties, Oh My!

Photos and story by Abby Baker

February

Rescue me!

Gulfport’s Get Rescued, one of Gulfport’s favorite festivals (aren’t they all our favorites, though?), supports rescue organizations throughout Tampa Bay – including skunk rescues. Florida Skunk Rescue shared this cover art from Robert Phelps with us.

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Batter Up, Gulport!

Gulfport Little League kicked off their 2021 season with glee on Saturday, March 13 at Tomlinson Park. Kids, coaches and residents alike heralded the return of ballpark sounds that have been silent since the 2020 season came to an abrupt end during the COVID shutdowns.

Photos and story by Abby Baker

March

Batter UP!

Gulfport Little League swung – once again – into our hearts, masks and all, on opening day. One of the hallmarks of a great community is how it treats its youngest and oldest residents, and Gulfport’s treatment of its youngest ball players (T-ball, anyone?) speaks volumes about what our community values.

The Hidden World of Bees

Photos and story by Abby Baker

April

Bee serious.

With news about colony collapse and the varroa mite, plus the added threat of increased pesticide use and decreased pollinator plants in landscapes, beekeepers like Sarah Karakoudas – on this April cover – are literally saving the planet when they rescue imperiled bees.

HELP WANTED

Short Staffed: The Hospitality Industry in Crisis By Abby Baker

May

Help! I need somebody!

In 2020, furloughed, fired, and laid-off workers had a lot of time to reconsider their life options, and many of them decided that maybe working for tips wasn’t how they wanted to follow their bliss. Local restaurants faced an epic hiring crisis.

Juneteenth at Last

Darlene Dudley, and Deneen and Jace Wyman shopped and chatted with the celebration’s vendors.

Photos and story by Abby Baker

June

Waking up.

Gulfport saw its first Juneteenth celebration, thanks to the Gulfport Kiwanis and cultural rock star Marissa Dix. After a long 2020 of racially motivated protests, Gulfport came together to commemorate the end of slavery. Considering the first Gulfportians were blockade runners for the South in the Civil War, this felt like a huge step.

Ain’t No Party Like a Gabber Party

Almost a year to the day since the Gabber returned to margaritas by Chef Morgan Banno, live music by Hot Tonic print in the midst of the pandemic, owners Barry Loper and and an art auction with pieces donated by local artists Ray Cathy Salustri Loper hosted a grand re-opening party for the Domingo and Monika Watson. Attendees were also treated whole community, featuring food by The Pig and the Pole, to early issues of the guest of honor – the Gabber itself.

Photo by Jen Ring

July

Gabber time. Being able to re-open – and stay publishing, for a year – The Gabber made everyone on Team Gabber feel a little emotional about being able to give our corner of the globe the news they want – and need. This was one of many COVID-19-related belated ribbon cuttings. S

School’s In, Masks Optional

Marvion Thomas smiles after the first day of school for Pinellas County on Wednesday, August 11.

Photos and story by Abby Baker

August

Mask up.

Or not. After a summer of the world taking a victory lap over vaccines and not having to wear masks in Winn-Dixie, a sobering reality hit: Kids couldn’t get vaccinated, and Florida schools couldn’t require them to wear masks. More than one parent called our office in frustration.

Gulfport Says Goodbye to Larry Enlow

Photos and story by Abby Baker

September

Goodbye, friend.

Larry Enlow’s death hit people hard. Not only did much of the community treasure Larry, it seemed unfair. After all, he’d done everything right – masking up, social distancing, and getting vaccinated. His death sent ripples through our community, and a tacit admission: This is not over.

Jam and Tonic

Photos and story by Abby Baker

October

Jam on it.

Hot Tonic’s music makes people feel good. This local band went from living in a van in Gulfport parking lots to one of the most sought-after bands in Gulfport. The band is a Wednesday staple on stage at the North End Taphouse, and continues to bring upbeat swing music to downtown Gulfport.

Two Veterans, Two Stories

Phyllis Plotnick, now and then.

Photos and story by Abby Baker

November

Proud service.

This cover story about two veterans who hid who they were to serve a country that wouldn’t acknowledge them resonated with some... and upset others. The article and the resulting letters showed us we have a long way to go before our community can move past “don’t ask don’t tell” to “love is love”.

Ballerina in Blue

Willow Brightman as “Clara.”

Photos and story by Abby Baker

December

Beautiful Dancer.

If 2021 has taught us anything, it’s that we are strongest when strength demands it. Young ballerina and head dancer Brianna Melton stepped in as artistic director for the St. Petersburg Ballet Conservatory and choreographed and directed their production of “The Nutcracker.”