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No. 2430 October 1 - October 7, 2015

Gulfport Elementary Wins Excellence Award By Helen J. Simon

Efforts to reach out to families of Gulfport Montessori Elementary School students have paid off with the school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) winning a much coveted excellence award from the national organization. A banner displayed on a fence in front of the school designates Gulfport Elementary as a “National PTA School of Excellence,” and local PTA and school officials are proud of it. “It’s really neat,” Principal James

See Excellence, page 29

One Street, Two Cities, One Goal: Collaboration Gulfport Neighbors is delighted to announce the second annual Mayors’ 49th Street Cleanup, hosted by Gulfport Mayor Sam Henderson and St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman. St. Petersburg Deputy Mayor Kanika Tomalin will also be participating. Come out and meet your neighbors from both sides of 49th Street. The event will take place on Saturday, October 3, at the east end of the Tangerine Greenway at Tangerine Avenue and 49th Street. Registration will begin at 7:45 a.m. and the opening will begin at 8:30 a.m. The cleanup will begin shortly thereafter. Immediately after the Mayors’ Cleanup there will be a “Chiefs’ Chat,” a community forum with Gulfport Police Chief Rob Vincent and St. Petersburg Police Chief Tony Holloway. The meeting will be held at the 49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S., and will begin at 10:30 a.m.

See Two Cities, page 20

Gulfport Montessori Elementary School students, volunteers and staff stand in front of a banner designating the school as a recipient of the “National PTA School of Excellence” award. The adults are, from left, PTA President Barbara Pace, Principal James Pribble and PTA Membership Chair Rhonda Muscat.

Beach Drinking Passes, with StipulationsBy Lynn Taylor

The final reading and public hearing amending the St. Pete Beach Land Development Code regarding outdoor drinking and dining within certain zoning districts passed with a 3-2 vote by the St. Pete Beach Commission on September 22, ending a three-year battle between the commission, residents and business owners. Mayor Maria Lowe, who had voted for the ordinance just weeks ago resulting in a unanimous vote by the commission, voiced new concerns about ADA compliance, the need for adequate parking, building on-street parklets and widening the sidewalks, saying she didn’t feel the ordinance was “appropriate at this time.” “I am not comfortable with my vote,” Lowe said. “I’ll be changing my vote tonight.”

See Beach, page 24

2 Gabber October 1 - October 7, 2015

Homophobic “Witch Hunts” in Florida “Cold Warriors in the Hot Sunshine: The Johns Committee’s Homophobic Witch Hunts” will be the inaugural program in the LGBTQ Brown Bag Series, sponsored by the LGBTQ Resource Center of the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. The event will be held on Thursday, October 8 from noon until 1 p.m. Speaker James Schnur will discuss the topic in reference to the 1950s

communist scare and subsequent Florida Legislative investigations, known as the Johns Committee. Attendees are invited to bring their own lunch to the program. Every month, an exceptional speaker will discuss a wide variety of topics at the Library during the brown bag lunch series. Consider bringing your lunch and listen to phenomenal and engaging speakers. The events are free and open to the public. For more info, contact 727-893-1074.

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Born on the Bayou Celebration On October 10, celebrate Gulfport History Month at the Born on the Bayou Celebration of the 105th anniversary of the city’s incorporation. The day’s festivities start with a free pet parade, organized by Gulfport Get Rescued. From there, there will be retro kids games, music, the mullet toss, Fishermen Feats of Strength (grown-up games), trolley history tours, and free guided kayak tours, courtesy of Sea Tow Tampa Bay. Signup for the kayak tours is limited; they will sign people up starting at 9:30 a.m. and provide transport from the museum to the kayak launch site. Pets, kids, and humans are all welcome. All events start at the Gulfport History Museum, 5301 28th Ave. S.

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St. Petersburg Women’s Chamber of Commerce The St. Petersburg Women’s Chamber of Commerce will hold their first meeting on Thursday, October 15 at 11:30 a.m. at 400 Beach Drive. The guest speaker will be Chris Steinocher, President & CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. Chamber meetings will take place on the third Thursday of each month at various downtown restaurants, usually featuring a guest speaker. Professional women are invited to join and learn about community growth and what is happening in the downtown St. Pete area. For reservations please call Sara Galiger at 727-460-1038.

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St. Petersburg Serb Fest There will be a Serb Fest on Saturday and Sunday, October 3 and 4, from noon till 6 p.m., at 530 77th Ave. N. Come and experience the rich sounds, traditions and tastes of Serbia! Serbian specialties from the will include roast lamb and pig., homemade desserts and other refreshments. Folklore dancing, music and children’s games. This is a cultural festival not to be missed.

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4 Gabber October 1 - October 7, 2015

Laughter Yoga at the Gulfport Senior Center Come out to the Gulfport Senior Center to find out why Laughter Yoga is sweeping the world. Laughter exercises, yoga breathing, and lots of fun! No experience, equipment, or ability necessary. Laughter Yoga classes with certified Leader Rosa Carlisle meet on the first Tuesday of every month at 9:30 a.m. at the Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S. Must be a registered Gulfport Senior Center member. Membership is easy and free for all individuals 50 years of age or older. For more information, please call the event line at 727-893-5657.

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Fall Season at Gulfport Community Garden The Gulfport Community Garden is kicking off this fall garden season with a combined effort to get to know each other and a planned work day. Everyone is welcome, spread the word. The event is Sunday

October 4 at 10 a.m. at the garden, 5123 Preston Ave. S. There is lots of tidying up to do and the group is searching for people with interest in bringing their skills and resources. All others new to gardening are also welcome! In addition, the garden is due for a review of its mission and what strategies to employ to secure the garden as a lasting place for education, community, and food growing. It’s time to start planting and planning! For more information, call George Zarillo at 845-242-7452 or visit the Facebook page at Gulfport Community Garden.

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Get Your Flu Shots at Senior Center Flu season is here, so be prepared! Come by the Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Avenue S. on Wednesday, October 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please bring your health insurance card. Provided by Walgreens. For more information, please call the event line at 727-893-5657.

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6 Gabber October 1 - October 7, 2015327-88555412 Central Avenue

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Gulfport Senior Urban Sketchers A new, exciting art group is starting at the Gulfport Senior Center. No experience necessary. Interested artists, with or without experience, are invited to join others to meet in different locations to sketch their surroundings! Judith Carruthers, a volunteer art teacher will be on hand for guidance and cheerleading if needed. Meet at the Gulfport Senior Center on Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. beginning in October. They will then decide on a local venue to go to and sketch their surroundings.

Needed materials are sketch book, pencil/pen, sharpener, eraser, hat, water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses and a comfy chair to sit on. Must be a registered Gulfport Senior Center member. Membership is easy and free for all individuals 50 years of age or older. For more information, please call the event line at 727-893-5657.

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“Changes Along the Bayou” Show Opens Come meet Gulfport photographer Bob Bates on Friday, October 2 at the Catherine Hickman Theatre, 5501 Beach Blvd. for the opening

of the Gulfport Historical Society’s show “Changes Along the Bayou: Gulfport Then and Now.” Bates took old Gulfport photos and re-created them. Pia’s Trattoria will provide snacks and the city will be operating a cash bar. The reception begins at 6 p.m. Please come meet Bob and the board.

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St. Pete Beach Music Club Offers Classes The beach is alive with the sound of music, so experience it first hand with adult group classes for the beginner to the experienced musician alike. Classes available are “Music Lovers Coffee Club,” “ Boomwhacker Ensemble” (it’s fun!), “Music Ensemble” and “Beginning Keyboard.” All classes are at the Suntan Art Center, 3300 Gulf Blvd., next to the Don Cesar. All classes are taught by Christiane Vinet, M.M., Flute Performance. For more information and class fees visit spbmusicclub.com or call 727-512-5966. A “meet and greet” social event is planned for 6:30 to 8 p.m. October 5. Sign up today!

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LGBT Discussion at the Senior Center This peer-led group that meets at 5:30 p.m. on the first and third Monday of every month focuses on the unique challenges that the older LGBT population faces. Issues include health care, caregiving issues, financial security, social isolation, access to aging programs and services, and much more with occasional special guest speakers. Come to the Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S., at 5:30 p.m. on October 5 for the Open Discussion and October 19 for Special Guest Speaker Heidi Crockett as she discusses this month’s topic, “Seniors and Sexuality in the 21st Century.” Must be a registered Gulfport Senior Center member. Membership is easy and free for all individuals 50 years of age or older. For more information, please call the event line at 727-893-5657.

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Blessing of the Animals at St. Alban’s St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 330 85th Ave., St. Pete Beach, will celebrate the annual blessing of the animals on Sunday, October 4, at 4 p.m. in the Church Garden of the Resurrection. Please mark your calendar and plan to bring your furry and feathered loved ones for this fabulous tradition in honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Even if you don’t have a pet, join them for this fun event. Please, pet owners are responsible for controlling their critters at all times. If you have a scaredy dog, cat, bird or fish just bring a photo! This year they will be collecting donations of cash or goods (blankets, towels, pet food, litter, etc) to benefit the Friends of Strays. Questions? Call the church at 727-360-8406 or email stalbans@tampabay.rr.com

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Coffee Club Investment Discussion Group Don’t miss out on the Coffee Club that meets at the Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Avenue S. on the first Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. Discussing current events, the economy and investing, in a relaxed, informal setting, is a great way to get to know one another as you learn from Edward Jones financial advisor, Scott O’Berry. Coffee and doughnuts are provided. Must be a registered Gulfport Senior Center member. Membership is easy and free for all individuals 50 years of age or older. For more information, call the event line at 727-893-5657.

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Spanish is Back on Monday Nights! The Gulfport Recreation Center is offering two Spanish language classes, Basic Beginners and Beginners class, starting October 5. These classes offer you the basic tools you need to start speaking Spanish. In Basic Beginners class, you will learn the basic tools you need to start speaking Spanish. In the Beginners class, you will receive a good understanding of vocabulary, verb, conjunctions, how to put a sentence together and much more that will help you build

your language skills. Come join and learn how to truly prepare yourself to speak Spanish. Classes are held at the Gulfport Recreation Center, Beginners class on Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m. and Basic Beginners on Mondays, from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Must register by calling Ivone at 727-482-2125 or email tutoring@conversationalspanishnow.com.

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Spectral Musings Ghost and Art Tour Come and join Spectral Musings Ghost and Art Tour, a self-guided tour of the Don Vista Cultural Arts Center, 3300 Gulf Blvd., companion building to the infamous Don CeSar

Hotel, on Saturday, October 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. Built in 1928, the building has frequently been associated with ghostly sightings of its enigmatic builder, Thomas Rowe. Chat with members of the long established paranormal team, the Spirits of St Petersburg, about their findings. Enjoy art, crafts and complimentary refreshments and prizes. This free ghost tour is the perfect way to kick off the Halloween season. Tours begin at 6 p.m., with the final tour starting at 8:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Spirits of St Petersburg and Suntan Art Center. Admission and parking are free. For more information call 727-367-3818.

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8 Gabber October 1 - October 7, 2015

Crafty Fest Vendor Market at ARTPool ARTpool Gallery & Vintage Boutique, 2030 Central Ave., will be hosting the Crafty Fest vendor market on Sunday and Saturday, October 3 and 4. There will be tons of vendors, unique items, ETSY sellers, handmade, locally designed, artwork, vintage clothing and homegoods, vinyl records, food, drinks and more. They feature the best Florida based artists, crafters, antique dealers, vintage sellers with tons of vinyl records, vintage/handmade jewelry and more. Be sure to bring cash as not all sellers accept credit/debit. Sign up to be a vendor at artpoolgallery.com.

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Introduction to Essential Oils Local expert Jen Schaefer, founder of Gulfport Yoga, will present a program at the Gulfport Public Library on Monday, October 5, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Frances Purdy Friends Room. Become empowered with the knowledge and tools to address many mild (and some less mild) health issues at home, naturally through the use of pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils. In this workshop, they’ll discuss the

history and science behind essential oils and how to apply them in our daily lives in order to use a more natural approach to most of today’s health issues. They’ll also learn about the many uses of essential oils in the home, to support health and reduce toxic load. For more information, call 727-893-1073.

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Meet BT Urruela at So Tangerine Market Noted trainer and motivational speaker BT Urruela will hold a meet and greet event at So Tangerine Saturday Market from 1 to 3 p.m. on October 3. There will be free autographed postcard prints, and a chance to preorder Urruela’s book, “A Lover’s Lament.” So Tangerine Market, at 49th Street South and Tangerine Avenue, is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday, weather permitting. Whether you are looking for some fresh vegetables, sweet and sassy pickles, fresh canned vegetables, home made jams and jellies, lobster rolls, fresh made soaps, hand made art works, collectibles, beautiful pottery, wonderful clothing of all kinds, healing stones and gems, hand made gems and beaded jewelry, hand made clothing, fair trade items from around the globe or if you just want a soothing massage or a refreshing vitamin enriched drink, help with

your banking needs or help with personal documents. There is room for more vendors! Check their webpage at SoTangerine.com or email market manager Phil Reed at JSRTraining@aol.com.

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Senior Solos Meeting and Luncheon Senior Solos, a non-profit Pinellas County Singles Social Group for folks 55+, will gather for food and fellowship at 1 p.m. on October 7 at Bob Evans, 7550 US 19. Also plan to attend the monthly pot luck meeting on October 12 at 1:15 p.m. at the Pinellas Park Senior Center, 7625 59th St N. Bring a dish to share and $2, or no dish and $5. Activity at the October meeting will test your creative abilities. There will also be a speaker on the new Medicare rules. All single seniors are welcome to join this congenial group. Call Wally at 727-544-7183.

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Adopt a Cat in South Pasadena Saturday Save Our Strays volunteers and some beautiful kittens will be on hand on Saturday, October 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at PetSupermarket in the South Pasadena Shopping Center. Come and adopt your new best friend. The cats have been spayed/neutered, are current on vaccines and are microchipped. Raised in foster homes, SOS kittens are very social and make wonderful loving pets. For details call 727 545-1116. Additional cats may be viewed on SOS’ website saveourstraysinc.com.

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Introduction to Learning Japanese Gulfport Recreation Center will be offering a eight-week Introduction to Japanese class on Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Come with a desire to have fun, learn Japanese, phonetic alphabet and writing. The cost is $8 per class and is paid at the recreation center front desk before each class. The instructor Alma previously lived in Japan for over 35 years. Please contact her for more information at 727-344-8783.

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Auditions Held at City Theater St. Petersburg City Theater, 4025 31st St. S., will hold auditions for two separate upcoming productions. On October 4 and 5, from 6 to 9 p.m., auditions will be held for “Memphis, The Musical.” Callbacks are scheduled for October 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. Production dates are January 21 through February 7. Rehearsals will begin in late October. Auditions for “The Best Christmas Pageant, Ever!” will take place on October 11 and 12. Children’s roles will be auditioned on October 11 at 6 p.m. Adult roles will be auditioned on October 12 at 7pm. Production dates are December 4 through 20. Call the box office for tickets and information at 727-866-1973, or visit spcitytheatre.org.

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Gulfport History Month Art Reception The Gulfport Historical Society begins its first of five Gulfport History month events by opening their photo exhibition on Friday, October 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Catherine. A. Hickman Theater at 5501 27th Ave. S. Stop by for a visit and enjoy historical photos of the past. For more information, email info@gulfporthistoricalsociety.org or call 727-327-0505.

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First Friday Flea Market at Senior Center Come visit the Gulfport Senior Center at 5501 27th Ave. S. on Friday, October 2 from 9 a.m. to noon to find that perfect item. You never know what treasure you might find! For more information or to learn how you can donate call our event line at 727-893-5657.

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Gulfport Players Hold Open House The Gulfport Community Players third Open House will be Friday, October 2, at 7 p.m., at the Players Back Door Theater, 1619 49th St. S. The Players invite anyone interested in volunteering or joining the organization to attend. Enjoy mini-tours of the facility where all

auditions, classes, rehearsals and set building takes place. Watch photo highlights of the previous season. Learn about the upcoming season and how you can get involved. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

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Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale The Florida West Coast Orchid Society will hold its annual orchid show and sale “Vision Quest for

Orchids” on Saturday and Sunday, October 3 and 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Garden Club of St. Petersburg, 500 Sunset Dr. S. View beautiful orchid displays, browse thousands of orchids for sale from quality vendors, and learn about orchid culture from experts. You can also bring your orchids for repotting at the repotting booth. Parking is free. Admission is $5. For a dollar off coupon, visit their website FWCOS.org. If you have any questions or need more information, call Bill Nunez at 813- 918-4546.

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10 Gabber October 1 - October 7, 2015

Q: Does the city currently have any debt? When was the last time Gulfport owed on any debts?

A: According to City Manager Jim O’Reilly, the only debt Gulfport currently has is the $1.5 million from the revolving loan fund. The loan comes from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and will be used for sewer repairs. Once the project is completed, the city will have 20 years to pay it back.

Other than that, “there have been no debts in my time nor my predecessor's time here,” O’Reilly said, a length of time that spans over a decade.

“Though we do have a line of credit for new garbage trucks,” O’Reilly said.

City of Gulfport

An Evening with Mark (Mordechai) Halawa Chabad Jewish Center of Greater St. Petersburg will be hosting an evening with Mark (Mordechai) Halawa as he presents “Grandma Rowaida’s Dark Secret, From Kuwait to Jerusalem.” The event will take place on Monday, October 19 at 7 p.m. at 4010 Park Street North. Born and raised as a Muslim, Halawa reads through the pages of his incredible life journey, reliving his challenges and triumphs. In the course of casual discussion, Halawa makes mention that his maternal grandmother was born Jewish but later converted to Islam, and it is with this revelation that Halawa begins a brand new chapter of his life, taking a most unexpected turn. The event is open to the public and all are welcome, regardless of background or affiliation. RSVP at chabadsp.com or call 727-344.4900. Admission is $10 per person in advance and $13 at the door. Sponsorship opportunities are available for $180.

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