The Gabber - July 23, 2020

announcements

news Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign

Are You Prepared for a Hurricane?

JUNE JOHNS

Tall Tales of Tall Grass Gulfport’s code enforcement department consists of one person, and right now, the city’s directed him to focus primarily on life and safety issues (for example, a house with a pool that lacks a fence.) The officer does patrol the city for violations, focusing on one area of Gulfport a week. Gulfport’s Community Development department asks residents to be extra sets of eyes and report violations. The city promises the inspector will respond within one working day. Call 727-893-1061; if you get voicemail, please leave a detailed message. You may report anonymously, but if you want the office to follow up with you, the complaint will not be anonymous. And contact information you leave on the voice mail or give the officer becomes part of the public record.

Plant It for the Planet in Gulfport Plants abound at Eat Be Grow

Gulfport Public Library

Sustain’s plant sale on Saturday, July 25. This Gulfport-based nonprofit makes it its mission promote permaculture, peace, and sustainable living. At the plant sale, they’ll also offer information about wildlife habitats and food security. Find the plant sale at 1301 49th St. S., but see the results of Eat Be Grow Sustain’s work in the community when you visit the Gulfport Food Forest in Clymer Park. Eat Be Grow Sustain asks everyone at the plant sale to wear a mask and maintain social distancing. One last thing: They need volunteers year-round. Call them at 727-5600608 to learn more.

Curb Your Reading at the Library 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.

Watch the Watchers Virtually

If you do, the Gulfport Senior Center Pantry needs it. They also would like 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 Annoucements continued on page 12

theGabber.com | July 23 - July 29, 2020

“No Alcohol Ordinance 4-25” signs now line the waterfront along Shore Boulevard and Veteran’s Park in Gulfport. “The signs are to simply to advise individuals of the existing applicable city ordinance that has always been in effect,” said City Manager Jim O’Reilly.

In recent weeks, the state, county and the city have all made decisions that affect the people of Gulfport. It started with 100 percent mandatory mask usage. Now, no drinking at the public water fountains. It came as a shock to Gulfport residents early Wednesday, July 15. Signs taped around all public fountains read: “Temporarily Out of Order To Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19. Sorry for the Inconvenience.” Many people are asking, “What about the pups?” Without warning, many Gulfport residents found out about the shut off as they were walking their dogs throughout the day in the 90-degree heat. The City of Gulfport didn’t say much more on social media. On July 15, at 1:08 p.m. the City of Gulfport posted on Facebook, “All publicly accessible water fountains in the City of Gulfport have been shut off today, Wednesday, July 15th, to help reduce the risk for COVID-19 spread. If you have any questions or for more information, please call 727-893-1000.” When asked directly about the shut-off, City Manager Jim O’Reilly said, “In regards to the water fountains – the decision was made in expanding support of county-wide activities implemented to address the recent increase in COVID-19 cases identified within Pinellas County.” The no drinking signs didn’t stop there. “No Alcohol Ordinance 4-25” postings now line the waterfront along Shore Boulevard and Veteran’s Park. Is this a new enforcement of the city’s public drinking

theGabber.com | July 23 - July 29, 2020

ordinance? O’Reilly replied via email: “There has been no change in enforcement – the signs are to simply to advise individuals of the existing applicable city ordinance that has always been in effect.”

LAURA MULROONEY

Gulfport’s Neighborhood Watch has gone virtual, which means no matter where you are you can participate via Facebook. The group meets Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Find the group on Facebook by searching for “Gulfport, FL Community Crime Watch.” The meetings and group offer Gulfport residents a monitored way to learn about burglaries, BOLOs and stolen vehicles. Call 727-893-1022 or email Gulfport’s volunteer coordinator Jim Wright at jwright@mygulfport.us if you want more information.

Got Tuna?

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LAURA MULROONEY

It’s hurricane season, and the City of Gulfport has Pinellas County Hurricane Preparedness Guides available at Gulfport City Hall, the public library and the fire station. Visit mygulfport.us/hurricane-center for site addresses, planning tips, a list of recommended supplies and other useful hurricane-related information. The Atlantic Hurricane Season extends through November 30, so the time to prepare is now.

By Laura Mulrooney

On Wednesday, July 15, signs popped up around Gulfport’s public water fountains: “Temporarily Out of Order To Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19. Sorry for the Inconvenience.”

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