Diane Trimble, day bartender at O’Maddy’s in Gulfport- “I got a letter a while ago that said they would be sending out those checks. I figure by the time I get it, it will be time for fun! The heck with necessities, maybe a mini-vacation, that sounds good!”

Monique Hikel, retail manager for Banana Republic- “My husband and I just moved to St. Pete a week ago, so I’m checking out Gulfport for a possible first home buy. We moved here from New York; we actually threw a dart on a map and ended up here! I would love to buy some luxuries but will have to buy things like groceries and things for our new apt in St. Pete. Then there’s dog food, the vet for James Dean. I don’t buy into the system, so I don’t have a car. I won’t be buying gas, that’s for sure. I guess I’m lucky in that respect!”


Margo Adler, horse farm owner, Ocala, visiting friend Peg Marcy of Gulfport- “Of course that check will go to necessities. I drive a diesel horse trailer, and with diesel over $4.18 a gallon, I’ll probably spend most of the check on one fill-up! Whatever is left over will probably go to feed and hay for my horses. Money is getting really tight for everybody, all the way around.”