Gulfport Celebrates the 4th of July!
GULFPORT: The City of Gulfport invites everyone to celebrate this 4th of July celebration with an extraordinary line-up of fun and exciting activities in the City’s downtown waterfront district on Saturday, July 4, 2009!
To keep you informed ahead of time, street closures are on the following streets starting at 6 a.m. on Saturday, July 4th. Beach Boulevard will be closed from 31st Avenue (south) to Shore Boulevard. Shore Boulevard will be closed from 54th Street S. (west) to 56th Street S. 54th Street S., south of Essex Avenue will also be closed. Beach Boulevard south of 28th Avenue S. to 31st Avenue S. will be temporarily closed for the City’s 4th of July Community Parade from 5:45 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.
The day starts early with a Kid’s Fishing Derby, at the Recreation Center seawall, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Registration for the derby will start at 7:30 a.m.) followed by a Free Family Sandcastle Contest, sponsored by the Gulfport Recreation Division, on Gulfport Beach, from 10 a.m. to Noon (Registration will start at 9:30 a.m.) This year’s theme is “Red, White and Blue”. City staff will be on Gulfport Beach from noon to 6 p.m. with a variety of free kid friendly activities! Also, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Beach Blvd. S. towards 54th St. S., you can view a stunning variety of autos at the annual auto show.
At 5 p.m., 60s Groove will be rockin’ your favorite 60s tunes during a slick night of music, so feel free to wear your favorite tie dyes! Local vendors offer a variety of arts, crafts, food delicacies and patriotic knick-knacks for your enjoyment, from 4-10 p.m. Our community parade will begin promptly at 6 p.m. making its way (southbound) down Beach Boulevard to the Gulfport Casino, where it will head west on Shore Boulevard to 58th Street S. Make sure to grab a good viewing spot!
At 9 p.m. a not-to-be-missed fireworks display will offer a spectacular closing to the day’s festivities. The city trolley is scheduled to run from 4-11 p.m. The trolley will provide rides to/from all designated parking areas such as the Library (5501 28th Ave. S.), Senior Center and Theater (5501 27th Ave. S.), Hoyt Field (2306 56th St. S.), Chase Park (54th St. S. and 28th Ave. S.) and Ted Phillips Wood Ibis Park (58th St. S. and 28th Ave. S.).
The City welcomes all to celebrate the Fourth of July in the City of Gulfport! For more information regarding the day’s events, please email gbiron@ci.gulfport.fl.us or call 893-1118.
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Come Join the Gulfport Bike Brigade
Do you like to ride your bike? Do you like parades? Come join the Gulfport Bike Brigade and be a part of both! They will be riding together in the Gulfport 4th of July Parade.
So dust off your vintage or interesting bike, trike or tandem, put on your favorite July 4th garb and join them for a jaunt in the parade! They are promoting bicycle safety and awareness in a fun and exciting environment.
For more info, please email to gulfportbikebrigade@yahoo.com.
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Gulfport Marina District Block Party
The Gulfport Marina District will have a Neighborhood Watch Block Party on Saturday, July 18 from 9-11 a.m. at 2744 45 Street S. on the cul-de-sac. Sgt. Josh Stone of the Gulfport Police Department will provide information about the Crime Watch Program and answer questions.
Bring food to share if you wish. They’ll have some chairs but you may want to bring your own. For more information about the block party, call Dave at 744-9039 or Nancy at 560-1527. For general information about the Crime Watch Program, call Crime Watch Coordinator Jerri Reed at 327-3509.
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St. Pete Beach Kids Go Green for a Cause
St. Pete Beach: Kids in St. Pete Beach’s “The W.A.V.E. Summer Camp” are going green this summer, all for a very worthy cause. The 100+ daily campers have committed themselves to setting up recycling bins at the community center and the parks where they have their lunches to make sure that all aluminum cans are rounded up and recycled, but not before they carefully remove every pop top. The campers are part of a campaign to save pop tops and donate them to The Ronald McDonald House where they can be turned into minutes of chemotherapy sessions for children battling cancer. Local residents are urged to start saving up their pop tops and cans and bring them to the St. Pete Beach Community Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, for collection and recycling. The children of “The W.A.V.E. Summer Camp” are excited to be going green, helping the environment and saving the lives of fellow children. Call the Recreation Department at 363-9245 for additional information.
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Calling All Triathletes
St. Pete Beach: The St. Pete Beach Aquatic Center will be hosting a week of triathlon training camp in conjunction with the non-profit organizations Florida West Coast Aquatics and Lives Under Construction. The camp will focus on swimming technique, running, conditioning and endurance. Participants are invited to join from July 13 to July 23. The camps are held Monday through Thursday from 5-7 p.m. and all sessions will be divided into groups of youth ages 6 to 15 and adults ages 16 and up. Youth camp is $60 per person and adult camp is $80 per person. A minimum of five participants are needed per group. To register, contact St. Pete Beach Aquatics at 7701 Boca Ciega Drive or 363-9245.
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Sizzling Summer Fun
Looking to do something fulfilling and also fun this summer? Join our writing workshop every Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. at the St. Pete Library West Branch-Gibbs Campus, 68th St. N. and 9th Ave. Meet interesting people who like to write and share reading it. Write your life story for your family. Finish that book you started a long time ago. Learn how to get published or write articles for money. Call Rosiland Miller at 381-1030 for information.
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Tribal Artist Featured at Art Walk
GULFPORT: Gulfport tribal artist Barbara Nicolazzo takes her art wherever she goes. You may have seen her driving around town in her brightly painted red Toyota wagon, one of almost a dozen art cars she has painted in her unique tribal style. As the newest Industrial Arts Center instructor, Barbara will be the IAC’s featured artist at the Friday, July 3 Art Walk.
Barbara and her car will be at the IAC, along with a collection of her one-of-a-kind hand painted mailboxes, tee shirts, paper mache West African tribal symbols, note cards and more.
Beginning in July, the IAC will be offering two-hour paint-your-own mailbox workshops. Dates and times will be announced on the Industrial Arts Center website.
For more information about Barbara, visit her online at http://www.bien50.com/index.html.
The Industrial Arts Center is located at 2902A Beach Boulevard South in the Gulfport Art Village Courtyard. For more information about the Industrial Arts Center and the full list of available classes, call 727-289-9365 or email classes@industrialartscenter.org. Visit the IAC online at www.industrialartscenter.org.
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Animal Services Open Friday, July 3
With patriotic celebrations planned across Pinellas County and most government offices closing Friday, July 3, to recognize the July 4 holiday, Pinellas County Animal Services announced it will be open Friday, July 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please note that the facility will be closed Thursday, July 2, Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5.
Many adorable dogs and cats are waiting to be welcomed into new homes and offer a lifetime of affection and companionship. During July, adoption fees are reduced to $20 for both cats and dogs. Also, Animal Services is offering $1 rabies vaccinations with the purchase of a license for dogs and cats.
During Independence Day celebrations, residents are reminded that pets are often frightened by the loud noises and bright lights associated with fireworks. Signs of stress may include shaking, excessive drooling, howling and hiding. Keeping pets indoors, closing curtains and turning on soothing music may help calm them. Encouraging pets to nestle in their crates or small den-like places might reduce stress. If pets must be outside, keep them on a leash or in a carrier. As always, pet owners should ensure pet identifications are current in case of separation.
Pinellas County Animal Services is located at 12450 Ulmerton Road in Largo. For more information about Animal Services, call 582-2600 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/animalservices.
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One Act Festival Opens Next Week
The Gulfport Community Players will open their 9th Annual Summer One Act Festival next Thursday night at the Hickman Theater of Gulfport. This year’s Festival consists of nine one act plays that you have never seen before. The Festival boasts six directors and a total of 35 people in their casts. The Festival has something for everyone in it! You’ll find both drama and comedy in very short, but entertaining plays from playwrights from near and far.
Tickets are just $15 each and are available at the door, at Eileen’s Resale Boutique, the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce, the Gulfport Casino, the Beach Bazaar, or by calling them at 727-322-0316 for advance sales. The Festival will run through July 19th so be sure to make plans to see this once-a-year event from Gulfport’s original community theater group.
You can also check out the Players’ website at: http://www.gulfportcommunityplayers.org for all their latest photos and lots of information on the Players and their new upcoming season. See you at the Hickman!
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Free Seminar Explores Reverse Mortgage
A free seminar for seniors will be presented at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Avenue South on Thursday, July 9th at 10am. This seminar is designed to inform those who are considering whether or not a reverse mortgage is a good fit for their retirement needs and wants. Topics will include the effects of the stimulus package on the program, the pros and cons of reverse mortgages, what the requirements are and the associated costs. This event is sponsored by the Senior Learning Council, Inc. a Florida Not for Profit corporation. For more information call 727-420-5257.
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Exhibition at Creative Clay
Creative Clay Cultural Arts Center presents “Let’s Face It”, an exhibition of portraits and figurative works by Creative Clay artists. Join them during Gallery Walk for the opening reception on Saturday, July 11th from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public at Creative Clay Gallery, 1124 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. Gallery hours are Monday - Saturday
9-5 p.m. The exhibit runs through August 30.
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Open House at Library
Spring into summer with an Open House at North Branch Library 861 70 Avenue N. in St. Petersburg on Thursday July 9 from11 a.m. to
1 p.m. Adults Mentoring Children will have information on how to become a mentor. Come enjoy lemonade, cookies, summer books and door prizes!
For more information call Susan at (727) 479-1800 ext. 3038 or Sandy at 479-1814.
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Stetson Law Alumni Make Super Lawyers
GULFPORT: Hundreds of Stetson University College of Law alumni were recognized in this year’s Florida Super Lawyers® list. A total of 244 Stetson University College of Law alumni were mentioned in the 2009 Florida Super Lawyers list and 84 alumni were listed in the 2009 Florida Rising Stars® list.
Eight Stetson University College of Law alumni were mentioned in the Florida Super Lawyers top 100 list and five Stetson Law alumnae were mentioned in the Florida Super Lawyers top 50 women list for 2009.
Jeptha Barbour ’82, Stephen Busey ’69, Robert Freedman ’90, Mark Hanley ’80, Steven Mezer ’77, Luis Prats’81, Christian Searcy ’73 and Marian McCulloch ’79 were mentioned in the top 100 list. Marian McCulloch was also mentioned in the top 50 women list, along with Caroline Black ’84, Tracy Raffles Gunn ’93, Linda Hartley ’92 and Lorena Ludovici ’89.
Super Lawyers is a list of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Rising Stars is a list of the top up-and-coming attorneys in the state-those who are 40 years old or younger, or who have been practicing for 10 years or less.
For more information, please visit Super Lawyers online at www.superlawyers.com.
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Gulfport Little League Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting will take place on Saturday, July 11th, at the field at 2 p.m. Only Regular Members in good standing are eligible to vote at General Membership Meetings. All Officers, Board Members, Committee Members, Managers, Coaches, Volunteer Umpires and other elected or appointed officials must be active Regular Members in good standing.
Note: Regular Members of the league automatically include all current Managers, Coaches, Volunteer Umpires, Board Members, Officers of the Board and any other person who is recognized by the Board as a volunteer in the Local League.
In the event you can not be present you must complete an absent ballot from the Secretary. You must sign the ballot put in a sealed envelope and returned to the Secretary at the field by 3 p.m. if you want your ballot to count. Anyone who wants to be there to see the ballots counted by the Committee are welcome and to attend.
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Idol Finalist to Appear at July 4th Concert
Amanda Overmyer, the Harley riding, Janis Joplin sounding contestant from the 2008 season of American Idol will appear at the Rock ‘n Wings Concert to be held July 4th at the Albert Whitted Airport, First Street and Fifth Avenue S. in downtown St. Petersburg. It’s all part of the city’s 4th of July celebration and fireworks display which is sponsored by Clear Channel Radio. Amanda is touring the country promoting her new CD “Solidify”. Her Classic Rock/Southern Rock style, makes her live concert performances a must see. Also appearing are crowd favorites The Greg Billings Band and alternative rockers Drew Street Mary. Music, classic cars and aircraft displays are all a part of this 4th of July celebration being produced by Albert Whitted Airfest, Inc., a non profit group whose profits benefit local charities. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 6-12. Children under 6 are free. Convenient on-site parking is $5. Free parking for motorcycles. There are also a limited number of tickets to the catered VIP meet & greet session with Amanda. Tickets are available online at www.rocknwingsconcert.com. Hours are 4-10 p.m. Gates open at 3 p.m. Concert promoters urge everyone to bring beach chairs or blankets, hats and sunscreen. There will be plenty of your favorite fair food and drinks. No coolers or pets. You can find out all of the details at www.rocknwingsconcert.com.
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Helpful Advice to Avoid Foreclosure
A lot is happening in the current housing market with foreclosures, refinancing, and government programs and at times, it can be confusing. Many people have started the foreclosure process with their lender and may need additional assistance on the process including available resources. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is an excellent resource and has helpful information on its website. If you are working with a lender and need additional assistance, you are encouraged to go to the HUD website at the following link: “http://www.hud.gov/foreclosure/workingwithlenders.cfm”. “The information on this website is excellent for those with FHA, VA, or conventional loans. We are trying to help get information on sites like this to the public to keep them informed and hopefully help them keep their homes.” says Karmen Lemberg, with Pinellas County Community Development. Information on this website is useful for those just starting the foreclosure process too.
For more information call (727)
464-8210 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/community.
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Keep Gulfport Colorful Contest
GULFPORT: The Industrial Arts Center is on a mission to make Gulfport streets more colorful. The non-profit arts organization kicks off its first “Keep Gulfport Colorful” contest this month, inviting residents to submit photos of their decorative mailbox.
Creators of the three most “colorful” mailboxes will win free glass blowing classes at the IAC. First prize is a Fun With Hot Glass class, second prize is a Hot Glass Fast Track class and third prize is a Blow Your Own Glass certificate.
Mailboxes must be installed at an address in the Gulfport city limits. The decorative medium is up to the homeowner’s interpretation. Submissions should be made via email to info@industrialartscenter.org. Deadline is September 1, 2009.
For more information, visit www.IndustrialArtsCenter.org. Email info@industrialartscenter.org or call 727-289-9365.
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Business of the Month: Senior Center Foundation
“Community that Cares.” That is the motto of the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation which was established in 2003. This non-profit entity is structured to enhance the programs and services offered by the Gulfport Multi-Purpose center. To date, more than 2,000 individuals are registered participants in the programs that “support active aging by providing easy access to preventative care and helping seniors maintain independence.” Lori Rosso, Gulfport Chamber of Commerce president noted. “This was clearly demonstrated with the installation of the new fitness center on May 19th.” The Fitness Center houses six Shapemaster exercise chairs, three state-of-the-art treadmills and one recumbent cycle. “These machines are designed to help individuals with no-strain exercise opportunities” stated Rosso. The Senior Center Foundation and the programs of the Senior Center go hand in hand. The Center is on track to receiving national accreditation. Something we all have to be proud of in Gulfport.
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Free Waterfront Concert
GULFPORT: The City of Gulfport, the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce and Merchants Association continue its summer waterfront concerts located on The Point behind the Gulfport Recreation Center at Shore Blvd. and 58th Street South. This FREE concert series will be held the second Friday of each month from 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. The next concert is July 10 and features the Solid Core Band.
Bring your beach blanket or chair and join the fun. Refreshments provided by local community groups.
Donations of non-perishable food items for the Senior Center Pantry will be accepted.
Get into the community spirit and enjoy a free evening of entertainment brought to you by the City of Gulfport and the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce. Please, no coolers or food baskets allowed. For more information contact the Chamber at 344-3711.
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Experience the Labyrinth
The Gulfport Labyrinth has added wonder and amazement to this wonderful city. Nestled in the heart of the 49th Street art district, the Gulfport Labyrinth is available to help one ponder some of the mysteries of life. Examine deep questions and relax in a peaceful artistic setting. Follow the pathway and be exactly where you need to be.
The Gulfport Labyrinth is located at 5001 20 Avenue S. in Gulfport (on the east side of Gulfport Elementary). Open seven days a week, noon till sundown, Artist and Philanthropist Michael Stanley invites you to visit his home and explore the botanical gardens surrounding the Labyrinth. Surprises are around every turn. Admission is free (donations appreciated).
Events on the Labyrinth: Each Saturday at 11 a.m., walking and sitting meditation. Each Sunday at
5 p.m., Power Yoga.
See you at the Labyrinth. Contact 322-2899 for more information or visit www.gulfportlabyrinth.com for more details.
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New Body Sculpt Class
This is an exercise class that includes a combination of aerobics and strength training designed to raise your heart rate into a “cardio zone”. It is a high-energy class accompanied with upbeat music. Classes start Thursday, July 2 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Cost $5 per class. Please contact the instructor Billie at 239-313-0876 or John at the Recreation Center at 727-893-1079.
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The Garden Club of St. Petersburg
The Garden Club of St. Petersburg will hold a Coffee & Garden Crafts Workshop on Monday, July 6 from 10-12 noon at the Garden Club Center, 500 Sunset Drive S. in St. Petersburg. A materials fee of $3.50 for Garden Club members and $4.50 for guests and the general public will be charged to cover supplies. The workshop will cover “Finishing Unfinished Projects”. Bring an unfinished project from home or come help finish one up from our closet.
All craft workshops are open to the general public, potential new members and guests. Please bring your own scissors, pencil and small paint brushes. Coffee and tea will be furnished. Call Betty Martin at 343-2255.
They will hold its Horticulture for Weekend Gardeners (aka the “Night Bloomers” Circle) on Tuesday, July 7 at 7 p.m. at the Garden Center. The program will be “Getting to the Bottom of Urbaculture”. For more information, contact Derri Davisson at derridavisson@hotmail.com or call 727-423-7644.
Meetings are open to the public but there will be a nominal charge for nonmembers of the Garden Club to help cover speaker expense.
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Want to Join the Band?
If you have never played an instrument or did in the past but are out of practice, now is your chance to join a “New Horizons Band” at Eckerd College. There are now over 150 of these bands around the country especially designed for musicians or “would be” musicians over 50 years of age. The program’s message is simple: “ you are never too old to play an instrument.”
An information meeting will be held at Eckerd College Continuing Education Center on Tuesday, July 7 at 7 p.m. Contact the band director, David Irwin, at 864-7968 or irwinDE@eckerd.edu for further information.
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SNAG Golf Family Fun Event
A SNAG (starting new at golf) Family event will be held at the Treasure Bay Golf and Tennis Center, 10315 Paradise Boulevard, on Saturday, July 11 from 5-7 p.m. Introductory golf lessons at 5 p.m. for beginners and new golfers. Children ages six years of age and older and family members will play SNAG on the golf course from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Hamburgers, hotdogs, chips and beverages will be provided. The event is free to the public and sponsored by the City of Treasure Island and the Florida Sports Foundation.
For additional information, please call Treasure Bay at 727-360-6062.
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SPC Chorus to Perform Folksong Concert
The St. Petersburg College Chorus will perform some of our land’s most beloved regional folk songs in beautiful choral settings to be treasured by all. The concert is on Thursday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m. at SPC Music Center, 6605 Fifth Avenue N. in St. Petersburg. Free.
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Tow to Go
AAA Auto Club South and Budweiser will be protecting everyone on the road for the 4th of July week by providing free rides home to intoxicated drivers and their cars.
‘Tow to Go’ will be available the week of the 4th of July holiday from July 3rd through July 5th. Since its inception in 1998, “Tow to Go” has safely removed more than 8,600 drunk drivers from the roads and is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.
‘Tow to Go’ provides a free confidential ride home and tow to anyone in a bar or restaurant who may have had too much to drink simply by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP.
AAA Auto Club South and Budweiser AAA and Budweiser encourage individuals to plan for a safe celebration this holiday season by being or choosing a designated driver, or by calling Tow to Go for a safe ride home, rather than allowing anyone to drive whose sobriety is in question.
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Gulfport Tuesday Market
Every Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. you can find the Gulfport Tuesday Market on Beach Boulevard south of 28th Ave. S. in Gulfport in the Waterfront District. It is a free and family friendly event. Each week you will find produce, music, and craft and art vendors like Anne Painted Signs who offers custom painted and decorative signs for your home, office and garden. Contact: http://gulfport-market.com, info@gulfport-market.com or Leslie Gilchrist at 727-439-1485.
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Patriotic Concert at Palm Lake Christian
Extend your Fourth of July celebration by attending a concert of your favorite patriotic and World War II songs performed in the style of the fantastic “Andrews Sisters”. The concert, part of the Palm Lake Community Concert Series, will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, at the Palm Lake Christian Church, 5401 22 Avenue N. in St. Petersburg.
The Sentimental Journey Trio, which has the sounds and moves of the “Andrew Sisters”, will entertain with the biggest hits of the 1940s and 50s plus an array of patriotic songs to salute the Fourth. Produced by Bonnie Gray Productions, Sunday’s show is a spin off of Gray’s popular “USO Tribute Show.” The cast includes: Bonnie Gray (Maxine), Annie Jensen (LaVerne) and Janae Erdem (Patty).
The concert is free. Donations will be accepted on behalf of the entertainers in appreciation of their time and talent. A reception will follow the afternoon concert. For information call 727-321-8356.
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Kitten and Puppy Donations Needed
SPCA Tampa Bay currently has more than 70 kittens and 50 puppies living in volunteer foster homes. Foster parents are provided with all the necessary items to help these youngsters grow up strong and healthy. Donated items such as newspapers, laundry detergent, and paper towels is vital to keep this program viable. Volunteers work around the clock to care for these young pups and frisky feline babies until they are ready for adoption.
For information on becoming a foster volunteer or a complete list of items needed go online www.spcatampabay.org or shop at the SPCA Tampa Bay Pet Boutique, 9099 130 Avenue N., Largo.
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