Gulfport Community Update

May 28 – June 3, 2023

Gulfport City Hall and facilities will be closed on Monday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. The Sanitation schedule will not be affected, and the Gulfport Municipal Marina will be open!

The Atlantic Basin Hurricane season began June 1, and ends November 30. For up-to-date information visit the City of Gulfport Hurricane Center at https://mygulfport.us/hurricane-center/. The 2023 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday for qualifying items ends Friday, June 9. A second exemption period will begin Saturday, August 26 and extend through Friday, September 8. Visit https://floridarevenue.com/disasterprep/ for information and a list of qualifying items

Free Smoke detectors are available for elderly and low income households within Gulfport City limits. Call 893-1059 for more information.

Register your email address at https://mygulfport.us/enews/ to receive official announcements by email. Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mygulfport. 

Alert Pinellas Emergency and Community Notification Service for Pinellas County enables the City to provide residents with critical information quickly in a variety of delivery methods. Visit www.mygulfport.us/alertpinellas for more information and to sign up for this FREE service.

City of Gulfport residential water customers are eligible for a rebate of up to $100 after the purchase and installation of a high efficiency water-saving toilet. Restrictions apply. Application & guidelines available at https://mygulfport.us/toilet-rebate-program/. For information call 893-1016.

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS

Downtown Gulfport will host the Third Annual Gulfport Pride event 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, June 3. We’re shutting down Beach Boulevard for vendors to showcase art, pride gear, services & resources serving the community. This event is free and open to the public. For information Visit https://gulfportprideflorida.com/.

The Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market on Beach Boulevard in Gulfport’s Historic Waterfront District is a weekly year-round open-air market featuring fruits, vegetables and a wide variety of foods; hand-made art & crafts; bath, body & wellness products and more. More than 50 vendors and exhibitors participate every Tuesday. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. For information visit https://visitgulfportflorida.com/gulfport-tuesday-market/. 

The City of Gulfport and American Legion Post 125 will commemorate Flag Day at Veterans Park at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 14. This event is free and open to the public. Special guest vocalist and former New York City Opera Soprano Catherine Bassett will perform. The New Horizons Band of Gulfport preopening musical performance begins at 9:30 a.m. For information call 893-1118.

Join the Kiwanis Club of Gulfport for music, entertainment, kids’ corner, vendors, FREE raffles, food, fun and fellowship during JuneTEENth at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Boulevard 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, June 17.

Enjoy an amazing lineup of fun, exciting activities during the City of Gulfport Independence Day Celebration in the downtown waterfront district on Tuesday, July 4. For information or to register for the parade visit https://mygulfport.us/july_4th_celebration/.

Get updates on activity in your area and learn about recent incidents related to residential and car burglaries, BOLO’s, stolen cars, frauds, scams & more during the City of Gulfport Neighborhood Watch meetings at the Gulfport Public Library at 6 p.m. every second Wednesday of the month. For information email jwright@mygulfport.us or call 893-1022.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Building Division

One hundred fifty-eight  permits were issued in May, and 447 inspections performed. 

IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN INSPECTION RECORDS ALL INSPECTIONS MUST BE SCHEDULED ON THE INSPECTION LINE 893-1057. CUT-OFF FOR INSPECTIONS IS 3 P.M. ON THE BUSINESS DAY BEFORE THE DESIRED INSPECTION DAY.

Questions may be directed to staff either via the telephone or e-mail. Conferences should be scheduled so we can make sure that adequate space is available to accommodate the size of the group.  Inquires can be directed to 893-1024 or to permits@mygulfport.us.

Most permitting may be conducted via e-mail at permits@mygulfport.us. Questions about submitting applications may be emailed to permits@mygulfport.us or by phone at 893-1024. 

All inspections must be phoned into the inspection line at 893-1057. Inspection by affidavit or private provider must be prearranged with the building official and must comply with applicable edition of the FBC-Building, Section 107.6 and Florida Statute 553.791.

Before embarking on your home improvement project give us a call to discuss your plans and see what permits and inspections may be necessary, to explain code requirements and to help you through the process. Whether it’s deferred maintenance or new improvements, many elect to do these projects themselves. Community Development Department staff tries to take extra time to work with homeowners embarking on these do-it-yourself (DIY) projects.

On anything other than small and simple DIY projects we recommend homeowners consider using a licensed contractor. Unless you are very handy and have the necessary skills to take on more complex construction projects, larger jobs can quickly overwhelm those less skilled in construction practices and management.

Business Tax Receipts

Questions may be directed to staff by telephone or e-mail. Conferences should be scheduled so we can make sure that adequate space is available to accommodate the size of the group.  Inquires can be directed to 893-1024 or to permits@mygulfport.us.

A business license, or tax receipt is good from October 1 of the current year through September 30 of the following year. If the license is not renewed by October 1, a 10 percent penalty will be applied for the month of October, and 5 percent for each month thereafter until it is paid. If you have paid your fee, but continue to get a request for payment, let us know so we can correct your account. For questions regarding business tax receipts, call Lisa Giddens at 893-1063.

If you’re thinking about starting a new business, check out the Small Business Development Center at Pinellas County Economic Development. Visit www.pced.org/entrepreneurs, or call 464-7332. They also offer personalized business consulting to help you succeed.

Code Enforcement

One hundred forty-seven new cases were opened in May.

Complaints can be reported to 893-1061 or to permits@mygulfport.us. We will inspect as soon as possible to verify violations. If the inspector is unavailable, leave as detailed a message as possible to help us find the violation.

Chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes was amended to preclude staff from initiating code enforcement proceedings by way of anonymous complaints. A person who reports a potential violation of a code or an ordinance must provide, at a minimum, their name and address to the respective local government. Any personal information provided in any manner becomes part of the public record, which anyone has the right to review. 

Planning & Development Division

Questions may be directed to staff via telephone or e-mail. Inquires can be directed to 893-1087 or to permits@mygulfport.us. Conferences should be scheduled so we can make sure that adequate space is available to accommodate the size of the group.   

The zoning map and the Comprehensive plan, which include the Future Land Use Map, can be found on the City website at https://mygulfport.us/community-development/.

The Zoning Code (Chapter 22 of the Gulfport Code of Ordinances) can be found at https://library.municode.com/fl/gulfport/codes/code_of_ordinances.

June 14, 2023 Board of Adjustment meeting:

V23-10: 2806 Seabreeze Drive South; Variance requested to reduce the right-hand one-third setback requirement by 13.6 feet, from 17.6 feet to 4 feet to allow for the proposed installation of a new boat lift and pilings on the right-hand side of the existing dock.

V23-11: 5932 Seabird Drive South; Variance requested to reduce the right-hand one-third setback requirement by 13 feet, from 26’-8” to 13’-8” to allow for the proposed encroachment of a new boat lift to be installed on the right-hand of a new proposed dock which will meet the required right-hand setback.

June 6, 2023 City Council/CRA meetings:

Second reading of required revisions of City of Gulfport, Florida Chapter 7 and Chapter 10.5, Code of Ordinances.  Chapter 7, “Buildings” and Chapter 10.5, “Flood Damage Prevention”, are within the City of Gulfport, Florida Code of Ordinances. From time to time the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) revises its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). The latest revision is dated August 24, 2021. With changes to the FIRM map panels, the Florida Building Code (FBC), and the Florida Statute 553.73, the City’s Chapters 7 and 10.5 require revisions to become consistent with FEMA and the State of Florida. This proposed ordinance will maintain the required consistency.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Patrol Section

Examples of arrests or significant incidents and calls this week:

A driver reported on May 25 that while he was attempting to park his truck and boat trailer in the 5700 block of 21^st Avenue, another driver attempted to go around the truck, and the back end of their car hit the front of the truck, causing minor damage to the truck and the rear bumper to fall off the car. The driver of the car fled the scene, but the car and tag were identified from video.

Derriyonna Brown was arrested on a Hillsborough County warrant after a caller reported their car was stolen from the 4900 block of 15^th Avenue. Brown was the last person in possession of the car prior to the theft. Officers contacted her and she was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.

Officers were dispatched to Gulfport Beach on May 27 after a caller reported a homeless man was destroying the interior of the restroom. There was no damage to the restroom and the man was not causing any issues upon police arrival.

Officers responded to a report of an unresponsive person on the rear porch of a residence in the 5200 block of 10^th Avenue. It was determined the man tripped and struck his head on a concrete step. There was no history of illicit drug use or abuse of narcotics, and no evidence of criminal activity.

Officers are investigating after a customer leaving a business in the 1000 block of 49^th Street on May 28 backed into another car and fled the scene. There was minor damage to the victim’s car, and no injuries were reported.

A caller reported on May 30 that numerous light fixtures in front of the beach restrooms were broken. Although there were no witnesses to the incident and no video evidence, it appeared the light fixtures were damaged deliberately. 

Jonathan Miley was arrested for fraud after a representative from Advance Auto Asset Protection reported they discovered Miley had stolen over $5,300 from the Gulfport store over a span of a few months by making multiple fraudulent credit card returns.

A resident reported the decal from her car’s tag was stolen sometime between February & May 25. She wasn’t sure where her car was parked when the theft occurred, and the decal was entered as stolen.

A resident in the 5800 block of 30^th Avenue reported on May 31 that his vessel battery and marine radio were stolen from his boat sometime during the two previous days.

Criminal Investigative Section

New cases reviewed:             6                                                                                                         

Cases currently assigned:      45       

Detective Pham performed follow up investigations and wrote supplemental reports for a lewd & lascivious battery, a fraud, a grand theft auto, a driving while license suspended/revoked, and a death investigation.

Detective Crowson performed follow up investigations and wrote supplemental reports for two fraud cases, an elderly exploitation, and a hit and run. She also attended child homicide and unexplained deaths of children investigation training.

Analyst Palmisano compiled and distributed open case and reports not approved lists; reviewed property with a known serial number to ensure proper entry into FCIC; performed pawn checks on cases with a named suspect, known serial number or searchable description; and; worked on the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).

The Marine Unit was on the water for two hours this week, primarily enforcing anchor light regulations.

Recruiting and Screening

Officers Chastain & Staubus continued field training this week, Recruit Marston continues his 21-week basic recruit academy training, and four applicants with conditional offers continued screening, including medical and psychological evaluations this week.

Records Section

Crime Prevention

Mr. Wright fielded numerous calls from citizens concerning parking related issues. He is using his contacts throughout the City to attempt to recruit more block captains for the department’s neighborhood watch program; provided CPR & AED training to Treasure Island Police Department personnel; attended the City’s annual Hurricane preparedness seminar with CERT, and; scheduled a presentation for June 18 at the Gulfport Senior Center regarding frauds/scams, how to recognize them and how to not become a victim.   

Wednesday, May 25 was the last day of school for Pinellas County students. School resources officers have been assigned to a patrol schedule until the new school year begins in August.

Policy review and development

The following Written Directives are in the review process: 103 – Facility Security; 341 – Report Writing; 510 – Sex Crimes Investigations, and; 645 – Traffic, Boating, DUI and Parking Citations.

Training

Shirley Dibucci attended the Florida Records Management Association conference this week.

Sergeant Woodman & Detective Crowson are attending Investigating Cases of Child Homicide and Unexplained Deaths of Children training in Cape Coral.

Six sworn members are scheduled for PIT training. A special order with details will be issued upon Commander Farrand’s return from vacation.

MARINA

Assisted with twenty-five dockside pump-outs and four pump out boat services, evacuating six hundred seventy-five gallons of waste.

Pumped seven thousand four hundred fifty-nine gallons of gas, and tow thousand two hundred sixty-two gallons of diesel fuel, fueling one hundred eighty-six vessels.

Staff activities:

• Repaired lock on pier 4 gate
• Replaced 30 amp breaker on pier 7, slip 23
• Repaired boat lift on pier4, slip 37
• Replaced caution tape along Clam Bayou seawall
• Replaced spray nozzle on fuel dock 1
• Replaced deck boards on pier 6
• Built boat lock cables

LIBRARY

Gulfport Pubic Library is open 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday – Friday, and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday. Visit https://www.facebook.com/GulfportLibraryFL/ for resources, information and  programs. You may be prompted by Facebook to login or create an account for some content. An account is not required to watch videos or view photos, but other content may be limited. Previously recorded programs will remain available for 2 weeks. Click on events for upcoming program information.

Last week’s events:

Tuesday, May 23, 10:15 a.m. – Baby Time.

Tuesday, May 23, 4 p.m. – Teen Space.

Wednesday, May 24, 4 p.m. – STEAM Club for grades K-5.

Thursday, May 25, 10:15 & 11 a.m. – Storytime.

Thursday, May 25, 1 p.m.- COF Presents: Shorebirds & Seabirds of Tampa Bay:

Thursday, May 25, 6 p.m. – Trivia Night.

Upcoming programs

Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m. – Come & Go Craft: Drop in for creative, self-directed crafting. For all ages, but some pieces might be small. Supplies are limited and are on a first come, first serve basis. Crafting supplies will be located on the tables in the children’s area.

Saturday, June 3, 1 p.m. – Grownup Movie Series: A group of friends decide to go to the Super Bowl to try to meet their favorite player. Stars Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Sally Field, and Rita Moreno. Rated PG-13.  Call 893-1074 for title.

Wednesday, June 7, 3 p.m. – Giving Tree Music Drum Circle: Join us as we kick off Summer Reading programs with a drum circle hosted by Giving Tree Music. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 893-1074 for information. Sponsored by the Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Library. 

Wednesday, June 7, 4:30 p.m. – Garden Grampa for grades K-5: Join Mr. Albert as he shares his knowledge of all things gardening and sustainability through storytelling and hands-on fun. 

Thursday, June 8, 2 p.m. – Tissue Paper Picture Frame: Use colorful tissue paper to decorate a picture frame. Make a pattern or make it abstract. All supplies provided. Call 893-1074 or email library.programs@mygulfport.us beginning Thursday, June 1 to sign up.

Thursday, June 8, 7 p.m. – Open Mic with Nathalie Marcelin: The theme is Queer Joy as Resistance. Nathalie will share a poem and the importance of queer expression. Sponsored by the LGBTQ Resource Center.

Every Friday beginning June 9, 3 p.m. – Kids Read Aloud Book Club: Join us for our weekly summer book club for kids. Don’t want to read out loud? That’s OK! Reading out loud is on a volunteer basis, you can read along in your head until you choose to take a turn. We’ll start a new book each week (list coming soon). If we don’t finish the book you can take it home with you. This program is intended for children on a second-grade reading level or higher.

Wednesday, June 14, 11 a.m. – Get Growing: City horticulturist Toffer Ross answers questions about gardening, trees, and landscaping in Florida.

Wednesday, June 14, 2 p.m. – K-5 Summer Reading program: Join us when we host professional storyteller Windell Campbell whose show incorporates storytelling and puppetry. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For information call 893-1074.

Thursday, Jun 15, 2 p.m. – Gulfport Book Club discussion of Fledgling by Octavia Butler. Available in print and audio.

Saturday, June 17, 2 p.m. – Lego Club for Grades K-5: It’s time to build! Join us for creative fun, and see what construction challenges we’ll have for you. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday, June 21, 1 p.m. – SHINE Medicare Parts A, B, C, & D: Visit www.floridashine.org for information. SHINE counselors will answer questions and provide guidance. Call the Reference Desk, at 893-1073 to leave contact information, and a counselor will return calls to schedule an appointment at the Library.  

Wednesday, June 21, 3 p.m. – K-5 Summer Reading program: We’ll be painting clay plant pots. Take home dirt and seeds to grow something! Supplies are limited; call 893-1074 or email library.programs@mygulfport.us beginning Wednesday, June 14. Limit 2 children per registration. Sponsored by the Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Library. 

Thursday, June 22, 6 p.m. – Trivia Night: Hosted by Gulfport Librarian Alex, a prepared list of questions will be shared with players, who will compete to answer the most questions correctly. Team play is an option with enough attendees.

Wednesday, June 28, 3 p.m. – K-5 Summer Reading program: Join us as we welcome local author Ruth Henry for a swashbuckling good time featuring a reading of her book Nana and Baba Fight Pirates. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For information call 893-1074. 

Through June 29 – ArtOut 2023 Emergence: Artwork created by LGBTQ+ artists and Allies hosted by the LGBTQ Resource Center. This international juried exhibit will take place both in the Li­brary and virtually. Winning entries will be displayed at the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. Visit www.artout.lgbtqgulfport.org for information.

Friday, June 30, 11 a.m. – Sew Easy: Make a useful casserole dish carrier to help keep food warm. Registration required; call 893-1074 or email library.programs@mygulfport.us beginning Friday, June 23.

Wednesday, July 5, 3 p.m. – K-5 Summer Reading program: Join us as we host professional storyteller Katie Adams for American Tall Tales and Songs. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information call 893-1074.

Every Tuesday, 10:15 a.m. – Baby Time: This program is intended for children two and under and their caregivers. We will sing songs, read books, enjoy lap bounce rhymes, and meet other caregivers with infants and young toddlers. Older siblings welcome. Call 893-1074 for information.

Every Tuesday, 4 p.m. – Teen Space: Spend time with friends and meet new ones. Play games, work on art projects, watch movies, or just hang out. Activities vary each week, and what we do is up to you! Ages 12 – 18 only.

Every Thursday, 10:15 & 11 a.m. – Storytime: Join us for stories, rhymes and music! If the 10:15 a.m. session is full, stay for the 11 a.m. session. For information call 893-1074.

Staff Activities

David Mather attended Library, Information Technology and other City meetings to monitor and assist various departments with IT-related issues; followed up with various vendors to resolve issues and to initiate and implement new services; followed up on issues with purchases and billing, and ongoing planning & procedures under the direction of City Council and City Manager during transition for restoring/modifying services, and; attended meetings of the LGBTQ Resource Center Committee and the Circle of Friends.

Carol Parker submitted invoices for payment to Accounts Payable; placed and received orders for new books and DVDs; inventoried supplies and placed orders; compiled and submitted press releases to Technical Events Specialist for City-sponsored ad; performed professional online training modules; cataloged new acquisitions; provided staffing at Reference & Circulation Desks; reviewed and submitted passport applications to the U.S. Dept. of State, and; responded to inquiries for using Friends Room and booked reservations.  

Library Staff responded to phone and email inquiries from the public and resolved various issues; composed and submitted reports; submitted bills to Finance Department for payment; scheduled passport application appointments for new applicants. Staff who are certified as Passport Acceptance Agents reviewed applications and supporting documents for U.S. State Department passport processing. Visit https://mygulfport.us/gpl/passports/ for information. Two additional staff members were authorized to begin online training to become agents. The goal is for all Library Assistants to become certified.

Library Services/Statistics May 21 – 27, 2023:          

                    Items circulated   Patrons

Staff processed 21 Library card registrations this week.

PARKS & RECREATION

Event Marketing Specialist

• Updated and emailed weekly Constant Contact newsletter to email distribution list

• Posted City of Gulfport updates to social media sites
• Worked on City’s website design and updates
• Used Adobe InDesign to create images
• Assisted with email responses for Cultural Facilities Department
• Updated Trumba Calendar

City of Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center

As the Gulfport Senior Center continues to grow, we are committed to being a prominent community focal point, providing necessary services and activities for older adults. The Gulfport Senior Center invites everyone over 50 years of age to become a part of this great program. Annual registration fee for non-residents is $50 per year; FREE for Gulfport residents.

The Senior Center Fitness Center is open 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday – Thursday, and 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Friday. 

The City of Gulfport Telephone Reassurance program is much more than a morning wake-up call. This free service offers Gulfport residents 50 years or older and their families comfort, security and peace of mind. Volunteers provide daily phone calls to registered members. If the member cannot be reached, the volunteer follows specific procedures to confirm there are no major concerns. Registration is simple and free. If you or someone you know could use this service, call 893-2237 or stop by the Gulfport Senior Center at 5501 27^th Avenue.                             

Gulfport Extended Mobility Service (GEMS) has resumed limited, essential transportation services offering reliable, affordable and convenient on-time transportation to supermarkets, medical appointments, etc. for Gulfport residents 55 & older and residents with a disability. This door-to-door transportation has provided independence & freedom to Gulfport residents since 1975. The yearly membership is $70 plus $2 per ride. For more information, call 893-2242.

The Gulfport Senior Center Pantry provides supplemental food assistance to qualifying Gulfport Seniors in need. Hours of operation are 1 – 3 p.m. every Monday & Thursday. Gulfport residents 50 years old and older must provide a photo I.D., proof of residency and income to qualify. The Food Pantry also collects donations of nonperishable food items such as cereal, canned meats, peanut butter, jelly, soup, canned vegetables/fruit, rice, canned/dry milk, pasta, personal toiletries, & pet food. Donations are accepted 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday. Call 893-5657 for more information.

The Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center has many volunteer opportunities available. If you want to make a difference and help your community, join the volunteer program at the Senior Center. It’s a great way to meet new friends and to get acquainted with numerous programs, classes and workshops. Volunteers serve as Lobby Receptionist, Fitness Center Attendants, Reassurance Callers, Class/Activity Instructors, Special Events, Food Pantry, Clerical Support, Flea Market, Promotions, Bingo, Card/Magazine organizing, etc. Call Rachel at 893-1231 for more information.

Frustrated trying to navigate the insurance world? Make an appointment for Medicare & Health Insurance Assistance.

Worried about your memory? St. Anthony’s Memory Disorder Clinic offers free, confidential Memory Screenings by appointment.

Feeding Tampa Bay offers one on one SNAP Benefit Assistance by appointment.

Gulfcoast Legal Assistance offers assistance by appointment with Lifetime Planning, Medicaid & Medicare, Social Security, Food Stamp, Family Law, Consumer/Debt Collection, and Housing/Contract matters.

Upcoming programs and events

Make an appointment for One-on-One Tech with Tyler for questions or help with your smart phone or computer.

Join us at 8:30 a.m. every Wednesday for Senior Moments Communication Workshop to share your life stories and experiences, enhance your communication, storytelling and listening skills, and your ability to speak on your feet with impromptu speeches with peer evaluation.

Join the GEMS Getaway gang on Wednesday, June 7 when we tour St. Pete Clearwater Airport, followed by lunch at Quaker Steak & Lube. GEMS members $10/nonmembers $14. Wear comfortable shoes for a walk around beautiful Sunken Gardens and lunch at Carrabba’s on June 21. GEMS members & nonmembers $20. Make sure you bring you lunch money to lunch at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Tampa on June 28. GEMS members $10/nonmembers $14.

Join us every at 8:30 a.m. every Wednesday for Senior Moments Communication Workshop and create moments together by sharing your life stories and experiences, which will enhance your communication skill, storytelling skills, listening skills, and ability to speak on your feet with peer evaluation of impromptu speeches.

Lymphedema is a condition that cannot be ignored as it can get worse and lead to further complications Join us at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 6 for HCA: Lunch and Learn Managing Pain and Swelling to learn about the condition. Registration required.  

Grab Some Groceries, food, laundry and hygienic items in the theater lobby at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 7. Sponsored by MyCare Medical.

Maintaining a healthy weight isn’t just about looking slim or fitting into your favorite pair of jeans. Learn about five common mistakes that may cause weight gain, and how to avoid them during Health Talk with Labrador Primary: Sneaky Causes of Weight Gain at noon on Thursday, June 8. Registration required.

Meet the Senior Center Staff at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 8 during Welcome to the Club.

Make and take a summertime wreath during Crafty Creations at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 9. Registration required.

Bring your instrument and join others for Rhythm & Groove Jam Session, a casual jamming group at 3 p.m. Friday, June 9. Open to anyone & everyone, all instruments, all levels of experience, and to listeners.

Join us for Craft Fun with Princess Martha at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, and create you  own craft to take home and enjoy. Registration required

Learn about dry needling for pain relief during Introduction to Dry Needling at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 13. The practice is similar to acupuncture/eastern medicine in that it uses needles, but dissimilar in that it focuses on western medicine, nerves, joint pain, and neuromuscular causes. Presented by Gulfport area physical therapist Julie Schumann. Registration required.

TED Talks are thought provoking “ideas worth sharing.” Join us at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 15 for a viewing and discussion of this month’s talk: The Power of Vulnerability. Registration required.

Improve your culinary skills with step-by-step instruction with In the Kitchen with Chef Jack: Italian Squash Soup at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 15. Registration required.

Learn about heel pain, fungal toenails & corns, followed by a Q+A session with a local podiatrist during Fix your Foot Problems at 1 p.m. Friday, June 16. Registration required.

Service Stats February May 22 – 26

• Virtual program attendance: 25
• In-person class attendance: 1,131
• Reassurance calls: 107
• Food Pantry bags disbursed: 15
• Wellness checks/home Visits: 1
• GEMS trips: 213
• Neighborly Care Network meals delivered: 396
• In-person dining: 360
• Fitness Center attendance: 189

CASINO, CATHERINE HICKMAN THEATER, NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER and SCOUT HALL

Casino (last week’s events):                            

Casino (upcoming events):

Catherine Hickman Theater (last week’s events)

Catherine Hickman Theater (upcoming events)

Thursday – Saturday, June 8 – 10 and 15 – 17, 8 p.m., and Saturday & Sunday, June 10 & 11 and 17 & 18, 2 p.m. – Gulfport Community Players present Stop Kiss by Diana Son. Tickets $20 at www.gulfportcommunityplayers.org, or $25 at the door, cash only.

Gulfport Neighborhood Center (last week’s events):     

Neighborhood Center (upcoming events):

RECREATION CENTER

Pavilion #3 is reserved 8 – 5 p.m. Saturday, June 3.

Pavilion #5 is reserved 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, June 10.

Pavilion #6 is reserved 4 – 7 p.m. Saturday, June 10.

The game room is reserved 1 – 7 p.m. Saturday, June 24 for a baby shower.

Hoyt Softball Field is reserved every Friday & Sunday by Tampa Bay Club Sports Kickball League, and 6 – 9 p.m. every Tuesday by Lady Hawks Softball.

Hoyt Field is reserved by Stetson College of Law for Intramural Softball 5 – 10 p.m. every Wednesday, and 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. every Sunday for Intramural Beach Volleyball.

The volleyball courts are reserved by Tampa Bay Club Sports for league play every Monday, Tuesday & Thursday evening.

Programs/Events

Contractual classes and activities currently offered: Ballet/Tap, Basketball, Danskinetics, Essentrics, Hatha Yoga, Hip Hop, Hula Hoop Fitness, Nia, Pickleball, Tai Chi Gung and Zumba.

Registration is underway for the 2023/24 Tot Time/VPK program for children who live in Florida and will be 4 years old by September 1. Program hours are 8:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Space is limited. Parents must apply at http://elcpinellas.net/register-for-vpk/ to receive a Certificate of Eligibility. Certificate must be turned in at registration time. This program is offered in addition to Tot Time for toilet trained children 3 – 5 years old.

The 2022/23 School Year Child Program ended with fifty-nine children registered.

Fifty-five teens are registered for the 2022/2023 Teen Night Program, a great hangout for grades 6 – 12 providing recreation and social activities and offering monthly field trips, cooking projects, guest speakers and service projects for teens in middle school through age 17. The teens utilize the gymnasium, game room and outdoor area. Program hours are 6 – 9 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday & Friday.

Sixty children are registered for the 2023 Summer Program for children who completed Kindergarten thru age 14. Twenty-three are nonresidents. The 10-week program ends Friday, August 4. The fee is $700 for residents/$875 for nonresidents, and does not include field trip costs. Program hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. with extended care available until 6 p.m. for an additional fee.

Staff Activities

Recreation staff continue to clean, sanitize and disinfect the facility throughout the day.

Marivel Gutierrez directed Summer Staff Orientation on Thursday.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Calls for service:

• 44 Emergency medical calls
• 2 Fire alarms
• 2 Vehicle crashes
• 1 Structure fire
• 1 Outside fire
• 2 Cardiac arrests

Life Safety:

• 2 Fire inspections
• 2 Plans review
• 1 C.O.
• 1 Fire final

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) meets at 7 p.m. every third Monday of the month. Call Volunteer coordinator James Wright at 893-1022 for more information.

PUBLIC WORKS 

Building Maintenance

• Set up Council Chambers for meetings.
• Replaced lights outside beach restrooms.
• Restocked supplies for cleaning company.
• Repaired lock at Garage.
• Repaired bench at Library, and installed art for Art Out event.
• Assisted plumber, painted walls and installed shelf at Fire Department.
• Repaired a/c return at Senior Center.
• Delivered mail to main post office for Finance Department.

Parks Maintenance

• Mowed City complex, Senior Center, Library, Neighborhood Center & Recreation Center green spaces, and at Clymer Park.
• Resealed Skate Park.

• Inspected playgrounds.
• All city park trash and cigarette waste containers were emptied.
• Cleaned and maintained all city restrooms daily.
• Mowed, raked, lined and dragged all ballfields daily.

• Watered & fertilized all non-irrigated trees and plants.

Streets and Sanitation

• I Installed No Trucks sign at 5124 & 5199 24^th Avenue.
• Hauled 7 truckloads of crushed asphalt from Marina Dry Storage.

Water

• Daily Chloramines sampling at points of connection to water distribution system.
• Daily inspection and read of Wholesale meters (include Saturday and Sunday).
• Daily inspection and recording of rainfall (include Saturday and Sunday).
• Daily check of ground water levels (includes Saturday and Sunday).
• Performed 133 miscellaneous customer service department generated service orders.
• Performed 15 Sunshine One-Call, call before You Dig Utility locates.
• Replaced 30 water meters with Pro-Coder R900i meters.
• Continued citywide biannual fire hydrant and water system flushing.
• Continued biannual flushing of City fire hydrants and water system
• Continued testing of backflows devices scheduled for June.
• Replaced water service lines at 5317 13^th Avenue, and at 4933 Newton Avenue.
• Replaced fire hydrant at 54^th Street & 25^th

Sanitary Sewer

• Daily preventive maintenance and service at Lift Stations 1 & 2.
• Daily rainfall check and documentation.
• Weekly generator exercise and preventive maintenance check on lift stations 1 & 2, Fire Department, Garage, Police Department/City Hall, and at Senior Center.
• Daily ground water elevation recording.
• Collected bay water samples at Gulfport Beach, Marina & Clam Bayou for quality

Storm Water

• Inspected and cleaned 44 storm water inlets.
• Replaced storm water inlet lid at 5825 17^th

Vehicle Maintenance

• Performed preventive maintenance and small repairs on City cars as needed.