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Mayor Love Monthly Report July 2025

Gulfport’s First 120 Days: A Look at Our Progress

In March, Gulfport made history by swearing in the first all-female city council in Florida. Since then, I imagine my fellow council members have been just as busy as I have. So, when I hear that “nothing has happened except the pier reopening,” it ruffles my feathers a bit—because the reality is quite different. Here’s a summary of what we’ve accomplished in just our first 120 days:

Government & Policy

  • We hit the ground running by establishing updated policies and procedures for council meetings, making them more efficient and responsive to the public.
  • Initiated a charter review to ensure our City’s governing document reflects current needs.
  • Filled vacancies on City boards and explored alternative permitting options to improve service delivery.

Infrastructure & Public Spaces

  • Restored and reopened the Rec Center
  • Reinforced the road and sidewalk along Shore Blvd with tons of sand for safety and stabilization
  • Installed temporary volleyball courts and reopened both the boardwalk railing and Williams Pier
  • Restored and reopened the Marina store, and cleaned the sand area behind the Lions Club

Civic Engagement & Celebrations

  • Honored Memorial Day with a solemn commemoration
  • Celebrated Flag Day, Pride Month with the raising of the Pride Flag, and hosted a Fourth of July parade and community picnic

Workshops & Public Forums

  • Held additional meetings, including a Hurricane Preparedness Presentation, a Resiliency Workshop, and a City Look Back forum to keep residents informed and engaged

Marine Safety & Services

  • Installed a safe, temporary floating dock at the the marina
  • Delivered written safety and compliance information to every boat in Gulfport waters
  • The City’s marine officer has already had success in removing unauthorized boats, with efforts ongoing

Ordinances & City Operations

  • Passed ordinances banning smoking on City beaches and in parks
  • Maintained the current millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year
  • Cleared the permit backlog, resumed normal business hours, and began enforcing penalties for unpermitted work

Communication & Transparency

  • Increased communication during meetings, on the City’s Facebook page, and through the weekly newsletter
  • Council deliberations are transparent and focused on community impact

What’s Ahead

Looking to the next few months, I anticipate:

  • Adopting a balanced budget
  • Addressing the expanding needs of our Senior Center
  • Revisiting the topic of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
  • Beginning long-awaited projects at the South Basin, the intersection of 54th and Shore Blvd. (which could bring back lighting to the pier), and the restoration of our beach, including improved volleyball courts

Community Engagement

I’ll be hosting a Rain Barrels and Rain Gardens class Thursday, August 14 at 6 PM, and a follow-up session in November focusing on how to implement them in your own yard.

Additionally, I’ll lead a Town Hall on Tuesday, September 23 at 6 PM, called Gulfport 2050, at the Catherine Hickman Theater, where we’ll envision our City’s long-term future together.

Stay Connected

Thank you for staying engaged and helping us build a stronger Gulfport!

Mayor Karen Love