During the month of June, the City had two (2) council meetings and a workshop regarding the new tax proposal.
During the Council meetings, we were able to pass an ordinance regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and the State approved it. The goal was to balance the need for additional affordable housing in our community without increasing temporary /tourist housing. ADU’s can be built in any zoning district but not the Coastal High Hazard Area (CHHA) at this time. If we were able to assure that our National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) rates would not be negatively affected, we may reconsider allowance in the CHHA.
For more detailed information, I encourage you to watch the video from the June 2 Council meeting. During our June 16 meeting, we also established the Gulfport Centurion Club, and George “Lum” Atkinson became its first member. A new audio system was installed between the first and second meetings, and I hope you’ll notice the improvement.
Between the two Council meetings, we held a workshop to discuss the proposed CS/HB 2-F tax proposal and its potential impact on the City’s finances if approved by Florida voters this November. We estimate a revenue reduction of $1.1 million in the first year and $1.8 million in the second year. I have used my “Take 2 on Tuesdays” videos to explain different aspects of this proposal, but there is far more information than can be covered in a two-minute segment. If you would like to discuss how the proposal may affect your individual property tax bill, I invite you to bring your tax bill to my office hours, which are generally held on Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Please note that I will be attending a conference and will not hold office hours on July 9.
Both the Boca Ciega Yacht Club (BCYC) and the Gulfport Yacht Club were notified that they must obtain current property appraisals before negotiating new lease agreements with the City. This requirement is the result of the City Charter amendment approved by voters in the March referendum.
I also participated in Coffee with the Mayor at the Senior Center, attended the Senior Center Foundation’s “Stars, Stripes, and Swing” fundraiser, joined the Juneteenth celebrations, and participated in a state webinar on hurricane preparedness.
I am responsive to all emails sent to klove@mygulfport.us. I do not use my personal Facebook page or Facebook Messenger for City business.