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Your Next Chapter Starts Downtown 📚🍂 – Elizabeth City
Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient-friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.
https://visitelizabethcity.com/
https://mailchi.mp/6b9d828401ba/your-next-chapter-starts-downtownBe the first to comment!
November Newsletter – Elizabeth City
Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient-friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.
https://visitelizabethcity.com/
B Blessed Bakery
Ribbon Cutting!What a sweet celebration in Hertford as we welcomed B Blessed Bakery to our local business community with a ribbon cutting! Friends, family, and fellow business owners from Pasquotank and Perquimans counties gathered to celebrate this exciting new venture. One of the most special things about B Blessed Bakery is its shared space with three other women-owned businesses, creating a unique farmers market-style shopping experience! It’s wonderful to see local entrepreneurs coming together to support one another and bring something new to our neighboring communities. Congratulations, Brandee, on this exciting new chapter! We wish you continued success and can’t wait to see your business grow. Be sure to stop by, explore the space, and enjoy some delicious baked goods, especially those amazing cinnamon rolls!
Lunch Bunch
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent Lunch Bunch at Elizabeth City Health & Rehabilitation! A special thank-you to their wonderful team for sponsoring a delicious lunch and welcoming us into their beautiful facility. Members enjoyed an afternoon of networking, meaningful conversations, and a tour of the facility, where we had the opportunity to learn more about the valuable services they provide to our community. We are so grateful for their hospitality and continued involvement with the Chamber! Lunch Bunch is all about building relationships, supporting local businesses, and strengthening our community. We look forward to seeing everyone at the next one!
Salvation Army Ribbon Cutting!
The Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce was proud to celebrate the ribbon cutting of The Salvation Army’s new Food Pantry & Disaster Services Center! This wonderful addition to our community will help expand access to fresh, refrigerated, and frozen foods while strengthening disaster response efforts for neighbors in need. Made possible through a grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation and support from community partners, including the Food Bank of the Albemarle and Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, this new facility is a testament to the power of collaboration and compassion. We are grateful to The Salvation Army and everyone involved for their continued dedication to serving others and making our community a stronger, more caring place!
Small Business
Law 101The Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce was proud to partner with Entrepreneur Resources, the COA Small Business Center, and Elizabeth City Downtown, Inc. to host Small Business Law 101! A special thank-you to Andy Shilling, Managing Partner of Parks Zeigler, PLLC’s Elizabeth City office, for sharing valuable legal insights and practical guidance to help local entrepreneurs start, protect, and grow their businesses. We appreciate everyone who attended and the wonderful partnerships that continue to support and strengthen our local business community!
Welcome HRC Discovery!
Help us give a warm Chamber welcome to HRC Discovery! This small, family-owned business specializes in whimsical accessories for all ages, offering fun, unique finds that bring creativity, personality, and a little extra joy to everyday life! With the holiday season approaching, be sure to look for HRC Discovery at local events to find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting a local small business. We’re excited to have HRC Discovery join the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce and look forward to supporting their continued growth and success. Shop small, support local, and add some whimsy to your life!
Boo Bowling!
What a spooktacular night at our annual Boo Bowling event! From creative costumes to friendly competition, our Chamber members and community came together for an evening full of laughter, networking, and Halloween fun! A huge thank-you to Albemarle Lanes for hosting us and Taz-2 Productions for keeping the music and energy going all night! Congratulations to our winning teams: The Naked Coney’s – Sonic (1st Place), TCOM Serial Killers (2nd Place), and TCOM High Altitude Strikes (3rd Place)! Events like these remind us how special our business community is and how important it is to connect outside of our everyday routines. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this year’s Boo Bowling such a success! We can’t wait to do it again next year!
RCX Facebook Instagram Holiday Movie Event Holiday Gift Card Promotion 
That little fridge filter isn’t a “set it and forget it” solution.
Today’s water test had 14 grains of hardness, ammonia, and the biggest surprise? The water coming from the refrigerator filter had more visible sediment and floating debris than the tap water.
A refrigerator filter can improve taste and reduce some contaminants, but if it isn’t replaced on schedule, it can become clogged and far less effective. Most manufacturers recommend replacing fridge filters about every 3 months, and hard water can shorten that lifespan even more.
Don’t assume “filtered” automatically means cleaner.
If you’re in Elizabeth City, Camden, Hertford, Edenton, South Mills, or the surrounding areas, let’s see what’s actually in your water with a FREE in home water test. The results might surprise you.
Business Interest Form 
Join us in welcoming Our Newest
2026–2027
Corporate Partner:
Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce502 E. Ehringhaus St.Elizabeth City, NC 27909 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice 
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City of Gulfport Monday (11/9/26) Newsletter, Gulfport, FL
The City of Gulfport and Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, always have a full calendar of events for all ages. The marina and harbor, found on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay, are easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay.
City of Gulfport Monday Newsletter 
Weekly news & updates 
November 9, 2026 | City of Gulfport, FL – Gateway to the Gulf Newsletter 
E-Newsletter: Monday, November 2, 2026 Missed last week’s update? Click here to read it now.
Upcoming Events See what’s happening this month.
Senior Center E-news Click here to see what’s happening next.
Library Calendar of Events Upcoming activities at the Gulfport Library.
Recreation Center Click here to see all classes and activities.
Gulfport Community Update Click here to read more.
Gulfport Arts & Heritage Click here to see upcoming events.
Be Prepared This Hurricane Season!
The Atlantic hurricane season ends November 30.
Be prepared, visit the City of Gulfport Hurricane Center for important storm preparedness information, resources, and updates.
Hurricane Center Gulfport City Council Mayor
Karen
Love
826-7208
Ward 1
Jennifer Daunch
Vice Mayor
Marlene Shaw
826-7311
Ward 3
Jennifer Webb
Ward 4 Nancy
Earley
269-6625
A Message from the Mayor 
Good Afternoon, Gulfport, What a great weekend in Gulfport! As I drove and walked around our city this weekend, I saw so many people enjoying the many events taking place.
I appreciate everyone who came out to the parade to show their support for our veterans. Councilmember Earley and I had the privilege of walking alongside Army veteran Phyllis Plotnik in the parade. The parade was followed by the annual Guns and Hoses volleyball challenge, with our firefighters taking home the win once again!
Our Senior Foundation is hosting a picnic for veterans on November 11 at Veterans Park at 11 a.m. I hope you can attend.
Please take note of the notice on your utility bill regarding the ongoing drought. The water shortage order has been extended through March 31, 2027. Watering is prohibited between 4 a.m. and 8 p.m. This is serious business, so please do your part and follow the watering restrictions.
Have a great week! If you have any questions, please reach out to me at klove@mygulfport.us or stop by during my office hours on Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
-Mayor Love
City Manager’s Gulfport Community Update Gulfport Community Update: November 1 – 7, 2026 Gulfport City Hall and facilities will be closed on Wednesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. The Sanitation schedule will not be affected, and the Marina will be open.
Gulfport City Hall and facilities will be closed on Thursday & Friday, November 26 & 27 in observance of Thanksgiving. Thursday’s Sanitation routes will be collected on Wednesday the 25th, Friday’s schedule will not be affected, and there will be no weekly yard waste pickup.
Read More This Weeks Events & Meetings 
Visit our Website Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market Tuesday, November 10th | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Downtown Waterfront District, Beach Blvd. S.
The Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market is a year-round open-air market held in Gulfport’s Waterfront District on Beach Blvd. It also offers a variety of independent shops, boutiques, galleries, its own beach and a large cluster of restaurants, all within easy walking distance. The Fresh Market offers visitors the opportunity for a relaxing day trip in a small town full of “Old Florida” charms.
What’s on Your Mind? With Councilmember Marlene Shaw – Every Second Tuesday Tuesday, November 10th | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
SumitrA Espresso Lounge, 2838 Beach Blvd. S.
Join Councilmember Marlene Shaw for casual conversation and community connection at SumitrA Espresso Lounge, 2838 Beach Blvd. S., every second Tuesday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Whether you have questions, concerns, or ideas to share, she’s here to listen and talk about the issues that matter to you.
Councilmember Shaw also holds City Hall office hours every Monday from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at 2401 53rd Street South. Appointments are available upon request.
Contact mshaw@mygulfport.us or (727) 826-7311 for more info.
Storytelling Workshop Tuesday, November 10th | 5:30 p.m.
Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.
Enjoy an engaging session of storytelling where you’ll listen to stories and learn how to find, structure, and tell your own. Led by Chaplain Kate Shulamit Fagan, a dynamic teacher and storyteller, this program is sponsored by Enroy Foundation, Inc. and Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Library. For more information, contact Maureen Kilroy at mk_away@yahoo.com.
City Hall & Facilities Closed for Veterans Day
Wednesday, November 11th | All Day
City of Gulfport, FL
City Hall and City facilities will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Regular operations will resume on Thursday, November 12.
Veterans Day Picnic
Wednesday, November 11th | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Veterans Park, 5350 31st Ave. S.
Celebrate Veterans Day with the Gulfport Senior Foundation and American Legion Post 125 at a free community picnic on Wednesday, November 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gulfport Veterans Park. Enjoy hamburgers and hot dogs, the unveiling of the new paver ribbon, and an opportunity to honor local veterans. Open to all ages. RSVP here.
COF Presents: Florida Before Oranges Thursday, November 12th | 1 p.m.
Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.
Did you know oranges were NOT in Florida when the first people arrived? Join us for a talk by the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) that covers the basics of 14,000 years of pre-contact Florida. Learn about when people arrived and how life in the sunshine state has changed. Sponsored by the Circle of Friends.
Gulfport Environmental Team (G.E.T.) Meeting Thursday, November 12th | 6 – 8 p.m.
49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S.
Join the Gulfport Environmental Team (G.E.T.) each month at 6 p.m. at the 49th Street Neighborhood Center. G.E.T. brings residents and volunteers together to support environmental stewardship, sustainability and a greener Gulfport. Learn about local tree initiatives, urban forestry, community planting opportunities and ways to help protect and enhance Gulfport’s natural spaces. Community members interested in getting involved are welcome to attend.
Purchase Tickets Gulfport Community Players present “The 39 Steps” November 12 – 22 | Thurs. – Sat. at 8 p.m. & Sat. – Sun. at 2 p.m.
Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.
The Gulfport Community Players present The 39 Steps, a fast-paced comedy inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1935 spy thriller, November 12–22 at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. Follow a hero on the run through dastardly villains, biplane crashes, romantic entanglements, quick costume changes, and plenty of laughs. Performances are Thursday–Saturday at 8 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
Google Map Permit Free City-Wide Yard Sale
Saturday, November 14th | Dawn – Dusk
City of Gulfport, FL
Gulfport’s Permit-Free City-Wide Yard Sale takes place Saturday, November 14 (rain date Sunday, November 15), from dawn to dusk throughout the City. Brochures listing participating addresses will be available at City facilities beginning November 5 and at the Gulfport Public Library (5501 28th Ave. S.) on event day. All locations will also be featured on Google Maps for easy navigation. View participating addresses and event details at https://mygulfport.us/permit-
free-gulfports-city-wide-yard- sale/. 
2nd Annual Mayor’s Community Walk Saturday, November 14th | 8 – 11 a.m.
Gulfport Beach (Pavilion #6), Shore Blvd. S.
Join Mayor Karen Love for the 2nd Annual Mayor’s Community Walk on Saturday, November 14, at Gulfport Beach! Check-in begins at 8 a.m. at Pavilion #6, with the walk starting at 9 a.m. Enjoy a guided walk through the Waterfront District, led off by the Gulfport Amalgamated Marching Band, and celebrate the expansion of the Discover Gulfport Walking Trail from four miles to more than 10 miles of paths, made possible by AARP. This free community event is open to all!
Blues, Art & Seafood Festival Saturday, November 14th | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Trolley Market Square, 4900 Tangerine Ave. S.
Join the City of Gulfport and Fusion 49th District on Saturday, November 14, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for a full day of live blues music, local art, delicious seafood, food vendors, and community fun at Trolley Market Square.
Live Music Line-up:
- 10:00 AM – BCHS Marching Band
- 10:30 AM – Henry Ashwood
- 1:00 PM – Delta Swamp Rats
- 3:30 PM – Tony and Sal
- 6:00 PM – Tommy Z
Bring your friends and family and celebrate the music, creativity, and community spirit that make Gulfport special. We look forward to seeing you there!
Upcoming Events & Meetings 
RSVP Land Blessing and Thanksgiving Address Friday, November 20th | 4 – 6 p.m.
Gulfport History Museum, 5301 28th Ave. S.
Join the community for the Land Blessing and Thanksgiving Address at the Gulfport History Museum. Celebrate the future site of Gulfport’s permanent TimeWeaving Community Labyrinth with a special community blessing and dedication, followed by an interactive art activity where participants can create their own art object to become part of a collaborative labyrinth experience. Free and open to the public.
Free Document Shredding and Medication Drop-Off Saturday, November 21st | 9 – 11 a.m.
Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S.
Join Pinellas County Consumer Protection on Saturday, November 21, from 9–11 a.m., or until the truck is full, at the Gulfport Senior Center (5501 27th Ave. S.) for free document shredding and medication drop-off. Shredding is limited to three boxes or bags per vehicle. Metal clips and binders must be removed; staples are permitted. For more information, call 727-464-6200.
Free Community Tree Giveaway
Saturday, November 21st | 9 – 11 a.m.
Clymer Park (Greenway), 23rd Ave. S. & Beach Blvd. S.
The City of Gulfport invites residents to the Free Community Tree Giveaway at Clymer Park, part of our ongoing Plant a Tree initiative. Gulfport residents with a driver’s license or water bill for proof can receive free trees to enhance their property and support the city’s environmental sustainability efforts.
For more information, please contact the Parks & Facilities Superintendent at 727-893-1092.
Swap & Drop Saturday, November 21st | 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.
49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S.
The City of Gulfport, Gulfport Grassroots and Keep Pinellas Beautiful invite Gulfport residents to the Swap & Drop at the 49th Street Neighborhood Center. Residents can bring unwanted household items for free disposal or swap usable goods with neighbors, helping reduce waste and promote reuse and sustainability. For a smooth drop-off, participants should remain in their vehicles and have items easily accessible in a trunk, backseat, truck bed or trailer. Open to Gulfport residents only; proof of residency is required.
Collage Group Share & Swap for Teens & Adults Saturday, November 21st | 3 p.m.
Gulfport Arts Center, 2726 54th St. S.
Open to collage artists and enthusiast of any skill/experience level. Feel free to bring materials to share and swap with others. Scissors and glue sticks will be provided.
More Info 
Third Saturday Gulfport Night Market
Saturday, November 21st | 5 – 9 p.m.
Beach Blvd. S. (Waterfront District)
The Gulfport Night Market operates year-round from 5pm to 9pm on the first Friday and third Saturday of each month. The Gulfport Merchants Chamber is proud to partner with the Tampa Bay Markets team to work directly with new and returning vendors and to manage the Gulfport Night Market events. Tampa Bay Markets is a local events management company that operates 13 successful local markets and special events within the greater Tampa Bay Area, celebrating its 15th anniversary year of operation.
Thanksgiving Closures & Sanitation Schedule Thursday & Friday, November 26 – 27 | All Day
City of Gulfport, FL
City Hall and City facilities will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27, in observance of Thanksgiving. Thursday’s sanitation routes will be collected on Wednesday, November 25. Friday’s routes will remain on schedule, but there will be no weekly yard waste collection. The Gulfport Marina will be open on Friday, November 27.
More Info HeARTful Market Saturday, November 28th | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Beach Blvd. S. (Waterfront District)
Celebrate Small Business Saturday at the HeARTful Market on Saturday, November 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. along Beach Boulevard in Historic Downtown Gulfport! Browse unique artwork, handmade treasures, creative gifts, and one-of-a-kind finds from local artists, makers, and small businesses. Enjoy a fun afternoon of shopping while supporting the local businesses and creative community that make Gulfport special. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome!
Ukulele Jam Tuesday, December 1st | 12 p.m.
Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.
Join us for a ukulele jam session led by the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society. This program is held on the first Tuesday of the month. Music will be projected on the TV so just bring yourself and your ukulele. Check the Circulation desk to see if any of our ukulele kits are available for check out. See you there!
What’s on Your Mind? With Councilmember Marlene Shaw – Every First Wednesday Wednesday, December 2nd | 2 – 3 p.m.
Wonder Works, 5314 Gulfport Blvd. S.
Join Councilmember Marlene Shaw for casual conversation and community connection at Wonder Works, 5314 Gulfport Blvd. S., every first Wednesday from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Whether you have questions, concerns, or ideas to share, she’s here to listen and talk about the issues that matter to you.
Councilmember Shaw also holds City Hall office hours every Monday from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at 2401 53rd Street South. Appointments are available upon request.
Contact mshaw@mygulfport.us or (727) 826-7311 for more info.
Councilmember Webb Town Hall: Envisioning Gulfport after Amendment 3 Wednesday, December 2nd | 6 p.m.
49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S.
Councilmember Webb wants to hear from you! As Gulfport looks ahead to the potential impacts of Amendment 3, we want to hear what makes this community feel like home to you. Which City services are most important to preserving Gulfport’s character and quality of life? Are there services you feel are less of a priority?
Your feedback will help Councilmember Webb better understand what matters most to residents and carry your priorities forward as the City prepares for the next fiscal year and considers potential budget reductions.
Pixie Playtime Thursday, December 3rd | 10:15 a.m.
Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.
Explore the enchanted garden at Gulfport Library with ukulele music, magical moments, and playful adventures.Recommended for fans of fairies and caregivers of all ages.
More Info
First Friday Gulfport Night Market
Friday, December 4th | 5 – 9 p.m.
Beach Blvd. S. (Waterfront District)
Formally known as Art Walk on the first Friday and IndieFaire on the third Saturday, these recurring monthly events will launch for 2025 branded as the Gulfport Night Market. The night market concept unites the energy of the former events, offering an evening marketplace experience with vibrant local offerings from local makers, artisans, and small business vendors to engage the community and visitors as they shop, stroll, and sip in beautiful downtown Gulfport.
Tickets & Info ZZ Top Tribute Saturday, December 5th | 7 p.m.
Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.
Rock out to the legendary sounds of Texas blues-rock during the ZZ Top Tribute on Saturday, December 5, at 7 p.m. at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. in Gulfport. Enjoy an evening celebrating ZZ Top’s signature guitar riffs, bluesy sound, and classic rock hits in a live tribute performance.
49th St. Makers & Growers Market Sunday, December 6th | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Red Feather Studio, 1301 49th St. S.
The 49th St. Makers & Growers Market takes place on the first Sunday of each month through May 2, 2027. Browse locally made products, creative health and living goods, handmade items, and more while enjoying live music and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere. The market brings together local makers, growers, wellness-focused vendors, and the community while supporting small businesses and local creatives.
Learn More Fusion 49th District General Meeting Monday, December 7th | 6 – 8 p.m.
49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S
Join us for “First Mondays: Business Activation (We Heard You Series),” a monthly initiative from the Fusion 49th District Team designed to support local businesses with practical, results-driven resources. Created in response to feedback from corridor businesses seeking greater visibility, more customers and consistent support, these monthly sessions provide real tools, actionable strategies and opportunities to help local businesses grow and succeed.
Held on the first Monday of each month, each gathering offers hands-on guidance to help strengthen marketing, improve financial understanding, and build sustainable business systems. This series is open to all business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in starting, growing, or strengthening a business along the corridor.
City of Gulfport Holiday Tree Lighting Monday, December 7th | 6 – 8 p.m.
Clymer Park, Gulfport Blvd S & Beach Blvd. S.
Join us for song and good cheer during the City of Gulfport Holiday Tree Lighting in Clymer Park at 6 p.m. Monday, December 7. Enjoy an evening of light refreshments and festive music presented by the Gulfport Recreation division; meet the Mayor & City Council. Santa will visit and listen to little ones’ holiday wishes. Call 727-893-1118 for more information.
Purchase Tickets Big Band Christmas Thursday, December 10th | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.
Enjoy an evening of holiday music and laughter at the Gulfport Senior Foundation’s Annual Big Band Christmas at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater. Featuring Laurie Loyst and Encore IV, the show blends holiday favorites, classic big-band swing, and musical comedy. Proceeds benefit the Gulfport Senior Foundation and its work supporting older adults in the community.
Purchase Tickets Damon Fowler Holiday Show Friday, December 11th | 7 p.m.
Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.
Enjoy an evening of live music with Tampa-based singer, guitarist, and songwriter Damon Fowler on Friday, December 11, at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater. Known for his soulful vocals and roots-inspired guitar style, Fowler brings a blend of blues, Americana, and Southern rock to the stage. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m. General admission is $25.
More Info Community Holiday Parade Saturday, December 12th | 2 p.m.
Clymer Park, Beach Blvd. S.
Celebrate the season Gulfport-style! Join your neighbors for the Community Holiday Parade, filled with festive floats, marching bands, and holiday cheer. Bring your family and friends, find a spot along Beach Boulevard, and take in the sights and sounds of the holidays in the heart of Clymer Park and the Beach Boulevard Parkway Complex.
More Info 40th Annual BCYC Lighted Holiday Boat Parade Saturday, December 12th | 6 p.m.
Boca Ciega Bay
Enjoy the Boca Ciega Yacht Club Foundation’s 40th Annual Lighted Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday, December 12, at approximately 6 p.m. Watch festive, illuminated boats cruise through the Gulfport Municipal Marina and nearby waterways. The parade supports the Gulfport Police Department’s Operation Santa, which provides Christmas gifts to local children. Boaters are encouraged to donate unwrapped toys or make a monetary contribution.
Purchase Tickets Dead Set Florida’s “A Very Jerry Christmas” Saturday, December 12th | 7 – 11 p.m.
Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.
Enjoy an evening of holiday music and the spirit of Jerry Garcia at A Very Jerry Christmas, returning to the Catherine A. Hickman Theater on Saturday, December 12.
Now in its fourth year, this special holiday celebration features Dead Set Florida, bringing the heart, harmonies, and improvisational jams inspired by Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead to the theater stage. The intimate, theater-style setting offers a chance to experience the music up close in one of Gulfport’s historic venues. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. Seating is limited, with only 150 tickets available.
Community Outreach Explore Gulfport’s past! Click here to view digitized City records from 1920 – 1974.
Gulfport History Museum Online Collection View the Museum’s online collection here.
Latest Beach Water Quality Sampling Data See the latest report here.
Gulfport Charter & Code of Ordinances Online access is provided at the following link.
Bill Payment Options View and pay Utility & Marina Billing accounts online here.
Employee Directory Click here to view the Gulfport Employee Directory.
“Take 2 on Tuesdays” with Mayor Karen Love
In Case You Missed It!
Take 2 on Tuesdays (October 27, 2026) – Important Dates
SeeClickFix – Service Request Center
The City of Gulfport uses SeeClickFix to receive, route, and track non-emergency service requests. Residents can report community concerns, submit the location of the issue, upload photos, and monitor progress through the online portal. Use the portal to report issues such as potholes, sidewalk damage, drainage concerns, traffic sign issues, graffiti, park maintenance concerns, sanitation issues, and code compliance matters.
Visit our Website 
Register Here Gulfport Connects: Bringing the Community Together
Register for Gulfport Connects, an online volunteer platform designed to strengthen connections between residents, local organizations, and City departments. The platform provides a simple, reliable way to match community needs with volunteer support – both during emergencies, and in everyday life. Nonprofits, community groups and City departments can post and manage volunteer opportunities, track service hours, and coordinate projects, while residents can sign up for activities that match their interests and log their service.
Visit https://gulfport.
galaxydigital.com or email dmather@mygulfport.us to be added to the portal. Gulfport Connects transforms lessons learned into lasting community strength, keeping Gulfport connected and resilient every day. 
Water Restrictions Webpage Modified Phase III Water Shortage Restrictions Extended Through March 31, 2027
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has extended the Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Order through March 31, 2027, due to ongoing drought conditions and low regional water supplies.
All Gulfport residents, including those using private wells or pumps, must continue following the one-day-per-week irrigation schedule. Lawn and landscape watering is allowed only between 12:01 a.m. and 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. on your assigned watering day.
Watering Schedule (based on the last digit of your address):
- 0–1: Monday
- 2–3: Tuesday
- 4–5: Wednesday
- 6–7: Thursday
- 8–9: Friday (also applies to common areas and properties without a numbered address)
Residents are encouraged to conserve water by following these restrictions and using water wisely. For the complete watering schedule and additional conservation tips, visit the Pinellas County Watering Schedule and Rules page. Questions? Email Water.Restrictions@
WaterMatters.org or call (813) 856-5679 during business hours. 
Flood Safety Reminder: Turn Around, Don’t Drown
Heavy rainfall can quickly cause flooding on roadways. Drivers are reminded to never drive through flooded streets or around barricades. Water may be deeper than it appears, and driving through standing water can create wakes that push water onto nearby homes and properties.
Please obey all posted signs, road closures, and No Wake restrictions. If you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and find an alternate route.
Help keep yourself, your neighbors, and our community safe. Be safe. Stay dry.
Be Hurricane Ready: Stay One Step Ahead
Stay one step ahead as peak hurricane season approaches. The best time to prepare is before a storm is on the way.
- Download the free Ready Pinellas app to create your emergency plan, use an emergency kit checklist, and keep important info at your fingertips.
- Sign up for Alert Pinellas to receive emergency notifications about evacuations, severe weather, boil water notices and other urgent situations.
Get started today:
Ready Pinellas – https://pinellas.gov/ready-
pinellas Alert Pinellas – https://pinellas.gov/alert-
pinellas 
Hurricane Center Gulfport Encourages Boater Safety and Storm Preparedness During Hurricane Season
Now that storm season is underway, the City of Gulfport encourages residents and boaters to take proactive steps to protect life and property during severe weather events. Boaters are urged to relocate vessels to safe harbors or designated hurricane holes when possible, secure anchors and mooring lines, remove loose items and sails, test bilge pumps and batteries, and document vessels for insurance purposes. Staying alert to local weather updates and evacuation guidance is also essential to reducing risk and improving safety on the water.
In addition, the City’s Hurricane Preparedness webpage provides a centralized resource to help residents prepare for, respond to, and recover from hurricanes, flooding, and other emergencies. The page includes evacuation zone details, shelter information, flood safety guidance, sandbag usage instructions, pet preparedness resources, debris removal information, emergency contacts, and links to additional county and state emergency management tools. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared before, during, and after storms by visiting https://mygulfport.us/
hurricane. 
More Info Gulfport Residents: Take Extra Precautions Against Mosquitoes
Pinellas County Mosquito Control is reporting increased mosquito-borne virus activity following recent rainfall. Residents are encouraged to follow the 3 Ds: Dress in protective clothing, Defend with insect repellent, and Dump or cover standing water around your property. Mosquito Control has increased treatments throughout the county. Help protect our community by checking your property for standing water and eliminating mosquito breeding areas.
Gulfport: Don’t Miss Out on Hurricane Recovery Grants!
The People First Hurricane Recovery Programs are here to support homeowners, renters, and local landlords impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, or Milton. These programs provide funding and assistance to repair damage, prevent long-term displacement, and make housing safer and more affordable.
Eligible Gulfport residents may apply online at https://recover.pinellas.gov or by calling (727) 606-3307. Case managers are available by phone, at county offices, and during community pop-up events to help guide applicants through the process.
Apply Now! 
Let’s Keep Gulfport Beautiful and Our Streets Clean! Keeping grass clippings out of the street helps protect our bay, prevent flooding, and keep roads safe. Bag, compost, or blow clippings back onto your lawn to recycle nutrients naturally.
Every small action helps keep Gulfport clean, green, and beautiful. Thank you for doing your part to care for our community!
Visit our Website A Message from the Gulfport Police Department: Keep Sidewalks Clear
Help keep Gulfport safe and accessible for everyone by keeping sidewalks clear.
Under Florida Statute 316.1945, vehicles and other obstructions are not permitted on sidewalks, as they can create serious hazards, especially for pedestrians using wheelchairs, strollers, or mobility aids. Violations may result in fines or towing.
Thank you for doing your part to keep our community walkable and safe!
Learn More Utility Marking: Decoding the Marks
Seeing colored flags or paint in your yard or along the street? Those markings mean underground utilities have been located within public rights-of-way or utility easements before contractors start work. They help prevent damage and keep everyone safe.
Remember, these markings show public utility lines, but private lines, like irrigation, outdoor lighting, or propane may still be underground and unmarked.
Always call 811 before you dig. It’s free, it’s the law, and it helps prevent damage, outages, and injuries!
1976 Bicentennial Time Capsule Photographs
Photos from the opening of Gulfport’s 1976 Bicentennial Time Capsule are now available online. Explore this special collection and take a look back at a unique piece of our community’s history.
Photo Gallery 
Gulfport Public Library Story Trail Initiative
The Gulfport Public Library is inviting community members and local businesses to help bring a new outdoor literacy experience to life through the Gulfport Story Trail. This interactive project will transform a park pathway into a walking storybook, with illustrated pages displayed along the trail so families can read together while exploring Gulfport’s parks. To help make the project possible, the library is seeking sponsors for approximately 20 outdoor reading stations. Each sponsored station will include an engraved plaque recognizing the donor, business, or honoring a loved one. Once completed, the Story Trail will promote literacy, encourage physical activity, and provide a year-round resource for families, schools, and visitors. For more information or to become a sponsor, contact the Gulfport Public Library at libraryinfo@mygulfport.us or 727-893-1074.
Adopt-a-Drain City of Gulfport Adopt-a-Drain Program
Did you know that keeping storm drains clear helps reduce roadway flooding, protects our local waterways, and keeps our community safe? The City of Gulfport’s Adopt-a-Drain Program makes it easy to make a big impact right in your own neighborhood.
Simply choose a storm drain near your home, workplace, or favorite walking route, monitor it regularly, and remove leaves and debris as needed. After clearing debris, contact Gulfport Public Works at (727) 893-1089 for pickup.
It’s a simple way to protect our streets and our shoreline, one drain at a time!
City of Gulfport Utilities Department Online Utility Service Application
The City of Gulfport Utility Billing – Customer Service Division provides an online Utility Service Application, making it easy for new customers to start water, sewer, sanitation, stormwater, and recycling service. The secure online form allows applicants to upload required documents and submit everything from any computer or mobile device.
In-person assistance is still available at Gulfport City Hall for those who prefer to apply in person.
The application can be accessed anytime at: mygulfport.us/utilities/
utility-account-application- form. Applications submitted before 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, are eligible for same-day activation. For more information, visit mygulfport.us/utilities or contact Utility Billing – Customer Service at utilitiesinfo@mygulfport.us or (727) 893-1016.
City of Gulfport Special Events Trolley/WRD Looper
The City of Gulfport Special Events Trolley/Waterfront Redevelopment District (WRD) Looper services large-scale special events and the First Friday and Third Saturday Night Markets from 5 to 9 p.m. and the Second Saturday’s at Trolley Market Square from 4 – 8 p.m. throughout the year.
For more information and to view all of the Loopers convenient pickup spots, please visit https://mygulfport.us/trolley/
. 
Learn More Improving Lives Through the Power of Information & Hope
At First Contact, our goal is to have a community that is connected and informed regarding critical health and human service information for those who need help and those who are willing to volunteer or donate their time to local community agencies.
Care About Me confidentially helps all residents of all ages, insured or not, by eliminating the guesswork or need to search for local behavioral health services by creating a space where residents or family members of individuals in non-crisis can call in, speak directly with experienced behavioral health specialists who can triage their needs, and get an appointment scheduled with a local provider.
For more information, visit https://careaboutme.org or call 1-888-431-1998.
Gulfport History Museum Operating Hours - Monday & Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Thursday: 12 – 4 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Saturday: Noon – 4 p.m. (1st and 3rd Saturdays)
- Sunday: Closed
727-893-1161 | historymuseum@mygulfport.us
Gulfport provides once-a-week collection of household recyclables. Curbside service is provided to all single-family and duplex homes, apartment/condo complexes, mobile home parks and smaller businesses. Items collected are plastic containers and jugs, steel cans, aluminum cans, mixed paper, cardboard and newspaper.
A drop-off center is located at the Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th Street South, for glass containers (all colors), mixed paper, and cardboard. It is open 24 hours / 7 days a week. For more information, visit https://mygulfport.us/public-
works-department/. 
The Gulfport Public Works Department located at the 49th Street Neighborhood Center (1617 49th St. S.) is an official collection site for rechargeable batteries!
For more information, please call 727-893-1089 or visit https://mygulfport.us/public-
works-department/. 
Learn more The City of Gulfport Private Waterline and Sewer Lateral Replacement Assistance Program offers financial reimbursement after the replacement of a deteriorated residential waterline or sewer lateral. City Utilities residential water or sewer customers are eligible for a rebate of 50% up to $3,500.00 after the purchase, installation, and inspection of failing waterlines or sewer lateral between the home connection and the city connection.
The City of Gulfport Senior Center’s Telephone Reassurance Program is a free service for Gulfport Residents 50 years of age or older. Volunteers provide daily phone calls to registered members and provide comfort, security, and peace of mind to members and families.
Registration is simple and free. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service during this difficult time, please call (727) 893-2237 and register today.
GEMS door-to-door transportation has provided independence & freedom to elderly and disabled residents of Gulfport for over 40 years.
Any Gulfport residents 65 & older or residents with a disability can take advantage of GEMS door to door service for a yearly membership of $70 plus $2 per one-way trip. For more information, call 893-2242.
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Hello, November! A Beloved Story & Sweet Holiday Plans ☕ – Elizabeth City
Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient-friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.
https://visitelizabethcity.com/
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Secure Your Spot: Marina Jack Awaits Your Arrival! Sarasota, FL, GICW Statute Mile 73
Marina Jacks and Sarasota are a favorite stop of ours when cruising Florida’s Gulf Coast. It has top-notch facilities and staff, along with a great town to visit. We particularly enjoy the Sarasota Farmers Market, which is hosted every Saturday from 7 am – 1 pm..
Whether you’re cruising Florida’s Gulf Coast, heading south for the season, or planning your next waterfront getaway, we’d love to welcome you to Marina Jack Yacht Basin.
Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Marina Jack offers an experience that goes beyond dockage. From the moment you arrive, you’re just steps from waterfront dining, local shops, cultural attractions, and the vibrant energy that makes Sarasota one of Florida’s most sought-after boating destinations.
Reserve your transient slip today and see why Marina Jack continues to be a favorite destination for cruising boaters.
Safe travels to all boaters and we hope to see you soon!
Sincerely,The Marina Jack Team
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READY TO BE SOMEWHERE ELSE – Janice Anne Wheeler, Sparring With Mother Nature
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Welcome aboard plethora of new subscribers! Our intro: SPARS & SPARRING—- highly recommended to explore what we’re all about. ~J
Listen to post · 9:52 I peered out my east-facing, round, bronze port, anticipating, even this time of year in the Northern Hemisphere, to see indications of dawn. Nothing. Waning moonlight shone. I tossed, adjusted, stayed awake, gave in, looked at the clock. 1:14. Seriously? Couldn’t be. Was. My frustrated toss awoke the Sailor, who shared my surprised disappointment that it wasn’t yet morning.
One final commitment keeps us dock-bound when we want, need really, to be sailing south. It is what it is. The days are passing slowly, for now. The good news is that it’s been gorgeous here, sunny, calm, warm, days and temperate nights. The bad news is this was probably our best weather window for weeks, slowly closing. It will be shut before our departure. We both know this, but haven’t said it out loud.
“We’re ready to be somewhere else,” I said to the darkness, unnecessarily. “Yep.”
I have a friend, close to heart, and she used to pack her bags long, long before departure for any given trip or adventure. Weeks, months even! I laughed at her while admiring the depth of enthusiasm and expectation she had for any upcoming get-a-way. Two decades later she is a true wanderer of the planet, hiking the Camino de Santiago this fall and last winter, sharing my never-to-be-forgotten escape to the Galápagos Islands as she toured South America. She also owns a Motorhome, which has been compared to my liveaboard cruising lifestyle, but is markedly different.
STEADFAST and crew can’t simply pull over and rest when we’d like a break, can’t provision and refuel in every little town we see on the chart, and we can’t depart on any set date in any sort of weather. Putting a vehicle in park and hitting the ‘auto-level’ is far simpler than our substantial anchoring routine (and even more so, the up-anchor routine), but I think the wanderlust is inherent in that lifestyle choice as it is in this one (as long as you don’t just go park somewhere each season, pull out the poo chute and stay).
My home is the ultimate self-contained wandering machine, really, but it’s a sailboat, and the limitations are, well, substantial. At 58ft/18m STEADFAST is relatively big, as recreational cruising boats go, with a seven-foot full keel draft (depth in the water).
Two years ago—you can see her green waterline. We’ve come a long way! Now that we have made her more self-sufficient than ever, she can travel on any sea deeper than three meters (adding in a little safety margin), which describes the vast majority of the planet. On most of those surfaces, it’s not so much what you see as what you don’t see, and I think nearly everyone’s imagination runs a little wild after too many shark movies and legends of the deep. “An ocean is a desert with its life underground….” my brain often sings that phrase from the 1971 classic “A Horse With No Name” by still-touring(!) band America; founded 55 years ago. For the sake of interest, you want to run into the islands and the continents, if you know what I mean, the rest of it can get a little boring, or, worse, the waves can get remarkably large.
STEADFAST has a few more restrictions for an assortment of reasons; turning radius, swing room, height. Ah, the height! She’s reportedly 64.5ft /19.7m (the US bridge standard height is 65ft). HOWEVER we do not take the chance that those six inches or so are accurately measured by the bridge folks, or by the previous owner (no offense Dmitri) or by anyone. We just don’t do it. The impressive concrete spans over the Intracoastal Waterway (see below) wouldn’t be the only thing ever to sink into southern mud! Unless the bridge height is 75+ or it opens, we choose another route, which for this upcoming passage takes us out into blue water, the mighty Western North Atlantic 110NM south of our current harbor, then around Cape Hatteras, North Carolina and through the Graveyard of the Atlantic. In all honesty, we’re happier ‘on the outside’ but it comes with hundreds of miles of far more contentious, challenging weather, water and waves. At an average of 6.5 knots or 7 miles an hour…there’s a whole lot of forecasting involved. The aforementioned passage is around 50 hours.
A concrete span over the Intracoastal Waterway in Virginia; some were built at 65ft but have sunken to lower depths, a danger for vessels like ours. By author. I recently received a message from the leader of my Grand Canyon raft trip in 2018, who I remember to be a free-wheeling character. “Wife and I just contracted to buy a sailboat, here in Maryland. Figure we can’t learn to sail without a sailboat,” he wrote to me excitedly, unexpectedly. “We hope to be down south by the first of the year.” We talked about surveys (the nautical term for a pre-purchase inspection, which my Sailor does under his company ANNAPOLIS MARINE SURVEYS, and also about taking sailing lessons, which my friend was just embarking on. Most folks take sailing lessons, in one form or another, long prior to contracting on a 240,000$ 50-footer.
Go big, I thought as I replied, inquiring about particulars. The back of my mind was nibbling on the reality that sailing is a tremendous learning curve, circular, or wavy, or a figure-eight, even, when you cross a path you thought you had already tread and someone changed the direction of the wind, the waves, the tide, the current and then you need to shift your understanding, tack, as it were, to open your mind to the multitude of possibilities that could happen next while looking at the compass and the 360-degree horizon line and the chart and the depth and where you put your feet and the top of the sails to ensure there is no luff, no inefficiency, and still take time to photograph the sunrise (which can draw a frown from the more practical member of the crew).
And then you wonder, as you leave the coastline behind. You feel remarkably smaller than you ever imagined you could feel on a substantial, forty-two ton vessel, you wonder what’s next.
STEADFAST is roomy and soulful with abundant character; we’ve added many of the live-on-land amenities to which we are fortunate enough to be accustomed. I’m not afraid to admit that it’s an important part of my experience out here, life well lived and for the most part, comfortable. I’ve worked hard to be where I am, and I’m not out to prove anything, I don’t covet hardship. Sometimes everyone gets it anyway, regardless of where we dwell.
We’re headed to where the water is this color! Under full sail, towing the lobster fishing dinghy, 2023, Abaco, Bahamas. Even with all the modern conveniences, Mother Nature could sink us with hardly a trace. In minutes. The chances of that are pretty miniscule. You are far more likely to get into a car accident this year (.27%) than sink in a boat (.000048%). To be clear, those are sinking boat owners, the balance, the vast majority, are land-only, possessing a 0% chance.*
Because shipwrecks are rare, they are also newsworthy, and frightening, to us most of all, be assured, and to those that love us. We study what went wrong, what can be learned. A whale strike, most recently, in the Southwest Pacific hit the headlines. In that case, no one is at fault. Those happen. And they change lives. Half a million dollars worth of someone’s life, and more importantly, perhaps, their dream. Someone’s dream now lies quietly thousands of feet beneath the surface of the ocean. All were rescued, an important happy ending; not always the case.
On blue water, STEADFAST is but a speck compared to the planet; quarter-mile-long freighters can (and have) crushed boats such as her with the chance crossing of two rhumb lines.** It has always been remarkable to me, and I have no explanation for it, that when we do encounter another vessel, it is remarkably often on a collision course. Perhaps just to keep us on our toes.
I zoomed in on Sea Stories with Duncan Hood recently (highly recommend the show); his guest’s vessel sank, he drifted across the majority of the Atlantic, east to west, on a 2M inflatable raft and crossed paths with no one. Seventy-six days (WOW), just salt water and sky and the creatures beneath him. Rather than never wanting to be wet again, he stayed on the water, went on to do risky things on small boats with few just the absolute basics.
Those small craft adventurers, so popular right now, are honestly the opposite of what I want to experience. For a passage that is safe, warm, dry and well-provisioned? I’m ready. Let’s go YACHTING.
I’m hoping that winter holds off just a little longer. Until next week! ~J
I rambled on a little this week…too much time on my hands still…this is one of my last sunrises from the dock. Stunner. I am resuming what I called THE SUNRISE PROJECT in 2024. Each morning, wherever I am, I’ll post the actual time and location of each sunrise when STEADFAST is underway.
In case you dream (as I did) about the unique Galápagos (& welcome aboard to all you new Subscribers!). This piece is a fan favorite.
TRAFFIC IN THE GALÁPAGOS, I
·Mar 8Read full story REFERENCES
*statistics provided by Chat GPT
** In navigation, a rhumb line (also rhumb (/rʌm/) or loxodrome) is an arc crossing all meridians of longitude at the same angle. It is a path of constant azimuth relative to true north, which can be steered by maintaining a course of fixed bearing.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Rhumb_line https://fox8.com/news/whale-
sinks-yacht-in-south-pacific- causing-military-rescue- mission/ Yay!! You made it all the way to the VERY end. Now, THAT is a compliment. See you next time. Fair winds, my friends. Truly. ~J
Random information & refreshment: Initiated in March of 2024, SPARRING WITH MOTHER NATURE was originally designed to be a sailing & travel blog, but, as in life, the unexpected happened and STEADFAST was under repair for nearly two and a half years. My subscribers and I learned, together, what it takes to save a classic wooden yacht. Way more than I ever imagined, that is for certain. In heart, soul and investment, she has required more than I ever imagined. YET, I would not make a different decision in buying her or in the quarter-million it took from my retirement funds to get her back on the water. Starting in late August of 2024, you can follow our path during the reconstruction, if you are so inclined. In November of 2026, we will once again be sailing south along the East Coast of the US, hoping for the Bahamas, and cannot thank you enough for staying aboard! It would have been easy to jump ship, but NO ONE did! For that, I am eternally grateful and more importantly, ridiculously happy to be writing these stories.
I truly appreciate your support of my work. Saving a piece of maritime history is far more complicated than I ever imagined! ~J
If you’re new here, please read SPARS & SPARRING, it’s essential!
© 2026 Janice Anne Wheeler
HOME IS WHERE WE DROP THE ANCHOR., Annapolis, Maryland, USA
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ATLANTIC GALE WARNING & POTENTIAL SUBTROPICAL DEVELOPMENT – Fred Pickhardt
Fred Pickhardt’s Substack is free today. But if you enjoyed this post, you can tell Fred Pickhardt’s Substack that their writing is valuable by pledging a future subscription. You won’t be charged unless they enable payments.
Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for moreA Gale Warning is currently active for a broad region south and southeast of Bermuda, positioned north of a weakening frontal system.
Current Conditions:
- Winds: Easterly at 20 to 30 knots.
- Seas: Significant wave heights running 2.5 to 3.5 meters (8 to 11 feet).
Forecast for Wednesday Afternoon:
- Location: Low-pressure center expected near 27°N, 66°W.
- Winds: Increasing from the Northeast to East at 25 to 35 knots.
- Seas: Building further to 3.5 to 4.0 meters (11 to 13 feet).
Subtropical Transition Risk
The National Hurricane Center indicates this low has a 40% chance of transitioning into a subtropical storm as it drifts slowly eastward across the west-central subtropical Atlantic. This window for development will remain open through the week before environmental conditions turn highly unfavorable by early next week.
Forensic Marine Weather Expert
NOAA National Hurricane Center
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A Sailing Boat That Isn’t Allowed To Sail – Loose Cannon
Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes that mariners with saltwater in their veins will subscribe. $7 per month or $56 for the year; you may cancel at any time.
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When all else fails, try journalism.
A Sailing Boat That Isn’t Allowed To Sail
The Strange Fate of a $600 Million Engineering Masterpiece
∙Guest post
Sailing Yacht A. The author is Neil Chapman, founder and CEO of Boatshed.com, an international yacht and boat brokerage group operating more than 70 offices across 18 countries. Chapman is also author of a Substack called Boatshed Neil, where he publishes stories such as this, which first appeared on November 2, 2026 and is reprinted with permission. Chapman is a Brit, by the way.
I remember when “Sailing Yacht A” first appeared. She was extraordinary. Three enormous carbon-fibre masts, a futuristic hull, and engineering on a scale that challenged almost everything we thought we knew about sailing boats.
People argued about whether she was beautiful or hideous. I remember thinking that whatever your opinion, somebody had actually built this remarkable thing. She was a celebrity before she’d sailed a mile.
And now I look at photographs of her sitting in the Italian port of Trieste, where she’s been detained for more than four years. According to a recent CNN investigation, Italian taxpayers are spending around $30,000 a day maintaining her.
My first reaction wasn’t outrage at the money. It was sadness. What an extraordinary waste of a sailing boat.
$30,000 a Day
CNN reports that Sailing Yacht A, valued at approximately $600 million, costs nearly $11 million annually to maintain. That sounds like an astonishing amount of money.
Until you do the arithmetic. Eleven million dollars is less than two percent of the boat’s reported value.
Anyone who’s owned boats for long enough knows the familiar exercise of convincing yourself that annual running costs will be relatively modest. They rarely are.
Ten percent of a boat’s value annually is a familiar rule of thumb. Sometimes it’s considerably more. Superyacht operating budgets can run into tens of millions annually, although the figures vary enormously depending on size, use, crew, refits and the original cost of the vessel.
Of course, maintaining a detained boat isn’t the same as operating one commercially or privately. There may be less cruising fuel and fewer hospitality expenses.
Maintenance doesn’t disappear. Mooring lines and fenders chafe. Salt accumulates. Deck fittings deteriorate. Pumps, seals, hydraulics and electronics need attention. Engines and generators require servicing, and many systems need regular operation.
A boat alongside isn’t a machine switched off in a warehouse. In many respects, remaining stationary can introduce problems of its own.
So the question that bothers me isn’t necessarily why Italy is spending $11 million a year. It’s whether $11 million is enough. Are the authorities preserving a $600 million engineering masterpiece, or simply paying to keep her afloat and presentable?
We don’t know. But it’s a question worth asking.
Ships Belong to the Crew
There’s another aspect of this that I find more troubling than the money—the crew. CNN reports that twenty people are employed aboard Sailing Yacht A.
Twenty sounds like a substantial number, until you consider the complexity of a 143-metre vessel. It’s not simply about numbers.
Good captains don’t merely operate a boat. They develop a relationship with her. They know how she behaves, what sounds right, what doesn’t, which systems need watching and which jobs are worth doing before they become expensive problems.
The chief engineer knows the machinery. The deck crew know the rigging, fittings and routines. Together they accumulate a body of knowledge that rarely exists in any single maintenance manual.
And then there’s pride—pride in the boat, pride in the crew and pride in the standards they maintain.
Throughout maritime history, that relationship has been fundamental to good seamanship. A captain’s standards become the ship’s standards. Now imagine that continuity being interrupted.
The owner loses control of the vessel. The original captain and engineers may leave. New people take responsibility under entirely different circumstances.
They may be excellent professionals. We have no evidence that the current crew are anything other than competent and conscientious. But there’s a difference between employing people to maintain an asset and maintaining the continuity of a ship’s working life. That’s something money alone cannot guarantee.
History Lives Aboard
Every boat carries a history that isn’t immediately visible. Not just where she’s sailed or who has owned her, but the accumulated knowledge of everyone who’s looked after her.
Why a particular pump was replaced. Which hydraulic circuit has been troublesome. What happened during the last major service. The small warning signs that an experienced engineer recognises immediately.
Lose the people, lose the records, and much of that knowledge can disappear.
It’s one reason I find the idea of a vessel’s memory so important. Not simply a digital folder of invoices and service records, but a continuing account of the boat’s working life, her condition, the decisions made and the people who made them.
That matters when a boat changes ownership, changes skipper or sits unused for years. It matters just as much to a modest second-hand sailing boat as it does to a $600 million superyacht. The physical vessel may survive, while much of the knowledge needed to care for her properly disappears.
Why Not Sell?
That was my next reaction. If the boat is costing taxpayers millions, why not sell her?
The answer is considerably more complicated than it first appears. Sanctions aren’t the same as confiscation. A government may have the authority to prevent somebody from using, moving or benefiting from an asset without acquiring ownership of it.
The underlying principle is that sanctions impose restrictions while particular circumstances persist. They don’t automatically transfer private property to the state. If the restrictions are eventually lifted, the owner may be entitled to recover the asset.
That’s an important distinction, even when the owner is unpopular. A forced sale creates problems of its own.
Suppose somebody commissioned a boat for $300 million. Years later, under distressed circumstances, it might fetch $150 million. Those are illustrative figures, but the commercial problem is real.
Superyachts are highly individual assets. Buyers are relatively scarce, valuations can be uncertain and a rushed sale may crystallise an enormous loss. Builders, brokers, lenders and owners all have legitimate interests in avoiding unnecessary damage to the market. There have been exceptions.
The superyacht Axioma was sold through judicial proceedings in Gibraltar in 2022, but that followed creditor action over a loan default. It wasn’t simply a government selling a boat because its owner was sanctioned.
The law can provide routes to a sale, but they depend on the circumstances and the legal authority involved.
Temporary but Permanent
The motor yacht Phi, detained in London since March 2022, provides another example. In July 2025, the UK Supreme Court upheld her detention.
The court considered the financial consequences, including maintenance expenditure, lost charter income and deterioration in the vessel’s condition and value. It also recognised that arrangements could be made for maintenance movements under suitable security conditions.
The legal system isn’t necessarily ignoring the practical consequences of detention, but it accepts that economic pressure on the owner is part of the purpose of sanctions. That’s where the contradiction lies.
Some financial damage is exactly what sanctions are designed to cause. But is every consequence of leaving a boat immobilised for years necessary to achieve that purpose?
Sanctions may be legally reversible. Deterioration isn’t always. Four years is a long time in the life of a boat. Eight years would be longer. Ten years?Equipment ages, technology becomes obsolete, maintenance bills accumulate and the people who once knew the vessel move on.
The boat may eventually be returned to its owner, but that doesn’t mean she’ll be the same boat that was detained.
Think Differently?
Perhaps we’ve become too accepting of the idea that these boats have only two possible futures.
Remain detained indefinitely, or be confiscated and sold. Or are there other possibilities worth exploring. What if the Italian authorities invited properly qualified, financially backed teams to propose ways of maintaining Sailing Yacht A as a working sailing vessel?
Not simply keeping her safe alongside, but exercising her systems, preserving her sailing capability and maintaining the knowledge and skills associated with operating her.
Could controlled sailing within Italian waters be authorised? Could some form of government-supervised charter operation contribute towards maintenance costs, with any revenue handled under appropriate legal restrictions?
Imagine giving a professional captain and crew the responsibility, resources and opportunity to keep one of the world’s most remarkable sailing boats doing what she was built to do.
There are substantial obstacles. Sanctions restrict economic use, not merely movement across national boundaries. Any such arrangement would need proper legal authority, insurance, safety oversight and safeguards to prevent prohibited benefits reaching the owner.
It might not be permissible at all under the present arrangements.
Commercial operation would introduce costs and risks of its own. But I’m not proposing this as a ready-made solution. I’m suggesting that perhaps we should be asking more imaginative questions.
If we’re already spending $30,000 a day, could that expenditure support a programme that preserves the boat as a functioning sailing machine, rather than simply as an immobilised asset?
And could that be done without undermining the purpose of the sanctions? Surely those possibilities deserve examination.
What Is Preserved?
I keep coming back to the photographs. When Sailing Yacht A first appeared, she represented extraordinary ambition. Naval architects, engineers, designers, builders and sailors had combined their skills to create something that had never existed before. You didn’t have to like her appearance to appreciate the achievement.
And now she’s become a problem for lawyers, politicians, insurers, accountants and port authorities.
Each has a legitimate responsibility. The law must protect property rights while enforcing sanctions. Governments must consider public expenditure. Insurers must manage risk. Port authorities must ensure safety.
But somewhere in that process, the purpose of the boat seems to have been lost. She was built to sail, not to spend year after year tied to a quay while people argue about who should pay the bill.
I don’t know whether the Italian authorities are maintaining her adequately. I don’t know whether a different arrangement would be legally possible or economically sensible.
And none of this is an argument against sanctions or an appeal on behalf of her owner. It’s simply a recognition that an extraordinary piece of maritime engineering has a value beyond its price tag.
There is value in the knowledge of her crew, the skills required to operate her, the engineering she represents and the experience of sailing her. Those things are difficult to put on a balance sheet, and once lost, they aren’t necessarily recoverable.
Perhaps that’s what troubles me most about the whole story. We’ve become very good at identifying who owns an asset, who controls it, who pays for it and who is legally responsible for it.
But perhaps we’re not always as good at remembering what it was created for.
You can freeze the ownership and use of a boat. You can preserve her machinery. You can even protect her financial value. But can you preserve the spirit of a sailing boat that nobody is allowed to sail?
Sources and background
- Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN, 1 November 2026, Italian taxpayers are paying millions to keep Russian yachts afloat. Read the article
- R (Dalston Projects Ltd) v Secretary of State for Transport [2025] UKSC 30, concerning the detention of Phi.
- Reuters, September 2022, reporting on the judicial auction of Axioma in Gibraltar.
A note on AI: This article was created in collaboration with AI. Sometimes we agree, sometimes we argue. The ideas, opinions and final decisions are mine.
Neil Chapman on his own boat. Be the first to comment!
A Little Wonder, A Little Cocoa, A Lot to Look Forward To 🍂☕ – Elizabeth City
Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient-friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.
https://visitelizabethcity.com/
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