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    • CURRENT LOCAL NOTICES TO MARINERS

      Here are the latest Local Notices to Mariners and NAV ALERTS that are relevant to ICW cruising in Districts 5, 7 and 8, the OBX, AICW, OWW, Keys, GIWW and adjacent waters. Open each LNM link for the USCG notice and a chart for each location. Listed north to south to north. NAV ALERTS will also be posted on our Homepage.

      For previous Local Notices, go to the Specific State or Region on our Homepage

       

      Week 39/26

      LNM: OWW MM:139.3, Caloosahatchee River Daybeacon 62 Missing

      LNM: Off GIWW-East MM:355.7, St George Island West Jetty Lighted Buoy 1 Extinguished

      LNM: Off GIWW-East MM:164.9, Bayou St John Daybeacon 13 Missing

      LNM: Off GIWW-East MM:355.7, St George Island West Jetty Lighted Buoy 1 Missing

      LNM: OWW MM:133.9, Caloosahatchee River Daybeacon 39 Destroyed

      LNM: Off AIWW-DismalSwamp, Hampton Roads Outfall Warning Buoy Missing

      LNM: AIWW MM:190.8, Adams Creek Daybeacon 15 Destroyed

      LNM: Off AIWW, Oregon Inlet Lighted Buoy 4 Offstation

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:1,137.8, Largo Sound Channel Daybeacon 23 Missing

      LNM: Off WW, Delaware Bay Main Channel Lighted Buoy 35 Relocated

      Expected Closure of W.P. Franklin and Ortona Locks for Major Maintenance – 1/4-3/1 2027, W P Franklin Lock, FL

      Torry Island Bridge Closure 10/12-12/22, Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 60

      LNM: Off GIWW-East, Pascagoula River Daybeacon 16 Missing

      LNM: Off AIWW, James River Channel Light 12 Improper Characteristics

      LNM: AIWW MM:496.8, White Point Light 108 Extinguished

      LNM: AIWW MM:573.2, Walls Cut Daybeacon 46 Missing

      LNM: Off AIWW, West Bay Light 7WB Improper Characteristics

      LNM: Off WW, West Bay Light 11WB Extinguished

      LNM: Off WW, Situational Update – Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Western Atlantic – Tue Sep 22, 2026 10:30 Extinguished

      LNM: Off GIWW-East MM:351.9, Two Mile Channel East End Buoy 14 Missing

      LNM: GIWW-East MM:367.3, St. George Sound Daybeacon 18 Missing

      LNM: Off GIWW-West MM:536.4, Corpus Christi Channel Light 14 TRLB

      LNM: GIWW-West MM:473.0, Port O’ Connor Channel Buoy 16 Missing

      LNM: OWW MM:12.4, St Lucie Canal Daybeacon 39 Leaning

      LNM: Off GIWW, Big Marco Pass-Gordon Pass Daybeacon 44 Destroyed

      LNM: Off GIWW-West MM:471.3, Matagorda Ship Channel B Range Rear Light Extinguished

      LNM: Off GIWW-West, Matagorda Ship Channel Light 60 Missing

      LNM: AIWW MM:890.0, Indian River (North Section) Light 59 Damaged

      LNM: AIWW MM:245.9, Camp Lejeune Closed to Navigation

      LNM: AIWW MM:784.5, Matanzas River Daybeacon 33 Extinguished

      LNM: Off , Ocracoke Inlet Buoy 8 Relocated

      LNM: Off , Teaches Hole Lighted Buoy 9 Relocated

      LNM: Off AIWW, Teaches Hole Lighted Buoy 10 Relocated

      LNM: Off AIWW, Teaches Hole Lighted Buoy 11 Relocated

      LNM: Off AIWW, Teaches Hole Buoy 12 Relocated

       

      Week 38/26

      LNM: Off WW, Indian Creek Light 10 Extinguished

      LNM: Off WW, NWS Tropical Atlantic Marine Weather Briefing – September 20, 2026 15:30

      LNM: GIWW MM:118.7, Treasure Island Light 11 Set TRLB

      LNM: Swim Around Charleston, TOMORROW Oct 20 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, AICW MM 465

      LNM: Swim Around Charleston, TODAYOct 20 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, AICW MM 465

      LNM: GIWW MM:118.7, Treasure Island Light 11 Destroyed

      LNM: AIWW MM:245.9, Camp Lejeune Closed to Navigation

      LNM: AIWW MM:284.8, New River – Cape Fear River Light 128 Missing

      LNM: Off WW, Murrells Inlet Buoy 4A Offstation

      LNM: Off , Ocracoke Inlet Buoy 8 Relocated

      LNM: Off , Teaches Hole Lighted Buoy 9 Relocated

      LNM: Off AIWW, Teaches Hole Lighted Buoy 10 Relocated

      LNM: Off AIWW, Teaches Hole Lighted Buoy 11 Relocated

      LNM: Off AIWW, Teaches Hole Buoy 12 Relocated

      LNM: Off GIWW-West MM:536.4, Corpus Christi Channel Light 14 Offstation

      LNM: GIWW MM:141.0, St Joseph Sound Light 11 Extinguished

      LNM: GIWW MM:147.8, St Joseph Sound Lighted Buoy 35B Extinguished

      LNM: Off WW, NWS Tropical Atlantic Marine Weather Briefing -September 17, 2026 15:30

      LNM: Off , Rollinson Channel Light 42RC Damaged

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:574.1, Lazaretto Creek Lighted Buoy WR3 Offstation

      LNM: AIWW MM:735.2, Gunnison Cut Daybeacon 73 Offstation

      LNM: Off GIWW-East, Mobile Channel F Range Front Light Extinguished

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:463.2, Wando River Terminal Lighted Buoy 8 Relocated

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:1,154.1, Hen And Chickens Shoal Light 40 Extinguished

      LNM: Off GIWW MM:107.2, St Petersburg Channel Daybeacon 13 Destroyed

      LNM: Off WW, Chincoteague Channel Lighted Buoy 10 Relocated

      LNM: Off , Chincoteague Channel Lighted Buoy 11 Relocated

      LNM: Off , Chincoteague Inlet Lighted Buoy 8A Relocated

      LNM: GIWW-East MM:371.3, St. George Sound Light 6 Missing

      LNM: Off GIWW-East, Mobile Channel F Range Front Light Extinguished

      LNM: Swim Around Charleston, Oct 20 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, AICW MM 465

      LNM: Off WW, Beaufort Inlet Channel Lighted Buoy 13 Relocated

      LNM: Off GIWW-East MM:179.7, Pensacola Bay Entrance Buoy 7 Damaged

      LNM: Off , Tacony Range Rear Light Extinguished

      LNM: Off WW, Frankford Upper Range Front Light Extinguished

      LNM: Off , Torresdale Lower Range Rear Light Extinguished

      LNM: Off WW, Beaufort Inlet Channel Lighted Buoy 13 Relocated

      LNM: GIWW-West MM:519.6, Aransas Bay Light 25 Extinguished

      LNM: Off GIWW-West MM:512.6, Aransas Bay Daybeacon A Destroyed

      LNM: GIWW-West MM:519.6, Aransas Bay Light 25 Destroyed

      LNM: Off GIWW-East MM:191.9, Escambia Bay Light 7 Destroyed

      LNM: AIWW MM:746.0, Pablo Creek Daybeacon 28 Missing

      LNM: AIWW MM:713.8, St Marys Daybeacon N Offstation

      LNM: AIWW MM:938.0, Indian River (South Section) Buoy 65A Missing

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:571.6, Savannah River North Jetty Light Extinguished

      LNM: GIWW-East MM:168.5, Pensacola-Mobile Daybeacon 51 Offstation

      LNM: Off AIWW, Oregon Inlet Lighted Whistle Buoy OI Changed

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:285.0, Masonboro Inlet Lighted Whistle Buoy A Changed

      LNM: Off WW, St Martins Outer Shoal Light 10 Extinguished

      LNM: AIWW MM:294.8, New River – Cape Fear River Daybeacon 159 Temporarily Established

      LNM: AIWW MM:679.1, Cedar Hammock Outbound Range Front Light Destroyed

       

      Week 37/26

      LNM: Off WW, NWS Tropical Atlantic Marine Weather Briefing -September 13, 2026 17:45

      LNM: AIWW MM:1,090.0, Biscayne Bay Daybeacon 57 Adrift

      LNM: AIWW MM:601.8, Hell Gate Buoy 89 Missing

      LNM: AIWW MM:713.8, St Marys Daybeacon N Offstation

      LNM: AIWW MM:601.8, Hell Gate Buoy 89 Missing

      LNM: Off GIWW, Gordon Pass Channel Daybeacon 10 Set TRUB

      LNM: AIWW MM:294.8, New River – Cape Fear River Daybeacon 159 Temporarily Established

      LNM: GIWW-West MM:459.3, Matagorda Bay Buoy 29 Missing

      LNM: Off WW, Beaufort Inlet Channel Lighted Buoy 13 Relocated

      LNM: Off WW, Fisher Point Range Rear Light Changed

      LNM: Off WW, NWS Tropical Atlantic Marine Weather Briefing -September 10-15 , 2026 17:45

      LNM: St. Johns River MM:7.4, Fulton Cutoff Range Rear Light Reduced Intensity

      LNM: St. Johns River MM:8.1, Fulton Cutoff Range Front Light Reduced Intensity

      LNM: Off GIWW, Gordon Pass Channel Daybeacon 10 Missing

      LNM: Off GIWW, Big Marco Pass-Gordon Pass Daybeacon 18A Temporarily Disestablished

      LNM: Off OWW, Naples Bay Channel Daybeacon 33 Missing

      LNM: Off GIWW, Gordon Pass Channel Light 13 Set TRLB

      LNM: Off GIWW, Big Marco Pass-Gordon Pass Daybeacon 56 Set TRUB

       

      Week 36/26

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:676.5, Cedar Hammock Range Rear Light Extinguished

      LNM: Off GIWW-East MM:227.8, Choctawhatchee Bay Entrance Buoy 9 Offstation

      LNM: AIWW MM:840.9, Ponce De Leon Cut Daybeacon 7 Missing

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:480.7, Stono River Daybeacon 9 Offstation

      LNM: Off WW, Beaufort Inlet Channel Lighted Buoy 14 Extinguished

      LNM: AIWW MM:245.9, Camp Lejeune Live Firing

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:464.6, Mount Pleasant Range Rear Light Extinguished

       

      Week 12/24

      Cooper River Dredging, Charleston, SC

       

      Week 39/23

      LNM: Alt ICW MM 7, Long Term Deep Creek Bridge Replacement, Dismal Swamp Canal, NC

      For previous Local Notices, go to the Specific State or Region on our Homepage

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    • Southeast Marine Fuel Best Prices as of Sep 23

      This week’s lowest current marina fuel prices as of Sep 23
              Diesel Range: $1.00 to $8.00 Lowest @ Windward Sebastian Inlet Marina in (Eastern Florida)
              Gas Range: $4.31 to $4.31 Lowest @ Galveston Yacht Marina in (Texas)
      Remember to always call the marina to verify the current price since prices may change at any time. Also please let us know if you find a marina’s fuel price has changed via the Submit News link.

      SELECT Fuel Type:
      SELECT Format:
      Lowest Diesel Price in Each Region

      Fuel Price Report Brought to you by:

      Ft. Pierce City Marina
      Ft. Pierce City Marina specializes in overnight dockage and 22 hour fueling.

      Lowest Diesel Prices Anywhere

      All Regions (Price Range $1.00 to $8.40)

      Lowest By Region

      Virginia to North Carolina (Price Range $5.78 to $7.07)

      North Carolina (Price Range $4.98 to $7.90)

      South Carolina (Price Range $4.85 to $7.99)

      $4.85 Osprey Marina (09/21)
      $5.46 Cricket Cove Marina (09/22)
      $5.58 Grande Dunes Marina (09/21)

      Georgia (Price Range $5.29 to $7.19)

      Eastern Florida (Price Range $1.00 to $8.00)

      St Johns River (Price Range $5.50 to $8.40)

      Florida Keys (Price Range $5.20 to $8.25)

      Western Florida (Price Range $5.65 to $8.49)

      $5.65 Turtle Cove Marina (09/21)
      $5.78 Shields Marina (09/22)
      $5.79 Twin Rivers Marina (09/22)

      Okeechobee (Price Range $6.49 to $6.70)

      $6.49 Gulf Harbour Marina (09/21)
      $6.70 Sunset Bay Marina (09/22)

      Northern Gulf (Price Range $6.17 to $7.06)

      Texas (Price Range $5.67 to $5.67)

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    • LTM Additions So Far Today: Today (Wed, Sep 23)

      0 New LTM\’s Added Today. Note this post is updated hourly so check back as the day progresses for the lastest and updated information.

      SELECT LTM Area:

      SELECT Format:
       

      0 ALL Areas LTM\’s Added on 2026-09-23

      ALL Areas List for 2026-09-23 (0 Found)

      No LTM on 2026-09-23

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    • NHC: TROPICAL STORM CHARTS AND UPDATES

      The National Hurricane Center chart below updates automatically and shows the latest storm positions. Click the chart for the full NHC report. While port conditions are primarily for commercial mariners, they give a strong indication of the Coast Guard’s appraisal of the storm’s severity.

      Categories:
      • Category 1: winds between 74 m.p.h. and 95 m.p.h.
      • Category 2: winds between 96 m.p.h. and 110. m.p.h.
      • Category 3: winds between 111 m.p.h. and 129 m.p.h.
      • Category 4: winds between 130 m.p.h. and 156 m.p.h.
      • Category 5: winds of 157 m.p.h. or greater.
      Hurricane Season Port Condition Definitions 
      
      
      
      

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    • Expected Closure of W.P. Franklin and Ortona Locks for Major Maintenance – 1/4-3/1 2027, W P Franklin Lock, FL


      The W P Franklin Lock is the westernmost lock on the Okeechobee Waterway. Our thanks to Specialist Jeffrey Prater for this notice.

      Notice to Navigation: 2026-015 – Expected Closure of W.P. Franklin and Ortona Locks for Major Maintenance

      Notice to Navigation: 2026-015 – Expected Closure of W.P. Franklin and Ortona Locks for Major Maintenance

      US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS JACKSONVILLE DISTRICT

      LOCAL NUMBER: 2026-015

      WATERWAY:  Caloosahatchee River, Okeechobee Waterway

      EFFECTIVE: 4 January 2027

      ATTN: CESAJ-OD-SN
      PO Box 4970
      JACKSONVILLE, FL 32232-0019

      POC: Kriss Zeller, Chief of Navigation (772) 380-6928

      www.saj.usace.army.mil/NTN

      REFERENCE:

      1. 33 CFR Navigation and Navigable Waters
      2. Notice to Navigation

      Attention all concerned boaters!

      The W.P. Franklin Lock will be closed to all traffic for dewatering and major maintenance from January 4, 2027 to March 1, 2027. No passage through W.P. Franklin Lock will be available during this critical scheduled maintenance. The Ortona Lock will be open to local traffic only from January 4, 2027 to March 1 2027.

      The Ortona Lock will be closed to all traffic for dewatering and major maintenance from March 1, 2027 to April 30, 2027. No passage through the Ortona Lock will be available during this critical scheduled maintenance. The W.P. Franklin Lock will be open to local traffic only from March 1, 2027 to April 30, 2027.

      For the current Lake Okeechobee water levels, please see:  https://w3.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/currentLL.shtml

      1. For up-to-date Lock information, contact the shift operator 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at:

                      St. Lucie Lock & Dam 772-287-2665 or 863-662-9148

                      Port Mayaca Lock & Dam 561-924-2858 or 863-662-9424

                      Julian Keen, Jr. Lock & Dam 863-946-0414 or 863-662-9533

                      Ortona Lock & Dam 863-675-0616 or 863- 662-9846

                      W.P. Franklin Lock & Dam 863-662-9908

                      Canaveral Lock 321-783-5421 or 863-662-0298 (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

      Thank you! Jeff

      Jeffrey D Prater
      Public Affairs Specialist
      Corporate Communications Office
      U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District
      South Florida Office

      4400 PGA Blvd.

      Suite 501

      Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

      Cell: 561-801-5734

      jeffrey.d.prater@usace.army.mil

      Twitter @JaxStrong

      Jacksonville District Facebook:

      https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict

       

      Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers Net Bridge Directory Listing For Franklin Lock

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Franklin Lock

       

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    • Kick Off Fall with Festivals, Films & Local Fun 🍂 – 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/


      Newsletter icons created by Freepik – Flaticon

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    • Torry Island Bridge Closure 10/12-12/22, Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 60


      This closure effectively requires all vessels to use Route 1 since the clearance is 11 ft.  Note that the closure is from Oct 22 through December 22, 2026.

      Notice to Navigation: 2026-016 – Torry Island Bridge Closure Route 2

      Notice to Navigation: 2026-016 – Torry Island Bridge Closure Route 2

      US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS JACKSONVILLE DISTRICT
      LOCAL NUMBER: 2026-016
      WATERWAY:  Route 2 Lake Okeechobee, Okeechobee Water Way
      EFFECTIVE: October 12, 2026 to December 22, 2026

       

      ATTN: CESAJ-OD-SN

      PO Box 4970

      JACKSONVILLE, FL 32232-0019

       

      POC: Kriss Zeller, Chief of Navigation (772) 380-6928

       

      www.saj.usace.army.mil/NTN

      REFERENCE:

      1. 33 CFR Navigation and Navigable Waters
      2. Notice to Navigation

      Attention all concerned boaters!

      Torry Island Bridge Closure

      The U.S. Coast Guard has authorized a temporary deviation to drawbridge operations for the Point Chosen (Torry Island) Swing Bridge, across Route 2, Okeechobee Waterway.

      The authorization states – The Point Chosen (Torry Island) Swing Bridge need not open to navigation from 8 a.m. on October 12, 2026, through 8 a.m. on December 22, 2026. Vessels declaring an emergency will be passed as soon as it is safely possible to do so. The vertical navigation clearance will be reduced to 8 feet due to a temporary installed work platform suspended from the structure. Vessels able to pass without an opening and given the reduce vertical clearance may do so at any time.  Route 1 (Open Lake) remains available to transit Lake Okeechobee during this time.

      For the current Lake Okeechobee water levels, please see:  https://w3.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/currentLL.shtml

      1. For up-to-date Lock information, contact the shift operator 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at:

                      St. Lucie Lock & Dam 772-287-2665 or 863-662-9148

                      Port Mayaca Lock & Dam 561-924-2858 or 863-662-9424

                      Julian Keen, Jr. Lock & Dam 863-946-0414 or 863-662-9533

                      Ortona Lock & Dam 863-675-0616 or 863- 662-9846

                      W.P. Franklin Lock & Dam 863-662-9908

                      Canaveral Lock 321-783-5421 or 863-662-0298 (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

      Thank you! Jeff

      Jeffrey D Prater
      Public Affairs Specialist
      Corporate Communications Office
      U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District
      South Florida Office

      4400 PGA Blvd.

      Suite 501

      Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

      Cell: 561-801-5734

      jeffrey.d.prater@usace.army.mil

      Twitter @JaxStrong

      Jacksonville District Facebook:

      https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict

      Click Here To View the Okeechobee Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Torry Island Bridge

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Torry Island Bridge

      1 Facebook Likes, 2 Facebook Reactions

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    • City of Gulfport Monday (09/21/26) Newsletter, Gulfport, FL


      Gulfport Marina includes dry boat storage, ship store, bathroom, public boat ramp, parking, fueling stations, lighted range markers and guest docking facility.

      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

      City of Gulfport, FL Mon, Sep 21, 2026 at 12:05 PM
      Reply-To: info@mygulfport.us
      To: larry.dorminy@cruisersnet.net
      Weekly news & updates
      September 21, 2026 | City of Gulfport, FL – Gateway to the Gulf Newsletter
      E-Newsletter: Monday, September 14, 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

      Smiling woman with short reddish hair wearing a brown top against a light blue background.

      Webpage

      Email

      Report

      826-7208

      Ward 1

      Jennifer Daunch

      Webpage

      Email

      893-1002

      Vice Mayor

      Marlene Shaw

      A smiling woman with long gray hair. Wearing a black jacket and a red blouse stands in front of vibrant pink flowers.

      Webpage

      Email

      Report

      826-7311

      Ward 3

      Jennifer Webb

      Smiling young woman. Long wavy brown hair. Blue and white striped shirt. Green plants and tree in background.

      Webpage

      Email

      893-1001

      Ward 4 Nancy

      Earley

      Smiling woman. Long straight brown hair. Black turtleneck. Arms crossed. Plain light background.

      Webpage

      Email

      269-6625

      City Manager’s Gulfport Community Update
      Gulfport Community Update: September 13 – 19, 2026

      The Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season ends November 30. 2026 Pinellas County Hurricane Guides are available at most City facilities, providing important information on evacuation zones, emergency contacts and storm preparedness. Residents are urged to review these materials and stay informed throughout the season. Visit the City’s Hurricane Center for more information.

      The City of Gulfport uses the SeeClickFix Service Request Center to receive, route and track nonemergency service requests. Residents can submit the location of a concern, upload photos and monitor progress through the City’s SeeClickFix service request page. The system can be used to report a variety of issues, including potholes, sidewalk damage, drainage concerns, traffic sign problems, graffiti, park maintenance needs, and sanitation and code compliance matters.

      Read More
      Upcoming Official Meetings
      City seal. Text reads Gateway to the Gulf. City of Gulfport Fla. Incorporated Oct. 12 1910. Illustration of waterfront with buildings pier and boat. Circular black and gold design.

      City of Gulfport: Meetings Calendar October 2026

      • October 6, 2026 – City Council Meeting – 6:00pm
      • October 7, 2026 – Planning & Zoning Meeting – Cancelled
      • October 8, 2026 – Special Magistrate – 9:30 am
      • October 14, 2026 – Board of Adjustment – 6:00 pm
      • October 20, 2026 – City Council Meeting – 6:00 pm
      • October 21, 2026 – Neighborhood Watch – 6:00pm

      All meetings are open to the public and are held in the City Hall, City Council Chambers, 2401 53rd Street South, In Person, unless otherwise noted. Meetings may occasionally be added, cancelled or rescheduled after this list is published. Please check the city’s website https://mygulfport.us for updated information.

      This Weeks Events & Meetings

      Keep Calm & Carry Yarn

      Monday, September 21st | 10:15 a.m.

      Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.

      Join us for a weekly knitting and crochet group! Bring your current project, start something new, learn a new skill, and meet other crafters! Don’t know how to knit or crochet? That’s ok, we can help you get started. Call 727-893-1074 for additional information.

      “Bring Your Own Book” (BYOB) Club

      Monday, September 21st | 1 p.m.

      Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.

      Join us for our weekly Bring Your Own Book book club at 1:00 p.m. Read quietly, enjoy free coffee or tea, and discuss your latest reads or all-time favorites with fellow book lovers. Participation is free and open to the public. For more information, visit https://mygulfport.us/library or call 727-893-1074.

      Mosquito Management Town Hall

      Monday, September 21st | 6 p.m.

      49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S.

      Join Vice-Mayor Marlene Shaw for a Mosquito Management Town Hall on Monday, September 21, at 6 p.m. at the 49th Street South Neighborhood Center. Caroline Pickart, Senior Environmental Specialist with Pinellas County Public Works, will discuss mosquito monitoring and prevention, including simple steps residents can take to reduce mosquito breeding around their homes. Free and open to the public.

      Logo. Illustration of hand holding leaf with sun rays. Text reads Gulfport Fresh Market. Bright colors purple teal yellow orange.
      Visit our Website
      Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market

      Tuesday, September 22nd | 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.

      September Arts Center Workshops 

      Gulfport Arts Center, 2726 54th St. S.

      Email ArtsCenter@mygulfport.us to register

      Painted Paper Collage (Adult Workshop) – Tuesday, September 22, 12:30 – 2:15 p.m.: Participants will transform plain white paper into colorful works of art, then use their painted creations to design a one-of-a-kind collage.

      Leaf Rubbing Magnets (Kids Workshop) – Friday, September 25, 5 – 6:15 p.m. and Tuesday, September 29, 12:30 – 1:45 p.m.: Kids will turn leaf rubbings into fun magnets to take home.

      Reserve A Spot
      Good Faith Rise Up

      Wednesday, September 23rd | 5:30 – 8 p.m.

      Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.

      Join the Florida Council of Churches and The Carter Center’s SUN100 on Wednesday, September 23, from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater for a free screening of Bad Faith 2026, followed by a community conversation about faith, dignity, collaboration and working together for the common good. Dinner will be provided.

      Living Shoreline with Tampa Bay Watch

      Thursday, September 24th | 1 p.m.

      Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.

      Join us for our monthly COF Presents! This month Tampa Bay Watch will discuss their restoration projects and the importance of living shorelines. PPLC offers free passes to the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. Check availability at the Circ Desk! Sponsored by the Circle of Friends. 

      Purchase Tickets
      Eliza Neals Brings Electrifying Blues-Rock to Gulfport

      Friday, September 25th | 7 p.m.

      Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.

      Acclaimed singer-songwriter Eliza Neals brings her powerhouse vocals and electrifying blend of blues, rock, and soul to the Catherine A. Hickman Theater on Friday, September 25. Known for her dynamic stage presence and heartfelt performances, Neals promises an unforgettable evening of live music. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., tickets are $25, and seating is limited. Purchase tickets online and join us for a night of exceptional entertainment in Gulfport.

      Purchase Tickets
      Nan Colton as Georgia O’Keeffe

      Sunday, September 27th | 3 – 4:30 p.m.

      Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.

      Step into the world of one of America’s most celebrated artists as acclaimed actress and playwright Nan Colton brings Georgia O’Keeffe to life at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater. Through captivating storytelling and performance, this one-woman show explores O’Keeffe’s remarkable life, groundbreaking art, and enduring legacy. Tickets are available through Eventbrite, with all proceeds benefiting the Gulfport Senior Foundation.

      Upcoming Events & Meetings
      Logo. Illustration of sunset with rays. Palm trees. Building silhouette. Text reads Gulfport Night Market. Wavy line at bottom. Blue purple orange and teal colors.
      More Info

      First Friday Gulfport Night Market

      Friday, October 2nd | 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.

      Art Reception & Exhibit

      Friday, October 2nd | 6 – 8 p.m.

      Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.

      Join the City of Gulfport for the monthly First Friday Art Reception on Friday, September 4, at the Catherine Hickman Theater. Enjoy an evening of local art, conversation, and community while exploring the featured exhibit in the Theater Lobby. Beer, wine, and snacks will be available for purchase at the theater bar. Come out, support local artists, and enjoy a relaxed evening in Gulfport!

      Register
      Gulfport Community 5K Run/Walk

      Saturday, October 3rd | 8 a.m.

      Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S.

      Lace up and join the City of Gulfport for the Gulfport Community 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, October 3, at 8 a.m.! The starting line will be located in front of the Historic Gulfport Casino Ballroom at 5500 Shore Blvd. S. This family-friendly 3.1-mile waterfront course welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels. Registration is $17 per participant and will remain open through Wednesday, September 30, at 4:30 p.m. Participants who register by September 23 are guaranteed to receive an official event T-shirt. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this fun community event! Not running? You can still support Operation Santa, which helps provide holiday gifts to local children ages 0–10, by making a donation through the race registration site.

      Purchase Tickets
      Legendary Singer-Songwriter Janis Ian Documentary Screening & Rare Live Appearance

      Saturday, October 3rd | 2 – 3:30 p.m.

      Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave.

      The Gulfport community is invited to experience a special afternoon celebrating the life, music, and legacy of legendary singer-songwriter Janis Ian during a screening of the acclaimed documentary Janis Ian: Breaking Silence, followed by a rare live appearance and conversation with Janis Ian.

      Collage Group Share & Swap for Teens & Adults 

      Saturday, October 3 & 17 | 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.

      Learn More
      Fusion 49th District General Meeting

      Monday, October 5th | 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.

      Flyer. City of Gulfport logo. Text reads What’s on Your Mind. All residents welcome. Community events at SumitrA Espresso Lounge and Wonder Works. Office hours every Monday at City Hall. Photo of smiling woman with long gray hair. Red top. Black jacket. Necklace. Contact details for Councilmember Marlene Shaw.
      What’s on Your Mind? With Councilmember Marlene Shaw – Every First Wednesday

      Wednesday, October 7th | 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.

      International Coastal Cleanup – Clam Bayou

      Saturday, October 10th | 9 – 11 a.m.

      Clam Bayou Nature Park, Miriam St. S.

      Join Gulfport Grassroots, Keep Pinellas Beautiful, and the City of Gulfport for the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, October 10, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Clam Bayou Nature Park. Volunteers of all ages are invited to help remove litter and debris, protect local wildlife and waterways, and keep Gulfport’s shorelines beautiful. Cleanup supplies will be provided. Please wear boots, long pants, and sleeves for safety and comfort.

      More Info
      A Gulfport Welcome

      Wednesday, October 14th | 6:30 – 8 p.m.

      Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.

      New to Gulfport? Join us Wednesday, October 14, from 6:308 p.m. at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., for A Gulfport Welcome, an opportunity for new residents to meet City leaders, connect with local organizations and discover the people, programs and resources that make Gulfport special. The evening will include brief introductions, a short presentation and plenty of time for open mingling and making connections.

      RSVP
      Millennium Time Capsule Unearthing & Community Luminary Labyrinth Walk

      Friday, October 16th | 5:30 – 7 p.m.

      Gulfport History Museum, 5301 28th Ave. S.

      Join the community on Friday, October 16, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Gulfport History Museum for an evening connecting Gulfport’s past and present. A time capsule sealed in 2000 will be unearthed and opened, followed by a candlelit luminary labyrinth walk. This free community event is part of the TimeWeaving Community Labyrinth, a public art and history project celebrating Gulfport’s past, present, and future. 

      Free Community Tree Giveaway

      Saturday, October 17th | 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.

      Tickets & Info
      SAGES Theater presents “Grandma Rocks”

      Saturday, October 17th | 2 – 3:30 p.m.

      Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 2

      Join SAGES Theater on Saturday, October 17, at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater for Grandma Rocks, a heartwarming comedy about second chances, family, and finding joy in life’s next chapter. The free, family-friendly performance begins at 1:45 p.m., with doors opening at 1 p.m. for community resources, prize drawings, and goody bags, followed by a sing-along at 1:30 p.m. The approximately 60-minute performance will be followed by a 30-minute Q&A. Reservations are required to guarantee seating. For reservations, contact SAGES Theater at playswithpurpose@sagestheater.org or (727) 202-2302.

      Logo. Illustration of sunset with rays palm trees and building silhouette. Text reads Gulfport Night Market. Wavy line design at bottom. Blue purple orange and teal color scheme.
      More Info

      Third Saturday Gulfport Night Market

      Saturday, October 17th | 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.

      Reading Isn’t Ruff with Therapy Dogs

      Wednesday, October 21st | 4 p.m.

      Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.

      Children can practice their literacy skills by reading aloud to a therapy dog and handler. Bring your own book or borrow one from the library! We’re excited to welcome the Hearts of Gold therapy team and their furry friends to our Read to a Dog program. Recommended for Grades 2–5, but children of all ages are welcome. For more information, call 727-893-1074.

      Gulfport Neighborhood Watch Meetings

      Wednesday, October 21st | 6 p.m.

      Every third Wednesday of each month

      City Hall (Council Chambers), 2401 53rd St. S.

      For more information, please contact Mr. Jim Wright Neighborhood Watch Coordinator at 727-893-1022 or jwright@mygulfport.us.

      Tickets & Info
      Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind: New Orleans Style Blues, Rock & Jazz

      Wednesday, October 21st | 7 – 9 p.m.

      Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.

      Don’t miss an unforgettable night of live music when acclaimed harmonica virtuoso Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind bring their electrifying blend of blues, rock, jazz, funk, and New Orleans influences to the Catherine A. Hickman Theater on Wednesday, October 21, at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. General admission is $25. Tickets are expected to sell quickly. 

      Tickets & Info
      Improv Sandwich: Aliens at the Hickman

      Friday, October 30th | 6 – 8 p.m.

      Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.

      Get ready for an out-of-this-world night of comedy on Friday, October 30, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater. Improv Sandwich presents a 90-minute, interactive improv show featuring Star Trek actress Laura Banks and a troupe of seasoned performers. Set in a retro 1950s diner, the show combines Halloween fun, alien encounters and audience-inspired comedy where every scene is created live on stage. General Admission and VIP experiences are available, with Early Bird pricing through September 30.

      Halloween Bash

      Saturday, October 31st | 4 – 7 p.m.

      Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S.

      Join us Saturday, October 31, from 4–7 p.m. at the Gulfport Recreation Center for an evening of trunk-or-treat, games, music, and a costume contest. The costume contest begins at 5 p.m., with categories for ages 0–3, 4–7, 8–12, 13–17, and family themes. For more information, call 727-893-1068.

      RSVP
      Labyrinth Lights Dance Performance

      Friday, November 6th | 5 – 9 p.m.

      Gulfport History Museum, 5301 28th Ave. S.

      Experience an evening of music, movement, and light on Friday, November 6, from 5–9 p.m. at the Gulfport History Museum. Enjoy a luminary-lit labyrinth featuring a special dance and drum performance by Hip Expression Dancers and Drummers. This free community event is part of the TimeWeaving Community Labyrinth project and Creative Pinellas’ Art Everywhere initiative. Free and open to the public.

      Artists Map
      Gulfport’s Art in the Yard, Community Art Sale

      Saturday, November 7th | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

      City of Gulfport, FL

      Shop original artworks during the City of Gulfport Art in the Yard Community Art Sale, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday, November 7. In the event of rain, the sale will take place Sunday, November 8. This bi-annual community art sale transforms the charming City into an open-air gallery, showcasing the talent and creativity of local artists in their own front yards. A Google map of participating artists can be found at, https://mygulfport.us/gulfport-art-in-the-yard.

      Registrations Now Open!
      Register Here

      Permit Free City-Wide Yard Sale

      Registration Now Open!

      Registration is now open for Gulfport’s Permit Free City-Wide Yard Sale, taking place Saturday, November 14, from dawn to dusk throughout the City. Residents can register to have their yard sale address included in the event brochure and Google Maps. Register by Friday, October 30, at 2 p.m. to be included.

      Register Here

      Heroes Weekend Veterans Parade

      Registration Now Open!

      Registration is now open for Gulfport’s annual Veterans Parade, taking place Sunday, November 8, at 11 a.m. Join the community as we honor the brave men and women who have served our nation. Register by Monday, November 2, at 3 p.m.

      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

      Take Two on Tuesday with Mayor Love – Common Courtesy

      In Case You Missed It!

      Last week’s Take 2 on Tuesdays featured Common Courtesy.

      Calling All Artists! – Fourth Quarter Theme: “Fish”

      The City of Gulfport is inviting artists to participate in a new quarterly exhibition opportunity featuring selected artwork in the City Hall Council Chambers. The opportunity is free for participating artists, with a different theme featured each quarter. The theme for the Fourth Quarter of 2026 is “Fish,” and artists are encouraged to submit original artwork inspired by the theme in any medium.

      To participate, email the following information to Julie Armstrong at juliearmstrong22@gmail.com:

      • Photo of the artwork submission
      • Artist name
      • Title of artwork
      • Medium
      • Size
      • Contact information

      The submission deadline is October 9, 2026. Selected artwork will be displayed in the City Hall Council Chambers during the fourth quarter.

      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.

      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!

      September 2026 Street Sweeping

      The City of Gulfport Public Works Department conducts routine street sweeping throughout the City to keep roadways clean, improve stormwater management, and help protect local waterways, including Boca Ciega Bay. Sweeping generally takes place Monday–Tuesday in areas south of Gulfport Boulevard and Wednesday–Thursday in areas north of Gulfport Boulevard. Residents can help by keeping leaves, grass clippings, and other debris out of roadways and gutters, keeping storm drains clear, and avoiding street parking when sweeping operations are underway.

      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

      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.

      Water Restrictions Webpage

      Modified Phase III Water Shortage Restrictions Extended Through October 1

      The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has extended the Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Order through October 1, 2026, 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.

      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

      Skip the Fertilizer This Summer

      From now through September 30, fertilizer use is prohibited in Pinellas County during the rainy season. Excess nutrients can wash into storm drains, creeks, lakes, and Tampa Bay, contributing to harmful algae blooms and poor water quality.

      Help protect Gulfport’s waterways, wildlife, and coastlines by keeping fertilizer off your lawn until October 1. For more information, visit https://pinellas.gov/pinellas-county-fertilizer-ordinance.

      Scheduled Water Line and Hydrant Flushing

      The City of Gulfport is continuing scheduled water line and fire hydrant flushing throughout the City through September 2026. This routine maintenance helps maintain water quality, remove sediment from the water distribution system, and ensure fire hydrants are operating properly in the event of an emergency.

      During flushing, residents may notice water flowing in the street, a temporary drop in water pressure, air in the water lines, cloudy water, or slight discoloration. If this occurs, run cold water for several minutes, preferably from an outside faucet first if one is available, until the water runs clear.

      If you have any questions, please contact the City of Gulfport Utilities Division at 727-893-1085.

      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.

      Gulfport Library Bingo

      Pick up a Bingo card today!

      The Gulfport Public Library invites readers of all ages to participate in its Reading Bingo Challenge from June through September. Pick up a Bingo card at the library and complete fun reading activities for a chance to explore new books, discover different genres, and stay engaged in reading all summer long. For more information, visit the Gulfport Public Library at 5501 28th Ave. S., call 727-893-1074, or visit https://mygulfport.us/library.

      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
      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!

      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!

      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!

      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.

      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.

      Photo. Colorful shuttle bus with artwork. Text on side and front reads Welcome to Gulfport. Design includes iguana and parrot illustrations. Blue purple and green gradient background.

      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/.

      Logo. Text reads First Contact. Tagline reads Connecting You to Hope and Help. Design includes speech bubble with heart. Blue and teal color scheme.
      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.

      Flyer. Text reads Care About Me. Support Starts Here. Your key to access mental health substance use and addiction treatment services. Care About Me is not a crisis line. Provides confidential help with identifying service providers and scheduling appointments. Steps include email call text chat speak with a caring specialist and make an appointment. Contact 1 888 431 1998. Hours Monday to Friday 8 AM to 10 PM. Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM. Holidays included. Website careaboutme.org. Powered by Unite Us. Green QR code for more information. Photo of smiling woman outdoors.

      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.

      Flyer. Text reads Open Hours. Gulfport History Museum. Wednesday 10 to 2 PM. Thursday 12 to 4 PM. Friday 10 to 2 PM. Saturday 12 to 4 PM first and third weeks. Closed Sunday to Tuesday. Address 5301 28th Avenue South Gulfport Florida 33707. Phone 727 201 8687. Email HistoryMuseum@mygulfport.us . Circular Gulfport History Museum logo at bottom. Background shows historic photo of pier and buildings.
      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

      Flyer. Text reads Gulfport Recycles. The City of Gulfport Recycling Guidelines. Separate curbside recycling into two groups. Group one plastic steel and aluminum. Group two mixed paper. Free recycling containers available for residents call 727 893 1089. Free mulch at Gulfport Neighborhood Center. Plastic bag drop off at City Hall and park collection buckets. Special pick up available by calling Public Works. Yard waste picked up on Wednesdays with size and bagging requirements. City of Gulfport Public Works logo. Website link mygulfport.us public works department. Background shows Gulfport waterfront illustration.

      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/.

      Logo. Text reads Keep Pinellas Beautiful. Design includes green leaf graphic. Blue and green color scheme.

      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/.

      Flyer. Text reads Private Waterline and Private Lateral Replacement Assistance Program. 50 percent of total replacement cost up to 3500 dollars. For more information contact Utilities Department at 727 893 1085. Illustration shows house with private sanitary sewer lateral connecting to municipal sanitary sewer connection and sanitary sewer main. Brown background with underground pipe diagram.
      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.

      Promoting Optimal Living. The City of Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center.

      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.

      A flyer titled Catch A Ride With GEMS promotes the GEMS transportation service for elderly and disabled residents of Gulfport. It highlights the service as Reliable Affordable Flexible and Convenient. The flyer states that GEMS has provided door to door transportation for over 40 years.

      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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    • The Forgotten Voyage: Ansel Adams on the ICW – Loose Cannon

      Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes that mariners with

       
         
       
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      The Forgotten Voyage: Ansel Adams on the ICW

      Thanksgiving Along the ‘Ditch,’ and All the Photos We Cannot See

       
       
       
       
       

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      ANSEL ADAMS SCANS THE HORIZON on a 1940 trip down the Intracoastal Waterway. The great photographer took about 50 pictures that we cannot see, though we may see some photos of him taking the photos we cannot see.

      This story was first published on May 8, 2022.

      Traumatic events mark the beginning and end of every American epoch. Their names begin with words like pre-war, post-war, pre-911, post-911 and, most recently, pre- and post-Covid.

      The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway is a national treasure. Once the purview of barges and other commercial traffic, the ICW extends 1,100 miles from Virginia to Key West, Florida, man-made canals linking a collection of inlets, rivers, bays and sounds.

      Quite accidentally, the great American landscape photographer Ansel Adams documented the ICW one year before the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor launched American involvement in World War II, a national trauma that changed everything. Adams photos depict an ICW at a moment before the deluge. Thereafter, as the generation that won the war ventured out in small craft, the character of the ICW transitioned from commercial to recreational.

      By autumn 1940 Adams was well established as landscape photographer, though another year would pass before he would shoot his most famous photo of all, Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico. As with many of us, Adams was drawn to his first boating adventure by the contagious enthusiasm of a good friend.

      The California native was convinced to go on a spur-of-the-moment cruise of the ICW aboard the schooner Billy Bones II. Naturally, he took pictures, which inadvertently documented the end of an era, but, because of draconian copyright enforcement, the collection won’t be available for viewing until 2054, 70 years after Adams’ death.

      Adams was friends with painter Georgia O’Keeffe, another artist reknown for Western imagery. In 1936, she introduced him to her friend David McAlpin, a photography enthusiast and trustee of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

      McAlpin was an investment banker credited with a key role in establishing photography as fine art, a goal he encouraged with donations from his personal fortune. He was also to become a patron and lifelong friend to Adams. In 1937 and ’38, the two went on camping trips to the western sierras, decidedly Adams’ home turf. You could look at their Intracoastal Waterway jaunt as a reciprocal gesture, roughing it in the style of the East Coast elite.

      Biographers say Adams was near the peak of his game by 1940 when McAlpin involved the 38-year-old pianist-turned-photographer in his campaign to establish a new photo department at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. “In November, having finished the first phase in setting MOMA’s new department, McAlpin suggested to Adams that they take a break to take a Thanksgiving holiday cruise,” Stephen Jareckie wrote 66 years later.

      Jareckie was curator of the exhibit of photos from the trip, displayed at the Fitchburg (Massachusetts) Museum of Art in 2007 and later at the Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, N.C., where Billy Bones II had stopped for fuel after the Dismal Swamp. “Ansel Adams in the East” featured 50 prints made from proofs found in the estate of McAlpin’s second wife.

         
      The Billy Bones II was a 43-foot schooner built in 1929 in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, a copy of a John Alden design.

      The captain of Billy Bones II was the late John DePeyster Stagg, a larger-than-life character on the Long Island waterfront. Stagg, 26 at the time, was a charter boat captain with all the right stuff; he was a storyteller, a fine drinking partner and with a reputation for wizardry in the galley.

      Billy Bones was a reference to the enigmatic, hard-drinking old salt introduced at the beginning of “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson—and a clue to young Stagg’s outlook on life. Stagg was always threatening to write a book: “Staggering with Stagg from Maine to Florida, a Guide to the Better Bars.”

      The Bones, 42-feet LOA, had been built in 1929 by the Casey Boatbuilding Company of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, which basically capied of John Alden’s Malabar V right down to her Scripps gasoline engine. Stagg bought her second-hand, renamed her Billy Bones II and put her to work in the charter trade, taking guests on trips along the East Coast and in the Bahamas. Unusually for her time and type, she had two heads.

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      David Hunter McAlpin had inhaled the briny air while serving as an ensign on a Navy subchaser during World War I. By the 1930s, he had become a partner at Clark Dodge & Co. investment bankers. McAlpin and Stagg knew each other because Stagg had some money invested with the firm, and both were from established New York families. Stagg was a descendant of George Washington’s aide at Valley Forge, and McAlpin’s family status had allowed him to marry into the Rockefellers.

      Adams had a reputation for working hard, playing hard and enjoying strong drink. McAlpin’s pitch must have had tremendous appeal—the idea of Huck Finning it down the waterway on a schooner! Adams and McAlpin caught up with the Billy Bones II in Norfolk, Va., joining Stagg and his crew, a professional sailor named Winfield Scott, known to everyone as Scottie.

         
      Ansel Adams and the crew wait alongside after passing through a swing bridge.

      Thanksgiving, Nov. 21, 1940, found Billy Bones II in the Dismal Swamp and John Stagg in the galley cooking turkey. Curator Jareckie wrote, “Adams and McAlpin took pictures of the tree-bordered canal. Adams discovered unexpected beauty in the Great Dismal Swamp.”  (One wonders whether Stagg, like other schooner chefs before him, had to break the turkey’s backbone, squashing it to fit it in the ship’s oven.)

       Schooner and crew continued motoring on the ICW to Thunderbolt, near Savannah, where Adams and McAlpin bid goodbye after 10 days and 580 miles together.

      A tripod is useless aboard a boat, so taking his usual glass-plate camera would have been silly. Adams and McAlpin shared a new Zeiss Super Ikonta BX camera, a bellows-camera that folded and closed into compact package when not in use. Images were recorded on a big 2¼-inch-square negative. The museum exhibit images were made from 5-by-5-inch proofs, unimproved by darkroom printmaking techniques that were also part of Adams’ artistry.

      Today’s photographers process their finished works with Photoshop, but during the era of film and glass plates, the great shooters achieved some of the same effects using “dodge and burn” techniques to manipulate the light as it was projected through a negative onto photo-sensitive paper.

      As I recall, the pictures Adams and McAlpin took on their 1940 voyage contain no stunners, nothing as dramatic as Adam’s western landscapes; no “Moonrise” or “The Tetons, Snake River.”

      To a journalist, however, the Adams photos have a familiar feel. With only basic equipment and moving aboard a boat on a delivery schedule through unfamiliar territory, Adams adjusted his approach. The fine-art photographer became a documentarian.

         
      Skipper John Stagg, a larger-than-life character, takes Billy Bones II through the locks at the southern end of the Dismal Swamp Canal.

      The photos indeed show the crew together and individually as any vacation collection would. They show the Dismal Swamp, canal locks, a swing bridge, docks and fishing boats. Commentators who saw the museum prints described the body of work as “vacation snapshots.” To be fair, however, it should be noted that Adams was working it pretty hard, scooching low for some compositions, going high for others. In fact, Adams at one point climbed the mainmast to fill his frame vertically in the face of a flat Carolina landscape.

      The docks Adams snapped are the rough-hewn province of fishing boats, not the pleasure craft that would arrive in 1950s. The barrier islands of the Carolinas would have been largely free of beach houses. Hilton Head hadn’t happened either.

      Instead, a boatman was captured rowing by the light of dawn at Thunderbolt, an image that could just as well have been painted in oils. We see the Annie D. Bell, a Chesapeake Bay lumber schooner under sail.

      Describing an image labeled “Fort Sumter, Carolina, on horizon,” one critic wrote, “The fortifications…emerge as the merest bump off in the distance. Dominating the picture are long tendrils of cirrus that seem to converge on the far-off island, like arrows—or accusations.” In another shot, Adams experimented looking for abstract imagery in the shape of the boat’s wake.

         
      At left, Ansel Adams spies a mark in the fog. He mugs for the camera at right.

      Historical significance and craftsmanship notwithstanding, the trustees of the Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust in Mill Valley, California, criticized the Fitchburg exhibit and claimed that Adams himself would have objected to such a display of his work. The ICW shots, trustees argued, are mere proofs. All the famous Adams photographs had been refined by the photographer’s masterful darkroom techniques. Adams, the trustees said, would never have approved an exhibition of raw proofs.

      “I think it’s unethical in terms of museum ethics and behavior. It’s something that never would be done at MOMA or the Art Institute of Chicago,” William Turnage, one of three Adams’ trustees, told the Associated Press. “But you know, what the heck? Some people are going to take advantage and try to profiteer, and there’s nothing we can do about it.”

      After the outbreak of war, McAlpin rejoined the navy as a commander and used his business expertise on behalf of the government to monitor shipbuilding contracts. Adams greatest wartime contribution was journalistic in nature as he documented life at Japanese-American internment camp at Manzanar, California. Once exhibited, this collection was subtitled “Suffering under a great injustice.”

      The artist and the enthusiast remained friends for life; Adams died in 1984, McAlpin in ’85. Stagg crossed the bar that same year.

      Stagg sold Billy Bones II in 1942. The U-boat menace had sunk his charter business. The buyer was a Charles Foster (most likely the same Marblehead yachtsman and hotelier known for owning more than 60 pleasure boats during his lifetime). During the war, Stagg went to work for the Thomas Knutson boatyard, helping to build 110-foot submarine chasers for the Navy.

      The Adams trust justified its censorship by asking whether anyone would really be interested in the exhibit had someone other than Adams shot the photos.

      I would rephrase the question: Why should Americans be prevented from seeing these images just because Adams was the photographer? These photos show us a slice of waterway history. And they are proof of how a boating lifestyle connects us with nature and nurtures lifelong bonds of friendship and memory.

         
      Like an old tar, Ansel Adams goes aloft for a panoramic view of the North Carolina countryside.

      LOOSE CANNON covers hard news, technical issues and nautical history. Every so often he tries to be funny. Subscribe for free to support the work. If you’ve been reading for a while—and you like it—consider upgrading to paid.

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    • LTM Additions: Yesterday (Tue, Sep 22)

      7 New LTM\’s Added Yesterday

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    • BoatUS Foundation and NASBLA Launch Partnership to Advance Boating Safety and Education Nationwide

       
       

      Media Contact:
      Alisha Sheth
      Senior PR Manager, BoatUS Foundation

       

       

       

      BoatUS Foundation and NASBLA Launch Partnership to Advance Boating Safety and Education Nationwide
       
      New partnership brings together two leading boating organizations to advance safety education, strengthen collaboration with states, and support America’s boaters

       

      MOU Signing - NASBLA and BoatUS Foundation Partnership to Advance Boating Safety
      MOU Signed between NASBLA and BoatUS Foundation on 9/16/2026

      SPRINGFIELD, Va. – Sept. 17, 2026 – BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water President Heather Lougheed and NASBLA Executive Board Chair Christopher Jones have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing the organizations’ shared commitment to advancing recreational boating safety, education and environmental stewardship for the benefit of boaters nationwide.

      Through the partnership, the BoatUS Foundation and NASBLA will work together to identify opportunities that advance recreational boating safety and education at both the national and local levels. Areas of collaboration may include supporting the National Boating Education Standards, exploring recreational boating safety certification initiatives, and identifying opportunities for educational programs and outreach efforts that assist the boating community.

      “Boating safety is most effective when organizations work together toward common goals,” said Lougheed. “Our partnership with NASBLA creates an opportunity to explore innovative approaches to boating education, support the development of national standards, and identify proposals that help make the water safer for everyone. We look forward to combining our strengths to expand the reach and impact of boating safety education across the country.”

      The organizations will also pursue opportunities to collaborate on boating safety and education initiatives, including programs supported by the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. By sharing expertise and coordinating efforts, the partnership aims to maximize the value of programs and resources available to boaters, state agencies, and boating organizations nationwide.

      “For decades, boating education has played a critical role in helping people enjoy the water safely and responsibly,” said Jones. “As the boating landscape evolves, there is tremendous opportunity to explore new approaches, share expertise, and ensure educational programs continue to meet the needs of current and future generations of boaters.”

      For more information on the BoatUS Foundation and to take our free state boating safety course, visit https://boatus.org. For more information on NASBLA, please visit https://community.nasbla.org/home.

      ###

      About BoatUS Foundation:

      The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the more than 740,000 members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nonprofit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways, and keeping boating safe for all. A range of safe and clean boating courses – including the nation’s only free online boating safety course – can be found at BoatUS.org. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a four-star charity, the highest rating awarded by Charity Navigator.

      About NASBLA: 

      The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators is a national nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that develops public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of the U.S. states and territories. We offer a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards, publications and more. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers and volunteers, we affect the lives of over 85 million American boaters.

       

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    • ‘Times’ Three: A Peek at the Elite Racing World – 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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      ‘Times’ Three: A Peek at the Elite Racing World

      ‘Tarantella,’ the Rolex Swan Cup and the Fancy Yacht Club on Sardinia That Runs It

       
       
       
       
       

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      Launched in 1967, this 36-footer is the belle of the ball at the Rolex Swan Cup.

      Normally Loose Cannon’s attitude toward yacht racing mimics the description of gold “as a good walk spoilt.” But this trifecta of gift articles which, as a New York Times subscriber, we may share is a real treat. The author is a sports journalist who writes for The Athletic, the New York Times’ partner for sports coverage.


      By ANDREW RICE, September 16, 2026

      It will be one of the smallest of the 170 yachts competing at this week’s Rolex Swan Cup that will take pride of place in the bustling marina of Sardinia’s Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.

      A diminutive, unassuming 36-footer called Tarantella will be dwarfed alongside the larger yachts, some ranging up to 128 feet in length. But most of the 2,000 sailors in Porto Cervo will know that they wouldn’t be there at all if it weren’t for the breakout success of the Tarantella in the late 1960s.

      The Swan 36 was launched by yacht builder Nautor Ab in July 1967 in the Finnish port town of Pietarsaari, and the fiberglass design would soon establish the brand as one of the most respected in the yachting world.

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      Nearly 60 years later, freshly restored, Tarantella is preparing to sail into Porto Cervo’s harbor as both a museum piece and an active competitor at the biennial regatta that is the Swan Cup. It is one of many stops on a tour of Europe which will also take her to Sweden’s Gotland Runt, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera, and, in 2027, back to Cowes on England’s Isle of Wight, the waters where the Swan 36 design first forged its international name.

      Tarantella was born from the ambition of a paper salesman. Nautor Ab founder Pekka Koskenkylä was working for a wood-processing company in Pietarsaari, selling paper sacks, when he began constructing a wooden sailing boat for himself in his spare time.

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      How the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda Became One of the World’s Most Prestigious

      By ANDREW RICE, September 17, 2026

      As the European summer comes to an end, in Porto Cervo, on the northern coast of Sardinia, there’s time for one last festival of sail before the port and nearby village go into hibernation.

      Hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS), the Rolex Swan Cup has attracted an entry of 170 yachts for this week’s regatta.

      In the pantheon of the world’s most prestigious yacht clubs, the YCCS is frequently mentioned in the same breath as the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes and the New York Yacht Club in Manhattan. Yet, while those aforementioned clubs trace their origins back to the 1800s, the YCCS was established in 1967.

      When it comes to determining the importance and prestige of yacht clubs, age and tradition matter. So how has this club, not yet 60 years old, managed to establish a place at the top table? It comes down to a number of factors: ambition, vision, geography and royalty.

      When Prince Karim Aga Khan IV first set eyes on this pristine, untamed stretch of northeastern Sardinian coastline in the early 1960s, it was a desolate expanse of granite rocks, wild rosemary and undeveloped beaches. Transforming it into a world-class sanctuary required large doses of imagination and capital investment. Alongside André Ardoin, Giuseppe Kerry Mentasti, and architect Luigi Vietti, the Aga Khan founded the YCCS in May 1967 as a non-profit sporting association.

      Word spread quickly about this burgeoning paradise, and the Costa Smeralda became the playground for Hollywood royalty, European aristocracy, and global jet-setters, drawn by luxurious hideaways, like the Hotel Cala di Volpe and Hotel Pitrizza.

      Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, perhaps the most famous Hollywood couple of the era, cruised the Costa Smeralda aboard their yacht, Kalizma. The biggest showcase for the Costa Smeralda came in 1977 when the James Bond movie, The Spy Who Loved Me, featured much of the area in key scenes, including the car versus helicopter chase.

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      Rolex Swan Cup Is About Maritime Heritage and a Hazardous Course

      By ANDREW RICE, September 15, 2026

      The elite of the sailing world may have launched into hyperspace with their flying machines in SailGP and the America’s Cup, but for most sailors their passion still lies in racing slower but more tactical keelboats.

      The Rolex Swan Cup takes place every two years on the Costa Smeralda, Sardinia’s glittering northern Italian coastline, and this September a record 170 yachts will line up on a hectic start line.

      Unlike most yachting regattas, where there is a panoply of different brands competing against each other, the Swan Cup is run purely for the owners of yachts built in Finland by Nautor’s Swan. Where older racing yachts go out of date the moment they’re no longer capable of winning races, this does not apply to Swan yachts which have taken on a classic status, ensuring they will never be considered obsolete.

      Hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, arguably Italy’s most prestigious yacht club, the regatta has attracted all sizes of Swans. But how does the regatta work and who takes part?

      There is no overall winner, just class winners, i.e., those with the best set of aggregate scores in their division across the whole week.

      The schedule began with registration and measurement on Sunday and Monday, followed by practice sessions early in the week. Competitors generally participate in four to five days of active racing from Wednesday through tomorrow, with potential lay days (days off) depending on weather and division organization.

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      LOOSE CANNON covers hard news, technical issues and nautical history. Every so often he tries to be funny. Subscribe for free to support the work. If you’ve been reading for a while—and you like it—consider upgrading to paid.

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    • Event Tonight! – Gulfport Arts & Heritage, Gulfport, FL


      Gulfport Marina includes dry boat storage, ship store, bathroom, public boat ramp, parking, fueling stations, lighted range markers and guest docking facility.

      The City of Gulfport and Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, always has 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.

       

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      The Gulfport History Museum logo with a black and white City of Gulfport seal.
       
      Bringing Your Ancestors to Life: Going Beyond the Facts
      9/18 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
      Register
      This month, Pinellas County Genealogy Society’s Karen Fortin joins us for Bringing Your Ancestors to Life: Going Beyond the Facts. Using a case study approach, this presentation will explore how you can use traditional resources such as vital records, census records, land records, and newspapers to uncover more about the lives, experiences, and even personalities of your ancestors. 
      A collage of four black and white historic family photographs.
      Karen Fortin received a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of South Florida. She worked at the Barbara S. Ponce Public Library in Pinellas Park, FL, for 30 years before deciding to focus on genealogical research. She began volunteering with the Pinellas Genealogical Society in Largo, FL in 2012, and was the society’s president from 2014-2017. Karen began providing genealogy and history presentations in 2016 and has lectured at various genealogical societies and public libraries and other interested organizations. One of her goals is to help people explore historical periods, places, and events so that they can better understand their ancestors and the world in which they lived.
       
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