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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 07/26

      LNM: Off AIWW, Long Creek Warning Daybeacon D Damaged Dayboard

      LNM: Off AIWW, Long Creek Lighted Buoy 7 Off Station

      LNM: GIWW-East MM:59.1, Marianne Channel Light 13 Destroyed

      LNM: Off WW, Chickahominy River Channel Daybeacon 1 Adrift

      LNM: Off AIWW, Chickahominy River Channel Daybeacon 2 Adrift

      LNM: GIWW-East MM:93.0, Belle Fontaine Light 6 Destroyed

      LNM: Off GIWW-East MM:87.3, Biloxi East Channel Daybeacon 5 Destroyed

      LNM: Off GIWW-East MM:87.1, Biloxi East Channel Daybeacon 13 Destroyed

      LNM: Off GIWW-East MM:83.9, Biloxi Channel Light 34 Extinguished

      LNM: Off WW, Chuckatuck Creek Buoy 10 Missing

      LNM: Off AIWW-DismalSwamp, Nansemond River Channel Daybeacon 40 Submerged

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:583.7, Barnwell Island Flats Lighted Buoy 50 Extinguished

      LNM: AIWW MM:920.8, Indian River (South Section) Daybeacon 10 Destroyed

      LNM: Off WW, Gadsden Point Cut Range Rear Light Passing Lights Missing

      LNM: Off WW, Gadsden Point Cut Range Rear Light Missing

      LNM: Off AIWW-Hawk Channel MM:1,239.0, Garrison Bight Channel Turning Basin Daybeacon 25 Damaged

      LNM: Off WW, Seadrift Channel Buoy 4 Missing

      LNM: Off GIWW-West MM:492.3, Victoria Channel Light 30 Set TRLB

      LNM: Off GIWW-West MM:492.3, Victoria Channel Daybeacon 33 Destroyed

      LNM: AIWW MM:920.8, Indian River (South Section) Daybeacon 10 Destroyed

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:464.2, Cooper River Lighted Buoy 49 Relocated

      LNM: Off AIWW, Old House Channel Light 15 Missing

      LNM: Off AIWW, Old House Channel Light 8 Missing

      LNM: Off WW, Bodkin Point Shoal Daybeacon 1 Discontinued

      LNM: Off GIWW-East MM:132.9, Mobile Channel Light 37 Damaged

      LNM: AIWW MM:680.7, Jekyll Island Range Rear Light Extinguished

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:292.5, Cape Fear River Channel Lighted Buoy 46 Offstation

      LNM: GIWW-East MM:72.5, Gulfport Ship Channel Light 43 Set TRUB

      LNM: Off GIWW-East MM:132.9, Mobile Channel Light 37 Damaged

      LNM: AIWW MM:896.7, Indian River (North Section) Daybeacon 76 Damaged

      LNM: AIWW MM:464.8, Fort Sumter Range Front Light Daytime Only

      LNM: Off WW, Milford Haven Buoy 3A Offstation

      LNM: Off AIWW, Bennett Creek Buoy 5 Off Station

      LNM: Off WW, Fowl River Light 10 Damaged

      LNM: Off GIWW, Hudson Creek Daybeacon 16 Destroyed

       

      Week 06/26

      LNM: GIWW MM:148.8, St Joseph Sound Daybeacon 38 Offstation

      LNM: Off GIWW MM:74.4, New Pass Channel Daybeacon 9 Missing

      LNM: Off WW, Situational Update – Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Western Atlantic – Sun Feb 8, 2026 14:05

      LNM: Off WW, Situational Update – Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Western Atlantic – Sun Feb 8, 2026 14:05

      LNM: Off WW, Chesapeake Channel Lighted Buoy 91 Temporarily Discontinued

      LNM: Off GIWW-West MM:534.1, Corpus Christi Channel Light 7 Set TRUB

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:713.9, St Marys Entrance Lighted Buoy 16 Offstation

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:979.5, St. Lucie Shoal Buoy 14 Temporarily Relocated

      LNM: Off WW, Situational Update – Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Western Atlantic – Sun Feb 8, 2026 14:04

      LNM: Off GIWW-West MM:534.1, Corpus Christi Channel Light 7 Offstation

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:579.6, Fort Jackson Inbound Range Front Light Reduced Intensity

      LNM: Off WW, Situational Update – Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Western Atlantic – Fri Feb 6, 2026 12:15

      LNM: GIWW-East MM:173.4, Pensacola-Mobile Daybeacon 20 Missing

      LNM: GIWW-East MM:172.9, Pensacola-Mobile Buoy 24 Missing

      LNM: GIWW-East MM:173.2, Pensacola-Mobile Daybeacon 22 Missing

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:979.5, St. Lucie Shoal Buoy 14 Temporarily Discontinued

      LNM: AIWW MM:988.0, St Lucie Inlet Daybeacon 17 Damaged

      LNM: AIWW MM:4.2, Elizabeth River Southern Branch Buoy 5 Off Station

      LNM: AIWW MM:988.0, St Lucie Inlet Daybeacon 17 Destroyed

      LNM: AIWW MM:575.6, Fields Cut Light 50 Missing

      LNM: Off AIWW Craighill Entrance Lighted Buoy 2 Temporarily Discontinued

      LNM: Off AIWW, Manteo Channel Lighted Buoy 6 Missing

      LNM: Off WW, Chesapeake Channel Lighted Buoy 95 Temporarily Discontinued

      LNM: Off WW, Chesapeake Channel Lighted Buoy 90 Temporarily Discontinued

      LNM: Off WW, Chesapeake Channel Lighted Bell Buoy 92 Temporarily Discontinued

      LNM: Off WW, Bay Bridge Marina Light 5 Temporarily Discontinued

      LNM: Off WW, Situational Update – Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Western Atlantic – Thu Feb 5, 2026 14:00

      LNM: GIWW MM:14.9, Pine Island Sound Daybeacon 42 Destroyed

      LNM: Off WW, Cape May Canal West Entrance Approach Lighted Buoy 8 Temporarily Discontinued

      LNM: Off GIWW-West MM:465.0, TWDB Lighted Scientific Monitoring Buoy MB Missing

      LNM: Off AIWW, Hungar Creek Lighted Wreck Buoy WR9 Reported Adrift

      LNM: Off WW, Big Bend Channel Daybeacon 20 Missing

      LNM: Off AIWW, Oregon Inlet Lighted Buoy 12 Relocated

      LNM: Off AIWW, Oregon Inlet Lighted Buoy 13 Relocated

      LNM: Off GIWW-West MM:462.0, Palacios Channel Daybeacon 24 Missing

      LNM: GIWW MM:108.0, Port Manatee Channel Outbound Range Rear Light Set TRLB

      LNM: Off GIWW-West MM:462.0, Palacios Channel Daybeacon 24 Missing

      LNM: GIWW-East MM:205.7, Santa Rosa Sound Buoy 99 Offstation

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:1,120.8, Ocean Reef Harbor Entrance Light 2 Extinguished

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:675.4, Turtle River Light 4 Offstation

      LNM: GIWW-East MM:252.4, Choctawhatchee Bay Buoy 11 Missing

      LNM: GIWW-East MM:252.6, Choctawhatchee Bay Buoy 8 Missing

      LNM: GIWW-East MM:170.6, Pensacola-Mobile Light 39 Missing

      LNM: Wando River Range “D” Rear light Extinguished

      LNM: Off GIWW-West, Port Lavaca Channel Buoy 6 Missing

      LNM: Off GIWW-West, Port Lavaca Harbor of Refuge Buoy 10 Missing

      LNM: Off GIWW-West, Port Lavaca Harbor of Refuge Daybeacon 8 Missing

      LNM: Off GIWW-West, Port Lavaca Harbor of Refuge Daybeacon 4 Missing

      LNM: Off GIWW-West, Port Lavaca Harbor of Refuge Daybeacon 2 Missing

      LNM: AIWW MM:917.3, Indian River (South Section) Light 5 Destroyed

      LNM: Off GIWW-West MM:137.6, Chincoteague Shoals Lighted Buoy 2 Off Station

      LNM: Off WW, Situational Update – Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Western Atlantic – Mon Feb 2, 2026 14:44

      LNM: Off WW, NWS Tropical Atlantic Marine Weather Briefing – Feb 1, 2026 14:44

      LNM: Off WW, Situational Update – Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Western Atlantic – Mon Feb 2, 2026 14:44

      LNM: Off GIWW MM143.1 Honeymoon Island Ferry Dock Channel Daybeacon 2 Destroyed

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:1,155.9, Snake Creek Daybeacon 4 Off Station

      LNM: AIWW MM:1,077.4, Dumfoundling Bay Daybeacon 54 Destroyed

       

      Week 05/26

      LNM: Off WW, Western Atlantic

      LNM: Off GIWW-West, Tule Lake Channel F Range Front Light Extinguished

      LNM: GIWW MM:99.1, Mullet Key Channel Range Rear Light Repowered

      LNM: AIWW MM:917.3, Indian River (South Section) Light 5 Destroyed

      LNM: Off , South Padre Island Lighted Buoy 2 Offstation

      LNM: AIWW MM:630.9, South Newport River Daybeacon 136 Destroyed

      LNM: AIWW MM:797.3, Matanzas River Daybeacon 92 Missing

      LNM: AIWW MM464.8 Fort Sumter Range Front Light Extinguished

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:659.6, Hampton River Daybeacon 23 *** NO ISSUE ***

      LNM: Off GIWW, Colony Cove Daybeacon 8 Destroyed

      LNM: Off AIWW MM:658.6, Hampton River Daybeacon 14 Missing

      LNM: GIWW-East MM:368.9, St. George Sound Daybeacon 10 Missing

       

      Week 09/25

      FWC Commissioners approve new rule establishing boating restricted area in Jupiter Narrows

       

      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 Feb 11

      This week’s lowest current marina fuel prices as of Feb 11
              Diesel Range: $2.90 to $4.00 Lowest @ Port Consolidated in (Eastern Florida)
              Gas Range: $2.92 to $2.92 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 $2.90 to $6.00)

      $2.90 Port Consolidated (02/09)
      $2.91 Osprey Marina (02/09)
      $2.96 Wacca Wache Marina (02/09)

      Lowest By Region

      Virginia to North Carolina (Price Range $3.50 to $4.25)

      North Carolina (Price Range $3.20 to $5.60)

      $3.20 Albemarle Plantation Marina (02/09)
      $3.53 Dowry Creek Marina (02/09)
      $3.57 Dudley’s Marina (02/09)

      South Carolina (Price Range $2.91 to $4.85)

      $2.91 Osprey Marina (02/09)
      $2.96 Wacca Wache Marina (02/09)
      $3.20 Grande Dunes Marina (02/09)

      Georgia (Price Range $3.50 to $5.00)

      Eastern Florida (Price Range $2.90 to $4.00)

      $2.90 Port Consolidated (02/09)
      $3.57 Fort Pierce City Marina (02/10)
      $3.59 Anchor Petroleum (02/09)

      St Johns River (Price Range $3.79 to $6.00)

      Florida Keys (Price Range $3.69 to $5.49)

      Western Florida (Price Range $3.46 to $5.54)

      $3.46 Harborage Marina (02/09)
      $3.55 Longboat Key Club Moorings (02/09)
      $3.62 Gulf Harbour Marina (02/09)

      Okeechobee (Price Range $3.62 to $4.12)

      $3.62 Gulf Harbour Marina (02/09)
      $4.12 Sunset Bay Marina (02/09)

      Northern Gulf (Price Range $3.35 to $3.35)

      Texas (Price Range $3.32 to $3.32)

      Be the first to comment!

    • 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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    • City of Gulfport Monday (02/09/26) 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

       

       
       
      Weekly news & updates
      February 9, 2026 | City of Gulfport, FL – Gateway to the Gulf Newsletter
       
      E-Newsletter: Monday, February 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.

       
       

      Gulfport City Hall and facilities will be closed on Monday, February 16 in observance of Presidents’ Day.

      The Sanitation schedule will not be affected.

       
       
      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

      April Thanos

      Smiling older woman. Short curly white hair. Black top. Silver earrings. Brown and gray studio background.

      Webpage

      Email

      Report

      826-7138

      Ward 2

      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

      Cosi

      Jackson

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

      Webpage

      Email

      826-7209

      Ward 4 Nancy

      Earley

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

      Webpage

      Email

      269-6625

       
       
      A Message from Mayor Love
       
       

      Good Afternoon Gulfport,

      I’d like to share a few important updates and upcoming dates for your calendar.

      Please mark Tuesday, March 3rd at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers for a first look at the architect’s preliminary concepts for the Senior Center expansion, which is being envisioned in three phases. During this same meeting, our engineering team will also present revised and more detailed proposals outlining the recommended order for addressing our stormwater infrastructure needs.

      I also encourage residents to attend the workshop on Thursday, February 26th at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, where the City will provide information regarding the 287(g) mandate. Public comment will be heard during this session.

      If you haven’t already, please take time to watch the presentation I gave at the last Council Meeting covering parking, speed limits, and potential one-way street considerations downtown. We will continue that discussion at a workshop on March 26th at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, where your feedback and suggested improvements to the plan will be welcomed. This is an opportunity to help get the conversation started early in the process.

      I’ve heard from many of you regarding the recent fish kill in our ponds. Kyle with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has advised that the fish affected are tilapia and that the cause is related to the recent cold temperatures. Tilapia are not native to Florida and are particularly sensitive to cold weather events.

      As always, I welcome your emails and input on any of these topics at klove@mygulfport.us.

      -Mayor Love

       
       
       
      City Manager’s Gulfport Community Update
       
       
      Gulfport Community Update: February 1 – 7, 2026

      Gulfport City Hall and facilities will be closed on Monday, February 16 in observance of Presidents Day. The sanitation schedule will not be affected.

      The northbound lane of 58th Street South is closed between 22nd & 17th Avenues for infrastructure improvements. Side street intersections are closed to northbound drivers. Drivers are encouraged to use 49th Street as an alternate route. Motorists should anticipate delays and exercise caution. The project is anticipated to be completed by late June. For information call Public Works at 893-1089.

      The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD) Phase II watering restrictions will begin Sunday, February 8. Lawn watering will be limited to once a week between the hours of 6 p.m. & 8 a.m. Addresses ending in 0 & 1 can water on Mondays; 2 & 3 on Tuesdays; 4 & 5 on Wednesdays; 6 & 7 on Thursdays, and; 8 & 9 and locations without a discernable address can water on Fridays. For information, call 813-856-5679 or email Water.Restrictions@WaterMatters.org.

      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 February 2026

       

      • February 3, 2026: City Council Meeting – 6:00pm
      • February 5, 2026: City Council Workshop – 6:00pm
      • February 11, 2026: Board of Adjustment – 6:00pm (AGENDA)
      • February 17, 2026: Council Meeting – 6:00 pm
      • February 19, 2026: Special Magistrate (If necessary) – 9:30am
      • February 26, 2026: City Council Workshop – 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
       
       
      Artist Registration
       

      Registration Closes Today: Gulfport Art in the Yard Community Art Sale

      Monday, February 9 at 3 p.m.

      Gulfport Residents Only

      Local artists are invited to participate in the City of Gulfport’s bi-annual Art in the Yard Community Art Sale, taking place Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date: Sunday, March 22). This beloved event transforms Gulfport into an open-air gallery, featuring original artwork displayed and sold from artists’ own front yards. Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of Gulfport’s most colorful and creative community events.

       
       
       
       

      AARP Tax Preparation

      Mon. & Fri., February 9 – April 13 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

      Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.

      Tax preparation for federal income tax returns for eligible individuals by trained volunteers. The service is free. Call 727-755-3112 to make an appointment. Leave a message & a volunteer will call you back to schedule your appointment. There will be no walk-in tax preparation.

       
       
       
       
       
      Study Club

      Monday, February 9th | 5:30 p.m.

      Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.

      Join us for Study Club. Quiet space for teens to focus on homework and studies for ages 12-18. For additional information call 727-893-1074.

       
       
       
      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, February 10th | 9 a.m. – 3 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. below 28th Ave. S., 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., October – May & 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., June – September. 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.

       
       
       
      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 Second Tuesday

      Tuesday, February 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.

       
       
       
       

      Florida’s Living Shores: How Native Plants Protect Coastal Habitats 

      Wednesday, February 11th | 1 p.m.

      Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.

      Come and learn about the role that Florida native plants play in protecting coastal ecosystems! In a presentation lead by Pinellas Master Gardeners Priscilla Kidder and Deb Rothenberger, we will look at some key species and their impacts, as well as discuss how plants can be integrated into environmentally-friendly living shorelines. We will also discuss opportunities for getting involved in local coastal habitat restoration projects. This presentation aims to empower residents to transform their own coastal landscapes into sustainable, thriving habitats using Florida’s best native salt tolerant plants. We will have plants and seeds to give away to participants! This program is funded by a grant from the Florida Land Title Association Charitable Action Foundation. 

       
       
       
       

      Story Circle Night

      Thursday, February 12th | 5:45 p.m.

      Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.

      Storytelling Circle for adult storytellers. Participants may be professional or novice storytellers. We encourage you to prepare a traditional folktale, ancient myth, fairy tale, tall tale, family lore, local history, parable, or a life lesson learned (5-mins. or less, please). Storytelling is an art form and practice open to all. All are welcomed to try. Sponsored by Enroy Foundation, Inc., a Gulfport 501(c)3 organization for visual & performing arts and Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Public Library. Contact: Maureen Kilroy, email mk_away@yahoo.com.

       
       
       
      Logo. United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 7. Gulfport Florida Flotilla 7 16. Circular emblem with anchor and rope design. Illustration of pelican wearing life vest. Coast Guard shield symbol. Blue and gold color scheme.
       
       
      USCG Auxiliary Recreational Boating Course

      Saturday, February 14th | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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

      The US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 7-16 in Gulfport will hold a Recreational Boating Course on the second Saturday of every month in Gulfport. The 8 hour course includes subjects as Boat Nomenclature, Before you get underway, Navigating the Waterway, updated Legal Requires, Boating equipment and emergencies are a few of the subjects, and qualifies for the Florida Boating ID Card as well. Cost is $40 per person. Contact Marty Richardson to reserve a seat at 630-674-5352 or merichardsonjr@att.net.

       
       
       
      More Info
       

      Gulfport Fine Arts Festival

      Sat. & Sun., February 14 – 15 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

      Clymer Park, Gulfport Blvd. S. and Beach Blvd. S. to 26th Ave. S.

      The Gulfport Fine Arts Festival returns to Clymer Park, celebrating a decade of artistic excellence. This two-day juried event features more than 50 artists working in painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, mixed media, and more. Enjoy meeting the artists, browsing and purchasing original works, and soaking in a festive atmosphere in one of Gulfport’s most scenic outdoor locations.

      Join art lovers, collectors, and the community Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free, making it a perfect weekend outing to celebrate creativity, culture, and Gulfport’s vibrant community.

       
       
       
      Purchase Tickets
       

      Betty Fox Live in Concert

      Sunday, February 15th | 6 – 9 p.m.

      Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.

      Get ready for an unforgettable night of soul, blues, and roots as the Betty Fox Band takes the stage at the Catherine Hickman Theater. Renowned for her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, Betty Fox blends gospel, blues, and soul into a high-energy performance featuring original songs and reimagined classics. General seating tickets are $25 and available now. Don’t miss this chance to experience a show that’s as moving as it is memorable.

       
       
       
      Upcoming Events & 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.
      More Info
       
       
      Ask a City Councilor at the Third Tuesday Fresh Market

      Tuesday, February 17th | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

      SumitrA Espresso Lounge, 2838 Beach Blvd. S.

      Gulfport City Council will be hosting an opportunity, every third Tuesday of the month, for residents to get to know their Councilmember, ask questions, and provide comment.

      For more information, please call City of Gulfport Vice Mayor, Ward 1 Representative, April Thanos at (727) 826-7138.

       
       
       
       
       
      Gulfport Neighborhood Watch Meetings

      Wednesday, February 18th | 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.

       
       
       
       

      COF Annual Meeting

      Thursday, February 19th | 6:30 p.m.

      Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.

      Join us for our Circle of Friends Annual Meeting featuring music performed by the Celtic duo, Emily Ann & Kelly Thompson. Enjoy jigs and fiddle tunes with us as we celebrate the accomplishments of the Circle of Friends and how they continue to support the Gulfport Public Library. Light refreshments start at 6:30pm and the annual meeting report is at 6:45pm. The Celtic duo performance begins at 7:00pm.

       
       
       
       

      Free Community Tree Giveaway

      Saturday, February 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.

      Exploring the Future of Gulfport Beach will also be on-site, sharing information about nature-based coastal resiliency solutions, collecting community surveys on beach concerns and ideas, and offering a fun coastal resilience quiz along with giveaways like native plant seeds and Gulfport Beach–branded sunglasses.

      For more information, please contact the Parks & Facilities Superintendent at 727-893-1092.

       
       
       
      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, February 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.

       
       
       
      Purchase Tickets
       

      All-Star Comedy Night at the Maria Center

      Saturday, February 21st | 6 – 8 p.m. | Doors open at 4:45

      Maria Center, 1500 58th St. S.

      Four nationally recognized comedians return to the Maria Center stage for a night filled with big laughs, sharp wit, and unforgettable performances. Fresh off his standout role on the hit series Loudermilk, comedy veteran Jackie Flynn headlines this special event, bringing big-city stand-up to an intimate theater setting. He’ll be joined by three audience favorites who had the crowd roaring last year: Kevin Flynn, Kerry McNally, and DC Benny.

      This one-night-only comedy showcase is perfect for date night, group outings, or anyone who enjoys sharp, grown-up comedy. VIP tickets are $45 and include one free drink, hors d’oeuvres, preferred seating, and access to a meet-and-greet after party. General admission is $30, and early bird buyers can enjoy $5 off through February 8.

       
       
       
       

      COF Presents: The Roots of Black Music in America

      Thursday, February 26th | 1 p.m.

      Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.

      Take a 100-year musical journey with producer, songwriter, and troubadour Karlus Trapp. Through songs, stories, and history, you’ll experience ragtime, jazz, Motown, and more. Educational, entertaining, and toe-tapping, this program will leave you smiling, humming, and seeing America’s music in a whole new light. Sponsored by the Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Library.

       
       
       
      Tickets & Info
       

      Toppermost Beatles Tribute

      Friday, February 27th | 7 p.m.

      Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.

      Get ready for an amazing musical experience as Maremil Music presents a spectacular tribute to the legendary sound of The Beatles. Toppermost, a highly acclaimed, Michigan-based tribute band, brings the magic of the “Fab Four” to life with authentic instruments, period-accurate costumes, and spot-on vocal harmonies. Known for their energetic, theatrical performances and a repertoire of more than 100 beloved songs, they deliver a nostalgic journey through both the early touring years and the groundbreaking studio era.

      VIP seating is available for $40, with general admission starting at $25. For ticketing and information, call Maremil Music Productions at 360-878-3474.

       
       
       
      More Info
       

      Gulfport’s Get Rescued

      Saturday, February 28th | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

      Downtown Waterfront District, Beach Blvd. S.

      Gulfport’s Get Rescued Festival returns for its 22nd year with a fun-filled, pet-friendly day! Enjoy up to 50 animal rescue groups, pet vendors, training demos, the Florida Weiner Dog Derby, raffles, and more. All leashed people and well-behaved pets are welcome. Admission is free, with plenty of complimentary parking. Proceeds benefit participating animal rescue groups.

      For more info, email getrescuedinc@gmail.com or text 727-417-5494.

       
       
       
      Learn More
       
      For the Love of Gulfport

      Sunday, March 1st | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

      Trolley Market Square, Tangerine Ave. S.

      Join WonderWorks and Gulfport Pride Florida for the First Annual For the Love of Gulfport Community Day on Sunday, Mar 1 at 11:00 a.m. at Trolley Market Square (Tangerine Ave S. & 49th St. S.).

      This family-friendly event will feature food, entertainment, local vendors, kids’ activities, and more.

       
       
       
       
      Music in the Park: The New Horizons Jazz & Concert Bands of Gulfport

      Sunday, March 1st | 3 p.m.

      Clymer Park (Pavilion), Gulfport Blvd. S. and Beach Blvd. S. to 26th Ave. S.

      Join the New Horizons Jazz and Concert Bands for an afternoon of live music at the pavilion at Clymer Park. This free community concert features jazz and concert band favorites performed by talented local musicians. Bring a chair, bring a friend, and enjoy Gulfport’s vibrant arts scene.

       
       
       
      More Info
       

      Fusion 49th General Meeting

      Monday, March 2nd | 6 p.m.

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

      Join us for the next Fusion 49th General Meeting and get involved in shaping our district. Opportunities are available to serve on the Organization, Design, Economic Vitality, and Promotions Committees.

      To learn about qualifications or to sign up, contact Nancy Dunham (Fancy Nancy – Professional Services) at 727-710-6676.

       
       
       
      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, March 4th | 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.

       
       
       
      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, March 6th | 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
       
      Pink Flamingo Home & Garden Tour

      Saturday, March 7th | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

      Gulfport, FL (Ward 4

      The Pink Flamingo Home Tour invites residents and visitors to explore a dozen distinctive homes and gardens in Gulfport’s Ward 4. This popular, self-guided event attracts more than 500 guests each year and highlights the charm, creativity, and eclectic character of the neighborhood, with each stop offering its own unique visual story. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the tour at their own pace while supporting local cafés, shops, and small businesses, and to purchase tickets early, as the Pink Flamingo Home Tour frequently sells out.

       
       
       
      Purchase Tickets
       
      Gulfport Community Players present “Quartet”

      March 12 – 22, 2026

      Thur. – Fri. – Sat. at 8 p.m., Sat. & Sun. at 2 p.m.

      Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.

      Quartet by Ronald Harwood is a warm, witty, and deeply moving play set in a retirement home for former musicians. Four once-celebrated opera singers reunite with plans to perform a concert honoring Verdi’s birthday, but the arrival of Jean, a glamorous former diva and Reginald’s ex-wife, disrupts the group’s harmony and brings old rivalries and unresolved emotions back to the surface. Exploring themes of aging, forgiveness, love, and lasting friendship, Quartet builds to a poignant and bittersweet finale that celebrates both memories of the past and the bonds that endure.

       
       
       
      Register Your Address
       
      Gulfport Permit Free City-Wide Yard Sale

      Saturday, March 14th | Dawn – Dusk

      City of Gulfport, FL

      The City of Gulfport’s permit-free Citywide Yard Sale takes place on Saturday, March 14, with a rain date of Sunday, March 15. Brochures listing all participating addresses, printed and generously sponsored by Olympus Printing, will be available at all City facilities starting Thursday, March 12, and in the Gulfport Public Library lobby (5501 28th Ave. S.) on the day of the event; the Library opens at 10 a.m. on Saturdays. Participants are also listed on Google Maps for easy navigation. Don’t miss your chance to have your address featured on the brochure and Google Maps for added visibility. Registration ends on Friday, March 6 at 3 p.m. For more information call, 727-893-1118.

       
       
       
       
      Gulfport Marina Nautical Flea Market

      Saturday, March 14th | 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

      Gulfport Municipal Marina,4630 29th Ave. S.

      The Gulfport Nautical Flea Market invites boaters, anglers, and bargain hunters to browse a wide selection of marine-related items, collectibles, and unique nautical finds. From fishing gear and boating accessories to one-of-a-kind treasures, this community favorite offers something for everyone. Vendor spaces are limited and available for $10 per 10′ x 10′ space, with participants asked to bring their own tables and chairs. For additional details, interested vendors and attendees are encouraged to contact the Marina Office.

       
       
       
       
      2026 Great American Cleanup – Clam Bayou

      Saturday, March 14th | 9 – 11 a.m.

      Clam Bayou Nature Park, Miriam St. S.

      Gulfport Grassroots, in partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful & the City of Gulfport will host the 2026 Great American Cleanup at Clam Bayou Nature Park 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., Saturday, March 14. Volunteers should wear closed-toed shoes, sun protection and weather appropriate clothing. Cleanup supplies will be provided.

       
       
       
      Community Outreach
       
       
      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.

       
       

      In Case You Missed It: “Take 2 on Tuesdays”

      Last week’s Take 2 on Tuesdays featured a quick two-minutes on utility flag markers.

       
       
       

      The City of Gulfport Announces Phase II Lawn Watering Restrictions Issued by SWFWMD

      The Southwest Florida Water Management District has issued a Phase II Water Shortage Order for the City of Gulfport due to below-average rainfall and declining water supplies. Beginning Sunday, February 8, outdoor landscape irrigation will be limited to one day per week.

      Residents should follow this standard watering schedule based on the last digit of their address:

      • 0 or 1: Monday
      • 2 or 3: Tuesday
      • 4 or 5: Wednesday
      • 6 or 7: Thursday
      • 8 or 9 (and locations without a discernible address): Friday

      Watering hours are reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. or 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.; properties less than one acre in size may only use one of these windows. Low-volume watering (micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, hand watering) of plants and shrubs (not lawns) is allowed any day and any time.

      The City of Gulfport encourages residents to comply with these restrictions and practice water conservation during this dry period. For additional details and tips, visit WaterMatters.org/Restrictions. If you have additional water restrictions questions, contact us by sending an email to Water.Restrictions@WaterMatters.org or by calling 1-800-836-0797 (FL only) or (813) 856-5679 (during business hours).

       
       
       
       

      Keep Fire Safety in Mind When Using Heaters and Other Heating Equipment During the Cooler Months

      With recent cooler temperatures and damp weather conditions, residents are increasingly turning to portable indoor and outdoor heaters, including electric and gas-powered fire pits. Gulfport Fire & Rescue reminds the community to prioritize safety when using any type of heating equipment this season.

      To help prevent fire hazards and injuries, please follow these important safety guidelines:

      • Keep children and pets away from heating devices.
      • Never use outdoor propane heaters indoors.
      • Always shut off a heater before moving it.
      • If you smell gas, turn the heater off immediately and ventilate the area.
      • Ensure propane tanks and heaters are properly secured.
      • Keep heaters clear of walkways, foot traffic areas, and exits.
      • Never use heaters near flammable materials or products.
      • Do not use fire pits indoors or under tents, awnings, canopies, or other coverings that may ignite.
      • Review and follow all manufacturer safety instructions before, during, and after use.

      In the event of an emergency involving heating equipment, call 911 immediately to request emergency assistance.

       
       
       
       

      The northbound lane of 58th Street South between 22nd & 17th Avenues remains closed for infrastructure improvements, while the southbound lane stays open. Side street intersections are now closed in phases to support roadway reconstruction, temporarily restricting left turns from 58th Street; right turns remain open. Drivers are encouraged to use 49th Street as an alternate route. The project is expected to be completed by late June.

       
       
       

      Gulfport: Don’t Miss Out on Hurricane Recovery Grants!

      Pinellas County continues to offer assistance through its People First Hurricane Recovery Programs, providing financial support to homeowners, renters, and landlords impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton. Funded by an $813.8 million HUD Community Development Block Grant for Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR), the program supports home repairs and rebuilding efforts, promotes housing stability, and assists residents still recovering from storm impacts.

      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!
       
       
       
       

      eComment’s Available for City Council Meetings

      Residents can now share their input on City Council agenda items online using the City of Gulfport’s new eComment system. You can review upcoming agenda items and submit comments from your computer, tablet, or mobile device.

      How to submit an eComment:

      1. Visit the City Council Meetings page.
      2. Click the “eComment” button.
      3. Enter your comment and submit.

      Have your voice heard—online, anytime, anywhere.

       
       
       

      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.

       
       
       
       

      Great news, Gulfport! Thousands of pages of historic City of Gulfport records dating from 1920 to 1974 have been carefully digitized and are now available online at https://libraries.arcasearch.com/usflghm/. Whether you’re a history buff, a student, or simply curious about Gulfport’s past, this digital archive offers a fascinating treasure trove of local history to explore.

       
       
       
      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/.

       
       
       
      Flyer. Text reads Call for Photos. The Museum is seeking donations of images of Gulfport streets and houses. Accepting photographs prints and digital photos. Donated images will be published in online catalog. Photos from all years and areas of Gulfport welcome. Preferred with dates and addresses. Option to scan originals. Instructions to donate include collect photos visit museum email fill out donation proposal sign deed of gift. Contact HistoryMuseum@mygulfport.us. Logo Gulfport History Museum. Images of houses shown.
       

      To donate, come to the Museum during open hours or email us at HistoryMuseum@mygulfport.us

       

      Help Preserve Gulfport’s History!

      The Museum Needs Your Photographs

      The Gulfport Museum is expanding its historical archive and is seeking photographs of Gulfport streets and homes from any era or neighborhood. We welcome original photographs, printed photos, or digital images. Photos with known dates and addresses are especially valuable, and all donated images will be featured in our online catalog for the public and future generations to explore.

      Don’t want to part with your originals? No problem , we’re happy to scan your photographs and return them to you. Your scan becomes the donation! Help us tell the story of Gulfport, one photo at a time.

       
       
       
      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

      727-201-8687 | 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.

       
       
       
       
      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!

       
       
       
      City of Gulfport, Florida | https://mygulfport.us/
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      City of Gulfport | 2401 53rd street south | Gulfport, FL 33707 US
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      Click Here To View the Cruisers Net Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Gulfport Municipal Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Municipal Marina

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Gulfport Anchorage/Mooring Field

       

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    • Gulfport Arts & Heritage – Feb 2026, 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.

       

       

       

      The Gulfport Arts & Heritage text logo which reads
      FEBRUARY 2026
      Gulfport History Museum & Gulfport Arts Center Newsletter
      Gulfport Arts & Heritage is seeking board members
      Are you interested in Gulfport history and culture? Do you have ideas for expanding Gulfport Arts & Heritage’s programming and membership? Consider joining our board of directors!
      Send a statement of interest to amanda@gulfporthistoricalsociety.org.
      Documenting Stillwagon Murals
      With the restoration of a Keith Stillwagon mural underway, Gulfport Arts & Heritage is assisting in an effort to identify and document murals by this iconic artist located throughout town, and help property owners find resources for restoration. Do you own a Stillwagon mural, or know someone who does?
      Contact amanda@gulfporthistoricalsociety.org.
       

      February Porch Party: 2/13

      Songs of Gulfport
      Friday, February 13 at 7:00 PM at the Catherine Hickman Theater

      SOLD OUT
      Join Gulfport Arts & Heritage and our sponsor, The North End Taphouse, for a unique concert event featuring thirteen local singer songwriters performing their original songs about our special little city by the bay!

      Featured artists include: TC Carr, Bud Good, Berkeley Grimball, Larry Lewis, Frank Van Nostrand, Tom Price, Delaran Withers, Mitch Rolling, Eddie Kusar, Peter Suarez, Barney Waterhouse, and Shelley Carousz.

      The concert begins at 7:30pm. Doors open at the Catherine Hickman Theater at 7pm. Tickets are $20.

      Original Gulfport Walking Tour: 2/21

      The next historic walking tour will start on Saturday, February 21 at 3:30 PM at the Gulfport History Museum.

      Join Gulfport Arts & Heritage on a stroll through history in the heart of Gulfport. This reworked tour lasts for approximately 1.5 hours.

      $15 for non-members, free for GAH members. Registration is required.

      Register
      A logo for the Gulfport History Museum.

      Online Catalog

      Did you know that you can browse and search hundreds of photographs, postcards, and objects from the museum’s collection online? The catalog is updated regularly and is available to view 24/7.

      Access
      See someone or something you know? Have a story? Share your knowledge with us and the community by emailing HistoryMuseum@mygulfport.us. Email links are also available at the bottom of each entry in the catalog.
       
      GHM on FacebookGHM on Facebook
      GHM City of Gulfport WebsiteGHM City of Gulfport Website
      GHM EmailGHM Email
       
      The Gulfport Arts Center logo. Text on an abstract yellow background with illustrated painting supplies.
      Colorful graphic that reads: FEBRUARY 2026 ART WORKSHOPS Registration is REQUIRED in order to participate in adult workshops and is encouraged for kids workshops. Email ArtsCenter@mygulfport.us to register. Valentine’s Day Collage Zines - Adult Workshop FRIDAY, 2/6 @3pm-4:45pm Make your own lovingly crafted, decorative art book to gift to your loved ones this Valentine’s Day. Heart Mobiles - Kids Workshop WEDNESDAY, 2/11 @12:45pm-2pm FRIDAY, 2/13 @5pm-6:15pm Kids will get to craft and personalize an adorable hanging mobile of hearts! Intuitive Painting - Adult Workshop FRIDAY, 2/20 @1pm-2:45pm Express yourself through the therapeutic method of painting intuitively. Mixed Media Cutout Collages - Kids Workshop WEDNESDAY, 2/25 @12:45pm-2pm FRIDAY, 2/27 @5pm-6:15pm Draw patterns onto colored paper, then, cut out wacky shapes to create a fun and funky collage! 2726 54th St S Gulfport, FL 33707 | https://mygulfport.us/arts-center/ www.facebook.com/GulfportArtsCenter
      FEBRUARY 2026 ART WORKSHOPS

      All workshops listed are FREE and all materials are provided!

      Registration by email is REQUIRED in order to participate in adult workshops as space is limited. Registration for kids workshops is encouraged, but not required, otherwise space is first-come-first-serve.

      Email us at ArtsCenter@mygulfport.us to register!

       
      Heart Mobiles – Kids Workshop
      WEDNESDAY, 2/11 @12:45pm-2pm
      FRIDAY, 2/13 @5pm-6:15pm

       Kids will get to craft and personalize an adorable hanging mobile of hearts!

      Intuitive Painting – Adult Workshop
      FRIDAY, 2/20 @1pm-2:45pm

       Express yourself through the therapeutic method of painting intuitively.

      Mixed Media Cutout Collages – Kids Workshop
      WEDNESDAY, 2/25 @12:45pm-2pm
      FRIDAY, 2/27 @5pm-6:15pm

       Draw patterns onto colored paper, then cut out wacky shapes to create a fun
       and funky collage!

      A group of people around a table inking up printmaking plates, while a woman in the forefront turns the wheel of a printmaking press
      Last month’s collagraph printmaking class where participants got to use our brand new etching press!
       
      A colorful graphic poster with a collage design which reads
      OPEN COLLAGE GROUP MEETUP

      BIMONTHLY, EVERY 1st & 3rd SATURDAY @3pm-5pm

      FEBRUARY – February 7th & 21st

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    • BoatUS Foundation Receives U.S. Coast Guard Grant for Nationwide Smart Life Jacket Loaner Stations  

      BoatUS

      BoatUS is the leading advocate for boating safety in the US and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR. 

       

      Press Contact:  

      Alisha Sheth, BoatUS PR Manager 

      alisha@boatus.com  

       

       

      BoatUS Foundation Receives U.S. Coast Guard Grant for Nationwide Smart Life Jacket Loaner Stations  

      Nonprofit boating safety organization aims to enhance life jacket accessibility and awareness 

       

       

      SPRINGFIELD, Va. – February 9, 2026 – The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water received a grant for $375,000 through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. The funding will be used to expand BoatUS Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program by piloting up to 150 smart loaner life jacket stations across the nation. The pilot will test multiple station models to assess effectiveness across different community settings.  

      “Through this grant, the BoatUS Foundation is piloting new, technology enabled station models that make it easier for families and boaters to access properly fitting life jackets” said Tiffany Gonzalez, Program Manager at BoatUS Foundation. “By increasing access, education, and preparedness we’re helping more boaters stay safe on the water.”  

      Founded in 1997, the Life Jacket Loaner Program was created to enable more children to be in properly fitting life jackets on the water. On average, BoatUS Foundation loans 140,000 life jackets each year and has more than 600+ loaner sites currently.  

      As part of the grant, The Life Jacket Loaner Program stations in this pilot will test various technological features to improve access to properly fitting child-sized life jackets, track usage, and deliver educational content on proper life jacket wear. Applications to be part of the pilot project will be opening in the coming weeks and loaner stations will be operational by the 2026 boating season.  

      “This grant represents an important investment in the safety of our nation’s boaters, said Verne Gifford, Chief, U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division. “We’re excited to see the positive impact this funding will have on communities and waterways across the country.”  

      For more information on the Life Jacket Loaner Program, please visit, BoatUS.org/life-jacket-loaner 

      ### 

      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 https://boatus.org.   

       

       

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    • Cruisers’ Net Weekly Newsletter – February 6, 2026

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    • In Favor of a Second, Lower Anchor Beacon – 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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      In Favor of a Second, Lower Anchor Beacon

      ‘Riding Light’ Raises Question of Compliance Versus Comprehension

       
       
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      Though we’ve never called it that, Loose Cannon’s Morgan Out Island 41 uses a “riding light” fueled by lantern oil.

      Neil Chapman is a lifelong sailor and founder of Boatshed, a U.K. based yacht brokerage with a big difference from its U.S. counterparts. He cruises on a Supertaff, a 1976 Rebel 41 ketch. This story was reprinted with permission from his BoatshedNeil Substack.


      There is a moment most sailors recognise. You are anchored for the night, the boat is settled, the water calm enough to reflect points of light.

      You glance up from whatever you were doing, perhaps your phone, perhaps a chart or a mug of tea, and you instinctively scan the water ahead. Not the sky. The water. The space where other hulls might be, where a dinghy might be crossing, where a boat might be swinging toward you on a different radius of chain.

      What you are looking for, whether you consciously realise it or not, is not brightness. It is meaning.

      In most modern anchorages, meaning has become harder to read.

      A Short History of a Small Light

      Traditionally, anchored vessels displayed what was often called a riding light. Not at the masthead, but forward, low enough to relate visually to the hull, high enough to clear spray and deck clutter, often hung from or near the forestay. It might sit eight or ten feet above the water. It would swing gently as the vessel rode to her anchor.

      This was not an affectation. It was practical design shaped by human behaviour. Most close-quarters traffic occurs at eye level. Most collision risk in anchorages is short-range, slow-speed, and human-scale. The riding light sat exactly where approaching eyes were already looking.

      Modern yachts, by contrast, tend to rely on a single all-round white anchor light at the masthead. On a 45-foot cruising yacht, that can mean a light 50 feet in the air. Bright, efficient, compliant. Also, in many cases, disconnected from the physical reality of the boat beneath it.

      This shift did not happen because someone decided riding lights were bad. It happened because masthead lights were easier to standardise, easier to certify, and easier to sell. One fitting, one wire run, one rule satisfied.

      That does not make the outcome either good or bad by default. But it does change how anchorages work as visual systems.

      The Anchorage Is Not Offshore

      Much of modern navigation equipment, and many modern conventions, are optimised for offshore conditions. There, range matters. Height matters. Visibility over waves matters. A high, bright, all-round light makes sense when vessels are separated by miles and closing speeds are high.

      An anchorage is a different environment entirely. It is crowded, slow, irregular, and informal. People move unpredictably. Dinghies weave through larger boats. Heads turn briefly, not deliberately. Attention is fragmented.

      In this context, the question is not “can this vessel be seen?” It is “can this situation be read quickly?”

      A masthead anchor light answers the first question well. It answers the second less well.

      Seen from a dinghy or a cockpit, a masthead light often floats, visually unmoored from the water. Depth cues are weak. It is not always obvious where the hull lies beneath it, or how far away it is. In a field of similar lights, the scene flattens. Everything becomes a constellation rather than a map.

      A lower riding light, by contrast, anchors the vessel visually to the water. It gives the eye a reference point that aligns with the way people actually scan their surroundings. It does not shout, but it explains.

      Share

      Compliance Versus Comprehension

      None of this is an argument against regulations. The collision regulations exist for good reasons, and modern anchor lights are entirely legitimate. The problem is not legality. It is the narrowing of seamanship to compliance alone.

      Over time, the incentive structure has shifted. Sailors are rewarded for ticking boxes, not for being readable. If the light meets the rule, the thinking often stops there. Day shapes are not hoisted because nobody looks for them. Nobody looks for them because nobody hoists them. The system decays quietly.

      This is not laziness in the moral sense. It is optimisation. People optimise for effort, cost, and perceived risk. In most anchorages, the perceived risk of miscommunication is low, until it isn’t.

      The riding light fell out of favour not because it failed, but because it was no longer required.

      Tech Fills the Gap, Imperfectly

      One might argue that this is all moot. We have AIS, chartplotters, radar, anchor alarms. The boat is visible electronically, even if the light is suboptimal. In many cases, that is true.

      But electronics change behaviour as much as they change capability. People rely on screens, sometimes too much. They assume others are doing the same. Visual signalling becomes secondary, a backup rather than a primary language.

      That assumption breaks down in precisely the moments when it matters most: fatigue, distraction, unfamiliar waters, visitors in hired boats, guests at the helm, people moving slowly and casually rather than standing a formal watch.

      Lights and shapes were designed to work in those moments. They require no battery beyond the one already powering the boat. They require no shared protocol beyond human vision.

      Is This a Problem, or Just Change?

      This is where the conclusion becomes less clear-cut.

      On the one hand, it is hard to argue that modern anchorages are dramatically more dangerous than those of the past. Boats are generally better built, anchors better designed, weather information better distributed. Many incidents are avoided through technology that simply did not exist before.

      On the other hand, near-misses are rarely recorded. Confusion, hesitation, and last-second course changes are accepted as normal. The fact that something “usually works out” is not evidence that the system is well designed.

      The loss of the riding light is not catastrophic. It is incremental. It makes anchorages slightly harder to read, slightly more ambiguous, slightly more dependent on attention being perfect.

      That earns it neither an A nor an F. A C feels about right.

      Culture Matters More

      Perhaps the most telling observation is not about lights at all, but about mindset.

      Vessels that still carry riding lights, hoist anchor balls, or otherwise signal clearly tend to be operated by people who think in terms of shared space. They see anchoring not as parking, but as participating in a system.

      This is not about tradition for its own sake. It is about recognising that boats communicate, whether we intend them to or not. The question is whether that communication is clear.

      The quiet tragedy is that as practices fade, so does the language to describe them. Many sailors today have never heard the term “riding light.” They are not rejecting the idea. They simply do not know it exists.

      When vocabulary disappears, so does choice.

      Where This Leaves Us

      There is no realistic call to reinstate old rules wholesale. Nor should there be. Boats are diverse, anchorages vary, and one size rarely fits all.

      But there is room for better thinking.

      Anchor lights could be designed with anchorage contexts in mind: adjustable brightness, secondary lower references, warmer colour temperatures. Education could place more emphasis on readability rather than mere visibility. Day shapes could be treated as meaningful again, not ceremonial.

      Most of all, sailors could be encouraged to ask a simple question when anchoring for the night:

      “If someone looks up for one second, will they understand where I am?”

      Sometimes the masthead light is enough. Sometimes it isn’t.

      The riding light was one answer to that question. Not a perfect one, but a thoughtful one. Losing it without replacing the thinking behind it feels like a missed opportunity.

      Not a disaster. Just a quiet downgrade.

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


       
       
       
       
       
       
      A guest post by
      Boatshed Neil

      Founder of Boatshed.com and sailor, plus I try to write stuff when I can 🙂
       

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    • Florida Boaters Now Have Access to Free State-Approved Online Boating Safety Course – BoatUS Foundation

      BoatUS

      BoatUS is the leading advocate for boating safety in the US and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR. 

      Press Contact:  

      Alisha Sheth, BoatUS PR Manager 

       

       

      Blue text on a black backgroundAI-generated content may be incorrect. 

      Florida Boaters Can Now Take Free 
      State-Approved Boating Safety Course  

      At-home learning helps Florida boaters prepare for the water easily and conveniently  

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      FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – February 4, 2026 – The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has launched the only free interactive boating safety course for Florida recreational boaters.

      The course, which is approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and meets state boating safety education requirements, can be taken at the student’s own pace. After passing the exam, they can print their own certificate of completion for immediate use and will receive a lifetime card from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.  

      The course provides video demonstrations and sample common boating situations for students to interact with to better understand how to evaluate real-world instances. The learning experience includes storylines where the student “boats” to various places and includes interactive learning tools like flashcards and drag-and-drop features to enhance learning and retention. Course-takers will be able to design and name the virtual boat that takes them through the course and map how far they’ve “traveled” within it. 

       

      In the state of Florida, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must pass an approved boating safety course and have in his/her possession photographic identification and proof of boating safety education completion issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

      The online BoatUS Foundation boating safety course and exam are approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard as exceeding the minimum requirements for the National Recreational Boating Safety Program. 

      “NASBLA approval of our Florida Boating Safety Course is a meaningful investment in boater safety, said Lynne O’Hearn, Program Manager at BoatUS Foundation. “Boater education is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents, and this course gives Florida boaters the opportunity to build their skills to better enjoy Florida waterways safely.”  

      To take the course, visit BoatUS.org/Florida. For more information about Florida boating safety education, visit myfwc.com/boating/safety-education. 

      About BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water: 

      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/Courses. 

      The views expressed in this media release are solely those of the sender and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cision.

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    • Flash! Bang! Growing Pyrotechnic Answer to the Orca Threat – Peter Swanson

      Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes that mariners with salt water in their veins will subscribe. $7 a month or $56 for the year, and you may cancel at any time.

         
       
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      Flash! Bang! Growing Pyrotechnic Answer to the Orca Threat

      Sailors Are Adopting an Illegal Tactic Because It Seems To Work

       
       
       
       
       

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      Spiral of Life lies trapped on a beach in Portugal in early December.

      We’re not supposed to call ’em attacks because that, I guess, would be prejudicial. “Interactions” is better, we are told.

      So, let’s just say it: Orcas are the ones that have been doing the interacting and with extreme prejudice, as they continue to ram sailboats off Iberia’s Atlantic coast. There have been a reported 700 of these non-attacks since 2020.

      The latest interaction was a doozy. The headline-writer hadn’t gotten the memo: “Scary Moment as 30 Killer Whales Attack Family’s Yacht.”

      Can you imagine? Thirty of them!

      Except, it’s likely untrue. Most of the Orca incidents have involved a half dozen or so of the animals, dubbed the “Gladiator Pod,” but six or seven is bad enough.

      The headline-writer must have been including every orca in a 500-mile radius in that interaction, because there is no record of Michael and Laura of Spiral of Life Sailing (yes, a YouTube channel) asserting that number.

      Gladiators have been credited with sinking six or seven vessels, but without killing or injuring any humans (after which must be added the obligatory) —yet. Most of the sinkings appear to have happened from heavy blows to spade rudders typical on modern cruising craft.

      Share

      According to a December 30 article in the Independent, the Dutch couple was sailing between Porto and Lisbon “when their vessel was ‘violently’ buffeted by orcas at around 5 a.m.”

      “I disengaged the autopilot and grabbed the wheel and then we got hit again. The hit ripped the wheel out of my hands for a moment,” Michael said in a video about the incident. “I grabbed it back as fast as I could, and then I heard it—right next to the boat—splashing and that heavy breathing you never forget once you’ve heard.”

      (You can watch the episode below.)

      Having heard that orcas prefer deep water, they steered the Bavaria 46 toward the Portuguese coast. In the terror and chaos of the moment, however, they forgot how close to shore they were to begin with. Spiral of Life ran up onto the beach and flopped on her side, having been herded aground by swimming animals said to have the thought processing abilities of a human ninth-grader.

      With the help of locals, Michael and Laura were able to recover their boat and are having repairs made.

      Boom! Just Like That

      Meanwhile, a growing number of European sailors are adopting what you might say are teenage tactics to deal with a teenage threat. They are throwing firecrackers at the whales—the kind that will explode underwater.

      Think 1943: Destroyers versus Uboats.

      As EuropaSur has reported:

      Frequent orca attacks in the Strait of Gibraltar and the Gulf of Cádiz have led to a surge in sales of water fireworks in shops like those in Algeciras, despite the fact that it is forbidden to carry them and even more so to use them to scare away these or other marine animals.

      Consumer fireworks are generally illegal in Portugal, so cruisers are stocking up in the Galicia region of Spain in the north or Andalusia in the south. Petardos, as they are called, are even sold at nautical chandleries.¹

      Confronted by orcas, sailors have tried dumping sand or diesel fuel, activating pingers or motoring in reverse. No joy.

      According to yet another YouTube sailor, a sensible sounding guy who goes by the handle Reversing Entropy, fireworks are the only “anectdotally proven” countermeasure.²

      Every report you hear about people using this, you know, mouth to mouth, people are not putting this on the internet because, you know, it’s illegal. But everyone’s story seems to end the same way. They deploy the firecracker inside of the water and the orcas just swim away.

      We don’t want to hurt them. We don’t want anything bad to happen to them. We just want them not to sink our boat. This practice seems to be so effective that I hear from reliable sources that you can now buy in Spain in chandleries a kit that comes with the firecrackers and a big pole. You attach the firecracker to the front of the pole and you immerse them into water, let it explode, and then, you know, get it back.

      As it happens, orcas are extremely sensitive to sound and rely on it for hunting, communication and navigation using echolocation. And sound travels very efficiently underwater.

      A January 19 story in the U.K.’s Daily Mail quoted a study of the orca pod in question (lead by a female that scientists call White Gladys), which noted that the Gladiator Pod is an unusually quiet bunch:

      Orca pods are typically very vocal, especially when they are hunting or playing, but White Gladis and her team pulled apart stranded yachts in eerie silence.

      However, scientists have now discovered that this is merely a tactical choice. Like most pods, the orcas that live around Ibera and the Strait of Gibraltar specialise in hunting a single type of prey.

      Because these killer whales are experts in tackling the alert and flighty tuna, they have learned to hunt in silence and avoid any noise that might startle the fish.

      Naturally, the depth-charging of whales is driving environmentalists and animal rights groups crazy. Some sailors are against it, too, arguing that Gladys and crew will treat it as an escalation and respond by increasing the ferocity of their interactions.

      Which is giving orcas a lot of credit, but hey…who knows?

      “All you firecracker supporters are doing is making the attacks increasingly ferocious, and you’ll be justifying the use of more powerful explosives. Sadly, it’s already happening,” a Norwegian sailor wrote on an online forum.

      Did he say attacks?

      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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      1

      As in: “Hoisted by his own petard.”

      2

      Having been “killed” in a mortar attack (in training with military flash-bangs), I can attest to the disorientation and fear that these can induce in a human being.

       

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