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August 26, 2024 Weekly Email Newsletter, City of Gulfport, Boca Ciega Bay, FL
Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located in the heart of downtown Gulfport. 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.
CORRECTION (In red below): The Fusion 49th District General Meeting
Weekly news & updates 
August 26, 2024 | City of Gulfport, FL – Gateway to the Gulf Newsletter 
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.
Casino Ballroom Weekly Dances Click here to see the weekly dance schedule.
Gulfport Community Update Click here to read more.
Gulfport Arts & Heritage Click here to see upcoming events.
Gecko Fest 2024
Saturday, August 31, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Join us this Saturday for Gulfport’s End of Summer Celebration!
Please see below for more info.
Gulfport City Council Mayor
Sam Henderson
826-7208
Ward 1
April Thanos
826-7138
Ward 2
Christine Brown
826-7311
Ward 3 Paul
Ray
262-2479
Vice Mayor
Ian O’Hara
826-7355
City Manager’s Gulfport Community Update Gulfport Community Update: August 18 – 24, 2024 Gulfport City Hall & facilities will be closed on Monday, September 2 in observance of Labor Day. The Sanitation schedule will not be affected, the Gulfport Marina will be open, and the Casino Ballroom will be open for Line Dancing at 7 p.m.
The Atlantic Basin Hurricane season ends November 30. For up-to-date information visit the City of Gulfport Hurricane Center at https://mygulfport.us/
hurricane-center/. The 2024 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday period is Saturday, August 24 – Friday, September 6. Visit https://floridarevenue. com/disasterprep/ for information. The CERT Basic Training Course teaches important skills to know in a disaster when emergency services may not be available. Visit https://mygulfport.us/
cert-basic-training/ for information or to register. Read more This Weeks Events & Meetings 
USA Ballroom Dance Monday, August 26th | 7 – 10 p.m.
Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S.
Admission: $10 Members | $13 Non-members
Contact: Nancy Welch nancy01FL@aol.com
More info 
Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market Tuesday, August 27th | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Downtown Waterfront District, Beach Blvd. S.
Join us weekly at our open-air fresh market for the region’s freshest produce, arts & crafts from local creators and a fresh array of locally sourced botanicals along the shops and restaurants of scenic Beach Boulevard.
More info 
Ballroom Dance Lessons w/ Carol Baker Tuesday, August 27th | noon – 3 p.m.
Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S.
$15 admission
Call 727-798-3660
Noon – 1:30 p.m. Beginner Rumba
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. IBolero
2:30 – 3 p.m. Dancing
Weekly dance info 
Argentine Tango Dance & Lesson w/ Kathleen & Steve Prucher
Tuesday, August 27th | 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Gulfport Casino Ballroom 5500 Shore Blvd. S.
$10 admission
Call 727-742-3368
Weekly dance info 
Website: https://swingtime.
info Email: Events@SwingTime.info
Swing Dance w/ Swing Time Wednesday, August 28th | 7 – 11 p.m.
Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S.
Lessons 7 p.m. | Dancing 8 – 11 p.m.
$10 admission
Weekly dance info …
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Below Deck Discovery & Last Seminar of 2024 – Capt. Chris
Ask Captain Chris about Virtual Consulting!
Get started on your adventure with an ASK CAPTAIN CHRIS Seminar. Cruising 101 or Introduction to Boat Systems. Learn More Here 
Know before you go! Learn DYI at a seminar here… 
Today’s adventure was aboard a boat in Rhode Island with a new boat owner and a little below deck discovery …. photos and more 
Yes, we offer FREE videos on YouTube. As we cruise around the waterways and boatyards we see interesting things to video, narrate and post on YouTube so check out this short article on how to see thousands (yup, thousands) of these little gems….click here for FREE! Spare Parts List – Be prepared and DIY! 
Tell us what you’d like to learn more about. Chris@ CaptainChrisYachtServices.com 
Streaming Training Videos – Rent or Own Docking, Anchoring, Navigation, Locking, Fuel Filters to Galley Tips and MORE! 
Share 
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Website 
YouTube Copyright © 2024 Captain Chris Yacht Services, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:Captain Chris Yacht Services
2845 Citrus PlaceVero Beach, FL 32968
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Appreciation – Janice Anne Wheeler
I imagine this is what the plant has looked like since it moved here in 1921.
Click here for APPRECIATION – The Admirable Traditions are Entrenched
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A Forgotten People: Bohemian oyster shuckers on NC coast by David Cecelski
Click here for A Forgotten People: Bohemian oyster shuckers on NC coast
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Change in Town Docking Regulations – Oriental, NC
Oriental is home to longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Oriental Marina and Inn, lying on the eastern banks of inner Oriental Harbor. Our thanks to Bob423 for this information.
Click Here To View the Cruisers Net North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Oriental Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Oriental Marina
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New social event “Birds of a Feather” debuts at Caw Caw on Sept. 28, Charleston, SC
Click here for New social event “Birds of a Feather” debuts at Caw Caw on Sept. 28
Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission / 861 Riverland Drive / Charleston, SC 29412 / (843) 795-4386
Sarah Reynolds Public Information Coordinator Headquarters 861 Riverland Dr , Charleston , SC 29412 Office: +1 8437628089 Sarah.Reynolds@ccprc.com | CharlestonCountyParks.com Be the first to comment!
Gecko Ball This Weekend!! Gulfport, FL
Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located in the heart of downtown Gulfport. 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.
This Weekend in Gulfport…and More
Get Ready For Gecko World!!
GECKO BALL TICKETS SELLING FAST!!
There are only a handful of tickets left for this weekend’s event of the year. Get your Gecko Ball tickets now ONLY at The Beach Bazaar! Don’t miss your chance to attend the most cherished event in Gulfport. This year’s theme is “Live From Gulfport, It’s Gecko Night”! Dress as your favorite Saturday Night Live skit or just wear your finest Gulfport Glam. Individual tickets are $30.
GeckoEats
Hey Gulfport! The biggest party of the year is here—dancing, auctions, costumes, and more. But this year, let GeckoEats handle the food! 
Five local restaurants are bringing the feast to you. Order online using the link on your ticket or below, and your meal will be waiting when you arrive. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the party—less time cooking, more time perfecting your costume! 
Follow the link to delicious GeckoEats: https://geckoballeats.square.
site/ 
Get Ready For GeckoFest!
The Gulfport Merchants Chamber is thrilled to announce the 24th Annual Gecko Fest, set to take place on Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 10 AM to 10 PM along Gulfport’s scenic waterfront on Beach Blvd. This year’s theme, “Live From Gulfport, It’s Gecko Night!” promises a vibrant, fun-filled event featuring a costume parade, live music, street performers, and a variety of food and craft vendors. Gecko Fest is held in collaboration with SIK Promotions and the City of Gulfport. Admission and parking are free.
First held in 2001, Gecko Fest began as an end-of-summer celebration and has since grown into one of Tampa Bay’s most anticipated annual events. Known for its lively mix of artistic energy and community spirit, the festival features a costume contest and parade, wandering street performers, and two stages with live music. The event has been proudly organized by the Gulfport Merchants Chamber since 2004.
Gecko Fest is preceded each year by the Gecko Art Show, Gecko Crawl, and Gecko Ball. All events are hosted by the non-profit Gulfport Merchants Chamber, with a portion of proceeds from the Gecko World events donated back to the community. This year’s recipients include the REACH! Food Program for Kids, Selah Freedom, and the Sonia Plotnick Health Fund.
Click Here For GeckoFest Info 
Click Here for More Info 
The 10th Annual Gulfport Fine Arts Festival
Applications are now being accepted for this cherished juried art show.
Apply Here 
Call For Volunteers
OUT Arts & Culture needs you. Click the link for more information.
Click here to Volunteer 
The GMC needs YOU!
The Gulfport Merchants Chamber is in need of Volunteers! We believe in the power of collective action, and we’re reaching out to you because we need dedicated volunteers like you to help us make a difference.
Volunteers are the backbone of our organization, and their contributions are invaluable. Whether you have a few hours to spare each week or want to get involved in a specific project, your time and skills can have a meaningful impact.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Our new Welcome Center located at 5317 Gulfport Blvd. S. serves as the first point of contact for visitors, newcomers, and those seeking information about our organization. Volunteers like you play a crucial role in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making our guests feel comfortable, and providing them with the information they need.
Event Ambassadors play a vital role in creating a positive and memorable experience for attendees, guests and participants. You will get to be a part of some of our amazing events in Gulfport!
Use the link below to sign up for different volunteer opportunities!
Sign Up Here 
Gulfport’s Tuesday Market
Every Tuesday, 9am-2pm
Dive into freshness at Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market! Every Tuesday, enjoy open-air shopping for fruits, veggies, local art, and more. Skip crowded supermarkets and support local vendors. After shopping, grab a meal from our restaurants and savor it in our scenic parks or by the beach. #GulfportFreshMarket #ShopLocal #SociallyDistancedShopping#
FreshAndLocal #GulfportLife Want to showcase your goods? Become a vendor! Apply here: https://visitgulfportflorida.
com/gulfport-tuesday-market #VendorOpportunity #JoinUs 
Members Only: Free Small Business Consultation with The Small Business Development Center
Every Third Thursday, 9am-2pm By Appointment
The Florida SBDC at PCED has partnered with the local community to make confidential consulting available wherever you may be. Debra Schweikowsky, our professionally certified business consultant, specializes in finance and capital access and helps local business owners with growth strategies to realize their goals.
To get started, contact Debra directly to schedule a confidential appointment at 727.453.7108, or email dschweikowsky@pinellas.gov.
Aimee Kosta
Executive Director
info@visitgulfportflorida.comCopyright © 2024 Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
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Celebrate “Wings Over Edenton” This October! Edenton, NC
A longtime CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, historic Edenton always has an exciting calendar of events and places to visit! Edenton is at the mouth of the Chowan River on the northwest shore of Albemarle Sound.
Hello, We are very excited to invite you to join us for “Wings Over Edenton” this October.
Come celebrate Edenton’s aviation history and enjoy a day filled with fun events for all ages. We’ll have an airshow featuring WWII planes, food trucks and vendors, face painting for kids, and more!
This special event will be on October 19th and starts at 10:00 a.m. Book a room at one of our historic B&Bs now so you can enjoy the whole weekend in Edenton.
We hope to see you soon!
Visit our website!
| 101 W Water St, Edenton, North Carolina 27932
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Edenton Harbor City Docks
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What’s Happening in Your Parks, Charleston, SC
Caw Caw Interpretive Center Update
The flood waters have receded, and the Caw Caw Interpretive Center has resumed its normal operating schedule. Be aware that some of the trail system remains muddy in areas, so please wear the appropriate footwear and use caution on trails.
If you’re looking for a reason to visit, spread your wings like a (social) butterfly and join us for Birds Of A Feather in September.
You’re Invited
Kick off the new school year in a big way – at our Back to School Bash! On August 24, join us for a fun-filled event with music, jump castles, face painting, a school supply giveaway, and more. Admission is free!
Let’s Talk Hawks
Prepare to be en-raptor-ed by these fascinating birds of prey. On September 5, join our birding expert for a walk through Johns Island County Park where you’ll polish your hawk-watching skills and learn what makes these winged wonders unique.
Make a Jam Plan
Mark your calendars! Palmetto Park Jam returns on October 13, featuring Idlewild Revival, the ultimate Allman Brothers tribute band. So if you need a break from tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best you can, get your tickets today!
Day And Night
Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, we’ve got time for you to stretch out at the Mount Pleasant Pier! Join us for Sunrise Yoga on August 24 or Starlight Yoga on September 12.
Mark Your Calendars August 22 Bird Photography 4 spots left
August 24 Sunrise Yoga
August 31 Essentials of Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)
September 5 Beginners Night
September 8 Dog Day Afternoon Both sessions sold out!
September 12 Starlight Yoga
September 13 Dancing on the Cooper
September 13-14 The Boardr Series at SK8 Charleston
September 28 Birds Of A Feather
October 13 Palmetto Park Jam
Annual Partners
For information on sponsorship opportunities, please email the Sponsorship Coordinator.
Follow Us 
Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission | 861 Riverland Drive | Charleston, SC 29412 US Be the first to comment!
Meet the Man Doing The Great Loop on a $300 PWC
Jacob and his 1994 Polaris SLT 750 he bought for $300 during a pitstop at Hucks Marine
Click here for Meet the Man Doing The Great Loop on a $300 PWC
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NOAA Ocean Today Back-to-School Guide!
In one way of thinking, corals are part animal, vegetable, and mineral. How is that possible?
Click here for NOAA Ocean Today Back-to-School Guide!
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August 19, 2024 Weekly Email Newsletter, City of Gulfport, Boca Ciega Bay, FL
Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located in the heart of downtown Gulfport. 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 August 19, 2024 | City of Gulfport, FL – Gateway to the Gulf Newsletter 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.
Casino Ballroom Weekly Dances Click here to see the weekly dance schedule.
Gulfport Community Update Click here to read more.
Gulfport Arts & Heritage Click here to see upcoming events.
While storm season is upon us, it’s crucial to prepare your boat for any weather challenges. Check out this informative video for essential tips on how to secure your vessel and need to know information before and during a storm.
Make sure you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature throws
our way! Stay safe!
Gulfport City Council Mayor
Sam Henderson
826-7208
Ward 1
April Thanos
826-7138
Ward 2
Christine Brown
826-7311
Ward 3 Paul
Ray
262-2479
Vice Mayor
Ian O’Hara
826-7355
City Manager’s Gulfport Community Update Gulfport Community Update: August 11 – 17, 2024 The Atlantic Basin Hurricane season ends November 30. For up-to-date information visit the City of Gulfport Hurricane Center at https://mygulfport.us/
hurricane-center/. The 2024 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday period is Saturday, August 24 – Friday, September 6. Visit https://floridarevenue. com/disasterprep/ for information. The CERT Basic Training Course teaches important skills to know in a disaster when emergency services may not be available. Visit https://mygulfport.us/
cert-basic-training/ for information or to register. Pinellas County’s rainy season fertilizer restrictions are in effect through September 30; the sale or use of fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus is prohibited. Phosphorus cannot be used at any time of year unless a soil test confirms it’s needed. Help protect our waterways. Learn more at https://pinellas.gov/
fertilizer-landscape- information/. City of Gulfport residents are limited to once a week lawn watering through September 30. Visit https://www.swfwmd.
state.fl.us/business/ epermitting/district-water- restrictions for more information. Read more This Weeks Events & Meetings Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market Tuesday, August 20th | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Downtown Waterfront District, Beach Blvd. S.
Join us weekly at our open-air fresh market for the region’s freshest produce, arts & crafts from local creators and a fresh array of locally sourced botanicals along the shops and restaurants of scenic Beach Boulevard.
More info 
More info Ask a City Councilor at the Third Tuesday Fresh Market Tuesday, August 20th | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
GulfPerk Coffee Bar, 3107 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 Councilmember, Ward 1 Representative, April Thanos at (727) 826-7138.
Ballroom Dance Lessons w/ Carol Baker Tuesday, August 20th | noon – 3 p.m.
Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S.
$15 admission
Call 727-798-3660
Noon – 1:30 p.m. Beginner Rumba
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. IBolero
2:30 – 3 p.m. Dancing
Weekly dance info Argentine Tango Dance & Lesson w/ Kathleen & Steve Prucher
Tuesday, August 20th | 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Gulfport Casino Ballroom 5500 Shore Blvd. S.
$10 admission
Call 727-742-3368
Weekly dance info Website: https://swingtime.
info Email: Events@SwingTime.info
Swing Dance w/ Swing Time Wednesday, August 21st | 7 – 11 p.m.
Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S.
Lessons 7 p.m. | Dancing 8 – 11 p.m.
$10 admission
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Great place – If you need a boat or marine mechanic dont hesitate to contact us
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Fishermen’s Village September Calendar of Entertainment/Events, Punta Gorda, FL
There is always plenty to do around Charlotte Harbor! While berthed at Fishermen’s Village Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, you are certain to enjoy visiting Western Florida’s beautiful Charlotte Harbor/Peace River.
Fishermen’s Village September Calendar of Entertainment/Events
Click here for September Dual Calendar 2024
Kathy Burnam
Special Events & Community Relations941.639.8721
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Fishermen’s Village
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Fishermen’s Village
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Trail Runners Rejoice! Half Marathon, October 5, Johns Island County Park, Charleston, SC
Picturesque vistas and the allure of moss-draped oak trees create an idyllic setting for an unforgettable race day. Come experience the beautiful trails of Johns Island County Park! Don’t forget the little ones! After the race, we invite kids ages 3-7 of all abilities to dash across the finish, too.
Saturday, October 5
Half Marathon begins at 8 a.m.
5K begins at 8:30 a.m.
Register Presented By
Follow Us Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission | 861 Riverland Drive | Charleston, SC 29412 US Be the first to comment!
Beaufort to extend dock operator’s lease, reset selection – Coastal Review
Click here for Beaufort to extend dock operator’s lease, reset selection
CoastalReview.orgSee Beaufort residents blast dock operator selection process
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How Can You Not Want to Jump In? Janice Anne Wheeler
Click here for HOW CAN YOU NOT WANT TO JUMP IN?
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LMS Back to School Newsletter 2024, Charleston, SC
Click here for LMS Back to School Newsletter 2024
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Gecko, Gecko, Gecko and so much more! – Gulfport, FL
Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, is located in the heart of downtown Gulfport. 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.
This Weekend in Gulfport…and More
Get Ready For Gecko World!!
The GMC on Great Day Live Tampa
The GMC’s Executive Director, Aimee Kosta and Board Member, Kelli Garcia had the great fortune of being invited to Great Day Live Tampa to be interviewed by the lovely Java & Janelle to talk about all things Gecko!! Click below to watch the segment.
Click Here for Great Day Live Tampa 
GECKO POKER CRAWL TICKETS NOW ON SALE
Tickets for the Annual Gecko Poker Crawl are now on sale at The Gulfport Beach Bazaar and The Gulfport Corner Store. Tickets are $25 and include one drink at each of the 6 bar crawl locations. Poker Only tickets are available for $10. Tickets are also available online and can be picked up the day of the Crawl at the Tiki Bar & Grill or The North End Taphouse. Tickets are also available for purchase the day of.
Click Here for Gecko Poker Crawl 
3rd Saturday IndieFaire
Join us for our 3rd Saturday IndieFaire on Saturday, August 17th as we fill the streets with a variety of vendors! This month’s Faire will be taking place along with our Gecko Poker Crawl so get ready for an extra festive evening!
Stella’s Divine Wine And Gourmet Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Join us as we welcome the newest edition of the Stella’s Family to the Gulfport Merchants Chamber Family!
GECKO QUEEN VOTING ENDS AUGUST 18th
Who Will Be Gulfport’s Next Gecko Queen?
It’s time to choose your Queen! Public in-person voting will begin on July 22nd. Ballots will be available at The Gulfport Beach Bazaar, The Gulfport Corner Store and The Gulfport Merchants Chamber Welcome Center. Be sure to get your vote in!
The winner will be announced and crowned at the Gecko Ball!
One ballot per person, please.
Click Here for Gecko Queen Info GECKO BALL TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!
Get your Gecko Ball tickets at The Beach Bazaar or The Gulfport Corner Store! Don’t miss your chance to attend the most cherished event in Gulfport. This year’s theme is “Live From Gulfport, It’s Gecko Night”! Dress as your favorite Saturday Night Live skit or just wear your finest Gulfport Glam. Don’t miss the Event of the Year! Individual tickets are $30. Reserved tables are $400 (seats 10) and are only available at the Beach Bazaar. Individual tickets are also available online. Click below.
Click Here for Gecko Ball Info GeckoEats
Hey Gulfport! The biggest party of the year is here—dancing, auctions, costumes, and more. But this year, let GeckoEats handle the food! Five local restaurants are bringing the feast to you. Order online using the link on your ticket or below, and your meal will be waiting when you arrive. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the party—less time cooking, more time perfecting your costume! Follow the link to delicious GeckoEats: https://geckoballeats.square.
site/ Get Ready For GeckoFest!
The Gulfport Merchants Chamber is thrilled to announce the 24th Annual Gecko Fest, set to take place on Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 10 AM to 10 PM along Gulfport’s scenic waterfront on Beach Blvd. This year’s theme, “Live From Gulfport, It’s Gecko Night!” promises a vibrant, fun-filled event featuring a costume parade, live music, street performers, and a variety of food and craft vendors. Gecko Fest is held in collaboration with SIK Promotions and the City of Gulfport. Admission and parking are free.
First held in 2001, Gecko Fest began as an end-of-summer celebration and has since grown into one of Tampa Bay’s most anticipated annual events. Known for its lively mix of artistic energy and community spirit, the festival features a costume contest and parade, wandering street performers, and two stages with live music. The event has been proudly organized by the Gulfport Merchants Chamber since 2004.
Gecko Fest is preceded each year by the Gecko Art Show, Gecko Crawl, and Gecko Ball. All events are hosted by the non-profit Gulfport Merchants Chamber, with a portion of proceeds from the Gecko World events donated back to the community. This year’s recipients include the REACH! Food Program for Kids, Selah Freedom, and the Sonia Plotnick Health Fund.
Click Here For GeckoFest Info The 10th Annual Gulfport Fine Arts Festival
Applications are now being accepted for this cherished juried art show.
Apply Here Call For Volunteers
OUT Arts & Culture needs you. Click the link for more information.
Click here to Volunteer The GMC needs YOU!
The Gulfport Merchants Chamber is in need of Volunteers! We believe in the power of collective action, and we’re reaching out to you because we need dedicated volunteers like you to help us make a difference.
Volunteers are the backbone of our organization, and their contributions are invaluable. Whether you have a few hours to spare each week or want to get involved in a specific project, your time and skills can have a meaningful impact.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Our new Welcome Center located at 5317 Gulfport Blvd. S. serves as the first point of contact for visitors, newcomers, and those seeking information about our organization. Volunteers like you play a crucial role in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making our guests feel comfortable, and providing them with the information they need.
Event Ambassadors play a vital role in creating a positive and memorable experience for attendees, guests and participants. You will get to be a part of some of our amazing events in Gulfport!
Use the link below to sign up for different volunteer opportunities!
Sign Up Here Gulfport’s Tuesday Market
Every Tuesday, 9am-2pm
Dive into freshness at Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market! Every Tuesday, enjoy open-air shopping for fruits, veggies, local art, and more. Skip crowded supermarkets and support local vendors. After shopping, grab a meal from our restaurants and savor it in our scenic parks or by the beach. #GulfportFreshMarket #ShopLocal #SociallyDistancedShopping#
FreshAndLocal #GulfportLife Want to showcase your goods? Become a vendor! Apply here: https://visitgulfportflorida.
com/gulfport-tuesday-market #VendorOpportunity #JoinUs Members Only: Free Small Business Consultation with The Small Business Development Center
Every Third Thursday, 9am-2pm By Appointment
The Florida SBDC at PCED has partnered with the local community to make confidential consulting available wherever you may be. Debra Schweikowsky, our professionally certified business consultant, specializes in finance and capital access and helps local business owners with growth strategies to realize their goals.
To get started, contact Debra directly to schedule a confidential appointment at 727.453.7108, or email dschweikowsky@pinellas.gov.
Aimee Kosta
Executive Director
info@visitgulfportflorida.comCopyright © 2024 Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
info@visitgulfportflorida.comBe the first to comment!
Is Tampa Bay in hot water? Fred Pickhardt
Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for moreAccording to a recent news article Tampa Bay is facing some serious environmental issues. A massive untreated wastewater spill during Hurricane Debby has added to existing concerns about the health of the area’s estuaries. The storm overwhelmed the sewage systems, leading to millions of gallons of raw and partially treated wastewater spilling into streets, canals, and natural waterways.
Two day Storm Rainfall Totals
Turning on the Heat
The article further highlights that sea surface temperatures in Tampa Bay and nearby estuaries are rising significantly faster than the global average. It reports that in July 2023, surface water temperatures in Manatee Bay hit a record-breaking 101.1 degrees Fahrenheit.
I decided to investigate the claims about the record high water temperature in Manatee Bay. The station reporting this temperature is part of a network of specialized observation sites in the Everglades, designed to monitor water depth and fresh water flow in shallow, mangrove-rich areas.
The shallow waters of the Everglades experience significant temperature fluctuations due to varying amounts of sunlight, cloud cover, wind, and rainfall. The unusually sunny and dry conditions, along with lighter winds in the spring and summer of 2023, contributed to higher temperatures at the Manatee Bay site. It’s important to note that data from the Everglades Depth Estimation Network (EDEN), which tracks water levels across the freshwater Everglades landscape, is not suitable for comparison with ocean buoy data.
EDEN Manatee Bay Station | U.S. Geological Survey
What’s going on here?
Between 1970 and 2020, the sea surface temperature (SST) of the Gulf of Mexico increased by about 1.0°C (1.8°F), which corresponds to a warming rate of 0.19°C (0.34°F) per decade or 0.019°C (0.034°F) per year. Initially, SST anomalies in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic tracked closely with the global SST trend. However, since around 1990, these anomalies have started to rise more rapidly. This time period also marks the beginning of the warm phase of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), which is likely contributing to the accelerated warming in both the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico.
Ref https://journals.ametsoc.org/
view/journals/clim/36/8/JCLI- D-22-0409.1.xml Rapid Ocean Warming in 2023
The article cites meteorologist Brian McNoldy from the University of Miami, who notes that the Gulf of Mexico’s temperatures “really went off the rails last spring, and they haven’t gotten back to the rails since then.” I concur that the 2023 water temperatures indeed were exceptionally high.
In my view, the unusual warming in the North Atlantic, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, is largely attributable to a combination of factors. Firstly, the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) is in its warm phase, which raises baseline sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic. Secondly, the effects of an El Niño event and unusually weak trade winds have also played significant roles.
During 2023, sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the Tropical North Atlantic surged notably in the spring and summer. This warming can be attributed to the weakening and southward displacement of the Azores-Bermuda ridge as shown below in the June 2023 surface pressure anomaly chart. This ridge’s weakening diminished trade winds, leading to reduced upper-ocean mixing and evaporative cooling. Concurrently, there was less cloud cover and Saharan dust, fewer sulfate particles due to cleaner shipping fuels, and increased stratospheric water vapor from the Hunga-Tonga undersea eruption. These combined factors facilitated the rapid warming of the ocean surface.
June 2023 Surface Pressure Anomaly
Tampa Bay Sea Surface Temperatures
Have sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in Tampa Bay been rising significantly faster than global averages and even those in the Gulf of Mexico?
To address this, I examined the average SSTs for July and August, which are typically the warmest months in Tampa Bay, to determine if there is an accelerated warming trend. Using data from “seatemperature.info,” it is evident that SSTs in Tampa Bay for July and August 2023 were notably higher than in previous years, with data available from 2007 onward.
Note Purple dot denotes El Nino Year
Source: https://seatemperature.info/
july/tampa-bay-water- temperature.html A quick calculation indicates that the warming trend for Tampa Bay from 2007 to 2022 was approximately 0.07°F per year which is about twice the longer-term rate of 0.034°F per year (1970-2020). However, including the 2023 data, the trend rises to 0.10°F per year, representing an increase of about 43%. This suggests that the temperatures in July and August of 2023 were anomalously high, and incorporating this data might skew the long-term warming rate.
To better understand whether 2023 represents a one-time anomaly due to a rare combination of natural factors or signals a shift in the longer-term warming trend, it would be prudent to wait a few more years. This additional time will help clarify whether the observed increase is part of an ongoing trend related to climate change or an isolated event.
Fred Pickhardt
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