| March 20, 2023 | City of Gulfport, FL – Gateway to the Gulf Newsletter |
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| 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 Historical Society Click here to see upcoming events. |
| This Weekend is the Gulfport Art in the Yard |
Community Art Sale is Saturday, March 25th 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Registration is now closed! See below for more info. |
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| City Councilmember’s Monthly Reports |
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Click below to read Ward II Representative, Vice Mayor, Christine Brown Monthly Report |
|  | Click below to read Ward I Representative, April Thanos Monthly Report |
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Click below to read Ward III Representative, Paul Ray Monthly Report |
| | Click below to read Ward IV Representative, Michael Fridovich Monthly Report |
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| City Manager’s Gulfport Community Update |
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Gulfport Community Update: March 12 – 18, 2023The weather was perfect for the Fifth Annual Peace, Love & Pride Festival on March 12. |
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| This Weeks Events & Meetings |
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| | Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market Tuesday, March 21st | 9 a.m. – 3p.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. |
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| | Ask a City Councilor at the Third Tuesday Fresh Market Tuesday, March 21st | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Gulfport Welcome Center, 3101 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. |
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| | Ballroom Dance Lessons w/ Carol Baker Tuesday, March 21st | noon – 3 p.m. Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. $15 admission | $25 for couples Call 727-798-3660 Noon – 1:30 p.m. Beginner Tango 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Intermediate Tango 2:30 – 3 p.m. Dancing |
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| | City Council Meeting | AGENDA Tuesday, March 21st | 6 p.m. Gulfport City Hall | 2401 53rd St. S. | 893-1012 |
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| | Argentine Tango Dance & Lesson w/ Kathleen & Steve Prucher Tuesday, March 21st | 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. |
| Gulfport Casino Ballroom 5500 Shore Blvd. S. $10 admission Call 727-742-3368 |
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| | Swing Dance & Lesson w/ Swing Time Wednesday, March 22nd Lesson 7 – 8 p.m. | Dancing 8 – 11 p.m. Gulfport Casino Ballroom 5500 Shore Blvd. S. $10 admission |
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| | Latin Night at the Gulfport Casino Thursday, March 23rd | 6:30 – 11 p.m. Gulfport Casino Ballroom 5500 Shore Blvd. S. Salsa and Bachata lessons every Thursday! Social: 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. level 1 lessons: 7 – 7:45 p.m. level 2 lessons: 8 – 8:45 p.m. Social dance: 9 – 11:00 p.m. $10 admission Contact Royan Phillip at 813-613-7710 |
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Catherine Hickman Theater 5501 27th Ave. S. |
| | Gulfport Community Players – “Crimson Sails” March 23rd – April 2nd Thurs-Fri-Sat at 8 p.m., Sat & Sun at 2 p.m. “Crimson Sails” a musical by Dick Budin. Directed by Mara Martin (music) Olga Kruse(stage) Taking place in an unnamed country in a world long ago, it follows the lives of a Prince and a young woman as they mature. Her father, seeking revenge, has been rejected by his village for refusing to save another man in peril. As a result, he and his daughter, Ariana, are outcasts. The Prince, seeking to find his way in the world, comes upon Ariana and learns a gypsy fortune teller has told her she will be claimed by a Prince who comes in a ship with Crimson sails. |
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Gulfport Casino Ballroom 5500 Shore Blvd. S. |
| | Sock Hop with the Impacs! Friday, March 24th | 7 – 10 p.m. Dance the night away to live 1960’s Rock & Roll music at the Historic Gulfport Casino Ballroom every third Friday. Live music starts at 7 p.m. Tickets available in advance at the Gulfport Casino Box Office, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. and the Gulfport Beach Baazar, 3115 beach Blvd. S. For more information, please contact 727-893-1070. *The March Sock Hop will take place on the fourth Friday due to the St. Patrick’s Day event on Shore Blvd. |
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| USCG Auxiliary “Suddenly in Command” Class Saturday, March 25th | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Library Meeting Room, 5501 28th Ave. S. The USCG Auxiliary will hold a class “Suddenly in Command” for those that are passengers and could be put into the position to operate their boat when the “Captain” is Incapacitated. Please contact Marty Richardson at merichardsonjr.mr@gmail.com or call 630-674-5352 for more info or sign up. |
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| | Gulfport Art in the Yard Saturday, March 25th | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Shop original artwork by Gulfport resident’s during the City of Gulfport Art in the Yard. In the event of rain the sale will take place on Sunday the 26th. |
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| | Gulfport Lions Club 70’s Dance Party Saturday, March 25th | 7 – 11 p.m. Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. Gulfport Lions Club Foundation is hosting this event to support the Boca Ciega High School Scholarship Fund. Come and enjoy a night of boogying with your friends and neighbors! Tickets are $25 each or $30 for VIP which sits closest to the dance floor. We will have a silent auction, professional DJ, and maybe even a 70’s costume contest! |
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| Upcoming Events & Meetings |
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Sponsored by the Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Library. |
| | Restoring & Protecting Tampa Bay the TBEP Way Thursday, March 30th | 1 p.m. Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. Did you know the Tampa Bay watershed includes portions of 5 counties and 4 rivers and is home to more than 3 million people? Do you know the major threats to water quality and habitat restoration in our watershed? You may be surprised! The Tampa Bay Estuary Program is a small but mighty organization that builds partnerships to restore and protect Tampa Bay through implementation of a scientifically sound, community-based management plan. That’s where you come in. Join us to learn more about the state of the bay and how you can help protect it. |
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| | 2023 Inaugural Golf Classic Saturday, April 1st | 8 a.m. Bardmoor Golf & Tennis Club 8001 Cumberland Rd, Seminole, FL 33777 The Gulfport Senior Center and the Senior Center Foundation are working together on the 2023 Inaugural Golf Classic coming up April 1st at Bardmoor Golf & Tennis Club. Registration Open for Golfers and Sponsors! Register today for the 2023 Inaugural Golf Classic co-sponsored by the Gulfport Senior Center & the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation to benefit the Gulfport Senior Center Capital Building Campaign. |
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| | First Friday ArtWalk Friday, April 7th | 5 – 9 p.m. Downtown Waterfront District, Beach Blvd. S. Gulfport’s First Friday Art Walk occurs each month from 5pm – 9pm. The streets of this creative town come to life with artists, musicians and art appreciators. Come join us each First Friday of the month and get inspired!The Gulfport First Friday Art Walk is free to attend with free parking on all streets. |
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| | Fun in the Sun Day Saturday, April 8th | 10 a.m. – Noon Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S. Join the City of Gulfport for Fun in the Sun Day! The day’s festivities begin at 10 a.m. with an egg hunt for children 8 & under, followed by basket raffles, children’s activities, music, food & fun! Call 893-1068 for information. |
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| | Rob Zinn’s Anything Can Happen CD Release Party Saturday, April 8th | 6 – 8:30 p.m. Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. An evening of contemporary jazz; Rob is excited to be releasing his latest studio album, Anything Can Happen. It’s been 4 years since his last album and long overdue. Many of the songs will be performed for the first time. Rob brings a high level of energy to all his shows. He performs his own compositions along with highly recognizable songs from various genres that resonate with everyone. Rob mixes in a few choice vocals that always gets the audience singing and dancing. He loves to connect with everyone and make it a memorable evening of fun! He’s really looking forward to bringing a Rob Zinn show to his new hometown! |
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| | Gulfport on the Edge: 2030 – Envisioning Possible Futures Monday, April 10th | 6 – 9 p.m. Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. Come explore and envision what Gulfport can become by the year 2030. Event is free, capacity is limited, so registration is encouraged. https://Gulfport-on-the-Edge-Vision-2030.eventbrite.com |
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| | Gulfport Neighborhood Watch Meetings Wednesday, April 12th | 6 p.m. Every second Wednesday of each month Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. For more information, please contact Mr. Jim Wright Neighborhood Watch Coordinator at 727-893-1022 or jwright@mygulfport.us. |
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Gulfport Casino Ballroom 5500 Shore Blvd. S. $10 admission https://swingtime.info/soul.html |
| | Disco Party w/ Swing Time Friday, April 14th Lesson 7 – 8 p.m. | Dancing 8 – midnight The Disco Party returns to the Gulfport Casino! Dance 8 p.m. – midnight to those funky disco grooves and beats. Arrive early for a Dance Lesson 7 – 8 p.m., where you can learn the Hustle and other Disco-era dances. Get ready for the Soul Train! Just $10 includes everything. The Disco Party happens the second Friday of every month. |
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| | FLoridania Fest Saturday, April 15th | 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. Do you collect Florida memorabilia? The Floridania Fest is the ultimate marketplace for vintage Florida souvenirs, postcards, books, shirts, decorative items and art. Over 20 leading dealers and several Florida authors will be there. Admission is $5 at the door and children 12 and under are admitted free. |
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| | Third Saturday Indie Faire Saturday, April 15th | 5- 9 p.m. Downtown Waterfront District, Beach Blvd. S. Welcome to Third Saturday Indie Faire! The Indie Faire features high quality local art and contemporary crafts from across a wide range of mediums, as well as jewelry and locally sourced botanicals in an outdoor and socially distanced manner along scenic Beach Boulevard in downtown Gulfport. |
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| | The New Horizons Band Spring Concert Sunday, April 16th | 3 – 4 p.m. Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. Admission is free. Come early and listen to the newly formed flute ensemble perform prior to the concert. The New Horizons Band of Gulfport is a not-for-profit organization. |
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| | Ballroom Dance Night at the Casino Ballroom Sunday, April 16th | 4 – 7:30 p.m. Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. Teacher: Carol Baker | 727-798-3660 $15 admission | $25 for couples Lesson: 4 – 5 pm: Carol Baker Dancing 5 – 7:30 pm Bring a friend, they will have a ball! |
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| Latest Beach Water Quality Sampling Data See the latest report here. |
| Public Cameras Do you love Gulfport and wish you could be here all the time? Check out our live streaming cameras 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. |
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| | Dog Parks Closing for Annual Maintenance The City of Gulfport Dog Parks located at 28th Ave. S. and 54th St. S., will close on Wednesday, March 22 (weather depending) for annual maintenance. During this time, the Parks Department will be removing sod (weeds), filling holes and grading both large and small dog parks. The parks are expected to reopen on Saturday, March 25 and then reclose again the week of March 27 for re-sodding. For questions, please contact Parks and Facilities Superintendent Tim Connor at 727-893-1092. |
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| 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 ArtWalks from 5 to 9 p.m. throughout the year. For more information and to view all of the Loopers convenient pickup spots, please visit https://mygulfport.us/trolley/. |
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For more information, call Pinellas County Emergency Management at (727) 464-3800 ema@pinellas.gov |
| 2023 Hurricane Preparedness Webinar Series In the 2023 Ready-Set-Protect Webinar Series, Pinellas County Emergency Management will provide information and resources to assist the community in best preparing for hurricane season. General Preparedness March 23, 1 – 2 PM REGISTRATION LINK Pinellas County Businesses April 13, 1 – 2 PM REGISTRATION LINK Faith-Based Organizations May 25, 1 – 2 PM REGISTRATION LINK Registration is required. You can also register at pinellas.gov/stay-informed. All programs will be recorded and made available for viewing to those not able to join us. |
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*Update: The concrete foundation of the New Beach Playground is complete and the new playground is in the process of being assembled. The expected completion and re-opening is mid-March. For any questions, please contact the City of Gulfport Parks Department at 727-893-1092. |
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Senior Center Foundation, Building FundGolf Cart RaffleThanks to a very generous donation from the Nixon Family, the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation will be raffling off a shiny new golf cart to raise funds for the Senior Center Building Campaign Fund. The ICON® i40 four-seater golf cart is the epitome of perfection when it comes to residential and commercial needs. Whether you’re taking your friends to lunch or transporting potential clients, the ICON® i40 is stylish and extremely comfortable. Plus, it’s loaded with premium features like 10″ aluminum wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes, powder-coated steel chassis, lights, turn signals, high-speed rear ends, durable front and rear bumpers, painted rooftops, horns, digital gauges, and more! The ICON® EV i40 comes standard with (6) 8V sealed maintenance-free AGM batteries, an upgraded 48V ICON 5KW 3 Phase High Torque motor, and a controller for top-notch performance! Tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100. Purchase now at the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation Office (9:30am – Noon, Monday-Friday) and online at https://gulfportseniorfoundation.org/2023/01/golf-cart-raffle/. The winner will be drawn at the 2023 Gulf Beaches Law, P.A. Inaugural Golf Classic on Saturday, April 1st. |
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| | Pinellas County – Animal Services Pinellas County Animal Services safeguards public health, public safety and animal welfare. They strive to enhance the quality of life in our community through citizen education, public outreach, and compassionate enforcement and work toward the elimination of neglect and abuse of domestic animals within our jurisdiction. For more information on animal safety, enforcement, the found pet center, and resources available, please visit, Pinellas County Animal Services, at pinellas.gov/animalservices. |
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| To help improve the conditions of our sidewalks, the City of Gulfport will be conducting a sidewalk network assessment and inspection beginning Tuesday, December 27. This scooter-mounted scan will determine the health of each sidewalk and assist the City in making informed decisions regarding areas of highest priorities for pedestrian infrastructure. The sidewalk network assessment is expected to be completed by mid-March, 2023. If you have any questions or comments, please contact, Kendrix Anderson, Public Works Superintendent at (727) 893-1083. |
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Crews are working in the Municipal Marina area completing Priority 2 repairs of the City of Gulfport’s Sanitary Sewer System. All residents impacted by the construction project will be notified with a door hanger. If needed, signage and traffic control devices will be put in place to assist with rerouting and traffic flow. For more information, please contact the City of Gulfport Public Works Utilities Department at (727) 893-1085. The City of Gulfport entered into an agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for finding and fixing infiltration and inflow (I/I) into the City’s sanitary sewer system. The completion of the City of Gulfport’s Sanitary Sewer System Priority 2 repairs in the Municipal Marina area is expected to be completed in March of 2023. |
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| 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/. |
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| The City App for iOS and Android mobile devices, allows residents to connect more conveniently with City government to report issues and request non-emergency services. For more information, please email info@mygulfport.us or call 727-893-1118. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| GEMS door-to-door transportation has provided independence & freedom to elderly and disabled residents of Gulfport for over 40 years. Any Gulfport residents 55 & older or residents with a disability can take advantage of GEMS door to door service for a yearly membership of $70 plus $2 per ride. For more information, call 893-2242. |
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If you have questions, please contact library staff at (727) 893-1073 or (727) 893-1074. Hours are, Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| Gulfport Public Library is open with normal business hours. We are committed to the health and well-being of the citizens we serve. The Gulfport Library is open with limited services to the public, observing best practices for the safety of both citizens and staff. If you continue to self-isolate and require library services: The Gulfport Public Library has a number of free services patrons can utilize to checkout eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, or learn a learn a language. |
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Veterans Park 5350 31st Ave S. |
| Veterans Park Memorial Ribbon Campaign The Gulfport Senior Center Foundation has installed a memorial ribbon in the Gulfport Veterans Park as a fundraiser to support programs and services of the Senior Center. The meandering ribbon of engraved bricks will connect the sidewalk to the flagpole base at the beautiful waterfront park. The public is invited to purchase a brick to honor or memorialize a friend or family member, veteran or non-veteran. Engraved bricks will be a permanent part of the Gulfport Veterans Memorial Park. For more information, please visit https://gulfportseniorfoundation.org/2021/08/coming-soon/. |
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| Resources for Renters Know your rights and where to get help when making rental decisions. This page is designed to help people who are struggling with the rising cost of housing find available help and learn about their rights as a renter. You can also find information on assistance with homeownership. |
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| | Utility Customer Service Department 2401 53rd St. S. | 727-893-1016 Monday – Friday, 8am–4:30pm The City’s Utility Customer Service Department is located at the City Hall Complex. You can drop your utility payment off during normal business hours at the Customer Service window, and after hours you may drop payments at the drop box located by the front door of the City Hall Complex. When paying your utility bill in person or dropping off the payment, please bring or enclose your utility stub to ensure accurate payment processing. |
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| | Community Development Department 5330 23rd Ave. S. | 727-893-1024 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays, 8am–4:30pm, Thursdays, 8am-3:30pm The Community Development Department consists of three principal divisions; Planning and Development, the Building Department, and Code Enforcement Division. Business licensing is also handled within this department. We are located in the Public Services Building at northwest corner of the 2401 53rd Street South City Hall complex, at the corner of 54th Street South and 23rd Avenue South. If you wish to call in a complaint, discuss a case, or speak with the inspector please call (727) 893-1063. |
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| | City of Gulfport – Parks Department The City of Gulfport takes tremendous pride in its park system. The Parks Division improves and maintains the quality of life within the community in environmental landscaping and turf maintenance. The division continues to create safe and aesthetically pleasing recreational facilities for all to enjoy. Please visit https://mygulfport.us/recreation/parks/ for more information. |
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| | City of Gulfport Florida2401 53rd Street SouthGulfport, FL 33707 |
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