Gateway to the Gulf Newsletter |
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Highlighted Events/Classes this Week |
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| Ballroom Dance Lessons Monday, February 24th 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Gulfport Senior Center Class space is limited. Sessions run for 3-month period. Please call 727-893-5657 to pre-register. |
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Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market Tuesday, February 25th Every Tuesday 9 am – 3 pm Gulfport Fresh Market on Beach Blvd. S. The Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market, located along Beach Blvd. in Gulfport’s Historic Waterfront Arts District, is open year-round, from 9 am – 3 pm. With a roster of over 70 vendors, you will find a wide variety of products, including but not limited to, ready-to-eat and take-home foods, fresh produce, plants, herbs, jewelry, teas, art, clothing and live music. |
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Tampa Bay History Center exhibits include coverage of the Tampa Bay area’s first native inhabitants, Spanish conquistadors, and historical figures who shaped the area’s history, as well as a reproduction of a 1920s cigar store. Feature exhibit: “Pensacola: Florida’s Second City” Founded in 1559 and despite its runner up status, it was and still is an important city. |
| Tampa Bay History Center Tuesday, February 25th $23 for GEMS Members $28 for Non-GEMS Members Senior Center registration required, however, there is no need to be a GEMS member to enjoy these exciting Gulfport getaways. Call 727-893-2242 for more information and to reserve your seat. Trips are non-refundable and subject to change without notice. |
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| Ballroom Dance Lessons Tuesday, February 25th |
with Carol Baker Gulfport Casino Ballroom 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. $8 admission Call 727-798-3660 |
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| Gulfport Lions Club Monthly Meeting Tuesday, February 25th |
6 p.m. Social / 6:30 p.m. Dinner Gulfport Lions Club Second & fourth Tuesday’s every month |
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| Argentine Tango Dance Lessons Tuesday, February 25th |
with Kathleen & Steve Prucher Gulfport Casino Ballroom 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. $8 admission Call 727-742-3368 |
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Swing Night w/ Swing Time Wednesday, February 26th is the Gulfport Casino Swing Night, with Blues-Dance Lesson 6-7 pm, Swing-Dance Lesson 7-8 pm, and Dancing 8-11 pm. Just $8 includes both lessons and the dance, students get $6 admission, and birthday people get free admission. Learn Blues Dancing this Wednesday, February 26th, 6-7 pm, at the Gulfport Casino Swing Night, with special guest instructors, Will & Katy Flanery. Blues Dancing, simply put, is techniques for dancing to slower music, whether it be groovy, funky, soulful, modern, ballad, or actual blues music. Learn Shim Sham the following Wednesday, March 4th, 6-7 pm, at the Gulfport Casino Swing Night. |
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Stetson Area Neighborhood Watch Meeting Wednesday, February 26, 2020 Stetson School of Law 7:00 p.m. All meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and all are welcome! For more information, please contact Jim Wright, Volunteer Coordinator at: 727-893-1022 |
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| Latin Night w/ Carol Rivera Thursday, February 27th |
6:30 – 11 p.m. Doors Open at 6 p.m. Gulfport Casino Ballroom $8 admission 6:30 – 7:30 pm: Advanced Workshop 7:30 – 8:30 pm: Beginner Workshop 8:30 – 11:00 pm: General Latin Dancing |
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A Community Remembrance Project Thursday, February 27th 7 p.m. In honor of Black History Month, join us for a presentation by Dr. Julie Buckner Armstrong, an internationally known expert and author/editor of multiple books on the civil rights movement. She also teaches undergraduate & graduate courses at USFSP. Sponsored by the Circle of Friends of Gulfport Library. For questions or more information, please call 727-893-1074. |
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Friday Sock Hop w/ the Legendary IMPACS Friday, February 28th 7 – 10 p.m. Come join us for a 50’s and 60’s Sock Hop at The Gulfport Casino ( 5500 Shore Blvd. S.) Doors open at 6:30 pm. Advance tickets are $15 each or two for $25, Tables of 10 are $120. Tickets at the door are $20. Buy advance tickets at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom ( 5500 Shore Blvd. S.) or the Gulfport Beach Bazaar ( 3115 Beach Blvd. S.). For more information, please contact 727-893-1070. |
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CROP Hunger Walk Sunday, March 1st 1 p.m. The Walk is staged to raise awareness of world hunger, drought, and agricultural needs world wide, seeking to meet both immediate needs and sustaining approaches to dealing with long term problems. Two routes are available for participants, one covering a little over a mile and the other measuring just less than three miles. Donations of non-perishable food items and 25% of monetary contributions are given to local charities. Last year nearly 100 people walked, accounting for over $11,000, and a truckload of goods to local food banks. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the CWS CROP Hunger Walk program. For more information on this family oriented event contact Lois Lehman lsusan43@gmail.com. |
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| City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 3rd |
6 p.m. Gulfport City Hall |
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| Consumer Protection Fair Wednesday, March 4th 3 – 6 p.m. Gulfport Senior Center |
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Trolley Market District Neighborhood Watch Meeting Wednesday, March 4, 2020 7:00 p.m. All meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and all are welcome! For more information, please contact Jim Wright, Volunteer Coordinator at: 727-893-1022 |
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Gulfport Community Players Present – Miss Edwina (and the men in her life) Written and Directed by Patrick Brafford March 5-15, 2020 Thursday – Saturday 8 p.m. Saturday – Sunday 2 p.m. It is in September 1969. Edwina and her son, Dakin, have just returned from the hospital. It is a critical time in their lives and the life of her other son, Tennessee Williams. The play centers around the desperate decision she has to make regarding his well-being. As she and Dakin discuss the future, they also reminisce about the glorious past that Tennessee has brought to their lives. Miss Edwina sets the story straight about her life and the characters in Tennessee’s plays. |
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| 1st Friday Flea Market Friday, March 6th 9 a.m. – noon Gulfport Senior Center 5501 27th Ave. S. |
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First Friday Art Walk Friday, March 6th 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Visit Gulfport Florida for the Gulfport Art & Gallery Walk. Find your shopping and dining maps at VisitGulfportFlorida.com and chart your course to our beachfront town! Shop for local art along Beach Blvd, visit a gallery, catch a live local band and dine at one of the locally owned restaurants along Beach & Shore Blvd’s. The Gulfport Art & Gallery Walk event, produced by the non-profit Gulfport Merchants Association, takes place from 6-10 p.m. every first Friday and third Saturday – rain or shine, all year round, and is home to dozens of artisans and craftsmen each month. There is never an admission fee for visitors and complimentary parking is available nearby with courtesy trolley rides available to and from off-site parking areas. Gulfport events are always pet and family friendly. GPS – 3101 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL 33707. |
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PIZZAZZ – Variety Entertainment w/ Style Friday, March 6th 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 at the door Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. An amazing variety revue show, complete with a live Orchestra! Seven wildly talented variety acts that tour the U.S. and the World! Circus Arts, Magic, Vocalists, Cabaret-style dance, Stand-up Comedy, and Polynesian Dance Troupe. Also featuring from Clearwater, The Pizzazz Live Orchestra, Eric Enfield and the Jazz DaddyO’s!!! |
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Gulfport’s 15th Annual Pink Flamingo Tour of Homes Saturday, March 7th 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Scout Hall, 5315 28th St. S. The tour features homes in the neighborhoods between Beach Blvd. and 49th Street S, south of Gulfport Blvd. For more information, contact Caron Schwartz, 303-641-5489 msschwartz4 at live.com |
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| Board of Adjustment Meeting Wednesday, March 11th |
6:30 p.m. Gulfport City Hall 2401 53rd St. S. |
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Marina District Neighborhood Watch Meeting Wednesday, March 11, 2020 Lions Club, 4630 Tifton Dr. 7:00 p.m. All meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and all are welcome! For more information, please contact Jim Wright, Volunteer Coordinator at: 727-893-1022 |
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LOVE, SIMON NEXT IN LGBTQ FILM SERIES Thursday, March 12th at 7 p.m. The LGBTQ Resource Center at Gulfport Public Library is proud to continue its monthly LGBTQ Film Series on Thursday, March, 12 with LOVE, SIMON, a romantic comedy rated by Rotten Tomatoes and The Advocate as among the best LGBTQ films. The Film Series is a free gathering to watch a film in the company of friends and neighbors on the second Thursday of each month. Popcorn, candy, bottled water and soda are available. Donations will be accepted to benefit the LGBTQ Resource Center. Feel free to bring your own “brown bag” supper and beverages. Each film begins at 7pm in the Friends Room at Gulfport Public Library (5501 28th Avenue South). Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. About LOVE, SIMON (2018): Simon Spier is a nice normal teenage guy, in a normal loving family, and he is looking forward to graduation. He also has a secret: he’s gay. He has yet to tell his family or friends he is gay and he doesn’t actually know the identity of the anonymous classmate he has fallen for online. Working through these issues becomes hilarious, terrifying and life-changing. “This film is a funny, heartfelt, and truly touching teen romantic comedy that instantly becomes a modern classic for today’s generation.” (Molly Freeman – Screen Rant) (Rated PG-13) The LGBTQ Resource Center of the Gulfport Public Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Resource Center provides collections, services and events throughout the year to the local LGBTQ community, its friends and family. Find out more about the Resource Center and the Library on the web at mygulfport.us/lgbtq-resources or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GulfportLibraryFL. Or contact the LGBTQ Resource Center by email to LGBTQGulfport@gmail.com. |
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Soul Night w/ Swing Time Featuring the Betty Fox Band!!! Friday, March 13th Doors Open 6:45 pm Swing Dance Lesson 7-8 pm Live Music & Dancing 8 pm-midnight All Ages ~ No Partners Needed ~ Cash Bar ~ Free Parking Tickets: $12 in advance -or- $15 day of event The Gulfport Casino Ballroom is one of the world’s top dance destinations, offering social dance excitement in a picturesque beachfront setting. It features a rich history, a grand dance floor, a full bar, a smoke-free atmosphere, and free parking. The Gulfport Casino Ballroom is located in the St. Petersburg, Florida area at 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL 33707. |
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| City of Gulfport Nautical Flea Market Saturday, March 14th 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Gulfport Municipal Marina, 4630 29th Ave. S. Limited spaces available. Cost is $10 for a 10’x10′ space. Please bring your own table and chairs. For more information, please contact the Marina office at 727-893-1071. |
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Deadline to register is Friday, March 6, 2020 at 4 p.m. |
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| 2020 Great American Clean Up – Clam Bayou Clean Up Saturday, March 14th 9 a.m. – noon Clam Bayou Nature Park, Miriam St. S. Please join us as we partner up for a rewarding day of community improvement, engagement and beautification. |
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Gulfport Health & Wellness Expo Saturday, March 14th 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. Great things happened at the Gulfport Health & Wellness EXPO last year, but this year promises to be bigger and better! Last year, we had over 500 participants enjoy health screenings, demonstrations, and healthy food choices. They received a wealth of information concerning their health, recreational activities, and ways to increase self-confidence. Be part of this exclusive event designed to assist you in promoting your company’s services and providing you with an opportunity to share important information to an enthusiastic and receptive audience. Exhibit booths begin at only $150 and include your company name listed in multiple printed publications, as well as emailed publications to over 2500 individuals and local businesses. |
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| City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 17th |
*Cancelled due to Presidential Preference Primary and Municipal Election Day – Polls Open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Gulfport City Hall 2401 53rd St. S. |
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| Safe Mobility for Life Workshop Wednesday, March 18th 2 – 3 p.m. Gulfport Senior Center 5501 27th Ave. S. RSVP today at 727-893-5657 |
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The Strand Area Neighborhood Watch Meeting Wednesday, March 18, 2020 Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S. 7:00 p.m. All meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and all are welcome! For more information, please contact Jim Wright, Volunteer Coordinator at: 727-893-1022 |
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| Introduction to iPad & iPhone Thursday, March 19th 1:30 p.m. Gulfport Senior Center 5501 27th Ave. S. |
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| City of Gulfport Junk Drop Saturday, March 21st 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. 49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S. Got Junk? Do your part and help clean up the earth by throwing away your junk for FREE at the City of Gulfport Junk Drop! For questions or more information, please contact 727-893-1089. |
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Best Seat In The House – Chair-ity Auction with a View Saturday, March 21st 5 – 7 p.m. Fundraising Auction benefiting the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation! Ten fabulous local artists are putting their one-of-a-kind spins on ten Adirondack chairs to be auctioned off to the highest bidder! This year we have also added six additional artists will be embellishing 6 vintage windows (hence the View), also to be auctioned! |
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Grand Prix of Gulfport Boat Show & Race Friday, March 27th – Noon – 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28th – 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, March 29th – 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Grand Prix of Gulfport, LLC is producing the fourth annual Grand Prix of Gulfport featuring F150, SST45, Jersey Speed Skiffs and a Boat Show. In cooperation with the City of Gulfport, the downtown area is transformed into mecca of activity along Shore Boulevard between 58th Street South and 54th Street South. The Race Boats, with their pit area open to the public makes the Gulfport Recreation Center home for the weekend, along with the Pleasure Boat Display and Vendor Booths lining Shore Blvd.. Beach Blvd., South will serve as the main entrance and a parking shuttle drop off area for the free to the public event. Proceeds to benefit the Michael J. Yakes Foundation ( www.mygulfportfoundation.org) a local non-profit organization whose mission is to help underprivileged children and seniors in the Gulfport, Florida area. |
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Make Pinellas Count! America gets one chance each decade to count its entire population – the 2020 Census is your chance to make sure we get our fair share as a community. The census count determines both the size of our state’s political representation and how billions of dollars are spent on federal and local programs. Public transit, affordable housing, school lunches, Medicaid and SNAP nutrition assistance are just a few examples of programs that rely on census data. This spring, your home will get an invitation by mail to take the census online. Your response is secure, confidential and protected by law. This short survey is a civic duty laid out in the Constitution and it’s also vitally important to our community’s future. Let’s make Pinellas count! |
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Join Us As chairman of Pinellas County’s Complete Count Committee, I invite you to join our local effort to ensure everyone in Pinellas County is counted in the 2020 Census. Over the next year, we will share news updates about local Census outreach as well as upcoming meetings and events on this website. Questions? Contact us at Census2020@pinellascounty.org. Together, let’s make sure everyone in Pinellas counts! Commissioner Kenneth T. Welch Chairman, Pinellas Complete Count Committee |
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Ramping Up Hiring Efforts for 2020 Census The U.S. Census Bureau is ramping up its national recruiting efforts to hire up to 500,000 temporary, part-time census takers for the 2020 Census in communities across the country to reach its goal of more than 2 million applicants. The positions offer competitive pay, flexible hours, paid training, and weekly paychecks. To determine the pay rate in a specific area, learn more about these positions, or apply for one of the temporary jobs, visit 2020census.gov/jobs. |
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“Whether you’re looking to earn some extra cash, pay down your student debt, or offset holiday season spending, our part-time positions are a great way to do that,” said Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham. “What better way to earn some extra money and help shape the future of your community for the next 10 years than with the 2020 Census?” |
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Who Should Apply? Anyone age 18 and older, such as recent high school graduates, college students, veterans, retirees, military spouses, seasonal workers and people who are bilingual are highly encouraged to apply. People who already have jobs and want to earn extra income evenings and weekends are also encouraged to apply. The selection process begins this month, with paid training occurring in March and April. After paid training, most positions work between May and early July. |
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Help us spread the word. Connect with us! |
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About the 2020 Census The U.S. Constitution mandates that a census of the population be conducted every 10 years. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and inform how state, local and federal lawmakers will allocate billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities every year for the next 10 years. |
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| Household Electronics & Chemical Collection All events are on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
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The Gulfport Merchant’s Chamber (GMC) has announced a call for applicants for its 2020/2021 community support grant program. Local non-profit organizations that target or include Gulfport in their activities are invited to apply. Applicants must be certified tax-exempt non-profit organizations, government entities requesting funds for public purposes, or schools and colleges at any level. For more details and to apply, see the application available at www.VisitGulfportFlorida.com. Click on “Community Grant” at the bottom of the home page. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding and the Board of the GMC reserves the right to determine or adjust the amount awarded to any recipient. Applications must be received in writing and must be emailed, postmarked or delivered no later than March 31, 2020. Applications received after the deadline cannot be considered. Decisions on recipients are scheduled to be announced by the end of April 2020. Special consideration will be given to organizations that are able to help promote and provide volunteers for the GMC events that raise the funds making these grants possible. “Gecko World” events with funds earmarked each year for community giving include “Gecko Crawl,” “Gecko Ball” and the GeckoFest street festival. The events grow in size and popularity every year and each requires a large promotional effort and a large number of volunteers. Events occur in late summer. Grant amounts will be determined and funds distributed to grantees after these GMC events have concluded for 2020. Since sponsoring the community grants, the GMC has provided many thousands of dollars in funding to a large and growing roster of worthy non-profit organizations. The GMC also gives back to the community in other ways during the year, including sponsoring “Gulfport’s Get Rescued” each February, benefitting animal rescue groups. And a monthly Clothing Swap benefitting CASA is held during the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market. Public art installations have also been commissioned and installed with GMC funding. |
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| Calling ALL Teens!!! Looking for something to do in the evenings? Come to Teen Night at the Gulfport Recreation Center! Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S. For questions or more information, please call John at 727-893-1079. |
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| Catch A Ride With GEMS! GEMS door-to-door transportation has provided independence & freedom to elderly and disabled residents of Gulfport for over 40 years. Call for more information, 727-893-2242 |
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Do you love Gulfport and wish you could be here all the time? Check out our live streaming cameras to see what you are missing. From beaches and volleyball to dining and special events; Gulfport has it all! After all we are one of the most fun and exciting cities on the Gulf coast! |
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| Latest water quality information: |
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For more information, please visit |
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| Smoke Alarms Save Lives Free smoke alarms are available to elderly and low income households within Gulfport City limits. Call Fire Chief James Marenkovic at 893-1062 for more information. |
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Gulfport on the Go! Get the City App City of Gulfport is proud to announce the launch of the new City of Gulfport app for iOS and Android mobile devices, the newest way to connect with its citizens. The Official City of Gulfport app offers citizens a simple way to submit requests-like reporting potholes, signs, trash or debris, code violations, and inquiring about an event venue. Users can include an address and description, GPS-specific location, as well as a photo of the issue. Once a request is submitted, you can keep track of pending and completed requests within the “My Requests” section. In addition, the City app has direct links to the online utility bill payment system, the City calendar, frequently asked questions, the city employee directory, the sanitation department, and the electronic newsletter signup. The City App allows residents to connect more conveniently with City government to report issues and request non-emergency services. Offering more ways for citizens to connect with the City, please email info@mygulfport.us or call 727-893-1118 with questions or technical issues about the smart phone app. |
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Reassurance Telephone Program Gulfport Senior Center 5501 27th Ave. S. Let the friendly Volunteers of the Gulfport Senior Center chat with you on a daily basis. Sign up for the Gulfport Reassurance Program and choose between two call times: early-morning or mid-morning. This service is designed to help you feel secure and connected. For more information, call the Gulfport Senior Center at (727) 893-2237 |
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| Get a FREE Amplified Phone Gulfport Senior Center 5501 27th Ave. S. 3rd Tuesday of every month 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. You MUST call 727-399-9983 to qualify. |
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