| May 12, 2025 | 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 fo weekly dance schedule. |
| Gulfport Community Update Click here to read more. |
| Gulfport Arts & Heritage Click here to see upcoming events. |
| Hurricane season starts June 1. Do you know your evacuation Zone? Did you know there is a difference between your flood zone and your evacuation zone? Click on the link below for detailed instruction on how to find your evacuation zone. Don’t wait until the hurricane is on its way! |
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| A Message from Mayor Love – Dear Gulfport Residents, I hope all of our mothers had a wonderful Mother’s Day! As always, I’m keeping a close eye on the progress happening around town, and I’m excited to share a few recent developments with you: Hoyt Field & Beach Updates - The sod is now down at Hoyt Field, and we’ll be hearing the ting of baseball bats soon.
- Posts have been installed on the beach for two temporary volleyball courts—just in time for spring fun.
Little League Tournament Begins Tonight Join us at Tomlinson Park tonight at 6:30 PM as Little League kicks off a tournament. I’ll be there to throw out the first pitch—hope to see you there! Rain & Resiliency While many of us appreciate the recent rain, I know it also brings concern for others. On Sunday, I drove through the City inspecting our storm drains—some are functioning well, others need improvement. I’ll be reporting these findings tomorrow. In the lead-up to our Resiliency Workshop on May 22, here are a few ways you can help: - Check storm drains in your neighborhood—are they clear or blocked with debris?
- Trim grass and landscaping away from curbs and drains.
- Avoid piling yard debris on top of or near drains.
These small actions make a big impact—especially during our growing season. Construction & Permits I’ve noticed a lot of construction activity and permits on display throughout town. If you’ve been waiting an unusually long time for a permit, I’d like to hear from you. Please email me at klove@mygulfport.us. (While I do my best to respond, please understand I can’t answer every question via Facebook.) Upcoming Event: Billy D’s Train Exhibit Date: Thursday, May 16 Time: 11:00 AM–1:00 PM and again from 6:00–8:00 PM Location: 5314 10th Ave S. Donations will benefit Pet Pal Animal Shelter. I really enjoyed the Christmas display—this is one event you don’t want to miss! Sidewalk Safety Reminder Please take a moment to check the sidewalk in front of your home: - Avoid blocking sidewalks with vehicles, trailers, or overgrown landscaping.
- Everyone deserves safe and easy access through our neighborhoods.
Thank you for all the ways you contribute to keeping Gulfport strong and welcoming. Mayor Karen Love |
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| City Manager’s Gulfport Community Update |
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| Gulfport Community Update: May 4 – 10, 2025 |
On Friday, May 2 the City of Gulfport celebrated Arbor Day, which was rescheduled from 2024. Kids from the Gulfport Recreation School Year Childcare Program joined us and read excerpts about trees. We also planted a beautiful live oak, symbolizing growth and resilience in our community. The Gulfport Parks Department handed out free trees for residents to plant at home, and the Teen Council kept everyone refreshed with drinks and snacks. A wonderful day of community, learning, and giving back to nature! |
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| Upcoming Official Meetings |
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| City of Gulfport: Meetings Calendar May 2025 - May 6, 2025 – Council Meeting – 6:00pm (AGENDA)
- May 7, 2025 – Planning and Zoning Board – Cancelled
- May 13, 2025 – Senior Advisory Committee – 8:00am – Senior Center – 5501 27th Avenue South
- May 14, 2025 – Board of Adjustment – 6:00pm (AGENDA)
- May 15, 2025 – Special Magistrate – 9:30am – City Hall Council Chambers – 2401 53rd Street South, Gulfport, Florida 33707 (AGENDA)
- May 20, 2025 – Council Meeting – 6:00 pm
- May 26, 2025 – City Hall Closed – Memorial Day
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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. |
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| This Weeks Events & Meetings |
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| | Keep Calm and Carry Yarn Monday, May 12th | 10:15 a.m. Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. Join us for a weekly knitting and crochet group! Bring your current project, start something new, learn a new skill, and meet other crafters! Don’t know how to knit or crochet? That’s ok, we can help you get started. We will be meeting in the Reading Garden or Study Room from 2/3 – 4/14. Call 727-893-1074 for additional information. |
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| | Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market Tuesday, May 13th | 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. |
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| | Guardian Ad Litem Outreach & Orientation Tuesday, May 13th | 1 p.m. Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. Join their child advocacy team! The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office represents abused, abandoned and neglected children in the courtroom and community. A representative provides information and answers questions for individuals interested in volunteering. FMI, contact Anita Myers, email Anita.Myers@gal.fl.gov or visit www.guardianadlitem.org. |
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| | Gulfport Neighborhood Watch Meetings Wednesday, May 14th | 6 p.m. Every second Wednesday of each month Scout Hall, 5315 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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| | Open Mic Poetry Thursday, May 15th | 6 p.m. Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. Christa Fairbrother, Gulfport Poet Laureate, presents a monthly program. Everyone is invited to come and share their poems. Donations received during event benefit the Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Library for support of Library programs. Contact: Christa Fairbrother, 727-418-7623. |
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| | Italian Language Classes Thursday, May 15th | 6 – 8 p.m. Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S. The Italian American Society of St. Petersburg would like to invite you to our free Italian language classes held at the Gulfport Senior Center. We offer beginner, intermediate and advanced classes for students of all ages. The classes are held on Thursday evenings 6 – 8 pm. You do not have to be a member of the society to participate, but we highly recommend it! Members get discounts at area restaurants, businesses and services like Pia’s Trattoria! For more information please visit our website, Facebook and Instagram or send your questions to info@iasosp.org. |
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| | Something Funny Happened: An Evening of Comedians Telling True Stories Friday, May 16th | 6:10 p.m. Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. Join us for An Evening of Comedians Telling True Stories on Friday, May 16th at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater (5501 27th Ave S, Gulfport, FL), where laughter meets real-life storytelling. The night kicks off with a VIP Reception from 5:00pm to 6:00pm, followed by 90 minutes of hilarious, heartfelt true stories starting at 6:10pm. Featuring top comedians DC Benny (Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing) and Kerry McNally (Emmy-Winning Host & Storyteller), this unique event blends humor with authenticity — think The Moth or This American Life with a comedic twist. General Admission is $30, or go VIP for $45 and enjoy a one-hour meet & greet, two complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and preferred seating. |
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| | City of Gulfport: Free Tree Giveaway Saturday, May 17th | 9 – 11 a.m. 49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S. The role of trees and green spaces within the City of Gulfport’s built and natural environment is of great significance. These natural entities serve as an important promoter of social, economic, and environmental health. Help the City of Gulfport by doing your part by planting a tree in your very own yard! |
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| | 2024 Gulfport Yacht Club Series Regattas Saturday, May 17th | 1 – 6:30 p.m. Gulfport Yacht Club, 4638 Del Rio Way S. Club races (weather permitting) on the First and Third Saturday of the month on Boca Ciega Bay. Any DP-N rated boat up to 25 feet is welcome and we have a strong beach multihull presence (A-cat, Formula 18, Formula 16, Hobie 16, Weta etc.). Registration: Simply show up on a race day and sign in. Guests wishing to race their boats will pay $10.00 per boat and must have proof of liability insurance. After racing we hang out enjoying conversations and food at our club house. |
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| | Third Saturday Gulfport Night Market Saturday, May 17th | 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. |
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| Upcoming Events & Meetings |
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| | Ask a City Councilor at the Third Tuesday Fresh Market Tuesday, May 20th | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. GMC Booth, 3037 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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| | Gentle Yoga Wednesday, May 21st | 10:15 a.m. Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. Nourish your body and spirit with mindful movement, breath work, and meditation. This slow-paced class welcomes all levels and each month will feature a different set of postures. Please bring props if you want them. The class is taught by Christa Fairbrother from Bee Content Yoga, she is a RYT and Certified Yoga for Arthritis Instructor. |
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| | COF Presents: Rescue, Rehab and Release with Seaside Seabird Sanctuary Thursday, May 22nd | 1 p.m. Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. Join us for our monthly COF Presents! This month a representative from the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary will be visiting the library. We will learn about their work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing native birds! Learn about their resident birds and actions we can take to help our avian neighbors thrive in the wild. There will be time for Q&A and a meet and greet with the avian ambassadors after the presentation. Sponsored by the Circle of Friends. |
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Gulfport City Hall & Facilities will be Closed in Observance. |
| | Memorial Day Commemoration Monday, May 26th | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Veteran’s Park, 5350 31st Ave. S. Join us at Veterans Park to honor and commemorate Memorial Day. This special gathering is a time to pay tribute to the brave men and women who served our country with dedication and sacrifice. Together, we will reflect on their courage, express our gratitude, and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Let us come together as a community to uphold the spirit of patriotism and honor their memory. |
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| | City of Gulfport Hurricane Preparedness Seminar Thursday, May 29th | 6 – 8 p.m. Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. The Atlantic basin hurricane season begins June 1. Get informed to be prepared during the City of Gulfport’s Annual Hurricane Preparedness Seminar. This informative seminar is free and open to the public. Attendees can enjoy a slice of pizza and a drink for $3. For more information or to become a hurricane related vendor, call 729-1297 or email kossola@mygulfport.us. |
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| | Sidewalk Poets: Musical Performance Thursday, May 29th | 7 p.m. Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. Join us for a musical performance by the SIDEWALK POETS. This local band will create a fun and entertaining atmosphere through harmonized singing. This program is funded by a grant from The Hello In There Foundation awarded to the Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Public Library. |
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| | Pride Flag Raising Sunday, June 1st | 10 a.m. Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. Join us as we kick off Pride Month with a vibrant flag-raising ceremony at the Gulfport Public Library. Celebrate love, diversity, and inclusion with your community. All are welcome! |
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| | Fusion 49th District General Meeting Monday, June 2nd | 6 – 7:30 p.m. 49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S. You are invited to the next Fusion 49th General Meeting. This meeting will include updates from the Government, Organization, Design, Economic Vitality, and Promotions Committees, with the full agenda to follow. If you’d like to get involved, you can sign up to help with the Organization, Design, Economic Vitality, or Promotions Committees. For qualifications and more information, please contact Nancy Dunham (“Fancy Nancy”) of Professional Services at 727-710-6676. Thank you for staying engaged with our forming district! |
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| | First Friday Gulfport Night Market Friday, June 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. |
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| | Gulfport Pride Festival Saturday, June 7th | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Beach Blvd. S. (Waterfront District) Get ready to shine at the Gulfport Pride FestivalThis free, family-friendly celebration is bursting with love, color, and community spirit, featuring live entertainment, vibrant vendors, delicious food, and more. Come celebrate diversity, champion equality, and support local nonprofits while enjoying a full day of fun in the sun. |
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| | Gulfport Flag Day Friday, June 13th | 10 a.m. Veteran’s Park, 5350 31st Ave. S. Celebrate patriotism and community at the City of Gulfport’s Flag Day Ceremony. This inspiring event features a special performance of the National Anthem by former New York City Opera Soprano Catherine Bassett. Bring your friends, family, and American pride for a moving tribute to our nation’s flag—free and open to the public! |
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| | USCG Auxiliary Recreational Boating Course Saturday, June 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 at the CGA Training Building 3120 Miriam St. South 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. |
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| Gulfport History Museum Online Collection View the Museum’s online collection here. |
| Latest Beach Water Quality Sampling Data See the latest report here. |
| Public Cameras Check out our live streaming cameras here! |
| Gulfport Charter & Code of Ordinances Online access is provided at the following link. |
| Employee Directory Click here to view the Gulfport Employee Directory. |
| Understanding the FEMA 50% Rule Rebuilding After Storm Damage |
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| City of Gulfport Flood Zone Permitting Packet and Appeal Process |
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| The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is encouraging disaster loan recipients in Florida to apply for additional funds to protect their homes and businesses from future storms. To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. |
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| The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $1.4 billion in federal disaster loans to support Florida businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters affected by Hurricane Helene occurring on Sept. 23 through Oct. 7 and Milton occurring on Oct. 5 through Nov. 2, 2024. As of April 17, 2025, the SBA has provided over $460 million to businesses/EIDL and over $1 billion to residents in the wake of this disaster. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has reopened and extended the physical damage loan applications. Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is still available to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations for working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDLs are available regardless of whether the organization suffered any physical property damage and may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster. |
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| The Gulfport Arts Center will be hosting a collage themed Community Art Show this summer! The Gulfport Public Arts Center is looking for expressive collage work by local artists for an ALL COLLAGE group art showcase! Work can be constructed of any material and may pertain to any subject matter, as long as it is an original work within the medium of collage or assemblage. Submission is FREE and open to the public. There is no limit to the amount of works that may be submitted per artist. All ages, skill levels, and perspectives are encouraged to submit their work for consideration. If you would like to submit a piece of artwork to be considered for the show, please email a photo to ArtsCenter@mygulfport.us. Submission must be received by 5/20 for consideration in the show. Art work will be on display at the Gulfport Arts Center from 5/30/25 – 7/16/25. A reception will be held on Friday, 5/30/25 from 5:30PM – 7:00PM. Light refreshments will be served. You may also visit the Arts Center during Open Studio Hours to see the show. Tuesdays, 3 – 7 p.m., Wednesdays, 3 – 7 p.m., and the first and third Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
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| Pinellas County Hurricane Home Repair Program The Hurricane Home Repair Program helps income eligible homeowners impacted by Hurricane Helene or Milton pay for storm repairs not covered by insurance or FEMA. Eligible residents may receive up to $30,000 in grant funding as reimbursement or direct payment for eligible home repairs. Funding is provided by Florida’s State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP) and Pinellas County. These statewide SHIP funds are designated to help local governments provide affordable housing opportunities and have specific limits on homeowner income and total property value. |
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| Rebuild Florida is Florida’s long-term disaster recovery effort, committed to rebuilding impacted communities stronger so they are more resilient to future storms. The Hurricane Ian Rebuild Florida Housing Repair and Replacement Program is a state program launched with federal funding to repair, rebuild, or replace eligible homes with remaining damage from Hurricane Ian. If you were impacted by Hurricanes Helene or Milton, you may still be eligible for assistance under the Hurricane Ian Housing Repair and Replacement Program. Rebuild Florida is currently accepting applications. Priority will be given to homeowners with a low income and households that include children under 18, seniors aged 62 and older, or individuals with disabilities. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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 |
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| 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. |
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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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| 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 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 one-way trip. For more information, call 893-2242. |
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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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| | Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center 5501 27th Ave. S. | 727-893-5657 Monday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Tuesday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center actively seeks to support the independence and increased quality of life of its participants by encouraging involvement in programs and activities that promote health, welfare, safety and dignity. The Gulfport Senior Center is Gulfport’s trusted leader in providing senior services that empower older adults to live life to the fullest. The Senior Center is a hub and gathering place for seniors to be socially engaged, physically challenged, and cognitively stimulated. It also serves as a clearinghouse for older adults to receive community resources and social services that help them maintain their independence and quality of life. Required Registration is easy and available for all individuals 50 years of age or older. Free for Gulfport Residents and only $50 per year for non-Residents. Don’t wait, be a part of the club today! |
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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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| | 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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