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    • City of Gulfport Monday (08/10/26) Newsletter, Gulfport, FL


      Gulfport Marina includes dry boat storage, ship store, bathroom, public boat ramp, parking, fueling stations, lighted range markers and guest docking facility.

      The City of Gulfport and Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, always have a full calendar of events for all ages. The marina and harbor, found on the northern shores of Boca Ciega Bay, are easily accessible from the Western Florida ICW, just north of Tampa Bay

      City of Gulfport Monday Newsletter

        
       
      Weekly news & updates
      August 10, 2026 | City of Gulfport, FL – Gateway to the Gulf Newsletter
      E-Newsletter: Monday, August 3, 2026

      Missed last week’s update? Click here to read it now.

      Upcoming Events

      See what’s happening this month.

      Senior Center E-news

      Click here to see what’s happening next.

      Library Calendar of Events

      Upcoming activities at the Gulfport Library.

      Recreation Center

      Click here to see all classes and activities.

      Gulfport Community Update

      Click here to read more.

      Gulfport Arts & Heritage

      Click here to see upcoming events.

      Be Prepared This Hurricane Season!

      The Atlantic hurricane season ends November 30. Be prepared, visit the City of Gulfport Hurricane Center for important storm preparedness information, resources, and updates.

      Hurricane Center
      Gulfport City Council

      Mayor

      Karen

      Love

      Smiling woman with short reddish hair wearing a brown top against a light blue background.

      Webpage

      Email

      Report

      826-7208

      Ward 1

      Jennifer Daunch

      Webpage

      Email

      893-1002

      Vice Mayor

      Marlene Shaw

      A smiling woman with long gray hair. Wearing a black jacket and a red blouse stands in front of vibrant pink flowers.

      Webpage

      Email

      Report

      826-7311

      Ward 3

      Jennifer Webb

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

      Webpage

      Email

      893-1001

      Ward 4 Nancy

      Earley

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

      Webpage

      Email

      269-6625

      City Manager’s Gulfport Community Update
      Gulfport Community Update: August 2 – 8, 2026

      The City of Gulfport partnered with Fusion 49th District, Inc. for a Community Backpack and School Supply Drive to help local students prepare for the upcoming school year. Thanks to the generosity of Gulfport residents, businesses, and community organizations, 105 school supply items, including 8 backpacks, were donated. Contributions included notebooks, filler paper, folders, binders, pencil pouches, writing utensils, art supplies, and other classroom essentials. The donated supplies were distributed by Fusion 49th District, Inc. during their Family Enrichment: Back-to-School Preparation Community Gathering on Saturday, August 8, at Trolley Market Square. The City of Gulfport extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who donated and helped support local students and families.

      Read More
      Upcoming Official Meetings
      City seal. Text reads Gateway to the Gulf. City of Gulfport Fla. Incorporated Oct. 12 1910. Illustration of waterfront with buildings pier and boat. Circular black and gold design.

      City of Gulfport: Meetings Calendar August 2026

      • August 4, 2026 – Council Meeting – 6:00pm
      • August 5, 2026 – Planning and Zoning Board – Cancelled
      • August 6, 2026 – City Council Workshop – 6:00pm – Topic: Budget
      •  August 12, 2026 – Board of Adjustments – 6:00pm (Agenda)
      •  August 18, 2026 – Election Day – Primary – Polls open 7:00am to 7:00pm – City Council Meeting – Cancelled
      •  August 19, 2026 – Neighborhood Watch – 6:00pm
      •  August 20, 2026 – Special Magistrate (If Necessary) – 9:30am

      All meetings are open to the public and are held in the City Hall, City Council Chambers, 2401 53rd Street South, In Person, unless otherwise noted. Meetings may occasionally be added, cancelled or rescheduled after this list is published. Please check the city’s website https://mygulfport.us for updated information.

      This Weeks Events & Meetings

      Keep Calm & Carry Yarn

      Monday, August 10th | 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. Call 727-893-1074 for additional information.

      “Bring Your Own Book” (BYOB) Club

      Monday, August 10t | 1 p.m.

      Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.

      Join us for our weekly Bring Your Own Book book club at 1:00 p.m. Read quietly, enjoy free coffee or tea, and discuss your latest reads or all-time favorites with fellow book lovers. Participation is free and open to the public. For more information, visit https://mygulfport.us/library or call 727-893-1074.

      Logo. Illustration of hand holding leaf with sun rays. Text reads Gulfport Fresh Market. Bright colors purple teal yellow orange.
      Visit our Website
      Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market

      Tuesday, August 11th | 9 a.m. – 2 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. 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.

      Hurricane Ice Cream Social

      Tuesday, August 11th | 1 – 4 p.m.

      Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S.

       

      Join us for the Hurricane Ice Cream Social at the Gulfport Senior Center. Enjoy a sweet treat while connecting with local experts and community partners who will share hurricane preparedness information, safety tips, and resources to help residents stay ready throughout the season.

      Under the theme “Strong Communities, One Scoop at a Time,” attendees can learn how to prepare before a storm, create a hurricane plan, and stay safe before, during, and after severe weather.

      This free event is open to the public, but space is limited. Pre-registration is required by calling the Gulfport Senior Center at (727) 893-5657.

      Join your neighbors, strengthen community connections, and take steps toward a safer hurricane season, one scoop at a time.

      Teen Space for Ages 12 – 18

      Tuesday, August 11th | 3 p.m.

      Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.

      Join us for Teen Space! Spend time with friends and meet new ones. Come play games, work on art projects, watch movies, or just hang out. Activities vary each week, and what we do is up to you! Ages 12 to 18 only. For additional information, call 727-893-1074.

      Gulfport Environmental Team (G.E.T.) Meeting

      Thursday, August 13th | 6 – 8 p.m.

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

      The Gulfport Environmental Team (G.E.T.) is a volunteer group dedicated to enhancing Gulfport’s natural environment and promoting sustainability throughout the community. This is a meeting held on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the 49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S.

      Community members interested in environmental stewardship, sustainability initiatives, and enhancing Gulfport’s natural beauty are encouraged to attend and get involved. G.E.T. works to expand and diversify the city’s tree canopy through initiatives such as a citywide tree inventory, community tree planting efforts, public education on proper tree selection and care, and outreach highlighting the environmental, economic, and quality-of-life benefits of trees.

      Free Community Tree Giveaway

      Saturday, August 15th | 9 – 11 a.m.

      Clymer Park (Greenway), 23rd Ave. S. & Beach Blvd. S.

      The City of Gulfport invites residents to the Free Community Tree Giveaway at Clymer Park, part of our ongoing Plant a Tree initiative. Gulfport residents with a driver’s license or water bill for proof can receive free trees to enhance their property and support the city’s environmental sustainability efforts.

      Available tree species include:

      • Maple – A beautiful shade tree that adds color and character to the landscape.
      • Bald Cypress – A Florida-friendly tree known for its adaptability and graceful appearance.
      • Mahogany – A large, attractive shade tree valued for its strength and dense canopy.

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

      Logo. Illustration of sunset with rays palm trees and building silhouette. Text reads Gulfport Night Market. Wavy line design at bottom. Blue purple orange and teal color scheme.
      More Info

      Third Saturday Gulfport Night Market

      Saturday, August 15th | 5 – 9 p.m.

      Beach Blvd. S. (Waterfront District)

      The Gulfport Night Market operates year-round from 5pm to 9pm on the first Friday and third Saturday of each month. The Gulfport Merchants Chamber is proud to partner with the Tampa Bay Markets team to work directly with new and returning vendors and to manage the Gulfport Night Market events. Tampa Bay Markets is a local events management company that operates 13 successful local markets and special events within the greater Tampa Bay Area, celebrating its 15th anniversary year of operation.

      Upcoming Events & Meetings
      Find Your Polling Place
      Vote in the 2026 Primary Election

      Tuesday, August 18th | 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

      City of Gulfport, FL

      Your vote matters! Gulfport residents are encouraged to participate in the 2026 Primary Election on Tuesday, August 18. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

      Gulfport Polling Locations:

       

      Not sure where to vote? Visit the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections website to find your assigned precinct, polling location, early voting information, sample ballots, and everything you need to cast your vote.

      Gulfport Neighborhood Watch Meetings

      Wednesday, August 19th | 6 p.m.

      Every third Wednesday of each month

      City Hall (Council Chambers), 2401 53rd St. S.

      For more information, please contact Mr. Jim Wright Neighborhood Watch Coordinator at 727-893-1022 or jwright@mygulfport.us.

      Purchase Tickets
      St. Pete Dance presents “On Broadway”: A Ballroom Extravaganza

      Saturday, August 22nd | 4 – 6 p.m.

      Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.

      Experience an evening of Broadway’s biggest hits as St. Pete Dance Showcase brings the magic of musical theater to the Catherine A. Hickman Theater. Featuring unforgettable songs, dazzling choreography, and talented local performers, this high-energy showcase celebrates beloved Broadway classics and modern favorites. Concessions will be available for purchase. 

      Community Town Hall: Rainwater Harvesting

      Thursday, August 27th | 6 – 7:30 p.m.

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

      Join Mayor Karen Love for a free Community Town Hall on Rainwater Harvesting and discover practical ways to better manage rainwater around your home and property. Environmental scientist and Certified Rainwater Harvesting Practitioner Diane Willis will share how rainwater harvesting can help reduce flooding, protect homes and landscapes, conserve water, and improve the health of local waterways. Whether you’re looking to safeguard your property or learn more about sustainable water management, this informative presentation is open to all Gulfport residents.

      Tickets & Info
      2026 Annual Gecko Ball: “Gecko Music Awards”

      Saturday, August 29th | 6 – 10 p.m.

      Stetson University, 1401 61st St. S.

      Put on your best music-inspired costume and join the Gulfport Merchants Chamber for the Annual Gecko Ball on Saturday, August 29, from 6 to 10 p.m. This year’s Gecko Music Awards theme promises an unforgettable evening of live music, dancing, a costume contest, the crowning of the Gecko Queen, local art auctions, food trucks, photo opportunities, and adult beverages by donation. Each attendee will receive a complimentary Gecko Music Awards T-shirt featuring artwork by local artist Daniel Cruz.

      Tickets are $40 each or $450 for a reserved table of 10. Individual tickets are available at the Gulfport Merchants Chamber, Gulfport Corner Store, and Gulfport Beach Bazaar. Reserved tables must be purchased in person at the Gulfport Beach Bazaar.

      Purchase Tickets
      Backtrack Blues Band Concert

      Saturday, August 29th | 8 – 10:30 p.m.

      Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.

      Enjoy an evening of award-winning blues when the Backtrack Blues Band performs at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater on Saturday, August 29. One of Florida’s longest-running blues bands, Backtrack has been entertaining audiences with original music since 1980, earning multiple Tampa Bay Music Awards for Best Blues Band. Known for its electrifying live performances, the band delivers a powerful mix of classic Chicago-style blues, exceptional musicianship, and high-energy entertainment.

      Flyer. City of Gulfport logo. Text reads What’s on Your Mind. All residents welcome. Community events at SumitrA Espresso Lounge and Wonder Works. Office hours every Monday at City Hall. Photo of smiling woman with long gray hair. Red top. Black jacket. Necklace. Contact details for Councilmember Marlene Shaw.
      What’s on Your Mind? With Councilmember Marlene Shaw – Every First Wednesday

      Wednesday, September 2nd | 2 – 3 p.m.

      Wonder Works, 5314 Gulfport Blvd. S.

      Join Councilmember Marlene Shaw for casual conversation and community connection at Wonder Works, 5314 Gulfport Blvd. S., every first Wednesday from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Whether you have questions, concerns, or ideas to share, she’s here to listen and talk about the issues that matter to you.

      Councilmember Shaw also holds City Hall office hours every Monday from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at 2401 53rd Street South. Appointments are available upon request.

      Contact mshaw@mygulfport.us or (727) 826-7311 for more info.

      Logo. Illustration of sunset with rays. Palm trees. Building silhouette. Text reads Gulfport Night Market. Wavy line at bottom. Blue purple orange and teal colors.
      More Info

      First Friday Gulfport Night Market

      Friday, September 4th | 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.

      Learn More
      GeckoFest: Gulfport’s End of Summer Celebration

      Saturday, September 5th | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

      Downtown Waterfront District, Beach Blvd. S.

      Gulfport’s signature end-of-summer celebration returns on Saturday, September 5, transforming the historic waterfront into a vibrant festival filled with live music, local art, delicious food, street performers, vendors, and family-friendly fun. This year’s “Gecko Music Awards” theme encourages everyone to dress as their favorite musical artist or genre and join in Gulfport’s beloved costume tradition. Come experience the creativity, energy, and community spirit that have made GeckoFest a Tampa Bay favorite for more than 20 years. 

      Gulfport City Hall & Facilities Closed

      Monday, September 7, 2026

      Gulfport City Hall and City facilities will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Sanitation services will run on their regular schedule, and the Gulfport Marina will remain open.

      Learn More
      Fusion 49th General Meeting: Business Activation

      Monday, September 7th | 6 – 8 p.m.

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

      Join us for “First Mondays: Business Activation (We Heard You Series),” a new initiative from the Fusion 49th District Team designed to support local businesses with practical, results-driven resources. Created in response to feedback from corridor businesses, many of whom expressed the need for greater visibility, more customers, and consistent support, these monthly sessions focus on delivering real tools and actionable strategies.

      Held on the first Monday of each month, each gathering offers hands-on guidance to help strengthen marketing, improve financial understanding, and build sustainable business systems. This series is open to all business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in starting, growing, or strengthening a business along the corridor.

      City of Gulfport 9/11 Commemoration

      Friday, September 11th | 8:30 a.m.

      Williams Pier, Shore Blvd. S. & 54th St. S.

      Join the City of Gulfport for its 7th Annual 9/11 Commemoration at Williams Pier. As the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the community is invited to gather in remembrance of those who lost their lives and to honor the courage and sacrifice of first responders, service members, and everyday heroes. The ceremony will include a moment of silence, the lowering of the flag, and commemorative remarks. All are welcome to attend this meaningful community tribute.

      Tickets & Info
      2nd Saturday’s at Trolley Market Square: Laughter is Medicine

      Saturday, September 12th | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

      Trolley Market Square, 4900 Tangerine Ave. S.

      Join Fusion 49th District on Saturday, September 12, at Trolley Market Square for Laughter Is Medicine, the kickoff to its new Healthy Corridor Initiative. This free community event will feature local vendors, businesses, community organizations, and wellness partners, with a ticketed 90-minute comedy show featuring comedian Tarus Josey beginning at 6 p.m. 

      Purchase Tickets
      Gulfport’s Battle of the Bands

      Saturday, September 19th | 6 – 9 p.m. (Doors open at 5)

      Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.

      Experience an exciting evening of live music at Gulfport’s Battle of the Bands at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater. Presented by the Gulfport Senior Foundation, this exciting event will showcase talented local bands competing live for top honors in front of a live audience. From rock and blues to pop and original music, attendees can expect an evening filled with outstanding performances, friendly competition, and community spirit. Come cheer on your favorite performers and support local talent!

      Purchase Tickets
      Eliza Neals Brings Electrifying Blues-Rock to Gulfport

      Friday, September 25th | 7 p.m.

      Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.

      Acclaimed singer-songwriter Eliza Neals brings her powerhouse vocals and electrifying blend of blues, rock, and soul to the Catherine A. Hickman Theater on Friday, September 25. Known for her dynamic stage presence and heartfelt performances, Neals promises an unforgettable evening of live music. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., tickets are $25, and seating is limited. Purchase tickets online and join us for a night of exceptional entertainment in Gulfport.

      Purchase Tickets
      Nan Colton as Georgia O’Keeffe

      Sunday, September 27th | 3 – 4:30 p.m.

      Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.

      Step into the world of one of America’s most celebrated artists as acclaimed actress and playwright Nan Colton brings Georgia O’Keeffe to life at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater. Through captivating storytelling and performance, this one-woman show explores O’Keeffe’s remarkable life, groundbreaking art, and enduring legacy. Tickets are available through Eventbrite, with all proceeds benefiting the Gulfport Senior Foundation.

      Register
      Gulfport Community 5K Run/Walk

      Saturday, October 3rd | 8 a.m.

      Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S.

      Lace up and join the City of Gulfport for the Gulfport Community 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, October 3, at 8 a.m.! The starting line will be located in front of the Historic Gulfport Casino Ballroom at 5500 Shore Blvd. S. This family-friendly 3.1-mile waterfront course welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels. Registration is $17 and closes Wednesday, September 30, at 4:30 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this fun community event! Not running? You can still support Operation Santa, which helps provide holiday gifts to local children ages 0–10, by making a donation through the race registration site.

      Community Outreach
      Explore Gulfport’s past!

      Click here to view digitized City records from 1920 – 1974.

      Gulfport History Museum Online Collection

      View the Museum’s online collection here.

      Latest Beach Water Quality Sampling Data

      See the latest report here.

      Gulfport Charter & Code of Ordinances

      Online access is provided at the following link.

      Bill Payment Options

      View and pay Utility & Marina Billing accounts online here.

      Employee Directory

      Click here to view the Gulfport Employee Directory.

      “Take 2 on Tuesdays” with Mayor Karen Love

      Take Two on Tuesday with Mayor Love – Boards

      In Case You Missed It!

      Last week’s Take 2 on Tuesdays featured information about Governing Boards.

      More Info

      Gulfport Residents: Take Extra Precautions Against Mosquitoes

      Pinellas County Mosquito Control is reporting increased mosquito-borne virus activity following recent rainfall. Residents are encouraged to follow the 3 Ds: Dress in protective clothing, Defend with insect repellent, and Dump or cover standing water around your property. Mosquito Control has increased treatments throughout the county. Help protect our community by checking your property for standing water and eliminating mosquito breeding areas.

      1976 Bicentennial Time Capsule Photographs

      Photos from the opening of Gulfport’s 1976 Bicentennial Time Capsule are now available online. Explore this special collection and take a look back at a unique piece of our community’s history.

      Photo Gallery
      Water Restrictions Webpage

      Modified Phase III Water Shortage Restrictions Extended Through October 1

      The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has extended the Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Order through October 1, 2026, due to ongoing drought conditions and low regional water supplies.

      All Gulfport residents, including those using private wells or pumps, must continue following the one-day-per-week irrigation schedule. Lawn and landscape watering is allowed only between 12:01 a.m. and 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. on your assigned watering day.

      Watering Schedule (based on the last digit of your address):

      • 0–1: Monday
      • 2–3: Tuesday
      • 4–5: Wednesday
      • 6–7: Thursday
      • 8–9: Friday (also applies to common areas and properties without a numbered address)

      Residents are encouraged to conserve water by following these restrictions and using water wisely. For the complete watering schedule and additional conservation tips, visit the Pinellas County Watering Schedule and Rules page. Questions? Email Water.Restrictions@WaterMatters.org or call (813) 856-5679 during business hours.

      Skip the Fertilizer This Summer

      From now through September 30, fertilizer use is prohibited in Pinellas County during the rainy season. Excess nutrients can wash into storm drains, creeks, lakes, and Tampa Bay, contributing to harmful algae blooms and poor water quality.

      Help protect Gulfport’s waterways, wildlife, and coastlines by keeping fertilizer off your lawn until October 1. For more information, visit https://pinellas.gov/pinellas-county-fertilizer-ordinance.

      Scheduled Water Line and Hydrant Flushing

      The City of Gulfport is continuing scheduled water line and fire hydrant flushing throughout the City through the end of August 2026. This routine maintenance helps maintain water quality, remove sediment from the water distribution system, and ensure fire hydrants are operating properly in the event of an emergency.

      During flushing, residents may notice water flowing in the street, a temporary drop in water pressure, air in the water lines, cloudy water, or slight discoloration. If this occurs, run cold water for several minutes, preferably from an outside faucet first if one is available, until the water runs clear.

      If you have any questions, please contact the City of Gulfport Utilities Division at 727-893-1085.

      Hurricane Center

      Gulfport Encourages Boater Safety and Storm Preparedness During Hurricane Season

      Now that storm season is underway, the City of Gulfport encourages residents and boaters to take proactive steps to protect life and property during severe weather events. Boaters are urged to relocate vessels to safe harbors or designated hurricane holes when possible, secure anchors and mooring lines, remove loose items and sails, test bilge pumps and batteries, and document vessels for insurance purposes. Staying alert to local weather updates and evacuation guidance is also essential to reducing risk and improving safety on the water.

      In addition, the City’s Hurricane Preparedness webpage provides a centralized resource to help residents prepare for, respond to, and recover from hurricanes, flooding, and other emergencies. The page includes evacuation zone details, shelter information, flood safety guidance, sandbag usage instructions, pet preparedness resources, debris removal information, emergency contacts, and links to additional county and state emergency management tools. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared before, during, and after storms by visiting https://mygulfport.us/hurricane.

      Gulfport Library Bingo

      Pick up a Bingo card today!

      The Gulfport Public Library invites readers of all ages to participate in its Reading Bingo Challenge from June through September. Pick up a Bingo card at the library and complete fun reading activities for a chance to explore new books, discover different genres, and stay engaged in reading all summer long. For more information, visit the Gulfport Public Library at 5501 28th Ave. S., call 727-893-1074, or visit https://mygulfport.us/library.

      SeeClickFix – Service Request Center

      The City of Gulfport uses SeeClickFix to receive, route, and track non-emergency service requests. Residents can report community concerns, submit the location of the issue, upload photos, and monitor progress through the online portal. Use the portal to report issues such as potholes, sidewalk damage, drainage concerns, traffic sign issues, graffiti, park maintenance concerns, sanitation issues, and code compliance matters.

      Visit our Website
      Visit our Website

      A Message from the Gulfport Police Department: Keep Sidewalks Clear

      Help keep Gulfport safe and accessible for everyone by keeping sidewalks clear.

      Under Florida Statute 316.1945, vehicles and other obstructions are not permitted on sidewalks, as they can create serious hazards, especially for pedestrians using wheelchairs, strollers, or mobility aids. Violations may result in fines or towing.

      Thank you for doing your part to keep our community walkable and safe!

      Learn More

      Utility Marking: Decoding the Marks

      Seeing colored flags or paint in your yard or along the street? Those markings mean underground utilities have been located within public rights-of-way or utility easements before contractors start work. They help prevent damage and keep everyone safe.

       

      Remember, these markings show public utility lines, but private lines, like irrigation, outdoor lighting, or propane may still be underground and unmarked.

       

      Always call 811 before you dig. It’s free, it’s the law, and it helps prevent damage, outages, and injuries!

      Gulfport Public Library Story Trail Initiative

      The Gulfport Public Library is inviting community members and local businesses to help bring a new outdoor literacy experience to life through the Gulfport Story Trail. This interactive project will transform a park pathway into a walking storybook, with illustrated pages displayed along the trail so families can read together while exploring Gulfport’s parks. To help make the project possible, the library is seeking sponsors for approximately 20 outdoor reading stations. Each sponsored station will include an engraved plaque recognizing the donor, business, or honoring a loved one. Once completed, the Story Trail will promote literacy, encourage physical activity, and provide a year-round resource for families, schools, and visitors. For more information or to become a sponsor, contact the Gulfport Public Library at libraryinfo@mygulfport.us or 727-893-1074.

      Adopt-a-Drain

      City of Gulfport Adopt-a-Drain Program

      Did you know that keeping storm drains clear helps reduce roadway flooding, protects our local waterways, and keeps our community safe? The City of Gulfport’s Adopt-a-Drain Program makes it easy to make a big impact right in your own neighborhood.

      Simply choose a storm drain near your home, workplace, or favorite walking route, monitor it regularly, and remove leaves and debris as needed. After clearing debris, contact Gulfport Public Works at (727) 893-1089 for pickup.

      It’s a simple way to protect our streets and our shoreline, one drain at a time!

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

      The People First Hurricane Recovery Programs are here to support homeowners, renters, and local landlords impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, or Milton. These programs provide funding and assistance to repair damage, prevent long-term displacement, and make housing safer and more affordable. 

      Eligible Gulfport residents may apply online at https://recover.pinellas.gov or by calling (727) 606-3307. Case managers are available by phone, at county offices, and during community pop-up events to help guide applicants through the process.

      Apply Now!

      City of Gulfport Utilities Department Online Utility Service Application

      The City of Gulfport Utility Billing – Customer Service Division provides an online Utility Service Application, making it easy for new customers to start water, sewer, sanitation, stormwater, and recycling service. The secure online form allows applicants to upload required documents and submit everything from any computer or mobile device.

      In-person assistance is still available at Gulfport City Hall for those who prefer to apply in person.

      The application can be accessed anytime at: mygulfport.us/utilities/utility-account-application-form. Applications submitted before 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, are eligible for same-day activation.

      For more information, visit mygulfport.us/utilities or contact Utility Billing – Customer Service at utilitiesinfo@mygulfport.us or (727) 893-1016.

      Register Here

      Gulfport Connects: Bringing the Community Together

      Register for Gulfport Connects, an online volunteer platform designed to strengthen connections between residents, local organizations, and City departments. The platform provides a simple, reliable way to match community needs with volunteer support – both during emergencies, and in everyday life. Nonprofits, community groups and City departments can post and manage volunteer opportunities, track service hours, and coordinate projects, while residents can sign up for activities that match their interests and log their service.

      Visit https://gulfport.galaxydigital.com or email dmather@mygulfport.us to be added to the portal. Gulfport Connects transforms lessons learned into lasting community strength, keeping Gulfport connected and resilient every day.

      Photo. Colorful shuttle bus with artwork. Text on side and front reads Welcome to Gulfport. Design includes iguana and parrot illustrations. Blue purple and green gradient background.

      City of Gulfport Special Events Trolley/WRD Looper

      The City of Gulfport Special Events Trolley/Waterfront Redevelopment District (WRD) Looper services large-scale special events and the First Friday and Third Saturday Night Markets from 5 to 9 p.m. and the Second Saturday’s at Trolley Market Square from 4 – 8 p.m. throughout the year.

      For more information and to view all of the Loopers convenient pickup spots, please visit https://mygulfport.us/trolley/.

      Logo. Text reads First Contact. Tagline reads Connecting You to Hope and Help. Design includes speech bubble with heart. Blue and teal color scheme.
      Learn More

      Improving Lives Through the Power of Information & Hope

      At First Contact, our goal is to have a community that is connected and informed regarding critical health and human service information for those who need help and those who are willing to volunteer or donate their time to local community agencies.

      Flyer. Text reads Care About Me. Support Starts Here. Your key to access mental health substance use and addiction treatment services. Care About Me is not a crisis line. Provides confidential help with identifying service providers and scheduling appointments. Steps include email call text chat speak with a caring specialist and make an appointment. Contact 1 888 431 1998. Hours Monday to Friday 8 AM to 10 PM. Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM. Holidays included. Website careaboutme.org. Powered by Unite Us. Green QR code for more information. Photo of smiling woman outdoors.

      Care About Me confidentially helps all residents of all ages, insured or not, by eliminating the guesswork or need to search for local behavioral health services by creating a space where residents or family members of individuals in non-crisis can call in, speak directly with experienced behavioral health specialists who can triage their needs, and get an appointment scheduled with a local provider.

      For more information, visit https://careaboutme.org or call 1-888-431-1998.

      Flyer. Text reads Open Hours. Gulfport History Museum. Wednesday 10 to 2 PM. Thursday 12 to 4 PM. Friday 10 to 2 PM. Saturday 12 to 4 PM first and third weeks. Closed Sunday to Tuesday. Address 5301 28th Avenue South Gulfport Florida 33707. Phone 727 201 8687. Email HistoryMuseum@mygulfport.us . Circular Gulfport History Museum logo at bottom. Background shows historic photo of pier and buildings.
      Gulfport History Museum Operating Hours

      • Monday & Tuesday: Closed
      • Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
      • Thursday: 12 – 4 p.m.
      • Friday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
      • Saturday: Noon – 4 p.m. (1st and 3rd Saturdays)
      • Sunday: Closed

      727-893-1161 | historymuseum@mygulfport.us

      Flyer. Text reads Gulfport Recycles. The City of Gulfport Recycling Guidelines. Separate curbside recycling into two groups. Group one plastic steel and aluminum. Group two mixed paper. Free recycling containers available for residents call 727 893 1089. Free mulch at Gulfport Neighborhood Center. Plastic bag drop off at City Hall and park collection buckets. Special pick up available by calling Public Works. Yard waste picked up on Wednesdays with size and bagging requirements. City of Gulfport Public Works logo. Website link mygulfport.us public works department. Background shows Gulfport waterfront illustration.

      Gulfport provides once-a-week collection of household recyclables. Curbside service is provided to all single-family and duplex homes, apartment/condo complexes, mobile home parks and smaller businesses. Items collected are plastic containers and jugs, steel cans, aluminum cans, mixed paper, cardboard and newspaper.

      A drop-off center is located at the Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th Street South, for glass containers (all colors), mixed paper, and cardboard. It is open 24 hours / 7 days a week. For more information, visit https://mygulfport.us/public-works-department/.

      Logo. Text reads Keep Pinellas Beautiful. Design includes green leaf graphic. Blue and green color scheme.

      The Gulfport Public Works Department located at the 49th Street Neighborhood Center (1617 49th St. S.) is an official collection site for rechargeable batteries!

      For more information, please call 727-893-1089 or visit https://mygulfport.us/public-works-department/.

      Flyer. Text reads Private Waterline and Private Lateral Replacement Assistance Program. 50 percent of total replacement cost up to 3500 dollars. For more information contact Utilities Department at 727 893 1085. Illustration shows house with private sanitary sewer lateral connecting to municipal sanitary sewer connection and sanitary sewer main. Brown background with underground pipe diagram.
      Learn more

      The City of Gulfport Private Waterline and Sewer Lateral Replacement Assistance Program offers financial reimbursement after the replacement of a deteriorated residential waterline or sewer lateral. City Utilities residential water or sewer customers are eligible for a rebate of 50% up to $3,500.00 after the purchase, installation, and inspection of failing waterlines or sewer lateral between the home connection and the city connection.

      Promoting Optimal Living. The City of Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center.

      The City of Gulfport Senior Center’s Telephone Reassurance Program is a free service for Gulfport Residents 50 years of age or older. Volunteers provide daily phone calls to registered members and provide comfort, security, and peace of mind to members and families.

       

      Registration is simple and free. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service during this difficult time, please call (727) 893-2237 and register today.

      A flyer titled Catch A Ride With GEMS promotes the GEMS transportation service for elderly and disabled residents of Gulfport. It highlights the service as Reliable Affordable Flexible and Convenient. The flyer states that GEMS has provided door to door transportation for over 40 years.

      GEMS door-to-door transportation has provided independence & freedom to elderly and disabled residents of Gulfport for over 40 years.

       

      Any Gulfport residents 65 & older or residents with a disability can take advantage of GEMS door to door service for a yearly membership of $70 plus $2 per one-way trip. For more information, call 893-2242.

      Let’s Keep Gulfport Beautiful and Our Streets Clean!

      Keeping grass clippings out of the street helps protect our bay, prevent flooding, and keep roads safe. Bag, compost, or blow clippings back onto your lawn to recycle nutrients naturally.

      Every small action helps keep Gulfport clean, green, and beautiful. Thank you for doing your part to care for our community!

      City of Gulfport, Florida | https://mygulfport.us/
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      City of Gulfport | 2401 53rd street south | Gulfport, FL 33707 US

       

      Click Here To View the Cruisers Net Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Gulfport Municipal Marina

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

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

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

       

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    • Mid-August Magic: What’s Happening in Elizabeth City – Elizabeth City


      Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient-friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.

      https://visitelizabethcity.com/


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    • Workshops to offer tools to reduce, address marine debris – CoastalReview

      https://coastalreview.org/2026/08/workshops-to-offer-tools-to-reduce-address-marine-debris/

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    • Sharks can hear you swimming from 100 feet away… SunSentinel


      https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/08/11/king-tides-return-to-south-florida-heres-what-to-expect

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    • DOES THIS HAPPEN TO YOU? – Janice Anne Wheeler, Sparring With Mother Nature

         
       
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      Many new readers are swelling our ranks! Welcome aboard STEADFAST—you wisely joined hundreds of loyal crew already charted.

         

      If you just dove into our very engaging little community, please read SPARS & SPARRING, .….it introduces my wonders and my wanders. ~J


      DOES THIS HAPPEN TO YOU?

      Another waterfront week raced, dashed, tore by, and was gone before I even knew what consumed all that time.

       
       
       
       
       

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       Listen to post · 8:49

      I’ve happily occupied the relatively small square footage of STEADFAST’s interior for somewhere around 2,000 days. It sounds like enough time, doesn’t it? Enough to know the ins and outs, the details of the systems that keep us self-sufficient, and more importantly to understand how they work, propel, cool, transfer, filter, lubricate and generate. But 2,000 is not enough. Every day I learn of something that needs to be added, adjusted, lubed, repaired, recoated or replaced. Life is like that, if you keep it interesting. Maybe even if you don’t. Something of yours probably needs attention, even if you didn’t know you owned it.

      “It’s a shaft bonding commutator brush,” he annunciates it because he knows my intrigue may be sorely lacking. I’d never heard of such a thing and still don’t care about it much but perhaps I should; I almost want to be intrigued. Eyebrow raise/forehead crinkle. I can do those almost simultaneously now, after living so long in a world of things that for the first fifty years of my time on earth never crept, slid or dove into my realm. Now that my realm floats, well….new rivers to cross.

      I peer closer, take a picture to contemplate if it could be something that leads to a conversation or a contemplation about something totally different. Clearly, it turned out to be, well, printable, comment-able. Now, stay with me on this one, if you please…

      This particular little ‘brush’ is essential in getting us where we need to go, want to go, dream of going. As I hone in, he’s still describing what it does, how it does that and where it will live when he’s done tinkering, welding, manipulating and installing this custom version. My mind wanders. I drag it back by the scruff, squint a little, concentrating. Thirsty. Hot. Contemplating what to make for dinner that takes the least amount of oven and burner time.

      I refocus on the diligent, life-long Sailor before me, seated in our living room (the pilothouse), rising to another challenge with torch, unworn gloves, tools, tobacco, YouTube, hot sauce and rum all within reach on this smokin’ steamy summer afternoon. Sweat runs down my ribcage. Again. And I’m just watching.

         
      Can you find all the Sailor’s essential components?!

      “You should come see what I’m doing,” he tells me. I have low interest but feel that I should understand, grasp, learn. A bit of a conundrum, don’tcha think? Gathering my resolve to be the best partner I can be, I bend over into a right angle and enter the intimidating, elaborate engine space where the sailor/mechanic/innovator is carefully installing said shaft bonding commutator brush. Most such operations include colorful language and awkward body position; today is no exception. I quell the desire to snap a photo of the part of his anatomy that was dominating my view, and instead tuck one leg between two extended ones to peer over a sturdy shoulder. Nothing. I kneel down on the engine room floor, trying to recall when I had ripped the whole place apart, scraped, sanded and painted it. Sixteen months ago (already), INVERTED & SOOTY told that gritty adventure in boat maintenance. The boards are already a tad pock-marked and splattered with engine lubricants, but look remarkably better than before I dove into that endlessly rewarding and, well, awful project.

      After that reminisce I give up trying to stuff two adults in the awkward area above our 12-foot propeller shaft and later in the day return to peer at the rather mysterious shaft-bonding commutator brush.

         
      This little guy has a long name and an essential responsibility…who knew?

      This is what takes up the days. They slip by with sunrise, sustenance and caffeination, tide and moon, life and death, storms and rain, humidity and breezes, ducklings and friendships, writing and replying, health and sickness, sunset. I cook, tidy, scrub, organize, sand, paint, plan, observe, read, and provision.

      Since we’re all here in this particular boat, I hope this episode is story-worthy. I imagine your weeks fly by, too, don’t they? The compression of age, the urgency to savor each moment even when things take longer than they used to, the loss of a dear friend. I remember less and backtrack more, stopping to pick the flowers. There are stars if I’m lucky, but this time of year clouds and humidity obscure those twinkling beauties. STEADFAST is back in the water but there’s still a tremendous list of components now needing a little attention, a little tweak, a little dusting off, an infusion of resources, as it were. Some I’m intricately familiar with, others, not so much, as you know.

      It’s the price I pay for waterfront.

      STEADFAST is waterfront property on all sides, not just one, as most homes are. That beautiful, unique quality in and of itself is worth the humility of learning, absorbing and understanding parts that never crossed my radar. It’s worth SPARRING WITH MOTHER NATURE, day in, day out.

      I sleep with the motion of the ocean, I hear the waves lapping on the hull and can feel the tug of the tides taking us in the opposite direction. Neither STEADFAST nor I are too crazy about being tied to a dock instead of really swinging with the currents and winds as we’re used to, but this enviable location is working perfectly for now.

      We were docked in Baltimore a few years back and wandered into one of the harbor restaurants. The hostess asked us if we wanted to wait for a waterside table and we glanced at each other quizzically; our immediate response was, no, we’ll just hit the bar, feast there. We don’t request or require waterfront. My world is (nearly) always waterfront. I try desperately not to take it for granted because I know that in this day and age, I’ll never be able to afford true waterfront property of my own, that’s only for the millionaires, now.

      Leaving Baltimore pre-dawn. Domino Sugars & the Aquarium are iconic, only a boat has this perspective.

      Ten years ago I would have waited a long time for that waterfront restaurant view, I can assure you of that. A true advantage of our complicated lifestyle.

      We left Baltimore Harbor pre-dawn and it would be the last time STEADFAST & crew would or could marvel at the Frances Scott Key Bridge, which came down down in stunning fashion after being struck by a container ship in March of 2024.

      Until next week! It’ll be here before we know it, and I’m so so glad that you read this far, that you’re going to open my email next week, too, and that we’re all aboard in this crazy-ass world. I’m thinking SPARRING WITH MOTHER NATURE is far more soothing than any other news you can absorb right now. Just sayin’. ~J

      Interested in what else I have written? Visit my website Everybody Has A Story. Because we all do.


      All my work here on the ‘Stack can be accessed without cost, and my loyal paid subscribers (<5% of you) make that possible and I truly appreciate it; I love to send this out each week! I, myself, subscribe for free to a number of publications because I understand affordability; what I do for them instead of paying is increase their exposure on this platform. It’s easy enough, hit the heart, hit the re-stack, tell me what struck you. Please do it! I will ALWAYS reply & appreciate your effort. THANKS.

      Share SPARRING WITH MOTHER NATURE

       


         

       

       

      I so appreciate your support of my work. Have a wonderful week!

         
       
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      © 2026 Janice Anne Wheeler
      Living aboard Sailing Yacht STEADFAST again soon!

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    • There’s Always One Swimmin’ Swine That’s Mean and Nasty – Loose Cannon

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

         
       
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      When all else fails, try journalism.


      There’s Always One Swimmin’ Swine That’s Mean and Nasty

      Bit on Leg, New Yorker Sues Cruise Line That Promised Cute, Friendly Bahamas Pigs

       
       
       
       
       

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      There used to be a sign on the beach to warn people about this girl.

      This one is a salute to Jonathan Cooper, an old colleague of mine. A swimming pig in the Bahamas bit him on the ass, and he took it like a man.

      Unlike that wimp from New York who has parlayed his Bahamas pig bite into a federal case. Jason Gordon was on a “swim with pigs” excursion at the Great Stirrup Cay cruise-ship playground when a pig bit him on the leg.

      Last week, Gordon filed suit against Norwegian Cruise Lines in U.S. District Court in Miami because he had required emergency medical treatment and rabies shots. He wants the court to award him a pile of cash for permanent injuries and impairment, including:

      Physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disability, disfigurement, aggravation of any previously existing conditions therefrom, incurred medical expenses in the care and treatment of plaintiff’s injuries, suffered physical handicap, and lost earnings.

         
      Big Momma is coming our way.

      My guy Cooper was happy to treat his wound with a couple of stiff drinks at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, or were they pints? He’s a craft-beer guy.

      Even if he wanted to, who could he sue? Nobody.

      The swimming-pig attraction at Big Major’s Spot is the only such spectacle that has sprung up organically. Folks on Staniel could fatten their swine on the nearby and otherwise uninhabited island, thus avoiding pig damage (which is an actual thing) and the expense of having to keep them fed.

      Feeding those pigs became our job, we happy campers on cruising boats.

      Share

      I remember once searching a stock photo service for pictures of the Exumas, and found more than 2,000 pictures of swimming pigs, strutting iguanas, swarming nurse sharks and a woman in a yellow bikini photographed from multiple angles, but especially pigs. Swimming pigs—this is how the world sees this Bahamian archipelago.

      Amphibious hoggery has become a franchise. Now, there are four to five more swim-with-the-pigs locales catering to tourists across the Bahamas. Besides Great Stirrup at the north end of the Berry islands, there are pigs at No Name Cay in the Abacos, Ship Channel Cay and at Grand Bahama and Eleuthera.

      False Advertising?

      Frankly, Norwegian was asking for it when it convinced gullible passengers to pay almost $200 per person with this kind of nonsense marketing prose:

      Once you wade into the shallow waters, you can expect the pigs to follow, knowing that food awaits. The guide will show you how to feed the pigs and the best ways to interact with them while swimming. The pigs couldn’t be friendlier, cuter or more enthusiastic about the attention.

      Yeah, they’re hungry alright. They are pigs. And maybe there’s a friendly one in the bunch. But usually there’s a girl boss pig, and she is a nasty bitch. Ask Cooper.

      Our encounter began peacefully enough as we dinghied toward “Pig Beach,” he with the camera, me with one hand on the tiller and the other holding a plastic tub of leftover pasta. The beach was mobbed with tourists mingling with seemingly cheerful pigs; one nice sow was even lying on her back so a little girl could scratch her belly.

      The nice sow was not the one that welcomed us, however. Ours was big, a 200-pounder, and she came at us through the water like a hog-torpedo. She lurched upward and thrust her hooves onto the portside tube, maw agape and demanding.

      It was a scary moment, like being mugged. “Here, take my wallet, please”—I tried to empty the pasta bits into her mouth, but much of it fell into the water instead, and a pig, as it happens, cannot feed on floating food.

      At this point, Cooper slid into the waist-deep water to get some good pictures for our magazine stories—yeah, we were on the clock.

      He didn’t have any food, so nothing to worry about, he figured. But our pig was aggravated now, feeling cheated. She swam round to his side of the boat and went right for him.

      Cooper stood his ground for a few images, but the last one was poorly framed, I later noticed, marking the exact moment he had decided to turn tail and flee.

      Watching from the boat, the movie at that moment downshifted into slow-mo. The pig opened her jaws wide enough to clutch a cantaloupe…then…she clamped down…on Cooper’s…right buttock!

      In times of peace, Cooper takes excellent care of his equipment, but under duress he tossed that $2,000 Canon onto the fiberglass floor of the dinghy like an empty Bud Light can. He followed a millisecond later, rolling over the tube into the boat.

      That night we shared our story with a couple wealthy Ohioans at the yacht club on Staniel; they owned villas there.

      “The one with the black spots?” the car dealer asked. “Yeah, they call her ‘Big Momma’,” the investment banker added. “They used to have a sign on the beach warning about her. She bites. She’s gonna be double-crispy bacon soon.”

         
      Am I wrong, or is Jonathan Cooper favoring his left cheek here? Cooper is now a broker for North Pacific Yachts in Seattle.

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

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    • Tropical Update for Atlantic Basin – Fred Pickhardt


      Fred Pickhardt’s Substack is free today. But if you enjoyed this post, you can tell Fred Pickhardt’s Substack that their writing is valuable by pledging a future subscription. You won’t be charged unless they enable payments.

       
         
       
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      Tropical Update forAtlantic Basin

      Atlantic Tropical Basin shows some signs of activity

       
       
       
       
       

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      Tropical Waves (Atlantic & Eastern Caribbean)

      • Wave 1 (Cabo Verde / Eastern Atlantic): Axis along 29W (06N to 19N), moving West at 10–15 knots.
      • Wave 2 (Central Atlantic): Axis near 40W; broad cyclonic circulation near northern end.
      • Wave 3 (East of Lesser Antilles): Axis along 59W/60W (05N to 20N), moving West at 10–15 knots.

      Some gradual development is possible for waves 1 and 2 during the early to middle part of next week while the systems move westward. Upper-level winds are expected to become much less conducive for development later in the week. NOAA NHC currently gives these waves a slight (20-30%) risk for developing into a tropical cyclone.

         

       

      Gulf

      • Shower Activity:
        • Showers and thunderstorms between 23N–27N / 87W–94W.
        • Scattered showers and thunderstorms expected through the afternoon in the eastern Gulf as well as the Bay of Campeche and SW Gulf.
      Caribbean
      • Shower Activity:
        • Scattered showers and thunderstorms located between Cuba and Jamaica, across the Cayman Islands, and south of western Cuba (including the Yucatan Channel).
      • Tropical Waves: Tropical wave extends along 59W/60W impacting the far eastern edge/Lesser Antilles.
      • Wind Speed & Direction:
        • South-Central & SW Caribbean: Fresh to strong trades with gale-force winds occurring tonight offshore Colombia and strong to near gale-force winds in the Gulf of Venezuela each night.
      Southwest Atlantic
      • Shower Activity:
        • Scattered showers and thunderstorms active north of the Bahamas and west of 75W (shifting NW and persisting north of 30N through Sunday).

      Note: Widespread Saharan dust continues over the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, heaviest east of 60W.

      NOAA National Hurricane Center

      Ocean Weather Services

      Forensic Marine Weather Expert

       

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    • Weather Alert – Atlantic Tropics Continue To Slumber – SCDNR


       
      South Carolina Department of Natural Resources color logo and white text of agency name and State Climatology Office

      Weather Alert  –  August 7, 2026

      Atlantic Tropics Continue To Slumber

      The Atlantic tropics remain tranquil with no active tropical cyclones and none expected for at least another week.

      This colorized visible satellite imagery shows the features of interest across the North Atlantic today.

      The above loop of visible satellite imagery above shows several features of interest across the North Atlantic and eastern U. S.:

      • Tropical waves along 58° west near the Lesser Antilles, along 44° west over the central tropical Atlantic, and along 23° west over Cabo Verde.
      • A massive cloud of Saharan dust covers much of the eastern and tropical North Atlantic; the dust cloud is dense near 20° north.
      • A cluster of thunderstorms east of Florida and over parts of The Bahamas, moving northwestward.
      • Strong vertical shear is evident over the Caribbean Sea; high wispy cirrus clouds are drifting eastward while the dots of lower clouds are being carried westward by the Trade Winds.

      Hostile conditions remain in place over the Main Development Region; upper-level westerly winds are causing vertical shear over the Caribbean Sea and vicinity, while a dry and dusty air mass is in place over the tropical Atlantic. A few tropical waves are moving through the basin, but they have little chance to develop further.

      The latest Tropical Weather Outlook from the National Hurricane Center indicates no tropical cyclone activity expected for the next week.

      As we expected a week ago, a disturbance is east of Florida today and is moving toward our coastline. It’s generating a haphazard collection of thunderstorms. It likely will remain disorganized as it skirts our coastline tonight and Saturday before departing to the northeast. We’ll have to watch it for surprises, but further development is very unlikely. Our coastal areas are likely to see some downpours from it over the next day or so, doing more good than harm in the face of the area’s ongoing drought.

      There are signs that the Atlantic might finally perk up in 10-15 days. The Madden-Julian Oscillation will become more favorable for Atlantic activity, and we’ll be in the typical ‘prime time’ for the Atlantic that starts in mid-August and ends in mid-October. So, now is a good time to ensure that your hurricane kits are ready for any action we might see in the coming weeks. If you need advice on what to put in your hurricane kit, hurricane.sc is the place to go for prep advice.


      SC Weather Highlights For the Next Week:

      Thursday brought a ‘just what the doctor ordered’ soaking to much of the state Thursday, especially the Midlands and Columbia metro. As usual for these setups, Whaley Street in Columbia flooded. As usual, a driver made the mistake of driving into those waters and quickly was introduced to the concept of engine hydrolock. I’m sure that driver will be fine after dropping thousands of dollars on repairs.

      Seriously, y’all, don’t drive through flood waters. The water was deep enough that the car could have been carried downstream and that driver could have drowned, or first responders could have been put at risk during a rescue. When we say, “Turn around, don’t drown,” it’s not just a cute rhyme.

      We have another setup this afternoon for slow-moving downpours that can result in isolated flash flooding, especially in prone areas. So, be careful if you encounter a flooded road and reroute around flood waters. Also, we likely see a severe storm with locally damaging wind in a few places.

      Downpours along our coast with the disturbance moving in from the Atlantic later tonight and Saturday can also cause isolated flash flooding. We’ll also see a scattering of afternoon thunderstorms in the Upstate Saturday, with only isolated storms elsewhere.

      In general, the trend over the next few days will be toward less widespread afternoon thunderstorm activity and hotter afternoons; we’ll return to typical midsummer weather. Our temperatures have run a little below average over the last few days, but will likely be a little above average next week. Through Saturday, our highs will be in the upper 80s and lower 90s, but we’ll see lower to middle 90s for highs for a while starting Tuesday.

      It’s unlikely we see any more cold fronts this far south through next week, but most of the computer models show one reaching us the following week.


      Frank Strait
      Severe Weather Liaison
      S.C. State Climate Office

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    • Cruisers’ Net Weekly Newsletter – August 7, 2026

      Cruisers’ Net Newsletter for this week has just been emailed via Constant Contact.
       
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      To automatically receive our emailed Fri Weekly Newsletter and Wed Fuel Report, click:

       


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    • ‘Luperon Four’ Are Freed After Wild Immigration Arrests in D.R. – Loose Cannon

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

       
         
       
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      ‘Luperon Four’ Are Freed After Wild Immigration Arrests in D.R.

      Is Jailing Russian Sailors a One-Off, or a Scary Signal About Tourist Visa Policy?

       
       
       
       
       

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      The Luperon Four: From left, Leonid Viktorovich Traikovskii, Vitaliy X, Nikolai Nikolaevich Martynov and Denis Sergeevich Petrovskikh. Beneath are the people responsible for their arrest: Richard Osoria, an Immigration lawyer named Zuly and the current commander of the Navy post at Luperon.

      The Luperon Four were released from a Dominican lockup Monday, three days after being arrested for overstaying their tourist visas in a place where this has never happened to foreign cruisers, almost all of whom have overstayed status. All four men—a captain and crew—are Russian.

      So was a fifth mariner thrown out of the country in May. None of the five appear to have committed a crime. As you will read, overstaying your visa here is not.

      “A miracle happened. Something incredible. We are free,” Nikolai Martynov said after arriving back in Luperon.

      “Throughout our arrest, we told Richard we wanted to pay the fine and leave the Dominican Republic on our yacht. We spoke good Spanish. Then they handcuffed us and took us to prison for deportation,” Martynov said earlier, in a message from jail. (Richard Osoria, a Dominican official, is a major figure in this debacle, to be discussed later in this story.)

      Since their arrest on Friday, the men had been forced to sleep on the floor of an immigration jail that is normally populated by Haitians detained in the ongoing nationwide round-up of undocumented workers from the neighboring nation.

         
      One of the Russian detainees sleeps on the floor of the detention center.

      This is a strange case, and particularly disturbing for the cruising community. Luperon Bay is the premier hurricane hole of the Caribbean. Hurricane season lasts for six months, but a foreign visitor has overstayed his or her visa by day 31 after having entered the country (or on day 61 if a one-month extension is obtained).

      Whether they are waiting out hurricane season, or because they just like the liveaboard life there, most foreign sailors in Luperon have overstayed their visa as of right now.

      Wider Implications

      But this is potentially bigger than a couple hundred eccentric liveaboard gringos.

      There is no formal count, but at any particular moment the D.R. is host to possibly more than 100,000 foreigners who haven’t gone through the long and expensive process of acquiring a formal residency permit. Mostly retirees from Canada, the U.S. and Europe, these expats are clustered in coastal communities such as Sosua, Las Terranas and Punta Cana, using continuous tourist visa renewals.

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      Like the Luperon sailors, Most of these folks overstay their visas, anywhere from a few days to years and years.

      This requires an explanation of the D.R.’s unique tourist visa system. Whether by design or through bureaucratic evolution, the visa system now functions as a cash cow for the government. Foreigners overstaying their visas pay a fee at the airport on their way out of the country—a fee not a fine as Martynov said earlier in the story.

      No one at the airport scolds you: “Thank you very much. Have a nice flight. See you back here soon.”

      The fee structure is based on length of stay. Thirty-one to 90 days costs the equivalent of $60, three to nine months is $96 and it increases in steps such as this up to $1,681 for a 10-year overstay and $120 for each year after that.

      Immigration’s New Role

      So how did these four-plus-one of Russians manage to get arrested?

      For reasons of policy, the Dominican Navy keeps track of every recreational craft moving about in its waters, including visiting foreign vessels wanting to exit the country or to move from one port to another.

      There is no cruising permit like the Bahamas that lets cruisers roam once they’ve cleared in. (Supposedly, something called a cruising permit exists, but it doesn’t apply in this case, and it’s too complicated to be worth explaining here.)

      Quite simply, skipper Denis Petrovskikh was asking for a despacho from the Navy, a permission slip to sail his boat Primary Purpose to the port of Samana, a little more than 100 nautical miles east of Luperon. Getting a despacho used to be a routine process, though it might occasionally involve “tipping” an official.

      The difference now: As of 2026, the General Directorate of Immigration has a role in the process, even for travel by sea from one domestic port to another. In Luperon that apparently requires dealing with the aformentioned Richard Osoria (again, someone who will be discussed later).

      As it happened, the four Russians had overstayed their visas, like almost everyone else in the harbor and likely half the foreigners living in the Dominican Republic. They were arrested, fingerprinted, photographed, handcuffed.

      One can see why the authorities might hesitate to let people owing hundreds of dollars leave on a boat; they might decide not to come back. However, these folks were not caught trying to get away, they were merely asking permission. The question that is never answered in this story is why didn’t Dominican authorities just say, “permissioned denied and here’s why.”

      The Other Russian

      The same thing had happened to another Russian named Vladimir Malosaev. On May 5, the American captain of a U.S.-flagged vessel applied for a despacho to sail to Samana with Malosaev as crew. Malosaev has a home and wife in the Dominican Republic. He owns two boats of his own there.

         
      Vladimir Malosaev owns two boats in the D.R., while he is stuck in Columbia.

      Malosaev is apparently a careful guy. He has an actual letter sent to Immigration authorities requesting an extension of his tourist status and a response from them saying that no extension is needed and that he could remain in the D.R. and pay a fee upon departure. He had sought clarification because his visa had expired 11 years earlier.

      Malosaev also had an official background check document stating he had no criminal history, no outstanding warrants.

      All for naught. “When it became clear that I would not be released, and we were waiting for the escort service to arrive, Richard (Osoria) made it clear that he would not allow me to escape,” Malosaev said.

      He was escorted to Santo Domingo in an Immigration vehicle with a driver and two armed guards. Malosaev recalled the experience:

      My personal belongings and phone are taken from me. The “hotel” is a barracks designed for about 20 people. In reality, there are about 50 people there. Mattresses on the floor. I am introduced to the local prison boss and the chain of command within this detention cell. I am offered the chance to buy a bed and soap. I refuse. The conditions are harsh, but survivable for a seafarer.

      Technically, Malosaev was not deported. He was forced to buy his own airline ticket to Colombia and escorted onto the plane on May 8. Four days later, he tried to fly back home, thinking he could start is tourist visa countdown all over again, but he was flagged and sent back to Colombia on the same plane.

      Messaging the Chief

      Dominican Navy Vice-Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester wears a second hat in the administration of President Louis Abinader. Ballester heads the country’s General Directorate of Migration, which makes him point-man in the D.R.’s massive crackdown on undocumented Haitian migrants. His agency has overseen the deportation of 226,500 Haitians so far this year.

      So, it was a bit of a surprise when Ballester responded to a message from Loose Cannon Sunday afternoon, asking what the heck was going on with the Luperon Four arrests:

      Hello. Good afternoon Peter, nice to hear from you and thanks for contacting. I will pass your requirements to my operations and communication team, as soon as they get an answer, I will contact you again. If you see it is taking more time than normal, please let me know.

      By the next afternoon, word had filtered back to Luperon that the four Russians had been freed. “The boss, a very big, important boss, heard our story and said we could go,” Nikolai Martynov messaged on a group chat after being freed.

      For confirmation, another message was sent to Ballester: “Admiral, the four Russians were released this afternoon. Was this your doing?” His reply:

      Yes, they are overstayed in D.R., and we were investigating why, because instead of leaving the country, they wanted to go to Samana D.R., and that was not possible. The only option they have is to take their boat and go to other country

      That’s all he would say, however. Any other questions would have to be answered through channels. That is, going in person to the directorate’s HQ in Santo Domingo, which was not possible, as this is being typed from an old sailboat docked in North Florida. Don’t see this as stonewalling necessarily; meeting face-to-face is a cultural norm in Latin America to assess whether a stranger is a serious person.

      The Trickster

      Richard Osoria is a chameleon-like fixture in Luperon Bay. He is reportedly a municipal police officer who parlayed his English-language abilities to a secondment first to the Dominican Navy and now to the Directorate of Immigration. This comes at the same time as Immigration’s enhanced role in domestic travel by foreign boats.

      For years, he would be among the various officials involved in clearing cruisers into the county upon arrival in Luperon, often taking a skiff to greet them in the harbor. Many cruisers had the impression that Osoria was the actual commandante of Luperon’s Navy post and often proceeded on that belief.

      Via message, Osoria was asked why he had the Russians arrested, which gave him the opportunity to deny that it was actually his call. “Why did you do that when all they did was overstay their tourist visas like half the gringos in the D.R.? Please tell me,” he was asked. No reply.

      Which is too bad. Stories of Osoria’s hijinks in the harbor are numerous and some quite serious. Establishing a dialogue about the Luperon Four and changes in official policies toward resident cruisers might have been an opening to discuss a host of allegations, old and new.

      When the Luperon Four arrived back in Luperon, having been ordered to sail away and not come back, Osoria was waiting. Initially, he told them they could not return to Denis Petrovskikh’s sailboat. They were to camp without bedding outside the Port Control office, which on a summer night can be sweltering and mosquito-ridden.

      Eventually, Osoria’s mind was changed. The men were allowed to sleep aboard Primary Purpose.

      In other enforcement action, Osoria and a female colleague known only as Zuly have apparently been confronting foreigners in and around Luperon and demanding to see their papers. One foreigner, who asked that his or her name not be used, described one encounter:

      This woman Zuly is riding around on the back of Richard’s motorcycle demanding to see gringo passports. They stopped me at the old resort hotel gates and demanded to see my passport, which I did not have at that time. They demanded that I bring my passport to their office under threat of arrest. I went the next day. My visa is overstayed by seven years but they don’t care.

      Status Report

      The crew of Primary Purpose are preparing her for a sea voyage to somewhere else. Vladimir Malosaev is cooling his heels as an exile Colombia, corresponding with Dominican Immigration, pleading to be allowed to return to his home and family.

      Meanwhile, Dominican tourism officials must be devastated. For the past decade and a half, they have labored under an initiative to brand Luperon has a go-to harbor for what they call “nautical tourism.”

      The biggest impediments to this dream appear to have come from branches of their own government that apparently enjoy seniority.

      The Navy, which has responsibility for the bay, was unable to prevent chronic diesel spills from a resident fishing fleet, some of which were so bad that cruisers woke up sickened in the night. As it turned out, some of fishing boats were connected to a powerful drug smuggling ring. The result was a lot of bad publicity.

      Cruisers who passed through Luperon over the years have shared tales of official corruption experienced during their stay, tales oft repeated on social media.

      Now, the visa-overstay-tolerance policy relied upon by foreigners everywhere in the D.R. has been called into question—at least locally. And no one has answered the question of whether these arrests represent a change in course or this whole mess is just another example of shenanigans from the Trickster of Luperon Bay.

      Admiral Ballester has promised that a news release will be forthcoming. Let’s see what it says.

         
      To Officer Richard Osoria and Admiral Ballester a question: Why didn’t Migration just deny the applications for a despacho and explain its reasons, rather than tossing foreign sailors into jail?

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

       

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