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Storm Update: Marine Severe Weather Risk – Fred Pickhardt
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A strong storm system is making its way across the South and East, bringing a threat of severe weather and localized flooding through Monday morning. For Saturday and Sunday, February 14-15th, the Storm Prediction Center indicates a 5-15% risk of severe thunderstorms capable of producing wind gusts of 50 knots or higher for the adjacent marine areas of the Gulf and portions of the coastal waters of Georgia and northern Florida.
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Severe Weather Threat to West-Central Gulf Coastal Waters – Fred Pickhardt
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Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for moreSevere weather is expected to impact the Southern U.S. from Saturday, February 14 (Valentine’s Day) into early Sunday morning. A potent storm system moving from the Southern Plains toward the Mississippi Valley will trigger multiple hazards across the region.
There will be at least a 15% probability of damaging thunderstorm winds or wind gusts of 50 knots or higher in the coastal waters of northeastern Texas to the coast of central Louisiana.
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Cruisers’ Net Weekly Newsletter – February 13, 2026
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City of Gulfport Monday (02/09/26) Newsletter, Gulfport, FL
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
Weekly news & updates 
February 9, 2026 | City of Gulfport, FL – Gateway to the Gulf Newsletter 
E-Newsletter: Monday, February 2, 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.
Gulfport City Hall and facilities will be closed on Monday, February 16 in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The Sanitation schedule will not be affected.
Gulfport City Council Mayor
Karen Love
826-7208
Ward 1
April Thanos
826-7138
Ward 2
Marlene Shaw
826-7311
Ward 3
Cosi
Jackson
826-7209
Ward 4 Nancy
Earley
269-6625
A Message from Mayor Love 
Good Afternoon Gulfport,
I’d like to share a few important updates and upcoming dates for your calendar.
Please mark Tuesday, March 3rd at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers for a first look at the architect’s preliminary concepts for the Senior Center expansion, which is being envisioned in three phases. During this same meeting, our engineering team will also present revised and more detailed proposals outlining the recommended order for addressing our stormwater infrastructure needs.
I also encourage residents to attend the workshop on Thursday, February 26th at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, where the City will provide information regarding the 287(g) mandate. Public comment will be heard during this session.
If you haven’t already, please take time to watch the presentation I gave at the last Council Meeting covering parking, speed limits, and potential one-way street considerations downtown. We will continue that discussion at a workshop on March 26th at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, where your feedback and suggested improvements to the plan will be welcomed. This is an opportunity to help get the conversation started early in the process.
I’ve heard from many of you regarding the recent fish kill in our ponds. Kyle with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has advised that the fish affected are tilapia and that the cause is related to the recent cold temperatures. Tilapia are not native to Florida and are particularly sensitive to cold weather events.
As always, I welcome your emails and input on any of these topics at klove@mygulfport.us.
-Mayor Love
City Manager’s Gulfport Community Update Gulfport Community Update: February 1 – 7, 2026 Gulfport City Hall and facilities will be closed on Monday, February 16 in observance of Presidents Day. The sanitation schedule will not be affected.
The northbound lane of 58th Street South is closed between 22nd & 17th Avenues for infrastructure improvements. Side street intersections are closed to northbound drivers. Drivers are encouraged to use 49th Street as an alternate route. Motorists should anticipate delays and exercise caution. The project is anticipated to be completed by late June. For information call Public Works at 893-1089.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD) Phase II watering restrictions will begin Sunday, February 8. Lawn watering will be limited to once a week between the hours of 6 p.m. & 8 a.m. Addresses ending in 0 & 1 can water on Mondays; 2 & 3 on Tuesdays; 4 & 5 on Wednesdays; 6 & 7 on Thursdays, and; 8 & 9 and locations without a discernable address can water on Fridays. For information, call 813-856-5679 or email Water.Restrictions@
WaterMatters.org. Read more Upcoming Official Meetings 
City of Gulfport: Meetings Calendar February 2026
- February 3, 2026: City Council Meeting – 6:00pm
- February 5, 2026: City Council Workshop – 6:00pm
- February 11, 2026: Board of Adjustment – 6:00pm (AGENDA)
- February 17, 2026: Council Meeting – 6:00 pm
- February 19, 2026: Special Magistrate (If necessary) – 9:30am
- February 26, 2026: City Council Workshop – 6:00pm
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 
Artist Registration Registration Closes Today: Gulfport Art in the Yard Community Art Sale
Monday, February 9 at 3 p.m.
Gulfport Residents Only
Local artists are invited to participate in the City of Gulfport’s bi-annual Art in the Yard Community Art Sale, taking place Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date: Sunday, March 22). This beloved event transforms Gulfport into an open-air gallery, featuring original artwork displayed and sold from artists’ own front yards. Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of Gulfport’s most colorful and creative community events.
AARP Tax Preparation
Mon. & Fri., February 9 – April 13 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.
Tax preparation for federal income tax returns for eligible individuals by trained volunteers. The service is free. Call 727-755-3112 to make an appointment. Leave a message & a volunteer will call you back to schedule your appointment. There will be no walk-in tax preparation.
Study Club Monday, February 9th | 5:30 p.m.
Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.
Join us for Study Club. Quiet space for teens to focus on homework and studies for ages 12-18. For additional information call 727-893-1074.
Visit our Website Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market Tuesday, February 10th | 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.
What’s on Your Mind? With Councilmember Marlene Shaw – Every Second Tuesday Tuesday, February 10th | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
SumitrA Espresso Lounge, 2838 Beach Blvd. S.
Join Councilmember Marlene Shaw for casual conversation and community connection at SumitrA Espresso Lounge, 2838 Beach Blvd. S., every second Tuesday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 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.
Florida’s Living Shores: How Native Plants Protect Coastal Habitats
Wednesday, February 11th | 1 p.m.
Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.
Come and learn about the role that Florida native plants play in protecting coastal ecosystems! In a presentation lead by Pinellas Master Gardeners Priscilla Kidder and Deb Rothenberger, we will look at some key species and their impacts, as well as discuss how plants can be integrated into environmentally-friendly living shorelines. We will also discuss opportunities for getting involved in local coastal habitat restoration projects. This presentation aims to empower residents to transform their own coastal landscapes into sustainable, thriving habitats using Florida’s best native salt tolerant plants. We will have plants and seeds to give away to participants! This program is funded by a grant from the Florida Land Title Association Charitable Action Foundation.
Story Circle Night
Thursday, February 12th | 5:45 p.m.
Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.
Storytelling Circle for adult storytellers. Participants may be professional or novice storytellers. We encourage you to prepare a traditional folktale, ancient myth, fairy tale, tall tale, family lore, local history, parable, or a life lesson learned (5-mins. or less, please). Storytelling is an art form and practice open to all. All are welcomed to try. Sponsored by Enroy Foundation, Inc., a Gulfport 501(c)3 organization for visual & performing arts and Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Public Library. Contact: Maureen Kilroy, email mk_away@yahoo.com.
USCG Auxiliary Recreational Boating Course Saturday, February 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 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.
More Info Gulfport Fine Arts Festival
Sat. & Sun., February 14 – 15 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Clymer Park, Gulfport Blvd. S. and Beach Blvd. S. to 26th Ave. S.
The Gulfport Fine Arts Festival returns to Clymer Park, celebrating a decade of artistic excellence. This two-day juried event features more than 50 artists working in painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, mixed media, and more. Enjoy meeting the artists, browsing and purchasing original works, and soaking in a festive atmosphere in one of Gulfport’s most scenic outdoor locations.
Join art lovers, collectors, and the community Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free, making it a perfect weekend outing to celebrate creativity, culture, and Gulfport’s vibrant community.
Purchase Tickets Betty Fox Live in Concert
Sunday, February 15th | 6 – 9 p.m.
Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.
Get ready for an unforgettable night of soul, blues, and roots as the Betty Fox Band takes the stage at the Catherine Hickman Theater. Renowned for her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, Betty Fox blends gospel, blues, and soul into a high-energy performance featuring original songs and reimagined classics. General seating tickets are $25 and available now. Don’t miss this chance to experience a show that’s as moving as it is memorable.
Upcoming Events & Meetings More Info Ask a City Councilor at the Third Tuesday Fresh Market Tuesday, February 17th | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
SumitrA Espresso Lounge, 2838 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 Vice Mayor, Ward 1 Representative, April Thanos at (727) 826-7138.
Gulfport Neighborhood Watch Meetings Wednesday, February 18th | 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.
COF Annual Meeting
Thursday, February 19th | 6:30 p.m.
Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.
Join us for our Circle of Friends Annual Meeting featuring music performed by the Celtic duo, Emily Ann & Kelly Thompson. Enjoy jigs and fiddle tunes with us as we celebrate the accomplishments of the Circle of Friends and how they continue to support the Gulfport Public Library. Light refreshments start at 6:30pm and the annual meeting report is at 6:45pm. The Celtic duo performance begins at 7:00pm.
Free Community Tree Giveaway
Saturday, February 21st | 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.
Exploring the Future of Gulfport Beach will also be on-site, sharing information about nature-based coastal resiliency solutions, collecting community surveys on beach concerns and ideas, and offering a fun coastal resilience quiz along with giveaways like native plant seeds and Gulfport Beach–branded sunglasses.
For more information, please contact the Parks & Facilities Superintendent at 727-893-1092.
More Info Third Saturday Gulfport Night Market Saturday, February 21st | 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.
Purchase Tickets All-Star Comedy Night at the Maria Center
Saturday, February 21st | 6 – 8 p.m. | Doors open at 4:45
Maria Center, 1500 58th St. S.
Four nationally recognized comedians return to the Maria Center stage for a night filled with big laughs, sharp wit, and unforgettable performances. Fresh off his standout role on the hit series Loudermilk, comedy veteran Jackie Flynn headlines this special event, bringing big-city stand-up to an intimate theater setting. He’ll be joined by three audience favorites who had the crowd roaring last year: Kevin Flynn, Kerry McNally, and DC Benny.
This one-night-only comedy showcase is perfect for date night, group outings, or anyone who enjoys sharp, grown-up comedy. VIP tickets are $45 and include one free drink, hors d’oeuvres, preferred seating, and access to a meet-and-greet after party. General admission is $30, and early bird buyers can enjoy $5 off through February 8.
COF Presents: The Roots of Black Music in America
Thursday, February 26th | 1 p.m.
Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.
Take a 100-year musical journey with producer, songwriter, and troubadour Karlus Trapp. Through songs, stories, and history, you’ll experience ragtime, jazz, Motown, and more. Educational, entertaining, and toe-tapping, this program will leave you smiling, humming, and seeing America’s music in a whole new light. Sponsored by the Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Library.
Tickets & Info Toppermost Beatles Tribute
Friday, February 27th | 7 p.m.
Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.
Get ready for an amazing musical experience as Maremil Music presents a spectacular tribute to the legendary sound of The Beatles. Toppermost, a highly acclaimed, Michigan-based tribute band, brings the magic of the “Fab Four” to life with authentic instruments, period-accurate costumes, and spot-on vocal harmonies. Known for their energetic, theatrical performances and a repertoire of more than 100 beloved songs, they deliver a nostalgic journey through both the early touring years and the groundbreaking studio era.
VIP seating is available for $40, with general admission starting at $25. For ticketing and information, call Maremil Music Productions at 360-878-3474.
More Info Gulfport’s Get Rescued
Saturday, February 28th | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Downtown Waterfront District, Beach Blvd. S.
Gulfport’s Get Rescued Festival returns for its 22nd year with a fun-filled, pet-friendly day! Enjoy up to 50 animal rescue groups, pet vendors, training demos, the Florida Weiner Dog Derby, raffles, and more. All leashed people and well-behaved pets are welcome. Admission is free, with plenty of complimentary parking. Proceeds benefit participating animal rescue groups.
For more info, email getrescuedinc@gmail.com or text 727-417-5494.
Learn More For the Love of Gulfport Sunday, March 1st | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Trolley Market Square, Tangerine Ave. S.
Join WonderWorks and Gulfport Pride Florida for the First Annual For the Love of Gulfport Community Day on Sunday, Mar 1 at 11:00 a.m. at Trolley Market Square (Tangerine Ave S. & 49th St. S.).
This family-friendly event will feature food, entertainment, local vendors, kids’ activities, and more.
Music in the Park: The New Horizons Jazz & Concert Bands of Gulfport Sunday, March 1st | 3 p.m.
Clymer Park (Pavilion), Gulfport Blvd. S. and Beach Blvd. S. to 26th Ave. S.
Join the New Horizons Jazz and Concert Bands for an afternoon of live music at the pavilion at Clymer Park. This free community concert features jazz and concert band favorites performed by talented local musicians. Bring a chair, bring a friend, and enjoy Gulfport’s vibrant arts scene.
More Info Fusion 49th General Meeting
Monday, March 2nd | 6 p.m.
49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S.
Join us for the next Fusion 49th General Meeting and get involved in shaping our district. Opportunities are available to serve on the Organization, Design, Economic Vitality, and Promotions Committees.
To learn about qualifications or to sign up, contact Nancy Dunham (Fancy Nancy – Professional Services) at 727-710-6676.
What’s on Your Mind? With Councilmember Marlene Shaw – Every First Wednesday Wednesday, March 4th | 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.
More Info First Friday Gulfport Night Market Friday, March 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.
Tickets & Info Pink Flamingo Home & Garden Tour Saturday, March 7th | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Gulfport, FL (Ward 4
The Pink Flamingo Home Tour invites residents and visitors to explore a dozen distinctive homes and gardens in Gulfport’s Ward 4. This popular, self-guided event attracts more than 500 guests each year and highlights the charm, creativity, and eclectic character of the neighborhood, with each stop offering its own unique visual story. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the tour at their own pace while supporting local cafés, shops, and small businesses, and to purchase tickets early, as the Pink Flamingo Home Tour frequently sells out.
Purchase Tickets Gulfport Community Players present “Quartet” March 12 – 22, 2026
Thur. – Fri. – Sat. at 8 p.m., Sat. & Sun. at 2 p.m.
Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.
Quartet by Ronald Harwood is a warm, witty, and deeply moving play set in a retirement home for former musicians. Four once-celebrated opera singers reunite with plans to perform a concert honoring Verdi’s birthday, but the arrival of Jean, a glamorous former diva and Reginald’s ex-wife, disrupts the group’s harmony and brings old rivalries and unresolved emotions back to the surface. Exploring themes of aging, forgiveness, love, and lasting friendship, Quartet builds to a poignant and bittersweet finale that celebrates both memories of the past and the bonds that endure.
Register Your Address Gulfport Permit Free City-Wide Yard Sale Saturday, March 14th | Dawn – Dusk
City of Gulfport, FL
The City of Gulfport’s permit-free Citywide Yard Sale takes place on Saturday, March 14, with a rain date of Sunday, March 15. Brochures listing all participating addresses, printed and generously sponsored by Olympus Printing, will be available at all City facilities starting Thursday, March 12, and in the Gulfport Public Library lobby (5501 28th Ave. S.) on the day of the event; the Library opens at 10 a.m. on Saturdays. Participants are also listed on Google Maps for easy navigation. Don’t miss your chance to have your address featured on the brochure and Google Maps for added visibility. Registration ends on Friday, March 6 at 3 p.m. For more information call, 727-893-1118.
Gulfport Marina Nautical Flea Market Saturday, March 14th | 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Gulfport Municipal Marina,4630 29th Ave. S.
The Gulfport Nautical Flea Market invites boaters, anglers, and bargain hunters to browse a wide selection of marine-related items, collectibles, and unique nautical finds. From fishing gear and boating accessories to one-of-a-kind treasures, this community favorite offers something for everyone. Vendor spaces are limited and available for $10 per 10′ x 10′ space, with participants asked to bring their own tables and chairs. For additional details, interested vendors and attendees are encouraged to contact the Marina Office.
2026 Great American Cleanup – Clam Bayou Saturday, March 14th | 9 – 11 a.m.
Clam Bayou Nature Park, Miriam St. S.
Gulfport Grassroots, in partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful & the City of Gulfport will host the 2026 Great American Cleanup at Clam Bayou Nature Park 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., Saturday, March 14. Volunteers should wear closed-toed shoes, sun protection and weather appropriate clothing. Cleanup supplies will be provided.
Community Outreach 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.
In Case You Missed It: “Take 2 on Tuesdays”
Last week’s Take 2 on Tuesdays featured a quick two-minutes on utility flag markers.
The City of Gulfport Announces Phase II Lawn Watering Restrictions Issued by SWFWMD
The Southwest Florida Water Management District has issued a Phase II Water Shortage Order for the City of Gulfport due to below-average rainfall and declining water supplies. Beginning Sunday, February 8, outdoor landscape irrigation will be limited to one day per week.
Residents should follow this standard watering schedule based on the last digit of their address:
- 0 or 1: Monday
- 2 or 3: Tuesday
- 4 or 5: Wednesday
- 6 or 7: Thursday
- 8 or 9 (and locations without a discernible address): Friday
Watering hours are reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. or 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.; properties less than one acre in size may only use one of these windows. Low-volume watering (micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, hand watering) of plants and shrubs (not lawns) is allowed any day and any time.
The City of Gulfport encourages residents to comply with these restrictions and practice water conservation during this dry period. For additional details and tips, visit WaterMatters.org/Restrictions. If you have additional water restrictions questions, contact us by sending an email to Water.Restrictions@
WaterMatters.org or by calling 1-800-836-0797 (FL only) or (813) 856-5679 (during business hours). 
Keep Fire Safety in Mind When Using Heaters and Other Heating Equipment During the Cooler Months
With recent cooler temperatures and damp weather conditions, residents are increasingly turning to portable indoor and outdoor heaters, including electric and gas-powered fire pits. Gulfport Fire & Rescue reminds the community to prioritize safety when using any type of heating equipment this season.
To help prevent fire hazards and injuries, please follow these important safety guidelines:
- Keep children and pets away from heating devices.
- Never use outdoor propane heaters indoors.
- Always shut off a heater before moving it.
- If you smell gas, turn the heater off immediately and ventilate the area.
- Ensure propane tanks and heaters are properly secured.
- Keep heaters clear of walkways, foot traffic areas, and exits.
- Never use heaters near flammable materials or products.
- Do not use fire pits indoors or under tents, awnings, canopies, or other coverings that may ignite.
- Review and follow all manufacturer safety instructions before, during, and after use.
In the event of an emergency involving heating equipment, call 911 immediately to request emergency assistance.
The northbound lane of 58th Street South between 22nd & 17th Avenues remains closed for infrastructure improvements, while the southbound lane stays open. Side street intersections are now closed in phases to support roadway reconstruction, temporarily restricting left turns from 58th Street; right turns remain open. Drivers are encouraged to use 49th Street as an alternate route. The project is expected to be completed by late June.
Gulfport: Don’t Miss Out on Hurricane Recovery Grants!
Pinellas County continues to offer assistance through its People First Hurricane Recovery Programs, providing financial support to homeowners, renters, and landlords impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton. Funded by an $813.8 million HUD Community Development Block Grant for Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR), the program supports home repairs and rebuilding efforts, promotes housing stability, and assists residents still recovering from storm impacts.
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! 
eComment’s Available for City Council Meetings
Residents can now share their input on City Council agenda items online using the City of Gulfport’s new eComment system. You can review upcoming agenda items and submit comments from your computer, tablet, or mobile device.
How to submit an eComment:
- Visit the City Council Meetings page.
- Click the “eComment” button.
- Enter your comment and submit.
Have your voice heard—online, anytime, anywhere.
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.
Great news, Gulfport! Thousands of pages of historic City of Gulfport records dating from 1920 to 1974 have been carefully digitized and are now available online at https://libraries.arcasearch.
com/usflghm/. Whether you’re a history buff, a student, or simply curious about Gulfport’s past, this digital archive offers a fascinating treasure trove of local history to explore. 
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. 
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/
. 
To donate, come to the Museum during open hours or email us at HistoryMuseum@mygulfport.us
Help Preserve Gulfport’s History!
The Museum Needs Your Photographs
The Gulfport Museum is expanding its historical archive and is seeking photographs of Gulfport streets and homes from any era or neighborhood. We welcome original photographs, printed photos, or digital images. Photos with known dates and addresses are especially valuable, and all donated images will be featured in our online catalog for the public and future generations to explore.
Don’t want to part with your originals? No problem , we’re happy to scan your photographs and return them to you. Your scan becomes the donation! Help us tell the story of Gulfport, one photo at a time.
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.
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.
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
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/. 
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/. 
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.
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.
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!
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Gulfport Arts & Heritage – Feb 2026, Gulfport, FL
The City of Gulfport and Gulfport Municipal Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, always has 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.
FEBRUARY 2026
Gulfport History Museum & Gulfport Arts Center NewsletterGulfport Arts & Heritage is seeking board members
Are you interested in Gulfport history and culture? Do you have ideas for expanding Gulfport Arts & Heritage’s programming and membership? Consider joining our board of directors!
Send a statement of interest to amanda@gulfporthistoricalsociety.org. Documenting Stillwagon Murals
With the restoration of a Keith Stillwagon mural underway, Gulfport Arts & Heritage is assisting in an effort to identify and document murals by this iconic artist located throughout town, and help property owners find resources for restoration. Do you own a Stillwagon mural, or know someone who does?
Contact amanda@gulfporthistoricalsociety.org. February Porch Party: 2/13
Songs of Gulfport
Friday, February 13 at 7:00 PM at the Catherine Hickman TheaterSOLD OUT 
Join Gulfport Arts & Heritage and our sponsor, The North End Taphouse, for a unique concert event featuring thirteen local singer songwriters performing their original songs about our special little city by the bay! Featured artists include: TC Carr, Bud Good, Berkeley Grimball, Larry Lewis, Frank Van Nostrand, Tom Price, Delaran Withers, Mitch Rolling, Eddie Kusar, Peter Suarez, Barney Waterhouse, and Shelley Carousz.
The concert begins at 7:30pm. Doors open at the Catherine Hickman Theater at 7pm. Tickets are $20.
Original Gulfport Walking Tour: 2/21
The next historic walking tour will start on Saturday, February 21 at 3:30 PM at the Gulfport History Museum.
Join Gulfport Arts & Heritage on a stroll through history in the heart of Gulfport. This reworked tour lasts for approximately 1.5 hours.
$15 for non-members, free for GAH members. Registration is required.
Register 
Online Catalog
Did you know that you can browse and search hundreds of photographs, postcards, and objects from the museum’s collection online? The catalog is updated regularly and is available to view 24/7.
Access 
See someone or something you know? Have a story? Share your knowledge with us and the community by emailing HistoryMuseum@mygulfport.us. Email links are also available at the bottom of each entry in the catalog. 
GHM on Facebook 
GHM City of Gulfport Website 
GHM Email 
FEBRUARY 2026 ART WORKSHOPS All workshops listed are FREE and all materials are provided!
Registration by email is REQUIRED in order to participate in adult workshops as space is limited. Registration for kids workshops is encouraged, but not required, otherwise space is first-come-first-serve.
Email us at ArtsCenter@mygulfport.us to register!
Heart Mobiles – Kids Workshop
WEDNESDAY, 2/11 @12:45pm-2pm
FRIDAY, 2/13 @5pm-6:15pm
Kids will get to craft and personalize an adorable hanging mobile of hearts!Intuitive Painting – Adult Workshop
FRIDAY, 2/20 @1pm-2:45pm
Express yourself through the therapeutic method of painting intuitively.Mixed Media Cutout Collages – Kids Workshop
WEDNESDAY, 2/25 @12:45pm-2pm
FRIDAY, 2/27 @5pm-6:15pm
Draw patterns onto colored paper, then cut out wacky shapes to create a fun
and funky collage!
Last month’s collagraph printmaking class where participants got to use our brand new etching press! 
OPEN COLLAGE GROUP MEETUP BIMONTHLY, EVERY 1st & 3rd SATURDAY @3pm-5pm
FEBRUARY – February 7th & 21st
Join us for an afternoon of collage-making with all materials provided, completely FREE! Bring your own ephemera to share or swap with others and get to know like-minded creatives in a laid-back atmosphere.
Email us at ArtsCenter@mygulfport.us to be added to our optional RSVP list and receive bimonthly reminders.
OPEN STUDIO HOURS Anyone 13+ can use our studio space to work on their own personal art projects during open hours. Studio space is provided on a first-come-first-serve-basis, reservations are prohibited. Artists must bring their own supplies.
TUESDAY
3PM-7PMWEDNESDAY
3PM-7PM1st & 3rd SATURDAY
10AM-2PMGAC on Facebook GAC City of Gulfport Website GAC Email 
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BoatUS Foundation Receives U.S. Coast Guard Grant for Nationwide Smart Life Jacket Loaner Stations
BoatUS is the leading advocate for boating safety in the US and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR.
Press Contact:
Alisha Sheth, BoatUS PR Manager
BoatUS Foundation Receives U.S. Coast Guard Grant for Nationwide Smart Life Jacket Loaner Stations
Nonprofit boating safety organization aims to enhance life jacket accessibility and awareness
SPRINGFIELD, Va. – February 9, 2026 – The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water received a grant for $375,000 through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. The funding will be used to expand BoatUS Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program by piloting up to 150 smart loaner life jacket stations across the nation. The pilot will test multiple station models to assess effectiveness across different community settings.
“Through this grant, the BoatUS Foundation is piloting new, technology enabled station models that make it easier for families and boaters to access properly fitting life jackets” said Tiffany Gonzalez, Program Manager at BoatUS Foundation. “By increasing access, education, and preparedness we’re helping more boaters stay safe on the water.”
Founded in 1997, the Life Jacket Loaner Program was created to enable more children to be in properly fitting life jackets on the water. On average, BoatUS Foundation loans 140,000 life jackets each year and has more than 600+ loaner sites currently.
As part of the grant, The Life Jacket Loaner Program stations in this pilot will test various technological features to improve access to properly fitting child-sized life jackets, track usage, and deliver educational content on proper life jacket wear. Applications to be part of the pilot project will be opening in the coming weeks and loaner stations will be operational by the 2026 boating season.
“This grant represents an important investment in the safety of our nation’s boaters, said Verne Gifford, Chief, U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division. “We’re excited to see the positive impact this funding will have on communities and waterways across the country.”
For more information on the Life Jacket Loaner Program, please visit, BoatUS.org/life-jacket-
loaner. ###
About BoatUS Foundation:
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the more than 740,000 members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nonprofit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways, and keeping boating safe for all. A range of safe and clean boating courses – including the nation’s only free online boating safety course – can be found at https://boatus.org.
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Cruisers’ Net Weekly Newsletter – February 6, 2026
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In Favor of a Second, Lower Anchor Beacon – Loose Cannon
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In Favor of a Second, Lower Anchor Beacon
‘Riding Light’ Raises Question of Compliance Versus Comprehension
∙Guest post
Though we’ve never called it that, Loose Cannon’s Morgan Out Island 41 uses a “riding light” fueled by lantern oil. Neil Chapman is a lifelong sailor and founder of Boatshed, a U.K. based yacht brokerage with a big difference from its U.S. counterparts. He cruises on a Supertaff, a 1976 Rebel 41 ketch. This story was reprinted with permission from his BoatshedNeil Substack.
There is a moment most sailors recognise. You are anchored for the night, the boat is settled, the water calm enough to reflect points of light.
You glance up from whatever you were doing, perhaps your phone, perhaps a chart or a mug of tea, and you instinctively scan the water ahead. Not the sky. The water. The space where other hulls might be, where a dinghy might be crossing, where a boat might be swinging toward you on a different radius of chain.
What you are looking for, whether you consciously realise it or not, is not brightness. It is meaning.
In most modern anchorages, meaning has become harder to read.
A Short History of a Small Light
Traditionally, anchored vessels displayed what was often called a riding light. Not at the masthead, but forward, low enough to relate visually to the hull, high enough to clear spray and deck clutter, often hung from or near the forestay. It might sit eight or ten feet above the water. It would swing gently as the vessel rode to her anchor.
This was not an affectation. It was practical design shaped by human behaviour. Most close-quarters traffic occurs at eye level. Most collision risk in anchorages is short-range, slow-speed, and human-scale. The riding light sat exactly where approaching eyes were already looking.
Modern yachts, by contrast, tend to rely on a single all-round white anchor light at the masthead. On a 45-foot cruising yacht, that can mean a light 50 feet in the air. Bright, efficient, compliant. Also, in many cases, disconnected from the physical reality of the boat beneath it.
This shift did not happen because someone decided riding lights were bad. It happened because masthead lights were easier to standardise, easier to certify, and easier to sell. One fitting, one wire run, one rule satisfied.
That does not make the outcome either good or bad by default. But it does change how anchorages work as visual systems.
The Anchorage Is Not Offshore
Much of modern navigation equipment, and many modern conventions, are optimised for offshore conditions. There, range matters. Height matters. Visibility over waves matters. A high, bright, all-round light makes sense when vessels are separated by miles and closing speeds are high.
An anchorage is a different environment entirely. It is crowded, slow, irregular, and informal. People move unpredictably. Dinghies weave through larger boats. Heads turn briefly, not deliberately. Attention is fragmented.
In this context, the question is not “can this vessel be seen?” It is “can this situation be read quickly?”
A masthead anchor light answers the first question well. It answers the second less well.
Seen from a dinghy or a cockpit, a masthead light often floats, visually unmoored from the water. Depth cues are weak. It is not always obvious where the hull lies beneath it, or how far away it is. In a field of similar lights, the scene flattens. Everything becomes a constellation rather than a map.
A lower riding light, by contrast, anchors the vessel visually to the water. It gives the eye a reference point that aligns with the way people actually scan their surroundings. It does not shout, but it explains.
Compliance Versus Comprehension
None of this is an argument against regulations. The collision regulations exist for good reasons, and modern anchor lights are entirely legitimate. The problem is not legality. It is the narrowing of seamanship to compliance alone.
Over time, the incentive structure has shifted. Sailors are rewarded for ticking boxes, not for being readable. If the light meets the rule, the thinking often stops there. Day shapes are not hoisted because nobody looks for them. Nobody looks for them because nobody hoists them. The system decays quietly.
This is not laziness in the moral sense. It is optimisation. People optimise for effort, cost, and perceived risk. In most anchorages, the perceived risk of miscommunication is low, until it isn’t.
The riding light fell out of favour not because it failed, but because it was no longer required.
Tech Fills the Gap, Imperfectly
One might argue that this is all moot. We have AIS, chartplotters, radar, anchor alarms. The boat is visible electronically, even if the light is suboptimal. In many cases, that is true.
But electronics change behaviour as much as they change capability. People rely on screens, sometimes too much. They assume others are doing the same. Visual signalling becomes secondary, a backup rather than a primary language.
That assumption breaks down in precisely the moments when it matters most: fatigue, distraction, unfamiliar waters, visitors in hired boats, guests at the helm, people moving slowly and casually rather than standing a formal watch.
Lights and shapes were designed to work in those moments. They require no battery beyond the one already powering the boat. They require no shared protocol beyond human vision.
Is This a Problem, or Just Change?
This is where the conclusion becomes less clear-cut.
On the one hand, it is hard to argue that modern anchorages are dramatically more dangerous than those of the past. Boats are generally better built, anchors better designed, weather information better distributed. Many incidents are avoided through technology that simply did not exist before.
On the other hand, near-misses are rarely recorded. Confusion, hesitation, and last-second course changes are accepted as normal. The fact that something “usually works out” is not evidence that the system is well designed.
The loss of the riding light is not catastrophic. It is incremental. It makes anchorages slightly harder to read, slightly more ambiguous, slightly more dependent on attention being perfect.
That earns it neither an A nor an F. A C feels about right.
Culture Matters More
Perhaps the most telling observation is not about lights at all, but about mindset.
Vessels that still carry riding lights, hoist anchor balls, or otherwise signal clearly tend to be operated by people who think in terms of shared space. They see anchoring not as parking, but as participating in a system.
This is not about tradition for its own sake. It is about recognising that boats communicate, whether we intend them to or not. The question is whether that communication is clear.
The quiet tragedy is that as practices fade, so does the language to describe them. Many sailors today have never heard the term “riding light.” They are not rejecting the idea. They simply do not know it exists.
When vocabulary disappears, so does choice.
Where This Leaves Us
There is no realistic call to reinstate old rules wholesale. Nor should there be. Boats are diverse, anchorages vary, and one size rarely fits all.
But there is room for better thinking.
Anchor lights could be designed with anchorage contexts in mind: adjustable brightness, secondary lower references, warmer colour temperatures. Education could place more emphasis on readability rather than mere visibility. Day shapes could be treated as meaningful again, not ceremonial.
Most of all, sailors could be encouraged to ask a simple question when anchoring for the night:
“If someone looks up for one second, will they understand where I am?”
Sometimes the masthead light is enough. Sometimes it isn’t.
The riding light was one answer to that question. Not a perfect one, but a thoughtful one. Losing it without replacing the thinking behind it feels like a missed opportunity.
Not a disaster. Just a quiet downgrade.
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.
A guest post byBoatshed Neil Founder of Boatshed.com and sailor, plus I try to write stuff when I can 🙂You’re currently a free subscriber to LOOSE CANNON. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.
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Florida Boaters Now Have Access to Free State-Approved Online Boating Safety Course – BoatUS Foundation
BoatUS is the leading advocate for boating safety in the US and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR.
Press Contact:
Alisha Sheth, BoatUS PR Manager
Florida Boaters Can Now Take Free
State-Approved Boating Safety CourseAt-home learning helps Florida boaters prepare for the water easily and conveniently
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – February 4, 2026 – The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has launched the only free interactive boating safety course for Florida recreational boaters.
The course, which is approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and meets state boating safety education requirements, can be taken at the student’s own pace. After passing the exam, they can print their own certificate of completion for immediate use and will receive a lifetime card from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The course provides video demonstrations and sample common boating situations for students to interact with to better understand how to evaluate real-world instances. The learning experience includes storylines where the student “boats” to various places and includes interactive learning tools like flashcards and drag-and-drop features to enhance learning and retention. Course-takers will be able to design and name the virtual boat that takes them through the course and map how far they’ve “traveled” within it.
In the state of Florida, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must pass an approved boating safety course and have in his/her possession photographic identification and proof of boating safety education
completion issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The online BoatUS Foundation boating safety course and exam are approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard as exceeding the minimum requirements for the National Recreational Boating Safety Program.
“NASBLA approval of our Florida Boating Safety Course is a meaningful investment in boater safety, said Lynne O’Hearn, Program Manager at BoatUS Foundation. “Boater education is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents, and this course gives Florida boaters the opportunity to build their skills to better enjoy Florida waterways safely.”
To take the course, visit BoatUS.org/Florida. For more information about Florida boating safety education, visit myfwc.com/boating/
safety-education. About BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the more than 740,000 members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nonprofit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways, and keeping boating safe for all. A range of safe and clean boating courses – including the nation’s only free online boating safety course – can be found at BoatUS.org/Courses.
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Flash! Bang! Growing Pyrotechnic Answer to the Orca Threat – Peter Swanson
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Flash! Bang! Growing Pyrotechnic Answer to the Orca Threat
Sailors Are Adopting an Illegal Tactic Because It Seems To Work
Spiral of Life lies trapped on a beach in Portugal in early December. We’re not supposed to call ’em attacks because that, I guess, would be prejudicial. “Interactions” is better, we are told.
So, let’s just say it: Orcas are the ones that have been doing the interacting and with extreme prejudice, as they continue to ram sailboats off Iberia’s Atlantic coast. There have been a reported 700 of these non-attacks since 2020.
The latest interaction was a doozy. The headline-writer hadn’t gotten the memo: “Scary Moment as 30 Killer Whales Attack Family’s Yacht.”
Can you imagine? Thirty of them!
Except, it’s likely untrue. Most of the Orca incidents have involved a half dozen or so of the animals, dubbed the “Gladiator Pod,” but six or seven is bad enough.
The headline-writer must have been including every orca in a 500-mile radius in that interaction, because there is no record of Michael and Laura of Spiral of Life Sailing (yes, a YouTube channel) asserting that number.
Gladiators have been credited with sinking six or seven vessels, but without killing or injuring any humans (after which must be added the obligatory) —yet. Most of the sinkings appear to have happened from heavy blows to spade rudders typical on modern cruising craft.
According to a December 30 article in the Independent, the Dutch couple was sailing between Porto and Lisbon “when their vessel was ‘violently’ buffeted by orcas at around 5 a.m.”
“I disengaged the autopilot and grabbed the wheel and then we got hit again. The hit ripped the wheel out of my hands for a moment,” Michael said in a video about the incident. “I grabbed it back as fast as I could, and then I heard it—right next to the boat—splashing and that heavy breathing you never forget once you’ve heard.”
(You can watch the episode below.)
Having heard that orcas prefer deep water, they steered the Bavaria 46 toward the Portuguese coast. In the terror and chaos of the moment, however, they forgot how close to shore they were to begin with. Spiral of Life ran up onto the beach and flopped on her side, having been herded aground by swimming animals said to have the thought processing abilities of a human ninth-grader.
With the help of locals, Michael and Laura were able to recover their boat and are having repairs made.
Boom! Just Like That
Meanwhile, a growing number of European sailors are adopting what you might say are teenage tactics to deal with a teenage threat. They are throwing firecrackers at the whales—the kind that will explode underwater.
Think 1943: Destroyers versus Uboats.
As EuropaSur has reported:
Frequent orca attacks in the Strait of Gibraltar and the Gulf of Cádiz have led to a surge in sales of water fireworks in shops like those in Algeciras, despite the fact that it is forbidden to carry them and even more so to use them to scare away these or other marine animals.
Consumer fireworks are generally illegal in Portugal, so cruisers are stocking up in the Galicia region of Spain in the north or Andalusia in the south. Petardos, as they are called, are even sold at nautical chandleries.¹
Confronted by orcas, sailors have tried dumping sand or diesel fuel, activating pingers or motoring in reverse. No joy.
According to yet another YouTube sailor, a sensible sounding guy who goes by the handle Reversing Entropy, fireworks are the only “anectdotally proven” countermeasure.²
Every report you hear about people using this, you know, mouth to mouth, people are not putting this on the internet because, you know, it’s illegal. But everyone’s story seems to end the same way. They deploy the firecracker inside of the water and the orcas just swim away.
We don’t want to hurt them. We don’t want anything bad to happen to them. We just want them not to sink our boat. This practice seems to be so effective that I hear from reliable sources that you can now buy in Spain in chandleries a kit that comes with the firecrackers and a big pole. You attach the firecracker to the front of the pole and you immerse them into water, let it explode, and then, you know, get it back.
As it happens, orcas are extremely sensitive to sound and rely on it for hunting, communication and navigation using echolocation. And sound travels very efficiently underwater.
A January 19 story in the U.K.’s Daily Mail quoted a study of the orca pod in question (lead by a female that scientists call White Gladys), which noted that the Gladiator Pod is an unusually quiet bunch:
Orca pods are typically very vocal, especially when they are hunting or playing, but White Gladis and her team pulled apart stranded yachts in eerie silence.
However, scientists have now discovered that this is merely a tactical choice. Like most pods, the orcas that live around Ibera and the Strait of Gibraltar specialise in hunting a single type of prey.
Because these killer whales are experts in tackling the alert and flighty tuna, they have learned to hunt in silence and avoid any noise that might startle the fish.
Naturally, the depth-charging of whales is driving environmentalists and animal rights groups crazy. Some sailors are against it, too, arguing that Gladys and crew will treat it as an escalation and respond by increasing the ferocity of their interactions.
Which is giving orcas a lot of credit, but hey…who knows?
“All you firecracker supporters are doing is making the attacks increasingly ferocious, and you’ll be justifying the use of more powerful explosives. Sadly, it’s already happening,” a Norwegian sailor wrote on an online forum.
Did he say attacks?
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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Bellagave Tequila Flows Freely at Florida Boat Show
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As in: “Hoisted by his own petard.”
2
Having been “killed” in a mortar attack (in training with military flash-bangs), I can attest to the disorientation and fear that these can induce in a human being.
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