Of course, like many who move to Florida from a colder climate, I have a Florida "to do" list! Now, do you think scalloping was on that list? No. However, since meeting Bob and Lou Worthington, I've been on a couple of fishing adventures that I never thought possible. Really! I had no idea you could catch shrimp one at a time. When Bob Worthington first invited my husband and me to go shrimping near Fort De Soto last Spring, I had this flashback of scenes from Forest Gump, you know, when Forest and his Captain Dan caught all that shrimp with nets on their boat Jenny. Well, since shrimping …

It's that time of year again! It's time to go shrimping according to Bob Worthington! As I've explained it to my friends and family, it time to create the perfect shrimp Alfredo from the very first step, catching my shrimp one at time. That's right, one by one, filling my bucket with small, medium and large shrimp. Trust me, it isn't easy! Last year lifelong Gulfport resident Bob Worthington invited my husband and me out to go "shrimping" near Fort DeSoto Park in Boca Ciega Bay. We went and we had fun. Of course, I caught the least amount of shrimp, but Bob and my husband praised me for …

Although a new group, the Gulfport Neighbors has already organized two litter cleanup opportunity's in the city. More than 50 people came out to sift through sand and grass at the Gulfport Beach on July 23, 2011. This weekend, at least 47 came out to pick up litter along 49th St. S. between Gulfport Blvd. and the Pinellas Trail. Among those on the list, several Gulfport residents, Gulfport City Manager Jim O'Reilly, Gulfport Police Sergeant Josh Stone and Vice Mayor of Seminole and Florida State Senate candidate Leslie Waters. Of course, myself and my husband Robert came out to help as …

On Saturday July 23, 2011, I joined in the effort to cleanup the Gulfport Beach with several residents and members of the newly founded group, The Gulfport Neighbors. Volunteers were asked to help pick up trash at the beach between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. We met at the pavilion just west of the beach restrooms. Doug Hudson helped organize the group and directed volunteers where to go. Lori Rosso with the Sea Breeze Manor Bed & Breakfast donated trash bags and plastic gloves and Stella's Deli & Gelato donated water. Once I signed in, I grabbed a bag and headed out. We had a span of people from the …

Robert and I searched in the Gulfport Patch "Places" tab and spotted the Ten Pin Lanes Bowling Alley in South Pasadena. So, on a Friday night, during their "Glow Bowl". Games during the "Glow Bowl" were about $5 per game or a total of $16 per person. So, we decided to go all out and bowl a few games each for the $16 per person. Every friday, around 9 p.m. they turn down the lights, bring out the disco balls and crank up the music!  We picked out our bowling balls, ordered some drinks and got comfy in our seating area. I noticed several families around and groups bowling together. The music …

Robert recently became a member of the Andy Anderson American Legion Post 125. I've applied to become a member of the American Legion's Auxiliary. In the meantime, we've both been invited several times to come on a Wednesday night and play Bingo. Not knowing what to expect, we exchanged our bills for a wad of one's and headed to the post this past Wednesday. We arrived shortly before the 6 p.m. Bingo start time. There were about two dozen people scattered in the bar area and main hall. We walked up to the Caller, Bernie, and I quickly blurted out that I'm a "first-timer". Bernie and Allan (a …

Many of you know him as former Vice Mayor, 27-year member of the Gulfport Fire Department, Director of Gulfport CERT and recipient of the Spirit of Gulfport Award in January 2011. But, on Sunday, June 5, 2011, I called him “Captain Bob” as we cruised out along the intercostals waters of Boca Ciega Bay. Worthington invited my husband Robert and I out to go “shrimping”. We met at the boat ramp of Fort De Soto Park around 7:30 p.m. Worthington pulled up with his hurricane deck boat and we introduced ourselves to the other “shrimpers”; CERT member Sean McLean and Bob’s friend Ben Leonard. Once in…

On Sunday, May 29, 2011, Robert and I decided to take a romantic cruise on the beautiful Boca Ciega Bay. In a perfect world, we would have our own yacht, crew and maybe a helicopter launch pad . . . but for now, we enjoyed the cruise provided by Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center. It's located on St. Pete Beach, not far from Gulfport. During Memorial Day Weekend, I noticed the website offering deals for veterans and active military members. I spotted a buy on get one for their Sunday night "Sunset & Fireworks" cruise. We called ahead, booked our ticket for about $35 total because of the …

When I tell people about Gulfport, I describe the small-town feel, the beautiful Boca Ciega Bay and the colorful and unique community. And of course, I always talk about the food. With several different types of food and specialties in the city, I enjoy telling people about what kind of restaurants call Gulfport home. So far, Robert and I have eaten at Smoking J's Texas BBQ, Tangelo's Grille, Stella's Deli, O'Maddy's Bar & Grille, Pia's Tratoria, Anytime Pizza and The Village Pub. We have been happy with everything we've ordered. At Smoking J's Texas BBQ, I had the sandwich combo: pulled …

Robert and I have been exploring and seeing new things since we moved to Pinellas County in December 2010. We're both outdoor enthusiasts and love wild animals! We've been to the Clam Bayou Nature Park for kayaking, fishing and evening jogs. We've had picnic's and hikes at Weedon Island Preserve, Sawgrass Lake Park  and Boyd Hill Nature Park. Robert had been hinting for a while about an overnight camping trip! Until this weekend, we had yet to pitch a tent in Florida! Robert picked out a primitive camp site at Myakka River State Park called Panther Point, and picked out two ways to get there …

When I heard the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were coming to St. Petersburg to face off against the Tampa Bay Rays this past weekend, I was beyond excited. I was born and raised in southern California until my family and I moved to South Dakota when I was 17. So, when I was little, I went to many games at the Angel Stadium. Back then, I think it was called the Edison International Field of Anaheim and the team was just The Anaheim Angels, not sure when Los Angeles was added in the title. Anyways, I marked the Saturday April 30th game on my calendar and boasted about how I was a true fan to …

As I drove into Gulfport on 22nd Ave South, I started pointing out buildings and chatting about what I'd learned about the city. My close friend Stephanie Heilman sat in the passenger seat, quietly listening and looking at what what my fingers pointed to. Stephanie, friend of about 9 years and bridesmaid in my wedding, flew from South Dakota to visit for a week! While in town, I tried my best to give her a tour of Gulfport on Tuesday April 19, 2011. Once 22nd Ave South turned into Gulfport Blvd. I pointed out the new Gulfport Chamber of Commerce office, Gulfport Hardware, the Gulfport …

“You’re gonna clothesline her,” Carol Baker exclaimed at the ballroom lesson at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom on Tuesday April 12, 2011. This week on “City Limits: Getting to Know Gulfport” Robert and I decided to finally take a dance lesson at the ballroom. We’ve heard wonderful things about the Ballroom lessons, not to mention the affordable prices. For an hour of instruction, we only paid $7 a piece! Where can you go and have a great time for under $20 these days? I didn’t know what to expect because I had never taken a ballroom lesson before. I put on a dress (for twirling) and my …

Robert and I had been to the Gulfport Beach a handful of times, but we’ve never pitched our umbrella and stuck it out for a day. So, on Saturday April 9, 2011, we did just that! I’ve always kept a close eye on the weather and forecast in the cities I’ve lived in. But, I think the lack of a negative sign in front of a number has thrown me off since moving to Florida. Every night, I check the National Weather Service website and include that information in the daily post “5 Things to Know Today”. No matter what I have going on, when I see 60, 70, 80 degrees on the screen, I quickly smile and …

When I heard about books for as low as .25 cents a pop, I grabbed my cash and headed to the Gulfport Library's Giant Book Sale on Saturday April 2nd! Did you go? I'm sure you did, it was a packed house when I stopped by at 1:30. I heard from organizers that when the sale began at 10 a.m., dozens of people were already waiting for the doors to open. I was impressed by the turnout, but I was more impressed by the selection and amount of donated items. There were rows and rows of paperback, hardcover, romance, cookbooks, poetry, biographies, autobiographies and more. I believe I counted at least…

History is sometimes more than a book or a story, it’s something you can hold. Where can you hear a phonograph, read old newspaper clips and count 48 stars on the American Flag? The Gulfport Historical Museum of course. This week Robert and I took a step back in time when we walked into The Gulfport Historical Museum. Volunteer Fran Worthington greeted us during our visit and talked about her 34 years as a resident of Gulfport. She also shared her knowledge of history and we talked about monumental changes in American History, including the time before women were allowed to vote in the United…

When I heard about the Humdinger Music and Arts Festival, I figured it would be a perfect time to experience the Blueberry Patch, 4923 20th Ave S. Gulfport. So, last night Robert and I headed over to the Patch around 7:30 p.m. Although not knowing what to expect, I was intrigued about what I had heard about it so far. Some in town said it was a laid back place to just hang out. I’ve heard that some people bring their entire family to listen to the live music. Others have said it’s an avenue to express art and the love of art. Robert and I parked and headed in. The music festival called for a…

On Saturday March 5th, Robert and I set out for an adventure along the trails of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. We put on our hiking shoes, filled up water bottles and packed lunches for our day trip at the park in St. Petersburg. The drive was only 10 minutes away! I was very excited about having this large nature preserve so close to home. The price was $3 per adult and in my opinion $6 for us to come face to face with nature was well worth it. After paying for admission, the staff showed us a map and pointed out areas of interest and where we could see alligators and other animals. Our first …

I’ve quickly learned that one of the most popular parks in Gulfport is Clam Bayou Nature Park. After all, it’s beautiful, home to several animals and right in our own backyard! Several people I’ve met have recommended kayaking in Clam Bayou to get to know its wildlife up close. So, this time on City Limits, Robert and I signed up for a two-hour tour with Kurt Zuelsdorf’s Kayak Nature Adventures. Robert had little experience on a kayak and I had no experience prior to our tour. But, that’s what adventures are all about. We met Kurt Zuelsdorf on Thursday Feb. 24th during high tide. He explained…

If you stopped by the annual Gulfport’s Get Rescued event in downtown Gulfport on Saturday Feb. 26th, you may have seen our Gulfport and Largo Patch booth off 30th Ave S. & Beach Blvd. It was a busy, fun and memorable day! I am extremely happy that we were able to take part in this very important event. The day began with a 7 a.m. set up time for our booth. Myself, Robert and freelancer Leigh Clifton met at our location and set up the tent, tables and free goodies to hand out. We bought 72 bottled waters, printed at least 150 fliers and put out sign up sheets for our daily online newsletter …