For the past 30 years, the Walter & Bert Williams Fishing Pier has become a spot where memories are made in Gulfport. The Fourth of July fireworks are blasted off from the end of the pier every summer, and the annual Holiday Lights Boat Parade includes a mandatory swing by the pier for onlookers.  Anglers of all ages catch their meals off the pier daily, and winged friends perch along the rails from dusk 'til dawn. While the pier is holding up now, Gulfport City Manager Jim O'Reilly says it only has 10 to 20 years left, and council needs to start setting money aside now. "It's a concrete pier…

Immediately upon taking office, Councilor Michael Fridovich suggested moving the Gulfport Police Department to 49th Street. Frodivich believes more police presence will help tackle crime and the perception of crime along the border corridor.  During the most recent council workshop, on Thursday, May 9, Fridovich also expanded on how the move could lure more businesses to the area. "It's totally underutilized," Fridovich said. He added that he's spoken to businesses owners and residents in that area who agree with him. Despite his efforts and suggestion to borrow $3 million for the project, …

Have you seen the official City of Gulfport flag? It's currently flying at City Hall, but it could be added to other city facilities. During the last council meeting Councilor Michael Fridovich thanked the City for flying the flag and asked if it's possible to display city flags at all of the city's buildings, such as the library and recreation center. Fridovich added that it could be a great idea to create and sell small flags for residents to buy.  According to City Manager Jim O'Reilly, staff is looking into both of those possibilities, however, there is no timeline for the project. What …

Plans for a new building adjacent to the current ship store call for two levels with new bathroom facilities, a dayroom and laundry facilities for live-aboards at the Gulfport Municipal Marina. During Thursday's City Council workshop, City Manager Jim O'Reilly presented the list of capitol improvement plans to city councilors. Councilors will use O'Reilly's recommendations along with their own suggestions to help sculpt the operations budget for next fiscal year, which begins on October 1. Thursday night, they had their first look at the recommended capitol improvement program projects, which…

In a 4-1 vote, Gulfport City Council approved a contract with Extensys, Inc. for a managed service contract for the city's technology services.  Extensys, Inc will provide remote monitoring, remote administration, and onsite services for the City of Gulfport's server, network, and desktop infrastructure, according to the contract. According to city staff, the Information Technology Director resigned in October 2012 and since then, the city has been using an Interim Information Technology Director and a subcontractor to help with services. Councilor Christine Brown cast the only "no" vote due …

Gulfport City Council unanimously approved to contract a private company to help with the growing amount of permits and development in the city. According to the council packet, permits, inspections and permit valuations have increased in the past five years.  A look at the current 6 month period (ending March 31) compared with the same amount of time last year shows an increase of 46 permits and 124 inspections.  According to staff, there are about 10 inspections a day in Gulfport and recently, it’s increased to 15. The department Starting immediately, M.T. Causey, Inc. will provide building…

As of Tuesday, April 16, BP had not reached a settlement regarding the $3.6 million claim filed against the oil company on behalf of the City of Gulfport in January. As a result, Attorney Rick Kriseman, representing Motley Rice, LLC, informed city leaders that the firm will move forward with filing a lawsuit against BP. Four months ago Motley Rice, LLC, filed an 11-page claim by the City of Gulfport demanding more than $3.6 million in lost revenues due to a decline in visitors at Gulfport's Marina and Waterfront District after the 2010 BP oil spill. Kriseman addressed Gulfport City Council on…

Gulfport City Council congratulated Principal Michael Vigue, staff and students of Boca Ciega High School for earning "A" status for the first time in the school's history. After hearing of the accomplishment, council unanimously agreed to award Boca Ciega High School the "Spirit of Gulfport" award Tuesday night. Principal Vigue announced the historic achievement in a letter to the community in December. Below is an excerpt from the original announcement. "For many consecutive years our school settled for school grades of 'D.'  In 2010-2011 our school earned a grade of 'C' for the first time …

Expect to see rennovations at the Gulfport Public Library this year. Gulfport City Counilors unanimously approved a resolution accepting the grant Tuesday night. The library will receive $180,000 through the Pinellas County Library Cooperative for upgrades to the restrooms, electrical system and reading areas throughout the building. According to the City Manager's memo in the council agenda, the last time the library was rennovated was in 1994, nearly 20 years ago. "(It) is in need of updating spaces to better serve the changing nature of library services," the memo states. The Gulfport …

Gulfport City Councilors shared "wish list" ideas at Thursday's workshop including moving the Police Department, improving infrastructure and even installing a new kitchen in the Casino Ballroom. City Manager Jim O'Reilly asked councilors for feedback as he begins drafting information for next year's fiscal operating budget. New councilor Michael Fridovich, who represents District Four, suggested borrowing $5 million to pay for large projects that leaders have been talking about for years, like moving the Gulfport Police Department to 49th St. Projects like this could be included in a five-…

Every seat in the room was taken during last night's council meeting, as residents welcomed a new mayor and new councilors. New Council Member for Ward Two, Christine Brown was sworn in first with her daughter, Elizabeth Brown Worthington, holding the family's 65-year-old Bible. Michael Fridovich, Councilor for District Four, was sworn in second. Lastly, former Vice Mayor Sam Henderson was sworn in as Gulfport Mayor. Friends and supporters stood up and applauded Henderson. "I look forward to us all working together," Henderson said. “I’m very excited, I’ve worked very hard for many years to …

Outgoing Vice Mayor Sam Henderson was sworn into office as Gulfport Mayor Tuesday night, leaving the position vacant. Mayor Henderson recommended council get back on the rotation for Vice Mayor, which meant Ward One Councilor Dan Liedtke would be next. Council Member Jennifer Salmon nominated Liedtke following the mayor's recomendation. All five councilors voted for Liedtke to move into the Vice Mayor position. Sign up for the Gulfport Patch email newsletter to stay connected to your community.

Tuesday, March 19 will be Sam Henderson's first meeting as Gulfport Mayor. He, along with Christine Brown and Michael Fridovich will be sworn into office by Clerk Lesley DeMuth during the council meeting. On Tuesday, March 12, Henderson captured 64 percent of the vote for Gulfport Mayor, according to unofficial results from the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Office. Christine Brown ran unopposed for the Ward 2 council seat, and Michael Fridovich ran unopposed for the Ward 4 council seat. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting which begins at 7 p.m. at Gulfport City Hall. Sign…

With friends, family members and supporters by his side, Sam Henderson celebrated a win over opponent Bob Worthington at his home Tuesday night. Henderson received 64.34 percent of the vote with Worthington collecting 35.66 for the council's highest seat, according to unofficial results from the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Office. "I feel very excited and unbelievably thankful," Henderson said. A total of 1,752 people voted for Henderson, with 971 voting for Worthington, according to the unofficial results. Henderson, 41, received 980 absentee/mail ballots and 772 at the polls. …

On Tuesday, March 12, Gulfport voters headed to the polls and cast their ballots for the council's highest seat. As of 7:20 p.m. Tuesday night, seven of the seven polling precincts in Gulfport revealed Sam Henderson captured 64.34 percent of the votes; Bob Worthington brought in 35.66 percent. According to the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections unofficial results, a total of 2,723 residents voted.  A total of 1,752 people voted for Henderson, with 971 voting for Worthington. Henderson, 41, received 980 absentee/mail ballots and 772 at the polls. Worthington, 65, received 597 absentee/…

Two years after council first approved creating a Commercial PACE Ordinance, city leaders unanimously agreed on a third party administrator to run the program. EcoCity Partners will provide services for the design, implementation and administration of the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program in Gulfport. Amy Elliot with EcoCity Partners says they're excited about the approval and plan to be up and running soon. She says Gulfport is their first city on the west coast of Florida, making them a bicoastal company. The unanimous vote Tuesday night, minus Mayor Mike Yakes, …

For outgoing Councilor Barbara Banno, her last night on the dais Tuesday was bittersweet. Early in the meeting she was thanked for her service to Gulfport residents, but by the end, a resident's public comment left her visibly shaken on an issue close to her heart. The Gulfport City Council had just postponed a vote on whether to renew its lease with the Gulfport Lions Club, Inc for use of Scout Hall, where the club frequently hosts local Boy Scout troop meetings, in favor of a wait-and-see approach to Boy Scouts of America's upcoming decision on its anti-gay membership policy.  Many …

An 11-page claim by the City of Gulfport demands more than $3.6 million in lost revenue due to a decline in visitors at Gulfport's Marina and Waterfront District after the 2010 BP oil spill. The law firm Motley Rice, LLC filed the claim in January on behalf of the city seeking economic damages. "The City has suffered, and will continue to suffer, injuries and damages due to the fact that it has been unable to collect revenue and other economic benefits due to the decline in tourism and declining interest in visiting the City as a result of the pollution and damage to the Gulf region done by …

All five Gulfport City Councilors voted Tuesday to remove the smoking ban on the beach and allow designated smoking areas at athletic fields and facilities as well as children's outdoor play areas. The decision to lift the ban on the beach comes just two months after a judge in Sarasota ruled the City cannot enforce outdoor smoking restrictions. "A judge has ruled it's unconstitutional," Gulfport City Attorney Andrew Salzman told Patch. Salzman recommended the change as a "compromise" to end a lawsuit filed against the city by St. Petersburg Attorney Andy Strickland. Strickland challenged the…

Town Shores is holding a "Meet the Candidates" forum for Gulfport Mayor for residents on Tuesday, Feb. 5 from 1 - 3 p.m. Master Association President Jean Proach says more than 30 questions were submitted for Vice Mayor Sam Henderson and former councilor Bob Worthington. The two-hour forum will be held at the Town Shores Auditorium at 3210 59th St. S. Proach says the forum is held every year to help inform residents. Those who cannot make it can watch it on the Town Shores private channel, #96, after the event. Officials will record the forum and replay it at set times. For more information …