If you need a fresh ear of corn, in-season fruit or organic leafy greens, Gulfport Produce is your locally owned one-stop shop. The produce stand has been offering locally grown fruits, veggies and herbs on Gulfport Boulevard for years. While new owners Felana and Ryan Bernat don't plan on making major changes, they're hoping to spruce up the stand with their enthusiasm and passion for produce. "We're excited. Tried of working for the man," Felana says with a chuckle. Just six months ago the Bernats, originally from Florida, scanned the Internet from their home in Pennsylvania. They were …

Gulfport's newest waterfront bar underwent major renovations to offer a beach themed neighborhood bar inside and out! Walk into Salty's Gulfport at 5413 Shore Boulevard and get whisked away to the beach. With a tiki bar in the patio and a boat named "Pipe Dream II" in the bar, it's the ideal spot to kick back with a frozen beverage and enjoy the views of Boca Ciega Bay. The owners of Salty's Gulfport bought Gulfport On The Rocks in early February and kicked off renovations right away. In just 17 days, co-owner Fred Metzler says they turned the bar into Salty's. Not content with just opening …

During the next two weeks florists across the country will be working around the clock to prepare much anticipated floral bouquets for loved ones on Valentine's Day. Bayside Florist & Sweets is no exception. Although new to Gulfport, owners Elizabeth Gomez and Renee Borghi have already filled hundreds of orders since they opened their doors in November. "I'm very excited about this," Renee Borghi said. They've ordered hundreds of roses and hired extra help for the big day and in the meantime, they're hoping everyone in Gulfport will take a break to "stop and smell the roses," Borghi said. "I …

"It's the best coffee in Gulfport," Robert Schroeder said after ordering a cup from Mary Jo Kehoe Tuesday morning. Schroeder is among the growing group of regular customers at the newest family-run business in town: The Gulfport Grind. "He only missed one day since we opened," owner Mary Jo Kehoe said, as Schroeder added sugar to his drink. A bright yellow "Fresh Coffee" sign has been luring people to the shop since November 20, 2012. Mother and son duo Mary Jo and Teddy Kehoe say once people stop in and try their freshly brewed coffee, they come back. "It's a self-satisfaction, when you hear…

From Key Largo to the Cayman Islands, the Monroe's have explored the ocean's depths for the past four years as scuba divers. Just this year the couple went diving in the Cayman Islands and Aruba. "The Grand Cayman beats everything. You have shipwrecks, the Cayman Trench," Anette Monroe said. "It's amazing," Dennis Monroe said. They each have more than 100 dives under their belts and have no plans to slow down. They're recent lifestyle change inspired them to make a living doing what they love. They decided to open a shop where they can provide training, equipment and services . . . right here…

When Angela and Biff Lagan decided to move from No Name Key, an island with just 43 homes, to the Gulfport area, they had no idea their search for a part-time job for "play money" would lead them into small business ownership. After working in law enforcement for 33 years, Biff retired nearly a year ago and the Lagan's decided to head to Gulfport and spend their golden years here. "We miss it, but we couldn't afford to retire there," Angela Lagan said. All of the homes on No Name Key run on solar power and generators because they're not connected to electricity, power lines, etc, she said. …

Strolling on Beach Blvd, one can find satisfaction through a variety of establishments. From pizza or yoga to live music or ice cream, Gulfport’s downtown strip has it all. Salty Sal’s recently joined the band of businesses that line Beach Boulevard. After opening their doors a little over a month ago, owner Shelly Gorka says that she has “fallen in love” with the city.Gorka and her significant other, Sal Diblasi, met 20 years ago. Diblasi was a drummer in a band and Gorka worked in an administrative position, with a typical 40-hour work week. Gorka says that she quickly became a night owl …

Scuba Cat Charters can easily be described with three simple words: "relax and dive", according to owner Jeff Barfoot. Jeff says starting the dive charter with his wife, Elissa, is a dream come true. "Three weeks ago I was wearing a tie and slacks. I traded it in for shorts and sandals," Jeff said at the grand opening ceremony on Friday, July 27 at the Gulfport Marina. That's right, Jeff worked for an industrial chemical company and moved here, with his wife, from Nashville, TN. Elissa, also a diver, is a certified nurse midwife at Tampa General Hospital. "We like the water. We really didn't …

At first glance, the folks enjoying a walking food tour in Gulfport seem like a group of old friends. They laugh, chat and stroll as if they have known each other for years. In actuality, the small crew just met a few hours ago. Although they come from different walks of life, they have something in common: their shared love of food.Eat.Sip.Indulge is a brand new business, offered in St. Pete and Gulfport, that makes for a great date night or even an ice breaker for the new kids on the block. The walking food tour is complete with samplings at local restaurants with history talks in between. …

It has only been a few months since Bentley's opened its doors to the public, but an eager line of customers has already shown loyalty to the new salon. Although there are other establishments in the area offering similar services, Bentley's is a pioneer in Gulfport.For one, they believe that passion is a key element of staying power as a business. Owner, Bentley, said that more than half of the salon's success comes from a love for the industry. "We get excited about our job," said Bentley. "Sometimes we get more excited about what we're doing than the clients do."Regardless of the service …

Koi aren’t just super-sized goldfish. They are an ancient species of Japanese carp. Their lineage dates back to the time when emperors ruled, and peasants bred the sparkling fish high in the mountains, as a food source. Today koi fish are popular in the United States with people who have outdoor ponds. South Florida’s guru of koi recently opened a shop in Gulfport. Jeff Mendoza, who formerly ran the business in Largo, has moved to 3660 22nd Ave. South, at the border of St. Pete and Gulfport, just off of I-275. Jeff’s Koi House provides just about any service having to do with koi fish and …

A set of Brooklyn-bred cousins moved to Gulfport with dreams of culinary perfection and sunny skies. After visiting the area and spending an afternoon eating and drinking at O’Maddy’s, the duo fell in love with everything Gulfport had to offer. This included the community-driven social scene, the business opportunities and the 300 plus days of sunshine a year. Cousin’s Pizzeria serves authentic, New York style pizza cuisine. They don’t just specialize in pizza. These guys make a living serving up the best Philly Cheese Steak in town, not to mention the Stromboli and Stuffed Pizza Pies to boot…

What used to be home to a hat store is now under the care of Mary Joyner. The little shop is filled with jewelry, artwork, books and unusual gifts. It is located just to the left of the front entrance at the Peninsula Inn and Spa.Joyner is from Madison, Wisc. She and her husband decided to move to Gulfport after visiting a few years ago. “We just fell in love with it,” said Joyner.In Wisconsin, Joyner ran a coffee shop that became a second home to her. She says for this particular phase in her life, Gulfport takes the cake.“Within two weeks of being here, it felt like home,” said Joyner. The …

Walk down Beach Boulevard, and you'll notice a new business where The Outpost used to beckon shoppers looking for unique gifts. Now Country Harvest hopes to become a popular spot for cosumers looking to buy homemade craft soaps and candles. The shop opened its doors on Oct. 1. “Bathing and candles always go together, as far as I’m concerned,” said Cindi Stevens, owner of Country Harvest.You won't find long chemical names in these household products. Ingredients for the soap selections are natural, and vary from goat’s milk to olive oil. The candles are made with soy and are known to burn …

With a new owner at the helm, a Beach Boulevard business is creating a new identity for itself. Dan Mouneimne took over all three Anytime Pizza locations – the other two are in St. Petersburg -- at the beginning of August. Planning to slightly tweak the name to Anytime NY Pizza, he hopes this will create a buzz for the chain. After all, he said, New York is known for many things, especially its pizza. The new name is not merely homage to the Empire State; Mouneimne plans to actually ship water in from New York and make the dough fresh on site. “New York has really good water,” he said. “It’s …

Gulfport has a new business in town and its name is Red Hot Tiki. Owners Sharon Doan and Rhonda Riccio have been selling their own hot sauce creations around the Pinellas County area and online for two years and recently took the plunge in opening a retail location on Beach Blvd., moving into the old Beach'n Body Boutique. The two new business owners and their friends are busy painting, cleaning and consulting with contractors to complete renovations in preparation for a September 6 opening. They've put a lot of work into the new location and will set up a booth at Geckofest in front of the …

When St. Petersburg resident Jesse Jackson began contemplating opening a second bar – he already owned the popular Something Different on Central Avenue for several years now – only one thing came to mind: playing pool. An avid fan of the game who has honed his skills over the years, Jackson knew that this would be a driving force behind his new venture, The Stinger Bar, which opened at the end of last month. While the local sports bar has a relaxed, neighborhood feel that makes anyone feel instantly at home, what he hopes will eventually make the bar tick is an influx of pool leagues. The …

Stepping in the door of The Gate House Antiques and Collectibles feels a bit like walking into the home of a favorite friend. That's because proprietors of the relatively new Beach Boulevard business, artfully filled a cottage with vintage furniture, retro collectibles, paintings and storied pieces. Perched behind a fascinating counter, Shannon Eckhardt and Koll Walsh seem relaxed in their 1,700 sq. ft. storefront with a pleasing appeal.   “That’s actually by a Florida Highwayman," said Walsh, enthusiastically pointing to a reasonably-priced landscape with wisps of white in the sunset. That …

While experts predict the economy is recovering, a Gulfport business reports it is two years ahead of schedule, according to its strategic plan. Economics aside, the T and Me Tea Company has won over quite a few loyal customers on the Farmer’s Market circuit. That’s especially true in Gulfport, where James Clark is known for his affable and warm style. “This is a positive thing for Gulfport,” says Sandy Duffy, pitching in at Tuesday’s painting party. Throughout the day, more than two dozen well-wishers drifted in as Clark and a loyal crew of friends primed the walls for what will be a sunny …

On the corner of 49th Street and Gulfport Boulevard, Gulfport Super Gas is looking to offer low fuel prices and quality service. Super Gas opened it's doors last week with a soft launch and is considering this week to be their grand opening week. They're currently offering free coffee for anyone who comes in to buy anything. Ken Edwards, owner of Gulfport Super Gas, is, like his gas station, new to Gulfport. Coming from Ocala, Edwards was scouting for good locations to open up the Super Gas when he came upon the old BP station. I just got lucky finding Gulfport. We came here primarily to look…