Thursday, May 17, 2012
Gulfport couples are confident more communities will follow the city's actions and create domestic partnership registries. Supporters believe the momentum will eventually lead to legalizing same-sex marriage across the country.
Historic Day in Gulfport Nearly two dozen supporters joined in celebration with cheers as Gulfport Mayor Mike Yakes signed an ordinance creating a domestic partnership registry on Wednesday. “I never thought I’d see this in my lifetime," Gulfport resident Chris Spencer said. Spencer and his life partner Steve Merchant showed their support during Mayor Mike Yakes' public signing of ordinance 2012-10 at Gulfport City Hall. The night before, council voted unanimously to pass the ordinance, creating a domestic partnership registry in Gulfport. In front of a packed council chambers with overflow in the hallway, all five members of the council showed support with their votes. An uproar of enthusiasm spread through the room moments after the last…
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The next Pinellas County Sheriff candidate debate, set for July 17, will feature all candidates who meet the June 8 qualifying deadline.
Organizers are searching for a venue large enough to hold around 500 people for an upcoming Pinellas County Sheriff's candidate forum. That's double the number of attendants at the first National Armed Services & Law Enforcement Memorial Museum-sponsored forum in April. The upcoming forum, scheduled for July 17, will feature all candidates meeting the June 8 qualifying deadline. The first NASLEMM-sponsored forum drew an audience that included ex-sheriff Jim Coats, who resigned from his seat in November to care for his ailing wife, and many city and county officials. The six approved candidates — Interim Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Randy Heine, Tim Ingold, Greg Pound, former sheriff Everett Rice and Scott Swope — fielded questions on handling …
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Following a unanimous vote by the Gulfport City Council, Mayor Mike Yakes officially signed the domestic partnership registry into law on Wednesday.
On Tuesday night, Gulfport City Council voted unanimously to pass an ordinance creating a domestic partnership registry in the city. About the ordinance: The domestic partnership registry is modeled after the Orlando ordinance with elements of the Key West ordinance. The fee is $25 per couple and does not require both people to sign the declaration in the presence of the city clerk. The couple may drop off or mail in a notarized declaration. It specifies the following rights and legal effects: According to the ordinance, domestic partners are two adults who have chosen to share one another's lives in a family relationship. Two persons are considered to be domestic partners if: The following video is provided by the City of Gulfport.
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2401 53rd St S, Gulfport, FL
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Four of five remaining Pinellas County Sheriff candidates participated in a forum last week touching on topics like high-speed chases, human trafficking, budgets, non-violent drug offenders, synthetic drugs, pensions and prostitutes.
A crowd of more than 100 citizens learned what Pinellas County Sheriff's candidates think about issues impacting the county during a candidate forum last week. Four of the five remaining candidates participated: Interim Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Greg Pound, Everett Rice and Scott Swope. Randy Heine did not appear. Tim Ingold announced he would drop out during an April 18 forum at VFW Post 2550 in Dunedin. The forum consisted of pre-selected questions followed by audience-submitted questions. Topics included high-speed chases to human trafficking, budgets, non-violent drug offenders, synthetic drugs, pensions and men soliciting prostitutes. One question revealed issues that candidates feel are important when it comes to possible changes. …
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Mayor Mike Yakes will publicly sign the ordinance into law Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. in front of Gulfport City Hall.
Gulfport is the first city in Pinellas County – and the 11th municipality in the state – to create a domestic partnership registry. Tonight, the Gulfport City Council voted 5-0 to pass ordinance 2012-10. Mayor Mike Yakes will publicly sign the ordinance into law Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. in front of Gulfport City Hall. The creation of a domestic partnership registry in Gulfport grants unmarried couples, gay and straight, rights when making education choices for children, emergency medical decisions, end-of-life and funeral arrangements. "This is a step in the right direction, we are making a big statement," Councilor Barbara Banno said. "This is about people, people's right of choice and people's right of assignment of that choice," …
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2401 53rd St S, Gulfport, FL
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The Republican presidential hopeful will be at an event at the Mirror Lake Lyceum.
Mitt Romney is scheduled to make a campaign stop in St. Petersburg Wednesday at the Mirror Lake Lyceum, 737 3rd Ave. N., according to the candidate's website. Doors open at 8 a.m., and the program begins at 8:45 a.m. To attend the event, you will need to RSVP to TeamFl@MittRomney.com. You can also submit your email online at Romney's campaign website to RSVP. The presumed GOP presidential nominee will be in Tampa on Wednesday as well for a private fundraiser at the Avila Golf and Country Club. Supporters who want to attend that event have to pay $2,500 per person.
Monday, May 14, 2012
If Gulfport City leaders pass the Domestic Partnership Registry Tuesday night, the city will be the first in Pinellas County to create a registry for unmarried couples.
The creation of a domestic partnership registry in Gulfport would grant unmarried couples rights when making education choices for children, emergency medical decisions, end-of-life and funeral arrangements. The registry was first brought to the council's attention by Councilors Barbara Banno and Jennifer Salmon following Tampa's move and passage of a local domestic partnership registry. On April 19, council discussed the ordinance at a workshop. Then, after a few minor revisions and additions, ordinance 1212-10, passed during first reading with a 4-1 vote on May 1. Now, the registry is one vote away from passage and will be the first in Pinellas County if leaders pass it on Tuesday night. What are people saying? "The Domestic Partnership …
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Gulfport City Hall
2401 53rd St S, Gulfport, FL
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Friday, May 11, 2012
Do you know a young person who has made a difference in another person’s life, in the community, or at school? Please share their story with the Gulfport Teen Council.
Help the Gulfport Teen Council recognize young people who've helped make a difference in the City of Gulfport. Do you know a child between 5 and 18 years old who has volunteered at a clean-up, organized a fundraiser, attended city meetings and events or even helped a neighbor with a weekend project? The Gulfport Teen Council wants to hear from you. Nominate a young person for the Gulfport Teen Council Outstanding Youth Award by filing out the nomination form attached to this story and turning it into the Gulfport Recreation Center. Awards will be presented by Gulfport Teen Council at City Council meetings Nominations are open to Young people 5 -18 years old who are still attending school. Nominees should reside or attend school in Gulfport…
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5730 Shore Blvd S, Gulfport, FL
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2401 53rd St S, Gulfport, FL
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Wednesday, May 9, 2012
President Obama announced today his support for same-sex marriage, with advocates across Florida, including Gulfport, cheering his decision.
The head of Equality Florida lauded President Obama today for voicing his support for lesbian and gay couples who want to marry. This is a "historic day," said Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida. "The President's support moves us closer to the day when all Americans will be able to enjoy full marriage equality," Smith said in a written statement released this afternoon to the media. Obama's Announcement On Wednesday, President Barack Obama announced his support for same-sex marriage in a sit-down interview with ABC's Robin Roberts. During the interview with ABC News Obama stated that he's "always been adament that gay and lesbian Americans should be treated fairly," Obama told Roberts. "I have to tell you that over the …
Citizens are encouraged to share ideas, concerns and opinions about the county budget at information sessions on Thursday, May 10 and Tuesday, May 15. Pinellas County is currently facing a nearly $12 million dollar shortfall for fiscal year 2013.
Pinellas County Commissioners are asking citizens to weigh in on ways to cut $11.9 million dollars from the general fund budget. Officials want people to share their views, values and vision for the community at one of two upcoming information sessions: County officials currently predict an $11.9 million shortfall for fiscal year 2013. An additional $10.7 million shortfall is projected for FY 2014. The new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1, 2012. Find more information on the budget website or call (727) 464-2600 or watch a video about the budget on YouTube.
Cherlene Willis
1:21 pm on Friday, May 18, 2012
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