Gulfport Dive Center Expanding into New, Larger Location

With less than a year at their Gulfport storefront, owners of The Gulfport Dive Center are celebrating a milestone - moving into a larger location.

"We’re hugely excited of course. We’re really looking forward to it," Dennis Monroe said.

Co-owner Dennis Monroe says they've outgrown their current spot at 5004 Gulfport Blvd S. and plan to begin moving right next door into 5008 on Sunday, September 1.

The Gulfport Dive Center opened in November 2012 as one of the only dive shops in South Pinellas County. They offer training, equipment and services, including a dive club called Club Azure. The club's popularity has grown and owners say the new location will provide a classroom twice the size as the meeting room they have now.

"We don’t have enough room where we are now," Monroe said.

When owners Dennis and Anette Monroe opened last fall, they had no idea they'd outgrow their shop so soon. Dennis says they've put in a lot of work and invested a lot of man hours and money into marketing.

“You gotta get people to know you’re here,” Monroe said.

Recently, the Monroe's reached out to residents in the Tierra Verde area and set up at local events, like National Marina Day, to invite people to dive with them. 

Dennis says Anette shares all the center's updates, photos and dive dates on their Facebook Page and Meet Up Group. He says her efforts have helped their fan base grow to nearly 1,300 "likes" on Facebook.

Monroe credits their aggressive marketing plan for their success. Now they're looking forward to a new, larger location. They're moving from a 1,200 square foot space to 1,800 - a 75 percent increase, Dennis Monroe says. 

Monroe asks fans and friends to stay tuned to their Facebook Page for Grand Opening and Anniversary Celebration dates at the new location, 5008 Gulfport Blvd. S.

Want to help?

The couple is reaching out to loyal fans on Facebook, asking for volunteers beginning Sunday, September 1. Anyone wanting to help move can call the Monroe's at (727) 498-8702.

For more information:

The Gulfport Dive Center on Facebook

• Email: info@divegulfport.com
• Current Address: 5004 Gulfport Blvd. S.
• Phone: (727) 498-8702

Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 4 the hours will be Mon, Tue 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Wed closed, Thursday - Sat, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.