5 Things to Know in Gulfport: Birthday Bash, Budget Hearing, Book Contest

Next Year's Budget: Tonight is the second reading and budget hearing for the City of Gulfport's Operating Budget for FY 2013, which begins on Oct. 1. Gulfport City Councilors unanimously approved the budget during the first reading this month. To view the agenda, check out the city's website. Also, if you can't make it to the hearing, which begins at 7 p.m., you can watch the meeting on Brighthouse Cable Channel 615 or online on the city's website.

Birthday Bash: Mark your calendars now for Gulfport's Birthday Bash on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Gulfport Historical Museum. The event will feature antiques appraisals, guided trolley tours, mullet toss, children's games, a sidewalk art contest and more! Of course, be sure to stop by for free birthday cake! For more information contact Gail Biron at (727) 893-1118 or email gbiron@mygulfport.us. Wondering what to expect? Check out pictures from last year's event, "Photo Gallery: 101st Birthday Bash."

Attention Young Writers! The "In Your Own Words" Gulfport Youth Book Writing Contest opens on Saturday, Oct. 6. The deadline is on Nov. 10th. Throughout the month of October and early November there will be workshops for all ages every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Gulfport Library hosted by the pros; refreshments will be served. Best of all the winners of the contest get published by Trace Taylor Publishing! For more info contact 727-893-1075.

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Wednesday Forecast: Our rainy weather isn't going away anytime soon. Looks like we have a 50 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms with a high near 86. Tonight, a 30 percent chance of scattered showers with a low around 78.