5 Things to Know Today: Wednesday, November 2

Green Light for Smoking Ban: The Gufport City Council voted 5 - 0 during second reading of the smoking ban on Gulfport's public beach, athletic fields/facilities and children's outdoor play areas. Many residents and three members of the Gulfport Teen Council voiced their opinions, concerns and questions during the meeting. Our full story will be published later today on Gulfport Patch. In the meantime, what do you think? Feel free to add your comments in the comment section below.

City to Hire Code Enforcement Special Magistrate: The Gulfport City Council voted 4 - 1 during second reading to create a Special Magistrate to address code enforcement. Council member Jennifer Salmon cast the only no vote. The full story from the meeting will be on today on Gulfport Patch.

Contract with Pinellas County Approved: Also during Tuesday night's regular council meeting, the Gulfport City Council voted 5 - 0 to approve a contract with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. The contract will provide communications and a records management system for the Gulfport Police Department. The cost outlined in the agenda is $73,795 for services between Jan. 2012 and Sept. 30, 2012. More information to come.

Planning & Zoning: The Planning and Zoning Board will be held today at Gulfport City Hall at 6:30 p.m. To view and print the agenda, check out the city's website.

Wednesday Forecast: It'll be sunny with a high near 78 and an east northeast wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Tonight, clear with a low around 66 and an east northeast wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.