Gulfport Teen CERT Coming Soon

The Gulfport CERT Team is expanding the emergency preparedness program to teens.

Teens between 14 and 18 are invited to learn about emergency response, communications, disaster preparedness, first aid, CPR, fire safety and more. Bob Worthington, founder of the Gulfport Community Response Team, says they have a handful of teens that are already members of the current team. However, he says, they can only participate when they're parents are present. The new Teen CERT program will allow teens to meet, volunteer and receive basic training under the guidance of the new Teen CERT advisor Louis Distasio. CERT Member Louis Distasio was a volunteer firefighters for 25 years and in that time, he also served at the advisor for the Gulfport Fire Explorers program for 12 years. Distasio says he loved working with teens and is …

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Photos: Gulfport People, Places, Events

Have you seen our neighborhood photo gallery? With nearly 700 photos, this gallery is showing Gulfport's true colors! Check it out and add your own photos of people, places and events in town.

New Engine is Cost Effective and More Efficient

The Gulfport Fire Department's shiny new apparatus is more than a showstopper, it's a made-to-order Advanced Life Support Vehicle that came in more than $200,000 less than comparable cities.

New Engine 17 Gulfport Firefighters are putting the finishing touches on their new E-One Typhoon eMax 2012 apparatus. The truck isn't ready to go just yet because officials purchased the truck without a few extra items, upgrades and equipment in order to save money. Cost Effective Fire Chief James Marenkovic says the final price tag was $391,427 compared to about $600,000 to $800,000 if the truck came fully loaded. The truck was paid for by the Penny for Pinellas sales tax program. Marenkovic says they made several cost saving decisions like requiring less paint, re-using hoses, tools, nozzles and other equipment and installing many of the tools themselves. Marenkovic says it all adds up. He adds that they'll be able to put money into the…

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Gulfport City Council

Gulfport CERT Welcomes New Members

The Gulfport CERT team welcomed its newest members at Tuesday night's city council meeting. Certificates were handed out to those who completed the basic training course.

The Gulfport Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is offered to citizens in the area so that they can become educated and efficient on a number of subjects. Some of the topics include fire safety, life search and rescue, triage and medical operations. Basic disaster response skills are instilled in CERT members from day one. The course to become a CERT member is seven weeks long and covers classroom time as well as exercises. On Tuesday night, 9 new CERT members were welcomed to the famiy. CERT's goal is to offer support to local emergency response agencies. Members become a more active element in the community and lend a hand, when needed, to the professionals.

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Cherlene Willis

2:26 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2012

It's great to see the Gulfport CERT team expand!   more ›

5 Things to Know This Weekend in Gulfport

Relay for Life, CERT Training, Patch Food Drive and more!

Relay for Life: Relay for Life Gulfport is today, Saturday, April 14 from 2 p.m. until 8 a.m. Sunday morning. This fundraiser for the American Cancer Society begins with a short walk around the Gulfport Recreation Center field to honor caregivers and cancer survivors. Then enjoy music, games, food and fun for all ages -- including a bounce house for the kids. Bring cash for your chance to win gift certificates to area businesses in a drawing. The walk continues throughout the night. For more information "like" Relay for Life Gulfport on Facebook. Check out our video from last year's event attached to this post. Patch Minute: Did you catch our weekly wacky video "Patch Minute?" We've put together a quick guide on what to do and where to go …

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5 Things to Know Today: Voter Registration, Relay for Life, CERT

Voter Registration, Relay for Life, Gulfport CERT Training and more in "5 Things to Know Today."

Voter Registration: Forms and voting information will be available for your convenience at the Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave S. from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Friday, April 13, 2012. Make sure to bring your I.D. or last four digits of your social security number. Relay for Life: The annual Gulfport Relay for Life all night fundraiser is on Saturday, April 14 at the Gulfport Recreation Center. There's still time to get involved!Check out the Relay for Life Gulfport website to join a team or donate now. What should you expect? Check out our video from the 2010 fundraiser by clicking here! CERT Training: There are still a handful of spots left for Gulfport CERT Training on Saturday, April 14th and Saturday, April 21st. Training this …

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5 Things to Know Today: CERT, Workshops, Budget Talk

Sign up for CERT training, Council Workshops moved, City Leaders start budget discussions and more in "5 Things to Know Today."

CERT Training: CERT training will prepare you to help yourself, your family, and your neighbors in any type of emergency. In the event of a community disaster you can chose to use your training to provide the greatest good for the greatest number of victims, while protecting yourself from becoming a victim. The training is offered through the Gulfport Fire Department CERT team and is free. Two full days are needed to cover the curriculum. The next class will begin April 14and April 21. Call now to reserve your seat or for more information contact Bob Worthington at (727) 916-8014. Update: The first posting of this story included a phone number of (727) 906-8014, which is incorrect. Workshops Moved: The Gulfport City Council agreed to move …

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Inrchld

2:03 am on Monday, March 26, 2012

Thank you. Looking forward to attending this one :)   more ›

5 Things to Know Today: Community Band, CERT, Chamber Mixer

Free Concert, CERT Meeting, Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce Mixer and more in "5 Things to Know Today."

Free Concert Tonight: The South Pasadena Community Band is performing tonight at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom. The free concert starts at 7:30 p.m. CERT: The Gulfport Community Response Team is hosting a meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at the Gulfport Senior Center. For more information check out www.gulfportcert.com or call 727-916-8014. Chamber Mixer: Attention members of the Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce! We'll be at the mixer tonight at 5:30 p.m. at Boca Ciega Yacht Club! Want to claim your free business listing? Do you have questions on how to enhance your listing? Want to enter to win Patch swag? See you there! Help Seniors: Help Gulfport seniors by donating to the Gulfport Senior Center Food Pantry. Officials say they greatly need …

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Lori Rosso

11:29 am on Friday, February 17, 2012

Great double-header last night between Chamber mixer and another fabulous and FREE concert by the Pasadena community band at the Casino. Packed houses at both events   more ›

5 Things to Know Today: Monday, August 15

40% chance of rain, become a Gulfport Neighbor, follow Gulfport CERT on Twitter and more in "5 Things to Know Today."

CERT Meeting: The Gulfport Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will be meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Gulfport City Hall. For more information about CERT or to become a member check out their website and Facebook page. You can also follow Gulfport CERT on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/GulfportCERT. Council Agenda: The next City Council meeting is on Tuesday, August 16 at 7 p.m. at Gulfport City Hall. You don't have to wait until the meeting to see the agenda. Check it out and print a copy for yourself right off the city's website. Gulfport Neighbors: Are you interested in joining the new community organized group "Gulfport Neighbors"? The group organized a Gulfport Beach Cleanup in July and then the 49th Street Cleanup this …

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Cherlene Willis

10:55 am on Monday, August 15, 2011

I got it! Thanks so much- Cherlene   more ›

Gulfport City Council

Gulfport City Council Announces Spirit of Gulfport Award, Hears Active Evening of Public Comment

A number of residents approached the council Tuesday night covering the gamut of concerns and announcements.

The Gulfport City Council covered numerous issues Tuesday night with a healthy dose of public input. The meeting began with the presentation of the Spirit of Gulfport Award to Steve Karbowski for his dedication to the crime prevention group in the northwestern section of the city. Since early 2009 Mr. Karbowski and his family have led a group of neighbors to become active in the attempt to reduce crime in their neighborhood. Mr. Karbowski and his family stepped to the podium to accept the award from Mayor Michael Yakes. “Along with that, so you will enjoy this quality city that you are a great part of, is the key to the city,” Mr. Yakes announced. “Council Member Salmon is the one that acknowledged your greatness.” In the past year Mr. …

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