Should Gulfport Build a New Police Station?

Do you think city leaders should consider building a new Gulfport Police Station on 49th Street?

One of Gulfport's newest councilors has suggested borrowing money and building a new police station on 49th Street. At his first workshop, Ward Four Representative Michael Fridovich asked council to consider borrowing up to $5 million for various projects, including building a new station. Gulfport Police Chief Robert Vincent says it's not a new idea. In fact, he first brought forward the idea of building a new police station on 49th Street during the budget planning in 2009-10, according to his latest blog. In the Chief's latest blog, he shares why the department doesn't need a new police station: "We operate in a building that is less than 20 years old and is completely functional for our work and our mission. Sure, it’s got some …

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Sally Wilkinson

6:55 pm on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Peter, I think you are right. Bycycle patrols are great and puts the officers on our eye level and allow us to meet and greet and allows them more knowledge of the neighborhoods of Gulfport. We had bycycle patrols in North Miami's San Souci area and it was great and not a high crime area. We asked for bike patrols a few years ago in our neighborhood of 58th St S from 28th to the water and were …   more ›

How GPD Compares to Other Agencies

Gulfport Police Chief Robert Vincent shares interesting statistics that show officers have higher degree's under their belts as compared to officers in other agencies.

Gulfport Police Chief Robert Vincent is sharing some "pretty interesting statistical reports" in his latest blog. Vincent shares information from the state-maintained database for law enforcement officer certification and training that he says shows, "that we're an educated experienced, and diverse organization." Check out his blog to read more about how much experience Gulfport Police Officers have and about their education achievements. Special thanks to Gulfport Police Chief Robert Vincent for sharing this information with Gulfport Patch. Sign up for the Gulfport Patch email newsletter to stay connected to your community.

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Gulfport Jail Bookings: Feb. 20-25

The following report shows charges associated with residents in Gulfport booked at Pinellas County Jail between Feb. 20-25 along with other arrests in Gulfport.

The following report shows charges associated with Gulfport residents booked at Pinellas County Jail between Feb. 20-25. All arrests were made by the Gulfport Police Department unless noted otherwise.  Being arrested on charges does not mean a person has been convicted of the crime.  Andrea Singletary, 53, of 5021 27th Ave. S, was arrested on charges of violation of parole for petit theft and domestic battery. Singletary is currently awaiting trial and in the Pinellas County Jail on a $1,000 bond. Cassandra Dorsey, 39, of 1526 21st Ave. S in St. Petersburg, was charged by Gulfport Police with welfare fraud. She has been released on a $5,000 bond.  Robby Walker, 47, who is listed as a transient, was arrested by Gulfport Police on …

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Dispatch Transition 'Proven to be Prudent'

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office has been providing police dispatch services for the past year. Officials presented an update at the city council meeting Tuesday night.

On January 3, 2012 the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office took over dispatch services for the Gulfport Police Department. The decision to contract services through the county was made by City Council as a cost-saving measure. In September 2011, the Gulfport City Council voted 3-2 to approve the FY2012 Operating Budget, which included a cost savings by hiring the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office to provide dispatch services. According to city estimates, the city will save about $450,000 over the next two years by contracting with the county to dispatch local officers. On Tuesday night, Gulfport Police Lt. Josh Stone presented council with an update about the county's dispatch services and transition. As part of the transition, the department …

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Gulfport City Council

Unanimous Vote Needed to Outsource Gulfport Police

Gulfport City Council is making it tougher for city leaders to make changes to the Gulfport Police Department - including any decisions about dissolving the department.

The majority of Gulfport City Council members believe they reached a compromise Tuesday night regarding any decisions about outsourcing the Gulfport Police Department in the future. Several months ago Ward 4 Councilor Dan Liedtke asked elected officials to discuss and consider making the Gulfport Police Department a "chartered department," basically making it mandatory for the public to vote on any changes within the department - including contracting services or dissolving the Gulfport Police Department. Since then, council members scaled back the move and instead discussed increasing the city council vote needed to make changes. During Tuesday night's regular council meeting, three members voted yes, during second reading, to require a …

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Operation Santa Toy Drive Underway

The Gulfport Police Department is collecting unwrapped toys for Gulfport families.

For 21 years, Gulfport Police Department employees have sponsored a program called “Operation Santa.” Employees collect and deliver toys, gift cards and other donations to families right here in Gulfport. You can help by dropping off a new unwrapped toy, gift card or monetary donations at the police department until Saturday, Dec. 22. Organizers currently have 41 families (110 kids) on the list, but typically reach approximately 100 families before Christmas. Any help that you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Stop by the Gulfport Police Department at 2401 53rd St. S. with your donation. If you have any questions, please call 893-1042 and leave a message and someone will return your call.

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Bike Thefts Spike This Summer

Philip Penrose had his Trek bike stolen from a carport in Town Shores. A spike in bike thefts is expected during the summer months, according to police, but there are ways to keep your bike secure.

Gulfport is a city that can be very bike friendly; it is compact and accommodating to get around on two wheels. Residents and visitors frequently take advantage of its accessibility; even Gulfport’s Municipal Marina offers loaner bikes for overnight stays. Unfortunately, with the number of bicycles in and around Gulfport, there is always the opportunity for bike theft. Philip Penrose lives at the Town Shores community off 58th Avenue South. He had his 21-speed Trek stolen about three weeks ago. The thieves appeared to be extremely blatant about their crime since, according to Penrose, the carport where he locked his bike was lighted; he assumed the bike was safe. “I had it locked to a pole under one of the carports,” said Penrose. “Town …

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A Special Fourth of July Message from Gulfport Police

Gulfport police chief Rob Vincent offers advice -- and warnings -- to Gulfport residents on how to have a fun, yet safe Fourth of July.

Gulfport police chief Rob Vincent offers some dos -- and very strong don'ts -- for residents as we celebrate Uncle Sam's birthday Wednesday.

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Apply Now for Gulfport Police Citizens' Academy

The Gulfport Police Department Citizens' Police Academy will run from June 12 to July 31, but people are urged to apply now because the class is limited to only 14 spots.

The Gulfport Police Department starts its annual Citizens’ Police Academy on Tuesday, June 12. The number of participants is limited, so be sure to get your application in by the June 1st deadline. Participants are offered the opportunity to learn and witness firsthand what the Gulfport Police Officers do as they provide police services to the citizens of Gulfport. Classroom instruction and field demonstrations will show the various aspects of law enforcement to include: Applicants must be at least 14 years of age and pass a background investigation. Class size is limited to 14 with preference given to residents of Gulfport. This year's academy will run from June 12th to July 31st on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. For further…

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Jail Bookings Report: April 9 - 15

The following people were arrested in Gulfport between April 9 and 15. The information is from Gulfport Police and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

Monday, April 9 Antwuan Flemmings, 41, of Gulfport, was arrested by Gulfport Police on the charge of driving while license suspended out of Hillsborough County, a misdemeanor. Bail is set at $250. Wednesday, April 11 Kyle Patrick Henson, 38, of Gulfport, was arrested by Gulfport Police on the charge of battery- domestic, a misdemeanor. Thursday, April 12 Felix Martinez, 43, of St. Petersburg, was arrested by Gulfport Police on the charge of grand theft, failure to appear on a driving while license suspended or revoked charge and violation of probation DUI. Grand Theft is a felony charge. The other two are misdemeanors. Bail is set at $6,513 for all three charges. Saturday, April 14 Scott Marten Bican, 29, of St. Petersburg, was arrested by…

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