Week in Review: Mayor Candidate, Beach Bazaar's New Owners, Coyotes in Gulfport

Did you miss this week's top stories? Catch up on what you missed in this week's "Week in Review."

Coyotes Spotted Near School: A resident spotted coyotes near a Gulfport school during the early morning hours. Sam Henderson to Run for Gulfport Mayor: Vice Mayor Sam Henderson wants to continue serving on the Gulfport City Council as the next Mayor of Gulfport. Gulfport Responds to Family Left Homeless: The Brumers' house burned down the day before Thanksgiving. But Gulfport shows the true meaning of 'community,' as folks rally to help a fellow resident in need. From The Florida Keys to The Beach Bazaar: Meet the new owners of the downtown staple, The Gulfport Beach Bazaar. St. Pete Artist Bill Woo Is Dead: Correira was known for his colorful depictions of marine life and his love for downtown St. Petersburg. Artist Bill 'Woo' Coreira …

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5 Things to Know Today

5 Things to Know in Gulfport: Mini Golf, Local Shops, Events on Patch

What are you doing this weekend in Gulfport? Here's what you need to know before you head out the doors!

Mini Golf: Starting on Saturday, you can play mini golf on a one-of-a-kind course in front of the Museum of Fine Arts in downtown St. Petersburg. For a $3 donation you can play on six holes that have been created by area artists and architects. Putters and balls are available at the Welcome Desk. The course will be open Monday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 - 4 p.m. through the run of The Art of Golf. Watch this week's Patch Minute for a preview of the course! Here's a hint . . I got a hole in one! Shop Local: The countdown to Christmas has officiall begun - at least in my household! That means there are only four weekends until the the big guy drops off my gifts. So, if you're still looking for the perfect gift, feel …

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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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Donate Toys to 'Operation Santa'

For the past 20 years, the Gulfport Police Department has helped collect and distribute toys to children in need in Gulfport. Here's how you can help.

The Gulfport Police Department is asking the community to help provide toys to children in need. Officials are asking for new unwrapped toys and gift cards for the annual "Operation Santa" program. This is the 20th anniversary of the program, and it wouldn't be possible without donations from the community. This year, there are about 150 Gulfport children in need of gifts for the holidays. Stop by Gulfport City Hall and Police Department at 2401 53rd St. S. with your donation. If you have any questions, please call either Francine Whitten at 727-893-1042 or Cynthia Hayes at 727-893-1049. Thank you.

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Gulfport Church Donates Dozens of Toys to Operation Santa

Update: Operation Santa helped provide toys for all 64 families in Gulfport this year, the highest the program's ever seen.

When organizers with Operation Santa found out they had 64 families sign up to receive a gift under their tree, the Police Department put out a plea for help. Just in time for Christmas, the Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Gulfport donated dozens and dozens of toys. "They showed up and we walked outside, there were two vans full of toys," Sgt. Robert Burkhart said. "We were very happy, very thankful." Burkhart said. Burkhart said the donation included stuffed animals, games, and other toys for boys and girls. The department was able to stop by some homes a second time and deliver a few more presents because of the generous gift.

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How You Can Help This Holiday Season and Beyond

Families struggling to get by need your help putting presents under the tree. How you can make sure no one goes without a warm meal. And why homebound residents need your help now more than ever.

For the past 19 years the Gulfport Police Department has been making sure children receive toys during the holidays. But this year, they need your help more than ever. In the past organizers with Operation Santa have collected toys and gift cards for about 50 families each season. This year, they have 64 families signed up to receive presents and they need more donations to help those families. Administrative Assistant Cindy Hayes says, " It's been the economy, we knew it was going to happen someday." Hayes says they accept toys for infants to 10 years old, but currently the demand is higher for children between 8 and 10. You can still help by donating an unwrapped toy or gift card at the Gulfport Police Department between 8am and 4:30pm …

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