Video: 'We Did It,' Mayor Mike Yakes Says

Gulfport Mayor Mike Yakes says the city and it's residents gave him the opportunity to serve for 27 years.

On March 12, 2012, Gulfport voters will choose the city's next mayor and Mayor Mike Yakes will officially retire after 27 years of service. "Thank you for the opportunity," he said at a dedication ceremony on Saturday. On Saturday, Feb 23, hundreds of people gathered at the Gulfport Recreation Center to celebrate 27 faithful years and dedicate the new Michael J. Yakes Recreation Complex in his honor. Hear from Mayor Yakes about the ceremony in the attached video clip on this story. Related Coverage: Sign up for the Gulfport Patch email newsletter to stay connected to your community.

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Gulfport City Council

Complex to be Renamed After Mayor Mike Yakes

Gulfport will honor Mayor Mike Yakes for 27 years of continued service as an elected official by renaming the Gulfport Recreation Center Complex.

Gulfport City Council unanimously passed a resolution Tuesday night to rename the Gulfport Receation Center and surrounding playfields in honor of Mayor Mike Yakes. A dedication is planned for February 23, at 10 a.m. for The Michael J. Yakes Recreation Complex at 5730 Shore Blvd. S. Mayor Yakes is retiring after 27 years of continued service as an elected official for the City of Gulfport. Upon retiring in May, Yakes would have served as Mayor for 22 years from 1991 to 2013 and served as the Ward Four Councilmember prior to that from 1986 to 1991. The renaming of the complex is to recognize Yakes' devotion to good citizenship, his efforts for community betterment and his many years of faithful service to the City of Gulfport, according to …

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Memorial Day

Memorial Day Closings

Several local and county government offices are closed on Monday, May 28 in observance of Memorial Day including Gulfport City Hall, the Gulfport Senior Center and the Gulfport Public Library.

The following government offices will be closed on Monday, May 28. Closed in Gulfport Closed in Pinellas County Special Notes: County parks and preserves will remain open. Annual beach and boat ramp parking permits will not be available for sale. The Florida Botanical Gardens will remain open; the administrative offices will be closed. Heritage Village, the Environmental Education Center at Brooker Creek Preserve and the Cultural and Natural History Center at Weedon Island Preserve are normally closed Mondays. Regular hours of operation at all county facilities will resume on Tuesday, May 29.

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Gulfport Teen Council Looking for Outstanding Youth

Do you know a young person who has made a difference in another person’s life, in the community, or at school? Please share their story with the Gulfport Teen Council.

Help the Gulfport Teen Council recognize young people who've helped make a difference in the City of Gulfport. Do you know a child between 5 and 18 years old who has volunteered at a clean-up, organized a fundraiser, attended city meetings and events or even helped a neighbor with a weekend project? The Gulfport Teen Council wants to hear from you. Nominate a young person for the Gulfport Teen Council Outstanding Youth Award by filing out the nomination form attached to this story and turning it into the Gulfport Recreation Center. Awards will be presented by Gulfport Teen Council at City Council meetings Nominations are open to Young people 5 -18 years old who are still attending school. Nominees should reside or attend school in Gulfport…

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Sun and Fun Light up the Gulfport Rec Center

The Easter bunny made a stop at the Gulfport Recreation Center on Saturday during the Fun in the Sun celebration. City vehicles, officers and bounce houses were among the many activities.

Kids of all ages were invited to enjoy a free event at the Gulfport Rec Center on Saturday morning. After an Easter egg hunt, families gathered in the parking lot where a number of activities awaited them. City vehicles like a police car, a garbage truck and an ambulance were on hand for children to explore. The option gave kids the chance to sit in the drivers seat of their favorite vehicle. The operators of the vehicles were on hand to answer questions and educate the little ones. Inflatables were another popular offering at the Fun in the Sun event. There was a slide, an obstacle course and a bounce house. Peter Cottontail himself made his way to an Easter throne at the rec center, where he posed for photos and signed autographs. The …

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Bark for Life Draws Survivors and Furry Friends

The first annual Bark for Life event in Gulfport helped bring owners and pets together and raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Many are familiar with the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life events across the country. But, what about Bark for Life? Gulfport hosted the first ever Bark for Life event in Florida. People and dogs alike registered for $10 to take part in the fundraising event. The event included a survivor lap, pet-friendly vendors and a demonstration by a Pinellas County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit. Want to donate? Learn more about the American Cancer Society online. Want to participate? Relay for Life in Gulfport is on April 14, 2012 at the Gulfport Recreation Center. Learn more about signing up or donating to a team online.

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Viewfinder

Photo Gallery: Pirates, Princesses and More in Kids' Costume Contest

Dozens of people of all ages celebrated All Hallow's Eve at the Gulfport Recreation Center's annual Spooktacular Halloween Bash. Were you there? Upload your photos!

Friends, families and neighbors filled the Gulfport Recreation Center Monday night. The department hosted the annual Spooktacular Halloween Bash with carnival games, a costume contest, tot "boo room," snack shack and haunted house. Gulfport Patch snapped a few photos at the event. If you did, too, upload them on this story!

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Five Things to Know Today: Wednesday, July 6

Here are five things to know today as we have already hit Hump Day!

Here are five things to know for Gulfport residents on Hump Day (already!): 1) Per AccuWeather.com, it will be really muggy as you get ready for the workday with temperatures in the upper 70s and expected to be 83 by 8 a.m. The best chance of rain will be at 3 p.m. when the temperature is expected to hit its highest at 92. 2) Need to get your blood (and mind) pumping before work? Try Yoga in the A.M. The class is held at the Gulfport Recreation Centereach Wednesday. The class is $35 a month or $10 per class. 3) Caregivers support group: A group of caregivers for seniors will gather at the Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. South at 2 p.m. The group holds weekly meetings and is open to all interested parties.  4) Have baseball on the …

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