Public Meetings - Gulfport, Florida

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. Vice Mayor Thanos presided alongside Councilmembers Shaw and Early, with Mayor Love and Councilmember Jackson excused. The council conducted first readings of four ordinances establishing multi-year rate increases for water, sewer, garbage, and stormwater services. They also approved the annual law enforcement support agreement with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to community concerns regarding un-housed individuals living in vehicles, parking enforcement, and city code updates. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (July 15, 2025): The council voted unanimously to approve the meeting minutes from the July 15, 2025 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Resident Concerns on Encampments and Parking: A resident expressed frustration with individuals living in vehicles, particularly at the beach parking area, describing encampments, littering, and an incident of indecent exposure. The speaker proposed implementing a system offering four hours of free parking followed by paid time to discourage long-term occupancy by vehicles used as residences. - Support for Utility Ordinances: Resident Lenny Gukenheimer (5213 Dillett Avenue South) spoke in favor of the sanitation and sewer fee increases, emphasizing the importance of clean water and a functional stormwater system given the city's proximity to the bay. - Advocacy for Usage-Based Garbage Fees: An unidentified resident advocated for a "pay-as-you-throw" garbage fee structure, suggesting it could encourage recycling and composting, and expressed excitement about the city's existing compost program. Discussion Items - Municipal Code Enforcement (Living in Vehicles): The City Attorney reported that the city is researching ordinances from other municipalities to strengthen enforcement against living out of vehicles. Councilmembers Early and Thanos discussed the limitations of current laws, which allow legally parked, registered vehicles to remain in place, and the difficulty of enforcement when individuals simply relocate a short distance. - Water, Sewer, Garbage, and Stormwater Rate Increases (Ordinances 2025-05 through 2025-08): The City Manager presented the first readings of four ordinances implementing multi-year rate increases. The increases are driven by an 8% cost hike from Pinellas County for disposal, the need for capital improvements, and operational costs. Councilmember Shaw detailed the extensive infrastructure these fees cover, urging residents to read the supporting documents for transparency. Vice Mayor Thanos expressed a preference for exploring a usage-based stormwater fee based on lot permeability rather than a flat fee, suggesting an intern could study the feasibility. The city manager noted the garbage rate incorporates a five percent staff pay increase. - Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Agreement (Resolution 2025-60): The council reviewed the annual service agreement for dispatch, forensics, and support services. The City Manager noted an approximately three percent cost increase but stressed the significant savings over bringing services in-house, which is estimated at roughly $500,000 annually. Councilmember Early highlighted the refund mechanism for unused forensic callouts. - Federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Inquiry: Vice Mayor Thanos raised the topic of the federal DOGE inquiry. The City Manager confirmed the city has responded to an initial data request and provided raw financial data. He warned that the inquiry targets funding for climate change, equity, diversity, and electric vehicle programs, which could substantially impact the city's budget and priorities. He promised to share Pinellas County's detailed letter for council review. - Veterans Park Dinghy Access and Marina Status: Councilmember Early reported that boaters are tying dinghies at Veterans Park and climbing the seawall to access land, bypassing the temporary floating dock provided in Clam Bayou. The City Manager stated this is currently a code violation and noted the city can enforce no-anchoring rules. Planned action on this issue is likely deferred until the Casino dock reopens, which is expected within a year. - Future Discussion on Senior Center: Vice Mayor Thanos announced that a discussion item regarding the future of the senior center, including fundraising and potential changes, will be on the next meeting's agenda (August 19, 2025). - Community Updates: Councilmembers gave reports on the Fusion 49th corridor food truck rally (October 11), open enrollment at Dolores M. Smith Academy, a potential fire department therapy dog placed by a local nonprofit, the Adopt-a-Drain program, and the MySafe Florida Home program. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved: The council unanimously approved the minutes from the July 15, 2025 meeting. - First Readings of Rate Ordinances Passed Unanimously: The council unanimously approved first readings for four ordinances establishing multi-year rate increases for water service (Ordinance 2025-05), sewer service (Ordinance 2025-06), garbage collection (Ordinance 2025-07), and stormwater management (Ordinance 2025-08). Second readings and public hearings will be required for final adoption. - Law Enforcement Support Agreement Approved: Resolution 2025-60 authorizing the City Manager to execute the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Service and User Agreement with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office was approved unanimously. - Next Steps Discussed: The council discussed the need for a city-wide volunteer program, potential changes to parking regulations on Shore Boulevard, and exploring a pay-as-you-throw garbage model in the future. A formal discussion on the senior center was scheduled for the August 19, 2025 meeting.

The City of Gulfport held a workshop on July 22, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall to review lessons learned from the three major storms of 2024 (Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton) and discuss upcoming changes under Senate Bill 180. The meeting featured presentations from the city manager, Justin (permitting and dashboard), public works director Tom Nichols, and David (volunteer software), along with two public comment periods. Key themes included improving substantial damage assessments, permitting, code enforcement, communication, and community coordination. Public Comments & Testimony - Robert asked about code enforcement on unmaintained properties (hoarding, vegetation) and businesses on Shore Boulevard that remain damaged and uncleaned. He questioned whether the city is fining owners or cleaning up the sites. - Keith Andrew inquired about the city's preparedness if federal FEMA funding is redirected through the state of Florida, and whether Gulfport has communicated with state emergency management. The mayor responded that state officials have indicated not to count on FEMA, but funding sources remain unclear. - Matt Bonano (resident) reported frequent storm drain backups on his block (three drains at his intersection) and asked if the city can clean, widen, or add more drains. City manager acknowledged debris issues and tidal limitations but noted drains are televised and cleaned regularly. - Jeremy Wood (business owner, GC, Lions Club president) expressed frustration with permitting delays, stating he couldn't pull a simple drywall permit, which increased costs for residents. He requested the city reimburse the Lions Club's $886 permit fee, as the club was not notified of substantial damage in time to apply before the free permitting period ended. - Laurel Oldaney informed the public that the My Safe Florida Home program opens for applications on August 4, 2025, offering up to $10,000 matching funds for hurricane hardening. - Tom and Kathy Bixler (Alliance Foundation) echoed the Lions Club's request, stating they never received a substantial damage letter until late June, then had to pay $886 for a permit. They asked council to waive the fee under "extreme circumstances." - Catherine Sullivan asked for a percentage breakdown of substantial vs. non-substantial permits applied for since the hurricanes. Discussion Items - Permitting and Substantial Damage Assessment: City manager Jim reviewed the storm sequence and the $176,000 cost for outside plan review (T&M). He stressed the need for strict quality control, real-time damage assessment software, and on-site letter generation. The city has 525 active flood damage prevention cases, down from 637 initial letters. Of those, 473 are open, 52 closed with no damage, 10 with demolition permits, and 9 finalized as conforming. 28 properties with SDE letters 50% have no activity; 12 of those have NFIP claims. One property is a potential substantial damage risk with no communication. - Senate Bill 180: The city manager outlined new state requirements, including local responsibility for substantial damage assessors (contractors must be hired by the city, not state), public-facing electronic permitting, no look-back period, tenant rights, and required presence of law enforcement/fire at shelters. Training templates from the state are not yet available. - Code Enforcement: One code enforcement officer currently handles vegetation violations (54 open cases) and unpermitted work (about 100 stop work orders). The city plans to hire additional temporary code enforcement via contractors. - Public Safety: Deputy Chief Lund and Chief Farrand described pre-storm outreach to special needs residents, water rescues (number not specified), and post-storm security. The police department notified businesses of mandatory closures during state of emergency. - Communications: Justin presented the hurricane center page and constant contact newsletter (52% open rate, 4,000 contacts). The city uses social media, a call center (893-1000), and pre-storm advisories. He also showed a dashboard tracking flood damage prevention cases. - Get Connected Volunteer App: David introduced a new software (Galaxy Digital) for organizing volunteers, allowing nonprofits (e.g., Lions Club, Midtown Collective) to post needs and schedules. The app can also support block captain programs and community projects. Training is underway. - Mayor's Remarks on Gulfport Recovers: The mayor thanked the volunteer group that developed a post-storm recovery guide, now posted on the hurricane page. The guide covers step-by-step actions for residents, including photo documentation, debris removal, and permitting. Key Outcomes - No millage increase: The mayor stated that the council has a consensus not to increase the millage rate for the upcoming budget. - Contractor for Substantial Damage Assessments: The city will contract with a private provider (selected via Pinellas County RFP closing July 24) to supply a floodplain manager and field inspectors, with city oversight to ensure quality control. - Code Enforcement Resources: The city will seek additional code enforcement personnel, potentially through the same contractor, to handle the backlog of violations (unpermitted work, high grass). - Training for HOAs: Council discussed the possibility of training for HOA boards on post-storm responsibilities. The mayor suggested coordinating with the Community Association Institute. - Lions Club and Alliance Foundation Fee Waivers: Council took no immediate action but acknowledged the requests; future discussion may occur. - Volunteer App Implementation: The Get Connected app will be launched soon, with training for city staff and then community organizations. The app will be named "Gulfport Connects" or similar. - Future Communication: The city will continue to improve the hurricane page and use town halls for resident updates.

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. The meeting featured presentations on the Duke Energy Clean Energy Connection program and the Charter Review Committee's recommendations. Council passed a smoking ban in city parks, set the proposed millage rate at 4.0258 mills, and accepted an FDOT grant, while continuing discussion on a green space zoning amendment. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The council unanimously approved the meeting minutes from the July 1, 2025 meeting. Presentations - Duke Energy Clean Energy Connection (CEC): Travis Knauss and Jeff Baker presented an update on the city's participation in the CEC program. The program offsets 10% of the city's scope 2 emissions. Over three years, Gulfport paid $57,000 in subscription fees and received $50,000 in energy credits. The projected payback period is 17-24 years, with estimated net savings of $60,000 to $120,000 over the 33-year program. Mayor Love inquired about wind projects, land use for solar arrays, and the distinction between this off-site utility program and on-site rooftop solar. - Charter Review Committee: Chairperson Joe Guenther presented the committee's recommendations on assigned charter sections (103, 302, 305, 306, 1005) and provided unsolicited feedback on Section 304. The committee found several other sections adequate. Council discussed timelines, favoring a single comprehensive review for the March 2026 ballot over a rushed November 2025 submission. The committee was directed to review the entire charter. Public Comments & Testimony - Lauren Stern and Karen Schwartz advocated for implementing a remote public comment option to increase accessibility for snowbirds, seniors, and residents with conflicting work or childcare schedules. - John Bryan questioned the enforcement priorities, contrasting the new smoking ban with existing, unenforced littering ordinances. - Lenny Guckenheimer praised the 4th of July parade and suggested holding a public workshop on the charter review to educate voters before the referendum. - Wolfgang Dininger (Gulfport Grassroots) reported removing 170 lbs of trash during a beach cleanup with 18 volunteers, including scouts. He expressed support for the no-smoking ordinance. - Lisa Melkey (Waterfront District) raised concerns about individuals living in vehicles along Shore Boulevard, proposing extended parking restrictions and time limits to address the impacts on businesses and residents. - Deb Atkins requested that presentation materials be posted online for public reference and that changes resulting from the hurricanes be documented for the historical archive. - Bob Carring Schulden advocated for a baffle box stormwater filtration system, offering pro bono services from a local engineer, to address flooding and trash. Mayor Love clarified that the city is awaiting the final watershed study (expected Fall 2025) before pursuing specific capital solutions. Discussion Items - Code Enforcement Process: City Attorney Salzman provided a detailed explanation of the code enforcement workflow, including notice requirements, the role of the Special Magistrate, fine structures ($250/day initial, $500/day for repeat violations), and the distinction between police matters (living in vehicles, public camping) and code enforcement (property maintenance). - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): City Manager O'Reilly reported a productive meeting with Forward Pinellas. Council agreed on 40% lot coverage and maintaining setbacks. Outstanding issues include parking requirements, owner-occupancy, and utility fees. A potential conflict with Pinellas County's interpretation of Senate Bill 180 is being reviewed. - Coast Guard Building & Marina Properties: The City Manager briefed council that the former Coast Guard building is 90% destroyed and contains asbestos. Options for removal are being explored, as rebuilding is deemed cost-prohibitive due to elevation requirements. The Lions Club lease may not be renewed. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 2025-03 (Smoking Ban in Parks): Passed unanimously on second reading, amending Chapter 17 to prohibit smoking in city parks, athletic fields, and children's play areas. An amendment to explicitly add the word "parks" to the language passed in a subsequent unanimous vote. The ban does not currently apply to Williams Pier. - Ordinance 2025-04 (Green Space Definition): Continued to the next meeting to correct language regarding 100% pervious surfaces and the exclusion of walkways. - Resolution 2025-58 (FDOT Grant): Passed unanimously, authorizing the City Manager to accept and expend a Section 5310 grant for seniors and individuals with disabilities, along with an associated budget amendment. - Resolution 2025-59 (Millage Rate): Passed unanimously, setting the proposed FY 2025/2026 millage rate at 4.0258 mills. Mayor Love noted that public hearings are scheduled for September. - Charter Review: The charter review committee was directed to conduct a full review of the city charter, aiming for a single referendum on the March 2026 ballot. - Rain Barrel Program: Council granted consensus to subsidize half the cost of rain barrels ($22.50) for Gulfport residents. - Sustainability Internship: Council directed the City Manager and Human Resources to evaluate bringing on an unpaid student intern focused on sustainability, resiliency, and water quality. - Permitting Customer Feedback: Council reached consensus to implement a customer service survey card for the permitting department, modeled after the City of St. Petersburg's system. - Absences & Next Meeting: Councilmember Jackson and Councilmember Early will be absent on August 5, 2025, potentially breaking quorum. The City Clerk was asked to poll members on the availability of July 29, 2025 as a possible make-up date.

The Gulfport City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. The meeting featured presentations on the utility rate sufficiency study and the senior center campaign transition plan, public comment from numerous residents, approval of consent items and ordinances, a discussion of the building department permitting process that resulted in the cancellation of an RFQ, and an overview of the proposed fiscal year 2025-2026 budget including a hurricane expense update. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:45 PM. Consent Calendar - Item 6a: Approved the meeting minutes from June 17, 2025. - Item 6b: Approved Resolution No. 2025-53 authorizing expenditure for annual maintenance of the Andrews Technology UKG Web Based Time & Attendance System. (Both items passed unanimously.) Public Comments & Testimony - Albert Reisenberg (19th Ave S): Expressed support for conservation incentives in water, sewer, and garbage rates to save money and resources. - David Bodenstead: Appreciated the senior center presentation; offered to host ward-level meetings to gather input; inquired about donating property to the city. - Karen Muller (retired physical educator, senior center volunteer): Described her strength training and aerobics class with 36–50 participants; emphasized the importance of the senior center and the need for larger space. - Zenid Merck (senior center user, Manchester building): Shared how the senior center provided social connection after personal losses; warned that closure for renovations would devastate her. - Laura Oldaney (5130 9th Ave S): Requested public works clear storm drains; asked for a fiscal status update (noted it was on the agenda); supported variable trash fees; argued that investing in the senior center is wiser than in the casino or marina. - Jennifer Tarant (VP, Gulfport Senior Center Foundation, St. Petersburg): Affirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting the senior center regardless of direction, reporting over $250,000 raised in the past two to three years. - Elizabeth Mulano (Italian American Society of St. Petersburg): Noted her organization uses the senior center for language classes with over 185 members; supported an expanded facility. - Glenn Casanita (Tai Chi instructor): Described overcrowding in current space; cited health benefits of Tai Chi for seniors and urged creation of more space. - Courtney (Gulfport Landia): Requested implementation of remote public comment options; referenced Key West’s vote to void its 287(g) agreement with ICE. - Anita Frankhauser (nutrition director, Neighborly Care Network): Noted the lunch program requires two seatings to accommodate up to 100 people; strongly supported a new senior center. - John Coleen (Foundation board): Listed recent accomplishments (courtyard renovation, enlarged pre-event receptions) and upcoming events; praised the senior center. - Amy Costa (Foundation board): Clarified that foundation fundraising events are for the whole community; encouraged attendance; spoke to the need for a larger, safer city asset. - Unnamed resident (trolley park issue): Complained about a homeless person living in the park and urged the city to take action. Discussion Items - Utility Rate Sufficiency Study (Andrew Burnham, Stantec): Presented a proposed three-year rate plan with 8% increases in fiscal years 2026 and 2027, decreasing to 5% indexing thereafter. For a typical 2,000-gallon user, the all-in increase (including sanitation) is about $8.30/month. Council discussed conservation-oriented rate structures and comparisons with nearby communities. - Senior Center Campaign Transition Plan (Rachel Cataldo, Senior Center Supervisor): Reported $2.8 million committed (including $1.5 million federal grant) but noted the city lacks a council-endorsed vision for the project. Stressed the need for clear direction to maintain donor trust. Council members expressed support for the center but requested options between renovation and new construction. A future discussion item was agreed upon. - RFQ for Building Department Permitting Process Evaluation (Item 9a): City Clerk announced the RFQ was canceled because the process was ethically and legally compromised (a council member shared other bids with a vendor). The council discussed alternatives, deciding to keep the department in-house, direct the city manager to implement improvements (customer service, 5–10 day turnaround, potential AI, and aligning with county requirements where possible), and revisit after hurricane season. - Proposed FY 2025-2026 Operating/Capital/Recovery Budget (Items 9b & 9b1): City Manager O’Reilly presented a flat budget with a 3.9% property value growth, recommending 5% salary increases for all employees and noting $300,000 in lost revenue. Shannon Farrell provided a hurricane expense update: $7.6 million spent, $6.9 million reimbursed to date; open purchase orders total $8.3 million; many projects are complete or in process. The budget discussion included the potential to adjust the millage rate. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Ordinance 2025-03 (Tobacco in Parks) – First Reading: Approved unanimously (5–0). - Ordinance 2025-04 (Green Space Permeability) – First Reading: Approved unanimously (5–0), with amendments to be added for second reading regarding 100% permeability and synthetic turf allowances. - Resolution 2025-54 (Gator Dredging Beach Stabilization Phase 1): Approved unanimously (5–0). - Resolutions 2025-55, 2025-56, 2025-57 (Insurance Renewals): Approved unanimously (5–0). - Building Department Permitting: The RFQ process was canceled; council directed the city manager to implement improvements to customer service, turnaround times, and to consider a hybrid model while keeping the department in-house. The issue will be re-evaluated in January 2026. - Budget Direction: Council acknowledged the proposed budget and indicated general support for 5% employee raises, maintaining the state lobbyist, and keeping the current millage rate, with further discussion scheduled during budget hearings. - Future Items: Council agreed to schedule a discussion on the senior center vision; Vice Mayor Thanos will request a presentation on the city’s flood rating; Councilmember Shaw will explore a resiliency internship; remote public comment options are to be researched.

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. The meeting covered presentations on fireworks safety and short-term rentals, public comments, ordinance and resolution approvals, and extensive discussions on building permitting, the budget, and city governance. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:02 PM. Presentations - Fireworks Safety – Chief Mary Farrand presented: fireworks that go up in the air or explode are illegal except on July 4th, December 31st, and January 1st (per state law). City ordinance requires fireworks to stop by 11 PM on those days. Violations can result in an $88 fine (class five). Council discussed enforcement, which is complaint-driven via the non-emergency number (727‑582‑xxxx). Residents are urged to call in complaints and be willing to provide their name. - Short‑Term Rental (STR) Update – Code Enforcement Officer Heather Wyble provided an update: since June 1, 2024, 16 complaints have been filed; 18 total cases closed, 10 unfounded, 8 went to magistrate (short‑term rental listings must be removed/updated immediately). Currently, 250 active short‑term rental listings exist in Gulfport (including the marina area). 414 combined listings on platforms like Airbnb/VRBO. Monitoring uses Granicus software for compliance. Complaints can be reported by phone (727‑893‑1106) or email (hwyble@mygulfport.us). Violations can result in $500/day fines if not brought into compliance. The zoning map distinguishes permitted (slashed areas) and conditional use areas (requiring council approval). - Senior Advisory Committee Update – Chairperson Caron Schwartz was absent; no presentation was given. Public Comments & Testimony - Robert Rubin (51st St S) asked about financials: how much has been spent on repairs, revenues expected, status of FEMA reimbursement, and use of Bank of America line of credit (responded to later). Also raised concerns about vessels near the marina identified as abandoned by police, progress on pier repairs and peer railings by Hoosier Welding, silt fences at 54th Street, and a large hole near the “Backyard” area requiring sand placement. - Marsan (St. Petersburg resident, Airbnb operator) expressed concern that STR complaints are “not legitimate at all” and are being driven by a “group of women” targeting all Airbnbs. She argued that short‑term restrictions hurt entrepreneurs, especially after hurricanes, rising taxes, and insurance costs. She stated she will likely have to sell her property. - Wolfgang Deninger (Beachway, Gulfport Grassroots) reported on the June 14 beach cleanup: 11 volunteers collected 44 pounds of trash, noting a significant reduction in cigarette butts (citing the no‑smoking ban in parks). Announced next cleanup July 12th and a “grass mob” on June 21st at 3450th St to cut an overgrown lawn. Asked about fireworks restrictions: state law allows fireworks on three holidays but no other local constraints were discussed. - Katherine (regarding Planning & Zoning Board role) asked for clarification on the board’s duties (Gulfport Code §221603). Expressed that recent meetings (few in 2022‑2024) seem procedural; the board seeks transparency to proactively provide input beyond items referred by council or staff. - Amy Costa (Midtown Business Collective, Wonderworks) asked about bike racks on Gulfport Blvd (county road) and offered to have businesses host racks if the city assists with purchase. Suggested a poll/survey to gauge resident sentiment on short‑term rentals. Expressed support for STRs in midtown to support businesses, contrary to current restrictions. Also invited everyone to the Midtown monthly meet‑and‑mingle (second Wednesdays). - Jonathan expressed whole‑hearted support for Councilmember Early’s paddle‑boarding proposal and ADU‑friendly policies: ADUs increase affordable housing without changing neighborhood character, support aging in place, multi‑generational living, and environmental sustainability. Urged allowing ADUs in flood zones (FEMA‑compliant) and noted that the comp plan policy on not increasing density in flood zones does not apply to ADUs. - Karen Huger (2642 Tifton St) spoke about the value of short‑term rentals for affordable family vacations (shared personal experience in Florida Keys). Stated she has never had problems with neighbors’ STRs and supports them as a housing option. Consent Calendar - Item 6.a – Approved meeting minutes from the May 22, 2025 workshop and June 3, 2025 regular meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Adoption of Ordinances - Ordinance 2025‑02 (First Reading) – Amends the City’s Comprehensive Plan per the evaluation and appraisal review (EAR) process under Florida Statutes §163.3191 and §163.3184. Linda Fisher (Forward Pinellas) presented: the update is required by state law; it includes a private property rights element, minor housekeeping changes, and population projections (Gulfport stable, 3% increase by 2050; 37% of households cost‑burdened). The data/analysis appendix is unadopted. The process: transmittal to state (Florida Department of Commerce) with a 60‑day review, then adoption after second reading. Motion to approve passed unanimously (5‑0). Resolutions - Resolution 2025‑52 – Authorizes the City Manager to purchase three (3) replacement police department vehicles (hybrids) and associated emergency equipment for a total cost of $225,230 (corrected from a memorandum typo of $290,425). Equipment includes new video systems, body cameras ($21,000), and upfitting. Three hybrids replace four previously planned conventional vehicles. Resolution passed unanimously. Discussion Items - Permitting Discussion – The council discussed the future of building permits after Pinellas County “politely declined” to take over Gulfport’s permitting (plan A). Plan B is an efficiency study; an RFQ (request for qualifications) for efficiency experts is due June 23, 2025. The council agreed to: 1. City Manager to gather proposals from RFQ respondents and bring top candidates (without company names) for council input at the July 1 meeting. 2. Mayor Love to attend the Reddington Beach meeting (June 25) to assess SafeBuilt’s performance there. 3. City Manager to have exploratory conversations with SafeBuilt and other potential third‑party providers (e.g., Tow & Taylor, SafeBuilt) to gauge capacity and interest for a hybrid model. 4. An efficiency study will inform whether to retain in‑house operations, contract out, or adopt a hybrid model. The council emphasized need for a clear service‑level agreement and survey of permit customers. Key Outcomes - Approvals: Consent minutes, Ordinance 2025‑02 (first read), Resolution 2025‑52 – all passed unanimously. - Permitting Next Steps: RFQ responses to be evaluated; council to receive update at July 1 meeting; efficiency study to commence; permit‑user surveys to be considered. - Budget Preparations: The council discussed the need for budget priorities (public safety, resilience, etc.) and will receive the City Manager’s annual budget memo on July 1. The proposed millage rate remains unchanged; council may consider adjustments. - ADU Policy: Councilmembers to share their positions on the 18 ADU‑related questions (parking, flood zones, etc.) within a week, after which the City Manager will assess consensus and recommend a workshop or council discussion. - Charter Review: The council confirmed the Charter Review Committee should focus on the five sections requested by council; after completing those, they may review the entire charter. - Emergency Look‑Back Workshop: A workshop on July 22 will evaluate the city’s emergency response (excluding permitting); a mental‑health component will be included. - Citizen’s Academy: Councilmember Shaw proposed creating a Citizens Academy (modeled after the Citizens Police Academy) to educate residents about city governance; this will be discussed further. - Trolley/Shuttle: Councilmember Shaw raised interest in adding shuttle stops on Gulfport Boulevard and the Tangerine area for night markets. Council Comments & Reports - Councilmember Early reported on Florida League of Cities training for newly elected officials (37 attendees, two‑day sessions) covering effective council techniques, municipal finance, governance, etc. She is seeking appointment to the Intergovernmental Relations, Mobility, and Emergency Management Committee. - Mayor Love (via roll‑call) reported: ethics committee dismissed complaint against her; town hall on June 25 (topic: legislative session). Attended Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council meeting; learned about a hazmat trailer for training, brownfields updates, and hurricane preparation (active season but gulf currents less conducive to storms this year). Attended Forward Pinellas meeting; discussed transportation plan, housing regulatory action plan (relevant to ADUs), and building back better. - Councilmember Shaw reported on: dangers of celebratory gunfire; ride‑along with Marine Officer Chastain on boat‑removal process (step‑by‑step, legal timelines); attended Flag Day ceremony; senior center visits; meeting with business leaders; launch of “What’s on Your Mind” events; fire station tour (impressed by professionalism). Report on Florida League of Cities training: emphasized “local voices making local choices” (1922 principle). Shared statistics: 411 cities, 67 counties; 2,270 elected mayors/council members; 60% of cities under 10k population; Florida 24 million population; 143 million visitors; Tampa Bay second‑largest metro. Urged water‑resource management priority. - Councilmember Jackson reported: volleyball tournament on July 12 on the beach (4+ temporary courts); pickleball court cameras now available. - Mayor Love’s closing remarks: addressed reasons for vacant homes (elevation program, waiting for contractors, materials like kitchen cabinets). Noted that permitting complaints are down; inspections are timely. Encouraged public engagement and emphasized city’s ongoing progress.

The Gulfport Planning and Zoning Board met on June 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The board approved minutes from a previous meeting, heard a presentation on EAR-based amendments to the 2018 Comprehensive Plan, and elected a chairperson and vice chairperson. No public comments were made. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the meeting held on July 3, 2024. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comment. Discussion Items - Evaluation and Appraisal Review (EAR)-Based Amendments to the 2018 Comprehensive Plan: Linda Fisher of Forward Pinellas presented the proposed amendments. The amendments are required by state law and include: a new Private Property Rights Element, housekeeping additions to the Future Land Use Element (policies 1.1.9 and 1.8.2), updates to the water supply work plan and capital improvements schedule, and corrections to typographical errors. Fisher noted the plan must be updated every seven years; the city submitted its EAR letter in March 2023 but is behind on adopting the amendments. She explained that the changes are ministerial and do not alter the city’s policy direction. Board members asked about specific policies, including references to the Tampa Bay Regional Transit Authority (no longer exists), outdated advisory committee names, and a mathematical error in flood zone percentages on page A2. Fisher acknowledged the errors and agreed to correct them. A discussion also arose about accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and whether they would conflict with the comp plan; Fisher clarified that ADUs are not counted as density increases under the countywide plan, but policy decisions on ADUs would be deferred until after the comp plan adoption. The board then made a motion to recommend approval of the amendments to city council with the corrections discussed. - Selection of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson: A motion was made and seconded to elect a chairperson and vice chairperson. The board voted unanimously to approve the motion. The transcript indicates Mary (likely Board Member Hanarhan) was recommended and elected to chair, and the vice chair was also elected (no name given). - Discussion on Board's Role: During other business, board members discussed the role of the Planning and Zoning Board in relation to city council. Deputy City Clerk Hartman explained that the board is advisory and takes direction from council. It was clarified that the board does not initiate policy changes but waits for council direction. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of minutes from July 3, 2024. - Motion to recommend the EAR-based amendments to city council with corrections. The motion passed unanimously (all ayes, no opposed). - Election of chairperson and vice chairperson by unanimous vote. - No formal action on ADUs or other policy changes; these will be addressed after the comp plan adoption in approximately 4–6 months.

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. The meeting opened with an invocation by Councilmember Nancy Earley and the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was taken with all council members present: Councilmember Earley, Vice Mayor Thanos, Councilmember Shaw, Councilmember Jackson, Mayor Love, City Attorney Evans (standing in), City Manager O'Reilly, and City Clerk Carico. The agenda included a hurricane preparedness presentation, public comment, consent items, a resolution endorsing the Gulfport Coastline Coalition, and a discussion on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Presentations - Hurricane Preparedness Update – Justin Shea, Cultural Facilities Events Supervisor, presented the 2025 NOAA hurricane outlook predicting an above-average season: 13–19 named storms, 6–10 hurricanes, and 3–5 major hurricanes. He highlighted the new "Pledge to Evacuate" on the city's Hurricane Center page (MyGulfport.us), which serves approximately 5,000 utility customers, with about 1,400 homes in the FEMA special flood hazard area. He urged residents to prepare emergency kits, secure properties, and plan for pets. Special needs evacuation registration is available through Gulfport Fire and Rescue. The Citizens Information Call Center (727-893-1000) will be activated during storms. Boater safety placards were distributed to 65 vessels on Boca Ciega Bay on May 22, 2025. Consent Calendar - Resolution No. 2025-50 – A resolution appointing a resident trustee to the Gulfport Municipal Police Officers' Trust Fund (Pension Board). Approved unanimously. - Meeting Minutes – Approval of minutes from the May 20, 2025 meeting. Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Jeremy Wood (60th Street, licensed contractor) – Commented on permitting inefficiencies, suggesting the city recruit trained staff from other jurisdictions and use the Accela system like Pinellas County. - Ingrid Bredenberg (56th Street) – Requested that when advisory groups or committees are formed, the city clarify their purpose, criteria, and selection process, and that newly hired or promoted staff be introduced with their qualifications. - Catherine Kelly and Linda Breen (Gulfport Pride) – Announced the new Gulfport Pride board and the upcoming Pride event on Saturday, June 7, 2025, including a raffle and vibrator race to benefit local nonprofits. - Deb Atkins (27th Avenue) – Referenced a Tampa Bay Times article (May 31) about Pinellas County revising storm permitting to allow residents to use contractor estimates without waiting for substantial damage determinations. Asked Gulfport to adopt a similar strategy. - Wolfgang Dininger (Gulfport Grassroots) – Reported a spontaneous clean-up of three vacant homes on June 2, and announced the next scheduled "Beyond the Beach Cleanup" on June 14, 2025, from 8–10 AM at Pavilion 4 on Gulfport Beach. - Scott Lindy (60th Street, Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce) – Invited everyone to the June 14 mixer, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Gecko Season, with a new website and membership software. - Lenny Gukenheimer (Dillette Avenue) – Expressed concern about information flow from staff to council, suggesting a charter amendment to protect council-staff communication. Also noted the Fusion 49th district meeting was well-attended. - John Rintels (Dillette Avenue) – Praised the resiliency workshop but urged council to "walk the talk" on resilience, especially regarding development in flood zones. He warned against repeating mistakes like those at Town Shores that increased flooding. - MJ Kozelowski (27th Avenue/58th Street) – Thanked Vice Mayor Thanos and Justin Shea for assistance during the disaster; asked if special needs shelters have pet areas. - Courtney Pro Capis (15th Avenue South) – Noted that council meetings were streamed over 2,400 times between April 1 and May 7, and requested virtual public comment participation. She thanked the city for recording the hurricane seminar and resiliency workshop, and suggested a workshop on accessibility. - Marilyn McClellan (56th Street) – Raised a chronic flooding issue at 56th and 25th Avenue South due to an unmaintained income property; asked for enforcement. - Amy Costa (28th Avenue, Wonderworks owner) – Requested a crosswalk or traffic light on Gulfport Boulevard between 52nd and 58th Streets to improve pedestrian safety, noting the road is a county evacuation route but the city might fund it. - Jeanette Sells (26th Avenue South) – Urged the city to consider acquiring the 31st Avenue South parcel for a park, possibly via eminent domain, and suggested a referendum to let residents decide on funding. - Paula Roy (Del Rio Way South) – Described her 8-month struggle to obtain permits after Hurricane Helene; questioned why 127 of 525 active flood cases have not applied for permits, and asked what consequences exist for non-compliance. Discussion Items - City Manager Report on Permitting Enforcement – Justin Shea explained that courtesy letters were sent on May 30 to 98 property owners with less than 50% damage who had not applied for permits, and 29 certified letters to those with over 50% damage who had not responded. The goal is compliance; next steps could include notices of violation and daily fines. The city is also waiting for a FEMA audit. - Council Comments and Reports – Councilmembers discussed various topics: - Councilmember Early reported on Fusion 49th’s second anniversary meeting and the 49th Street safety study recommendations (lane reduction, bike lane). - Vice Mayor Thanos discussed plans for community block groups (like CrimeWatch), tree limb/root rights, condo vs. house flood repair rules, and a town hall on June 25 at 6 PM at the Neighborhood Center featuring a Florida League of Cities speaker. - Councilmember Shaw thanked staff for Memorial Day commemoration, rec center reopening, and Pride flag raising; clarified that permitting concerns are about the system, not staff; and reported on the Tampa Bay Resiliency Planning Council kickoff, emphasizing prevention and a 45-year vision. - Councilmember Jackson addressed email blocking (non-intentional), suggested budgeting for a resiliency officer or grant writer, and asked for a presentation from an expert on permitting process improvements. She also requested a police chief update on fireworks rules for July 4th. - Mayor Love reported on the Forward Pinellas meeting (June 9), the Tampa Bay Resiliency Planning Council meeting at Stetson, and her meeting with Palms of Pasadena Hospital CEO who dispelled rumors of closure (they are moving ICU to St. Petersburg). She also noted the termination of Kinetic fundraising for the senior center and the need for a plan B. - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Discussion – City Manager O'Reilly presented an overview: Florida statute defines ADUs, and the city's comprehensive plan currently prohibits density increases in the coastal high-hazard zone. Council consensus was to explore ADUs using the existing 40% floor area ratio rule, with no minimum lot size, but with restrictions such as owner-occupancy likely and no ADUs in high-hazard flood zones. A special meeting or workshop will be scheduled to align council positions before drafting ordinances. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar – Resolution 2025-50 and May 20 meeting minutes approved unanimously. - Resolution 2025-51 – Endorsing the Gulfport Coastline Coalition passed unanimously (5-0). Councilmembers noted the city's comprehensive plan supports such acquisitions, but funding remains a challenge. - Permitting Enforcement – The city will monitor responses to courtesy letters before moving to enforcement actions. The portal will continue to show SDE letters for non-compliant properties. - ADU Exploration – Council agreed to proceed with discussion; staff will compile council positions on key questions (owner-occupancy, parking, height, flood zone exclusion) and schedule a special meeting to determine if a full workshop is needed. - RFP for Permitting Efficiency Expert – Council authorized Assistant City Manager David Mathers to issue a short-form RFP to solicit proposals from up to three companies to evaluate and improve the permitting process, with costs to be presented to council. - Future Meetings – The next council meeting is June 17, 2025; a town hall (June 25), a workshop in July, and a special ADU meeting in August/July are planned. Mayor Love announced a "Gulfport 2050" town hall in September for long-term visioning. - Ethics Case – Council will discuss withdrawing the pending ethics case against Vice Mayor Thanos at the next meeting, with the regular city attorney present.

The Gulfport City Council convened a workshop on May 22, 2025, focused on environmental resilience and post-hurricane recovery. All council members (Jackson, Early, Thanos, Shaw, Love) were present along with the City Manager and Clerk. Five presentations were given covering stormwater management, estuarine health, energy efficiency, native planting, and a critical land acquisition opportunity in the Marina District. Public Comments & Testimony - Nathaniel Kidder (Havana Ct): Urged the Council to immediately secure a unique 5.67-acre coastal parcel with littoral rights in the Marina District, warning of a pending developer offer. Suggested a bond to finance the acquisition. - Laura Oldaney (9th Ave S): Requested a public update on the city's fiscal status post-storms. Expressed concern over maintaining current green infrastructure before adding new projects. - Dela Larn: Strongly supported the land acquisition, arguing that losing the parcel to developers would permanently harm the community's character. Called the $5M cost a minimal long-term investment. - Jonathan McCoachy (Realtor): Argued that preserving natural land raises property values. Predicted a surge in city revenue from rebuilt homes (without Save Our Homes caps). Suggested creating a city "Resiliency Officer" position. - Jeanette Sells, John Rintels, Amy, Deb Atkins, Levi, Karen Schwartz: Unanimously urged Council to act immediately to preserve the coastal parcel, citing community fabric, flood risk reduction, and the irreversibility of development. Discussion Items - Wood Ibis Drainage Evaluation (Justin Keller, Advanced Engineering & Design): Mr. Keller presented the Watershed Management Plan (WMP) and Vulnerability Assessment. The Wood Ibis pond was designed for water quality only, not flood control. Three main options to meet Level of Service given sea level rise were: 1. Gravity-only system: $7.5M - $10M. 2. Isolation Berm: Ineffective for targets. 3. Hybrid pump station: $5M - $7.5M. A fourth option (off-site water collection) will be studied in the full WMP. Council discussed the challenge of balancing acceptable flood levels with financial reality. - Tampa Bay Estuary Program (Maya Burke): Ms. Burke detailed the TBEP's resources, noting that 60% of nitrogen pollution in Tampa Bay comes from urban stormwater runoff. She highlighted accelerating sea level rise (10 inches since the 1940s) and the economic value of a healthy bay ($32 billion regional impact). She offered grant and technical support, specifically mentioning the Bay Mini Grants open until September. - Sierra Club Energy Presentation (Brian Beckman): Mr. Beckman outlined a path to 100% renewable energy through efficiency, on-site installation, and purchasing. He used Clearwater and Dunedin as examples of city solar programs and rebates. He detailed federal IRA incentives for heat pumps, insulation, and solar. Councilmember Jackson noted the marina building has solar and discussed plans for the library roof. - Gulfport Beach Native Planting & Erosion Control (Priscilla Kidder & Amanda Haygood): Ms. Kidder proposed using deep-rooted native vegetation to anchor sand and prevent erosion, contrasting it with the failure of "gray" infrastructure during storms. She applied for a $57,000 matching TBEP grant (not awarded). Amanda Haygood from Eckerd College offered student volunteers for service-learning projects. City Manager O'Reilly confirmed the city pledged $60,000 in matching funds for the grant. - Gulfport Coastline Coalition (Courtney Prokopas): Ms. Prokopas presented a proposal to conserve a 5.67-acre coastal property in the Marina District currently zoned for high-density development. She described the parcel's ecological importance and the social vulnerability of the surrounding area (18.2% poverty rate, 25% with disabilities). The Coalition requested a non-binding resolution of support from the Council to formally seek grants and partner with the county. Key Outcomes - Coastal Parcel Endorsement: Council unanimously agreed to place a resolution on the June 3, 2025 agenda to formally endorse the Gulfport Coastline Coalition's efforts to acquire the Marina District parcel. The City Manager will draft the resolution, which explicitly commits no city funds. - Fiscal Caution & Recovery: Mayor Love reported on a FDEM meeting, strongly warning against making decisions based on projected FEMA reimbursements, citing political and seasonal uncertainty. The council acknowledged the city's depleted reserve funds and the timing of hurricane season. - Resiliency Projects: The city will explore using FDEM's 406 Mitigation program to fund up to 15% in added resiliency features (e.g., living shoreline buffer) during the rebuild of the casino/beach area. The city also agreed to formally review adopting the TBRPC Resiliency Plan. - No Action on Prior Vote: Councilmember Shaw's request to reconsider the paving contract awarded Tuesday was denied by the rest of the council, who declined to revisit the vote. Her suggestions regarding hybrid police cars and a neighbor-to-neighbor block captain program were deferred to a future regular business meeting. - Comp Plan Update: Mayor Love clarified that the city is entering the statutory compliance phase of the comprehensive plan update before material changes (like Level of Service standards) can be considered.

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at City Hall. The meeting included a presentation from the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC), a public hearing and unanimous passage of a smoking ban on municipal beaches, approval of several operational resolutions, and a lengthy discussion on reforming the city's building permitting process during the post-hurricane recovery. Presentations & Guest Speakers - Megan Blancher, Coastal Ecologist for TBRPC, presented the Regional Resiliency Action Plan (RAP) and emergency preparedness resources. She highlighted regional collaboration on sea level rise, storms, flooding, and extreme heat. She also introduced the TBRPC Emergency Management Hub created between Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the ongoing disaster recovery resources available to the city. Consent Calendar - Approved the meeting minutes from May 6, 2025. - Resolution No. 2025-45: Appointed Nathan Bruemmer to serve on the Board of Adjustment. Public Comments & Testimony - Volleyball Court & Ethics Complaint: Charlotte Downey requested a knee wall be reinstated at the volleyball court and urged the council to withdraw the ethics complaint against Councilwoman Thanos, characterizing the complaint as "petty and vindictive." - Fusion 49th: Nancy Dunham celebrated the district's second anniversary, highlighting the Safe Streets program and requesting a future formal presentation to council. - Chamber of Commerce: Scott Lindy invited the community to a meet-and-greet on June 14th. - Parkview Camera: Lisa Chestnut requested the city partner with ParkView to install a live camera feed at Chase Park, submitting a petition with over 130 signatures. - Gulfport Coastline Coalition (4990 31st Ave S): Multiple residents urged the council to secure the coastal parcel for public use as a park, citing flood risks (FEMA flood zone designation), the need for resilient land use, and property value benefits. - Remote Meeting Participation: A speaker presented data showing 2,425 streams of council meetings between April 1 and May 7 and urged the formation of a committee on accessibility to allow virtual participants to speak during public comment. - Smoking Ban: Wolfgang Dininger and SWAT students thanked the council for the beach smoking ban but urged its extension to all city parks and the pier. - General City Issues: Lisa Melkey thanked new leadership for beach restoration progress but raised concerns about constituent emails being blocked, pedestrian safety on 49th Street, and homeless encampments. Discussion Items - Building Department Permitting Process (2): City Manager Jim O'Reilly presented three models (fully in-house, fully outsourced to Pinellas County, or a hybrid), noting the current 25-year-old system was overwhelmed by a 45.4% increase in post-storm permit applications. Council debated whether to outsource or fix internal processes. Councilmember Jackson supported a hybrid model with an AI chatbot. Vice Mayor Thanos argued for a full process review before a structural change. Councilmember Shaw requested a detailed presentation from Pinellas County. Mayor Love strongly advocated for full outsourcing to the county to free up staff for other recovery tasks and new state requirements (SB 180), stating, "We don't get the complaints... we focus on other things." The council agreed to invite Pinellas County for a formal presentation on their services before making a final decision. - Charter Review Committee Recommendations: The committee (Chair Joe Gunther, Vice Chair Aaron Beaman) is ready to receive council recommendations. Councilmembers submitted desired sections for review, with the top priority sections being 103, 302, 305, 306, and 1005. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 2025-01: Unanimously passed on second reading, prohibiting smoking (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, tobacco products) on municipal beaches. Council directed staff to draft a similar ordinance for parks and the pier. - Resolutions Approved: - No. 2025-46 (Pinellas County MIFO Interlocal Agreement). - No. 2025-47 (SML Inc. records management funding). - No. 2025-48 (Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc. roadway milling). - No. 2025-49 (Hoosier Welder, LLC Williams Pier railing). - City Manager Report Actions: - Placed Kinetic Fundraising on 30-day notice to terminate contract. - Announced Commander Farron as top candidate for Police Chief. - Updated storm-property status: 39 of 155 high-damage properties remain uncontacted. - Announced installation of a temporary dinghy dock at the marina. - Future Business: - ADU discussion scheduled for June 3, 2025. - Pinellas County permitting presentation to be scheduled. - Hurricane response "look back" workshop scheduled for July 22, 2025. - Resiliency workshop scheduled for May 22, 2025.