Public Meetings - Gulfport, Florida

The Gulfport City Council met on April 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included a Spirit of Gulfport Award presentation, public comments on a range of topics, consideration of seven resolutions, and discussions on the building department permitting process, storm recovery updates, and the upcoming capital improvement budget. Key votes included the failure of a resolution to contract with Workforce Solutions for substantial damage support and approval of a contract with Tidal Basin Government Consulting for similar services. Spirit of Gulfport Award - Mayor Love presented the Spirit of Gulfport Award to William "Billy D" Drexler for over 13 years of community service as treasurer and teammate of the Gulfport Boomerangs, including food drives and charity fundraisers. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the April 1, 2025 City Council meeting (Item 5a). - Approved Resolution No. 2025-30 appointing members to the Board of Adjustment. - Approved Resolution No. 2025-31 appointing members to the Planning and Zoning Board/Local Planning Agency. Public Comments & Testimony - Neen Miller: Described a permit issue for a condo bathroom renovation after being told by a contractor no permit was needed; city code enforcement issued a stop-work order; she requested temporary allowance to install a toilet and vanity while she obtains proper permits. - Wolfgang Dininger: Reported that the Gulfport Grassroots beach cleanups have collected 192 pounds of trash in April with 52 volunteers; urged council to direct the city attorney to draft an ordinance banning smoking on Gulfport beaches, noting many nearby cities have bans. - Ed Benson: Expressed strong opposition to entering into an agreement with Tidal Basin Government Consulting (Resolution 2025-37), calling the company's prior substantial damage determinations "egregious" and urging council to vote no. - Deb Atkins: Noted five abandoned properties in her neighborhood eight months post-storm, with overgrown grass and rodent issues; asked the city to address these. - Barbara Leonard: Supported Resolution 2025-38 to renew plan review support with Tew and Taylor, praising inspector Dave Taylor; described difficulties with Tidal Basin's initial damage letter that overstated damage; also questioned why the marina is not selling fuel, losing over $100,000 per month in revenue. - Marilyn McClellan: Raised safety concerns about one-way streets on Beach Boulevard (cars going wrong way) and suggested a bulkhead or rocks in front of the casino to prevent boat collisions. - Courtney Perkopis: Asked about Gulfport Police Department's policy regarding ICE collaboration; requested a presentation at the next meeting; inquired about the city's attendance at an FDEM webinar on hazard mitigation grants; asked about the status of a planned resiliency workshop; and encouraged participation in the Recover Pinellas survey. - David Bodenstead: Suggested revising the city's standard appeal language that requires citizens to pay for a verbatim transcript for appeals. - Margaret Tober: Complimented the council's last meeting; questioned why the billing department does not report to finance; asked how accounts can be re-aged without payments. - Lenny Gukenheimer: Proposed establishing a charter review commission to examine city governance and communication between council and staff. - Karen Schwartz: Advocated for regular council workshops to improve communication with staff and the public. - Brenda Probasco: As a contractor, presented comparative data showing Gulfport's permit fees and wait times are among the highest in the region; gave examples: 15 business days minimum review (longest), $578 fee (highest), outdated software; suggested the city explore alternatives. Discussion Items - City Manager Report on ICE Policy: City Manager O'Reilly stated Gulfport PD will not actively seek individuals based on immigration status; if an ICE hold is identified, officers will notify ICE and detain for up to one hour, but will not arrest or take to jail. Mutual aid partners apply their own policies in their jurisdictions. - City Attorney Report – Smoking Ban: Council members indicated support for a smoking ban on beaches. The city attorney will draft an ordinance for future consideration. - Charter Review Commission Process: Discussion on how to appoint members: council will receive options from the city clerk and consider the process at the next meeting. - Resolution 2025-32 (Council Rules): A motion to amend failed; the resolution passed as written by a 3-2 vote (Councilmember Shaw and another dissented? Actually, three supported leaving as written, two wanted change). - Resolution 2025-33 (Hoyt Field Sod): Approved after discussion on warranty, installation timeline (May 5th), and insurance. - Resolution 2025-34 (Debris Removal Payment): Approved; city manager explained final cost is $1.25 million due to higher-than-expected volume. - Resolution 2025-35 (Stormwater Pipe Relining): Approved; project addresses ongoing pipe joint failures, not storm-specific. - Resolution 2025-36 (Workforce Solutions): Extensive debate on whether to fund additional inspections for properties with 50% damage that have not contacted the city. Councilmembers Thanos, Early, Jackson, and Mayor Love expressed opposition, arguing homeowners should take initiative and the cost is too high. The resolution failed 0-5. - Resolution 2025-37 (Tidal Basin Government Consulting): Despite strong public opposition citing Tidal Basin's prior errors, council narrowly approved 4-1 (Councilmember Early opposed) to retain one staff member for technical support to correct previous inaccurate assessments. - Resolution 2025-38 (Tew and Taylor Plan Review Extension): Approved unanimously; provides additional plan reviewers to clear permit backlog. - Building Department Permitting Process Discussion: Council and public explored options: outsourcing to Pinellas County, using a private provider (e.g., Safe Built), maintaining in-house with improvements. No decision made; council will provide specific goals (e.g., 7-10 day turnaround) for staff to evaluate. - Storm Event Recovery Project Update: Tom Nichols presented ongoing projects: completed items include beach playground, Chase Park, Senior Center, and road repairs. Pending: Hoyt Field sod (May 5), Casino ship store permit expected this week, historic floor repair requiring certified engineer, marina gas pumps awaiting ship store reopening. Beach volleyball courts under design with Army Corps. - Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Program Budget: Brief introduction; primarily funded by Penny for Pinellas funds; council will review further. Key Outcomes - Smoking Ban on Beaches: Council directed city attorney to draft an ordinance; public hearing expected at a future meeting. - Appointments: Mayor Love appointed to Forward Pinellas board; Vice Mayor Thanos to Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council; Councilmember Shaw to Sun Coast League of Cities. - Charter Review Commission: Council to decide on appointment process by next meeting (May 6, 2025). - Permit Fee Waiver: Extended until May 6, 2025; homeowners must apply by that date to qualify. - Temporary Dock Use for Dinghies: Council directed city manager to develop rules allowing temporary tie-ups to the dock by Coast Guard station during emergency recovery, with signage at owners' risk. - Future Agenda Items: Presentations requested on Narcan use, human trafficking signs (Selah Freedom), Tampa Bay Regional Planning resiliency plan, and stormwater month proclamation. City to conduct a post-storm "look back" review.

The City of Gulfport City Council held its organizational and regular meeting on April 1, 2025, focusing on hurricane recovery, procedural reform, and community engagement. Organizational Proceedings - City Attorney Salzman called the meeting to order and conducted the swearing-in of newly elected officials: Councilmember Marlene Shaw (Ward II), Councilmember Nancy Earley (Ward IV), and Mayor Karen Love. Councilmember April Thanos and Councilmember Cozy Jackson continued their terms. Mayor Love pledged to lead with transparency, compromise, collaboration, active listening, and decorum. Councilmember Shaw gave the invocation. - Commander Howard Bush of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Officer Travis Parrish for securing their building and equipment after Hurricane Helene. Consent Calendar - The meeting minutes from March 4, 2025, were unanimously approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Wolfgang Dininger (Gulfport Grassroots) reported on community cleanups, collecting over 900 pounds of trash in two weeks, and invited volunteers to an April 12th cleanup. - David Bodenstead expressed hope and encouraged the new council to maintain Gulfport's community character. He thanked the approximately 2,500 voters who participated in the election. - Charlotte Downey urged the council to prioritize environmental impacts in decisions, spend money wisely, and govern with mutual respect. - Nancy Dunham (Fusion 49th President) promoted upcoming neighborhood cleanups and specifically requested the presence of the fire chief at the April 22nd cleanup. - David Algren thanked Mayor Love for her inclusive and peaceful rhetoric. - Courtney Prokopis introduced the Gulfport Coastline Coalition (GCC) and requested the city's endorsement for acquiring a 5.67-acre property at 4990 34th Street South for conservation and public use. - Steve Siverson and Deb Atkins requested an extension of free permit fees for residents still recovering from the hurricanes. Ms. Atkins also requested more frequent online permit status updates (noting it had not been updated since March 7th). - Margaret Tober offered a $200 personal donation toward painting murals on the beach bathrooms. She also praised the city staff for their work. - Ingrid Bredenberg announced a World Labyrinth Day walk for peace on May 3rd. - Tim Lizione congratulated the council on their clean campaigns and offered to serve as a community resource. City Manager Report & Discussion - July 4th Cancellation: City Manager O'Reilly recommended canceling July 4th activities due to the condition of the pier, beach, and casino area. The council unanimously concurred on safety grounds. - Permit Fee Waiver: Following public testimony, the council unanimously extended the permit fee waiver for 30 days (until May 5th), restricting it exclusively to properties with Substantial Damage Estimate (SDE) letters. The city has processed over 700 permit applications with approximately 40 pending, and roughly 300 SDE-lettered properties have not yet made contact. - Top Permitting Process Delays: City Manager O'Reilly detailed the primary reasons for permit application delays: incomplete applications, vague scope of work, missing floor plans or cost breakdowns, lack of product approval, failure to meet current building codes, wrong appraisal type (needing actual cash value over standard real estate value), missing photos, missing elevation certificates, and contractors failing to file a Notice of Commencement. - Infrastructure Updates: The comprehensive land use plan update is expected to go before the Planning & Zoning Board in May. Marina repairs face additional permitting delays due to new Army Corps of Engineers requirements imposed by FEMA. Discussion Items & Procedural Reforms - Vice Mayor Appointment: Councilmember April Thanos was unanimously appointed Vice Mayor. - Board Appointments: Councilmembers were directed to submit their board and committee appointments by April 10th. The General Employee Pension Board vacancy will be actively advertised in local media. - Rules and Procedures Overhaul (Resolution 2024-21): The council reached consensus on significant reforms to their operational rules: - Public Responses: Policy changed from "will not attempt" to "may attempt" to resolve public questions during the meeting, preferably after the City Manager's report. - Consent Agenda: Any single council member may now request an item be pulled from the consent agenda for separate discussion and vote. - Agenda Order: Council Comments and Reports will be moved earlier on the agenda (after City Attorney/Clerk reports) to allow for greater public engagement. - Speaking Time: Council reporting time expanded from a 5-minute limit to a 10-minute maximum. - Parliamentarian: The City Attorney will formally serve as parliamentarian to ensure proceedings adhere to adopted rules and decorum. - Conference Reports: Reports on attended meetings are now mandatory, particularly if city funds were used. - Public Decorum: Rules will be strictly enforced regarding silencing phones, restricting side conversations, and prohibiting applause. - Charter Revisions: The council agreed to address the charter's harsh criminal penalty for council members emailing staff without copying the city manager, moving toward a progressive discipline framework. They also expressed interest in having input on top-level staff hires, such as the Police Chief. Key Outcomes & Next Steps - Formal Votes: Appointment of Vice Mayor (unanimous), extension of permit fee waiver for SDE properties (unanimous), approval of meeting minutes (unanimous), approval of $1,000 donation to YMCA swimming lessons (consensus). - Initiations & Directives: - Charter Review: The City Clerk and City Attorney were directed to initiate a formal Charter Review process. - Permitting Discussion: A comprehensive discussion on permitting department operations and online status systems will be added to a future council agenda. - Resiliency Workshop: A workshop allowing public input on community resilience and potential coastal land acquisition will be scheduled. - Procedural Resolution: The agreed-upon changes to council rules and procedures will be drafted and brought forward as a formal resolution for a vote at the next meeting. - Legislative Outreach: The city will seek a presentation from the Florida League of Cities on outcomes of the state legislative session.

The meeting opened with an invocation by Councilmember Thanos, the pledge of allegiance, roll call, and a presentation by Kendrix Anderson, President of the American Public Works Association, honoring two city employees for their achievements in an equipment rodeo. The agenda included public comment, reports from the city manager and attorney, approval of minutes, and six resolutions authorizing contracts for storm-related infrastructure repairs. The council discussed hurricane recovery finances, permit fee waivers, and received legislative updates. Vice Mayor Ferdovich delivered farewell remarks on his final meeting after a decade of service. Consent Calendar - Item 5.a – Approval of Meeting Minutes: The council voted unanimously (5-0) to approve the minutes from the February 18, 2025 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Kelly Garcia invited residents under 50 to a casual meet-and-greet with city leaders on March 5 at the brewery, aimed at engaging the next generation. - Richard Freed launched extensive criticism of national politics and local council members, personally attacking Councilmember Brown and stating she would be named a collaborator in future trials. He accused the council of being on the wrong side of history. - Ms. Love (Gulfport Grassroots) announced the second Saturday beach cleanup and the Great American Cleanup on March 15, both from 9-11 a.m., with all supplies provided. - Tom Bixler (Town Shores) reported that drywall installation is progressing across multiple buildings simultaneously and thanked the city for streamlining the permit process. - Fred Rowe (boater) requested improved shore access for vulnerable individuals, noted that the mooring field is too far from the dinghy dock, and asked whether a temporary seawall could be considered. He also inquired about the repair timeline for the dinghy dock. - Karen Schwartz (Dillette Ave South) alerted the public to the PSTA board meeting on March 26, 2025, where new bus routes will be voted on; she explained the consolidation into two main lines (71 and 49) with better Sunday and later service. - Kathy Downey (resident) proposed mandatory sewer line inspections for home sales, asked City Attorney Salzman about sunshine law applicability to council appointments, and expressed appreciation for Vice Mayor Ferdovich's apology. - Christopher Fultman (57th Street) reported that his window permit (completely separate from a contractor's permit) is being held up because the city is requiring his contractor to assume responsibility for the windows. He needs the permit released by March 10 for a mitigation survey and insurance rebate. - Michelle Marlene Shaw announced a Fusion 49th District cleanup on March 22, reported break-ins at vacant homes on Trade Winds, and suggested the city pilot the C‑Click Fix reporting system. - Unnamed speaker (Shore Boulevard) questioned the March 31 deadline for free flood permits, noting that many residents received substantial damage letters late and haven't yet obtained appraisals or insurance payouts. - Courtney Pro Copis (Stetson area) reported positive momentum from Fusion 49th District meetings, thanked volunteers, and criticized Vice Mayor Ferdovich's apology as insufficient, demanding a public affirmation that the behavior will not recur. - Susan Gore (Town Shores) requested an update on former councilmember Ian O'Hara's payment plan (answered later) and asked why city horticulturist Toefra Cross is no longer employed by Gulfport. - Investigative reporter (Crawford newspaper) announced discovery of 411 fraudulent vote-by-mail ballot requests submitted without identification on January 11, affecting Gulfport voters and candidates. A criminal complaint has been filed with Gulfport Police and a grand jury investigation has been requested. He urged the city to notify voters. City Manager's Report City Manager Jim O'Reilly discussed the March 31 sunset of permit fee waivers. He stated the city has waived almost $1 million in fees and cannot continue indefinitely. Councilmember Brown argued that waivers should be limited to properties with substantial damage letters and not apply to developers. The council directed staff to bring back a plan within 30 days, balancing fairness to impacted homeowners with fiscal responsibility. O'Reilly reported on building inspection staffing: 59 plans remain in review, 92 permits were issued early this week, and 24 new applications arrived. He estimated general fund revenue losses of $1.455 million due to casino closure, waived fees, and reduced marina income. Utility enterprise funds lost about $24,000, and an additional $811,000 in enterprise fund revenue is expected to be lost until fuel sales resume. The city is considering a FEMA loan to manage cash flow. Hurricane Recovery Finance Presentation Risk Manager Shannon presented storm recovery finances: - Expenses paid to date: approximately $5.5 million across FEMA categories (debris removal, emergency protective measures, roads, water control, buildings/equipment, parks, and community development staffing). - Pending purchase orders: $3.5 million open. - Reimbursements received: $850,000 from NFIP (Hurricane Helene), $2.8 million from property insurance (Helene), and $343,000 from property insurance (Milton). Additional insurance recoveries are pending. - Projects pending completion: ship store, South Basin, Coast Guard building, Clam Bayou piers, parks, roads, casino, volleyball courts, beach, docks. - Cost sharing: FEMA typically covers 75%, state 12.5%, city 12.5%. Full reimbursement is not guaranteed. - Shannon indicated she is waiting on FEMA guidance for casino repairs. City Attorney's Report City Attorney Salzman responded to two public questions: - Brother Mohammed and HRO: Having Brother Mohammed participate in city activities would not violate the Human Rights Ordinance. - Ian O'Hara payment plan: The first payment has been made; the next payment is due March 15, and a balloon payment is required by July 1. The council will be notified if payments are missed. City Clerk's Report City Clerk Carico reminded the council of the March 11 election and requested consensus to cancel the March 18 meeting because election results cannot be certified within seven days. The council agreed to cancel; the next regular meeting will be April 1, 2025. Resolutions Approved The council approved six resolutions, each by a 5-0 vote, authorizing contracts for hurricane-related repairs: - Resolution 2025-24: Authorizes an agreement with Lizotte's Welding to fabricate and replace aluminum railing along Shore Boulevard South between 54th Street and Beach Boulevard. - Resolution 2025-25: Authorizes payment to Tetra Tech, Inc. for debris monitoring and management services incurred during Hurricane Milton. - Resolution 2025-26: Authorizes an agreement with SPATCO Energy Solutions, LLC to replace two fuel dispensers at the marina. - Resolution 2025-27: Authorizes an agreement with Enterprise Marine Contractors, Inc. to replace the Veterans Park Dock. - Resolution 2025-28: Authorizes an agreement with Enterprise Marine Contractors, Inc. to replace the Clam Bayou South Dock. - Resolution 2025-29: Authorizes an agreement with Enterprise Marine Contractors, Inc. to replace the Clam Bayou East Dock. Discussion on Resilience and Public Stewardship During consideration of the fuel dispenser and dock resolutions, Richard Freed spoke against the expenses, arguing the items will again be destroyed and the spending is poor stewardship of taxpayer money. Kathy Downey suggested the fuel dispensers should include breakaway features to prevent environmental damage and urged prioritizing the ship store. The city manager stated that all dock damage was storm-related and that new docks will be built to current building codes. Councilmember Thanos asked whether the new docks could be built to be more resilient, and the city manager noted that codes have changed significantly since the original construction. Council Comments and Reports - Councilmember Thanos: Provided an overview of Florida League of Cities legislative priorities, including proposed property tax exemptions, increases to sovereign immunity caps (from $200,000 to $1 million per person per incident), restrictions on impact fees limiting increases to 40-50% over four years, mandatory accessory dwelling unit allowances on single-family properties, and a new bill prohibiting driving through floodwater. She also noted pending proposals on affordable housing, short-term rentals, and enterprise fund transfers. - Councilmember Brown: Reported working with the city clerk on YMCA swimming classes and collecting resident feedback about road conditions on 11th Avenue South. - Councilmember Jackson: Described a community cleanup on March 2 at a neighbor's home suffering from hurricane damage and dementia, supported by Tom Nichols who arranged special pickup and sidewalk repairs. - Vice Mayor Ferdovich: Delivered farewell remarks, thanking the council, staff, and residents for ten years and five months of service representing Ward 4. - Mayor Henderson: Nominated William Drexler for a Spirit of Gulfport award for his volunteer work with the Gulfport Boomerangs senior softball team, raising funds for local charities including PetPal, Jackson and Out, and the Gulfport Senior Center. Key Outcomes - Approvals: All voting items were approved unanimously (5-0): the minutes of February 18, 2025, and Resolutions 2025-24 through 2025-29. - Directives: City Manager and staff will present a plan within 30 days for extending permit fee waivers, targeting substantial-damage property owners while excluding developers. - Meeting Cancellation: The March 18, 2025 regular meeting is cancelled; the next regular meeting is April 1, 2025. - Spirit of Gulfport Award: A nomination for William Drexler was accepted; the award will be considered at a future meeting.

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a presentation on GIS and regional resiliency, extensive public comment regarding post-hurricane recovery and prior council conduct, and the unanimous approval of several resolutions. Presentations - Meghan Blancher, Coastal Ecologist from the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC), presented on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and regional resiliency planning. She highlighted TBRPC services, including geospatial analysis, and a project modeling high tide flooding for Gulfport in 2070, showing 183 days of flooding per year under a high-emissions scenario. Public Comments & Testimony - Wolfgang Dininger (Gulfport Grassroots): Reported collecting over 300 pounds of trash from the beach in the last two months, including 95 pounds on February 8. - Yolanda Roman: Called for Vice Mayor Michael Fridovich to be censured for comments made at the prior meeting which she characterized as discriminatory against Brother John Mohammed based on his religion (Nation of Islam). - Lisa Williamson: Criticized the city for a lack of open communication regarding damage letters and permits. - Barbara Banno: Shared her experience of sustained harassment as a public servant, reading a threatening message sent to a local organization. She committed to being more respectful. - Karen Love: Questioned how vacant homes receive water bills of $800–$1,500. Asked why the city rebuilds exactly as it was for FEMA reimbursement instead of using pre-existing plans to elevate and change infrastructure. - Courtney Prokopius: Welcomed Councilmember Jackson. Noted St. Pete Beach quickly responded to her offer of volunteer coordination, while Gulfport did not. Called for Vice Mayor Fridovich to be held accountable. - Anthony Michael: Thanked the city for new crosswalk lighting. Requested the city clear dead tree limbs from city property before the next hurricane season. - Sam: Raised questions about the marina building's damage status and spending on a contractor for the senior center. Announced his intention to file a lawsuit against contractor Title Basin for what he alleged were fraudulent substantial damage assessments. - Lenny Gukenheimer (Fusion 49 member): Asked if prior council comments about Brother John Mohammed caused his presentation to be canceled. - Deb Atkins: Expressed support for city staff working under stress. Thanked the city for the storm session. Requested more frequent updates to permit information. - A resident: Requested information about a planned tree and plaque for Ted Pottica in Clamor Park, noting a cost of $8,000. City Manager & Staff Reports - City Manager O'Reilly: Reported 794 permits issued of 1,006 applied for since September 27. Announced a letter sent to state legislators regarding issues with contractor Title Basin. Announced the promotion of David Mather to Assistant City Manager. A drainage study for the 58th Street area will be initiated. - Vice Mayor Fridovich: Stated he met with Brother John Mohammed, apologized for his prior comments, and that the apology was accepted. Consent Calendar & Resolutions - Consent Agenda (5.a): Approved meeting minutes from January 21 and February 4, 2025. (Unanimous) - Resolution 2025-20: Adopted the fee schedule for the 2025 Children's Summer Recreation Program (June 2 – August 8), maintaining prior year rates. (Unanimous) - Resolution 2025-21: Authorized a change order with Otis Elevator Services for the elevator modernization at Michael J. Yakes Recreation Center, addressing flood-related rust and a pit leak. (Unanimous) - Resolution 2025-22: Urged the Florida Legislature to create a public records exemption for municipal clerks and employees involved in elections or code enforcement. (Unanimous) - Resolution 2025-23: Approved the issuance of Educational Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds (Stetson University). The city confirmed it bears no liability for the bonds. (Unanimous) Council Discussion & Reports - Councilmember Thanos: Requested the adoption of the TBRPC Regional Resiliency Action Plan be placed on a future agenda for a vote. Reported on the RPC meeting, noting a potential 25% decrease in property tax revenue due to resident displacement and the availability of $800 million in HUD Community Development Block Grants in the county for projects in lower-income areas like the 49th Street corridor. Raised the issue of homeowners receiving contradictory substantial damage letters. Suggested the city develop a formal process for utilizing volunteers in future disaster responses. - Councilmember Jackson: Welcomed by the council. Reported on the Continuum of Care meeting, noting Pinellas County ranks in the top ten nationally for homelessness and food insecurity. - Councilmember Brown: Promoted the upcoming home tour. Key Outcomes - Vice Mayor Fridovich publicly apologized to Brother John Mohammed for prior comments and stated the matter was resolved. - David Mather was promoted to Assistant City Manager. - The council approved all consent items and four resolutions unanimously. - The city manager will investigate drainage issues on 58th Street and continue legislative outreach regarding Title Basin. - The council will consider adopting the Regional Resiliency Action Plan at a future meeting.

The Gulfport City Council met on February 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The agenda included a design update for the new Senior Center, resolutions for dock replacements and a special event, and the appointment of a new Ward III Council Member. The majority of the meeting was dominated by public testimony from residents displaced by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, who expressed severe frustration with the city's permitting process, inaccuracies in Substantial Damage Estimator (SDE) letters from contractor Tidal Basin, and a lack of timely communication. City staff presented a map of post-storm permits and proposed operational changes to address the backlog. Presentations - Senior Center Design Update: Ward Friszolowski and Amy Bradlow of Harvard Jolly/PBK presented a revised design for the new Senior Center and theater expansion. Changes include an additional elevator, an indoor walking track, a roof terrace, a larger fitness center (expanded from 835 to 1,450 sq ft), and flexible multi-purpose rooms connected by operable partitions. The total project cost is estimated at $15.35 million (down from $15.5 million), with a construction cost of $12.45 million for the 24,300 sq ft center and 2,600 sq ft theater lobby expansion. Council members praised the design, particularly the terrace and flexibility. Public Comments & Testimony - Community Event: Wolfgang Dininger (Gulfport Grassroots) announced a beach cleanup on February 8th, reporting the January cleanup collected 220 pounds of trash. He also promoted the Gulfport Special Delivery mailbox art fundraiser for the Senior Center Foundation. - Stormwater Drainage: Peter Ford and Barbara Baker (59th Street South) detailed persistent stormwater drainage issues, stating ditches are full and stagnant since the hurricanes. They argued the city's Stormwater Plan is failing due to lack of maintenance and requested the city ensure water can flow freely to Boca Ciega Bay. - Permitting Crisis (Dominant Theme): Multiple residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton voiced extreme frustration: - Glenda Hato, Sue Book, Lisa Shoey, Gaia Banovich (Townshores Residents): Reported catastrophic delays in permit processing. A master permit for 13 buildings was submitted January 3rd and remained in review for weeks. Residents contrasted this with a 5-day permit approval in Dunedin. - Phyllis Markham (58th Street S): Claimed a roof permit applied for in July was not processed before Helene, and disputed a 73% substantial damage letter, stating no water entered her home. - Deb Atkins: Requested weekly public updates on permits and substantial damage letters. Questioned who is holding Tidal Basin accountable for delays and inaccuracies, and asked why the city refuses to discuss "Option 2" (using actual repair cost vs FEMA ratio). - Courtney Perkoffis (Gulfport Landia): Proposed a volunteer program to assist the Community Development Department with clerical tasks, citing the Florida Volunteer Protection Act. A show of hands indicated strong interest in volunteering to clear the backlog. - Unnamed Resident: Successfully appealed their SDE letter from 76.2% to 38% damage after Justin of the city reviewed and found three data entry errors, urging others to verify the accuracy of their letters. - Charles Gale (Townshores): Begged the council to prioritize getting residents home. - Tidal Basin Criticism: Candidate for Mayor John Liccioni called the situation "Tidal Gate," alleging 50 documented false claims of substantial damage in Gulfport by Tidal Basin, with several appeals adjudicated as false. He warned of potential lawsuits against the city. Staff Reports and Discussion - Permitting Process & Backlog: City Manager O'Reilly, Building Official Clark Streiker, and staff member Justin outlined the severe operational strain. 97 permits are in the queue for data entry. The Townshores blanket permit application is 162 pages per building. 150 reviews are in the substantial damage pipeline. Staff is working 7 days a week, but permit clerks are facing a hostile work environment. - Proposed Operational Changes: Building Official Clark Streiker proposed closing the Building Department to the public from 9 AM to 1 PM Monday through Friday, following the model of Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach, to allow permit staff uninterrupted time to process permits. The Council indicated informal support for this measure. - Substantial Damage Letters: Justin reported that out of 55 problematic SDE cases identified, 15 have been closed, 40 are being re-evaluated, 2 corrected letters were filed, and 5 reversals are in progress. The goal is to send out the final batch of SDE letters by Friday, February 7th. - City Clerk: City Clerk Carico reminded residents of the February 10th voter registration deadline for the March 11th municipal election. She also requested permission to bring a resolution supporting state legislation for public records exemptions for municipal clerks. Resolutions - Resolution 2025-17 (Special Event): Approved a special event application for O'Maddy's St. Petersburg Grand Prix kickoff street party to benefit the PSA Check foundation and Carding for Kids. Passed 3-1 (Councilmember Thanos dissenting over the 11 PM music curfew). - Resolution 2025-18 (South Basin Dock): Authorized the City Manager to contract with Reuben & Clarson Consulting for design and construction oversight of the South Basin Dock Facilities Replacement. Passed unanimously. - Resolution 2025-19 (Casino Dock): Authorized the City Manager to contract with Reuben & Clarson Consulting for design and construction oversight of the Casino Dock Facilities Replacement. Passed unanimously. Discussion Items - Ward III City Council Appointment: The Council discussed three applications for the vacant Ward III seat. A debate occurred on extending the deadline, but the 30-day charter requirement necessitated an immediate vote. Councilmembers Fridovich and Thanos nominated Kosi "Cozy" Jackson, while Councilmember Brown nominated Joel Fetterman. The motion to appoint Kosi "Cozy" Jackson passed 4-0. Councilmember Brown encouraged Mr. Fetterman to consider serving on a city board. Council Comments & Reports - Vice Mayor Fridovich: Recognized Black History Month. - Councilmember Thanos: Announced a Town Hall meeting on February 6th at 6 PM regarding post-storm rebuilding. Requested a mid-year budget review. - Councilmember Brown: Requested an update on the Comprehensive Plan. Reminded residents of the city's Q&A session on permits (February 5th, 6 PM) and the Tour of Homes (March 1st). - Mayor Henderson: Reflected on the hostile political climate discouraging participation in public service. Key Outcomes - Ward III Seat Filled: Kosi "Cozy" Jackson was appointed to the Ward III City Council seat (Vote: 4-0). The seat was vacated by former Council Member Paul Race. - Building Dept. Closure: The Council informally agreed to close the Building Department to the public from 9 AM to 1 PM to process permits, effective immediately. - SDE Corrections: Staff will complete the final bundle of Substantial Damage Estimator letters by February 7th. Residents were strongly encouraged to verify their letters and contact the city if they suspect data errors. - Dock Replacements: Contracts were authorized for the design of the South Basin and Casino dock replacements. - Budget Review: A mid-year budget workshop was requested for March 2025. - City Clerk Support: A resolution supporting state-level public records exemptions for municipal clerks will be drafted for the next agenda. - Voter Registration: Deadline for the March 11th municipal election is February 10, 2025.

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The agenda featured presentations on opioid overdose response and homeless outreach, extensive public comment regarding FEMA substantial damage letter errors and recovery delays, approval of several consent items, and passage of five resolutions related to hurricane recovery including sanitation charge adjustments, additional plan review services, and infrastructure repairs. The council also discussed the process to fill the vacant Ward 3 seat. Consent Calendar - Approved the meeting minutes of January 7, 2025 (Resolution 2025-12) unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Wolfgang (community member): Expressed appreciation for the opioid/Narcan training provided by Jim Wright and a presentation by Karen Love. Reported that the Good Gulfport Grassroots beach cleanup on January 11 collected 212 pounds of trash from 20 adults and 9 children. - Maureen O’Connor (Upton Street resident): Described receiving a severe damage letter showing 97% damage despite having no damage. Criticized the city for sending inaccurate and incomplete Tidal Basin forms, and asked for rescission of the letters. - Paula Roy (Del Rio Way): Requested a public apology from Mayor Henderson for a prior comment that she felt was insensitive to flood-zone residents. Criticized city permitting processes as slow and contradictory, stating that FEMA and insurance had been responsive but the city had not. - Marie Lamar (46th Street South): Reported receiving a 29.5% damage letter despite having only water in an unfinished garage. Thanked Justin for assistance but demanded the letter be rescinded. - Deb Adkins (27th Avenue): Asked the city to resume publicizing permit and substantial damage letter statistics on the website. Also noted that Redington Beach disclosed a software error by Tidal Basin and asked if Gulfport had received similar communication. Called for using legitimate appraisals as substantial damage estimates. - Lauren Stern (Ward 4): Urged Mayor Henderson and Council Member Brown to attend candidate forums. Noted that the Ward 3 vacancy could have been filled earlier to allow a longer term for elected candidates, and nominated Jennifer Webb for appointment. - David Algren (18th Avenue South): Thanked city staff for their work, argued that the public should understand the city manager form of government, and nominated Cozy Jackson for the Ward 3 vacancy. - Freedom Indoctrination (public comment): Delivered a statement against what he called the “American Taliban fascist theocracy” and ripped an “Appeal to Heaven” flag, submitted as public record. - Teresa Bano (Coronado Ace): Reported that it has been 115 days since her family was displaced by the hurricane. Asked the council to consider amending Ordinance 22-6.02 to include stairways in the front-yard setback exception for homes being elevated. Asked for more compassion and faster processes. - David Bowdenstead (Luanna Lane): Expressed frustration with the process and asked about the Sunshine Law, noting he wanted to host a community event but could not invite two council members. - Courtney Prokopis (Gulf Portlandia): Suggested that public comment should be directed to the public rather than solely to the dais, and that the council could communicate how best to reach them outside of meetings. - Lisa Williamson (46th Street South): Requested open sharing of data on SD letters and permits. Volunteered her time to help in the permit office. - Alex Dunson (via business domiciled in Gulfport): Disputed a prior council member’s claim that he went through all her emails, saying the emails had already been pulled by another individual. Raised concerns about the Gabber newspaper and alleged bribery accusations. - Ms. Love (public comment): Stated that there is a disconnect between residents and leaders. Asked the city to hold a community meeting with planners, floodplain managers, and permitting staff to explain options to affected residents, citing that other cities (e.g., Redington Beach) have done so. - Charlotte Downey (13th Avenue South): Referenced a new state law requiring permits to be approved within 30 days if no defect exists, urging the city to inform residents of their rights. - Donna Kulba (36th Street South): Questioned why her contractor’s estimate was $45,000 under the 50% threshold but her SD letter said 94% damage. Asked whether photos submitted would lead to a corrected letter. - Marlene Shaw (23rd Avenue South): Again requested better communication and a presentation from the city. Presentations - Pinellas County Opioid Programs – Craig Hare (Director of EMS and Fire Administration) reported a decrease in fentanyl overdoses countywide. Over the past fiscal year, approximately 50 overdoses occurred in Gulfport. Programs include Leave Behind Narcan kits distributed at community events, and paramedic referrals to Gulf Coast Jewish Community Services for Suboxone treatment. Fentanyl is the primary drug, but overdoses occur across all demographics. - Directions for Living – April Lott (President & CEO) updated on the homeless outreach program, which covers Gulfport 2.5 days per week. On average, 14 unique individuals per month are encountered; as of January, only 6 had been seen. The program has had some successes, including moving known individuals into assisted living facilities. Relapse is part of recovery. Cold night shelters are at max capacity (e.g., 250 in Clearwater). Roughly 600 unsheltered homeless in Pinellas County countywide, with about 3,500 total (sheltered and unsheltered). Discussion Items - City Manager Report/Substantial Damage Letter Update – City Manager Jim O’Reilly and Building Official Justin presented data: 413 letters sent (216 substantially damaged, 197 non-substantially damaged) out of an estimated 600 impacted properties. There are 36 cases of residents claiming no damage who received a letter; 3 have been reversed so far. Errors are often due to data entry, incorrect superstructure type, or cluster-based assumptions. The city is working to correct these and will issue replacement letters. The city has 2 new plan reviewers already hired, and the council subsequently approved a contract for 4 more (Resolution 2025-13). The city manager stated that debris removal cost approximately $4.5 million and total recovery costs could be over $8–9 million. - Ward 3 Vacancy – City Clerk read resignation letter from Council Member Paul Ray, effective January 10, 2025. The council must appoint a replacement within 30 days (by February 14, 2025). Several residents nominated Jennifer Webb, Cozy Jackson, and others. Council members disclosed they have spoken to various candidates. The council decided to ask interested individuals to submit a resume and statement of intent to the City Clerk by January 28, 2025 (one week), and will make the appointment at the next regular meeting. Key Outcomes - Resolution 2025-12 (Sanitation charges for vacant multi-unit properties in high-hazard areas) – Passed 4-1 (Council Member Thanos voted no, arguing the benefit should extend to all displaced residents). - Resolution 2025-13 (Contract with Tew and Taylor for plan review/permitting support at a cost of $106,560) – Passed unanimously. - Resolution 2025-14 (Engineering contract with Reuben & Clarson Consulting for seawall and intersection repairs on Shore Boulevard and 54th Street South for $40,480) – Passed unanimously. (Council member asked that environmentally friendly living seawall features be considered.) - Resolution 2025-15 (Contract with Goal Setter, LLC for restoration of the Gulfport Municipal Marina ship store/baths) – Passed unanimously. - Resolution 2025-16 (Contract with St. Pete Construction Group for restoration of Michael J. Yakes Recreation Center, low bid $165,000) – Passed unanimously. - Appointment Process for Ward 3 – Candidates to submit resumes and statements by January 28; appointment at next council meeting. - Future Informational Night – Council and staff discussed holding a hurricane recovery information night (similar to hurricane preparedness fair) to help residents navigate the process. Details to be developed.

The Gulfport City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting was dominated by public outcry over the slow pace of recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, particularly regarding building permits and substantial damage determinations. A significant portion of the meeting also dealt with an ethics investigation into Councilmember Thanos for alleged charter violations. The council unanimously approved consent items and eight resolutions, mostly related to hurricane recovery contracts, and referred the ethics matter to the Florida Commission on Ethics. Consent Calendar Meeting Minutes: Approved minutes from the December 17, 2024 meeting. Resolution 2025-01: Authorized the City Manager to expend funds for annual consulting services from Milestone Professional Services, Inc. for the city's audit. Resolution 2025-02: Authorized the City Manager to expend funds for annual audit services with Forvis Mazars, LLP (formerly MSL, P.A.). Resolution 2025-03: Authorized a one-year agreement with Sweeping Corporation of America (SCA) to sweep curbed streets. Public Comments & Testimony Residents voiced intense frustration over the prolonged displacement and unclear permitting process following the hurricanes. Key points included: Francine reported a successful Operation Santa program helping 90 families and 300 children, thanking the community. Kelly (56th Street resident) noted damaged brick roads on the agenda and awaited discussion. Paul Raker (OUT Arts & Culture President) provided an organizational update, including a successful speakout dialogue and a $2,000 scholarship award. He announced the upcoming ReadOUT literary festival (Feb 14-16). Ed Benson (57th Street South) thanked city staff for a productive meeting but demanded action on building permits, stating: "I'm demanding you all take action and do something to help our affected residents. Get these damn building permits issued." Karen Goldberg (Marina District) reported being displaced for 103 days. She criticized the permit process as "abominable and unacceptable," noting her application was submitted over two months prior. She asked when qualified applicants would receive non-substantial damage letters and requested a more efficient process. Deb Atkins (27th Ave South) commended city staff (Mr. O'Reilly, Mr. Stryker, Katie) for their courtesy but expressed frustration over delays. She urged the council to adopt "option two" for substantial damage determinations, allowing applicant-supplied cost of repairs and market value appraisals, citing FEMA's own desk reference as allowing this. Peggy Bach (Coronado Way South) described being out of her home for four months. She applied for a standalone hot water heater permit on December 16 but had been waiting three weeks with no explanation. She noted the rules changed on December 19, adding 27 new pages to the permit packet. Wolfgang Dininger (Beachway Park) reported that 700 pounds of trash were collected in five beach cleanups co-hosted by Keep Pinellas Beautiful, coordinated with city staff. Marlene Shaw (58th Ave/23rd Ave South) requested updates on the number of substantial damage letters issued to homeowners and businesses, the status of repairs to the casino, rec center, and marina, and the timeline for the 49th Street district redevelopment. Charles Gale (Avalon/Town Shores) expressed shock at the delays, noting he had been living out of a suitcase for three months and considering relocating to Slovenia. He pleaded for expedited permits, highlighting limited FEMA assistance. Kathy Fabritus (Coronado Way) asked if permit fees were holding up the process, noting she saw a $2,174 figure. The mayor clarified that permit fees are waived through March. Karen Love (23rd Ave South) raised multiple questions: who is the floodplain manager, who decided the city would follow FEMA option one over option two, and why option two isn't being adopted. She asked if any emergency permits (water heaters, HVAC, electrical) have been issued. Bob County (short comment) acknowledged past council successes but pleaded for transparency on why the city cannot act faster, asking if "federal handcuffs" are the cause. Discussion Items Councilmember Thanos Investigation and Referral to Ethics Commission: City Attorney Salzman presented findings from an investigation into whether Councilmember Thanos violated Charter Section 305, which prohibits council members from directing or requesting the appointment or dismissal of employees, and mandates communication with employees only through the City Manager except for inquiry. The attorney reviewed voluminous emails and identified instances where Councilmember Thanos directed city employees (e.g., Chief Vincent, Tom Nichols) without copying the City Manager, which he deemed a violation of the charter and potentially Section 112 of the Code of Ethics. Options presented included: a policy correction, referral to the State Attorney (unlikely to act), referral to the Governor, or referral to the Florida Commission on Ethics. The attorney recommended the Ethics Commission for an independent review. Councilmember Thanos contested the severity, arguing that many communications were informational or about safety issues. Mayor Henderson expressed frustration, stating the charter rules are not hard to follow and that the council should not be distracted from hurricane recovery. Councilmember Brown made a motion to refer the matter to the Florida Commission on Ethics (and the Governor's office). Councilmember Thanos objected to including the Governor for political reasons. The council voted on the motion as amended (Ethics Commission only). The vote was 4-1-0 (Councilmember Thanos dissented), directing the City Attorney to submit the matter to the Commission on Ethics for an independent investigation. The council also agreed to revisit the charter language for possible amendment via referendum to clarify enforcement provisions. City Manager's Comments on Permit Delays: City Manager O'Reilly defended the pace of recovery, stating that the city is "tied to federal rules" (FEMA/National Flood Insurance Program). He reported that 233 substantial damage letters have been issued (110 substantially damaged, 123 not substantially damaged). He stated that the city has issued 427 permits since September 27, with 234 under review out of 637 submitted. He warned that adopting "option two" without documented clearance could jeopardize the city's standing with the National Flood Insurance Program and require retaining a new building official. He acknowledged the process "sucks" but insisted there is no "magic wand" and that the city is working within constraints. Key Outcomes Ethics Investigation: The City Council voted 4-1 to refer the investigation of Councilmember Thanos to the Florida Commission on Ethics for an independent review, taking the matter out of the council's hands. Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. Resolution 2025-04 (OUT Arts & Culture Special Event): Approved unanimously for the LGBTQ+ literary festival (ReadOUT) on February 14-16. Resolution 2025-05 (Williams Pier Damage Inspection): Approved unanimously. $14,000 contract with Stantec for engineering evaluation following hurricanes. Resolution 2025-06 (Brick Roadway Repairs): Approved unanimously. $56,640 contract with Leal Florida Tile and Brick Pavers for repairs on 56th Street and 27th Avenue, expected to start by the end of the week. Resolution 2025-07 (Beach Restoration Engineering): Approved unanimously. Scope of service contract with George F. Young, Inc. for design, permitting, and construction monitoring of the Gulfport Beach Restoration Project. The council discussed that the beach must be restored to pre-storm condition for FEMA reimbursement, but separate improvements (e.g., kayak launch) could be added as a separate project. Resolution 2025-08 (Wood Ibis Drainage Study): Approved 4-1 (Councilmember Brown dissented). $28,000 preliminary engineering report for drainage study of Wood Ibis and surrounding area. The project was expedited ahead of the comprehensive watershed study. Resolution 2025-09 (Emergency Debris Removal Payment): Approved unanimously. Payment to Phoenix Pollution Control for Hurricane Helene debris removal using roll-off containers. Resolution 2025-10 (Portable Toilets Payment): Approved unanimously. Payment of $1,596 to Servpro Industries for emergency portable toilets/hand washing stations at city-owned buildings. Resolution 2025-11 (Emergency Sewer Line Repair): Approved unanimously. Contract with Atlantic Pipe Services, LLC for open-cut sewer line repair on 59th Street (near 23rd Avenue), piggybacking on an existing contract. Town Hall on Permitting/Recovery: Council agreed to invite a FEMA or flood insurance representative to conduct a town hall in a larger venue (e.g., Hickman Center) to explain the federally-mandated recovery process, addressing misinformation and delays. Scheduling to be arranged. Debris Pickup at Lincoln Cemetery: Council agreed to allow the cleanup contractor to place storm-generated debris from Lincoln Cemetery at the curb for city pickup. Alley Repairs: Councilmember Ray requested concentrated efforts to level alleys damaged by fallen trees. City Manager to follow up. Pothole Repairs: Council noted potholes on 59th Street (Boca Ciega High School area and near Lincoln Cemetery) and a non-flashing school crossing light; temporary patching and county coordination requested.

On December 17, 2024, the Gulfport City Council held a regular meeting. The agenda covered an update on the Senior Center Capital Campaign, resolutions for hurricane remediation payments and a transit grant, a ballot lottery for the March 2025 election, and extensive public testimony on the post-hurricane recovery process. Presentations Janell Johnson and Aaron Johnson of Kinetic Fundraising, Inc. reported that the Senior Center Capital Campaign has raised $3 million of its $13 million goal. They stated that $28 million has been solicited in total, with $13 million still under consideration. The presenters proposed scaling back their on-site presence from six days per week to two days per week at a reduced cost. Council members expressed concerns about the lack of significant progress and the rising cost of construction. Consent Calendar - Item 5.a.: Approval of meeting minutes from December 3, 2024, was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony The majority of public comment focused on the city’s post-hurricane permitting and rebuilding process. - Emmett Walsh (2232 Beach Boulevard) criticized the city for failing affected residents, requesting 24-hour turnaround on minor permits and emergency funding for the building department. - Veronica Saladino (2713 46th Street South), Debbie Stoby (2702 45th Street South), and Brian Johns (Cornerstone Restorations, representing 151 units at Town Shores) described severe confusion regarding FEMA appraisal requirements and the valuation equation for the 50% rule, calling for immediate clarity to begin rebuilding. - Sue Book (Lancaster Building) and others questioned why a master permit cannot be used for condominium buildings, contrasting this with the approach in neighboring jurisdictions like Dunedin. - Annie Minick Beck (14th Avenue South) detailed a prolonged neighbor dispute involving unsafe parking, presenting a petition for council action. - Fred Rowe requested use of the Coast Guard Auxiliary seawall due to access issues for boaters. - Mayor Henderson acknowledged the residents’ anger and frustration. He explained the city is operating under strict federal FEMA and state rules, does not have unlimited funds, and is working daily with the county and consultants to navigate the process. Resolutions (Votes) - Resolution No. 2024-100 (Kinetic Fundraising Contract): Passed 4-1 (Councilman Thanos opposed). Authorized a scaled-back one-year contract not to exceed $40,000 ($4,200 per month) with a 30-day termination notice. - Resolution No. 2024-101 (GEMS Bus Grant): Passed unanimously. Authorized a grant application to FDOT for a replacement Gulfport Extended Mini Bus. - Resolution No. 2024-102 (Servpro Helene Payment): Passed unanimously. Authorized payment for emergency remediation at City-owned buildings. - Resolution No. 2024-103 (Servpro Milton Payment): Passed unanimously. Authorized payment for city-wide emergency remediation. Discussion Items - Election Ballot Lottery: City Clerk Carico conducted the random lottery for name placement on the March 11, 2025 ballot. Nancy Early was declared elected unopposed for Ward 4. Ward 2 candidates will appear as Byron Shellfont, Marlene Shaw, and Christine Brown. Mayoral candidates will appear as Sam Henderson, Karen Love, and John Liccioni. - Post-Hurricane Policies: Council discussed extending the permit fee waiver and the launch of a new online portal for Substantial Damage (SD) letters. - 14th Avenue Parking Dispute: Police recommended a temporary no-parking order on the block to resolve safety issues. Council gave consensus. Key Outcomes - Kinetic Fundraising Contract Approved: Passed 4-1. The contract focuses on following up on $13 million in outstanding requests. - Permit Fee Waiver Extended: Council reached a consensus to extend the waiver of building permit fees for storm-related repairs through the first council meeting in March 2025. - Online SD Letter Portal Launched: City staff announced that residents can now access their official Substantial Damage letters by searching their property address on the BSA/A community development portal. - Ibis Park Study: Consensus was reached to place a $28,000 expedited study of Wood Ibis Park flooding on a future agenda for formal consideration. - Labyrinth Event: Council granted consensus for a temporary labyrinth to be displayed at Clam Bayou Park for World Labyrinth Day in May. - Signage Reminder: The City Clerk reminded candidates of the city’s temporary sign ordinance requiring political signs to be removed by March 18, 2025.

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting featured presentations of Spirit of Gulfport Awards, a detailed update on the Resilient Gulfport initiative (Watershed Management Plan and Vulnerability Assessment), public comments, approval of consent items and resolutions, and new business addressing the vacant council seat and strengthened council rules. Presentations and Recognitions - Spirit of Gulfport Awards were presented to three recipients: Mark Sieg (Gulfport Counseling Center) for providing free post-hurricane therapy sessions; the City of Gulfport, Mississippi for sending hurricane relief supplies; and Scott Linde for long-standing community service. - Resilient Gulfport Presentation – Justin Keller, Cody Stewart, and Raf Kadai (Advanced Engineering & Design) provided updates on the Vulnerability Assessment (VA) and Watershed Management Plan (WMP). Key points: - The VA is on schedule but started later than initially expected; the final VA report is due by October 31, 2025, eight months before the FDEP grant deadline of June 30, 2026. - Asset mapping for four classes (critical facilities, infrastructure, natural/cultural resources, transportation) is underway, with council asked to verify assets. - Preliminary data from Pinellas County shows current tidal flooding and future projections (2040, 2070, 2100) under intermediate scenarios. Council noted current sunny-day flooding (e.g., along Shore Boulevard) not fully captured by county-scale data. - The WMP is analyzing drainage basins, pipe networks, and topography (highest point 41 ft, coastal roads at 2 ft). Solutions discussed include upsizing pipes, retention ponds, check valves, and pump stations. Council questioned the feasibility of pumping in a low-lying, built-out area and the cost-benefit of different resilience levels. - Level-of-service recommendations will be developed for storm events; council emphasized matching community expectations with realistic funding and grant opportunities. Consent Calendar - Item 5.a: Approved minutes from the November 19, 2024 council meeting. - Item 5.b: Approved Resolution 2024-97 authorizing purchase of a 2025 rear-loading sanitation truck from Rush Truck Centers and sale of truck 1135 at auction. Unanimously approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Amy Costa (Midtown Business Collective) reported on a successful Small Business Saturday event (40 vendors, 10 businesses) and plans for beautification along Gulfport Boulevard. - Mr. Freedom recited December holidays and stressed constitutional freedoms, warning council members to uphold the Constitution. - Tom Bixler suggested providing holiday gift certificates for city employees to be spent locally as a retention and morale gesture. - Orian disputed a $162.80 marina bill from 2021–2022, claiming he returned his keys and never received a termination document. He requested a refund of his $40 deposit and an apology. - Fred Rowe asked for permission to use the seawall near the Coast Guard auxiliary for dinghy access, noting that the dinghy dock was destroyed and that vulnerable boaters (injured, elderly, families) need dry access at all tides. - Lenny Guggenheimer criticized the handling of former Councilmember O’Hara’s credit card misuse, questioning why finance and staff did not act sooner, and called for increased accountability. - Ms. Love thanked the city for holiday lights, supported O’Hara’s resignation, and requested updates on storm recovery: status of substantial damage assessment letters (87 issued, paused for accuracy), cemetery maintenance, and the Senior Foundation building fund presentation (rescheduled to next meeting). - Courtney Pro Copus (Gulfportlandia) reported on a community debriefing (40 attendees, all wards represented) and urged better council-citizen engagement processes, including protecting Sunshine Law compliance. - Bob Carnegie urged the city to install check valves and pumps to stop tidal flooding, sharing experience from a previous community where such fixes worked. Resolutions - Resolution 2024-98 – Authorized the City Manager to apply for a FEMA Community Disaster Loan (up to $5 million) for hurricane recovery. Approved unanimously. - Resolution 2024-99 – Approved a special event application from the Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce for a daytime Tuesday market (no street closures) and a possible trailered boat parade. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Appointment to Vacant Ward 2 Seat – Michael Fredovic was appointed to fill the remainder of the term (through March 2025) on a 4-1 vote (Councilmember Thanos dissenting). The vice mayor position remains unchanged. - Council Rules Revision – Councilmember Brown initiated a review of council rules (spending, information sharing, staff conduct) to be prepared for the March 2025 meeting. - Former Councilmember O’Hara – City Manager will pursue a repayment plan for the misspent funds if not resolved by the next meeting. Council expressed intent to take further action (including notifying the state attorney) if O’Hara runs for the seat again. - Storm Recovery – Permitting fee waiver extended through December; substantial damage assessment letters on hold due to FEMA portal errors; approximately 87 letters issued, 637 homes identified with issues. City staff to continue debris cleanup and infrastructure repairs. - Tree Resilience – Council directed staff to compile a list of fallen vs. standing tree species to guide future planting for storm resilience.