Gulfport City Council Meeting - January 16, 2024

At its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Gulfport City Hall, the Gulfport City Council heard presentations on affordable housing and traffic safety, addressed public safety concerns about gunfire in a mobile home park, approved a mixed-use development conditional use, and received updates from the Teen Council and the Gulfport Merchant Chamber. The meeting also included a consent calendar with routine approvals and council discussions on a potential dog beach trial and pre-ordering electric vehicles.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting Minutes (December 19, 2023): Approved unanimously.
• Resolution No. 2024-01: Appointing members to the Senior Citizens' Advisory Committee on Aging, approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Shirley Baldwin (Beachway Park resident and board president): Expressed fear during New Year's Eve and July 4th due to gunfire; reported that bullets had struck three mobile homes in January 2024, and a bullet had previously entered a resident's bedroom. Requested increased police presence and collaboration with St. Petersburg Police to protect the 154 homes.
• Donna Ferlano (Beachway Park resident): Described two incidents where bullets entered her home (2021 and New Year's Eve 2024). Noted that 27 homes had been hit, some multiple times. Requested deployment of gunshot detection sensors (like those used in 36 U.S. cities) and offered to help apply for grants.
• Taller (first name only, Seaside Via resident, address not stated): Suggested large obnoxious signs reading "Use Lights to Cross" at bicycle crossing signals to remind cyclists to push the button before crossing; cited safety concerns and low button usage.
• Richard Freed (Gulfport resident): Donated books on polyamory and a book by a closeted gay man to the public library; proposed that sidewalk fees from new residential construction be earmarked for sidewalk repair in the ward where they are collected (specifically Ward 4). Also mentioned Moms of Liberty presence in the gallery.
• Kelly Garcia (Gulfport Merchant Chamber): Announced upcoming events: Fine Arts Festival (Feb 10), Pink Flamingo Home Tour (March 2), new co-working space at the GMC, and a "Gulfport Welcome" program for new residents (postcards delivered to 60 new residents in the last four months). Invited council to attend.
• Tom Bixler and Eric Garcia (Gulfport Lions Club): Promoted the annual dance fundraiser (Saturday night) to raise scholarship money for graduating seniors at Boca Ciega High School; goal is $5,000. Raffle and silent auction items available.

Discussion Items

• Affordable Housing Presentation (Former State Senator Jeff Brandes): Brandes presented the Florida Policy Project's best practices for increasing housing supply. He recommended:

  • Expanding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on existing lots (estimated cost $130,000–$170,000) with reduced parking requirements and standardized plans.
  • Upzoning to allow duplexes, triplexes, and quads on single-family lots.
  • Reducing minimum lot sizes to combat class segregation.
  • Streamlining permitting processes.
  • Councilmember (unidentified) noted that Gulfport already allows ADUs but with large lot requirements; suggested using current setbacks. Another councilmember noted that the city's arts district already has a mix of housing types and that ADUs could house workforce like teachers and firefighters.

• Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Update (Director Tom Nicholls): Nicholls reported on a $125,000 FHWA grant (city match $12,000) to study the 49th Street corridor (1st Ave N to 25th Ave S). Crash data (2018–2022) showed high crash numbers, mostly in daylight/dry weather attributed to speed; 16 bike crashes and 9 pedestrian incidents. A community walking audit is scheduled for Monday, January 22, with two sessions (2–4pm and evening). A public website (SafeStreets49th.com) is live for input. The project will produce a list of short-, medium-, and long-term improvements by April, with potential implementation grant applications. Councilmember noted the corridor is split between Gulfport and St. Petersburg; restriping intersections was identified as a quick fix.

• Teen Council Update: Teen council members reported past activities (holiday decorating, haunted house, parade participation) and upcoming plans: a "Keep Gulfport" warm clothing drive (through February 27) with distribution at Pavilion Five in partnership with the homeless street outreach and Pinellas County Health Department; participation in Florida League of Cities contest (deadline April 1) with a potential $500–$1,000 prize.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution No. 2024-02 (C23-02): Approved unanimously (5-0) to allow a conditional use for a mixed-use residential and physician's office development at 5405 Gulfport Boulevard South. Staff had no objections.
• Resolution No. 2024-03: Approved unanimously (5-0) to grant a special event application from O'Maddy's for a prostate cancer fundraiser, including temporary waiver of certain city code provisions.
• City Manager Report: Noted that the PSTA board appointment tie has been resolved; Commissioner Barkley withdrew, and Belair Bluffs will support South Pasadena's Vice Mayor. Forward Pinellas workshop on reapportionment scheduled for February 14; Gulfport will be grouped with South Pasadena, Kenneth City, and others, with rotating representation. Council agreed to support Stetson University's graduation in May (closing 62nd Street for a few hours, providing trolley transportation) and to host the Gabber newspaper's candidate forum on January 30 at city hall.
• Council Discussion:
  • Dog Beach Trial: Councilmember Thanos proposed a trial for dogs on the beach (limited hours or section). Mayor Henderson noted previous opposition due to fecal matter, dog behavior, and space concerns. Council did not support scheduling a discussion (no vote).
  • Electric Vehicle Pre-ordering: Councilmember Thanos suggested pre-ordering EVs to avoid long wait times (up to a year). City Manager O'Reilly explained that a budget amendment and reserve funds would be needed to encumber purchase orders; staff will explore options with Fleet Manager Tom and report back.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:00 PM.