Gulfport City Council Meeting: Hurricane Helene Recovery and Allegations Investigation - October 1, 2024

The October 1, 2024 regular council meeting of the City of Gulfport, Florida, convened at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting was dominated by recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, which caused significant flooding and damage to approximately 25% of the city, particularly in the marina area, 59th Street, Gulfport Boulevard South, Shore Boulevard, and Town Shores. Council also addressed allegations of misconduct involving Vice Mayor Ian O'Hara and Councilmember Paul Thanos, voting to have the city attorney investigate and recommend a course of action. The meeting included public comments, detailed reports from the city manager and public works director, and unanimous approval of several routine resolutions.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution 2024-52: Authorizing an agreement with Rileighs Outdoor, LLC dba Clark Sales Display for holiday decoration services.
• Resolution 2024-53: Authorizing a purchase order to Retro Production Company for Wednesday Night Swing and Second Friday Soul/Disco Dance services at the Gulfport Casino for FY2025.
• Resolution 2024-54: Authorizing the city manager to use the Florida Department of Managed Services state contract with Baker & Taylor for library materials.
• Resolution 2024-55: Authorizing payment to Tyler Technologies, Inc. (Incode) for annual maintenance fees for the Financial and Utility Software Suite.
• Resolution 2024-56: Authorizing payment to Tech Guru Consulting, Inc. for citywide IT managed services.
• Resolution 2024-58: Authorizing the purchase of one Toro Reelmaster Mower from Wesco Turf, Inc.
• Resolution 2024-59: Authorizing payment to Rush Truck Center for anticipated repairs on sanitation vehicles.
• Resolution 2024-60: Authorizing an agreement with Lanier Plans, Inc. dba KorKat for replacement of outdoor fitness equipment and installation of Multi-Sport Fitness Turf.
• Resolution 2024-61: Authorizing an agreement with Project Innovations, Inc. for playground and surface replacement.
• Resolution 2024-62: Authorizing payment for anticipated tire repair and replacements for city vehicles.
• Resolution 2024-63: Authorizing the purchase of one 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500 work truck from Alan Jay Chevrolet and sale of Truck No. 1513 at auction.

Note: Resolution 2024-57 (Casino HVAC system replacement) was pulled from the consent agenda and not discussed further.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kathy Celestry (owner of The Gabber newspaper, 2908 Beach Boulevard) praised city staff for their response to the hurricane, noting they were at work by daybreak Friday. She also announced a "Gulf Port to Gulfport" drive from Gulfport, Mississippi, with relief supplies arriving in two trips, coordinated with The Gabber to find free housing for relief workers.
• Amy Costa (Executive Director, Gulfport Merchant Chamber) reported that the chamber partnered with the city at the Senior Center and Hickman Hall to distribute donated supplies, serving approximately 1,200–1,500 people since Sunday. She noted that World Central Kitchen provided a food truck serving over 700 hot meals that day. All downtown October events have been canceled, but alternate spaces for markets are being explored.
• Kathy (last name not given) (speaking for her neighborhood, near 53rd Street) expressed concern about security, reporting that looters and suspicious individuals are entering homes. She requested a curfew and noted that garbage pickup is urgently needed, with flies accumulating. She also mentioned that many elderly neighbors are frightened.
• Keith Elias (5725 Shore Boulevard) reported that his home flooded for the third time in a year. He expressed frustration about a 29-day wait for a demolition permit to begin repairs, citing FEMA guidance allowing immediate debris removal. He also questioned the timeline for the stormwater comprehensive plan study, which he was told would not be ready until December 2025, delaying possible stormwater improvements until 2027.
• Marlene Shaw (58th and 23rd Avenue South) asked about temporary RV use on damaged properties during rebuilding, food truck allowances for restaurants rebuilding, utility charges for homes rendered uninhabitable, and suggested that if one council member's interactions with staff are investigated, all council members should receive the same scrutiny.
• Scott Lindy Stetson praised the community spirit during the disaster, encouraging the council to maintain that cooperative spirit beyond the crisis.

Discussion Items

• Allegations Investigation: Council discussed allegations against Vice Mayor O'Hara (spending on city P-card) and Councilmember Thanos (directing employees). After brief discussion, council voted unanimously (with the affected members not voting on their own items) to have the city attorney investigate both matters and recommend a course of action. The mayor noted he had already asked the city attorney to review codes of conduct from other cities to improve council conduct guidelines.

• City Manager's Report: City Manager Jim O'Reilly provided a comprehensive update on storm recovery:

  • Approximately 25% of the city suffered significant storm surge damage, primarily in the marina area, 59th Street, Gulfport Boulevard South, Shore Boulevard, and Town Shores.
  • Community development has begun substantial damage assessments, a FEMA and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirement.
  • Debris removal: Residents can remove wet drywall, insulation, and damaged items without a permit, but rebuilding requires permits to maintain NFIP participation (citing Fort Myers' loss of participation due to political pressure). The 50% rule applies: if repairs exceed 50% of pre-damage structure value, elevation is required.
  • Utilities: No disconnections for non-payment this week; payment plans available. The standard connection fee remains even if no water is used.
  • RV use: Per Florida Statute 125.023, residents whose homes are uninhabitable or condemned may place an RV on their property while rebuilding, but only for themselves, not relatives. Uninhabitability is determined by the building official or fire marshal.
  • Marina: South Basin Pier 7 condemned; vessels moved out. No electricity at any basin due to destroyed pedestals. Fuel tanks sealed and must be tested. The old Coast Guard building, marina store, casino, and recreation center all suffered substantial damage. After-school program moved to Scout Hall.
  • Debris removal contractor mobilizing trucks to start pickup Thursday–Friday, with a temporary site at the 49th Street parking lot. Contaminated debris requires separation (white goods, brush, construction/demolition) for efficient removal.
  • Garbage pickup resumed Monday; only Thursday was missed due to the solid waste facility closing.
  • The city has been in contact with FEMA, Senator Rubio, Congresswoman Luna, and State Representative Cheney.
  • Fire department performed over 20 water rescues; police went to double shifts due to security concerns. The mayor personally confiscated a souvenir from a looter.
  • The city manager declined to recommend a curfew due to insufficient staffing and numerous access points, urging residents to call police immediately if they feel unsafe.
  • A contractor began removing the original 14 derelict vessels from the storm; additional vessels will be addressed. Some high-end vessels came from elsewhere in Boca Ciega Bay; owners are being contacted.

• Resolution 2024-64 – Mutual Aid Agreement: Unanimously approved (5-0). Allows law enforcement mutual aid across boundaries, particularly with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

• Resolution 2024-65 – EMS First Responder Services: Unanimously approved (5-0). Agreement with Pinellas County for advanced life support first responder services; county funds the paramedic portion of the fire budget.

• Resolution 2024-66 – Firefighter Union Contract: Unanimously approved (5-0). Three-year agreement with Pinellas County Professional Firefighters Local 4966 (IAFF). The city manager noted the contract was approved 10-1 by the union and that firefighters are competitive in pay.

• Resolution 2024-67 – MPO Reapportionment Plan: Unanimously approved (5-0). Accepts the amendment to the Interlocal Agreement for the Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), reconfiguring membership. The council then determined by consensus that the mayor would serve as the city's representative on the MPO, with Gulfport grouped with South Pasadena and Kenneth City.

• Council Business – Membership in Continuum of Care: Councilmember Thanos asked to join the Continuum of Care organization (annual fee $300) to address homelessness. Council agreed, and the city clerk will process payment.

• Spirit of Gulfport Awards: Mayor Henderson proposed Spirit of Gulfport awards for the Gulfport Brewery (owners, management, employees, volunteers) and the Gulfport Merchant Chamber for their relief efforts. Council agreed.

Key Outcomes

• Investigation authorized: Council voted to have the city attorney investigate allegations against Vice Mayor O'Hara and Councilmember Thanos, with recommendations on course of action. (Vote: 3-0 on each, with affected members recused; exact tally not recorded but described as "yes" by all voting members.)
• Consent agenda approved (11 items, minus the pulled Resolution 2024-57).
• Resolutions 2024-64, 2024-65, 2024-66, and 2024-67 all passed unanimously (5-0).
• Mayor appointed as MPO representative by consensus of council.
• Membership in Continuum of Care approved: Council agreed to pay the $300 fee and have Councilmember Thanos serve as the city's representative.
• Spirit of Gulfport Awards: Council approved issuing awards to Gulfport Brewery and Gulfport Merchant Chamber.
• November 5 City Council meeting canceled due to City Hall being a polling place for the general election. Polling places at the recreation center and Lions Club were also closed due to storm damage, with voters reassigned to City Hall and the 49th Street location.
• Next steps: Residents are advised to separate storm debris, apply for permits before rebuilding, and contact the city for utility payment assistance. Debris removal begins Thursday–Friday.