Gulfport City Council Meeting – November 19, 2024

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, the Gulfport City Council held its regular meeting at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting focused heavily on hurricane recovery efforts from Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, including a series of resolutions authorizing payments for debris removal, repairs, and emergency services. Significant time was also devoted to public comments from residents facing displacement, permitting delays, and concerns about a developer's tree removal. The most prominent non‑recovery issue was the disclosure of Vice Mayor Ian O'Hara's misuse of a city credit card, which led to his resignation during the meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting Minutes: Approved minutes from September 17, October 1, and October 16, 2024.
• 2025 Election Date: Resolution No. 2024‑76 set the 2025 Municipal General Election for Tuesday, March 11, 2025, and authorized a contract with the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Phyllis Markham (3108 DuPont St): Requested utility bill relief for residents whose homes are uninhabitable, noting she pays $83/month for services she cannot use.
• Francine Witten (Operation Santa): Announced the 34th year of Operation Santa, serving 170 families and 460 children last year.
• Susan Duval (52nd St): Expressed strong opposition to Winway Homes, citing the cutting of a 250‑300‑year‑old live oak and disrespect toward the community.
• Amy Ole (resident): Called the tree removal “the last straw” and urged changes to tree‑protection laws.
• Deb Atkins (27th Ave S): Asked for clear communication on substantial‑damage determinations, permitting delays, and FEMA mitigation grants.
• Alicia Conley (Pelican Bay Plaza): Thanked Detectives Brandon Dillard and Officer Zach Mills for helping a disabled resident during Hurricane Milton.
• Laura Oldaney (9th Ave S): Encouraged residents to organize against developers like Winway and seek alternative housing solutions.
• DeLoren (29th Ave S): Described Winway’s actions as a “hostile takeover” and announced a citizen coalition.
• Tom Bixler (59th St): Thanked the city for debris cleanup and specifically praised Tom Nichols for filling a sinkhole in Town Shores.
• Deb Laramie (59th St): Hoped the city’s tree‑giveaway program would continue next year.
• Barbara Banno (Coronado Way): Displaced for 54 days, asked for additional permitting resources and transparency, and urged residents to avoid spreading misinformation on social media.
• Lynn (resident near the oak tree): Recounting the tree’s removal, described being mocked by workers and called police; said Winway showed “disregard and disrespect.”
• Jennifer Whittaker (since 1996): Criticized the city for issuing credit cards to council members that appear un‑audited, citing a Gabber article about Vice Mayor O'Hara’s $6,976 in personal charges.
• Bob Canning (Shore Blvd): Displaced, asked for clear rules and a simpler permitting process; noted that many neighbors are selling to developers.
• Tracy Bono (29th Ave S): Out of home for 54 days, frustrated by contradictory information about substantial‑damage letters and permits.
• Gulfportlandia representative: Invited council members to a community debriefing on November 21 at the 49th Street Center, asking them to attend as process observers to avoid Sunshine Law violations.
• John Lucioni (congressional candidate): Read a federal court filing about receiving an extortionate death threat related to his election lawsuits.
• Karen Schwartz (1st Ave S): Thanked Mayor Henderson for speaking about the tree issue.
• Marge Cannon (Shore Blvd): Asked if permit application deadlines would be extended beyond December 1.
• Patrick Barrett (8th Half S): Called for Vice Mayor O'Hara’s immediate resignation over credit card misuse, citing $1,708 on alcohol, $1,527 on food, and other personal charges.
• Marlene Shaw (58th St): Thanked city staff for hurricane response and called for eco‑friendly rebuilding options.
• Roger Townsend (near marina): Flooded, asked for electronic permitting and a way to submit private appraisals to avoid substantial‑damage determinations.
• Chuck Kishler (Boca C Yacht Club): Announced cancellation of the Christmas boat parade due to safety concerns; pledged to donate funds to Operation Santa.
• Laura Lee Winger (Grace St): Thanked neighbors for volunteer tree work.
• Richard Freed (resident): Reminded council they voted on the building permit for the lot where the tree was cut; said elections matter.
• Karen Love (23rd Ave S): Praised city staff but sharply criticized the council for lack of communication and leadership during the crisis; called for O'Hara’s resignation.
• Paula Roy (Del Rio F): Displaced, warned that many residents without resources are leaving the city; asked for better accounting of homeless numbers.
• Susan Gore (Townshores): Called for transparency on the $600,000 raised for the senior center and on credit card use.

City Manager Report

• Utilities Relief: Residents with uninhabitable homes can contact Sandia Levitt (893‑1664) for possible sewer/water credits.
• Permitting Progress: 637 single‑family homes and 42 commercial properties inspected. 50 substantial‑damage letters sent the prior week; another 30 expected that week. The process requires a FEMA portal cross‑check for quality control.
• Communication: City manager provided his business card and invited residents to email specific questions. He noted that staff are working 7‑day weeks.
• Other: Approved free use of the theater for a “Meet the Candidates” night in January, sponsored by the Gulfport Gabber.

City Attorney Report (Credit Card Misuse)

• Findings: Vice Mayor Ian O'Hara used his city credit card for numerous personal purchases (alcohol, food, tips, taxis, laundry totaling $6,976). He was informed on multiple occasions that these were unauthorized and made two small reimbursement payments ($35 and $50).
• Options Presented: The attorney outlined possible actions: do nothing until the March election, censure, suspend with/without pay, refer to the state attorney, FDLE, or governor, or file a civil suit.
• Council Discussion: Councilmember Thanos and Mayor Henderson recommended resignation. After a recess, O'Hara resigned effective immediately. The council then approved a motion (with one dissenting vote from Councilmember Thanos on the turf resolution) to accept the resignation and require a repayment plan and a public apology.

Resolutions (all passed unanimously unless noted)

• 2024‑77: Authorized a line of credit (4.6% interest) with Bank of America for hurricane recovery bridge financing.
• 2024‑78: Authorized retention of Robert Half International for a senior accounting position ($40,000).
• 2024‑79: Payment to Divecom Marine for removal of 16 vessels (Hurricane Debby).
• 2024‑80: Payment to Divecom for removal of 12 vessels (Hurricane Helene).
• 2024‑81: Payment to Dock Boxes Unlimited for replacement of 106 electric power pedestals (Helene).
• 2024‑82: Payment to Beast Electric for North Basin emergency electrical repair (Helene).
• 2024‑83: Payment to Southern Road & Bridge for removal of 30,000 cubic yards of C&D debris (Helene).
• 2024‑84: Payment to Tetra Tech for debris monitoring (Helene).
• 2024‑85: Payment to Southern Disaster Recovery for debris removal (Helene).
• 2024‑86: Payment to A. Randy’s Electric for replacement of two electrical panels at the Casino (Helene).
• 2024‑87: Payment to Process Control Services for lift station controls (Helene).
• 2024‑88: Payment to Project Innovations for turf replacement at playgrounds (Helene) – passed 4‑1 (Councilmember Thanos voted no, opposing artificial turf).
• 2024‑89: Payment to HD Supply Waterworks for emergency water line repair materials (Helene & Milton).
• 2024‑90: Payment to Yutzy Tree Service for emergency tree work (Helene & Milton).
• 2024‑91: Payment to Tetra Tech for debris monitoring (Milton).
• 2024‑92: Payment to Creative Shade Solutions for shade sail repair/replacement (Milton).
• 2024‑93: Payment to Phillips & Jordan for vegetative debris removal (Milton).
• 2024‑94: Payment to Southern Disaster Recovery for debris removal (Milton).
• 2024‑95: Re‑entered contract with Thorn Run Partners for federal lobbying services.
• 2024‑96: Renewed agreement with Shumaker Advisors for state lobbying services.

Key Outcomes

• Vice Mayor O'Hara resigned effective immediately following the city attorney’s report on credit card misuse. The council approved a motion requiring repayment and a public apology. A vacancy will be filled by appointment within 30 days, with the new member serving until the March 2025 election.
• All hurricane‑related resolutions passed, authorizing over $3 million in immediate payments for debris removal, repairs, and monitoring services. The city will seek FEMA and insurance reimbursement.
• City manager committed to providing individualized assistance to homeowners via email, and to continuing weekly updates on substantial‑damage letters and permitting.
• Holiday events: Tree lighting on December 2 at 6 PM; Operation Santa donations accepted at City Hall.
• Councilmember Thanos will hold a town hall on Saturday, November 23, to answer flood recovery questions.