Gulfport City Council Meeting - February 18, 2025

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.