Gulfport City Council Meeting, August 5, 2025

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. Vice Mayor Thanos presided alongside Councilmembers Shaw and Early, with Mayor Love and Councilmember Jackson excused. The council conducted first readings of four ordinances establishing multi-year rate increases for water, sewer, garbage, and stormwater services. They also approved the annual law enforcement support agreement with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to community concerns regarding un-housed individuals living in vehicles, parking enforcement, and city code updates.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (July 15, 2025): The council voted unanimously to approve the meeting minutes from the July 15, 2025 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Resident Concerns on Encampments and Parking: A resident expressed frustration with individuals living in vehicles, particularly at the beach parking area, describing encampments, littering, and an incident of indecent exposure. The speaker proposed implementing a system offering four hours of free parking followed by paid time to discourage long-term occupancy by vehicles used as residences.
• Support for Utility Ordinances: Resident Lenny Gukenheimer (5213 Dillett Avenue South) spoke in favor of the sanitation and sewer fee increases, emphasizing the importance of clean water and a functional stormwater system given the city's proximity to the bay.
• Advocacy for Usage-Based Garbage Fees: An unidentified resident advocated for a "pay-as-you-throw" garbage fee structure, suggesting it could encourage recycling and composting, and expressed excitement about the city's existing compost program.

Discussion Items

• Municipal Code Enforcement (Living in Vehicles): The City Attorney reported that the city is researching ordinances from other municipalities to strengthen enforcement against living out of vehicles. Councilmembers Early and Thanos discussed the limitations of current laws, which allow legally parked, registered vehicles to remain in place, and the difficulty of enforcement when individuals simply relocate a short distance.
• Water, Sewer, Garbage, and Stormwater Rate Increases (Ordinances 2025-05 through 2025-08): The City Manager presented the first readings of four ordinances implementing multi-year rate increases. The increases are driven by an 8% cost hike from Pinellas County for disposal, the need for capital improvements, and operational costs. Councilmember Shaw detailed the extensive infrastructure these fees cover, urging residents to read the supporting documents for transparency. Vice Mayor Thanos expressed a preference for exploring a usage-based stormwater fee based on lot permeability rather than a flat fee, suggesting an intern could study the feasibility. The city manager noted the garbage rate incorporates a five percent staff pay increase.
• Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Agreement (Resolution 2025-60): The council reviewed the annual service agreement for dispatch, forensics, and support services. The City Manager noted an approximately three percent cost increase but stressed the significant savings over bringing services in-house, which is estimated at roughly $500,000 annually. Councilmember Early highlighted the refund mechanism for unused forensic callouts.
• Federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Inquiry: Vice Mayor Thanos raised the topic of the federal DOGE inquiry. The City Manager confirmed the city has responded to an initial data request and provided raw financial data. He warned that the inquiry targets funding for climate change, equity, diversity, and electric vehicle programs, which could substantially impact the city's budget and priorities. He promised to share Pinellas County's detailed letter for council review.
• Veterans Park Dinghy Access and Marina Status: Councilmember Early reported that boaters are tying dinghies at Veterans Park and climbing the seawall to access land, bypassing the temporary floating dock provided in Clam Bayou. The City Manager stated this is currently a code violation and noted the city can enforce no-anchoring rules. Planned action on this issue is likely deferred until the Casino dock reopens, which is expected within a year.
• Future Discussion on Senior Center: Vice Mayor Thanos announced that a discussion item regarding the future of the senior center, including fundraising and potential changes, will be on the next meeting's agenda (August 19, 2025).
• Community Updates: Councilmembers gave reports on the Fusion 49th corridor food truck rally (October 11), open enrollment at Dolores M. Smith Academy, a potential fire department therapy dog placed by a local nonprofit, the Adopt-a-Drain program, and the MySafe Florida Home program.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved: The council unanimously approved the minutes from the July 15, 2025 meeting.
• First Readings of Rate Ordinances Passed Unanimously: The council unanimously approved first readings for four ordinances establishing multi-year rate increases for water service (Ordinance 2025-05), sewer service (Ordinance 2025-06), garbage collection (Ordinance 2025-07), and stormwater management (Ordinance 2025-08). Second readings and public hearings will be required for final adoption.
• Law Enforcement Support Agreement Approved: Resolution 2025-60 authorizing the City Manager to execute the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Service and User Agreement with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office was approved unanimously.
• Next Steps Discussed: The council discussed the need for a city-wide volunteer program, potential changes to parking regulations on Shore Boulevard, and exploring a pay-as-you-throw garbage model in the future. A formal discussion on the senior center was scheduled for the August 19, 2025 meeting.