Gulfport City Council Meeting - August 19, 2025

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included public comments on flooding and camping, adoption of two consent items, second reading of an ordinance amending the green space definition, a resolution authorizing insurance renewal, and extensive discussions on the Senior Center Plan B and the FY2025-2026 budget. The council prioritized drainage improvements and reached consensus on phasing the senior center project, extending senior center evening hours, and raising non-resident fees.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Unanimously approved the meeting minutes from the Workshop Meeting on July 22, 2025 and the City Council Meeting on August 5, 2025.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kelly Garcia (resident, 56th Street): Announced the first annual Fall Fest (October 4, 2025, 11 AM–7 PM) at Clymer Park as a fundraiser for the Gulfport Food Forest. Also promoted the 7th Gulfport Welcome event on October 10, 2025 at 6:30 PM at the library, inviting new residents to meet officials and local organizations.
• Laura Oldaney (9th Avenue South): Requested a map or app showing flood-prone streets in Gulfport and Pinellas County, citing damage to low cars and homes.
• Wolfgang (Gulfport Grass Roots, Beachway Park): Reported the August 9 beach cleanup collected 152 pounds of trash from 22 volunteers. Announced next cleanup September 13, 8 AM at shelter #4, and the Great Clam Bayou Cleanup on October 4 from 9–11 AM.
• Lisa (Tangerine Avenue South): Described repeated flooding of her garage and nearby homes from heavy rains (not hurricanes), with up to two feet of water. Urged the city to address drainage issues.
• Albert Reisenberg (19th Avenue South): Criticized beach restoration methods, noting erosion after sand replacement. Suggested using webbing (as seen at Lithia Springs) to retain sand. Also noted increased flooding frequency—four times in two years compared to once in 13 prior years.
• Deb (Tangerine Avenue South): Supported Lisa’s flooding concerns, adding that her garage lost appliances. Requested temporary street closures during torrential downpours on Tangerine between Gray and 59th. Also advocated for building shuffleboard courts, offering to teach and run a league.
• Karen Schwartz (Dillette Avenue South): Expressed worry about rebuilding the casino in the same way, noting it may not be sufficient against flooding. Also concerned for downtown businesses like Neptune.
• Ingrid Bredenberg (56th Street South): Announced plans for a temporary labyrinth in Clymer Park for World Labyrinth Day (May 2026) and a permanent labyrinth. Requested a city letter of support for a Creative Pinellas grant by August 31.
• Amy Costa (Midtown Business Collective): Suggested forming topic-based focus groups to develop solutions for community problems, offering to host at Wonderworks.
• Lauren Stern (Ward 4): Announced the Gulfport Coastline Coalition will create signs to protect neighborhoods from wake. Requested an update on remote public comment.
• Gail Gravelle (senior center foundation): Noted the foundation is active and will speak during the senior center discussion.
• Lisa (Milky Waterfront): Described unauthorized camping in public lots and pavilions—10 campers overnight near her home. Urged extending overnight parking restrictions to adjacent streets. Also highlighted flooding from rain blocked by elevated structures, asking for an ordinance on encampments and budget priority for drainage.
• Kiera (Gulfport Food Forest): Asked the city to stop using Roundup, noting the city previously purchased Avenger. Advocated for using vinegar-based alternatives. Also offered to maintain the easement on 49th Street.
• Nancy Rubin (First 51st Street): Requested better lighting and a "no overnight parking" sign at Veterans Park, citing safety concerns from cars and hammocks at night.
• Ernie Hean (resident, former firefighter): Supported flooding solutions, suggesting studying New Orleans-style pumping or widening Wood Ibis Park drainage. Emphasized the need for a comprehensive study on Tangerine and 59th.

Ordinance — Second Reading

• Ordinance No. 2025-04: Amending Chapter 22 Zoning to define green space as 100% permeable, removing “incidental walkways and benches” from the definition. Council voted unanimously (5-0) to approve after amending to remove those terms.

Resolution

• Resolution No. 2025-61: Authorizing the City Manager to renew the city’s insurance coverage with Public Risk Management of Florida for FY2025-2026. Unanimously approved.

Discussion Items

Senior Center — Plan B

Mayor Love led the discussion, proposing a three-phase approach over 10 years to address needs for flexible open space, wider hallways, better bathrooms, and storage. Phases could include expansion into the southern parking lot, building over the existing structure (like O’Maddy’s), and renovating existing space. Immediate actions discussed: raising the age from 50 to 65 (dropped after council consensus to keep 50), extending hours to five evenings a week starting January 1, 2026, and increasing non-resident fees from $50 to $100 or higher. Council agreed to retain the architect (Harvard Jolly) to explore phasing, budget for part-time evening staff, and raise non-resident fees (amount to be determined). Mayor Love emphasized city commitment must transcend future councils. The city manager recommended using $75,000 from bollard funds for senior center change orders.

Budget Discussion with City Manager

City Manager O’Reilly presented the proposed FY2025-2026 budget: property tax millage rate maintained at 4.0258, property tax revenues $6.97M (31-32% of total revenues), public safety costs over $8M. Operating budget grew less than 1%; employee raises 5% (total people cost up 3.7% due to retirements); health insurance up 1.5%. Reserves at 24% (target 16-25%). Storm recovery: $6.7M reimbursed, $1M outstanding. Capital projects include postponing marina south basin restrooms ($350k) and library solar panels ($350k) to redirect funds to drainage. Council consensus to prioritize drainage, use solar and restroom funds for immediate drainage improvements, and consider committing future Penny for Pinellas funds to stormwater loans. Vice Mayor Thanos raised outsourcing sanitation as a potential savings, but no decision. Council requested year-to-date actuals for future budget reviews. Next budget public hearing September 3, 2025.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 2025-04 passed 5-0, amending green space definition.
• Resolution 2025-61 passed 5-0, renewing insurance.
• Senior Center: Council agreed to move forward with phasing, evening hours, and increased non-resident fees. City manager to bring back proposals.
• Budget Priorities: Council directed staff to reallocate $350k from library solar and marina restrooms to drainage improvements. Further drainage planning will follow the watershed study due in December.
• Camping/Habitation: City attorney to draft an ordinance prohibiting living in vehicles and outdoor cooking, with a workshop scheduled for the September meeting (date TBD). No overnight parking will be enforced at Veterans Park.
• Labyrinth Grant: Council authorized a letter of support for the temporary labyrinth grant application.
• Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM (special date).