Gulfport City Council Meeting - September 16, 2025

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM, the Gulfport City Council held its regular meeting at City Hall. The council approved the final millage rate and operating budget for FY 2025-2026, debated and partially passed an ordinance regarding vehicle lodging and cooking, and approved several resolutions, including a contract for permitting services and engineering for the Historic Casino Building. A discussion on the potential de-annexation of Lincoln Cemetery was held, and a workshop on timed and paid parking was scheduled for October 2, 2025.

Public Hearings: FY 2025-2026 Millage Rate and Budget Ordinances

• Millage Rate (Ordinance No. 2025-09 – Second Reading): The council approved the ad valorem tax levy of 4.0258 mills for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025. This is the third consecutive year at this rate; the prior rate was approximately 4.3 mills. The rate was lowered due to a statutory cap triggered by property value increases exceeding 10%. A member of the public (Mr. Freedom) noted that for his duplex (one side homesteaded), this represented a 14.1% tax increase. The ordinance passed unanimously (5-0).
• Operating Budget (Ordinance No. 2025-10 – Second Reading): The council adopted the operating budget for FY 2025-2026 (October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026). During discussion, council members raised questions about the impact of outsourcing permitting services. City Manager O'Reilly explained that the budget had been adjusted by reducing two building inspector positions (saving approximately $150,000 with benefits) and reducing revenue projections based on the last two years' permit revenue (~$275,000). The deficit would be managed through general fund savings and vacancies. Additional discussion covered the Duke Energy Clean Energy Connection program (past three years cost $7,300; future seven years projected cost $7,600; net credits expected after year 10, between $1,000 and $3,300 per year), electric vehicle charging station costs ($11,000 annually for public stations), and the city's $19,000 annual advertising contract with the Gabber (Gulf Beaches Gabber). Council members expressed interest in exploring payment options for charging stations and reducing the Gabber contract. The budget passed unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Millage Rate: Mr. Freedom spoke about the tax increase on his duplex.
• On Budget: Several residents commented:
  • Mr. Freedom encouraged continuing the Duke Energy program.
  • Ms. Stern expressed concern about the lack of grant writing in the community development role and asked about remote public comment.
  • Tom Bixler (Town Shores) supported moving to paid electric vehicle charging, noting the city had been paying ~$1,020-$1,150 per month after the initial free period.
  • Priscilla Kitter questioned the Duke contract and the Gabber advertising expense.
  • Amy Costa noted misuse of charging stations (vehicles parked all day) and agreed the Gabber cost was excessive.
  • Laura urged surveying older residents before eliminating the Gabber calendar.
• General Public Comment: Mr. Freedom spoke about free speech and a Supreme Court case; Wolfgang Dininger reported on the Beyond the Beach cleanup (207 volunteers, 100+ pounds of trash collected) and announced future cleanups.
• On Ordinance 2025-11 (Vehicle Lodging/Cooking): Multiple residents spoke:
  • Katie (resident across from beach bathrooms) noted recent improvements in enforcement but requested continued attention.
  • Shauna Stone (ward two, house damaged by Hurricane Helene) supported the ordinance, citing negative impacts on tourism.
  • Priscilla Kitter described personal experiences and called for rules.
  • Amy Costa urged focusing on actions rather than people, suggesting paid parking or designated areas.
  • Wolfgang Dininger supported paid parking.
  • Nancy supported paid parking.
  • Lisa Malkey argued that many van dwellers choose the lifestyle and are not truly homeless.
  • Lorraine Lights (Seabreeze Manor Inn) said the situation affects her business.
  • Laura asked for police data on crimes involving the unhoused.
  • MJ Kozlowski reported issues at the wreck area.
  • Trey Johnson (Gabber employee) urged compassion and alternative solutions.
• On Resolution 9.a (Permitting Services): Mr. Freedom opposed subcontracting government responsibilities.
• On Casino Building: Mr. Freedom suggested moving the casino to Claymore Park to avoid flooding.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance No. 2025-11 (First Reading) – Motor Vehicles and Cooking: City Attorney Salzman presented a revised ordinance that prohibits lodging (living or staying temporarily) in vehicles on public property, with exceptions for recreational vehicles per existing codes. The cooking prohibition (Section E) was uncontroversial. Council debated the lodging provision (Section D). Councilmember Jackson opposed criminalizing poverty. Vice Mayor Thanos opposed, suggesting alternatives like a designated parking lot with facilities or resident parking stickers. Councilmember Shaw supported the ordinance, showing photos of encampments and citing safety concerns. Mayor Love emphasized the distinction between sleeping (allowed) and habitation (prohibited) and noted the private property exemption. After public comment, the council voted on the original motion (including both sections): opposed 3-2 (Jackson, Early, Thanos no; Shaw, Love yes). Then, on a separate motion to retain only Section E (cooking), the council voted unanimously (5-0) to approve, which will proceed to second reading.
• Resolution No. 2025-69 – Contractor Permitting Services: The council approved awarding the bid to C.A.P. Government, Inc. (Bureau Veritas) for contractor permitting services. The hybrid model will use the vendor for contractor plan reviews and inspections, while city staff will handle owner-builder permits. The contract is 5 years with a 30-day out; the vendor receives 80% of permit fees and the city 20%, though council members expressed concern that owner-builder permits (where city does most work) should have a different split. City Manager O'Reilly agreed to negotiate. The resolution passed unanimously (5-0).
• Resolution No. 2025-70 – Police Department AC Unit: Authorized purchase of a Trane 25-ton AC unit from Todd's Air-Conditioning for the police department. Passed unanimously.
• Resolution No. 2025-71 – Historic Casino Building Engineering: Authorized agreement with Halff Engineering for professional services (approximately $280,000, about 8% of the estimated $3.5 million rebuild). Project includes preserving the historic floor, restoring ticket booths, and adding resiliency features. Design expected 8-10 months, construction about 12 months. Passed unanimously.
• Discussion – Potential De-annexation of Lincoln Cemetery: Mayor Love explained that the property owner has not contacted the city; the discussion stemmed from media inquiries and a request from St. Petersburg Mayor Welch. Documents provided indicated the cemetery was once part of St. Petersburg. Council members expressed caution about precedent-setting and optics. No action taken, as no formal request has been made.
• New Business:
  • Councilmember Jackson announced a sandbag and tree giveaway on Saturday (9 AM to 1 PM at Neighborhood Center).
  • Vice Mayor Thanos requested a future presentation on the city's flood insurance discount program (currently 20% off) and proposed a format for structuring council discussions.
  • Mayor Love announced: a beach toy library donation (approved by consensus); participation in the National Day of Peace on September 21; a workshop on timed and paid parking on October 2, 2025; and a request to partner with the Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan (consensus to sign a letter). Mayor Love also offered to lead a town hall on property tax bills if needed.

Key Outcomes

• Millage Rate (Ordinance 2025-09): Adopted (5-0).
• Operating Budget (Ordinance 2025-10): Adopted (5-0).
• Ordinance 2025-11 (Cooking while parked, Section E): Approved for second reading (5-0). The lodging prohibition (Section D) failed (2-3).
• Resolution 2025-69 (Permitting services): Approved (5-0); city manager to negotiate owner-builder fee split.
• Resolution 2025-70 (Police AC unit): Approved (5-0).
• Resolution 2025-71 (Casino Building engineering): Approved (5-0).
• Lincoln Cemetery De-annexation: No action; discussion continued.
• Parking Workshop: Scheduled for October 2, 2025.
• Consent Agenda (Minutes of September 3, 2025): Approved.