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Record of Proceedings

Gulfport City Council Meeting - May 19, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, May 19, 2026
BodyGulfport, Florida
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, May 19, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:02:49

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.

Speaker 1

4:40

Good evening.

4:41

And thank you all for coming out in this wonderful, wonderful rain.

4:45

I know we love it.

4:46

Um I do see quite a few new faces here tonight.

4:50

So I just want to for the folks who don't come all the time, they don't necessarily know a couple of the procedures.

Unassigned speaker

4:56

So the first thing is no telephones should be ringing or buzzing or anything like that.

Speaker 1

5:02

Second, I understand that there's going to be times where you might want to talk to the person next to you.

5:07

That's fine, but do it in the hallway.

5:09

Because this is like a I it's so weird.

5:13

Anytime anyone's speaking out there, I can hear it really clearly here.

5:17

So it's quite distracting.

5:19

So I ask that.

5:21

And when we get to public comment, public comment, the first public comment will be for anything that's not on the agenda.

5:28

And you have three minutes.

5:30

But if you haven't done it before, you might not know that you can talk about whatever you want, okay, but it's not a question and answer period.

5:39

You can ask us questions, but don't look at us like why aren't you answering?

5:43

We we don't do that during this time.

5:46

Uh if you ask a question and you're really looking for a definite answer, you might get it during public um our council comments, but you can also leave your name and a way to contact you with our city clerk, and she'll pass that on to us, okay.

6:01

I always feel bad when somebody's standing up there looking at me like, aren't you gonna say anything?

6:05

No, I'm not gonna say anything.

6:06

Nobody's gonna say anything.

6:08

So that all being said, what we're gonna do tonight is we will start with our invocation, and then it will be followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

6:17

So I asked that everyone stand.

6:19

Councilmember Jennifer Dawn.

Unassigned speaker

6:23

I

Speaker 2

6:23

have a quote from Dolly Parton.

6:25

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain.

6:29

Find out who you are and do it on purpose.

6:32

If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you're an excellent leader.

Unassigned speaker

6:44

I pleased by America.

Unassigned speaker

6:53

Oh God.

Speaker 1

7:03

Roll call, please.

Speaker 3

7:04

Councilmember Early.

Speaker 4

7:06

Present.

Speaker 3

7:06

Councilmember Donch.

7:08

Here, Vice Mayor Shaw present.

7:10

Mayor Love here.

7:12

City Attorney Salzman.

7:13

Here.

7:13

City Manager O'Reilly.

7:14

Here.

7:15

City Clerk Carico is present.

7:16

And Councilmember Webb has asked to be excused.

Speaker 1

7:20

All righty.

7:20

Thank you.

7:21

We have two presentations tonight.

7:23

And we will start with our city clerk reading the first proclamation for National Public Works Week.

Speaker 3

7:33

Whereas public works contributes to advancing and enhancing our quality of life and provide services that are vital to sustainable and resilient communities.

7:42

And whereas public works professionals are responsible for planning, building, improving, maintaining, and protecting essential infrastructure, facilities, and services that support public health, safety, and well-being.

7:53

And whereas the support of an understanding and informed citizenry is vital to the efficient operation of public work systems and programs such as parks, streets, highways, traffic, stormwater, public buildings, transit, fleet maintenance, and solid waste.

8:08

And whereas public works professionals, including engineers, managers, supervisors, operators, technicians, and employees provide essential services that lead to healthier, safer, and more vibrant communities.

8:19

And whereas it is in the public interest for citizens, civic leaders, and children in the city of Gulfport to gain knowledge and of and maintain an ongoing understanding of the importance of public works and the public works programs.

8:32

There, be it resolved, therefore, be it resolved that I, Karen Love, Mayor of the City of Gulfport, do hereby proclaim May 17th through 23rd as National Public Works Week.

8:42

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the city of Gulfport, Florida to be a fixed this 19th day of May 2026.

Unassigned speaker

8:59

Are you going to do the

Speaker 1

9:26

and then tonight we have a second presentation?

9:29

Um, and it will be given by Linda.

9:31

Uh I know a Linda Crane, that's why I said it, sorry, by Teresa Crane of Duke Energy on vegetation management.

9:39

So if you'd like to, please, Teresa, come on up.

Speaker 5

9:42

Hi, everybody.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████████23%
Public Engagement██████████████████18%
Accessory Dwelling Units██████████████14%
Public Safety█████5%
Public Works█████5%
Urban Forestry████4%
Arts And Culture████4%
Marina Management████4%
Community Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Gulfport City Council Meeting - May 19, 2026

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included two presentations, public comments, consent agenda approval, first readings of three ordinances, and adoption of four resolutions. Key actions included designating the White Ibis as the official city bird, authorizing dock replacement contracts totaling over $3 million, and amending council rules. A proposed accessory dwelling unit ordinance was tabled pending further information.

Consent Calendar

  • Meeting Minutes (May 5, 2026): Approved unanimously.
  • Resolution No. 2026-31: Designating the White Ibis as the Official City Bird of Gulfport, Florida. Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Amanda Hagod (Gulfport Arts and Heritage board member): Proposed constructing a permanent labyrinth in Gulfport as an interactive art installation and requested a city letter of support for a grant application.
  • Marilyn McClellan: Raised concerns about ongoing mold, electrical code violations, and lack of accountability at the Cornerstone condominium complex, 19 months after hurricanes. She noted a unit with a hidden junction box and mold issues affecting elderly owners.
  • Charlotte Downey: Suggested the city acquire the closing Disston School building to house the police department and other offices instead of building new facilities.
  • Anthony Guzman (resident): Complained about neighbors' dogs barking excessively, disrupting sleep.
  • April Thanus: Proposed a retention pond for flood control, refilling the time capsule for the 250th anniversary, and noted unanswered questions from a prior meeting.
  • Richard Freed: Urged Mayor Love to unilaterally deputize citizens in preparation for future emergencies, citing state and city charter powers.
  • Fred Rowe (liveaboard boater): Opposed the proposed expansion of the mooring field from 25 to 100 balls, stating it would displace anchoring boats. Asked to be allowed to repair the dinghy dock plank by plank without a permit.
  • Miss Jones (liveaboard): Highlighted safety hazards at the wet foot area (sharp objects, unsafe for children), inadequate temporary dock at Clam Bayou, and need for rebuilt docks.
  • GD Library in Coon (resident): Noted dead newly planted trees at Clam Bayou, criticized new black asphalt parking lot for heat and flooding, and suggested moving trash pickup to streets to preserve alleys.
  • James Bake (Arts and Culture board president): Thanked the city for supporting the 9th annual Art Out exhibit at the Gulfport Library (June 1-30, with meet-and-greet June 6) featuring over 50 LGBTQ+ artists.
  • Kelly (business owner): Urged better communication between the city and the boating community, asking for equal treatment of land and water residents. She submitted a written letter.

Discussion Items

  • Proclamation – National Public Works Week (May 17-23): Presented to Public Works Director Kendrix Anderson.
  • Duke Energy Vegetation Management Presentation: Teresa Crane explained the 3–5 year tree-trimming cycle, ISA-certified arborist standards, and customer complaint procedures. She noted Duke has been a Tree Line USA utility for 20 consecutive years. Councilmember Daunch asked about handling complaints; Crane suggested contacting Public Works Director Anderson, who can dispatch a Duke arborist.
  • City Manager Report: Announced that redistricting will move Gulfport from Congressional District 13 (Rep. Luna) to District 16, with an open seat. Mayor Love noted this jeopardizes a requested $3 million for the senior center expansion.
  • City Attorney Report: Received two documents from Lions Club International confirming the Gulfport Lions Club is in good standing and a signed hold harmless agreement. Payment would go to Gulfport Lions Inc.
  • Council Comments/Reports:
    • Councilmember Early requested consensus on a letter of support for the labyrinth project. Consensus granted; staff will draft a generic letter.
    • Councilmember Daunch proposed a workshop with the boating community to improve communication and address concerns. Consensus to schedule a workshop.
    • Mayor Love reported on volleyball sand delivery, teen activities, solicitor permits, water quality signage (suggested a simple sign), living shoreline progress, and stormwater management. She emphasized individual actions like rain barrels and permeable driveways.
  • Ordinance 2026-03 (First Reading): Removing resident-only parking signs in the WRD neighborhood. Passed unanimously after brief discussion about enforcement history.
  • Ordinance 2026-04 (First Reading – ADU regulations): After a presentation by Linda Fisher (Forward Pinellas) and discussion, council voted to table this ordinance to the next meeting to await FEMA guidance on coastal high hazard area impacts and to have full council present.
  • Ordinance 2026-05 (First Reading – Comprehensive Plan amendment for ADUs): Passed unanimously. This starts the state review process.
  • Resolution 2026-32: Authorizing purchase of a 2026 Ford F-450 rescue vehicle for $X (not specified) funded by Pinellas County. Passed unanimously.
  • Resolution 2026-33: Authorizing contract with Enterprise Marine Contractors for South Basin dock replacement at $1,556,000 (lowest qualified bid). Passed unanimously.
  • Resolution 2026-34: Authorizing contract with KM2H, LLC for Casino dock replacement, including floating dinghy dock. Upgrades include concrete pilings and concrete docks. Demolition expected after July 4. Passed unanimously.
  • Resolution 2026-30 (Council Rules): After detailed discussion, council adopted the resolution with two changes: restoring council report time from 5 to 10 minutes, and changing “debate” to “discussion” in the procedure steps. Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
  • Labyrinth Letter of Support: Council consensus to draft a letter for the grant application.
  • Boater Workshop: Council consensus to schedule a workshop with the boating community.
  • Ordinance 2026-03: Passed first reading (4-0).
  • Ordinance 2026-04 (ADU code): Tabled to the next regular meeting.
  • Ordinance 2026-05 (Comp Plan ADU): Passed first reading (4-0).
  • Resolution 2026-32 (Rescue vehicle): Passed (4-0).
  • Resolution 2026-33 (South Basin dock): Passed (4-0).
  • Resolution 2026-34 (Casino dock): Passed (4-0).
  • Resolution 2026-30 (Council rules): Passed with amendments (4-0). Staff to revise and distribute.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. And thank you all for coming out in this wonderful, wonderful rain. I know we love it. Um I do see quite a few new faces here tonight. So I just want to for the folks who don't come all the time, they don't necessarily know a couple of the procedures. So the first thing is no telephones should be ringing or buzzing or anything like that. Second, I understand that there's going to be times where you might want to talk to the person next to you. That's fine, but do it in the hallway. Because this is like a I it's so weird. Anytime anyone's speaking out there, I can hear it really clearly here. So it's quite distracting. So I ask that. And when we get to public comment, public comment, the first public comment will be for anything that's not on the agenda. And you have three minutes. But if you haven't done it before, you might not know that you can talk about whatever you want, okay, but it's not a question and answer period. You can ask us questions, but don't look at us like why aren't you answering? We we don't do that during this time. Uh if you ask a question and you're really looking for a definite answer, you might get it during public um our council comments, but you can also leave your name and a way to contact you with our city clerk, and she'll pass that on to us, okay. I always feel bad when somebody's standing up there looking at me like, aren't you gonna say anything? No, I'm not gonna say anything. Nobody's gonna say anything. So that all being said, what we're gonna do tonight is we will start with our invocation, and then it will be followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. So I asked that everyone stand. Councilmember Jennifer Dawn. I have a quote from Dolly Parton. The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain. Find out who you are and do it on purpose. If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you're an excellent leader. I pleased by America. Oh God. Roll call, please. Councilmember Early. Present. Councilmember Donch. Here, Vice Mayor Shaw present. Mayor Love here. City Attorney Salzman. Here. City Manager O'Reilly. Here. City Clerk Carico is present. And Councilmember Webb has asked to be excused. All righty. Thank you. We have two presentations tonight. And we will start with our city clerk reading the first proclamation for National Public Works Week. Whereas public works contributes to advancing and enhancing our quality of life and provide services that are vital to sustainable and resilient communities. And whereas public works professionals are responsible for planning, building, improving, maintaining, and protecting essential infrastructure, facilities, and services that support public health, safety, and well-being. And whereas the support of an understanding and informed citizenry is vital to the efficient operation of public work systems and programs such as parks, streets, highways, traffic, stormwater, public buildings, transit, fleet maintenance, and solid waste.

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