Gulfport City Council Regular Meeting - July 7, 2026

The Gulfport City Council met on July 7, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included presentations, consent items, ordinances, resolutions, council reports, and new business. Key topics included acceptance of an AARP grant for walking trails, pension ordinance changes (with a dissenting vote), adoption of council meeting rules, disaster debris contracts, and several items referred to future meetings.

Presentations

• AARP Community Challenge Grant: Rachel Cataldo, Senior Center Supervisor, presented on Resolution No. 2026-41, accepting a $14,982 grant from AARP for the Discover Gulfport Walking Trail system. The grant is part of AARP's 10th anniversary $8.3 million national commitment funding 750 quick‑action projects. Gulfport's award will improve signage and accessibility along nine miles of routes, including directional signs, map boards, QR codes, and handrails. The improvements will be showcased at the Mayor's second annual walk in November 2026.

Consent Calendar

• Item 6.a: Approved minutes from June 16, 2026, and June 18, 2026. (Unanimous)
• Item 6.b: Resolution No. 2026‑40 – authorized annual maintenance costs for the Andrew's Technology UKG Time & Attendance system. (Unanimous)
• Item 6.c: Resolution No. 2026‑41 – authorized acceptance of the AARP Community Challenge Grant proceeds. (Unanimous)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Emma Mujica (Gulfport resident, 10 years) thanked the city for the outstanding 4th of July celebration, calling it “wholesome America.” She suggested adding misters or water features at Tomlinson Park to cool visitors during summer events.
• Marilyn McClellan (56th Street) seconded the thanks, noting the kind tone set by city officials and staff.
• Alan Yergovich (Madeira Beach, representing Kiwanis Club of Gulfport) thanked the city for facilitating Tomlinson Park for the sixth annual Juneteenth celebration, praised the new collaboration with Fusion 49th District, and looked forward to next year's event.
• Trey Johnson (Gabber newspaper reporter; resident) announced that the Gabber has been saved for at least one year through community sponsorship. He urged residents and city staff to share what they want covered in the paper, inviting feedback via email.
• Laurel Old Ainey (9th Avenue South) highlighted that the Gulfport Library is the only Pinellas County library holding the two‑volume set “Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond” by Brad Lancaster. She introduced Diane Willis, a local expert eager to provide free education on rainwater harvesting, and encouraged council to learn about retaining rainwater on properties.
• April Thanos (Gulfport resident) commented on two topics:
  • Proposed increasing the required permeable surface from 20% to 25% of a lot and considering variable stormwater fees based on permeable area (using drone/AI assessments).
  • Urged council to seek physical evidence of timely permit processing by C.A.P. Government, Inc. (Item 8.a), suggesting regular reporting on permit turnaround times.
• David Shiner (e‑comment) opposed the mayor's planned “pageantry contest” for a sign at Trolley Square, citing visible blight, human suffering, and legal violations. He argued the city must enforce Florida Statute 166.0453 prohibiting camping/sleeping in public rights‑of‑way.

Discussion Items

• City Manager Report: Justin Shay showcased items from the 1976 bicentennial time capsule opened on July 4, including a 1976‑77 budget ($3 million, 102 employees) and a utility bill totaling $12. The items will be archived at the Gulfport History Museum after cataloging. Mayor Love received a gift from former Mayor Yvonne Johnson (first female mayor), a pen set from the dedication of Clymer Park.
• City Attorney Report:
  • E‑bikes: The governor vetoed the state e‑bike law; the city attorney is drafting an ordinance to regulate e‑bikes on sidewalks, possibly prohibiting them in downtown/waterfront areas or during festivals.
  • O'Hara Lawsuit: A civil remedies notice was sent; no response received. The city will now move forward with a civil action in small claims court, which should proceed quickly (mediation and possible trial).
• Council Comments/Reports:
  • Councilmember Daunch: Reported on upcoming Clam Bayou invasive plant removal (July 11, 8‑11 AM).
  • Vice Mayor Shaw: Summarized reports posted on the city website: Suncoast League of Cities meeting (American Flood Coalition free resources), Florida League of Cities property tax proposal briefing, Sierra Club environmental think tank, and Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council sessions. She also highlighted the successful Juneteenth and 4th of July celebrations (nation's 250th birthday) and a planned time capsule opening at the museum on October 16, with discussion of a new time capsule for 2050.
  • Councilmember Webb: Announced a community meeting with Pinellas County Schools on Thursday at 6 PM at Boca Ciega High School regarding future of Gulfport Elementary; encouraged council and public to attend to support single‑school attendance. Congratulated Gulfport Elementary on achieving an “A” grade.
  • Councilmember Early: Promoted the Fusion 49th District “Second Saturday” event at Charlie Market Square (July 12, 10 AM‑8 PM). Also announced a Gulfport Community 5K on October 3, with proceeds benefiting Operation Santa.
  • Mayor Love: Praised the 4th of July games staff (Miravelle's team). Noted ongoing violation of watering restrictions and urged compliance. Reported that the community planning assistance team for downtown traffic flow re‑envisioning has not yet responded after selections were made in June. Announced that 58th Street reconstruction is expected to be complete (both lanes open) by end of July.
• Ordinances (Second Readings & Public Hearings):
  • 2026‑05 (Accessory Dwelling Units in Comprehensive Plan): Passed unanimously after brief discussion. The amendment adds definitions and policies for ADUs, supporting the city's housing goals.
  • 2026‑06 (General Employee Pension – Section 15‑91 definitions): Passed 4‑1. Councilmember Daunch voted no; she provided a lengthy statement explaining concerns that eliminating employee contributions during workers' compensation leave could weaken the pension fund's long‑term solvency, citing parallels to Social Security's projected shortfall. She argued contributions should continue, not be waived. Staff and city manager clarified the change merely codifies existing practice (since 2016), has been reviewed by the actuary as having no financial impact, and does not alter policy. The council majority accepted that the pension funds are well‑funded (over 90%) and the city consistently meets its obligations.
  • 2026‑07 (Police Officers' Pension – Section 15‑51 definitions): Passed 4‑1 (Daunch no). Identical language to align with the general employee pension.
  • 2026‑08 (Firefighters' Pension – Sections 15‑31, 15‑33 definitions and board of trustees): Passed 4‑1 (Daunch no). Similar amendment for consistency.
• Resolutions:
  • 2026‑42: Authorized payment to C.A.P. Government, Inc. for plan review and inspections for May 2026 (monthly variable cost). Passed unanimously.
  • 2026‑43: Renewed employee health insurance with Public Risk Management of Florida Health Trust/Florida Blue for FY 2026‑27 with a 1.5% increase. Passed unanimously.
  • 2026‑44: Renewed life and accidental death/dismemberment insurance with Standard Insurance Company; premium decreased by $0.08 per $1,000 of covered payroll. Passed unanimously.
  • 2026‑45: Renewed long‑term disability insurance with Standard Insurance Company; premium decreased by $0.02 per $100 of covered payroll. Passed unanimously.
  • 2026‑46: Adopted rules and policies for city council meetings, including a written warning for first violations, progressive discipline, and processes for fact‑finding and censure. Amendments clarified that minutes automatically record actions. Passed unanimously.
  • 2026‑47: Authorized interlocal agreements with DRC Emergency Services, LLC and AshBritt, Inc. for disaster debris collection/removal. The new contract raises the rate from $8 to $24 per cubic yard (based on post‑storm market conditions) and adds sand collection. City Manager noted challenges with contractor availability; the new agreements aim to secure reliable vendors. Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinances passed (4‑1): 2026‑06, 2026‑07, 2026‑08 (Councilmember Daunch dissenting on each).
• All other consent items and resolutions passed unanimously.
• New Business: Council gave consensus to place the following on future agendas:
  • Resolution to join the American Flood Coalition (free membership).
  • Proclamation recognizing the Juvenile Welfare Board's 80th anniversary.
  • Discussion of prohibiting personal fireworks at Clam Bayou Preserve and Osgood Point (subject to state statute review).
  • Consideration of designating Gulfport a “City of Kindness.”
  • Workshop (tentatively September 2026) to revisit regulations on car dwellers, including input from the city's outreach social worker/advocate.
• Other decisions: Vice Mayor Shaw will present the resolution supporting Gulfport Elementary at the Pinellas County Schools community meeting on Thursday.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 PM, notably earlier than typical.