Gulfport City Council Meeting – May 6, 2025

The Gulfport City Council met on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Gulfport City Hall. The meeting opened with an invocation by Councilmember Cosi Jackson, the Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call. Presentations included a Narcan demonstration, a proclamation for National Safe Boating Week (May 17–23, 2025), a marine officers update on hurricane recovery and derelict vessel removal, a donation from the Sons of American Legion and Women’s Auxiliary to Recreation Supervisor Marivel Gutierrez, and an awareness presentation from Selah Freedom on human trafficking. Public comments covered a wide range of topics. The council discussed and voted on several ordinances, resolutions, and committee appointments. Key outcomes include a first reading of a ban on smoking on municipal beaches, appointment of an interim Historic Preservation Committee, and the creation of a Charter Review Committee.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: Approved meeting minutes from April 15, 2025 unanimously.
• Pension Board Appointments: Resolution No. 2025‑39 appointing two trustees to the General Employees’ Pension Board and Resolution No. 2025‑40 appointing a resident trustee to the Firefighters’ Pension Board were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Andrew Turner urged the city to prepare for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) ahead of a state law going into effect June 1, 2025, citing a need to house his disabled father and daughter.
• Diana Schwartz (Kiwanis Club) thanked the city for supporting the annual community baby shower.
• Christine Crosby (representing the Gulfport Coastline Coalition) reported that a parcel at 4990 31st Avenue South is highly competitive for Tampa Bay Estuary Program restoration funds and urged the city to reconnect with the program. She also noted the city manager had not responded to meeting requests.
• Trevor Mallory (president of Gulfport Little League) announced that Tomlinson Park was named best park in the district and will host a top-team tournament May 12–18, 2025. He invited the mayor to throw a first pitch.
• Marilyn McClellan raised concerns about marina gas pump downtime, suggested temporary power solutions, and promoted rain gardens and living shorelines for flood mitigation.
• Donovan Nickel (Gulfport Bicycle Club) asked for signs on Beach Boulevard warning about e‑bikes on sidewalks and improving bicycle/pedestrian safety.
• Jonathan McCoachy offered experience with anchoring sailboats and suggested hiring an environmental grant writer, noting that grant proceeds in St. Petersburg are down 83% and SBA staff cuts may reduce future funding.
• Amy Costa (co‑owner of Wonderworks and co‑founder of Midtown Business Collective) reintroduced her business and called for improved walkability, lighting, and beautification on the Gulfport Boulevard and 49th Street corridors.
• Fred Rowe (resident) described the cost of boat maintenance ($6,000) and suggested providing bilge pump kits or anchor/chain assistance for poorly maintained boats to prevent sinkings.
• Lauren Stern requested a resiliency workshop date and echoed support for the Gulfport Coastline Coalition’s efforts.
• Jeff Musselman (Salty Pup Coffee House) highlighted business growth on Tangerine Avenue and offered to help revitalize the area.
• Wolfgang Dininger (Gulfport Grassroots) reported on a cleanup in the marina area that removed about 1,000 pounds of glass and tile, and announced a beach cleanup on May 10, 2025.
• Catherine Kelly asked the city to reconsider decomposed granite in the large dog park, suggesting wood fiber mulch instead, and requested a longer hose and clearer signage.
• Ingrid Bredenberg celebrated a successful World Labyrinth Day event with over 60 participants and supported a permanent labyrinth.
• Lisa Barley Melky expressed disappointment over the cancellation of July 4 fireworks and parade, stating the pier is structurally sound except for missing railings, and offered her husband’s (a coastal engineer) free inspection. She reported being unexpectedly blocked from email communication with the city manager.
• Catherine Sullivan offered AI consulting services to fix the city’s permitting process at a cost of about $5,000 and requested a meeting.
• Robert Rubin (repeated) spoke on cigarette butts and litter on the beach, supporting the smoking ban.
• Deb Atkins and Mary Hanrahan also spoke in favor of the smoking ban.
• Courtney (of Gulfport Coastline Coalition) urged the city to adopt the LMS resolution and later opposed the HMGP reallocation.
• Lauren Stern and Jonathan McCoachy also commented on the HMGP reallocation, suggesting it would not benefit Gulfport residents.

Discussion Items

Smoking Ban on Municipal Beaches (Ordinance 2025‑01 – First Reading)

The ordinance prohibits smoking of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and other tobacco products on the defined municipal beach area (from the sidewalk to the water, between the recreation center and the casino). Cigars are exempt by state statute. The fine is a class‑2 violation (approximately $150). Signs will be posted. The council discussed enforcement and noted that the recreation center and other park areas are not included. The first reading passed unanimously with a second reading scheduled for the next meeting.

Historic Preservation Committee Appointments (Resolution 2025‑41)

The state notified the city that the council cannot serve as the Historic Preservation Committee due to dual‑office holding. The resolution appoints five city staff members to the committee for a two‑year term to allow the city to proceed with historic designation requirements for the casino. Councilmember Shaw and others expressed a desire to include citizens, but the council approved the staff‑only committee with the understanding that it will be replaced by a citizen committee after casino work is complete. Passed 5‑0.

Temporary Dinghy Docking at Coast Guard Auxiliary Dock (Resolution 2025‑42)

The resolution would allow temporary dinghy docking at the Osgood Point dock. City Attorney Salzman noted the city has no insurance coverage for the site, and the dock is in poor condition with exposed nails and broken boards. Councilmember Shaw raised safety concerns. The measure failed unanimously (5‑0). Councilmembers expressed preference for alternative solutions. A motion to table was not made; the vote was taken and the resolution failed.

Adoption of 2025 Pinellas County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) (Resolution 2025‑43)

The LMS is required for the city’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program and supports its Class 6 CRS rating (20% flood insurance discount). Mike Taylor presented the plan, noting updates include new appendices and vulnerability assessments. The council approved the resolution 5‑0, with comments about future discussion on improving the city’s CRS rating to Class 5 (25% discount).

Reallocation of HMGP Funds to Elevate Florida (Resolution 2025‑44)

The resolution would authorize the reallocation of unspent Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds from projects in other Pinellas County municipalities to the state-run Elevate Florida home elevation program. City Manager O’Reilly clarified that the city has already received its funded projects and no city funds are at stake. Councilmembers Early, Thanos, and Shaw opposed, arguing that funds should stay with originally funded municipal projects. Councilmembers Jackson and Love supported reallocation to help homeowners. The resolution failed 2‑3.

Charter Review Committee Applications and Appointments (Item 9a)

The city received 25 applications. Each councilmember nominated one member: Joe Gunther (Jackson), Joe Gonzalez Hastings (Early), Courtney (Thanos – later noted she is not a registered voter; council opted to follow the application process), Aaron Beaman (Shaw), and Robert Rubin (Love). The committee will meet soon and report back on sections of the charter to address. Council agreed to refer to sections rather than topics.

New Business Items

• AI for Permitting: Councilmember Jackson will meet with a neighbor and David Mather to explore a ChatGPT‑based permit concierge. Councilmember Shaw mentioned a private consultant offering a $5,000 solution; Jackson will coordinate.
• Beacon Newsletter Littering: Councilmember Early reported complaints about newspapers being thrown on lawns; city attorney may consider a restraining order if it continues.
• Artificial Turf Ban: Councilmember Early requested drafting an ordinance to prohibit artificial turf in residential yards, citing environmental concerns. The council agreed to discuss further.
• Board Training: Councilmember Early recommended orientation and training for all city boards on sunshine laws and responsibilities. City Manager will schedule.
• Permeable Surfaces: Councilmember Early proposed amending the definition of “green” to 100% permeable materials and requiring permeable driveways for new builds and replacements. The city manager and attorney will research legal implications (Bert Harris Act).
• Stormwater Month: A proclamation for Stormwater Month was supported.
• Immigration/287(g) Agreement: Councilmember Early raised concerns that the city signed an MOU with ICE (not yet accepted by ICE). She opposed the agreement, but no action was taken.
• Compliance Audit: Early asked the city manager to check if organizations exist to audit city compliance with state laws.
• Citizens Art/Music Advisory Committees: Mayor Love announced she is working on forming these committees.
• Seating at Climber Park: Councilmember Shaw suggested circular seating arrangements.
• Mooring Balls: Councilmember Shaw proposed increasing the number of mooring balls from 25 to 100 to better manage anchored boats. The city manager will present the original plan for future discussion.
• Resiliency Workshop: Mayor Love scheduled a workshop for May 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM to discuss resiliency. A second workshop on hurricane response evaluation is proposed for June 24 or July 22, 2025.
• Hurricane Preparedness Seminar: Announced for May 29, 2025.
• July 4th Celebration: The city manager will plan a parade and picnic on July 4, 2025, likely at Tomlinson Park, as the waterfront is unsafe for fireworks.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved (minutes, pension appointments) – unanimous.
• Smoking Ban (Ordinance 2025‑01) – first reading passed unanimously; second reading at next meeting.
• Historic Preservation Committee (Resolution 2025‑41) – passed 5‑0 (staff members appointed for two years).
• Temporary Dinghy Docking (Resolution 2025‑42) – failed 5‑0.
• Local Mitigation Strategy Adoption (Resolution 2025‑43) – passed 5‑0.
• HMGP Fund Reallocation (Resolution 2025‑44) – failed 2‑3 (Jackson and Love yes; Early, Thanos, Shaw no).
• Charter Review Committee Appointed: Aaron Beaman, Deborah Adkins, Joe Gunther, Josefa Gonzalez Hastings, Robert Rubin.
• Workshops Scheduled: Resiliency workshop on May 22, 2025; hurricane after‑action workshop tentatively June 24 or July 22, 2025.
• Direction to City Manager: Plan a July 4 parade and picnic; explore permeable driveway requirements; draft ordinance on artificial turf and board training; investigate compliance audits; report on mooring ball expansion at a future meeting.