Gulfport City Council Workshop on Timed and Paid Parking – October 2, 2025

On October 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM, the Gulfport City Council held a public workshop to discuss the possibility of timed and paid parking in the Waterfront District. Mayor Sam Love opened the meeting by stating that no proposal, ordinance, or vote existed; the goal was to hear community input. Over 25 residents and business owners spoke during the public comment period. The discussion focused on parking availability, employee parking, camper vehicles, and the potential impact of paid or timed parking on Gulfport's character.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Byron Shalfant (owner of Siri's Gourmet Burgers and Pizza, and resident): Supported timed parking (maximum 4 hours) to improve customer turnover; opposed paid meters; suggested a parking garage between the senior center and library, and employee parking on 54th Street.
• Nat Kitter (46-year resident): Supported timed parking (2-hour limit) and paid parking as tools to regulate abuse; noted employees could use stickers in a central business district (CBD) similar to St. Petersburg.
• Gloria E. Hart (Town Shores resident): Opposed any regulation; argued that free parking is part of "Keep Gulfport Weird" and allows visitors to spend the day at multiple businesses.
• Anonymous speaker (van dweller, identified as a caregiver for a mother with dementia): Opposed paid parking; noted that many van dwellers are elderly or vulnerable; appealed for kindness rather than regulation.
• Bonnie Sklar (Gulfport resident): Opposed paid parking; supported timed parking; stressed the need to designate parking areas for employees.
• Joe Ginther (co-owner of O'Maddie's Bar and Grill): Representing Barbara Banno (owner of Stella's) as well; read a letter from Banno opposing paid or timed parking; stated Gulfport has tried paid parking four times and it failed; warned that paid parking would push cars onto side streets.
• Thomas Luciano (owner of Tommy's Hideaway): Opposed paid parking; supported timed parking as a compromise; emphasized that free parking keeps Gulfport unique and affordable for visitors.
• Chamber of Commerce representative (treasurer of Gulfport Merchants Chamber): Reported that a member survey was overwhelmingly unfavorable toward paid parking; if timed parking is considered, a minimum of 3 hours is preferred; suggested incentivizing employees to park in designated lots and conducting a formal parking analysis.
• Tori G. (marina district resident and Beach Boulevard employee): Opposed paid and timed parking; noted that employees already avoid parking on Beach Boulevard; argued that free parking defines Gulfport's character.
• Karen Schwartz (resident): Supported timed parking but warned it may be cost-prohibitive; suggested pedicabs, bike racks, and validation vouchers; noted that a new bike rack was quickly installed after her request.
• Bo Sauer (Town Shores resident): Focused on campers parking overnight; questioned why signs are not enforced; suggested overnight parking restrictions on public streets.
• Jennifer Donch (Premier Drive resident): Opposed paid parking due to cost of enforcement (at least two full-time employees); argued the number of spaces would not generate enough revenue to justify the expense.
• Jonathan Holzberg (new resident): Came to learn; expressed concern that any parking change could alter Gulfport's unique character.
• Albert Reisenberg (13-year resident): Opposed paid parking; supported timed parking for beach areas (2+ hours); advocated for bike incentives and more bike racks.
• Gail Gilchrist (25-year resident): Opposed any regulation; believes the parking problem is overstated.
• Courtney Pro Capis (Stetson area resident): Opposed paid parking but suggested requiring large businesses to pay an offset fee for alternative transport infrastructure; proposed a local tuk-tuk or shuttle; urged the city not to schedule public meetings on Jewish holy days (as Yom Kippur was that day).
• Deanna (resident): Opposed paid parking; noted that beach parking should not be limited to two hours for family outings; suggested employee parking in resident-only areas and better enforcement of existing signs.
• Amy Costa (Midtown Business Collective): Opposed paid parking; acknowledged timed parking would cost the city; supported shuttles or pedicabs sponsored by businesses; urged tolerance for van dwellers as there have been no reported crimes.
• Aya Hartel (new resident, 10 months): Opposed paid and timed parking; opposed a parking garage.
• Betty (resident): Opposed paid parking; requested more handicapped parking and resident stickers.
• Laura Oldaney (9th Avenue South resident): Opposed paid parking; if timed parking is considered, suggested 3-4 hours; called for cost information before further discussion.
• Victoria Jorgensen (25-year resident): Opposed paid parking; suggested designated "to-go" parking spaces for quick pickups; proposed a "Gecko Train" shuttle.
• Cheryl Dolloff (8-year resident): Opposed paid parking; concerned about timed parking for beach and downtown; noted unclear signage on side streets; suggested enforcing existing laws against camping.
• Lisa Kaufman (Shore Boulevard resident): Opposed paid parking; strongly opposed overnight parking due to safety concerns for her child; said she will not return to her flood-displaced home if overnight parking is allowed.
• Marilyn McClellan (56th Street resident): Opposed paid parking; supported bike boxes, golf cart parking, and tuk-tuks.
• Kathleen Kidwall (resident): Opposed paid parking; suggested a parking garage with retail on top to be aesthetically pleasing; supported bright bike racks; requested better enforcement in the children's park after parties.
• Bridget Marshall (Town Shores resident): Opposed paid parking; suggested 15-minute pickup spots for takeout orders.

Discussion Items

• Mayor Sam Love introduced the topic by explaining "why now" – parking has been a long-standing complaint, new council wants to listen, post-hurricane rebuilding provides an opportunity to rethink parking, and three new restaurants are expected within 12 months (only one with additional parking). She addressed rumors that the motive is revenue, stating the city passed a balanced budget without parking revenue. She shared information from a paid-parking vendor: cities can control pricing, offer free first hours, and provide resident discounts (e.g., 20 free hours/month). She also listed potential alternative solutions: pedicabs, Uber, parking at Hoyt Field, Tomlinson Park, City Hall, and the dog park.
• Councilmember Nancy Earley noted that she previously held a town hall on parking with no consensus and parking has worsened. She suggested giving employees stickers to park in the resident-only zone below 28th Avenue between 58th and Beach Boulevard, noting that most homes there have off-street parking.
• Councilmember Marlene Shaw (Vice Mayor) acknowledged that opinions have shifted in recent years and she needed to hear from residents and business owners.
• Councilmember (unidentified, possibly the one moving) mentioned reading about the federal government shutdown halting new flood insurance policies, which could affect home sales in flood zones.

Key Outcomes

• No formal motion, vote, or decision was taken. The meeting was purely informational and for public input.
• Mayor Love stated she will work on Gulfport 2050 plans and may return in 6-8 months with visuals.
• Councilmember Earley shared cost estimates for paid parking apps (first year: $50,000–$70,000; ongoing: $25,000–$40,000/year) and noted that timed parking without technology would require 2.5–3 additional staff, costing the city money with no revenue.
• The overwhelming sentiment from public comments was opposition to paid parking, with many open to timed parking (typically 2–4 hours) if properly enforced. Many supported alternative solutions: shuttles, pedicabs, golf carts, bike infrastructure, and designated employee parking.
• Mayor Love revealed she received a death threat over the meeting and asked attendees to help communicate that the council is seeking genuine discussion, not implementing changes immediately.