The Gulfport City Council met on March 3, 2026, to receive four major presentations on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), stormwater management improvements, a phased renovation of the senior center, and progress on the 49th Street safety corridor. The meeting also included a proclamation honoring the 2025 Officer of the Year, public comments, and farewell remarks from Vice Mayor April Thanos, who attended her last council meeting.
Good evening. And welcome to the March 3rd, 2026 Council meeting. After 33 years of s of saying sales meeting on Tuesdays, I still still feel like I stumble over that. But council meeting. So thank you all for being here. If there's any chance whatsoever that your phone is not been silenced, please check it and silence it. Okay. And as always, I say there's gonna be a lot of things going on tonight, and there's gonna be a lot of questions, but if you feel the urge to to ask the person next to you, I'm gonna ask that you step outside so that we only have one conversation going on at a time, all right. I appreciate that. So with that, I would say let's call this meeting to order. Oh, I did I did call it to order. You know, I get confused between that and roll call. I apologize. Okay, let me start over. I've called the meeting to order, and now we will start with the invocation, which will be given by Vice Mayor Danos for the last time, and then followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, so please stand. So usually I find a quote that seems appropriate for the time, but what's on my mind is the war. And so whether you think it's justified or not justified, that doesn't, I mean it matters, but that's not what I'm talking about. It's here, it's happening, and I'm just hoping that our national and international leaders can find a way to make it stop happening quickly, so we have minimal loss of life, because that totally worries me. So I just wanted to say that as my invocation. So thank you. Thank you. Vice Mayor Thanos? Here. Councilmember Shaw. Present. Councilmember Jackson. Here. Councilmember Early. Present. Mayor Love. Here. City Attorney Salzman. City Manager O'Reilly. Present. City Clerk Keriko is present. Thank you. So tonight we're going to um start the meetings. We have several presentations. And we're gonna start off first with a uh recognizing our officer of the year. And I believe that our city clerk is gonna read the proclamation, and then I believe our chief is going to acknowledge our officer of the year. Okay, and this is a proclamation honoring Officer Selena Ramos, 2025 officer of the year. Whereas the safety, well-being, and quality of life of our residents depend greatly upon the dedication, professionalism, and integrity of the men and women who serve our law enforcement community. And whereas Officer Selena Ramos began her employment with the City of Gulfport Police Department in 2018 and has consistently demonstrated exemplary commitment to the mission and the values of her department through outstanding service, leadership, and accountability. And whereas Officer Ramos has distinguished herself as one of the agency's strongest field training officers, maintaining training documentation that is widely regarded as unparalleled in its accuracy, thoroughness, and professionalism. And by not only meeting but evaluating, uh excuse me, elevating the standards of the field training program. And whereas she has shown a genuine investment in the development and mentorship of new officers, taking personal ownership of their success and directly contributing to the overall strength and future of the department. And whereas Officer Ramos has demonstrated notable growth and competence while serving as an acting sergeant on the Charlie shift, effectively balancing supervisory responsibilities alongside her primary duties with adaptability, sound judgment, and leadership potential. And whereas she has consistently volunteered to cover shifts, often on short notice and beyond normal expectations, while maintaining exceptional performance, a positive attitude, and an engaging presence that strengthens both her squad and the department as a whole. Whereas in recognition of her dedication, professionalism, leadership, and work ethic, the command staff has selected Officer Selena Remos as the 2025 Officer of the Year. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the City Council of the City of Gulfport does hereby recognize and commend Officer Selena Ramos for her outstanding service and dedication to the community and proudly congratulates her upon being named 2025 Officer of the Year.