The Gulfport City Council convened on April 7, 2026, for a regular meeting that featured presentations, public comments, resolutions, and new business. Key highlights included a proclamation honoring 17-year-old racing driver Nikita Johnson, a demonstration of the new Click Fix citizen service request portal, extensive public testimony about Stetson University’s proposed rezoning of a residential block, the election of Councilmember Marlene Shaw as Vice Mayor, and approval of the annual July 4th fireworks display. Several council consensuses directed staff actions on speed limits, parking signage, and a pro‑bono parking study.
The meeting adjourned approximately four hours after it began.
Welcome and thank you for coming to our April 7th uh city council meeting. I see a lot of good faces out there and a few new faces out there. I'm glad everybody made it. I think we were expecting more rain than what we what we got so far. So what I'm doing is I'm calling the meeting to order, and we're gonna start with the invocation by Councilmember Shaw that will be followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, so I'm going to ask it everybody's stand. Spring is a season that reminds us of growth and new beginnings. In many ways, the work we do here is no different. Every decision we make plants a seed, and with care, collaboration, and patience, those seeds shape not only our shared present, but the future of our community. One nation. Before we do roll call, let me just ask everybody if there's any chance whatsoever that your phone is on or notifications are on, or volumes on. If you'd please turn them off, I'd appreciate it. Thank you. Councilmember Shaw. Present. Council Member Webb. Present. Councilmember Early? Present. Councilmember Donch? Here. Mayor Love. Here. City Attorney Salzman. Here. City Manager O'Reilly. Here. City Clerk Carico is present. Thank you. So tonight we start with two presentations, and our first presentation is going to be to Mr. Nikita Johnson. And we have a proclamation that Councilmember Shaw is going to read. And we have a proclamation that's gonna be read by Councilmember Webb, my apologies. Oh, thank you, Mayor. And this is a proclamation honoring Nikita Johnson, whereas Nikita Johnson at just 17 years of age has demonstrated exceptional talent, discipline, and determination, well beyond his years, embodying the very best qualities of elite athletes and personal excellence. And whereas as a proud resident of Gulfport, Florida, Nikita Johnson represents the spirit, character, and ambition of our community, serving as an inspiration through his dedication to his craft, his craft, and his unwavering pursuit of greatness. And whereas Nikita Johnson's journey to success has been marked by years of rigorous training, personal sacrifice, and steadfast commitment, reflecting a maturity and work ethic that that distinguishes him as a rising figure in the world of competitive competitive motorsports, and whereas his remarkable accomplishment and winning the Indy next by Firestone race at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, leading all 42 laps after a fearless outside pass on the very first turn on the opening lap demonstrates an extraordinary combination of technical mastery, physical conditioning, strategic acumen, split section second decision making, and disciplined preparation, bringing great pride and honor to the city of Gulfport. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the City Council of the City of Gulfport does hereby recognize and commend Nikita Johnson for his outstanding achievements, remarkable talent talent, and inspiring example to our community, and proudly congratulates him on his exceptional victory and continued success. Be it further proclaimed that the City Council encourages all residents to embrace the pursuit of competitive athletics and positive disciplined risk taking as vital to the healthy develop development of young people in celebration of Nikita Johnson and directs a copy of this proclamation to be presented as a lasting symbol of the city's pride and admiration. Come on up. It's not every day you have an elite athlete in your meds and seven people. And his team is awesome. There you go. Excellent. Come on in, everyone. If you can't see me here, but I can I can't see you. Mayor, would you like to be in the center, please? Come on. Congratulations very much. Thank you so much, y'all, for joining us today.