Gulfport City Council Meeting – May 19, 2026: Proclamations, ADU Ordinances, Dock Replacements, and Public Comments
Gulfport City Council Meeting – May 19, 2026
The meeting began with an invocation by Councilmember Jennifer Dawn, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Councilmember Webb was excused. Presentations included a proclamation for National Public Works Week (May 17–23) and a Duke Energy Vegetation Management update. Public comments featured 11 speakers on topics ranging from a proposed labyrinth, ongoing post-storm housing issues, barking dogs, boat dock safety, to redistricting concerns. The council adopted a resolution on procedural rules, held first readings on accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinances, approved two major dock replacement contracts, and discussed scheduling a voter anchorage workshop.
Consent Calendar
- Approved meeting minutes from May 5, 2026 (Item 6A).
- Approved Resolution 2026-31 designating the white ibis as the official city bird, presented by the student mock council (Item 6B).
- Approved Resolution 2026-32 authorizing purchase of a 2026 Ford F-450 rescue vehicle for the fire department (Item 8A).
- Approved Resolution 2026-33 for a South Basin dock replacement contract with Enterprise Marine Contractors Incorporated – $1,556,600 (Item 8B).
- Approved Resolution 2026-34 for the Casino dock replacement contract with KM2H LLC, including floating dinghy docks – construction to begin after July 4, 2026 (Item 8C).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Amanda Hagood, Gulfport resident: Proposed a permanent labyrinth as public art; requested a letter of support from the city.
- Marilyn McClellan, 56th Street: Expressed concern for post-storm residents ("the hidden few") still facing contractor abandonment, shoddy work, and mold; specifically cited Cornerstone's conduct.
- Charlotte Downey, 13th Avenue South: Suggested acquiring the closed district school on 11th Avenue South for police/fire departments rather than building new.
- Anthony Guzman, 2515 50th Street South: Complained about neighbors' dogs barking excessively all day and night.
- April Thanus, Gulfport: Suggested inclusion of a retention pond with police department planning and proposed refilling a time capsule for the 250th anniversary.
- Richard Fried, Tangerine: Urged the mayor to consider deputizing citizens in future emergencies, stating council avoids state/federal issues.
- Fred Rowe, Anchorage: Opposed mooring field expansion (proposed 75 additional balls), citing disuse of existing balls and erosion of anchorages; proposed that boaters be allowed to repair the dinghy dock.
- Miss Jones, Anchorage resident: Raised safety hazards at Wetfoot area (sharp objects, inadequate temporary dock, lack of legal parking), requested prompt dock rebuilding.
- Kuhn, 2810 48th Street South: Noted dead newly planted trees at Clam Bayou; objected to new non‑permeable black asphalt parking lot at senior center; proposed moving trash collection to streets to preserve alleys.
- James Bake, St. Petersburg (on behalf of Arts and Culture): Thanked city for supporting ArtOUT exhibit; invited public to meet-and-greet on June 6, 2026.
- Kelly (unstated address): Called for equal treatment of land and water residents; stated she feared retaliation for speaking; urged better communication.
Discussion Items
- City Manager’s Report: Noted that Gulfport will be redistricted from Congressional District 13 to District 16 (no incumbent), potentially jeopardizing $3 million in expected funding from Rep. Luna for the senior center.
- Workshop on Voter Issues: Consensus to hold a workshop to improve communication and address concerns of residents living on boats.
- City Council Procedure Resolution (Item 8D): Extensive discussion on council reports (changed from 5 to 10 minutes, “encouraged” retained instead of “required”), workshop scheduling (set first Thursday of month), and clarifying that e‑comments should indicate residency.
- Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance (Item 7B): Tabled to next meeting pending FEMA feedback on potential impacts to the Community Rating System score in the Coastal High Hazard Area (CHHA). PZ Board recommended considering removal of CHHA prohibition if no CRS penalty.
- ADU Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Item 7C): First reading passed unanimously to define and allow ADUs, with the detailed regulations to be finalized in Item 7B at a later meeting.
- Dock Replacement Discussion: Confirmed that Casino dock will use upgraded materials (concrete pilings, concrete floats) approved by FEMA/insurance; South Basin dock awaiting permits.
Key Outcomes
- Resolution 2026-31 (White Ibis): Passed unanimously.
- Resolution 2026-32 (Rescue Vehicle): Passed unanimously.
- Resolution 2026-33 (South Basin Dock): Passed unanimously.
- Resolution 2026-34 (Casino Dock): Passed unanimously.
- City Council Procedure Resolution (2026-30): Approved with changes: reverted council report time to 10 minutes, removed “and council members” from clarifying question step, changed “debate” to “discussion”.
- ADU Comprehensive Plan Amendment (7C): Passed 4–0 on first reading; will proceed to state review.
- ADU Land Development Code (7B): Tabled to next council meeting.
- Workshop on Voter Issues: Scheduled tentatively for a future meeting.
- Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:20 p.m.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. And thank you all for coming out in this wonderful, wonderful rain. I know we love it. Um, so I do see quite a few new faces here tonight. So I just want to for the folks who don't come all the time, they don't necessarily know a couple of the procedures. So the first thing is no telephones should be ringing or buzzing or anything like that. Second, I understand that there's going to be times where you might want to talk to the person next to you. That's fine, but do it in the hallway. Because this is like a I it's so weird. Anytime anyone's speaking out there, I can hear it really clearly here. So it's quite distracting. So I ask that. And when we get to public comment, public comment, the first public comment will be for anything that's not on the agenda. And you have three minutes. But if you haven't done it before, you might not know that you can talk about whatever you want. Okay, but it's not a question and answer period. You can ask us questions, but don't look at us like, why aren't you answering? We don't do that during this time. Uh if you ask a question and you're really looking for a definite answer, you might get it during public um our council comments, but you can also leave your name and a way to contact you with our city clerk, and she'll pass that on to us, okay. I always feel bad when somebody's standing up there looking at me like, aren't you gonna say anything? No, I'm not gonna say anything. Nobody's gonna say anything. So, that all being said, what we're gonna do tonight is we will start with our invocation and then it will be followed by the pledge of allegiance. So I ask that everyone stand. Councilmember Jennifer Dawn. I have a quote from Dolly Parton. The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain. Find out who you are and do it on purpose. If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you're an excellent leader. Oh my god. Roll call, please. Councilmember Early. Present. Councilmember Donch? Here. Vice Mayor Shaw, present. Mayor Love here, City Attorney Salzman? Here. City Manager O'Reilly, here. City Clerk Carico is present, and Councilmember Webb has asked to be excused. All righty. Thank you. We have two presentations tonight, and we will start with our city clerk reading the first proclamation for National Public Works Week. Whereas public works contributes to advancing and enhancing our quality of life and provide services that are vital to sustainable and resilient communities, and whereas public works professionals are responsible for planning, building, improving, maintaining, and protecting essential infrastructure, facilities, and services that support public health, safety, and well-being. And whereas the support of an understanding and informed citizenry is vital to the efficient operation of public work systems and programs such as parks, streets, highways, traffic, stormwater, public buildings, transit, fleet maintenance, and solid waste. And whereas public works professionals, including engineers, managers, supervisors, operators, technicians, and employees provide essential services that lead to healthier, safer, and more vibrant communities. And whereas it is in the public interest for citizens, civic leaders, and children in the city of Gulfport to gain knowledge and of and maintain an ongoing understanding of the importance of public works and the public works programs. There, be it resolved, therefore, be it resolved that I, Karen Love, mayor of the city of Gulfport, do hereby proclaim May 17th through 23rd as National Public Works Week, and witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the city of Gulfport, Florida to be a fixed this 19th day of May 2026. No, thank you so much. Thank you so much.
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