By Marlene Shaw
Some of us may finally be catching our breath after an exhilarating holiday season – beginning with multiple community Thanksgiving gatherings and continuing with our annual tree lighting, weekly golf cart parades, holiday concerts, the Santa Rampage and community parade, the welcome return of our BCYC lighted boat parade after the storms of 2024, art openings, the Art Jones Studio Tours, bustling markets, multiple visits from Santa, New Year’s Eve festivities, and all of our regular activities in between. Together with our beautiful sunsets and laughter-filled evenings, these moments have given us countless warm memories to carry with us long after the season fades.
As we look ahead, may the new year bring each of you comfort, connection, and bright possibilities. And may we carry that unmistakable Gulfport warmth with us into every day of the year to come.
Now, as Gulfport’s vibrancy continues – and with an important election on the horizon – we look forward with hope, clarity, and purpose. This year brings key referendum questions and councilmember elections in Gulfport. There are also proposed changes in property tax legislation, ongoing state pre-emptions that affect our community and numerous proposed bills. Your voice and your choices shape our future. Staying informed, engaged, and involved matters more than ever.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with your questions, thoughts, and concerns. I remain committed to our community – and to each of you.
A Warm Welcome to our Latest Additions!
Hand Made Mystic located at 5226 Gulfport Blvd. S, a metaphysical hub of healing, learning, crystals, jewelry, design your own crystal bracelets, aura photography, and much more. Handmademystic.com
August Vernon Galleries located at 3043 Beach Blvd. has returned. www.AugustVernon.com
What’s Happening
- Jan. 2: The DRV Gallery presents Watercolor of Puma Love with music by Jim Gilmour, 5:30-8:30pm, at 5401 Gulfport Blvd S. www.drvgallery.com
- Jan. 8-18: The Gulfport Community Players presents “Beyond Therapy,”an off-the-wall comedy by Christopher Durang, at the Catherine Hickman Theater. For tickets, go to www.gulfportcommunityplayers.org
- Jan. 10: Beyond the Beach Cleanup, Gulfport Beach, 9-11am. Meet at Pavilion #4. Bags, pickers, pails, gloves, water, and more are provided.
- Jan. 10: US Coast Guard Auxiliary Recreational Boating Course, 9am-5pm, at 1617 49th St. S, The course qualifies for the Florida Boating ID Card. $40 per person. Contact Marty Richardson at 630-674-5352 or mericharsonjr@att.net to reserve a seat.
- Jan. 15: Artist Chat with Susan Livingston, presented by the Brenda MacMahon Gallery, 6pm. What do clay and fossils have in common? Find out and discuss her expansive and impressive career. www.brendamcmahongallery.com
- Jan. 15: The Gulfport Poetry Open Mic Night at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S, from 6-7pm. Hosted by Poet Laureate, Christa Fairbrother, this monthly event on third Thursdays returns following the November and December holiday break.
- Jan. 17: Plant a Tree, the City of Gulfport’s free tree giveaway, 9-11am, at Clymer Park (Greenway), 23rd Ave. S and Beach Blvd. S
- Jan. 17-31: DRV Gallery presents Art for a Cause, a juried exhibition for artists to support the cause of their choice. www.drvgallery.com
- Jan. 24: Blues Night, A Showcase of Blues, Rock and Folk
presented by the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation at the Catherine Hickman Theater. The evening will feature Tony & Sal and J Santi & The Vital Groove. 5501 Beach Blvd. S, 7pm. Tickets are available with a VIP option including a BBQ reception. www.gulfportseniorcenterfoundation.org - Jan. 24: The 4th Annual Kit’s Stroll, 1pm, to raise funds and awareness for the Phelan McDermid Syndrome Foundation (PMSF.org). Meet at Clymer Park along Beach Blvd. S, then stroll through Gulfport, landing at Stella’s for refreshments, a silent auction and raffle. Suggested donation of $20 per person.
- Jan. 25: Dixon’s Violin, 3:50-5:15pm, “a premier visionary violinist” – from audiences across North America, to Burning Man and Electric Forest, to TED Talks, and now, at the Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S, www.eventbrite.com
- Jan. 30: The Lightning Xpress Show: Alx & Memphis Lightning, 7-10pm, at the Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. Tickets: www.maremilmusic.ticketspice.com
- Jan. 31: Casino Night, a FUNdraiser presented by the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation returns to the Maria Center, 1500 58th St. S. Doors open at 5pm. Gaming starts at 6pm and includes slots, blackjack, craps, poker, roulette, a silent auction, raffles and big prizes. All proceeds go to the foundation. Eventbrite for tickets: Gulfport’s Hollywood Lights Casino Night or go to www.gulfportseniorcenterfoundation.org
Gulfport Markets & Traditions– Find produce, crafts, art, local eats, and entertainment on Beach Blvd. S
- Tues Fresh Market – Every Tues., 9am–2 pm
- Gulfport Night Markets – First Fri. & Third Sat., 5–9pm
- Growers & Makers Market has started up again. It is held on the first Sun. of each month from 11am to 3pm on Thirteenth Ave. S at 1301 49th St. S.
- Taste of the New Year Foodie Fest in Trolley Market Square– Sat., Jan. 10, 12-6pm. This festival will be held on a monthly basis with a variety of themes. Sponsored by Fusion 49th and Saturday Shoppes. 4900 Tangerine Ave. S. Free parking.
New!
Calling all artists! The Gulfport Merchants Chamber has announced a new monthly exhibit and sales opportunity for Gulfport Merchants Chamber member artists. They will host a monthly solo art show and sale at the GMC Welcome Center on Gulfport Blvd. The show will kick off with an opening reception on the third Saturday of each month, from 4-6pm. The opportunity is free for artists members, and all proceeds will go to the artists as well. If you are an interested artist, contact juliearmstrong22@gmail.com or artheart43@yahoo.com.
Coming Up in February
The first annual Gulfport Pride’s For the Love of Gulfport Community Day, Sun., Feb. 1, 11am-4pm at Trolley Market Square on the Tangerine Greenway
The 11th Annual Gulfport Fine Arts Festival will be Feb.14-15, 10am to 5pm, in Clymer Park (Gulfport Blvd. S & Beach Blvd. S)
Live Music, Open Mics & Jams
Gulfport’s got rhythm! Here’s where to catch weekly open mic nights. See Gulfport Matters on Facebook for other music throughout the week:
- Mon. – North End Taphouse, 5:30–7:30pm
- Tues. – North End Taphouse, 7–10pm
- Thurs. – Gulfport Brewery, 6–9pm
- 1st & 7th – Blueberry Patch Open Mic
- 11th – Blueberry Patch Open Jam
*Follow Gulfport Matters on Facebook and stay connected to the creativity, community, and spirit that make Gulfport shine. Check out other “Things To Do” on the City of Gulfport’s calendar too. Between the venues, businesses, organizations and city activities, there is always something to enjoy.