By Marlene Shaw
A Long Road Back – Let’s Stay Ready
Hurricane season is a topic that many of us would rather not think about – but Gulfport knows better than most how awareness and preparation matters. As we know, the 2024 hurricane season left its mark on Gulfport in ways none of us will ever forget. But Gulfport is resilient – and the proof is all around us.
Cheers rang out when Hurricane Eddie’s reopened after 17 months, its doors finally welcoming back the locals who call it home. Yesterday, the community gathered again – this time to celebrate the completion of the Town Shores seawall, a ribbon-cutting moment that spoke volumes about what this community is made of. Step by step, the work continues.
As we move forward, a few simple actions can help ensure we’re ready for whatever the season may bring. Join neighbors and take the Pledge to Evacuate – a quiet but powerful commitment to personal safety, community care and our first responders. Consider adopting a storm drain through the
Adopt-A-Drain program, also on the city website, helping keep our streets clear from flooding and our waterways clean.
And mark your calendar: the City’s Hurricane Preparedness Seminar comes to the Hickman Theater at 5501 27th Ave. on May 28, 6-8pm – a valuable evening for every Gulfport resident. It is free and open to the public. Attendees can enjoy a slice of pizza and a drink for $3. FMI: 727-893-1118 or email kossola@mygulfport.us.
Together, small steps add up to a stronger, safer community we all love.
Something New
Mix is in the mix – and Gulfport couldn’t be more excited! Find this charming new boutique next to the Pearl and Comfort Café, across from Wood Ibis Park – where vintage finds, original art, and a welcoming studio come together in true Gulfport style.
SPOTLIGHTING EVENTS OF THE MONTH
In addition to the Fresh Market every Tuesday, and the Night Markets every 1st Friday and 3rd Saturday, Gulfport has countless events and activities.
May 15: Picturing Paradise: From John James Audubon to the Florida Highwaymen, another in the Gulfport History Museum Porch Party series, 5301 28th Ave. S, 7-8:30pm. The speaker will be Keri Watson, associate professor of art history at the University of Central Florida, co-executive editor for Panorama: Journal of the Association of Historians of American Art, author of This is America, and editor of the Routledge Companion to Art and Disability. Florida Humanities provide funding for this program. Link to register: www.gulfporthistoricalsociety.wildapricot.org
May 16: Junk Drop-Electronic and Chemical Mobile Collection, 8am-1pm, at the 49th Street Neighborhood Center, 1617 49th St. S. Please, no tires or tree stumps. Just stay in your vehicle and have items in an easily accessible area, e.g., backseat, trunk, bed of truck, or trailer. Free. Proof of Gulfport residency is required. FMI: 727-893-1089.
May 17-19 and May 24-25. The Gulfport Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 71-6 will be providing free literature and vessel safety checks at the Gulfport Marina (near the boat ramp) for National Safe Boating Week. They will be distributing literature in the morning and then conducting vessel exams from 3-5:30pm.
May 23: “Being Piaf: Timeless Songs. Unforgettable Story. One Night” comes to Gulfport. Step into the world of Paris and the soul-stirring music and storytelling of Édith Piaf, presented by the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation. This intimate theatrical concert will be held at the Catherine Hickman Theater from 6-7:30pm, featuring acclaimed performer Eleanora Owen, directed by Tim Byron Owen.
A VIP experience begins at 5pm, featuring hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary drink. All proceeds support the Gulfport Senior Center’s expansion and renovation projects. Ticket information: www.eventbrite.com/being-piaf-timeless-songs-unforgettable-story-one-night-tickets-1986842259683
May 25: Memorial Day Commemoration – The city of Gulfport will host its annual 2026 Memorial Day Commemoration at Veteran’s Park, 5350 31st Ave. S, 2:30-3:30pm.
May 31: Pride Parade: Gulfport Pride Friends of Dorothy, 10am-12:30pm. Join Friends and Allies of Pride, local businesses, and community members of all ages – all are invited to take part in this colorful event celebrating inclusion, diversity, and community spirit. Bring colorful décor, music, walkers, motorized floats, cars, bikes, and carts. Line-up will be at the Gulfport Recreation Center at 58th St. S and Shore Blvd S, then make its way through downtown
Gulfport before concluding at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. Immediately following the parade, the celebration will continue with a Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at the Gulfport Public Library. Must be registered to be in the Pride Parade. Registration: through May 23. www.gulfportprideflorida.com
*RIDE THE SPECIAL EVENTS GULFPORT TROLLEY!
A free and convenient service connecting residents and visitors from off-site parking locations to key destinations throughout the city. The trolley operates on a regular schedule, making it easy to hop on and off near shops, restaurants, parks, and the waterfront. There are trolley stops or wave it down. FMI: 727-893-1000 or go to www.mygulfport.us/trolley for the most up-to-date schedule and route maps.
GULFPORT MERCHANTS CHAMBER OPENED THE 2026 GECKO WORLD GRANT MARCH 31
Local non-profits and community-focused organizations may apply for funding that supports projects benefiting the Gulfport community. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and submit their applications. FMI: www.VisitGulfportFlorida.com
No More Whispers…The Geckos have decided – and it’s going to be spectacular!
One of the Florida Gulf Coast’s most legendary and unforgettable street festivals is back! This free, family-friendly extravaganza bursts to life every August, uniting the community into a spectacular celebration of live music, dazzling street performances, local art, and irresistible Gulfport flavor.
This year’s theme, “Gulfport Music Awards,” shines a spotlight on the bold, bohemian creative energy that makes Gulfport truly one of a kind. Dust off your wildest wardrobe and unleash your inner eccentric – costumes are highly encouraged at GeckoFest, the Gecko Ball, and the wacky walking parade. Start dreaming and dazzling now!
GeckoFest is a glittering gem in GeckoWorld – a month-long celebration featuring the Gecko Art Show, Gecko Crawl, and the glamorous Gecko Ball, with proceeds supporting three local nonprofit grants annually.
The search is also on for the next Gecko Queen! If you have imagination, enthusiasm, and a love for Gulfport’s wonderfully quirky spirit, now is your moment to step into one of the city’s most colorful traditions.
Gulfport Galleries & Art Openings
Brenda McMahon Gallery
First Friday art opening receptions with music, plus Third Friday art events and special events.
FMI: www.brendamcmahongallery.com / 727-454-0453 / Facebook
DRV Gallery
First Friday art openings with music and Third Friday art events throughout the year. FMI: www.drvgalwlery.com / 727-382-7004 / Facebook
August Vernon Gallery
FMI: www.augustvernon.com / gallery@augustvernon.com / 412-953-3036
First Friday Art Openings and Receptions – Catherine A. Hickman Theater (Lobby Gallery)
FMI: www.mygulfport.us
Third Saturday Art Openings & Reception
Hosted by the Gulfport Merchants Chamber, 5317 Gulfport Blvd. S, 4-6pm. FMI: www.visitgulfportflorida.com
A LOOK AHEAD…MARK YOUR CALENDAR
June 6: The 6th Annual Pride Festival, 12-7pm. Beach Blvd. S in downtown Gulfport.
*For more information, follow Gulfport Matters on Facebook and stay connected.