By Marlene Shaw
Get Growing with G.E.T.
Gulfport has always been a city of shade, porches, and big, beautiful trees. After the storms of 2024, many of us noticed the difference. Some trees came down in the wind, some are simply getting older, and some have been removed by neighbors who worry about what a big tree might do in the next storm.
The Gulfport Environmental Team, or G.E.T., is here to help us look at the big picture. This volunteer group began by working on a careful inventory of our trees, noting species, size, condition, and location, so we can plant wisely and care for what we have. This work is continuing.
Recently, the G.E.T. shared a detailed report with the City Council. It looks at our tree canopy and at the Urban Heat Island effect, which explains why pavement and rooftops can make a neighborhood so much hotter than a leafy one. Trees cool our streets, soak up stormwater, store carbon, clean our air, and give wildlife a home.
The team offered three recommendations:
- Adopt a goal of 32% tree canopy by 2032.
- Adopt a minimum of 25% green space across all zoning districts.
- Start a pilot residential green infrastructure program.
Want to learn more, or just have a question about your own yard? Join us for Get Growing with G.E.T. on the second Wednesday of every month at 1pm at the Gulfport Library. Each month brings a new topic, and the team is happy to answer questions about gardening, trees, and landscaping in Florida. The next gathering is Wednesday, Nov. 11. All welcome, no green thumb needed.
Ready to roll up your sleeves? The G.E.T. also meets monthly at the Gulfport Neighborhood Center, and you can sign up to volunteer through Gulfport Connects on the city website. For more information, email gulfporteteam@gmail.com or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586058422346.
Twinkle, Shop, Savor: Holiday Nights in Gulfport
Ho ho ho! The holidays are right around the corner, and Gulfport has a gift for you: First Friday Art Walk and Third Saturday Night Market, 5-9pm.
Come downtown as the sun sets and watch the holiday decorations start to glow. Browse handmade jewelry, paintings, pottery, and one-of-a-kind finds while live music drifts down the street and neighbors, musicians, and artists fill the sidewalks. Everything feels a little more special when you can chat with the person who made it. Shopping works up an appetite, so make a night of it. Pop into one of our local eateries for dinner, grab a coffee or a festive beverage between booths, or linger over dessert.
Stumped on a gift? Gift cards to Gulfport restaurants, cafes, and shops are a gift that keeps on giving. They suit the foodie, the brew, coffee, kratom, or kava lover, the neighbor who has everything, and the teacher, mail carrier, or friend who deserves a little thank you. Better yet, every dollar stays right here in our hometown.
NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
- Nov. 12-22: The Gulfport Community Players presents 4 Actors. 150+ Characters. BIG Laughs. ONE mystery: The 39 Steps, a spy comedy adapted by Patrick Barlow from the Hitchcock film, at the Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S, Thur-Sat: 8pm, Sat & Sun: 2pm. FMI and tickets: Gulfportcommunityplayers.org
- Nov. 12: Circle of Friends presents Florida Before Oranges at the Gulfport Public Library. Join us for a talk by the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) that covers the basics of 14,000 years of pre-contact Florida. Learn when people arrived and how life in the sunshine state has changed. 5501 28th Ave. S, 1-2pm.
- Nov. 14: Fall Fest in the Garden at Gulf Orchids. Plants and local makers. 5313 Gulfport Blvd., 3pm.
- Nov. 14: City Wide Yard Sale, dawn to dusk. Rain date: Nov. 15.
- Nov. 14: Fusion 49th Blues, Arts & Seafood Festival at Trolley Market Square. Food, music, art, community. 4900 Tangerine Ave. S, 10am-8pm.
- Nov. 20: Gulfport Arts & Heritage will hold a Land Blessing and Thanksgiving Address as a part of their TimeWeaving series of events. Just in time for the season of gratitude! After the ceremony, create your own unique art object and use it collaboratively to create an interactive labyrinth you can walk with your friends and family. Part of a Creative Pinellas Everywhere Initiative. Gulfport History Museum, 2726 54th St. S, 4-5:30pm. FMI: gulfporthistoricalsociety.org.
Nov. 21: Swap & Drop, Free Junk Drop-Off and Item Swap. Promotes reuse and sustainability. Swap items and drop off furniture, small appliances without refrigerants, scrap metal, carpeting and padding, household junk, bicycles, and non-propane grills. 9am-12pm. Proof of residency is required. For instructions or FMI: 727.893.1118.
ART UP CLOSE
- Brenda McMahon Gallery: First Friday opening receptions with music, plus Third Friday art events and special happenings. FMI: brendamcmahongallery.com / 727.454.0453
- DRV Gallery: First Friday art openings with music and Third Friday art events. FMI: drvgallery.com / 727.382.7004
- Third Saturday Art Openings & Reception: Hosted by the Gulfport Merchants Chamber, 4-6pm, 5317 Gulfport Blvd. S. FMI: visitgulfportflorida.com
- First Friday at the Hickman Theater Lobby: An evening of art, conversation and community featuring local artists, 6-8pm, 5501 27th Ave. S.
*Most eateries and breweries offer regular live music. For live music, weekly jams and other things happening in Gulfport, follow Gulfport Matters on Facebook and stay connected.
LOOKING AHEAD: MARK YOUR CALENDAR
- Dec. 4: Arts & Heritage will hold a Holiday Tree & Wreath Fundraiser created by local artists, 6-8pm.
- Dec. 7: Our traditional Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and visit with Santa at Clymer Park (located at Gulfport Blvd. S and Beach Blvd. S), 6-8pm.
- Dec. 11: BarrelHouse Talent will present a Damon Fowler Holiday Celebration at the Catherine Hickman Theater. The opening act will include local legend T.C. Carr accompanied by Josh Nelms and Lenny Austin. FMI and tickets: barrelhousetalent.com/tickets or barrelhousetalent1@gmail.com / 609.731.3034
- Dec. 13: New Horizons Winter Concert at the Catherine Hickman Theater, 7-9pm.