By Marlene Shaw
I am thrilled Paradise News asked me to share information regarding Gulfport – which for those unaware, is a lot. It is something I also do on a daily basis on the Gulfport Matters Facebook page, listing the many great things happening in Gulfport.
My early years were in Detroit and in my early adult life, lived on acreage in the “rural thumb” area of Michigan prior to moving to Florida in 1982. Gulfport has been my home since 1994. My career was in community management, and I ran my own management firm for 14 years. I also worked for the Community Services Division for the city of Gulfport for five years which included managing the Casino Ballroom, city events, theater, and creating GeckoFest.
I attend city council meetings, various other city meetings, town halls and workshops. I listen, observe, and converse with people in the community. Much of what I will be sharing with you throughout the year will be news of what has, or is, transpiring. While this may not sound interesting at the moment, many would be surprised how much occurs in our quaint 2.8-square-mile city.
The recent election is a current example. We are pleased when candidates step up as a candidate rather than an election by acclamation. Yet, the Aesop’s Fables warning to be careful what you ask for seems to be weighing heavy on many minds due to the national nature of the recent campaign. There was a steady stream of misinformation, mischaracterization, and even some photoshopping and fake ads. Ultimately, the incumbent councilor, April Thanos, prevailed with over 60% of the votes. Thanos received 2,072 of the votes and Bixler received 1,314 per reports. There is an indication of “sour grapes.” At this juncture, I’m amused at coincidentally using another Aesop’s phrase. It is now up to the citizens of Gulfport to ensure our council will work together and represent us.
The Marina Project is next on the agenda. At the city council meeting of Feb. 20, Stantec presented a scope of services for a concept study. They worked on a concept in the past. Apparently, it was not well received by the public. They are starting over again. The plan is for a community engagement study to develop a unified vision through a collaboration effort. Is it just me, or does this remind you of something similar to legalese?
Seriously though, I advocate for community engagement and a two-way communication process in which the council listens to the community.A charette was scheduled for March 25.
During the public session of the Feb. 20 council meeting, a number of people spoke regarding the marina project. Their concerns included the current seawall damage and collapses, preventing disturbance of wildlife and nesting birds, flooding, commercial entities, traffic, more hard paving, sewage, and making sure the community will know how the process will work. Concerns were expressed about utilizing the same firm as previously used, what is driving it, and the importance of listening to the citizens.
A long-term resident of 20+ years in the marina district asked who wants this project and what problem does it intend to solve? He said he has never heard a ground swell of citizens asking for any changes and speculates that the charette will begin with an official speaker portraying a glorious project. By the way, it appears post-maintenance costs have not been discussed either. Unquestionably, this will be another round of energized discussion. Stay tuned and stay involved.