Week of September 21, 2020
Gateway to the Gulf Newsletter
Virtual/Regular Events & Meetings
The Tuesday Fresh Market Returns!
Tuesday, September 29th
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market returns, better and safer than ever on Tuesday, September 29. With social distancing and safety protocols in place to keep vendors and shoppers safe, the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market offers people an outdoor venue where they can safely shop.

For more information or to register to become a vendor, please visit http://visitgulfportflorida.com/gulfport-tuesday-market/
Class is Dismissed: Retirement Party
Saturday, October 3rd
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S.

All are welcome to join the City of Gulfport for a retirement party honoring Mrs. Joanne McRoberts. The retirement party will be held outdoors on the back patio. We encourage social distancing and recommend face coverings during your visit.

For more information, please call 727-893-1068
Virtual Neighborhood Watch Meeting
Wednesday's at 7 p.m.

Broadcasting “live on Facebook” Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Check on updates for your area and learn about recent incidents related to vehicle, residential burglaries, BOLO’s and stolen vehicles.

For more information, please contact Mr. Jim Wright Volunteer Coordinator at 727-893-1022 or jwright@mygulfport.us.

Community Outreach
Check out what percentage of households in your state have been counted by census takers, as well as total response rates from across the country.
Take the 2020 Census

Have you taken the 2020 Census yet? Don’t be afraid to be counted! It’s quick, secure and confidential; by law, your answers cannot be used against you in any way.

The 2020 Census is happening now. You can complete your questionnaire online, by phone, or by mail.

Respond today! Deadline is September 30, 2020.
Call: 844-330-2020 | Visit: https://my2020census.gov

Let's Get This Money, Gulfport! #PinellasCensusChallenge
The Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger is working through an increase in distribution needs with more families accessing food and resources. Volunteers currently are needed to help pack meals on Tuesdays and Saturdays and for deliveries on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Interested in volunteering? Please visit www.networktoendhunger.org/volunteer to complete a volunteer application. If you or anyone you know could benefit from this program, please call Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger at (813) 344-5837 or submit an application at www.NetworktoEndHunger.org/MOW4Kids.
Pinellas CARES Fund

If you lost your job or your business had to close or stop serving customers due to COVID-19, the Pinellas CARES programs are here to help. Individuals and families can apply for help paying overdue rent, mortgage or utilities while local businesses may be eligible for a one-time grant to keep them afloat in these difficult times.  
Financial Assistance for Individuals and Families
If you lost a job or significant income due to impacts from the pandemic, you may qualify for financial assistance up to $5,000 per household to pay for rent, mortgage or utility payments.

Text the word COVIDCARES to the phone number 898211 to start the process.

For a detailed list of all program qualifications and step-by-step instructions: https://covid19.pinellascounty.org/pinellascaresindividual
New Pinellas CARES programs expand help for local businesses
More than 3,200 small business owners have received emergency grants since the initial Pinellas CARES program launched in May, but more help is on the way for a broad range of businesses still struggling from the impacts of COVID-19.

Pinellas CARES is now offering expanded grant funding for Pinellas-based businesses most affected by the pandemic: generally, those that were required to shut down or whose customers were required to shut down or stop doing business.

Businesses that make $3 million or less in gross annual revenue may qualify for up to $10,000 in grant assistance based on a sliding scale.

A detailed list of all program qualifications and a link to the online application can be found at: https://covid19.pinellascounty.org/pinellascaresbusiness
To apply, links below:

Duke Energy realizes the financial impact of the pandemic is far from over. Credit & debit card fees and walk-in payment fees will be waived through the end of October. Customers still facing financial challenges can request an extended payment arrangement quickly and easily

Residential customers with more complex issues should call 800-700-8744 Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.; business customers should call 877-372-8477.
Free Face Masks at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom & 49th Street Neighborhood Center!!!
Please Wear a Mask
Don’t have a mask? No problem! Visit the Gulfport Casino Ballroom or the 49th Street Neighborhood Center for a FREE mask.
Addresses & Hours of Operation
Gulfport Casino Ballroom (Walk-up site)
  • 5500 Shore Blvd. S.
  • Monday - Friday, 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.

49th Street Neighborhood Center (Walk-up site)
  • 1617 49th St. S.
  • Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cloth Face Coverings: Do’s & Don’ts
Wearing a cloth face covering CORRECTLY can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others. When you go out on essential trips, follow these “do’s”.

If you have a child, remember those under age 2 should not wear a face covering.
Washing Your Cloth Face Covering
Cloth face coverings should be washed after each use. It is important to always remove face coverings correctly and wash your hands after handling or touching a used face covering. Remember: Cloth face coverings are still required when inside indoor public places in Pinellas County. Learn how to keep your mask clean: https://bit.ly/37Fjpid
Gulfport Flood and Hurricane Information

If a disaster were to hit today, would you be ready? Visit www.mygulfport.us/hurricane-center/ for planning tips, evacuation zone information, a list of recommended supplies, and other useful hurricane-related information. Be prepared to stay safe. The Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season ends November 30.
2020-2021 School Year Teen Night

For Teen Night Registration Form contact, John Lapham Recreation Coordinator at jlapham@mygulfport.us
or by calling 727-893-1079

Gulfport Recreation Center
5730 Shore Blvd. S. Gulfport, FL 33707

Gulfport Library is Open with Limited Service!

Check out all the Virtual Events the Gulfport Public Library has to offer on their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/GulfportLibraryFL.

5501 28th Ave. S. | 727-893-1074
City of Gulfport Williams Pier Temporarily Closed

In June, the City of Gulfport Williams Pier was temporarily closed for approximately three months for scheduled construction.

If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 727-893-1089.
ALERTPinellas

Receive alerts about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for our community’s Emergency Alert Program – Alert Pinellas.
Pinellas County has also established a dedicated COVID-19 webpage where citizens can find in-depth information on the virus, links to resources and regular updates.

COVID-19 testing is available from Community Health Centers of Pinellas and Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County. Find testing sites near you at https://covid19.pinellascounty.org/testing/
Household Electronics & Chemical
Collection Events

The Household Electronics and Chemical Collection Center (HEC3) has reopened. For the safety of our customers and staff, the handling of items has changed. Staff and customers shall practice social distancing of 6 feet. Customers are required to unload items from their vehicles. Staff will advise customers to place items on a cart or on the ground (for larger items, like TVs).

For details about accepted items and quantity limits, please visit www.pinellascounty.org/solidwaste/mobileoptions.htm

For questions or live chat, please call Pinellas County Department of Solid Waste at (727) 464-7500 or www.pinellascounty.org/solidwaste
Catch A Ride With GEMS!

The Gulfport Extended Mobility Service (GEMS) run thru the Senior Center has resumed limited, essential transportation services to grocery stores, medical appointments, etc.

Any Gulfport residents 55 & older or residents with a disability can take advantage of GEMS door to door service for a yearly membership of $70 plus $2 per ride.

For more information, call 893-2242.

The City of Gulfport is Proud To Be A Tree City USA Community

Do you love Gulfport and wish you could be here all the time? Check out our live streaming cameras to see what you are missing. From beaches and volleyball to dining and special events; Gulfport has it all! After all we are one of the most fun and exciting cities on the Gulf coast!




Latest Beach Water Quality Sampling Data:
City of Gulfport
High Efficiency Toilet Rebate Program


For more information, please visit 
or contact 727-893-1016.
Gulfport on the Go!
Get the City App
 
City of Gulfport is proud to announce the launch of the new City of Gulfport app for iOS and Android mobile devices, the newest way to connect with its citizens.

The Official City of Gulfport app offers citizens a simple way to submit requests-like reporting potholes, signs, trash or debris, code violations, and inquiring about an event venue. Users can include an address and description, GPS-specific location, as well as a photo of the issue. Once a request is submitted, you can keep track of pending and completed requests within the "My Requests" section. In addition, the City app has direct links to the online utility bill payment system, the City calendar, frequently asked questions, the city employee directory, the sanitation department, and the electronic newsletter signup.

The City App allows residents to connect more conveniently with City government to report issues and request non-emergency services. Offering more ways for citizens to connect with the City, please email info@mygulfport.us or call 727-893-1118 with questions or technical issues about the smart phone app.
City of Gulfport Senior Center Telephone Reassurance Program:
Keeping you Safe and Connected
 
The City of Gulfport Senior Center’s Telephone Reassurance Program is a free service for Gulfport Residents 50 years of age or older. Volunteers provide daily phone calls to registered members and provide comfort, security, and peace of mind to members and families.

As of Thursday, August 13, 2020, five months into the coronavirus pandemic, the City of Gulfport Senior Center’s Telephone Reassurance Program has called 1,760 members, with the support of 39 volunteers, providing the opportunity for daily interaction, comforting conversation, and verification of the senior’s well-being.

Registration is simple and free. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service during this difficult time, please call (727) 893-2237 and register today.
Online access to the City of Gulfport Municipal Code is provided at the following link: Gulfport, Florida - Code of Ordinances