5 Things to Know Today: Friday, September 9

If You Missed It: If you missed Thursday night's Special Budget Meeting at Gulfport City Hall, you can watch the video on the city's website. Officials will upload the video sometime today. 

First Reading: The Gulfport City Council voted 3 - 2 on the first reading of the operating budget for fiscal year 2012 on Thursday night. The budget includes a 4.0 millage rate increase, outsourcing police dispatch center and outsourcing mowing services.

Proposals Submitted: There were 5 proposals submitted for an entrance/artistic sign element to be featured for the City of Gulfport’s Waterfront Redevelopment District in Clymer Park. We'll have more details later today on Gulfport Patch.

Enter Today: Last minute chili or salsa entries will be accepted until Friday Sept. 9 for theThird Annual Industrial Strength Chili Cookoff on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Cooks will receive a commemorative cookoff apron, beverage tickets and other perks. Complete entry information is available at www.IndustrialArtsCenter.org.

Friday Forecast: We have a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Otherwise, it'll be partly cloudy with a high near 85. East wind at 5 mph becoming west. Tonight, we have a 30% chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Otherwise, partly cloudy with a low around 78. Expect a southeast wind around 7 mph.