Fourth "Suspicious" Fire Reported in Gulfport this Year

On April 18, 2011, there were three palm tree/brush fires reported in Gulfport. Early this morning, a witness called in another fire to authorities. This time, officials have a description of someone leaving the scene.

Police Blotter: May 30-June 5

The following people were arrested between May 30 and June 5. The information is provided by the Gulfport Police Department and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. The Police Blotter also includes the Gulfport Police Department's call log.

Film Crew in Gulfport: 'There's Still an Interest After all These Years'

A crew with Investigation Discovery is filming various reenactments of the investigation into the murder of Karen Gregory in 1984.

As Red Light Camera Ban Fails Senate, Gulfport Program Considered a Success

After the state Senate failed legislation to outlaw red light cameras, city officials say they are moving forward with plans to accept bids from vendors to install and run cameras in Clearwater. Gulfport's three cameras have been live for months.

Hurricane Season 2011: What's in a Home Disaster Kit?

Experts predict an active six-month season. Read along as we provide tips for home safety, how to prepare a disaster and first aid kit and provide resources for you and your family. It's all part of the Patch commitment to keep you informed and safe.

First Responder: Firefighter Paramedic Michael Hays

Michael Hays has been a firefighter for the Gulfport Fire Department for six years now.

First Responder: Lieutenant Adam Poirrier

Lieutenant Poirrier began as a Fire Explorer, Volunteer and now Lieutenant with the Gulfport Fire Department.

Riley Bryan Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder

Riley Bryan, 69, is sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. "I'm sorry it happened," Bryan told the judge before his sentencing.

LIVE Update: Day Four of Riley Bryan Murder Retrial

State's Attorneys and Defense Attorney's will present closing arguments to the jury today in the Riley Bryan first-degree murder retrial in Pinellas County.

Update: Day Three of Riley Bryan Murder Retrial

Riley Bryan is facing a first-degree murder retrial this week in Pinellas County. The charge is from a shooting in Gulfport on November 7, 2009.

A Look at Murders in Gulfport the Past 10 Years

The Gulfport Police Department has investigated three murders since 2000. "We've just been really lucky over the past 10 years," Sgt. Robert Burkhart said.

Jury Selected; Testimony Begins Today in Riley Bryan Murder Retrial

On Tuesday May 24, 2011, a jury was sworn in and opening arguments given. One unexpected event happened during the first day of the retrial, defendant Riley Bryan left early due to medical reasons.

Update: Jury Selection Complete in Riley Bryan Murder Retrial

As of 1:30 p.m. more than 30 potential jurors are being questioned during jury selection at the Pinellas Criminal Justice Center in Clearwater.

Police Blotter: May 16 - May 22

The following people were arrested between May 16 - 22. The information is provided by the Gulfport Police Department and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. The Police Blotter also includes the Gulfport Police Department's call log.

Jury Selection Begins Today in Riley Bryan Murder Retrial

Riley Bryan, 69, is charged with first-degree murder after a November 2009 shooting in Gulfport. Bryan's retrial begins with jury selection on Tuesday, May 24 in Pinellas County.

First Responder: Communications Officer Frank Wheelehan

Gulfport Police Communications Officer Frank Wheelehan has been public safety dispatcher for the Gulfport Police Department since 1994.

New Database to Help Reduce At-Risk and Derelict Vessels

Officers with the Gulfport Police Department, City Manager, Vice Mayor and Council Member learned first hand how a new program with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will help local officials target at-risk and derelict vessels.

Police Blotter: May 9 - May 15

The following people were arrested between May 9 - 15. The information is provided by the Gulfport Police Department and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. The Police Blotter also includes the Gulfport Police Department's call log.

Pinellas County Sheriff Jim Coats Will Not Seek Re-Election

Pinellas County Sheriff Jim Coats announced on Tuesday May 17, 2011, that we will not seek re-election. Coats said he will serve the rest of his term and will retire with 41 years in law enforcement with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

Gulfport Patch First Responders: Have you met them?

Have you met our previous First Responders of the Week on Gulfport Patch?

Drinking and Driving Deaths Touch Teens

A mother who lost a daughter and her friend to drinking and driving and the man convicted of the killings come together to encourage students at Boca Ciega High School not to make the same mistake.

'All of us are safer today because of the sacrifices they made'

Three St. Petersburg police officers who died in the line of duty in 2011 were recalled at an annual Pinellas County memorial for the law enforcement community.

$1,000 Reward for Vandalisms and Burglaries

"With school out soon, we are expecting more of this," Dan Liedtke said.

Red Light Cameras Update: Nearly 640 Citations in 30 Days

From March 21, 2011 to April 21, 2011, the Gulfport Police Department issued 639 red light citations with about 85 still pending.

Police Blotter: May 2 - May 8

The following people were arrested between May 2 - 8. The information is provided by the Gulfport Police Department and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. The Police Blotter also includes the Gulfport Police Department's call log.

Surveillance Video Released in Papa John's Robbery

Take a look at the surveillance video and see if you recognize the suspect. The St. Petersburg Police Department is asking for your help after a Papa John's Pizza was robbed at gunpoint on Monday, May 9, 2011.

Car vs Bus Accident Blocks off Traffic on 49th St. S.

Officials have blocked off both northbound lanes on 49th St. S. near 18th Ave S. in St. Petersburg after a car vs bus accident.

First Responder: Firefighter EMT Lesley Jordan

Lesley Jordan has been with the Gulfport Fire Department for 16 years. Jordan was a volunteer for 10 years and has been a full time firefighter for six.

"Suspicious" Fires May Be Connected to Fires in 2007, 2008 and 2010

During the early morning hours on Monday April 18, 2011, officials were called out to three separate fires in the city. All three fires were within blocks of each other and were similar in nature.

Man in Motorized Wheelchair Died After Crash

68-year-old Roger L. Barchoff died after a vehicle hit him while he was trying to cross Pasadena Avenue around 10:30 a.m. Monday May 2, 2011.

Police Blotter: April 25 - May 1

The following people were arrested between April 25 - May 1. The information is provided by the Gulfport Police Department and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. The Police Blotter also includes the Gulfport Police Department's call log.

PatchCast: National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Calling prescription drugs the “drug of choice” for youth ages 12 to 17, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi said it is time to reverse the state’s status as “the epicenter for drug abuse in the country.

First Responder: Firefighter Paramedic Gerard Grady

Gerard Grady has been with the Gulfport Fire Department for nearly 8 years.

Gulfport Police Department Collects Thousands of Prescription Medications

Operation Medicine Cabinet was a success for the Gulfport Police Department.

Video: Police Canines Honored at Memorial Service

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Clearwater Police and other local law enforcement agencies gathered to honor the lives of two fallen police canines.

Former Server Arrested for Stealing Customers' Credit Card Numbers

Michael Singer, 46, faces eight felony charges and two misdemeanor charges after customers at the Neptune Bar & Grille in Gulfport reported someone using their credit and debit cards numbers.

PatchCast: Raising Money for Fallen Officers

In an attempt to raise $150,000 for the families of the fallen St. Petersburg Police officers, Jim Surrett, general manager at Lokey Automotive, is living on the roof of the car dealership for the month of April.

First Responder: Lieutenant Erick Fuchs

Lt. Erick Fuchs is a Firefighter and EMT. He's been with the Gulfport Fire Department for more than 12 years, two of them as a volunteer.

Burned Palm Trees and Brush "Suspicious in Nature"

Gulfport Fire Chief James Marenkovic says they are investigating a fire that took place Monday morning on Gulfport Blvd. Palm trees and brush are burned and the Springfest banner is also ruined.

First Responder: Police Services Supervisor James Beane

Police Services Supervisor James Beane began his career with the Gulfport Police Department as a communications officer in 1999.