What We Learned on Patch This Week

Employee Buyouts on the Horizon: Facing a shortfall of revenue of potentially $1.6 million due in large part to a drop in revenue from real estate taxes, the City of Gulfport will be offering buyout packages to some employees in a way to save money.

City Council Rejects Golf Cart Ordinance: The Gulfport City Council rejected the proposed golf cart ordinance that has been a subject of much discussion in recent months. After another round of debate at Tuesday's council meeting the council voted 3-2 against adopting the new ordinance that would have created new regulations regarding golf cart usage in line with the city's safety standards, insurance liability, legality and geography.

Hurricane Season 2011: Looking Back at Hurricane Charley: Gulfport Police officers learned first hand how to help after a direct hit from a hurricane. Hear how the lessons from 2004 will help if a hurricane hits Gulfport.

Photo Gallery: Get Your 'Best of the Road' Sampler Plates Today: Bring your game faces – or should I say taste buds – to Gulfport, road rally team! The 2011Rand McNally USA Today "Best of the Road" competition kicked off Thursday in New York.  Fifteen restaurants have crafted taste-sized platters ranging from $10 to $15. The new menu items begin today and will run until July 23.

Photo Gallery: Senior Center Ice Cream Social: From classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate to healthy options like nonfat yogurt and no-sugar-added vanilla, the Summer Ice Cream Social at the Senior Center had enough variety for everyone.

Pleasure Doing Business: The Golf Shop: Golf professional Rick Yarrington has owned and operated The Golf Shop on Gulfport Boulevard since 1985 selling a complete line of equipment with professional golf instruction and a full-service equipment repair facility. 

Update: 18-Year-Old Dies From Crash Injuries: Alex Brian Taylor, 18, of Gulfport died Tuesday as a result of injuries he sustained in a crash on Monday.

Former Boca Ciega Girls Basketball Coach Joins Northeast: Will White, who resigned in the spring after returning the Boca Ciega High School girls basketball program to its glory days, has accepted the position of girls basketball coach at Northeast High School.

City Could Put Brakes On Trolley: Facing a shortfall in revenue and with the trolley's grant soon to dry up, some residents think it's best for Gulfport to discontinue its trolley service to St. Pete Beach.

Senior Center Keeps Members Active: You can find Arlene Wilbur at the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center every day except Wednesday. The 93-year-old often volunteers at the reception desk answering the phone. Wilbur socializes in the "Chat Room" on Fridays where members discuss different topics and solve riddles to keep their minds sharp. She also attends a diabetes support group on Mondays.

First Responder: Officer Steven Beltran: Gulfport Police Officer Steven Beltran is a common face at Boca Ciega High School. Beltran is, among other titles, a School Resource Officer.