What We Learned on Patch This Week

Gulfport Teen Charged with Molesting 9-Year-Old: Zaynus Clifford Crawford, 18, is charged with sexual battery and molestation of a 9-year-old, according to Gulfport Police. 

Outsourcing Dispatch: What Chief Vincent Has to Say: Gulfport Police Chief Robert Vincent blogs about his views on outsourcing the Gulfport Police Department's Communications Center.

Citizens Email City Leaders about Budget, Dispatch, Parks: Gulfport Patch has taken a look at several emails sent from Gulfport residents to city leaders Aug. 9-29. Some of the emails are several paragraphs or more than one page. As a result, several of the following quotes are excerpts from longer letters.

First Responder: Officer Jon Davis: Gulfport Police Officer Jon Davis' experience as a Naval Flight Officer inspired him to transition into law enforcement, so he can help people first hand.

Citizens Concerned New Political Districts Won't Reflect Community: About 400 Pinellas County citizens shared their concerns about political redistricting with state representatives in a public meeting Tuesday.

New In Town: Red Hot Tiki:Sharon Doan and Rhonda Riccio are the new owners of Red Hot Tiki on Beach Blvd. They've been making their own hot sauces for a couple years and now have a retail location to call home.

Photo Gallery: Cards, Games and More at Senior Center: The Senior Center hosted it's 2nd Annual Card and Game Party to raise money for the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center Foundation and wellness programs.

Study Programs, Free Testing and Block Scheduling Help Prepare Students for Success at Boca Ciega High School: One-stop tutoring, college credits, free college preparatory tests and more course offerings are some of what is new this year at Boca Ciega High School.

Pet Portraits in Gulfport Raise Money for Local Animal Rescues: The Murals for Mutts team starts a new pet portrait project in downtown Gulfport.

When Choosing a Fishing Guide, Do Your Homework: Not only do professional fishing guides have different levels of fishing experience, they all have one-of-a-kind personalities. Make sure you find the right fit.

Changing Custody of Your Child Not So Simple: Before you fight a court battle to change "time-sharing" with your ex-spouse, you need to show a substantial change of circumstances.

Parents Reserve the Right to Snoop: Mom and Dad are justified in doing some digging when a child shuts them out.

My Rowdy Dog is Starting to Respond to Training: It took a couple of shouts across the dog park, but Grayson has finally learned to come when he's called.