What We Learned on Patch This Week

New Sign Design Chosen for Clymer Park: Artist Tom Pitzen was chosen to create a new welcome sign for Gulfport's Waterfront Redevelopment District. The sculpture will "have a beach scene with a palm tree, umbrella and a sand castle that suggests 'family friendly.'"

City Council Votes to Outsource Dispatch, Keep Mowing: In the Gulfport City Council budget debate, both sides gave a little by amending the city budget for fiscal 2012. The new budget will now outsource only the police dispatch duties, not park services.

Gulfport Moves Forward With Proposed Smoking Ban on Beaches, Play Areas: Gulfport came once step closer to banning smoking on city beaches. However, instead of limiting smoking only on beaches, the proposed rule will now also apply to play areas frequented by children.

City Council To Light-Up Discussion On Proposed Beach Smoking Ban: Vice Mayor David Hastings has been the instigator behind a proposed city ordinance that would ban smoking on the beach. The ordinance is up for discussion by the City Council at a September 22, 2011 Workshop at 3:30 p.m.

Opening Business in Gulfport Like 'a Root Canal', Restaurateur: As of Tuesday night, Frank Concolino can start making pizza in Gulfport. Getting him to that point exposed some of his frustrations with dealing with the city government.

Behind the Scenes at Dispatch Centers in Gulfport, Largo: We examine call volume, radio channels and more at the Gulfport Police Dispatch Center and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Communications Center in Largo.

How Neighboring Communities Use County Dispatch: Some local municipalities outsource police dispatch on nights and weekends to save costs.

Guardians Ad Litem Provide a Voice for the Children: These volunteer caregivers protect the rights of the most vulnerable youths in our community.

Giving Back in Gulfport: Kimberly Keyes: Every week Giving Back in Gulfport will introduce you to a volunteer in the community. Follow along as we find out what inspires volunteers to help.

New Executive Director for Gulfport Chamber of Commerce: Robert Newcomb has been appointed Executive Director of the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce.

What My Kids Did While I Wasn't Looking: Sometimes parents have a difficult time backing off and allowing children to take things into their own hands.

Work Can Compete for Pet Owner's Attention: Dog walkers, day care and friends are all good options for taking care of your pets when the job calls.

How to Cure a Cold the Natural Way: Using herbal remedies can assist your body in warding off this season's common cold.

Florida Laws That Don't Make Sense: Exposing some of the weirdness in the Florida Constitution.