Government Offices Closed on Monday Dec. 26

Several local and county government offices are closed today for the holidays.

5 Things to Know Today: Recycle Your Tree and City Hall Closed

Hey, Christmas is over and pine needles are piling up on the floor. We tell you how to recycle your tree in "5 Things to Know Today."

Jail Bookings Report: Dec. 19-25

The following people were arrested in Gulfport from Dec. 19-25. The information is from Gulfport Police and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

Help Dogs, Cats at the Humane Society

Volunteers do a lot at the Humane Society. They foster animals, walk dogs, groom felines and help out at fundraisers.

What We Learned on Patch This Week

This was the week for some striking visuals: the all-too-brief Santa Speedo Run and a YouTube video showing crackups as Florida vehicles blew through red lights.

Sunday Sunset: Paradise off Park Street

We want to see your photos! We know we live in paradise and part of that is enjoying a beautiful sunset everyday. We want you to send in your sunset photos from around the area and every Sunday, we'll share it on Gulfport Patch.

Gulfport Editor (Not Patch!) on Vacation

Gulfport Patch wishes all of you a happy holiday and New Year! Just as we want to keep you informed about Gulfport, we want you to know that Local Editor Cherlene Willis will be on "holiday" until the first Monday in January. Don't worry about a thing!

Red Light Cameras Record Car Crashes

Catch these cars crashing through Florida intersections, including in Gulfport and St. Petersburg.

5 Things to Know This Weekend: Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays, What's Closed on Sunday, Deck Your House, Highs in the Upper 70s and more in "5 Things to Know This Weekend."

Wine and Dine in Gulfport this Holiday Weekend

Want to ditch the kitchen and opt out of cleaning up after a holiday meal? Eat out! Check out our list.

5 Things to Know Today: Santa, Shopping and Special Olympics

Last night for Christmas Walk and Bake Sale on Newton Avenue, Last Minute Gift Ideas, Help the Special Olympics, High of 78 and more in "5 Things to Know Today."

Happy Birthday, Gulfport Patch!

Today – Dec. 22 – marks Gulfport Patch's one-year anniversary. How time flies. I want to thank our readers and Gulfport for such a welcoming reception.

Court Television: Are They Serious?

Are the Television Judges Really Judges?

Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back With Relay for Life

Welcome to our series on giving back. Today we profile the American Cancer Society's annual Relay for Life, which recognizes those affected by cancer.

Industrial Arts Center's Growth Spurt

The Gulfport center is a hub for creativity.

Video: Senior Follies Bring Joy, Cheer and Holiday Greetings

The annual variety show was in full effect on Wednesday afternoon, giving a sold out crowd their money’s worth of entertainment.

Video: Holiday Fire Hazards

Don't let your Christmas tree ignite anything but holiday cheer this year.

5 Things to Know Today: Birth of the Sun

Learn about the birth of the sun, Salsa lessons at the Casino, Operation Santa a success and more in "5 Things to Know Today."

5 Things to Know Today: Senior Follies and Swing Time

Senior Follies Sold Out, Holiday Swing Night, High of 77 and more in "5 Things to Know Today."

First Responder: Fire Chief James Marenkovic

Fire Chief James Marenkovic became a paramedic at age 20, a volunteer firefighter in 1994, a member of the Gulfport Fire Department in 1998. He wears many hats at the station and is proud to serve the City of Gulfport.

Giving Back in Gulfport: Margo Scannell

Congratulations Margo Scannell. Scannell has been a familiar face at the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce for more than a decade. She is this week's Volunteer of the Week.

Gulfport Gifts at the Chamber of Commerce

Want to ensure your gift has "Gulfport" written all over it, literally? Check out the t-shirts, calendars and more for sale at the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce today.

Jail Bookings Report: Dec. 12 - Dec. 18

The following people were arrested in Gulfport from Dec. 12 - Dec. 18. The information is from Gulfport Police and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

Gulfport Police Call Log: Dec. 12 - Dec. 18

The following information is provided by the Gulfport Police Department's call log. The calls that are listed represent calls that resulted in an arrest, citation issued and/or report by an officer.

“I want a puppy for Christmas!”

Santa's heard it and I'm sure you've heard it too. Here's a few things to consider before you adopt.

Turn Down the Stereo, Pretty Please?

Noise Pollution: What Are a Citizen’s Tools To Stop Intrusive Noise?

5 Things to Know Today: Gulfport Fresh Market

City Council Meeting Cancelled, Join the Chamber, Shop at the Fresh Market and more in "5 Things to Know Today."

The All-Too-Brief Santa Speedo Run

The second annual run raised more than $30,000 dollars and lured 130 participants (most of them in bright red Speedos) to Gulfport Saturday.

5 Things to Know Today: Holiday Light Tour, Operation Santa and Senior Follies

Free Holiday Light Tour for Gulfport Residents, Senior Follies Holiday Show sold out, Operation Santa still collecting toys and more in "5 Things to Know Today."

First Responder: Officer Robert McLaughlin

Officer Robert McLaughlin has been in law enforcement since 1977 and is going on four years with the Gulfport Police Department.

Meals on Wheels: Warm Meal, Warm Smiles

Homebound seniors across Pinellas County need your help. Find out how you can make sure your neighbors don't go without a warm meal – or a warm smile from a caring volunteer.

What We Learned on Patch This Week

Smoking Ban Update, Dispatch Transition Under Way, Donate to Gulfport Organizations and more top stories this week on Gulfport Patch.

5 Things to Know This Weekend

Weekend Events, Enter the "Deck the House" Contest, High's in the 70s and more in "5 Things to Know This Weekend."

5 Things to Know: Ladies' Night, Christmas Carols and Nutcracker Ballet

Blow your own glass, Caroling at the Gulfport Lions Club, High of 77 and more in '5 Things to Know Today.'

Sunday Sunset: A Lesson at Sunset

We want to see your photos! We know we live in paradise and part of that is enjoying a beautiful sunset everyday. We want you to send in your sunset photos from around the area and every Sunday, we'll share it on Gulfport Patch.

Runners to Sport Speedos – for a Good Cause

Keep your eyes peeled for sneakers, Speedos and Santa hats in downtown Gulfport. The annual Speedo Run is Saturday. Watch out, here we come!

Weekend Events: Art Walk, Santa Speedo Run, Family Movie Day

Lots going on in Gulfport this weekend! Saturday Art Walk, Free Family Movie Day, Santa Speedo Run and more!

Gift Ideas in Gulfport: Music, Food and Art

Check out how to keep your cash local when shopping for holiday gifts!

5 Things to Know Today: Free Concert, Reserve New Years Tickets and Thursday Socials

The South Pasadena Band performs tonight, Reserve tickets for New Years Eve at the Ballroom, High of 76 and more in "5 Things to Know Today."

Donate Toys, Food, Clothing and More in Gulfport

You can donate to several organizations and help families and animals in Gulfport and Tampa Bay this holiday season.