No Citations (Yet) for Smoking on the Beach

The smoking ban took effect on the Gulfport Beach, athletic fields and facilities and playgrounds in the city in early November. City officials say the warning period is over, and those caught smoking in prohibited areas may be cited.

5 Things to Know Today: Speedo Run, Swing Night and So49

So49 Business Meeting, Sign up for the Santa Speedo Run, Swing Night, High of 77 and more in '5 Things to Know Today.'

Carl Asch: Musical Vagabond's Winter Homecoming

Tight-rope walker, singer, magician and knife thrower, Asch has done it all as he traveled the globe. These days, he calls Gulfport his winter home.

Dispatch Transition Under Way

Gulfport Police Chief Robert Vincent explained the process and changes.

Wishing Your Pet a Safe Holiday

Here are some reminders for keeping your dog safe and avoiding an emergency visit to the veterinarian over the holidays.

5 Things to Know Today: Tuesday, Dec. 13

Fresh Market, Clothing Swap, Gift Certificates at the Chamber of Commerce, High of 76 and more in "5 Things to Know Today."

Gulfport Police Call Log: Dec. 5 - Dec. 11

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.

Beach Bazaar's One-Stop Shop

The nifty building holds a post office, a real estate business and an antique/vintage shop – all under one roof.

Jail Bookings Report: Dec. 5 - Dec. 11

The following people were arrested in Gulfport from Dec. 5 - Dec. 11. The information is from Gulfport Police and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

Shared Photos: Christmas Boat Parade

Gulfport Patch reader Eric Cribb snapped a few photos from the annual Boca Ciega Yacht Club Light Parade. Thank you Eric for sharing!

5 Things to Know Today: Monday, Dec. 12

Crime Watch Meeting, Candidate Filing Ends, Enter to Win $100,000 for Pinellas County Schools and more in "5 Things to Know Today."

Should Social Media Determine Your Employment Status?

What rights should an employer have to access your social media information or fire you based on your social media content?

Photo Gallery: Holiday Hoopla 2011

The third annual Holiday Hoopla lured shoppers, vendors, entertainers and Santa to downtown Gulfport. Check out our photos from the event. Did you take any photos? Share them with us!

What We Learned on Patch This Week

Red Light Camera Update, Therapy Dogs at Stetson, Council Votes to Increase Litter Fines, Deck Your House Contest and more in our week in review on Gulfport Patch.

5 Things to Know This Weekend

Holiday Hoopla, Lincoln Cemetery Cleanup, Boat Parade, Enter to Win $100,000, Highs in the 70s and more in "5 Things to Know This Weekend."

Volunteers Needed for Cemetery Cleanup

On Saturday from 8 a.m. - noon at the Lincoln Cemetery, 600 58th St. S., the public is invited to lend a hand in cleaning up the property.

Holiday Hoopla is Coming to Town

The third annual Holiday Hoopla will feature shops, arts, crafts, music, caroling and . . . Santa! Beach Boulevard will be packed with exhibits, vendors, entertainment and holiday cheer.

5 Things to Know Today: Friday, Dec. 9

Free Christmas Concert, Bake Sale, High of 70 and more in "5 Things to Know Today."

Deck Your House and Win $100,000 for Pinellas County Public Schools

Get out the lights and holly. Your decorating could net $100,000 to our schools.

Donate Toys to 'Operation Santa'

For the past 20 years, the Gulfport Police Department has helped collect and distribute toys to children in need in Gulfport. Here's how you can help.

5 Things to Know Today: Thursday, Dec. 8

Toys for Tots, Operation Santa, Thursday Social Tonight, High of 63 and more in "5 Things to Know Today."

New in Town: Cousin’s Pizzeria

Authentic, New York style pizza can now be enjoyed at Beach Boulevard’s newest addition, Cousin’s Pizzeria.

Solicitors May Have to Ask Before Leaving Flyers

The Gulfport City Council voted unanimously, during first reading, to make it tougher for solicitors to leave flyers, pamphlets, coupons, etc, at residents homes in Gulfport.

Don't Toss Out Trash, Fines Likely to Increase

Gulfport City Council votes 4 - 1 in, first reading, to increase fines for littering in Gulfport.

Red Light Cameras 'Doing Their Job'

Gulfport Police Chief Robert Vincent says the red light cameras in Gulfport are working, with a decrease in crashes at intersections and a large number of tickets issued to violators.

Gulfport Pics & Clips

Post your favorite photos of Gulfport living, and we will feature them in the Gulfport Patch. Share photos and videos of what makes our little seaside city so special.

5 Things to Know Today: Wednesday, Dec. 7

Debbie Bacon Holiday Show, Mutual Aid Agreement with Tampa, High of 74 and more.

Therapy Dogs Help Law Students De-Stress

Four-year-old Brando helps students relax and take a break during exam time at Stetson University Law School in Gulfport.

U.S. Post Office: Cut It or Keep It?

In this age of email and private overnight delivery companies, do we still need 'snail mail'?

Shopping Tourists to Visit St. Pete, Gulfport

A bus filled with Tampa shoppers will take a tour bus to locally owned retailers in the two cities on Saturday.

School Board Member Dies After Heart Surgery

School board member Lewis “Lew” Williams died Saturday, just days after undergoing heart surgery.

Photo Gallery: Santa, Lights and Christmas at Clymer Park

Santa ditched his sleigh for a firetruck Monday night in Gulfport!

Keep Your Pets Safe From Coyotes

Coyotes generally will prey on small animals at dawn and at dusk.

Gulfport Police Call Log: Nov. 28 - Dec. 4

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.

Jail Bookings Report: Nov. 28-Dec. 4

The following people were arrested in Gulfport from Nov. 28-Dec. 4. The information is from Gulfport Police and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

5 Things to Know Today: Tuesday, Dec. 6

Senior Follies Sold Out, City Council Tonight, Gifts at Fresh Market and more in "5 Things to Know Today."

Patch Is Growing in St. Petersburg

This month, I will leave my post as Local Editor to take on a broader role as Assistant Regional Editor. But I will still help to guide this Patch as well as four other Florida sites.

'Tis the Season to Give a Fruitcake?

What is a gift?

'Probably the Toughest Event on the Planet': I'm a 'Tough Mudder'

The Tough Mudder is a 10-12 mile endurance obstacle course designed by British Special Forces. It’s billed, 'probably the toughest event on the planet.' Guess what? I did it, and with the help of my husband and my teammates, we finished.

5 Things to Know Today: Monday, Dec. 5

Candidate filing begins, Tree Lighting tonight, Santa in Gulfport and more in "5 Things to Know Today."