Gulfport City Council Votes 3 - 2 to Outsource Dispatch and Mowing Services

During the Special Budget Meeting, Vice Mayor David Hastings, Council members Barbara Banno and Jennifer Salmon voted yes on the first reading of the operating budget for fiscal year 2012. Mayor Mike Yakes and Council member Sam Henderson voted no.

Rescue of the Week: 8-Year-Old Tesse

Beaten and abused, this little princess fought to survive.

Five Clymer Park Entryway Sign Proposals Submitted

Five artist teams answered the call for a proposed park sign to invite people passing on Gulfport Boulevard to the city's waterfront.

Reserves, Property Taxes and Millage Rates: A Closer Look

We take a look at the recent history of the General Fund Reserves, property taxes and millage rates.

Budget Timeline: July 15 to Present

Tonight is the first of two special public budget and millage meetings by the Gulfport City Council. From July 15 to present, we take a look at how the city manager and City Council sculpted the budget.

This Tart's a Piece of Cake!

You no longer have to be intimidated by tarts once you learn some simple basics.

5 Things to Know Today: Thursday, September 8

Special Budget Meeting, Artist Submission Deadline and 60% Chance of Rain in "5 Things to Know Today."

Gulfport Police Call Log: August 29 - September 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.

Should Parents Let Their Kids Quit?

When kids want to quit a sport or other activity, it's important to figure out the root cause of their frustration before making a decision.

Free Starbucks Coffee for Teachers

The coffee chain is offering the freebie to welcome teachers back to school.

Beach Smoking Ban to be Discussed at Workshop

The Gulfport City Council voted 4 to 1 during Tuesday night's regular council meeting to discuss an ordinance that would make the City of Gulfport's beach area tobacco free at an upcoming workshop.

5 Things to Know Today: Wednesday, September 7

County eTownHall Event Tonight, Entries still going for Chili and Salsa Cookoff and a 40% Chance of Rain.

Bright House Networks: Service is Restored After Outage

Software bug causes customers across the Tampa Bay region to lose phone, Internet and cable for much of Tuesday.

Rescue Dog, Child Give Each Other New Hope

Layla was struggling in the foster system, and Hayley was suffering from depression. Then they found each other.

5 Things to Know Today: Tuesday, September 6

Gulfport City Council Meeting, Fresh Market and

Jail Bookings Report: August 29 - September 4

The following people were arrested between August 29 and September 4. The information is provided by the Gulfport Police Department and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

How to Keep the Handshake Deal Alive and Well

Some simple best practices for those who suffer from 'contractophobia' and insist on oral agreements.

Rainforest Protection Can Start at Home

Preserving one of our most precious natural resources begins with getting informed, spreading the word and taking action.

5 Things to Know Today: Monday, September 5

Labor Day Holiday, 60% Chance of Rain and more in "5 Things to Know Today."

What We Learned on Patch This Week

Check out our top stories this week on Gulfport Patch.

11th Annual Geckofest: A Festive, Colorful and Well-Attended Affair

Browse through our montage of imagery from Saturday's 11th Annual Geckofest, and feel free to upload some your own!

Boca Ciega High School Football Coach Wanted a Test

Despite losing to state power Countryside Friday night, the test is what Antez Brinson wanted to see for his team of Pirates early in the season.

5 Things to Know This Weekend

11th Annual Geckofest Today, 40% Chance of Rain and more in "5 Things to Know This Weekend."

Palm Scans Speed Up Lunch Lines

The lunch line at Boca Ciega High School moves quicker with a new palm scan system.

New Fundamental School Within BCHS

More than 100 freshmen students are enrolled in the new fundamental school within a school program at Boca Ciega High School.

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.

11th Annual Geckofest: What to Know Before You Go

Rain or shine, the annual event will go on! Here's what you need to know about the highly anticipated annual celebration in Gulfport. We'll tell you where to park, where to get cash and where the restrooms will be during Geckofest.

Rescue of the Week: 9-Year-Old Boo Boo

A very special plea for a very special boy. Hear why Boo Boo cannot be adopted, but is in need of a foster home.

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.

5 Things to Know Today: Friday, September 2

Chief's New Blog Post, Geckofest Countdown, USS Independence Tickets 'Sold Out' and more in "5 Things to Know Today."

Citizens Email City Leaders about Budget, Dispatch, Parks

Gulfport residents have emailed city leaders about the debate over outsourcing the police dispatch center and mowing services.

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.

Tropical Cyclone in Gulf Could Mean Rainy Holiday Weekend

System is likely to develop this weekend, and could bring rain and clouds to Gulfport and the Tampa Bay area.

GET OUT: Weekend Events Preview September 1 - 4

Geckofest, USS Independence, First Friday Art Walk and more! Gulfport Patch has some ideas in order to enjoy a well-deserved weekend.

Photo Gallery: Gulfport Elementary School Hosts Open House

About ten days into the school year parents had another opportunity to meet their child's teacher and discover more about the learning in store for them.

5 Things to Know Today: Thursday, September 1

Gulfport Little League Registration, Free Tours of USS Independence, 60% Chance of Rain and more in "5 Things to Know Today."

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.

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.

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.

Unique & Local: Gulfport Guava Breeze Drink

Have a taste of Gulfport and unwind from a long day's work by ordering the Gulfport Guava Breeze at O'Maddy's Bar and Grille!