By Marlene Shaw
IN THE WAKE OF DEBBY, HELENE AND MILTON there is grief, frustration and fear of changes that may or will occur. Residents are struggling with the many aspects of FEMA, insurances, contractors and the decisions that they are faced with. Some residents have decided to repair or rebuild while others are planning a move to other wards within Gulfport. Some are leaving Florida while others have already left. Regardless of the extent of damage, or even no damage, everyone is describing the same collective sorrow and reactions to the trauma our community has experienced.
What has reopened since the last publication:
Our resilient local businesses are continuing to open their doors, which provide familiar comforts and gathering spaces for the community. Here’s a list of recent reopenings:
- Many services have been restored at the Senior Center
- The Gulfport Community Players season has commenced
- The Stormrunners Tavern has reopened
- The Beach Bazaar
- The Breeze Waterfront Café
- Saturday morning, 11:11am, Volunteer Days at the Blueberry Patch have been reinstated
- Tuesday Market is back on, starting 9am every week
If you don’t see a business listed, we encourage you to reach out to them directly. While we hope we haven’t missed anyone, many moving parts and changes are happening as businesses work to reopen. The downtown area is vibrant again, but don’t forget all the great things happening on Gulfport Blvd, 58th St. S and 49th St. S.
NEW There is a new Florida Fruit Cooperative on Sundays from 10am to 2pm. It is held in front of Stella’s Sundries and includes fresh fruit, little fruit trees, and more.
We have new owners at the former Mama Pearl’s. It is now the Salty Pup Coffeehouse & Bakehouse. Mama Pearl’s delicious banana bread and bakery items will continue to be available. www.SaltyPupCoffee.com
MORE ABOUT GULFPORT, INCLUDING PROTESTS, RESIGNATIONS AND ELECTIONS
A Blueberry Patch Holiday Pajama Party and Fundraiser with Future Joy and support from Meesty will take place on Saturday, Dec. 14. Repairs from the storms have been costly and features in the Blueberry Patch need replacement. The doors will open at 6pm with music from 7-11pm. The Blueberry Patch is located at 4923 20th Ave S. Tickets are limited, so order early. www.FutureJoyMusic.com
Jax In and Out and Funky Flamingo continue helping with their food pantry.
Stella’s Breakfast and Brunch celebrated their 15th anniversary!
The Fusion 49th District meetings are scheduled to recontinue in January.
Gulfportlandia, a grassroots citizens group, held a community debriefing on Nov. 21 at the 49th St. S community building. It was a time to bring the community together, to reflect on what was experienced, what we learned, and to talk about recovering from the hurricanes. www.gulfportlandia.org
Councilor April Thanos is being highly praised for holding a Town Hall to help answer residents’ questions regarding storm damage issues. She organized a panel to include realtors, appraisers, public adjusters, contractors, and a mitigation and remediation specialist. It was a full-house, and many residents expressed appreciation for needed clarification. Helpful contact information was also provided: sdinspection@pinellas.gov
FEMA Disasterassistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362
SBA Disaster Loans: 1-800-659-2955 (homeowners and business)