By Marlene Shaw
History in the Making
On March 11, 2025, Gulfport, Florida, elected Karen Love as mayor and Marlene Shaw as the Ward II Councilwoman. Nancy Earley was elected as Councilwoman for Ward IV by acclamation. This landmark event, fittingly occurring during Women’s History Month, marks the first all-female city council in Gulfport’s history. This achievement places Gulfport among an exclusive group of U.S. cities with all-female councils. They were sworn in on April 1 at the first council meeting of the month.
Gulfport’s progress is particularly notable given the city’s long history; it was incorporated in 1910, making the election of its second female mayor and all-female council a significant milestone after over a century of governance.
The newly formed council has outlined several key priorities which includes:
- Storm Recovery: Implementing strategies to address the aftermath of recent hurricanes.
- Resilience Building: Strengthening infrastructure and policies to mitigate future natural disasters.
- Community Collaboration and Communication: Cultivating partnerships to address challenges and foster sustainability.
Comparative Achievements
Gulfport’s accomplishment aligns with a growing trend of female political leadership at the municipal level. A striking example is St. Paul, Minnesota, which made history in 2023 with an all-female, seven-member city council under 40 – one of the most diverse in the city’s history. It represented a significant milestone for the city, reflecting a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The council includes leaders of different racial, cultural, and professional backgrounds, shaping policies that prioritize equity, inclusion, and community-focused governance. Their election marks a progressive shift in St. Paul’s leadership, emphasizing representation and responsiveness to the city’s diverse population.
The history of female mayors and councils in the United States reflects the broader trajectory of women’s involvement in politics and leadership roles in local governance. Although women have faced significant barriers to political participation, particularly in positions of executive authority like mayors, they have made important strides, especially over the last century.
Here’s an overview of all-female councils across the U.S.:
- Gulfport, Florida (2025)
- Minneapolis, Minnesota (2024)
- Munday, Texas (2024)
- Las Cruces, New Mexico (2022)
- Newton, Massachusetts (2019): Made headlines when all 24 members of its city council were women.
- Providence, Rhode Island (2019)
- Nevada, Iowa (2016)
- Kyle, Texas (1944)
- Kanab, Utah (1911)
Women continue to overcome challenges and biases, and their leadership is gaining well-deserved recognition.
The role of women in leadership is crucial for several reasons, including diversity of thought, balanced decision-making, and broader representation of communities. Women leaders bring unique perspectives shaped by their experiences, often leading to more inclusive policies and innovative problem-solving.
Studies show that organizations and governments with diverse leadership perform better, foster stronger collaboration, and are more responsive to the needs of a wider population. Women in leadership also serve as role models, inspiring future generations and breaking barriers that have historically limited opportunities.
In communities, having women in leadership roles ensures that policies and initiatives consider the needs of all residents, creating a strong and more balanced governance. Representation matters – when leadership hears and reflects the diversity of the people it serves, decision-making becomes more comprehensive and just.
Markets & Community Traditions
The Tuesday Market continues to thrive, welcoming visitors every Tuesday from 9am to 3pm. It’s a perfect opportunity to stroll through town, browse local vendors, pick up fresh produce, and enjoy Gulfport’s unique eateries.
The Gulfport Night Markets have been bringing lively crowds, a variety of vendors, open businesses, and music throughout. Catch it on the first Friday and third Saturday of each month from 5-9pm along Beach Boulevard (2800-3200). More details at www.VisitGulfportFlorida.com or on Facebook at Visit Gulfport Florida.
The 49th Street Makers & Growers Market happens on the first Sunday of each month at Red Feathers Studio, 1301 49th St. S, from 10am-2pm. Expect a vibrant mix of local food, drinks, plants, herbal medicines, handmade goods, and live music.
April 12 GULF ORCHIDS GRAND OPENING
A gala event with a ribbon cutting, food and music. 10am-5pm, 5313 Gulfport Blvd. 727-321-2732 or www.visitgulfportflorida.com. April 12-19 GULPORT PLEIN AIR DAYS The Gulfport Merchants Chamber presents Plein Air Days, an immersive art event where local artists capture Gulfport’s charm in real time. There will be a special Saturday Night Market on the third Saturday where attendees can meet the artists and vote for their favorite painting.
April 19 PETER COTTONTAIL, EGG HUNT AND MORE!
The City of Gulfport and Stetson College of Law Public Service Fellows offer a fun-filled “Fun in the Sun” day on Saturday, April 19, 10am-12pm at the Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S. This is Gulfport’s annual egg hunt (10am) for children 8 and under. There will be a raffle for baskets, children’s activities, music, food and fun. A police car, police boat, fire truck, ambulance and garbage truck will be open for kids to explore. Bring a basket for the egg hunt and a camera for photos with Peter Cottontail. Call 727-893-1068 for additional information. April 26 A HEARTFELT MARKET Local businesses and artists will come out to the sidewalk for a day of shopping and creativity. For additional details, go to www.visitgulfportflorida.com. 10am-2pm, along Beach Blvd. S in Gulfport.
Watch for upcoming details! The Midtown Business Collective will have a new home in a new co-working and co-creating space called WonderWorks. OPEN MICS & JAMS
Live music, open mics and jams happen every day in Gulfport!
Mondays – Acoustic in the Round Open Jam, North End Taphouse, 5:30-7:30pm. Tuesdays – Open Mic, North End Taphouse, 7-10pm. Wednesdays – Tiki Open Mic, The Wine House, 6-9pm.
Thursdays – Open Mic, Gulfport Brewery, 6-9pm. Fridays – Open Mic, Seabreeze Manor. 1st & 7th of each month – Open Mic, The Blueberry Patch. 11th of each month – Open Jam, The Blueberry Patch.
For the latest Gulfport updates, follow Gulfport Matters on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/gulfportmatters.