By Marlene Shaw
While the pain and devastation of recent hurricanes remain fresh in our hearts, Gulfport’s resilience shines through. This holiday season, we embraced opportunities to reconnect, find joy, and uplift one another – proving once again why we proudly say, Gulfport Matters, Gulfport Cares, and Gulfport Strong.
A Festive Glow: Gulfport’s Holiday Spirit
The Festival of Lights lit up Gulfport with dazzling holiday decorations and cheerful music, setting the stage for a season of joy. As a signal of the season, the month started with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony that filled Clymer Park with the sounds of cheering, sing-alongs, light refreshments, and a special appearance by Santa, arriving in style aboard an antique LaFrance fire truck. Children lined up to tell Santa their wishes and dreams.
A Creative Holiday Celebration
The 8th Annual Gulfport ArtJones Studio Tour, established in 2017, showcased the talents of 22 artists across eight studios and galleries. Visitors explored Gulfport’s vibrant arts community, soaking up creativity and inspiration.
Meanwhile, the Holiday Tree Auction drew crowds for a great cause, benefitting Gulfport Arts & Culture and the World Central Kitchen. Each tree, uniquely decorated by local artists, was a work of art, making this lively auction a resounding success.
Merry & Bright Pop-Up Shop
Nine talented local artists joined the Merry & Bright Pop-Up Shop, offering handmade gifts and delicious treats. It was the perfect spot for finding one-of-a-kind treasures for the holiday season.
Markets and Community Traditions
Adding to the holiday cheer, the vibrant Lighted Golf Cart Parade lit up Gulfport most Friday evenings in December, showcasing our love for dazzling parades. Although safety concerns in Boca Ciega Bay caused great disappointment by postponing the Lighted Boat Parade this year, the return of the Lighted Golf Cart Parade brought joy and celebration to the season.
The 49th Street Growers and Makers Market brought together organic produce, herbal products, natural home goods, art, dancing and live music. This is a monthly event at Red Feather Studios,1301 49th St. S, on Sundays from 10am-2pm. For dates, call 727-560-0608.
The Clothing Swap made its triumphant return on First Tuesdays, offering a fun way to recycle clothes while supporting CASA Pinellas with cash donations. It is 9a to noon at 2920 Beach Blvd. Bring clothes, shoes or purses.
Tuesday Fresh Market
Art Walk and Indie Faire have not returned yet, but the Tuesday Fresh Market has. It is every Tuesday, starting at 9am.
HeARTful Holiday Market
A special HeARTful Holiday Market was held on a Saturday and included the always festive and colorful Gulfport Amalgamated Gecko Marching Band.
Spotlight on Gulfport’s Businesses
Gulfport Yoga: After opening this fall, Heather Todd Franklin’s studio has quickly become a community favorite. Offering diverse yoga and meditation flows, Ayurvedic health counseling, postpartum support, kids’ yoga, yoga for healthy aging, and more, the studio blends wellness with connection. With therapeutic harp sessions and social hours on the horizon, this is Gulfport’s go-to spot for mindfulness and balance.
Heather and her husband met while living on their boats in the bay. They are a delightful young family, have a home and business in Gulfport and have an ardent desire to grow even deeper roots in Gulfport. Heather has been a practitioner for 15 years. Amongst her varied credentials as a Yoga Therapist, she also has Trauma Information Education. Gulfport Yoga proclaims that they are “The Best Way to Get that Yogi-Glow since 3,000 BC.” They are located at 5812 28th Ave. S. in the Town Shores Plaza. www.GulfportYoga.com
AJ’s Aquariums: Dive into a world of vibrant marine life at AJ’s Aquariums, where anemones, coral, and clownfish create a mesmerizing “mini-ocean.” Discover rare species of clownfish, Rainbow Chalice Coral and countless other spectacular species. The kaleidoscope of blues, purples, greens, reds, oranges and yellows pop with fluorescent and vivid hues within these expertly crafted aquatic environments. Many of us are familiar with Nemo, but did you know Nemo comes in assorted colors, patterns and some with long flowing tails? There are 30 species of clownfish – even a Picasso designer clownfish! AJ’s Aquariums maintains weekend hours. Weekday hours are by appointment so he may grow and tend to the marine life and handle mail order sales. Meet AJ and see this stunning display at 5702 Gulfport Blvd. S, #4, Gulfport, www.AJsAquariums.com or sales@ajsaquariums.com.
Update on the Gulfport Municipal Election
It will be a lively election period. Gulfport has one election by acclamation. Nancy Earley has qualified for Ward IV. No other candidates have qualified. Congratulations to Nancy! She will be the next councilor for Ward IV.
There are two candidates, Karen Love and John Liccione, in addition to the incumbent mayor, Sam Henderson.
I’m running for Ward II along with Byron Chalfont and the incumbent, Christine Brown.
The election is March 11. Due to changes in the law, it is important to check on your voter registration. If you vote by mail, it is important to ensure you have not been dropped from the vote by mail list.
Closing Note
From markets to parades, Gulfport continues to shine as a hub of creativity, community, and holiday magic.
May the coming year bring you boundless joy, good health, and opportunities to thrive. Here’s to a fresh chapter filled with love, connection, and the beauty of shared moments. Wishing you all a truly happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!”
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