By Marlene Shaw
MARKETS & COMMUNITY TRADITIONS
The Tuesday Market continues to thrive, welcoming visitors every Tuesday from 9am-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 Market has returned in a big way! The former Art Walk and Indie Faire have been rebranded, bringing lively crowds, open businesses, abundant vendors, and music throughout the streets. 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.
SPOTLIGHT ON GULFPORT BUSINESSES
Changes in the Business Community
Gulfport Yoga and The Golden Dinosaur have closed, with Gulfport Yoga citing roofing issues. We hope they find a new location soon. Meanwhile, Neptune’s and other businesses are still waiting on permits.
Exciting News!
Low Tide Kava Bar celebrated its 11th anniversary on Feb. 15 – congratulations!
A new “gathering space” is coming to Gulfport Boulevard in March, launched by Erin East and Aimee Kosta, co-founders of The Midtown Business Collective. Stay tuned for more details!
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 1
The Mad Beach Band in Concert – Catherine Hickman Theater, 7pm. Proceeds benefit the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation’s Building Commitment Fund. Tickets: email mpscfoundation@tampabay.rr.com, call 727.893.1244, or visit www.eventbrite.com/e/mad-beach-band-returns- to-gulfport-tickets-1117884756399
20th Annual Pink Flamingo Home Tour – 10am-5pm. Explore a dozen unique Gulfport homes. More info at www.VisitGulfportFlorida.com or Visit Gulfport Florida on Facebook.
March 2
Musical Mermaids – A celebration of Women’s History Month and a warmup for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Live music, spoken word, and more. 12-5pm at the North End Taphouse and Kitchen. Info: 727.290.9682.
March 3
Night in Italy – A four-course Italian dinner, cash bar, and live music by Hot Tonic. Benefits the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation. 5-9pm at the Maria Center. Tickets: www.Mytbtickets.com or www.GulfportSeniorCenterFoundation.org.
March 4
5th Annual Gulfport Mardi Gras Fundraiser – Hosted by the Enroy Foundation, featuring Gulfport Swamp Opera. Costumes encouraged! Email enroy@yahoo.com for details.
March 8
Gulfport Marina Nautical Flea Market – 7am-1pm at 4630 29th Ave. S. Info: 727.893.1071.
Stop Identity Theft Event – Free onsite document shredding and medication drop-off at the Gulfport Senior Center, 9-11am. Limit 5 boxes/bags per vehicle. No metal clips/binders; staples are okay. Gulfport City-Wide Yard Sale, dawn to dusk, permit free, rain date March 9.
Beyond the Beach Cleanup – Monthly event hosted by Keep Pinellas Beautiful & Gulfport Grassroots. 9-11am, meet at Shelter #4, 5730 Shore Blvd. S.
March 11
Larue Nickelson Trio at DRV Gallery – Doors 6pm, show 7- 9pm. Tickets: www.DRVGallery.com.
March 16
The Enroy Foundation will present the Celtic music and merriment of the Empty Hats from 5:30-8:30pm. Email enroy@yahoo.com for information.
March 20-30
“If the Shoe Fits” by Gulfport Community Players – A hilarious comedy of love, murder, and footwear at the Catherine Hickman Theater. Tickets: www.GulfportCommunityPlayers.org.
March 20
Open Mic Poetry at the Gulfport Library – 6-7pm (third Thursdays each month).
March 22 (rain date March 23)
Gulfport Art in the Yard – A biannual community art sale transforming Gulfport into an open-air gallery. Follow on Facebook and Instagram: Gulfport Art in the Yard.
Fusion 49th District Cleanup – In partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful. 9-11am, meet at Trolley Market Square, 4900 Tangerine Ave. S.
OPEN MICS & JAMS
Live music happens every weekday 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, 4-7pm 1st & 7th of each month – Open Mic, The Blueberry Patch 11th of each month – Open Jam, The Blueberry Patch
GULFPORT MUNICIPAL NEWS & ELECTION
Welcome Cosi Jackson! Cosi has been appointed to fill the Ward III seat left vacant by Paul Ray’s resignation.
The city’s long-awaited storm damage presentation received mixed reactions – some found it informative, others left disappointed.
Councilor Thanos’ Town Hall focused on resilience and Gulfport’s future. Residents expressed feeling hope for the discussion.
ELECTION DAY: MARCH 11 – EVERY VOTE COUNTS!
Gulfport historically has low voter turnout, but your vote matters. Meet the candidates, ask questions, and participate in the democratic process.
Missed the Gabber Candidate Forum? Watch it here:
Vote-by-Mail Reminder: Due to new laws, all vote-by-mail requests expire after each general election. You must re-enroll. The deadline to request a ballot by mail is 5pm on Feb. 27. Ensure you’re still registered at www.VotePinellas.gov.
Stay informed! Follow Gulfport Matters on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/gulfportmatters