By Caron Schwartz
As my eighth summer here in Gulfport approaches, I look around at my beautiful city by the bay in amazement. Changes here and there, but still the funky town residents, snowbirds, and visitors I can’t get enough of.
I write this with the earworm in my head “Born This Way” as only the Gulfport Gecko Amalgamated Marching Band can play it. My mom and I couldn’t help but boogie, our eyes on our Lenny on the trombone. The occasion? The Peace, Love & Pride Festival, one of Gulfport’s many lively events. Others include the Pink Flamingo Home Tour, Get Rescued, and GeckoFest. Plus, we celebrate the arts at our Fine Arts Festival, Art in the Yard, ArtJones, and First Friday and Third Saturday Art Walks.
Restaurant stalwarts O’Maddy’s and Neptune still pack ‘em in, and there are great newcomers. Little Tommy’s Tiki was reborn as The Tiki, Mano’s is now The Pearl, and the Sea Dog Cantina made way for the Drunken Taco. The locals’ favorite, Pia’s, expanded across the street to the former home of Tutto Bene. Pizza lovers now have three options: ever-popular Siri’s and two new contenders: Tommy’s Hideaway (formerly the Dog Pier) and Slice of Gulfport. And we have our very own Caddy’s!
Some of our other treasures include the award-winning Gulfport Public Library, home of the LGBTQ Resource Center; the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center, which attracts patrons from all over Pinellas County; and Clam Bayou Nature Park, with its trails and kayak launch. You can take in our brick streets, old-timey bungalows, and stately, one-of-a-kind Roebuck homes during a walking tour through the Gulfport History Museum.
Our crown jewel is the Historic Gulfport Casino, which has stood in one form or another since the early 20th century. The dance hall/event center takes its name from the Italian casa or house. Casino translates roughly into “little house,” e.g., a vacation cottage or place to have fun. You can find me there Tuesday and Thursday mornings for Tai Chi, a Senior Center program.
The whole town is eagerly awaiting the reopening of the Historic Peninsula Inn. Long-time owner Veronica Champion has moved onto greener pastures, and the new owners are in the process of renovating. Meanwhile, the bar and restaurant are open for your imbibing pleasure including a jazzy Sunday brunch.
Pancakes at Peninsula Inn 
Gulfperk
Y’all come back now, ya hear?