The Nov. 4 Gulfport City Council meeting discussed updates to the Comprehensive Plan, beach restoration, and 2026 election information.
Photo by Trei Johnson
The Nov. 4 Gulfport City Council meeting highlighted the City’s ongoing investment in infrastructure, environmental protection, and government transparency.
City Updates Comprehensive Plan
Gulfport City Council adopted Ordinance 2025-02, which updates the City’s 2018 Comprehensive Plan. The changes result from the state-required Evaluation and Appraisal Review (EAR).
A comprehensive plan serves as the foundational policy guide for a local government’s future. Per Florida Statute, Section 163.3177, a comprehensive plan “shall provide the principles, guidelines, standards, and strategies for the orderly and balanced future economic, social, physical, environmental, and fiscal development of the area.”
According to the Florida Legislature, the plan includes elements such as:
Future Land Use (how land will be used)TransportationUtilities (water, sewer, drainage)Capital Improvements (public facilities)Conservation and Environment (It may also include optional elements depending on local needs.)
The City memorandum states the revisions align Gulfport’s development policies with current infrastructure needs and updated population data. The ordinance also ensures consistency with countywide growth-management standards.
After adoption, the City will send the amended plan to the Florida Department of Commerce for coordinated state review. Once approved, the plan will guide future zoning, redevelopment, and infrastructure decisions.
Gulfport’s next municipal election will be on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
Photo by Cameron HealyCouncil Sets March 2026 Election
Next, Council approved Resolution 2025-91, officially scheduling the next municipal election for Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
Seats for Ward I, currently represented by Vice Mayor April Thanos, and Ward III, held by Cosi Jackson, will appear on the ballot.
Candidate qualifying period opens Dec. 1 at 8:30 a.m. and closes Dec. 8 at noon.
The City Manager will contact the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections (SOE) to administer the vote. Furthermore, the resolution caps total election expenses at $27,000, giving the City clear budget control.
By approving the resolution early, Council provided both the County’s SOE office and local candidates ample time to prepare.
That’s not all that happened at the Nov. 4 Gulfport City Council meeting. Read what we overheard, Code Enforcement, Charter Review Committee, and the investigation on Ian O’Hara.Veterans Park Pavilion Moves Forward
Additionally, Council adopted Resolution 2025-92. This authorizes the purchase and installation of a 20-by-20-foot steel shelter at Veterans Park.
The shelter will cost $55,000 and will be funded entirely by a $124,168 donation from the Armed Forces Families Foundation, which the City accepted in September.
According to the staff memorandum, approximately $69,168 of the donation will remain for benches, a water fountain, and parking upgrades. The donor requested an engraved recognition plaque and plans to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Construction is expected to finish by June 30, 2026.
As a result, the project will enhance a popular community gathering space without impacting the City’s general fund.
In August, an unnamed storm washed out sand that was recently replaced. This is all that was left.
Photo by Cameron HealyBeach Restoration Project Approved
Finally, Council approved Resolution 2025-93, authorizing a contract with Burgess Civil, LLC for the Gulfport Beach Restoration Project valued at $877,261.50.
The project follows a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit issued on Oct. 10, and a matching authorization from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
The restoration will install 20-foot coated steel retaining walls along Shore Boulevard and the Casino walkway. Along with that, it will replenish storm-eroded sand, repair the asphalt roadway, and stabilize sidewalks damaged by Hurricane Milton on Oct. 9, 2024.
This initiative will strengthen the shoreline, protect public infrastructure, and restore the beach’s recreational areas before the 2026 tourism season.
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