After the stormwater presentation, the Council voted, tabled, and approved amendments and resolutions.
Photo by Trei Johnson
Gulfport City Council had a full plate during the Nov. 18 meeting. Council approved of a budget from last year, and major road repairs, and appointed a member to serve on the Board of Adjustments.
Nov. 18 Gulfport City Council Meeting
Council tabled the second reading of Ordinance No. 2025-12, proposed amendments to the City Charter about elected officials. City Manager Jim O’Reilly said several changes were made during the first reading and some residents have not had a chance to review the updates.
“We could put the ordinance on our website, and everybody can be able to look at it in case they have any,” he said. “Because we’ve made a lot of changes, and we want to make sure everybody understands what we did.”
Council will have the second reading during the Dec. 2 City Council meeting.
Updating the Operating Budget
Officials advanced a key financial step with Resolution No. 2025-99. The resolution authorizes an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget.
The amendment accounts for expenditures and reimbursements connected to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. City staff recommended approval, noting the need to formally recognize the storm-related costs and proceeds. It was unanimously approved.
City Council must amend the budget to track these financial changes accurately. Florida Statute 166.241 allows municipalities to revise budgets during the fiscal year or within 60 days after it ends. Therefore, the City can legally update its financial plan to reflect storm expenses and revenues.
The annual budget guides future planning and provides essential administrative controls. Each year’s surplus or deficit carries forward into the next fiscal year. Because of this structure, documenting storm impacts accurately is crucial for maintaining long-term financial stability.
That’s not all that happened at the Nov. 18 Gulfport City Council meeting. Read what we overheard, and a stormwater drainage study.Financial Breakdown of Storm Impacts
The financial impacts from both hurricanes were substantial. Total storm-related expenses for Fiscal Year 2025 reached $8,345,315. These costs included debris removal, facility repairs, and mitigation work.
Insurance proceeds for both hurricanes totaled $6,441,030. Additionally, the City received $737,052 in net FEMA reimbursements.
Meanwhile, the storms significantly reduced revenue. Damage to the Gulfport Casino and surrounding recreation facilities prevented normal operations for part of the fiscal year. As a result, the City did not receive $574,941 in expected revenue.
When combining expenses, reimbursements, and lost revenue, the projected net financial loss for Fiscal Year 2025 is $1,844,174.
58th Street Repairs Approved
The City of Gulfport plans to move forward with major repairs to 58th Street as Council approved a $2.04 million contract with Keystone Excavators, Inc. The project also requires a budget amendment.
City staff said the roadway now needs full rehabilitation. The street lacks proper slope, which causes standing water and creates safety hazards. The base material is also failing, leading to depressions that reduce stability. The project will rebuild the base, repave the corridor, add new curbing to improve drainage, and upgrade sidewalks to expand mobility.
The City secured a $1.2 million state appropriation through Shumaker Advisors Florida, with support from State Rep. Linda Chaney and State Sen. Nick DiCeglie. Gulfport budgeted a $500,000 match to complete the work.
Funding allows improvements from Gulfport Boulevard South to 17th Avenue South. A south extension to 15th Avenue was bid as an add-alternate, but is not expected to proceed due to higher-than-anticipated costs.
New Board Member
Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 2025-97, appointing a member to serve on the Board of Adjustments.
Ward II Council member Marlene Shaw nominated Kimberley Hamilton. Hamilton will fill the remaining term of Nathan Bruemmer. Her term will end April 2026.
The next Gulfport City Council meeting is Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.
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