More Council News

Gulfport’s LGBTQ Resource Center will sponsor a Pride event in June.

Cathy Salustri

Pride Returns in 2022

Gulfport Council Gave the Now-Annual Event Green Light

For the second year running, Gulfport will have a Pride event in June. At the Jan. 4 city council meeting, council approved a request from the Gulfport Public Library’s LGBTQ Resource Center for a Pride 2022 street festival on Saturday, June 4.

The event starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. and features vendors on Beach Boulevard from 28th Avenue to Shore Boulevard South.

Council approved waivers of ordinances — including allowing retail sales on public property — and agreed to provide city services for the event.

As do all Gulfport’s street festivals, Pride has free admission. Gulfport’s LGBTQ Resource Center sponsors the family-friendly event.

The collective bargaining agreement protects detectives and officers.

Gulfport Police Department

Gulfport Officers, Detectives Get New Union Agreement

The Agreement Includes Parental Leave Benefit, Juneteenth Holiday

By Mike Sunnucks

Gulfport city council unanimously approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association Inc., a police union that represents Gulfport police officers and detectives. Detective Jennifer Crowson serves as the union rep for Gulfport officers and detectives.

The new CBA makes Juneteenth a holiday, increases payments for unused sick leave, and adds a parental leave benefit for officers.

Gulfport city manager Jim O’Reilly said the city will also begin working with the police sergeants’ union on a new CBA.