We should have a mailbox tour of Gulfport.

–Dr. Michael Barnett referring to all the artistic mailboxes throughout Gulfport

“Gulfport, my bubble in the ‘State of Confusion’.” —Michael McDonagh referring to why he loves Gulfport

“I just ordered the oven from Italy!” Tim Luciano, new owner of Tommy’s Hideaway Wood Fired Pizza and Pub, going into the former Dog Pier on Beach Boulevard

“Craziest thing, I saw a stroller the other day with a baby in it.” —Heidi Oetting reflecting on all the dogs being strolled through town

“Best camel I ever had”–Bill Oetting, referencing the great meal he had at the new Gulfport restaurant, The Pearl

“Don’t we all?” –Chris Shablak’s response to pickleball player Georgina missing a shot and saying, “I just need a few more inches on my paddle.”

“I’ve tried six times and it’s never been open. Reminds me of Chick-fil-A on Sundays.” –Audre Torgerson talking about the Gulfport Visitor Center continued from page 8 keep an RV.”

Mayor Sam Henderson pointed out that the setbacks were initially considered in part to reduce the potential fire hazard from having an RV parked so close to a residence. Other council members raised concerns about a resident being unable to escape a house fire because a window might be blocked by an RV parked outside.

In response to a question by Councilmember April Thanos, Metcalf confirmed that one boat/trailer combination is allowed in a yard and a resident can have as many utility trailers as he or she wants on the property as long as they are licensed.

Thanos and Ray both expressed support for the “one toy” concept –the ability to have a single vehicle parked in the front yard, whether it be a boat, an RV or something else.

“I know at one time they were talking about [Gulfport] being a fishing village and having this boat culture, but now we have an RV culture,” said Thanos. “Populations change, times have changed, and I think we need to treat boats and RVs and, in my opinion, trailers all the same – one in the front yard, whatever you want in the backyard.”

Metcalf said that was among the ideas proposed a decade ago, but the council at that time could not reach an agreement.

“This is not an HOA. These are the kinds of rules that come up in an HOA,” said Ray. “We are not going to allow people to live in them. They will not be allowed to be plugged into water and sewer, but they can be plugged into electricity. I like the idea of ‘one toy.’ That is fair. These are people who own their property, and we need to respect their property ownership.”

Ray added that the issue is not about RVs that are junk or classified as nuisance. He pointed out that one of the citizens who spoke owns an RV that is probably valued in the $200,000 range.

“We are talking about a totally different era and a totally different group of people who do respect and love their properties,” he said.

Henderson cautioned that if the measure goes forward, council would likely hear from people on the other side of the issue, although perhaps not as many as in the past.

“I’d like to bring this to the next meeting,” said Ray. “I think it will be a different discussion with all of us. We do disagree, but we disagree with respect for each other’s opinions.”

City Manager Jim O’Reilly asked for clarification and confirmed that the ordinance desired by council would allow RVs in the front yard, although not in the public right-ofway such as blocking a sidewalk, and remove the rear and side setbacks.

A separate discussion on the meeting agenda, requested by Councilmember Michael Fridovich regarding regulation of scooters, was tabled at Fridovich’s request.

Gulfport Senior Center 5501 27th Ave. S. • 727-893-5657 • /gulfportseniorcenter

Annual registration required. Free, residents; $50, non-residents. All programs subject to change without notice. Mon.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Fri, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Stop by, join our weekly newsletter, or like us on Facebook for a full calendar of events.

Special Events

Medicare & Health Insurance Assistance

Frustrated trying to navigate the insurance world? We have you covered! Make your appointment today.

Memory Screenings Worried about your memory? St. Anthony’s Memory Disorder Clinic offers free & confidential memory screenings.

SNAP Benefit Assistance Feeding Tampa Bay will meet with you to help you apply for SNAP benefits.

Gulfcoast Legal Assistance Do you need assistance, with lifetime planning docs, Medicaid/Medicare issues, Social Security issues, food stamp issues, family law issues, consumer/debt collection Issues, or housing/contract Issues? Call to make an appointment with a legal representative. By appointment only.

EPIC Coffee Connections EPIC Generations invites LGBTQ+ adults for coffee, friendship, & support. Jan. 27, 10 a.m.

Movie Matinee Take a break from the hustle & bustle and enjoy a movie on the big screen. Call for movie title. Jan. 27, 1 p.m.

FREE Onsite Document Shredding Service Limit of 5 boxes/bags per vehicle, no metal clips/binders. Provided by Pinellas Co. Consumer Protection. Jan. 31, 8 a.m.

Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament Register your team today for our 5th Annual Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament. See staff for official rules & entry forms. Registration deadline is Friday, Jan 27. Jan. 31, 1:30 p.m.

Volunteer Rush Have you been missing a sense of purpose? Want to give back and make a difference? Seniors in Service are here to show you how you can change lives, including your own! Join this 4-week series to find out about local nonprofits in need of your help, skills, and expertise. Space is limited, must pre-register by Feb 2. D Hall. Tuesdays, 2 p.m.

Veterans Coffee Connection Veterans of all service eras are invited to gather for coffee, support, friendship & to learn about available community resources. Feb. 3, 10 a.m.

Gulfport ROCKS! Join the party and create some fun rock art. All supplies provided. MUST Pre-register. Sponsored by Moore Medicare Options. Room 106. Feb. 3, 1:30 p.m.

Senior Moments: Communication Workshop Practice your communication & listening skills and your ability to speak on your feet with impromptu table topic discussions and peer-evaluation. Room 106. Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m.

The Girls’ Club A social group of senior single lesbians who just wanna have fun! Meet for a cup of coffee & chit chat and to plan monthly social events to do together. Room 107. Feb. 7, 3 p.m.

Health Talk with Labrador Primary: The Key to Health: prevention & Early Detection of disease Dr. McCoy provides valuable information and useful tips on the importance of early detection. Feb. 9, 12 p.m.

Rhythm & Groove Jam Session Let’s make music together at our new monthly hootenanny. Bring your instrument & join others for a casual jamming group. Open to anyone & everyone, all instruments, all levels of experience, & listeners. D Hall. Feb. 9, 3 p.m.

Senior Prom Show up to dance the night away. Tickets $20 each, $25 at the door. Purchase tickets at the Senior Center and the Casino. Proceeds to benefit The Gulfport Senior Center Building Campaign Fund! Casino. Feb. 13, 7 p.m.

Death Talks: Meet the Death Doula Take the mystery & fear out of death and dying with these end-of-life discussions. Room 107. Feb. 14, 3 p.m.

Mondays

Monday Mile Walking Club 8 a.m., call for location

Spanish Conversation 8:30 a.m., Room 107

Chair Exercise/Yoga 9:30 a.m., Theater Lobby

Spanish for Beginners 10 a.m., Room 107

Stretch & Strength 10 a.m., Casino

Wisdom Healing Qigong 11 a.m., Theater Lobby

Mahjong 12 p.m., Room 107

Dominos 1 p.m., Theater Lobby

Strength Training & Aerobics 1:30 p.m., Dining Hall

Chair Volleyball 3 p.m., Dining Hall

Tuesdays

Gulfport Senior Citizens Harmonica Club

9 a.m., Room 107

Line Dancing for Beginners 10 a.m., Neighborhood Center

Tai Chi 10 a.m., Casino

Gulfport Quilting Club 10 a.m., Room 106

Texas Hold ‘Em 11 a.m., Theater Lobby

Contract Bridge 1:30 p.m., Theater Lobby

New Horizons Band of Gulfport Jazz Practice 4:30 p.m., Room 107

New Horizons Band of Gulfport Concert Practice 6 p.m., Dining Hall

Wednesdays

Senior Moments 8:30 a.m., Room 107

Gentle Mindful Yoga 10 a.m., Neighborhood Center

Investment Discussion Group 10 a.m., Room 107

Stretch & Strength 10 a.m., Casino Bunco 10:30 a.,m., Theater Lobby

Widowing Tribe 12:30 p.m., Room 107

Canasta 1 p.m., Theater Lobby

Bingo 1:30 p.m., Dining Hall

Intermediate Spanish 6 p.m., Room 106

Cardio Drumming 5:30 p.m., Dining Hall

Gulfport Toastmasters 6 p.m., Room 107

Thursdays

Guided Meditation 10 a.m., Room 107

Tai Chi 10 a.m., Casino

Stretch & Strength 10 a.m., Casino

Texas Hold ‘Em 11 a.m., Theater Lobby

Contract Bridge 1:30 p.m., Theater Lobby

Strength Training & Aerobics 1:30 p.m., Dining Hall

Italian Language Classes 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., various rooms

Fridays

Wellness Movement 9 a.m., Room 106

Beginners’ Yoga 9 a.m., Casino

Gulfport Writers’ Workshop 9:30 a.m., Room 107

Knitting & Crocheting 10 a.m., Theater Lobby

Chair Yoga 9 a.m., Casino

Bridge Instruction 12:30 p.m., Room 107

Dominos 1 p.m., Theater Lobby

Chair Volleyball 1:30 p.m., Dining Hall

Catherine Hickman Theater 727-893-1070 • 5501 27th Ave. S.

Dixon’s Violin You’ve never heard violin like this! An all-live one-man symphony. FMI: 727-893-1244. Fri., Jan. 27, 7 p.m. Tickets $25 at the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation Office or Eventbrite.

The Rat Pack: Together Again Experience Frank, Dean, and Sammy performing a wonderful mix of song, comedy, sketches, & brilliant musical arrangements. Sun., Jan. 29, 2 p.m. Tickets $30 at Casino, Beach Bazaar, Brownpapertickets.com, or at the door.

Art Reception: The 7 Continents Show Featuring photography by Jude Bagatti. “Power Places, Sacred Spaces & Unforgettable Faces.” Fri., Feb. 3, 6 p.m. Free & open to the public.

Gulfport Public Library 5501 28th Ave. S. • 727-893-1074 • /gulfportlibraryfl Mygulfport.us/gpl • Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Teen Space Spend time with friends and make new ones. Play games, make art, watch movies, or just hang out. Activities vary – and what we do is up to you! Ages 12-18 only. Tuesdays, 4 p.m.

Storytime Join us for stories, rhymes, music. Thursdays, 10:15 & 11 a.m.

Garden Grandpa If you have little ones in grades K-5, join us the first Wednesday of the month in the Reading Garden. Mr. Albert will share his knowledge of gardening and sustainability through storytelling and hands-on fun. Feb. 1, 4 p.m.

Come & Go Craft Drop in for creative, self-directed crafting. For all ages, but some pieces might be on the small side. Supplies are limited and are on a first come, first served basis. Crafting located on children’s area tables. Feb. 4, 10 a.m.

All programs free and subject to change.

Grown-Up Movie Series George Clooney & Julia Roberts are long-divorced parents who try to prevent their daughter from marrying a man she met on vacation in Bali. PG-13. Call 727-893-1074 for title. Feb. 4, 1 p.m.

STEAM Club STEAM is short for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Join us as we explore these concepts through stories and hands-on activities. Recommended for grades K-5. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Feb. 8, 4 p.m.

Adult Craft: Heart Paintings Use acrylic paint and stencils to make mini heart paintings. Registration required and opens on Feb. 2. Call 727-893-1074 or email li- brary.programs@mygulfport.us to register. Feb. 9, 2 p.m.

SHINE Presentation: Medicare Basics

Presentation on Medicare Parts A, B, C, & D and what they mean to you. FMI, visit www. floridashine.org. Feb. 15, 1 p.m.

Gulfport Book Club Discuss “Nemesis” by Philip Roth. Available as print and audio. Feb. 16, 2 p.m.

Craig Pittman: “The State You’re In” The Circle of Friends of the Gulfport Library welcomes the award-winning writer to speak at our annual meeting. This native Floridian zeros in on the uniqueness of our state with humor but also with an eye on environmental solutions. Refreshments served at 6:30 pm prior to the program. Feb. 16, 7 p.m.

Gulfport Casino Ballroom 727-893-1070 • 5500 Shore Blvd. S.

Disco Party Feb. 10: 7 p.m., hustle lesson; 8 p.m., dance. $10.

Casino Weekly Dances Ballroom Lessons: Tues., 12 p.m. $10

Argentine Tango: Tues., 6:30 p.m., $10

Swing: Weds., 7 p.m. $10

Latin Night: Thurs., 7 p.m. $10

Recreation Center 5730 Shore Blvd S. • 727-893-1068 • mygulfport.us/recreation/rec

Annual registration: $3; $25, nonresidents

Pickleball

Intermediate and advanced Mon., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Beginners Tues., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. All levels Tues., 6-8:30 p.m. and Thurs., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Adult Basketball Wed. & Fri., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thurs., 6-8:30 p.m.

Table Tennis Tues. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Game Room Mon., Wed., & Fri., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Programs

School Year Child Care Program Registration continues for the 2022-23 school year child care program for kids entering kindergarten through age 14. Bus transportation available from Pasadena Fundamental, Gulfport Montessori, and Douglas Jamerson Elementary. Program runs until 5:30 p.m., with extended hours until 6 p.m. for an extra charge. Please contact the Recreation Center for more details.

Teen Night! Registrations continue for the 2022-2023 Teen Night Program for teens in middle and high school, students 17 and younger. Recreation, social activities, field trips, cooking projects, guest speakers and service projects. Teens can use the gymnasium, game room and outdoor area. Mon., Wed., & Fri.: 6-9 p.m. Rec Center membership required: $3; $25, nonresidents.

Classes

Call instructor for more information. Want to teach a class? Call Jami: 727893-1079.

Ballet Tues., 5:45 p.m., ages 5-7; 6:45 p.m. intermediate ballet, ages 8-16. $40/month. Lisa: 727-742-2594.

Tap Tues., 7:45 p.m., intermediate. $20/ month. Lisa: 727-742-2594

Essentrics Toning Thurs., 9 a.m. $30/ month. Lauren: 248-875-7030

Danskinetics Tues., 10 a.m. $6/class or $20/month. Carol: 845-654-0609

Hatha Yoga 6:15 p.m. $12/class or $40/ month. Denise: 727-251-8868.

Nia 10 a.m. $15/class, $40/month. Christine: 727-692-1896

Youth Hip Hop Fri., 6:30 p.m., ages 7-9; 7:30 p.m., ages 9-16. $40/month. Lisa: 727742-2594.

Hula Hoop Fitness Second & fourth Thursday, 6:30 p.m. $10/class. Maria: mestrada1987@gmail.com

Tai Chi Gung Mon. 6:30p.m. and Fri. 10 a.m. $15/class or $50/month. Call Kare 727-2620880

Watercolor with Patsi Tues., 11 a.m. $55/ month. Call Patsi 727-501-3559

Zumba Thurs., 6 p.m., $6/class, $20/ month. Magda: 727-214-7868.