South Pinellas News & Announcements

Are You Prepared for a Hurricane?

It’s hurricane season, and the City of Gulfport has Pinellas County Hurricane Preparedness Guides available at Gulfport City Hall, the public library and the fire station. Visit mygulfport.us/hurricane-center for site addresses, planning tips, a list of recommended supplies and other useful hurricane-related information. The Atlantic Hurricane Season extends through November 30, so the time to prepare is now.

Tall Tales of Tall Grass

Gulfport’s code enforcement department consists of one person, and right now, the city’s directed him to focus primarily on life and safety issues (for example, a house with a pool that lacks a fence.) The offi cer does patrol the city for violations, focusing on one area of Gulfport a week. Gulfport’s Community Development department asks residents to be extra sets of eyes and report violations. The city promises the inspector will respond within one working day. Call 727-893-1061; if you get voicemail, please leave a detailed message. You may report anonymously, but if you want the offi ce to follow up with you, the complaint will not be anonymous. And contact information you leave on the voice mail or give the offi cer becomes part of the public record.

Plant It for the Planet in Gulfport

Plants abound at Eat Be Grow Sustain’s plant sale on Saturday, July 25. This Gulfport-based nonprofit makes it its mission promote permaculture, peace, and sustainable living. At the plant sale, they’ll also off er information about wildlife habitats and food security. Find the plant sale at 1301 49th St. S., but see the results of Eat Be Grow Sustain’s work in the community when you visit the Gulfport Food Forest in Clymer Park. Eat Be Grow Sustain asks everyone at the plant sale to wear a mask and maintain social distancing. One last thing: They need volunteers year-round. Call them at 727-560- 0608 to learn more.

Curb Your Reading at the Library

Don’t feel safe going back into public places? The Gulfport Public Library has you covered at the curb! You can pick up requested materials — books, reemployment forms, tax forms, your copy of the Gabber, what have you — at the curb. You can either reserve books online, via email, or by calling the library, Pick up materials Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Get more details at mygulfport.us/gpl.

Watch the Watchers Virtually

Gulfport’s Neighborhood Watch has gone virtual, which means no matter where you are you can participate via Facebook. The group meets Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Find the group on Facebook by searching for “Gulfport, FL Community Crime Watch.” The meetings and group off er Gulfport residents a monitored way to learn about burglaries, BOLOs and stolen vehicles. Call 727-893-1022 or email Gulfport’s volunteer coordinator Jim Wright at jwright@mygulfport.us if you want more information.

Got Tuna?

If you do, the Gulfport Senior Center Pantry needs it. They also would like peanut butter, dry cereal, pasta sauce, soups and canned meats. Any Gulfport resident 50 and older can use the pantry. The Senior Center keeps the pantry open from 1 to 3 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. If you have food to donate, drop it off anytime. If you could use food, bring your photo ID, a utility bill, or bank statement (to prove residence) and your SSI proof of income. Wondering if you can use the pantry? Call Rachel at 727-893-1231.

Gulfport is Ready to Help Businesses

It’s not to late to apply for City of Gulfport grant funding for eligible small businesses. If you or your business employ between three and 50 full-time employees within Gulfport city limits, you might get some money coming your way. Grants in the amount of $1000 are distributed on a first-come, firstserved basis while funds last, so don’t miss out. Apply online at mygulfport.us/gatewaygrant, call 727-893-1045 or email csototorres@ mygulfport.us.

Keep Informed with Alert Pinellas

Do you feel like you’re always the last to know? Alert Pinellas Emergency and Community Notification Service for Pinellas County lets your city keep residents up-to-date on critical information, quickly and with myriad delivery methods. Visitmygulfport.us/ alertpinellas for more, and sign up for this free service. Follow prompts to register your email address to receive City of Gulfport emergency announcements electronically.

It’s Always Nice to Get a Call

The City of Gulfport’s Telephone Reassurance program is more than a morning wake-up call. This free service offers Gulfport residents 50 or older – and their families – comfort, security, and peace of mind. Volunteers make daily calls to registered members. If you cannot be reached, the volunteer follows procedures to confirm all is well. Registration is simple and free. If you or someone you know could use this service, call 727-893-2237 or stop by the Gulfport Senior Center at 5501 27th Ave. S.

Not-as-Rare GEMS

Gulfport residents 55 and older who don’t, won’t, or can’t drive, good news from the city: The Gulfport Extended Mobility Service has returned. GEMS, along with many non-essential-to-most city services, stopped operating at the local onset of the pandemic. Now, though, the city’s resumed limited transportation to places like the grocery store, doctor’s offices, and other places. GEMS also offers these services to residents with disabilities. The cost for GEMS? $70/year plus $2/ride. Call 727-893-2242 to learn more, or to request a ride. Please note: it can take a full business day to schedule a ride.

South Pasadena Remains Distant During COVID

While some cities will resume meeting in real life, South Pasadena commission will remain, for the time, socially distant. Commission meetings take place virtually, and the city has not yet announced plans to resume exercise, dance, and yoga classes. South Pasadena will post any and all updates at mysouthpasadena.com or on the Spectrum Channel 643.

Drivers Wanted

Meals on Wheels needs you… to drive. The Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center, as part of the Neighborly Dining & Meals on Wheels program, delivers meals to those who need it, provided they’re at least 60 years wise. Little problem: They don’t have enough drivers. People who can volunteer to deliver meals should call Joe at 727-344-2111.

Area Agency on Aging Fundraiser

Check in on Friday, August 7 at 7 p.m. at a computer near you for the Area Agency on Aging’s annual fundraiser, “Virtual Hearts and Hope.” The event will air live on YouTube, and all funds go directly