Get on the Boat

Gulfport Celebrates First Annual Marina Day Holiday

By Gabrielle Reeder

With minimal impact from the recent waves of red tide blooms in the Bay area, Gulfport’s first annual National Marina Day celebration was a success, according to Gulfport Marina Harbormaster Denis Frain. The day of festivities included light tackle fishing seminars, cast net demonstrations and raffles, with visits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, US Coast Guard Auxiliary and Gulfport Police Marine Unit.

“As COVID hit, a lot of people went into the recreational world where the marina was one of only like two to three facilities open during COVID,” Frain said. “We knew that we had grown our business here, and... wanted to capitalize that and give back to the community and invite people who don’t have boats, come down to the marina, see what the marina environment’s all like. Great turnout.”

“The Gulfport Marina decided to join in on Marina Day....and we’re very glad that they asked us to be part of it,” Marcella Ruso of the Coast Guard Auxiliary said.

Frain said the city plans to celebrate this event annually.

Jody Robinson, Howard Bush, Marcella Ruso, Marty Richardson and Bill Zinner represent the Coast Guard Auxiliary station at Gulfport Municipal Marina’s first annual National Marina Day on Saturday July 24.