Things to Do in Gulfport

Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market is Back

The local outdoor market returns September 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Gulfport, and is gearing up with safer and social distancing protocols. Support small local businesses by browsing vendors with an eclectic selection of wares. From produce to art, you can find anything you need, and some things you just want and don’t need at all. Go to visitgulfportflorida.com for more.

Spooky Art at the Library

The Gulfport Public Library is leaning into the Halloween season with a spooky stitched art virtual session for kids. Grades K-7 are welcome to join in. Gather some yarn, cardboard and embellishments to make a decorative sign. Check out the library’s Facebook page for Zoom information, or just follow along through Facebook Live on September 28 from 4 to 5 p.m. Pick up supplies at the library while they last. Call 727-893-1074 for more.

Essential Oil Classes with Jennifer Returns

Essential oil classes are back at the Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S., once per month from local Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist Jennifer Gilman. Learn about a specific topics and then make a DIY item using the essential oils to take home. Class start Thursday, September 17, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; $10 per class. Registration and fee must be done in-person before class. Masks are required. Call Jennifer at 813-263-3919 or email Jennifer@TheHerbalCabinet. com.

Get Your Groove on at Gulfport Rec

Ballet and Tap Dance classes are back at the Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S. Classes are Wednesday evenings: ages 3 to 6 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; ages 9 to 16 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Hip Hop Dance classes are on Friday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for ages 6 to 8; 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. for ages 9 to 16 . All classes are limited to 10 students and require masks. All instructors are Level 2 background screened. Contact Lisa Walker at 727-742-2594 for more.

Pancakes!

Have you missed the famous Gulfport Lions Pancake Breakfasts? Well, good news! On Saturday, October 3, 8 to 11 a.m., the Lions Club of Gulfport, 4630 Tifton Dr. S. (behind the Gulfport Marina) will serve up their first pancake breakfast since the pandemic began. Following all CDC guidelines, Lions’ members and volunteers will serve all-you-can-eat pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, tea and orange juice for $8. Kids under 12 eat for half price. The Lions will limit seating to 50% capacity, and will also have outdoor seating and to-go meals. Lions Club of Gulfport, Florida Foundation Inc. is a non-profit, charitable organization meeting the needs of those less fortunate in the Gulfport and surrounding areas. Find the Gulfport Lions Club on Facebook or call 727- 366-6341.

Are You For Zumba?

Zumba with Magda blends upbeat Latin rhythms with easy-to-follow choreography for a total body workout. All levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothes and bring water. Classes are Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S., starting October 1. Contact Magda at 727- 214-7868 for more.

Gulfport Outdoor Movie Night

The Gulfport Sustainability Committee and Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church present “West Side Story” on Saturday, October 3 at 7 p.m. in the church parking lot, 5800 15th Ave. S. Get there early to get a good parking space or lawn/beach chair space. They’ll have movie treats for sale, but feel free to bring your own. Suggested donation of $20 per vehicle or $5 per person, walk or bike-in. Dress like a character in the movie and maybe win a prize. The Sustainability Committee will use proceeds for more garbage cans in Gulfport; the Church will use their proceeds for youth group activities. For more, please contact April Thanos at 206-501-7836.

Basketball for Grown-ups

The Gulfport Recreation Center has open basketball for adults 18 and over on Thursdays rom 7:30 to 9 p.m. Bring a water bottle, your basketball shoes and your court skills to have fun and meet new friends. Annual registration is $3 for Gulfport residents and $25 for non-residents. Proof of Gulfport residency required. Call the Rec Center at 727-893-1068 for more.

Get into Pickleball

Get into the latest sports trend: Pickleball. Adults 18 and over play at the Gulfport Recreation Center Monday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for intermediate/advanced players; Tuesday mornings, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for beginners; all levels play Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Annual registration is $3 for Gulfport residents and $25 for non-residents. Proof of Gulfport residency required. Call the Rec Center at 727-893-1068 for more.

Check Out Gulfport's Child Care

Kids in kindergarten through age 14 can now register for the 2020-2021 School Year Child Care Program at Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S. The program provides transportation from Pasadena Fundamental, Bear Creek, Gulfport Elementary and Douglas Jamerson Elementary. Hours are until 5:30 p.m. with extended hours available until 6 p.m. for an extra charge. The Recreation Center participates in the Afterschool Nutrition Program, a part of the Child Care Food Program, to provide nutritious snacks to children in after-school programs at no extra charge. Hours of registration are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 727-893-1068 for fees and registration.

Make Pinellas Count

America gets one chance each decade to count its entire population and the 2020 Census is your chance to make sure Pinellas gets its fair share. The census determines the size of political representation and how billions of dollars are spent on federal and local programs. Public transit, affordable housing, school lunches, Medicaid and SNAP are just a few programs that rely on census data. Your response is secure, confidential and protected by law. The short survey is a civic duty laid out in the Constitution – and vitally important to your community’s future. Take the census by mail, phone or online. Visit pinellascounty. org/census2020 for more.