Will Gulfport See a Change in Leadership?

Gulfport’s election season is here. On Monday, December 14, the City of Gulfport announced the six candidates who qualified to run for Ward 2 and Ward 4.

Gulfport elections are citywide, meaning all Gulfport voters

elect councilmembers for each ward. Councilmembers serve two-year terms. The municipal election is March 9, 2021.

Find links to candidate filing documents with this article at thegabber.com.

Ward Two Candidates

Christine Brown (incumbent): Christine Brown describes herself as “experienced, dedicated and qualified.” Brown has lived in Gulfport for 32 years and has spent 30 of those years teaching mathematics at Boca Ciega High School. Brown has been the Ward 2 Councilmember for eight years.

Christine Brown

Michael Bauer: Three and half years ago, after retiring from the City of Naples, Michael Bauer and wife moved to Gulfport after a decade of visits. “This is my first venture into politics,” Bauer told Gabber staff. “My life has been about engaging with my community to protect and preserve natural assets and vulnerable resources.” In three words, Bauer describes himself as “honest, dedicated, involved.”

Michael Bauer

Ward Four Candidates

Michael Fridovich (incumbent): Michael Fridovich has sat on Gulfport City Councilmember for eight years. He’s lived in Ward Four for 11 years. Fridovich says, “If I had to describe myself in three words, I would say leadership, tenacity, experience.” Fridovich works on a variety of projects, including serving on the PSTA board.

Michael Fridovich

Richard Fried: Richard Fried ran for Gulfport City Council in 2017 and 2019. On his campaign filing paperwork he listed his principal source of income comes from “Westminster Shores” and a rental property. Fried did not respond to the Gabber’s request for comment or submit a photo.

Robert Barto: The fourth qualifying candidate for Ward Four withdrew on December 14. “Unfortunately, at this time I am withdrawing from the election due to unforeseen circumstances,” Barto told the Gabber early Monday evening, after the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections confirmed the candidates.

Ian O’Hara: O’Hara did not respond to the Gabber’s request for comment. On his campaign filing paperwork he listed his occupation as a Winn Dixie meat clerk in Gulfport.

Ian O'Hara