Local St. Pete-Clearwater & Tampa Bay, FL news

Tag: Gulfport

  • A year after Hurricane Debby brushed past Tampa Bay, Gulfport is still reeling from the impact of what local officials have called a “triple threat” storm season. Debby brought widespread flooding to the small waterfront city, damaging hundreds of homes and overwhelming infrastructure. It was the first in a string of storms—followed by Hurricanes Helene…

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  • Nearly a year after a series of hurricanes battered the Tampa Bay area, the city of Gulfport is still grappling with the aftermath. Hundreds of boats were wrecked or washed ashore, and while significant progress has been made in cleanup efforts, the scars remain—both environmental and financial. Gulfport has removed over 50 derelict vessels from…

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  • Strolling along Gulfport’s beaches, visitors often come across cigarette butts scattered in the sand — a sight city leaders are hoping to change. In response, Gulfport officials are moving toward a ban on smoking in several beachside areas. The city council has already given preliminary approval, with a final vote scheduled for Tuesday. If passed,…

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  • A couple in Gulfport, Becky McCoy and Jim Newman, faced a significant setback in their recovery efforts after waiting nearly five months for a permit from city officials to repair their roof and the damage left by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Initially, a substantial damage determination letter from November indicated that their home suffered less…

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  • Gulfport residents are raising alarms about significant changes reshaping their community while they struggle to recover, months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated their town. When floodwaters surged from the Gulfport Marina, the district neighborhood suffered widespread damage. More than twelve weeks later, longtime resident Marie Lamarre says many of her neighbors have yet to…

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  • More than 100 days after Hurricane Helene displaced hundreds of Gulfport residents, many are still unable to return to their homes, with most yet to receive permits to begin rebuilding. Frustration has mounted, with residents expressing their dissatisfaction to city leaders this week. “Take action and do something to help people. Get these damn permits…

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  • In a close 4-1 vote on Tuesday evening, the Gulfport City Council approved the first reading of a resolution to initiate a preliminary engineering study focused on the drainage issues around Wood Ibis Park and adjacent areas. Residents along 27th Avenue S. and 58th Street S. have been facing persistent flooding concerns during even moderate…

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  • Many Gulfport residents are making progress in returning to their hurricane-damaged homes with the help of new “minor repair” permits issued by the city. In line with FEMA regulations, the city is providing these permits to help property owners make their homes livable, even while they await permits for major repairs and rebuilding. Starting Monday,…

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  • Unsurprisingly, Hurricanes Helene and Milton have left Gulfport’s volleyball courts in ruins. These courts were central to community activities, serving leagues, tournaments, and casual players alike. However, very little of the original structure remains. Tyler Penberthy, a long-time volleyball player and coach, has felt the impact directly. “Not having the Gulfport courts has really hindered…

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  • The City of Gulfport is committed to providing property owners, developers, and builders with the resources they need to navigate floodplain regulations and make informed decisions regarding property improvements. A new webpage has been launched to help residents understand the FEMA 50% Rule, also known as the “Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Rule.” This rule is crucial…

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  • The City of Gulfport will be closing the Hurricane Helene Donation Center at the Gulfport Senior Center, located at 5501 27th Ave S. This essential resource for collecting supplies to support those impacted by Hurricane Helene will shut down on Monday, October 7, 2024. The City expresses its deep gratitude to the community for their…

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