The Gulfport History Museum is open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, as well as other hours by appointment. The Historic Peninsula Inn is a historic hotel in Gulfport, Florida that features a number of exciting amenities, attractions, and more! A Brief History of Gulfport. In 1975, Catherine Hitchcock competed with six other contestants for the Miss Gulfport crown. We are a small town, but we have a big heart. 2 bedroom, 1 Bath - 1 block from Beach Blvd. Narrated and produced by Gail Biron. Our story of Gulfport, Florida Paperback – January 1, 1985 by Gulfport Historical Society (Author) See all formats and editions Hide other formats and editions The last queen before these pageants were discontinued in 1992 was April Berringer. Visit us and we think you’ll agree.Read more...>>. Despite a hurricane churning in the Gulf at the time, the 1979 event was not postponed and Jenny Driskell was named the new Miss Gulfport. 12/17/2020 . She had planned to pass the torch to the next non-gender-specific royalty at the 2020 Gecko Ball, which would have been held later this month. Built at the end of the dock into the bay in 1906 as station and ticket office, the building contained a post office and a refreshment stand. Gulfport is famous for it's variety of dining experiencs. Narrated and produced by Gail Biron. By 1969 there was an entity called “Gulfport Festivals,” a community-based group that produced all sorts of events in town, including the city’s 4th of July celebration. If you still have holiday shopping left, # Gulfport 's the place to head today, because when you've found handmade gifts for the people you love, we have an abundance of places to sit outside and sip a latte or eat a sandwich. Sheri Cox was the first Miss Gulfport, and the Lions Club continued to name Gulfport Queens for almost the next 20 years. Again there was a beauty pageant as part of the festivities, and 15-year-old Cindy Thomas was named “Splash Days Queen 1975”. This place is a dyke’s tropical paradise by the sea come true. By 1969 there was an entity called “Gulfport Festivals,” a community-based group that produced all sorts of events in town, including the city’s 4th of July celebration. With more than 24 Gulfport trails covering 209 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the Coastal Anclote Trail or Bayshore Trail. Gulfport, Florida: d r d d r. How It Works: Here at BestPlaces, we were looking at the voting patterns since the 2000 election and realized that we could express the results of each election as one letter. Sharbough reigned through 1974 when the Lions Club of Gulfport picked up the pageant as part of their Labor Day festivities, which included the popular fish fry. The Record Romp continued for a few more years before it moved to the St. Pete Pier in the early 1960s, where Pepsi signed on as a headline sponsor. However, like the past civilizations you're examining, these rates won't last forever. In 1975 the city sponsored an event dubbed “Splash Day,” commemorating the beginning of the summer recreation program. Her words of advice to current Gecko Queen Robinson? Gulfport Historical Society, Gulfport, FL. A group of industrial titans saw the potential for wealth, and had the means to make it happen. We will review the data in question. “My duties were pretty easy,” said Horan. Zillow has 1 homes for sale in Gulfport FL matching Historic Downtown District. The City negotiated airline service contracts with Southern Airways and later National Airlines to provide passenger and cargo service beginning in … 1.9K likes. The pageant in 1985 was postponed until October while Labor Day Hurricane Elena spiraled just off the coast for several days. Other Gecko Queens include Wesley Sloat, 2014, Vivian Marcum Hawker, 2015, Joan Prowton Samuel, 2016, Brian Liggins, 2017 and Jon Ziegler, 2018. Get directions: 5500 Shore Blvd. The late Faun Weaver, who passed away in January 2019, took the first honor. In fact, Gulfport was one of the six finalist in the Rand McNally " Best of the Road … We have a cool town and we'll sure you'll love it!Copyright 2016 - GulfportFlorida.us This web site was created by007 Computer Services - Web Design, History of Gulfport Florida. This is the official page of the Gulfport Historical Society in Gulfport, Florida. - $135 avg/night - Gulfport - Amenities include: Internet, Air Conditioning, Pets Welcome, Fireplace, TV, Satellite or cable, Washer & Dryer, Children Welcome, Parking, No Smoking, Heater Bedrooms: 2 Sleeps: 6 Pet friendly Minimum stay from 2 night(s) Bookable directly online - Book vacation rental 702416 with Vrbo. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. Although several hurricanes have brushed by this area within the past 60 years, Pinellas County and the City have not experienced the devastating winds, high storm surge, erosion, and flooding caused by a landfalling hurricane for years. (During the pageant, Sharbough was asked her thoughts on school busing, a controversial topic at the time.). The current building was reconstructed in the 1930s. Gulfport, and its surrounding areas like St. Petersburg and Tampa, offer a great selection of museums, galleries, and historical sites to explore. They are now having regular benefits to digitize all of their records. It was a time of many queens, and pageants were popular. Come visit Gulfport, Florida! and 1 block from the Gulfport Pier! From Central Avenue south to the Bay, ’09 is seeing South 49’s diverse products and services become the center of our regionally recognized enterprise district: So49. Team Gabber brought back the print version of the newspaper, and we've redesigned our website to make it easier for you to get the news. Admission: Free. Our historic Casino, on the waterfront, offers events and dancing most every night of the week, and is available for your event. While relaxing on the porch you have a sense of privacy yet you can see through the lush giant palm leaves to enjoy the view. R if the Republican Party candidate won, D if the Democratic Party candidate won and I … We're not out of the woods yet, and every little bit helps pay our reporters, printer, and other expenses. Become a part of "What's Happenin' in Gulfport, Florida". She is a white, non hispanic female registered to vote in Pinellas County, Florida. You are sure to find one that ideal for your stay. The Peninsula Inn, built in 1905 in the heart of the historic waterfront district of Gulfport, is one of the oldest hotels on the west coast of Florida. In the dead of night, a hotel guest hears a noise: knock-knock-knock.The sound repeats itself, knock-knock-knock, and continues for two days, abruptly ending just the way it began – with no explanation. In the past, however, the title of “Queen” was given to a young woman, in a tradition that goes back at least 60 years. Rates on these Gulfport historic hotels range from $120 to . In 1902, the harbor was completed, and the Port of Gulfport became a working seaport. Deborah Smitley took honors in 1984. Gulfport Historical Museum is doing an excellent job of preserving the history of the area. Stay at One of the Best Hotels in Florida! Welcome to beautiful, sunny Gulfport, Florida, the only small incorporated full service city left on the Gulf of Mexico! Join the Gulfport Historical Society as they take a stroll through history in Gulfport. Eventually Christine George took top honors – and the title of Miss Congeniality. The Gabber sponsored Hitchcock, who was a majorette at Boca Ciega High School. Times have certainly changed. Explore the best trails in Gulfport, Florida on TrailLink. Miss Gulfport Lions Club also represented the club at the national Miss American Bowl Pageant in Tampa Stadium later in the year. In 1890, the town name was changed to Veteran City. Step onto our sprawling veranda, walk through our French doors, and begin an experience you won’t soon forget. Call us: 727-201-8687. Beginning the new decade, Jeanni Kruse competed with five other young women for the crown. We delivered  6,387,468 pages of information with a total of 48,512,219 hits. Erin Carmoday, 13, was named Miss Splash Day. The Port of Gulfport has flourished over the years and today accounts for millions of dollars in annual sales and tax … It all began with sock hops in the 1950s. Our modern sensibilities are put off by pageants where young women’s bodies are studied and compared for a “winner.” That’s likely part of why these contests fell out of fashion, but in 2013, a new sort of “pageant” took root. Located on the Boca Ciega Bay with a nice beach and long fishing pier, Gulfport's Waterfront District attracts young and old alike. The town was conceived, built, and maintained for profit to investors, and other shareholders. Gulfport Beach just 1/4 mile away on the historic red brick paved street. On July 28, 1898, Gulfport was incorporated. Featuring 12 unique guestrooms and suites, the Inn is also home to Isabelle's, the award winning restaurant specializing in Southern Cuisine with a modern twist. Gulfport, Florida Linda Brownley (age 58) is listed at 5026 27th Ave S Gulfport, Fl 33707 and is affiliated with the Republican Party. At today's Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market, you can find fresh bread, ... Tampa Bay-grown veggies, and artisan jams and preserves. In 1957, Patricia Horan was a 16-year-old who enjoyed going to teen dances sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce at the Casino. The Gulfport Historical Society operates the Gulfport History Museum with generous financial and moral support from the City of Gulfport. The town was originally named Disston City in 1884 when Hamilton Disston purchased land in the area. Gulfport has been known by several names since its founding. This quaint, ‘bohemian feel’ town is fun, diverse, open, relaxing and airy. When Jody Robinson was named Gecko Queen at the 2019 Gecko Ball she had no idea her reign would stretch into 2021. Historic Preservation Committee The City of Gulfport is committed to making our website and the pages, forms, and documents it contains accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Report Station. In June 2008 through December 2016, GulfportFlorida.us welcomed 761,468 unique visitors for over 1,120,652  total visits. McCollough got married the day before the event and, since pageant rules required the queen to be single, first runner up Carolyn Arcemont got to be “Queen for a Day” before Sharbaugh’s coronation. Educate Yourself on Florida For history buffs looking to learn more about the town, there are plenty of educational opportunities. Glenda Harness, Miss Gulfport 1983, got a special treat: receiving her coronation from McCollough, the first queen. “Be yourself and make a good impression of Gulfport to everyone you meet.”. Gulfport, FL Weather History star_ratehome. In 1910, the name officially changed to Gulfport. Filed Under: News Tagged With: gecko ball, Gecko Queen, Gulfport, gulfport festival, Gulfport Florida, gulfport history, lions club, © 2021 All Rights Reserved | The Gabber Newspaper. Gulfport, Florida. “We were good kids,” says Horan. There were annual queens and their courts named throughout the late 50s and into the late 60s. The Historic Peninsula Inn: A Premium Gulfport Hotel. Horan was led to the throne by DJ Bill Mitchell – who would later buy and operate a local radio station. We are proud to have introduced Gulfport Florida to web visitors in all 50 states in the United States, and over 214 countries and territories. The tour examines the creation of this small seaside hamlet; the tour guides — all Gulfport locals with a penchant for history and storytelling — share the town's history and stories with the group. -2000--Census records Gulfport population at 12,527-February 9, 2000--The Gulfport Police Department was accredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation.-2002--Authorized sworn positions increase to 32 to help staff a new police patrol boat.-2003- … Lorie Metty took the bicentennial crown in 1976 and received a host of prizes, including a $20 gift certificate for now-defunct Maas Brothers department store. Organizers changed the name from Miss Gulfport Festivals to just Miss Gulfport (the recipient also carried the title of Miss Gulfport Lions). It is surprising to find a piece of Old Florida right in the middle of this busy urban environment. Click here and discuss on Facebook! In April that year, Horan competed against 32 young women for the title of “Record Romp Queen.” At her coronation she was joined by seven other girls on her court, and crowned by newly elected chamber president Kenneth Johnson. 5301 28th Ave. S., Gulfport, FL 33707 727-201-8687 • Email us Looking for the Gulfport, Mississippi History Museum?Here they are! Helen McCollough won that year, but all 17 received trophies. Early History The story of Gulfport is the story of the Industrial Revolution that defined the 20th Century. It is a wonderful place to visit to learn the history of the area. There were annual queens and their courts named throughout the late 50s and into the late 60s. Catherine Hickman Theater hosts popular local and touring productions of plays, musical performances and more. In modern Gulfport, anyone can be the Gecko Queen; the title has gone to at least three men. In 1971, they started a beauty pageant to name “Gulfport Festival’s Queen.”, Seventeen girls, mostly from Boca Ciega High School, competed for the honor. Robinson was certainly not the first person to be named Queen in Gulfport. Its southern border fronts on Boca Ciega bay. No longer about looks, the Gecko Queen is named based on the winner’s community involvement and commitment to Gulfport. Then COVID-19 changed all of that. Visit us: 5301 28th Ave. S., Gulfport, Florida, 33707. History of Gulfport Florida. City of Gulfport Historical Storm History. The United States Postal Service would not recognize the name as it conflicted with a town in Hillsborough County. We had 347,530 visits from 511 cities in Florida alone! The documents on the website are currently under remediation while we work to meet new ADA requirements. Records are missing for 1986 (and 1988), but the “Heathers” ruled for two years: the 1989 queen was Heather Padula; Heather Cercil was 1990 queen. This year’s Gecko Ball, like so many other popular annual events, was canceled and Robinson suddenly became the de facto 2020 Queen, continuing her reign until, hopefully, the 2021 event. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. The Gabber noted, for reasons not quite clear, that 1978 was the “most successful event to date,” with Susan McDonaugh winning over 13 other contestants. The Gulfport History Museum on 28th Avenue South is a quirky collection of historical artefacts from the Gulfport area. In the quaint clapboard house, visitors can see black-and-white images of Gulfport through the years, and you can even delve into the history of your Gulfport vacation rental. For the past several decades Gulfport has been spared a direct hit from a hurricane. Gulfport Field was declared excess by the Air Force and conveyed by the War Assets Administration to the City of Gulfport in 1949 for use as a civil airport. Want to talk about this post? 49 F St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport Station | Report. Gulfport’s Historic Waterfront District. “We didn’t drink or do drugs, we just loved to dance.”. Also in the mid 1950s, the Gulfport Lions Club sponsored Gala Days, a celebration of Gulfport’s founding. Gulfport Casino is a national historic site located at 5500 Shore Blvd., Gulfport, Florida in Pinellas County. “All I had to do was to show up to the dances and reign over them.”. Read more. Instead, it was named Bonifacio. It is a wonderful spot to greet your new Gulfport friends as they walk by enjoying the perfect December weather. Based on the book "Images of America, Gulfport" by Lynne S. Brown In June 2008 through December 2016, GulfportFlorida.us welcomed 761,468 unique visitors for over 1,120,652 total visits. Based on the book "Images of America, Gulfport" by Lynne S. Brown. Built in 1905, Gulfport’s Historic Peninsula Inn, 2937 Beach Blvd. In 1981, contestants were asked, “If you had a teenage girl at home what advice would you give them?” The Gabber reported that “their answers would have made a mother proud.” The winner that year was Tami Barnhart; Lynda Gale Samuel took the honors in 1982. A Gabber article from that time said, “they were all lovely girls.”, The next year Janie Sharbaugh took the title and it was the first time the pageant was covered live by the new cable company TelePrompTer Channel 7. Gulfport is a small incorporated city in the heart of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area. S., Gulfport FL 33707 Support local news and families — donate now to keep The Gabber Newspaper serving the community it loves! 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