Gulfport

The city of Gulfport, FL is located near the southern end of the Pinellas peninsula, surrounded by Boca Ciega Bay and its much larger neighbor, St. Petersburg.

Gulfport was originally known as Disston City, after Hamilton Disston, an early northern businessman. While Disston City was founded in 1884, a few years prior to St. Petersburg (1888), it was the latter that benefitted most when Peter Demens decided to bring his Orange Belt Railway to the new city on Tampa Bay.

Without the easy access provided by the railway, Disston City languished in isolation. Several attempts to jump-start the city saw little success, and with each effort its name changed, first to Bonifacio, then Veteran City, and finally to Gulfport in 1910.

The Gulfport Casino

As the population of St. Petersburg boomed, residents and tourists increasingly wanted access to the popular Pass-A-Grille. The city trolley line was extended from St. Petersburg to Gulfport, putting it on the map as an important way station. In 1905 a dock was built out into the bay to connect the trolley to boats that would carry passengers to the Gulf beaches. The dock included a building containing the Post Office, a refreshment stand and a pavilion with a dance floor and a stage. The dock and “Casino”, as it was known, became important meeting places and popular attractions of their own.

In 1930 a new Gulfport Casino was constructed on the waterfront at the base of the city pier. The casino became, and remains, the center of community activities. The old Gulfport Casino Ballroom is designated as a “local historical landmark” by the Historic Preservation Committee, and in 2014 was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tutto Bene

Today, Gulfport is known as St. Petersburg’s funky neighbor, with a colorful personality and “Old Florida” feel all its own.  It attracts residents and visitiors alike with a nice beach, long fishing pier, its foodie scene and of course GeckoFest! GeckoFest is an annual festival celebrating of the end of summer. During GeckoFest, the streets of Gulfport are filled with unusual street performers, people dressed in fanciful costumes, funky music and everyone having a great time!

If you want something a bit more low-key, you might spend a few hours shopping for original paintings and artwork, unique gifts, or antiques at one of Gulfport’s many artsy and quirky shops. You can also take in the scenery in one of Gulfport’s many beautiful parks, such as the Clam Bayou Nature Preserve which abounds with the sights and sounds of wild birds, the breeze blowing through the trees, and the lapping water of the Boca Ciega Bay.

Gulfport is a great place to discover, you’ll have plenty to see and do, and will definitely meet some interesting people in this colorful, funky community.