Photo by Cameron Healy
During its July 7 meeting, the Gulfport City Council finalized the City’s accessory dwelling unit plan, formally accepted funding for walking trail improvements, and approved inspection services, employee insurance renewals, and disaster debris agreements.
Council Completes ADU Plan Amendment
Council unanimously approved Ordinance 2026-05, adding two accessory dwelling unit policies to the housing element of Gulfport’s comprehensive plan.
The amendment also adds definitions for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and principal dwelling units to the plan’s supporting data and analysis.
Accessory dwelling units are independent residences located on the same property as a primary home. They may include backyard cottages, garage apartments, or converted portions of existing homes.
The July 7 vote completed the comprehensive-plan portion of Gulfport’s ADU changes. Council previously approved the City’s zoning regulations for ADUs, including rules governing where owners may build and use them.
Council Formally Accepts Walking Trail Grant
Gulfport City Council unanimously approved Resolution 2026-41, formally accepting the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant for the Discover Gulfport Walking Trails. Senior Center Supervisor Rachel Cataldo presented the project before the vote.
The grant will fund directional signs, trailhead maps, QR codes, and accessibility improvements across Gulfport’s nine-mile trail system.
AARP announced Gulfport as a 2026 Flagship Grantee on June 24.
[read more below]
That’s not all that happened at the July 7 Gulfport City Council meeting. Read about the formal censure policy, pension credit changes, the half century time capsule, and what we overheard.
City Pays Outside Inspection Provider
Council approved Resolution 2026-42, authorizing payment to C.A.P. Government Inc., a Bureau Veritas company, for plan-review and inspection services completed in May.
The resolution also included a related budget amendment.
C.A.P. Government handles contractor-related plan reviews and inspections through the City’s managed-services model. Gulfport pays the company through permitting revenue rather than the general fund.
The City began using the outside provider to increase permitting capacity and reduce delays. City staff continue handling permit intake, owner-builder permits and resident customer service.
Council Renews Employee Insurance
Council approved three insurance renewals for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Resolution 2026-43 renews employee health coverage through the Public Risk Management of Florida Health Trust and Florida Blue.
Meanwhile, Resolution 2026-44 renews employee life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance through Standard Insurance Company. Resolution 2026-45 renews the City’s long-term disability coverage through the same company.
Long-term disability insurance replaces part of an employee’s income when an eligible illness or injury prevents that person from working for an extended period.
Agreements Prepare Gulfport for Storm Debris
Finally, Council approved Resolution 2026-47, authorizing the City manager to enter into interlocal agreements with DRC Emergency Services and AshBritt Inc. for disaster debris collection and removal.
The agreements allow Gulfport to use contractors secured through Pinellas County after a hurricane or other emergency creates widespread debris.
By approving the agreements before a disaster, the City can activate collection and removal services without beginning a new procurement process while responding to storm damage.
The Gulfport City Council’s next meeting is July 21 at 6 p.m.
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