Around Town: April

 

Recently seen and heard around Gulfport…

April continues to bring a mix of popular traditional events as well as exciting new ones to end the month. One of Gulfport’s most anticipated charitable events of the year, Dining Out for Life, happens Thursday, April 27 at local restaurants. As has been the case in years past, every Gulfport restaurant is on track to participate during breakfast, lunch or dinner, with proceeds going to local AIDS services organizations. For details and to find a restaurant, go to Dining Out for Life Gulfport, Florida on Facebook or diningoutforlife.com/tampabay/restaurants … Smokin’ Js Real Texas Barbecue celebrated its seventh anniversary on April 22 with live music and barbecue specials for diners … The inaugural Gulfport Grand Prix will feature powerboat racing, a classic boat show and a vendor alley along Shore Blvd., April 28-30 … Gulfport Get GO will be assisting with transportation to and from the Grand Prix. Call 727-542-7757 for more info … LIFT Academy will host an art opening fundraiser at the City of Imagination on April 29 at 6 p.m. featuring artwork by the organization’s talented young special needs artists … May begins with the Gulfport Art & Gallery Walk on May 5 with featured artist Kathleen Wilke, a watercolorist. There will be live music at several venues around town. A different twist to this month’s First Friday art walk is the JITT Flip finished creations booth, hosted by Gulfport Neighbors … Ink Tank at the Blueberry Patch presents a Literary Afternoon with “Women of Our Local Literary Scene” on May 7 at 3 p.m. at Boca Bay Grille. Local writers will be reading their work along with excerpts from favorite female authors … Ode to Pluto astrologist Jennie White will discuss “Astrology and the Art of Relationship” on May 8 at the Gulfport Public Library … Also at the library, the LGBT Film Series will screen an Oscar-winning film on May 11 at 7 p.m. … The second Free Art Friday is set for May 12, beginning at 10 a.m. This month’s theme is Faces and Flowers. For details find Free Art Friday Gulfport Florida on Facebook … Meet fellow Gulfportians at a picnic in the park, hosted by Gulfport Neighbors, featuring food, games and music at Gulfport Waterfront Beach Park … Author Jack Davis will discuss his new book The Gulf: The Making of an American Sea at the Gulfport Historical Museum on May 19 … Just in time for spring, the Gulfport Beach Bazaar features vendor Repurposed’s nautical beach décor … The Antique Textile Museum, located at 5125 Gulfport Blvd. has free tours given by owner Michael Petras on Saturday and Sunday mornings … Two new police officers joined the City of Gulfport Police Department family, Officers Arion Nieves and Officer Michael Rossi … Mangia Gourmet is now hosting Meet the Artist receptions as well as weekly live music … Seen on a t-shirt: Excess in moderation.