Photo by Patrick Heinzen
Gulfport voters will elect two new city council members in the March municipal election, and The Gabber Newspaper is helping you get to know the candidates.
Each week until Election Day, we ask Ward I candidates Joe Guenther and Jennifer Daunch, along with Ward III candidates Jennifer Webb and Keri Nelson, a new question.
Here’s what they had to say this week.
This week’s question:
What would you do, if anything, to improve transportation access for residents, tourists, and people who do not or cannot drive?
Photo by Trei Johnson
Joe Guenther
I would focus on practical improvements that make it easier for people to get around without a car. I would look at the feasibility of a small local circulator or seasonal shuttle to connect neighborhoods with downtown, the waterfront, and nearby destinations. We should also continue investing in safe sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting, and bike access so residents, seniors, and visitors can move around safely and independently. The goal is affordable, common-sense improvements that increase accessibility, support local businesses, and help keep Gulfport connected without placing unnecessary strain on the city budget.
Jennifer Daunch
Honestly, I love all the options we have for transportation! The City of Gulfport provides the Looper for special events. The PSTA route 24 travels from downtown St. Petersburg to Pasadena hospital [sic] along Gulfport Boulevard (22nd Avenue South). They have PSTA Access, a pre-scheduled paratransit shared ride with door to door services for those that cannot independently use the regular bus service. MOD (Mobility on Demand) is more like a rideshare type service. If Public Transit is what you’re looking for I think PSTA has got everyone covered! Additionally, for bicyclists or pedestrians we have the Pinellas Trail!
[Read more below]
What question did the candidates answer last week?
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Photo courtesy of Jennifer Webb and Keri Nelson
Jennifer Webb
Gulfport has major transit lines, but needs better “first and last mile” options, greater awareness of existing services, and microtransit solutions. PSTA already offers older passengers affordable Uber rides and a GEMS-like shuttle to major shopping outlets with advance notice in other cities. Expanding these options to all ages and to Gulfport would help. Adding electric scooter/bike kiosks near Stetson, on Beach Boulevard, Tangerine Avenue, 49th Street, and Gulfport Boulevard could connect residents while reducing parking issues. Past efforts like the golf cart service and downtown looper should be reviewed to determine what worked and how to better connect our community — especially non-drivers.
Keri Nelson
I have several ideas to increase mobility in Gulfport.
- Complete Streets – By using this multimodal model to address the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and public transit, we can look for suitable areas to add or widen sidewalks, create bike paths and install crosswalks that have in-pavement flashing lights for increased visibility.
- Contract with an on demand, door-to-door transportation service – Companies like Freebee provide transportation using electric vehicles
- Expand the Gulfport Trolley/Looper service
- Promote specialty transportation providers
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