Photo courtesy of Leslie Gilchrist
Updated Sept. 2, 10:14 a.m.
An earlier version of this article incorrectly described Christopher Munette; we’ve updated the article to reflect this, and include the correct information.
The Gabber Newspaper regrets the error.
You might have seen her riding her tricycle and wearing her crown around Gulfport. At events supporting local businesses and contributing to the greater community, The Duchess is a familiar and recognizable sight for many Gulfportians. That is why residents and community members elected her as Gulfport’s Gecko Queen this year.
Saturday night, at the annual Gecko Ball, The Duchess was crowned Gecko Queen. The Gulfport Merchants Chamber (GMC) has awarded this honor to a Gulfport representative every year since 2013; it goes to a community member who embodies the spirit of Gulfport.
And the community found The Duchess to be a great representative of the Gulfport spirit.
“I’m just looking forward to keeping Gulfport wacky, weird, and happy,” said The Duchess of her new position. “Keeping the community spirit up, because nothing [is] better than the spirit of a town like Gulfport.”
Photo courtesy of The Duchess
The Gecko Ball
The Gecko Ball is the penultimate event in a series of Gecko-themed, Gulfport-celebrating events that culminates in the weekend-long GeckoFest. Around 300 people attended Gecko Ball on Aug. 29 at Stetson University College of Law.
The Duchess said she was filled with anticipation leading up to the crowning of Gecko Queen.
“I was nervous. I was on pins and needles, and fingers were crossed,” said The Duchess. Upon hearing her name, she said the first thing she did “was kiss my husband and we both started crying.”
Leslie Gilchrist, Gecko Queen 2025, gave The Duchess a new Gecko Queen crown crafted by local artist Eric Folsom, along with a golden sash reading ‘Gecko Queen ’26,’ to wear for the rest of the night.
Photo courtesy of The Duchess
Gecko Queen in the community
The Duchess is excited to represent Gulfport and serve as Gecko Queen. Alongside being actively involved with charitable causes in the community, The Duchess looks forward to working with the GMC and supporting local Gulfport businesses.
She said Gulfport’s small businesses “keep the community close together. Unity is part of the main thing: unity and community. We put the ‘unity’ in ‘community.'”
Even after her win, The Duchess is full of praise for her fellow running mates.
“Running for Gecko Queen this year was fantastic,” she said. “Both Jenni [Seig] and Priscilla [Rutherford-McLeod] were absolutely amazing. I didn’t run against them; I ran with them.”
The Gecko Queen fun doesn’t end there.
Watch the Gecko Queen march alongside City leaders and community members during GeckoFest’s annual parade on Saturday, Sept. 5. The family-friendly event runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Beach Boulevard. The parade begins at 6 p.m.
Looking for more things to do in Gulfport, St. Petersburg, and the beaches? Check out The Gabber Newspaper’s full calendar of events. Have an event coming up? Give us the details (it’s free!) and we’ll help spread the word!
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