Discover Gulfport, Florida

Category: File - :Gulfportfl veteranspark.jpg|thumb|225px|A picture of Gulfport's Veterans Park

Gulfport is a city in Pinellas Countyhttp://www.pinellascounty.org/Municipalities.htm#Gulfport, Florida and a suburb of St. Petersburg. The population of Gulfport was 12,527 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau wa 12,740Gulfport Population Information. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2004-04-12.. Gulfport is part of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area, the 19th largest MSA in the country.

The town was originally named Disston City in 1884 when Hamilton Disston purchased land here. The United States Postal Service would not recognize the name as it conflicted with a town in Hillsborough County. Instead, it was named Bonifacio. In 1890, the town name was changed to Veteran City. Finally, in 1910, the name officially changed to Gulfport.Three Names Shape One. St. Petersburg Times. 2001-07-01. Retrieved on 2009-03-18.

Gulfport is distinguished by its high concentration of artisans inspired by the intense light and tropical scenery, enhanced by the swaying palms. A celebration the first Friday and third Saturday of each month called "Art Walk" attracts locals and tourists. Many street performers, artists and craftspeople show up to create a relaxed cultured atmosphere in the warm balmy evening breezes coming off the beach at the end of the street. Tuesdays are market days in the Gulfport Waterfront district showcasing fresh produce, crafts, and local entertainment. Every fourth Friday of the month Gulfport Goes Green in a monthly Street Faire and expo focused on Green and Healthy Living. An all ages event with free admission and offers produce, crafstman, artisians, a clothing swap, electronics and computer recycling, book swap, live entertainment, and interactive information and demonstrations.

The Catherine A. Hickman Theater of Gulfport is located near the beach and is a venue for live theatrical performances. Teams assemble nearby for beach volleyball, while others enjoy picnics with tots on park swings.

The Gulfport Casino Ballroom also located waterfront is one of the main event venues in the city. The host dance events of Swing, Salsa, Argentine Tango, and Ballroom 5 days a week with a large turnout from all across the Tampa area. The venue also is available for rent to the public and popular for weddings, company parties and functions, and holiday parties. The ballroom features a 5000 square foot authentic 1930's style dance floor.

Stetson University Law School, founded in 1900, is located in Gulfport (having moved there in 1954 from its original location in DeLand).

A free trolley runs on Friday and Saturday evenings to stop at the restaurants, clubs and shops, mostly concentrated on Beach Blvd. and Shore Blvd. The city is still a sleepy beach town but is gaining interest for its culinary and arts scene. [http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/jun/02/destination-dining-gulfport-isnt-way-its-worth-dri/life/] [http://blogs.tampabay.com/wingman/2009/06/counting-down-tampa-bays-best-bars-no-60-to-no-41.html]

[http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/quick-trips/v-fullstory/story/1056711.html]

[http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2009/7/12/495212.html]