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Subscribe to City LineAugust 4, 2009
From the office of Mayor George Schloegel
Last month we launched a citywide effort to clean up and remove any and all Katrina evidence that still remains. We have to put the storm behind us, and it is time for all property owners in Gulfport to make a solid effort.
We decided to begin downtown, and my office mailed letters to every property in the district asking them to submit their clean-up plans to the Building Department by July 30.
As of now, we have received a response from only one property owner.
That is simply unacceptable. We are very disappointed by the lack of response, which now forces the city to move forward without input from local property owners.
We plan to initiate our clean-up options within the next two weeks to remedy derelict and neglected properties in our city. A second letter is being mailed notifying property owners of our course of action and offering one final opportunity to engage.
Without a response by Aug. 14, we will utilize every option available through city ordinance and Mississippi law to clean neglected properties.
I want to thank all of you who have made a strong effort to clean and maintain your residence or business. You have helped South Mississippi rebound to show the nation our true grit.
But to those who have been unable to return their properties to a presentable and usable state, we are urging you to take swift action.
The City of Gulfport is willing to work with each property owner to help formulate action plans, but that window is quickly closing.
We already live in a good city, but with your help, all of us working together, we will make it great.
Sincerely,
George Schloegel
Mayor
Sportsplex expecting record numbers
The Department of Leisure Services expects the Gulfport Sportsplex this year to break economic-impact records set before Hurricane Katrina.
In 2004, its first year of operation, the Sportsplex was responsible for an economic impact of nearly $35 million. Nearly 191,200 athletes participated in dozens of local and national sporting events at the Sportsplex that year.
After Hurricane Katrina those numbers dropped significantly. The number of events and participants dwindled dramatically.
However, today the Department of Leisure Services is projecting a record-high $36.4 million economic impact for 2009. The facility is booked 42 of the year’s 52 weekends. The remaining 10 weekends are dates that could not be booked because of holidays or scheduled turf maintenance.
Weekend tournaments bring in 40 to 90 teams, each responsible for 500 to 1,200 visitors from every state in the country. During the week the Sportsplex is home to local leagues.
This week at the Charles L. Walker Senior Center
- TUESDAY: sewing, quilting and eye screenings.
- WEDNESDAY: ceramics and pottery.
- THURSDAY: computer classes, ballroom dancing and bridge.
- FRIDAY: sewing
The city's senior center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. For more, call 575-4535.
Small biz grants available
The Gulfport Chamber currently is accepting applications for its Small Business Grant Program.
Chamber business members operating in Gulfport with 50 employees or less may be eligible for grants up to $2,500. The deadline to apply is Friday, Sept. 11.
To download an application, visit mscoastchamber.com, or call 604-0014.
Office of Public Information - rlafontaine@gulfport-ms.gov - Phone: 228-868-5782
P.O. Box 1780 Gulfport, MS 39502-1780 - FAX: 868-5800
