There’s a delightful little coastal community tucked along Boca Ciega Bay that offers a pace of life where the water’s edge sets the rhythm of everyday living, and that community is Gulfport. Recent figures point to the village having a modest population hovering around 11,579, giving it the intimacy of a small town yet teeming with enough activity to keep things interesting. Here, mornings often begin with the gentle hum of fishing boats slipping off docks and the murmur of artists setting up for another day of colorful creations in downtown galleries.

That sense of local flair carries into the dining scene. Fatty’s BBQ & Soul Food has earned a devoted following for its generous Southern-style servings—half-chicken plates, rib dinners, rib dogs and the kind of banana pudding that makes folks linger over every spoonful. Not far off, 1Chick 1Bro Cafe Bistro brings a lively Venezuelan flair that surprises and delights: their arepas are praised for a crisp yet flavorful masa, paired with bold picante sauce, and offerings like the Gulfport Bowl showcase a playful fusion that visitors can’t stop raving about. Meanwhile, Corner Cafe presents longtime comfort in every dish—French toast, homemade biscuits, hearty crepes and eggs benedict that feel like a sunny hug in plate form.

There’s more to this enclave than food, though. A weekly market every Tuesday brings out fresh produce, live music spills into the street, and artists display their wares beneath swaying palms, creating an atmosphere that’s truly engaging. That same creative spirit culminates in Geckofest, a local celebration where colorful reptile mascots, street performers, impromptu dance, and art installations converge for a day of pure local expression.

Folklore drifts in the salt air, too. Long-time locals might whisper about ghostly reflections seen at Williams Pier at dusk—older fishing tales about fishermen from generations past still said to cast lines in spirit when the water is calm. Meanwhile, the old Casino Ballroom stands regal on the waterfront, its 1930s-style dance floor a draw for those who love swing, tango, and the music of bygone eras—its presence a graceful reminder of the town’s storied history.

Beyond folklore, there’s texture in the everyday. Artists painting murals downtown, stories exchanged at coffee shops where regulars debate the best catch of the day, and families who laugh as they feed the ducks in Veterans Park or stroll the municipal marina. The fishing pier near the Casino and waterfront parks offers quiet moments watching the sky bleed pink and gold at sundown, while art galleries and independent shops echo with curious treasures and the soft hum of community.

Among local businesses that keep the spirit alive, you’ll find Pia’s Trattoria serving approachable Italian fare in a comfy setting, where its indoor and shaded outdoor seating invite conversations that last as long as the meal. Stella’s earns nods as a top breakfast destination in the region, with its friendly drive and menus that lure people out of bed on weekends. O’Maddy’s Bar & Grille is the sort of place where the bartender remembers your name by the second visit, and a craft cocktail is delivered with a wink and a smile.

For those looking to fully lean into the Bay lifestyle, the municipal marina and Clam Bayou Nature Park offer a chance to launch a kayak, observe wading birds, or run one’s hand through mangrove roots that cradle small shrimp and crabs during low tide. The long Williams Pier is a favorite for casting a line, watching dolphins slip by, or just leaning over the rails and letting time slow down.

There’s also the signature tradition of gathering under the canopy at the weekly fresh-market, where locals barter produce, swap stories, and sometimes catch a live-music set by street performers, turning Tuesday mornings into something special.

In softer corners of the town, older residents recount how the Casino Ballroom once hosted USO-style dances, and how music floated through open doors on Saturday nights. Rumor holds that if you sit in the same seat long enough, occasionally you can pick up a faint chord of a big-band number that played there decades ago; whether that’s real or just affectionate nostalgia, it’s a powerful reminder of how layered the place feels.

As a company rooted in this area, we at Florida Termite and Pest Control recognize how much this community values creature comforts—from the artful bite of a backyard barbecue to the laughs that come with feeding pelicans at the pier. That’s why we’d like to be the firm you rely on to protect what makes Gulfport so genuine and engaging. If there’s an unwelcome critter or pest intruding on your peace, we invite you to contact us today and let us help keep your home or business pest-free, just like it should be.