In Gulfport, we are justly proud of our creative, caring community. But we wouldn’t be who we are without our pets! So every year, Gulfport Arts & Heritage runs a Pet Mayor election to highlight the amazing critters that call Gulfport home and raise money for two great causes – for the cultural programming that Gulfport Arts & Heritage provides and for St. Petersburg’s oldest no-kill shelter, Friends of Strays Animal Shelter.
Our 2025 fundraiser was an extraordinary success, in which our candidogs and candidates (and their people) raised over $5,000! Congratulations to our new pawfficers!
2025 Pet Mayor: Kirby
Kirby, though very small in size, makes up for it by having a very big heart. She went from tough life on the streets – where she was rescued by her mom and dad from a busy and very dangerous intersection not too far away – to living the Gulfport dream, with loving extended family surrounding her and her own fanclub at the Gulfport Brewery. We know her pluckiness, friendliness, and fabulous personality will help her lead with love and make her a great head for our pet community.
2025 City Pawfficers
Project ManageARF!: Bebe. Bebe is a classic border collie! She wants to lead (or herd) everyone. She’s also big on hugs, retrieving balls, and singing a her special good morning song. She’s got smarts, manners, and excellent communication skills. Poet LaureARF!: Brady. Brady is a delightfully cute Bishon Shitzu who specializes in running around like a Jack Rabbit. He is the subject of a children’s book his person is currently writing. Small Business Pawfficer: Dexter. Dexter is lovable, dependable, a purr-fect leader. Also an avid digger and seasoned landscaper, specializing in tree limb removal and shredding, weed management, and hole construction.Barks & Culture Pawfficer: Dumpster Jack. Jack has a robust platform: more cooling stations and water at events, helpful PSA’s about leashing, microchipping, ring collars and how to cope successfully with those frightening thunderstorms and fireworks. And of course treats at ALL times. Originally found in a dumpster, Jack might be a bit weird – but it’s GULFPORT weird.
City Dogplomat: Louie the Lover. Louie the Lover is Gulfport’s vibe on four legs – joyful exuberance, making friends easily, and never barking unless it’s absolutely necessary! He thrives on the bay breezes and brings joy to every step of his runs down Beach Blvd. His boundless love for everyone—human, canine, and beyond—makes him the ultimate ambassador of Gulfport’s spirit. LiBARKy Services Pawfficer. Luna. After working as a reading aide in a public library and an emotional support animal in a hospital, soft and fluffy Luna now specializes in undertable scrap clean-up. She was proud to serve on a platform of peace and love in Florida’s pet-friendliest town.
HaBARKdashery Advisor: Paco. Paco’s platform included establishing more dog-friendly spaces, advocating for pet health, and promoting adoption and responsible pet ownership. When he’s not politicking, he loves going on walks and making new friends.
Town Meower: Perkins. Perkins is skittish, destructive, and not very bright – but he’s so oh-so loving and sweet when you get to know him! His antics keep his family ROFL. He’s also gifted with a golden voice – which he uses constantly to comment on everything from birds outside his window to the need for more back scratches.
Kitty Manager: Ravioli. Ravioli is a veteran of Gulfport’s feral cat community. Now he’s an advocate for patience, trust, and understanding, especially when it comes to community cats. He’s also a loving uncle to his family’s foster cats.
Paws & Recreation Pawfficer: Stevie. Adopted from Gulfport’s Get Rescued fest, Stevie is a fixture at the big dog side of the dog park. She’s putting in the legwork for city office, monitoring the city’s fire hydrants, and checking in with local cats, squirrels, and humans!
