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.
VOTING IS NOW OPEN! Community members (in Gulfport and beyond) will be able to vote for their favorite cat-didate, candi-dog, or nominee from any pet species for the cost of $1 per vote. The pet with the most votes by February 20, 2025 wins the election.
You can vote for any candidate, in any amount, by clicking the links below. Voting multiple times and for multiple candidates is not just permitted, but encouraged! If you would prefer to vote in person (cash donation), you can find our ballot boxes at the following locations: Gulfport Beach Bazaar, Stella’s, The Gabber Newspaper, Gulfport Brewery & Eatery, North End Taphouse & Kitchen, The Peninsula Bed & Cocktails, Plant Love Ice Cream, Gulfport History Museum, Gulfport Public Library, Sail Market Boutique & Gifts, Julio’s Empanadas, and Jax In & Out.
All proceeds will go to benefit Gulfport Arts & Heritage and Friends of Strays Animal Shelter, St. Petersburg’s oldest no-kill shelter. Read more about Friends of Strays’ work here. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Amanda Hagood at amanda@gulfporthistoricalsociety.org.
Voting will close on Feb 20 and the newly-elected pawfficers will be announced at Gulfport Get Rescued on February 22, 2025.
Reigning 2024 Gulfport Pet Mayor Banjo says: Let’s get arf the vote!
2025 Candidogs & Catdidates
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.
CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR BEBE!BRADY. Cute and friendly Brady specializes in squeaky toy chewing, running around like a jackrabbit, and befriending everyone he meets. He’s a perfect example of what Gulfport is known for!
CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR BRADY!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.
CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR DEXTER!DUMPSTER JACK. Jack has a robust platform: more cooling stations and water, helpful PSA’s about leashing, microchipping, ring collars and coping with thunderstorms and fireworks. And of course treats at ALL times!
KIRBY. Rescued from a busy intersection four years ago, Kirby is grateful for her new life with kind humans and plenty of treats. She loves meeting and greeting the public during happy days spent with her folks at Gulfport Brewery.
CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR KIRBY!LOUIE THE LOVER. Louie is Gulfport’s vibe on four legs – joyful exuberance, making friends easily, and never barking unless it’s absolutely necessary! He has boundless love for everyone. Vote for Louie, and he’ll keep Gulfport’s tail wagging! CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR LOUIE THE LOVER!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’s proud to run on a platform of peace and love in Florida’s pet-friendliest town.
CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR LUNA!PACO. Paco’s platform includes 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.
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 kind of a trailblazer: if Perkins can run for Pet Mayor, anyone can!
CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR PERKINS!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.
CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR RAVIOLI! STEVIE. Adopted from Get Rescued, 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!
