Gulfport is known as the Gateway to the Gulf. It faces Boca Ciega Bay, which leads into the Gulf of Mexico. It may be quite close to Tampa, but it feels as if you are hundreds of miles away from the traffic and congestion.

The town dates back to 1867 when the first settlers, Civil War veteran James Barnett and his wife Rebecca Barnett with three children settled in the area. Mr. Barnett built his home on what is now 49th Street and 26th Avenue S.

The town was incorporated less than 20 years later as Disston City, after Hamilton Disston, who had acquired 4-million acres of Florida land for about 25 cents an acre. Hamilton Disston had great plans. He believed that a railroad would go into Disston City and he built a hotel known as the Waldorf Hotel on the shores of Boca Ciega Bay , a dock, three stores and some houses. Unfortunately, his dreams never became a reality as the railroad ended in St. Petersburg.

Latter the city became known as Bonafacio. It seems that the post office decided that they did not like the name Disston City because a town in Hillsborough County had a similar name.

In 1890 , Captain John F. Chase had an ideal of establishing a city where veterans of the Civil War might want to come and rest from the war. The name was changed to 'Veteran City'.

Around 1905 there was a trolley originating from St. Petersburg to Veteran City. Also a pier was constructed stretching into Boca Ciega Bay and there was some hopes of prosperity among the residents.

In October, 1910, in a town meeting at the Casino, residents voted 23-7 to incorporate and name their town Gulfport.

When you arrive in Gulfport you will notice beautiful old buildings and the charm of Florida before developers took over in Florida. The only tall buildings you will see are the condo complex of Town Shores of Gulfport. An early morning walk along Gulfport Beach listening to the calls of the water birds and watching the dolphins in Boca Ciega Bay. From the pier, first built in 1907, you are sure to catch some interesting fish. Perhaps a large catfish or a lady fish, keeping your catch from the pelicans is more of a challenge then the catch itself. Also you will be able to catch a glimpse of the "Pink Hotel" called the Don Cesar Beach Resort on Pass A Grill Beach. Many Hollywood movies have been filmed at the Don Cesar. Among its famous guests ; F. Scott Fitzgerald, Clarence Darrow, Al Capone and the President. There is no admission charge at the pier, exterior lighting, benches and a fish cleaning table are avalible for all to use. Many people in Gulfport use their properties' cottages or garage apartments as art studios. The Casino originally built in 1935, hosts dances and community events, not blackjack.