Gulfport, Florida
A handsome Great Blue Heron 大蓝鹭
Gulfport is a popular name: there is one in Mississippi, and one in Illinois. Any more?
This Florida one is in Pinellas County, incorporated in 1910. Current population is 11,783 (2020 census), with a mayor (Samuel Henderson) and a city manager (James E. O’Reilly).
Beach Blvd South is their Art District. From the Public Library down south to the shore, the few blocks are filled shops, cafes, restaurants, Pia Trattoria, bars, and arty vendors filled either sides of the sidewalks.
Loofahs 丝瓜 are selling at $14 at one vendor on the western side of the street. I remembered using it at bath in Beijing. Out of curiosity, I googled loofah:
Is Your Loofah Full of Bacteria? by Cleveland Clinic showed on top:
“This puffy shower accessory can become lodged with skin cells (and other gross things), so make sure you dry it daily and clean it once a week”
My cousin told me that loofah 丝瓜很好种,好吃,产量高 Luffa is easy to grow, delicious, and has a high yield.
A few businesses on the Shore Blvd South are severely damaged by the storm Hurricane Helene on Sept 26, 2024. Some are recovered partially while others are still skeletons.
The casino @ 5500 Shore Blvd S, Gulfport, FL 33707 was built in 1934. But looks like been an event venue for some time and is closed current, probably due to the storm too.
It’s a little over 6 miles to Palladium Theater.