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Gulfport, St. Petersburg team up for mayors' cleanup of 49th Street

 
Gulfport Mayor Sam Henderson
Gulfport Mayor Sam Henderson
Published Oct. 22, 2014

GULFPORT — Gulfport Mayor Sam Henderson and St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman are about to get dirty.

The mayors will lead a group of volunteers and city officials from the neighboring cities Saturday in a cleanup of 49th Street.

"The idea originated with (the local nonprofit) Gulfport Neighbors as a grass roots effort to show cooperation between two cities," Henderson said. "It's the first time both mayors have been involved in such an endeavor."

The 49th Street corridor has been a source of controversy.

"It's the commercial end of Gulfport," said Gulfport City Council member Michael Fridovich, whose district includes 49th Street. "Many have said crime is a issue, that businesses don't take care of their property."

Both mayors frame the event as the beginning of a dialogue.

"Public issues don't stop at a street," said Ben Kirby, Kriseman's spokesman. Kirby, who lives in Gulfport, said concerns like economic growth transcend borders.

"Any time we can come together and participate in something beneficial for both cities, is always a good thing," Henderson said.

Diane Craig can be reached at dmcraig@hotmail.com.