5 Things to Know in Gulfport: Social Media Party, Best of Gulfport, Blog on Patch

Social Media Party: Patch has partnered with Localshops1 to offer an evening of social media power tips geared to small businesses from local experts plus great appetizers and entertainment. The Ultimate Social Media Marketing Extravaganza and Business Expo is July 12 from 6-9 p.m. at the St. Petersburg Pier and includes some well-known local special guests as well as great food from Bowled Restaurant's Michael Cecere. The cost is $10 for LocalShops1 members and Pier tenants and $20 for everyone else. You're encouraged to register for the event as seats are limited. You may register online through LocalShops1.com.

Readers' Choice 2012: We're accepting nominations for Readers' Choice 2012 until July 8. Which local businesses do you think are the best in town? Check out all 25 categories on our story "Best of Gulfport: Nominate Your Favorites!"

Blog on Patch: Are you a storyteller? A photographer? A politician at heart? We want to hear what you have to say. Consider blogging on Gulfport Patch and sharing your opinions, thoughts and concerns with our readers. Check out blogger quirky, yet, very relatable stories aboutand . not only shares his , but he in the area. You can start a blog today, just email the Editor at Cherlene.Willis@patch.com.

4th of July: Wahoo! The summer's premier event is just three days away! The City's annual 4th of July Celebration will feature live music, a sand sculture contest, fishing derby, car show and . . . . FIREWORKS right off the Gulfport Beach. The parade down Beach Boulevard starts at 6 p.m.! Learn more about the events in our story If you snap some amazing photos at the event, share them on our Facebook page!

Monday Forecast: It'll be sunny with a high near 99 and a very calm wind. Tonight, partly cloudy with a low around 78 and a west, northwest wind between 4 and 7 mph.