5 Things to Know Today: Arbor Day

Arbor Day Celebration: Everyone is invited to the annual City of Gulfport Arbor Day Celebration today at 10 a.m. at Tomlinson Park (corner of 54th St. S. & 19th Ave S.). A new tree will be planted at the park. Let's celebrate the life of trees and their importance at today's event. Refreshments will be given out as well as free pecan and myrtle leaf holly seedlings.

How to be a Landlord: Meet new Patch Blogger Anita Charles! Anita is a Property Management Specialist in Gulfport. She will be sharing her knowledge and experience in her new blog on Gulfport Patch. Join me in welcoming Anita to our Patch family.

Coyotes Sightings: There have been a handful of coyote sightings in Gulfport and South Pasadena within the past month. City officials have put together some information regarding coyotes in Pinellas County. Gulfport Patch has learned that an officer saw a coyote near Lincoln Cemetery early Wednesday morning. If you see a coyote, feel free to report the sighting to Pinellas County online or call (727) 582-2600.

Animal Drop Off Closes: Pinellas County Animal Services closed its public after-hours drop off on Jan. 17, according to the county's press release. This move is in the animals’ best welfare, as the drop off is not appropriate for sick, injured, extremely young or otherwise compromised animals. People can still bring animals to to Animal Services during normal business hours and speak to a staff member at 12450 Ulmerton Road in Largo. Normal hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the adoption center closing at 4:40 p.m.

Friday Forecast: It'll be sunny with a high near 75 and a south southeast wind between 6 and 11 mph. Tonight, it'll be mostly clear with a low around 58 and a south southeast wind around 9 mph.