Goodbye, Gulfport on the Rocks

With a view of Boca Ciega Bay and a courtyard for year-round parties in Florida, Gulfport on the Rocks has become the neighborhood bar for patrons near and far. When Sherrye Doucette spotted it in 2002, she knew it would be the perfect local neighborhood sports bar.

"This was a dream to have my own place," she said.

Originally from Massachusetts, Doucette spent six months searching for a business investment when she found the bar in a magazine just one week before heading home. Doucette went back up north, negotiated the sale and a few months after that, moved to Gulfport and opened up her bar.

"This had everything I was looking for," she said.

Doucette bought the bar from Danny McNanny and kept the name.

Since then she's gained countless friends and created her own extended family. Now, she says, it's time for her to step down as a business owner and "take a break." Doucette has sold the business and is throwing her last party on Super Bowl Sunday.

"That'll be the last business day. It'll be a huge blowout party," she said. The business will officially change hands on Tuesday, Feb. 5.

Doucette told her eight loyal employees a few weeks ago and then personally spoke to each of her customers last weekend.

"I wanted to tell my staff and my customers. I'm happy I had that opportunity."

Doucette says that although she's moving to the next step in her life, she's going through a "grieving" period. Doucette says that her bartenders and bar backs will be out of work when she closes her doors on Sunday.

She's been told they may apply with the new owners. She says the new owners have told her they plan to keep the location a sports bar with live music.

Throughout the entire process, Doucette says her customers and employees have been extremely understanding and supportive of her decision.

Bartender Brian Lawless has been working for Doucette for more than five years and says Doucette is a wonderful boss.

"She's awesome to work for," he said.

Patrons agree and say they'll miss the bar, and they'll greatly miss Doucette.

Doug Christensen has been a regular at Gulfport on the Rocks for more than 20 years.

"We love her. We're definitely going to miss her. She cares about her customers," he said.

Bill Redgowski, from Connecticut, says he's been visiting Gulfport on the Rocks for 10 years.

"I'm always impressed by the live music," he said.

Joe Leach lives in Town Shores and says coming down to the "Rocks" is like seeing family.

"You feel comfortable here," he said.

Combined, these three patrons have been pulling up a chair at this neighborhood bar for 40 years. It's loyal customers like these who make it tough for Doucette to say goodbye.

"When I moved here, I didn't know a soul. Now, we're like family. It is the end of an era," Doucette said.

Doucette hopes to see those familiar faces on Sunday, her last business day at Gulfport On The Rocks. The Super Bowl party kicks off at 4 p.m. at 5413 Shore Blvd. S. For more information call (727) 321-8318.

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