Gulfport Weekender: Youth Book Contest, Beach Cleanup, Mangia Opening

2013 Gulfport Youth Book Writing Workshops & Contest: Saturday, Sept. 14 is Opening Day and Orientation of the second annual Gulfport Youth Book Writing Contest. The workshops and contest are open to Grades 1 - 12: Public, Charter, Magnet, Bilingual, Private, Home-schooled. Orientation is from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. No pre-registration is needed - just show up at the Gulfport Public Library. For more information, email Trace Taylor at TraceTaylorPublishing@gmail.com. You can also learn all about the series and contest in Trace Taylor's blog post, "2013 Annual Gulfport Youth Book Writing Awards, Opening Day!"

Gulfport Neighbors Beach Cleanup: The community non-profit organization, Gulfport Neighbors, is restarting a series of cleanup events in Gulfport. Organizers are inviting everyone to join them in a beach cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 9 a.m. at Gulfport Beach. Volunteers should meet at shelter #4 and bring everything needed for a cleanup like trash bags, gloves, sanitary hand wipes or antibacterial gel and a grabber if they have one.

Grand Opening: Mangia Gourmet at 2930 Beach Blvd. is hosting an official Grand Opening Celebration Saturday night starting at 6 p.m. The event includes drinks, hors d' oeuvres, samples and more. The Urban Gypsies Of Florida will be there to entertain guests.

Beach Volleyball Anyone?: If you love sand-kicking, serious beach volleyball action, head on over to Vinoy Park for the APV St. Pete Open this weekend, Sept. 13-15. Tickets start at $15. Just visit St. Pete Patch for more details.

Rain Back in the Picture: As you plan out your weekend fun, be sure to bring an umbrella along. Rain chances are back up in the 30 to 40 percent rain with scattered thunderstorms possible Friday throughSunday. Expect highs in the low 90s throughout the weekend, too.