What We Learned on Patch This Week

No Citations (Yet) for Smoking on the Beach: According to Gulfport Police call logs and records, Chief Robert Vincent says only one attempt to warn a person about the new smoking ban ended in an arrest. But the arrest was unrelated to the new ordinance.

Dispatch Transition Under Way: Service should be seamless, if not improved, when the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office begins dispatch and records services for the Gulfport Police Department, the police chief told residents at a crime watch meeting Monday.

Jail Bookings Report: Dec. 5 - Dec. 11: The following people were arrested in Gulfport from Dec. 5 - Dec. 11. The information is from Gulfport Police and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

Should Social Media Determine Your Employment Status?: What rights should an employer have to access your social media information or fire you based on your social media content?

Deck Your House and Win $100,000 for Pinellas County Schools: You have until Dec. 26 to enter your home in Patch's first "Deck Your House" contest. The grand prize winner's school district will receive $100,000, no strings attached.

Donate Toys, Food, Clothing and More in Gulfport: You can donate to several organizations and help families and animals in Gulfport and Tampa Bay this holiday season.

Carl Asch: Musical Vagabond's Winter Homecoming: Tight-rope walker, singer, magician and knife thrower, Asch has done it all as he traveled the globe. These days, he calls Gulfport his winter home.

Beach Bazaar's One-Stop Shop: The nifty building holds a post office, a real estate business and an antique/vintage shop – all under one roof.

Photo Gallery: Holiday Hoopla: The third annual Holiday Hoopla lured shoppers, vendors, entertainers and Santa to downtown Gulfport. Check out our photos from the event.

Wishing Your Pet a Safe Holiday: Here are some reminders for keeping your dog safe and avoiding an emergency visit to the veterinarian over the holidays.

Shared Photos: Christmas Boat Parade: Gulfport Patch reader Eric Cribb snapped a few photos from the annual Boca Ciega Yacht Club Light Parade. Thank you Eric for sharing!