What We Learned on Patch This Week

Red Light Cameras 'Doing Their Job': Gulfport Police Chief Robert Vincent says the red light cameras in Gulfport are working, with a decrease in crashes at intersections and a large number of tickets issued to violators.

Don't Toss Out Trash, Fines Likely to Increase: Gulfport City Council votes 4 - 1 in, first reading, to increase fines for littering in Gulfport.

Solicitors May Have to Ask Before Leaving Flyers: The Gulfport City Council voted unanimously, during first reading, to make it tougher for solicitors to leave flyers, pamphlets, coupons, etc, at residents homes in Gulfport.

Jail Bookings Report: Nov. 28 - Dec. 4: The following people were arrested in Gulfport from Nov. 28-Dec. 4. The information is from Gulfport Police and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

Therapy Dogs Help Law Students De-Stress: Four-year-old Brando helps students relax and take a break during exam time at Stetson University Law School in Gulfport.

Ron Sheppard's Old World Attention to Design: Gulfport resident Ron Sheppard runs a cabinet business, showing attention to detail and craftsmanship not found in factory-made items.

Keep Your Pets Safe From Coyotes: Coyotes generally will prey on small animals at dawn and at dusk.

'Probably the Toughest Event on the Planet': I'm a 'Tough Mudder': The Tough Mudder is a 10-12 mile endurance obstacle course designed by British Special Forces. It’s billed, 'probably the toughest event on the planet.' Guess what? I did it, and with the help of my husband and my teammates, we finished.

Photo Gallery: Santa, Lights and Christmas at Clymer Park: Dozens gathered at Clymer Park Monday night for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and visit from Santa Clause himself.

Video: Holiday Tree Lighting: Check out video of Gulfport's annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony produced by the City of Gulfport.

Donate Toys to 'Operation Santa': For the past 20 years, the Gulfport Police Department has helped collect and distribute toys to children in need in Gulfport. 

Deck Your House and Win $100,000 for Pinellas County Public Schools: Patch.com is launching a nationwide contest to find the best dressed home in its Patch communities, and the winner’s school district will receive $100,000, no strings attached.

'Tis the Season to Give a Fruitcake?: What is a gift? What is a re-gift?