Gulfport is a small waterfront city in Pinellas County, Florida, set on the shore of Boca Ciega Bay southwest of downtown St. Petersburg. Part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metropolitan area, it has retained a distinctly slower, arts-oriented character despite sitting at the edge of a major urban region. The city traces its roots to the late 19th century, when it was established as Disston City. It was later renamed Bonifacio, then Veteran City, before settling on the name Gulfport in 1910. That layered history is still visible in the town's Old Florida cottages, its National Register-listed Gulfport Casino ballroom, and the walkable streets of its waterfront district. Gulfport's identity today centers on its arts community and its waterfront. The historic downtown and arts district, south of Gulfport Boulevard, is lined with galleries, studios, shops, and locally owned restaurants. The city owns a full-service marina beside Clam Bayou Nature Park, and its beachfront parks on Boca Ciega Bay draw residents for sunsets, fishing, and casual recreation. The community is a mix of long-time residents and newcomers drawn by the town's creative, unhurried atmosphere. Many residents are artists, retirees, and professionals who commute to St. Petersburg, Clearwater, or Tampa, while others live and work locally in the shops, studios, and restaurants of the arts district. The city's compact, walkable layout and its tradition of community events, from gallery walks to waterfront gatherings, foster an active civic life unusual for a town of its size. Gulfport's compact scale, its position minutes from downtown St. Petersburg and the Gulf beaches, and its emphasis on local arts and events make it a distinctive corner of the Tampa Bay region.