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Florida's Gulfport Casino Holds Grand Reopening Gala4 November 2001GULFPORT, Florida – Nov. 4, 2001 –As reported by the St. Petersburg Times: "As a boy, Bert Williams could take a trolley from St. Petersburg down Beach Boulevard to the Gulfport Casino dock, where he would rent a boat for a dime and catch scallops by the thousands. "On Thursday, Williams, 88, watched as hundreds of people poured into the casino for its grand reopening. He shook his head at the colorful couples who spun around the ballroom floor under the twinkling chandeliers and disco ball. "…The evening began with more than 500 people lined up at the casino's doors. As the ensemble Profiles in Jazz drew even the casual passersby in for a look, glitz and glamour ruled among the dancers who were dressed in everything from sequins to three-piece suits. "The interior renovations and restoration of the casino included moving the bar that once occupied the southern end to the west wing, opening a previously hidden view to the Boca Ciega Bay. With new lighting, doors, windows, flooring, walls and stage, as well as better air conditioning and renovated restrooms, Gulfport officials said they hope to bring many more people to the casino in years to come. "… Construction during the next year will bring a five-slip dock on the east side of the casino that will allow boaters to moor and join the festivities or venture into the waterfront district. Also, the west and south walls of the casino will be decorated with colored and patterned concrete. "…Aside from the scurry for seats at the wings of the ballroom by those who wished mostly to mingle and sample the free food and drinks provided by the city, many attendees said they were impressed by the improvements…" |