The first time I met Karen was during the aftermath of Hurricane Eta in November 2020.
I owned a store on Beach Blvd and was standing shell-shocked in my doorway as I surveyed
the damage. It was my first hurricane experience, and I didn’t have a clue as to what to do.
Karen and a group she organized swooped in that morning with a wet vac, brooms,
bleach, and towels. They made quick order of mopping up my floor and then moved on to other
merchants on the street similarly affected.
Throughout the next few years, I observed Karen was always one of the first
Gulfportians to arrive at the scene of a disaster, roll up her sleeves, and get to work. She is one
of the most civic-minded people I know. She regularly clears sidewalks of debris and foliage,
obstacles that inhibit safe travel through town by the elderly. She helps organize monthly beach
clean ups.
She was instrumental in creating the popular semi-annual event Art In The Yard. I have
been on other community committees with Karen and her care and concern for the citizens of
Gulfport is evident.
An important service that Karen performs for the residents of Gulfport is the report she
posts online about the City Council meetings. Her reports are non-partisan and objective. She
provides these reports as a service to the people of the town she loves.
I wholeheartedly support and endorse Karen for Mayor of Gulfport. She will be
accessible and accountable, and Gulfport will be the better for her tenure as Mayor. We are at a
critical point in Gulfport’s growth and Karen has the knowledge and fortitude to guide us to a
successful and prosperous future.

Jill Rice
Owner, Zaiya Artizen Market