Endorsements

Karen was one of the first people I met when I moved to Gulfport. I have worked with her on several committees and know that she is a dedicated, organized and detail-oriented leader who truly understands the needs of our community. Her passion for the city and its residents shines through in everything she does, from her TIRELESS volunteer work for local causes to her thoughtful approach in asking answers to gain information to problem solve. Karen's proven commitment to improving our community, along with her ability to listen, collaborate and take action, makes her the leader we need. She may not always agree with you, or you with her, but you can count on her to truly listen in an attempt to understand your position without condescension or disrespect. I am proud to endorse Karen for mayor. With Karen as mayor, we can trust in a bright future for our city - one where every voice is heard and every challenge is met with purpose and care. — Deb Adkins
10 Year Gulfport Resident

I am delighted to acknowledge Karen for her dedication and hard work which has been very valuable to the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation. Karen has consistently gone above and beyond as a volunteer, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to our seniors in Gulfport. Karen has been an integral part of our fundraising efforts, contributing her time, skills, and energy to ensure the success of our projects. She has shown exceptional leadership, teamwork, creativity, and maintains a positive can-do attitude. One example of her leadership and organizational skills is her organizing an auction of mailboxes decorated by a group of local artists. This exemplifies her talents but also her dedication to making a difference in Gulfport. Karen is also one of our guest art instructors at our monthly sip and paint. We are incredibly grateful for Karen’s contributions and proud to have her as part of our fundraising efforts. Her efforts have made a lasting impact, and we look forward to her continuing support in 2025. Thank you, Karen Love for your outstanding service and commitment to Gulfport. Sincerely, Larry Kennedy, Former President, Gulfport Senior Center Foundation — Larry Kennedy
Former President, Gulfport Senior Center Foundation

Karen Love has been an extraordinary force for our community through her civic leadership and unwavering dedication. Her ability to spearhead initiatives like beach cleanups and sidewalk clearings not only beautifies our town but also strengthens the bonds between neighbors, creating a grand sense of community. As a citizen reporter, Karen has set an unparalleled example of transparency and accessibility. Her thorough reports on city council meetings have provided residents with clear and unbiased information, making local government more approachable and understandable. This level of dedication to keeping the community informed is a reflection of the thoughtful, inclusive leadership she would bring as mayor. Her example has inspired me personally to embark on my own civic projects, demonstrating the profound ripple effect her leadership has on those around her. Karen Love doesn’t just lead; she empowers others to take part in building a stronger, more connected community.   — Courtney Prokopas
Citizen Organizer and co-founder of Gulfportlandia

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

I am for Karen Love for Mayor in order to keep Gulfport Unique and our government open, transparent, and on budget. Karen has been a refreshing, creative, hardworking observer and volunteer in many aspects of Gulfport's life, sharing her love and boundless energy for all things Gulfport for many years. She has razor sharp smarts and can cut through the B.S., getting to the point and getting the job done with keen precision. Please join me and vote for Karen Love for Gulfport City Council.   — Rose-Marie Seawall
Former President: Gulfport Neighbors & Former Admin: Gulfport Matters

I've lived in Gulfport for over 12 years and have always voted for local candidates and sat in on several council meetings. I'm endorsing -Karen Love because I believe she genuinely cares about Gulfport. Wolfgang introduced us a long time ago. Since then, I've seen Karen around town making an impact in our community. One time, I noticed the trees were all trimmed down in front of my apartment. After checking my ring camera, I found the culprit. Karen Love! Here she took it upon herself to address the issue with action! If she's not at the Saturday trash pickup, you can find her somewhere else in town moving and shaking. After the second hurricane, she called me and wanted to discuss the boats onshore so I invited her to a boaters meeting so she could gain more information. She listened then spoke one on one with several of them in hopes of finding a solution. After attending the Town Hall recently and hearing many of her ideas, Love is our best choice for Mayor. — Noreen Smith
Captain

I first met Karen when we were both on the Pink Flamingo Home Tour committee. She soon became the chair and it was a pleasure working for someone who is so organized, appreciates volunteers and listens to ideas. She was a fantastic leader! She has continuously attended city council meetings and often brings ideas to the council and often compliments something the city has done. She is very aware of the issues that residents bring up and what is important to Gulfport. She was a fantastic help during the storms - helping many people clean up their yards as well as other things. I believe she will be an amazing mayor with a fresh perspective and collaborative way of getting things done. — April Thanos
Gulfport City Council Member