GULFPORT, Fla. — High prices caused by inflation have been forcing some Bay area seniors out of retirement to look for part-time jobs, according to information from the Gulfport Senior Center.

"Almost everyday, at least every week, we're getting several seniors coming in or calling asking us if there's any jobs available out there for seniors," said Center Coordinator Walter Pauly. "The cost of living everywhere has gone up, but it's really hit the seniors hard here." ​

L.J. Harness, 70, said he's working two part-time jobs to offset inflation — he drives a van about 20 hours a week for the Gulfport Senior Center and plays the drums for live bands that perform at bars. 

"Financially, this is really helping me, and then to see more people coming in and applying here (the center) for a part-time job that are older than I am," he said. "Then, speaking to friends of mine that were planning retirement this year, and now they're not so sure they're going to retire." 

Harness plays drums for about a dozen gigs per month and said he planned to skip this summer due to the heat but he needs the extra money. Last month, he said he suffered from heat stroke at a performance. 

"I learned from the heat stroke, (to) better prepare myself," he said. "But because of the economy, not wanting to reach into my life savings, I committed myself for another summer."​

Pauly said even though there's a lot of jobs available, it's hard for seniors to find one that fits. Harness said he feels lucky because he has seen other seniors forced out of the area because they can't supplement their fixed income.

"I know of three of our clients who had to move out of the Gulfport area in the last year," he said. "I know how fortunate I am because there are people that are my age that can't go out and find a part-time job."

Harness travels to Pinellas County from Sarasota to work his part-time jobs. Like many people, he said high gas and food prices, along with other living expenses, have been squeezing his finances.

"It's going to go up at least another $100 a month just for the lot rent," he said. "The utility bill in the last two months has almost doubled." 

Harness said he's not sure if he'll ever retire, because he enjoys what he does but he does hope the inflation will cool off soon.

"I'm just praying that things balance out to where I can pick and choose more next year," he said. "I don't know if I'll ever retire. It's been a great ride and I'm not about to stop." ​

Experts say there's some reason for optimism — gas prices have been steadily dropping for more than two months and the latest inflation numbers show a decline from the previous month, which is the first time that's happened so far this year.