GULFPORT, Fla. — Storm recovery has dominated the headlines lately in coastal towns like Gulfport. 

But now, some residents are saying they're glad their city is in the spotlight for something they consider to be inspiring, like its leadership.

That's because Gulfport is set to swear in its first all-female city council at City Hall on Tuesday at 6 p.m.  

What You Need To Know

  • April Thanos, Marlene Shaw, Nancy Earley and Cosi Jackson are being sworn in as the first all-female City Council in Gulfport's history

  • A larger-than-usual crowd is expected at the city’s swearing-in ceremony to mark the moment. Councilwoman Marlene Shaw plans to lead the invocation to honor all of Gulfport’s past city councilwomen

  • Gulfport will also have a female mayor, Karen Love, for the second time in its history. The first female mayor, Yvonne Johnson, served from 1972 to 1987

  • A review of 15 large city councils by the Pew Charitable Trusts found that more women are serving on councils nationwide

Ward 1 Councilwoman April Thanos is returning to her seat on Gulfport’s City Council but with a twist. This term, the five-year veteran who just won re-election will be part of Gulfport’s new leadership lineup, which is making history.

“My goal was to hopefully just get people who were more welcoming to residents, wanting to discuss things more, a little more forward-thinking, and they just happened to be women,” said Thanos.

Thanos said it’s a morale boost for many.

Gulfport will also have a female mayor, Karen Love, for the second time in its history. The first female mayor, Yvonne Johnson, served from 1972 to 1987. She’s expected to attend the inauguration ceremony, which will also include Gulfport’s youngest city council member, Cosi Jackson.

“With it happening (right after) Women’s History Month, that is exciting,” said Marlene Shaw.

Shaw previously ran for mayor in 2007. After living in Gulfport for three decades, Shaw now holds the seat for the second Ward. The former city employee who managed the now-closed casino is focused on building back better.

“We’ve had a number of challenges here, especially with the storm, the hurricanes that hit here and the storm recovery, and I’m very passionate about people’s voices being heard,” said Shaw.

Nancy Earley is a new resident of Gulfport and new to politics. She previously worked for the Gulfport Merchant Chamber of Commerce.

“Gulfport found us, and that’s what a lot of people say, and it’s very true,” said Earley.

She ran unopposed and now leads Ward 4.

“I think what we’re going to bring is a little bit more compassion. I’m not saying that there wasn’t compassion before, but I think a little bit more of understanding on how the system works will be seen a little differently now that there are five women on the council,” said Earley.

Earley says she’s fulfilling a calling and is glad to serve alongside other female trailblazers.

A larger-than-usual crowd is expected at the city’s swearing-in ceremony to mark the moment. Councilwoman Marlene Shaw plans to lead the invocation to honor all of Gulfport’s past city councilwomen.

A review of 15 large city councils by the Pew Charitable Trusts found that more women are serving on councils nationwide.