The beautiful waterfront Sea Breeze Manor Bed and Breakfast
in Gulfport, FL
is honored to be a finalist for Best Romantic Hotel
in the Rand McNally/USA Today Best of the Road Rally
The Rand McNally Team, The FunFinders, leaving Gulfport
from the Sea Breeze Manor Bed and Breakfast
The Sea Breeze Manor Bed & Breakfast Living Room
"Former Bush West Wing Politico Trades RNC for B&B in Small Town Gulfport"
STORY: Gulfport Chamber of Commerce President Lori Rosso exchanged her former West-Wing DC life for that of local small-town innkeeper 10 years ago. Since then, she’s become Gulfport’s No. 1 advocate, and a local tourism and business leader.
Watching her father start as an entrepreneur and turn politician, Lori Rosso did it in reverse order. A graduate of American University in 1987, Lori spent more than a decade in Washington D.C. in a number of positions, including Special Assistant to the Assistant to the President for Public Liaison and Intergovernmental Affairs in the West Wing of the White House for President George H. W. Bush. In 2002, she decided to “retire” by operating an inn overseas, but bombing in Afghanistan led her to look for something in the good ‘ole USA. She eventually found her way to the historic St. Pete/Clearwater area town of Gulfport. Just 25 days after seeing the property, Lori took over the Sea Breeze Manor Bed and Breakfast Inn. In the decade she has been in business, she has seen her business grow in this small, funky town with a strong independent streak, eventually serving as President of the Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce. If anyone knows how to put the lesson learned from hardscrabble politics into soft-sell hospitality, it’s Lori Rosso.
CONTACT:
Lori Rosso, Proprietor, Sea Breeze Manor Bed and Breakfast Inn, 727.343.4445
Read full Six Local Stories article...>>
"Why Everybody Loves a Small Town"
Step back in time with a twist to these towns where the pace is slower and remnants of yesteryear make you smile.
Click here to check out the article in the June issue of Florida Travel + Life
Lori Rosso - Innkeeper, Sea Breeze Manor Bed and Breakfast and President, Gulfport Chamber of Commerce
"This unique community has a reputation for being the best-kept secret on the Gulf coast." - Lori Rosso
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge provides a breath taking watery view of Tampa Bay. It also acts as a marker, indicating you're not too far from Gulfport, a relaxed town that extends for all of four miles....Read more from Florida Travel + Life ...>>
Gulfport Beach, Historic Gulfport Casino and Downtown Waterfront District
The aerial photograph of Gulfport Beach on beautiful Boca Ciega Bay shows the location of the Sea Breeze Manor Bed and Breakfast in relation to the Gulfport Recreation Center (waterfront on left) and the historic Gulfport Casino and Downtown Gulfport Waterfront District (waterfront on right).
Shore Blvd. runs East and West (left and right) in front of the Sea Breeze Manor B&B. The East end intersects with 58th Street South and the friendly over 55 community of Town Shores. On the West end of Shore Blvd., a comfortable stroll from the Sea Breeze Manor, are local favorite establishments such as O' Maddy's Bar and Grill (Five Star meals in a t-shirt and shorts atmosphere), Gulfport On-the-Rocks (beach bum and sports fan hangout), Neptune's Grille (great seafood, Greek dishes and an outside bar), and The Village Pub (traditional English Pub and more)!
The Historic Gulfport Casino sits on the Bay where Beach Blvd. South meets Shore Blvd. The Casino (not a "gambling" Casino, but a "gathering and meetings place") is active with weekly Swing dances, Salsa dancing and lessons, concerts, art shows, weddings, parties, and much more.
Also an easy walk from Sea Breeze Manor Bed and Breakfast is Gulfport's Beach Blvd., famous for it's festivals, unique shops, and great restaurants. Beach Blvd. runs from the Gulfport Casino to the upper left of the photo. People come from miles around on the First Friday and Third Saturday of every month for our vibrant and colorful Art Walks which start at 6:00 pm. Gulfport's Tuesday Fresh Market happens every week on Beach Blvd. during the day with fresh produce and dozens of vendors offering a wide variety of tasty treats and interesting arts and crafts. Large festivals such as our amazing Geckofest, Gulfport's Get Rescued, Springfest, our Home Town 4th of July Celebration, and more occur on Beach Blvd. South among the many shops and restaurants.
For shopping on Beach Blvd., visitors and locals enjoy Domain Home Accessories, Bo-Tiki, Country Harvest, Can Sans, Gulfport Beach Bazaar, and other cool shops and galleries.
Beach Blvd. dining includes La Cote Basque (French cuisine), Pia's Trattoria Pasta and Panini Cafe (Italian), Tangelo's Grill (Cuban and Caribbean), Peg's Cantina and Brew Pub (Fresh Mexican and Gulfport's own brewery), Isabelle's (Southern Fine Dining), Six Tables (5 Star Fine Dining), Back Fin Blue Cafe (Seafood and Pasta), Pacos Tacos (Gulfport's newest sidewalk cafe), Cousin's Pizzeria (NY Style eat-in, take-out, or delivery), Stella's Deli (gourmet breakfast and deli lunch), Yummy's (Chicago Hot Dogs, Ice Cream, and Sandwiches), and T and Me Tea Company (Coffee, Tea, Pastries, more).
Here are a few reasons why people stay in Gulfport at the Sea Breeze Manor Bed and Breakfast
and leave rested and happy: |
