News Summary
Maggie Duffy will be the new managing editor for Creative Pinellas’ digital magazine following her role at The Gabber Newspaper. Duffy aims to strengthen community engagement and arts coverage while connecting with the Gulfport community, reflecting her dedication to local journalism.
Gulfport Welcomes New Managing Editor for Creative Pinellas
Maggie Duffy is set to take on a new role as the managing editor for Creative Pinellas’ digital magazine after a brief six-month tenure at The Gabber Newspaper, where she focused on arts and features. This transition marks a significant shift in her career, as she expressed excitement for her new position while acknowledging the enjoyable experiences she had at The Gabber and the strong collaborative spirit of its team.
During her time at The Gabber, Duffy contributed to the local arts scene, connecting deeply with the Gulfport community. Her routine included proofing the newspaper every Tuesday, an experience she fondly recalls due to the relaxed vibe of the Gulfport crowd. As she embarks on this new chapter, she recognizes that she will miss the camaraderie and efficient production that she experienced at The Gabber, especially considering the small size of the team.
Community Engagement and Arts Coverage
Throughout her tenure, Duffy built meaningful relationships with local market vendors and engaged with the community, particularly appreciating Gulfport’s sense of togetherness. She joined The Gabber shortly after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, allowing her to witness firsthand the resilience of the local community as they began the recovery process.
One of her early assignments featured the contentious cutting down of a historic live oak by Winway, where she encountered passionate neighbors advocating against the decision. This kind of reporting illustrates Duffy’s commitment to covering community concerns and highlights her ability to connect with locals on significant issues.
In addition to community stories, Duffy found the Gulfport arts scene to be nurturing and vibrant. She attended various local events, from gallery openings at Brenda McMahon Art Gallery to productions by Gulfport Community Players. The Catherine Hickman Theater, which she commended as an excellent venue, also played an essential role in her arts reporting, showcasing the talent within the community.
Observations on Gulfport’s Identity and Eco-System
Duffy noted that Gulfport has managed to retain its unique identity despite ongoing changes and developments in the area, contrasting it with neighboring St. Petersburg. She pointed out the arrival of new artists and the works of established muralist Derek Donnelly, indicating a dynamic evolution in the local arts landscape.
Throughout her reporting, Duffy also covered contemporary trends in art across South Pinellas County. She highlighted innovative contributions from artistic nail technicians and other creatives, emphasizing that the local audience values accessible arts stories. Readers expressed gratitude for Duffy’s coverage during a period where many media outlets reduced arts reporting.
Future Endeavors and Community Involvement
Although Duffy will no longer participate in The Gabber’s weekly meetings, she is committed to remaining an active member of the Gulfport community, as she will be living just ten minutes away. This proximity suggests that she intends to continue fostering connections and engaging with the local arts scene, even as she embarks on her journey with Creative Pinellas.
In conclusion, Maggie Duffy’s transition from The Gabber Newspaper to Creative Pinellas marks a new era in her career while reflecting the positive impact of her contributions to Gulfport’s arts and community. Her dedication to reporting and maintaining relationships within the community illustrates the importance of local journalism in nurturing the arts and fostering community connections.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Gabber: Gulfport’s Art in the Yard 2025
- Wikipedia: Gulfport, Florida
- St. Pete Catalyst: 10th Annual Gulfport Fine Arts Festival
- Google Search: Gulfport arts scene
- The Gabber: Contemporary Textiles in Florida
- Google Scholar: Art in Florida
- I Love the Burg: Gulfport Night Market
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida Arts
- Patch: Clay Works Trans Students Artists
- Google News: Florida Community Engagement
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
