Gulfport Mayor Emeritus Michael J. Yakes passed away on July 23, 2024 of heart complications. He actually died while working---he worked until the day he died because he loved to give. GIVE GIVE GIVE is what he did his whole life. He was the epitome of selflessness, humility, and love. He will be sorely missed and leaves behind a great legacy in his career with DOT, his untiring love and dedication to the City of Gulfport, his love and never-ending support for his extended family.

The Michael J. Yakes Foundation was founded in 2013 by Gulfport Mayor Emeritus (1991-2013) and Gulfport-born resident Maddy Guenther. The mission of the aka MY Gulfport Foundation is to provide for underprivileged seniors and children in the Gulfport area. The My Foundation contributes to the Gulfport Senior Center at Christmas, various local children in need year-round, Gulfport Elementary, the Michael J. Yakes Recreation Center gives scholarships yearly to Gulfport kids that can't afford summer camp and much more.

As a part of Mayor Mike's wonderful legacy, The MY Foundation would like to continue this, and more, for the wonderful "Little City With a Big Heart"---the phrase Mayor Mike used to describe this City he helped to make so great.

Gulfport will never be the same---not because he has died but because he lived. He was a selfless, kind, patient man---certainly not your typical politician. As local resident Lori Rosso once said: "he's the anti-politician".

Gulfport will never be the same---not because he has died but because he lived.