Ambassador Otto F. von Feigenblatt, President of the International Academy of Social Sciences, received Gulfport's Gateway to the Gulf Award, Florida during a City Council meeting. The Gateway to the Gulf Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Council and it was presented to the Ambassador by Mayor Sam Henderson. Ambassador Otto F. von Feigenblatt delivered a brief speech about the importance of local government in terms of development and security. Mayor Sam Henderson received honorary membership in the Academy as an Honorary Academician.