OKLAHOMA CITY, Sept. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gulfport Energy Corporation, (OTC:GPOR) (BULLETIN BOARD: GPOR) announces effect of Hurricane Rita. On September 24 2005, Hurricane Rita hit the Texas and Louisiana coasts with high winds and a storm surge of various levels of water in different coastal areas. In preparation for the storm, the Company had shut down operations in both its Hackberry field located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana and its West Cote Blanche field (WCBB) located in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. Other precautions included moving its oil storage and drilling barges and evacuating its field personnel. Preliminary indications are that damage was sustained in both fields although it appears from an initial flyover that the main WCBB facilities are intact. The Company is sending field personnel back into the WCBB field today to perform a more detailed assessment of the storm's damage. The Company intends to restore production as soon as possible although an anticipated date cannot be determined until this assessment is complete. Drilling operations in the WCBB field are expected to resume on Tuesday of this week as the Company continues with its previously announced drilling program. The Company currently has an insurance program in place which it believes adequately covers its platform and facilities. Gulfport is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company with its principal properties located in the Louisiana Gulf Coast area. The Company seeks to achieve reserve growth and increased cash flow from operations through low risk development activities on its existing properties and other acquisition opportunities. This news release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this news release that address activities, events or developments that Gulfport Energy Corporation ("Gulfport" or the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including such things as future capital expenditures (including the amount and nature thereof), business strategy and measures to implement strategy, competitive strength, goals, expansion and growth of Gulfport's business and operations, plans, references to future success, reference to intentions as to future matters and other such matters are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Gulfport in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform with Gulfport's expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, general economic, market or business conditions; the opportunities (or lack thereof) that may be presented to and pursued by Gulfport; competitive actions by other oil and gas companies; changes in laws or regulations; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Gulfport. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurances that the actual results or developments anticipated by Gulfport will be realized, or even if realized, that they will have the expected consequences to or effects on Gulfport, its business or operations. We have no intention, and disclaim any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future results or otherwise. DATASOURCE: Gulfport Energy Corporation CONTACT: Mike Liddell of Gulfport Energy Corporation, +1-405-848-8807, ext. 106 Web site: http://www.gulfportenergy.com/

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