Weekly Roundup: Jackson County Economic Development Foundation News Clips February 17th

Governor Reeves Announces Massive Infrastructure Proposal and Site Development Investments

Feb. 16, 2023 

Governor Tate Reeves today announced his plan to drive further economic development and growth in Mississippi. The plan includes proposed infrastructure investments throughout the state coupled with site development efforts to entice more high-paying jobs from businesses that may locate in Mississippi. This announcement included several funded projects in Jackson County, including $3.2 million for clearing and upgrades to the water service at the county’s Aviation Technology Park; $60 million for widening of US 90 from SR 609 to Dolphin Drive; and $4 million for the Port of Pascagoula River Harbor to build rail cargo foundation with storage and staging. 

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New business developments in Ocean Springs bring strong start to 2023

WLOX
Noah Noble | February 5, 2023

An uprising trend of economic activity began last year as the nation came off the heels of the pandemic. One of those cities which have benefitted is Ocean Springs. Earlier this past week, we took a look at the new Bacchus on the Bayou restaurant, which opens this month. However, there are many more businesses that are preparing to open their doors this year in the City of Discovery. “2022 was a busy year,” said Daryll Stringfellow, an Ocean Springs building official. “It was surprising with the way the interest way was going. It was a very active year. We have several new businesses come into town and several new developments. One across from CVS will be a restaurant, and we’ll have four other businesses in there, one being a spa.”

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Moss Point city leaders aim to redevelop the River City

WLOX 
Stephanie Poole | February 9, 2023

Revitalization plans are in the works for River City. This comes after city leaders hold a public workshop to discuss future development with retail planners. When you cross into Moss Point city limits, you’re greeted with empty businesses and vacant lots. “We are not taking advantage of those opportunities we have. I want our people to take advantage of that. Put this plan in place so we can have the structure we need,” said Mayor Billy Knight. Knight is aims to fill those bare storefronts with economic opportunities. 

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Amtrak leaders speak on safety ahead of return to the Gulf Coast

WLOX 
Noah Noble | February 8, 2023 

Amtrak representatives visited Pascagoula and Gulfport to give safety briefings regarding upcoming passenger rail service. Monday, the company began trial runs of its passenger rail service from Mobile, Alabama to New Orleans, Louisiana, with four stops along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. “We’ve already had about five incidents where people are going around gates or trying to beat the train,” said Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari. “Whether [the train] is going 79 mph or 29 mph, the ability of trains to stop short of someone on the tracks is impossible.” 

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Ocean Springs students to represent the state in national science competition

WLOX 
Lauren Martinez | February 9, 2023

It’s all smiles for a hardworking group of students who recently participated in the Ocean Springs Middle School Science Bowl Competition. The team of five, which consisted of Gemma Wallis, Jack Lee, Alexis Ussery, Chloe Newkirk, and Benton Morisseau, won the regional title against dozens of South Mississippi teams. Science bowl coach Natasja Brown said the students on all three teams from Ocean Spring Middle School spent months practicing. 

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Amphitheater part of 55-acre downtown Gautier overhaul

WKRG 
Feb. 13, 2023 

A new 6,500 capacity amphitheater could bring major concerts to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, a production company says. The city of Gautier and 46 Entertainment broke ground for The Sound Amphitheater during a ceremony on Monday, Feb. 13.  The $6 million amphitheater is expected to open in spring 2024 with 1,250 seats and a grass commons area behind it.  

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City of Moss Point asking for public’s help with proposed redistricting plans

WXXV 
Feb. 14, 2023 

The city of Moss Point is asking for the public’s help before redistricting. The redistricting is due to a change in population from the most recent census report. It is federal law that the city must adjust wards accordingly to the population’s shifts to accurately represent the citizens. A public hearing will be held March 21st at 6 p.m. in City Hall. 

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Ocean Springs hosts breakfast with the mayor

WXXV
Feb. 15, 2023

Ocean Springs Mayor Kenny Holloway spent the morning at the Lady May talking about upcoming projects in the City of Discovery during his quarterly breakfast event.  Holloway touched on many topics including urban renewal, annexation, and some new capital improvement projects. 

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