Weekly Roundup: Jackson County Economic Development Foundation News Clips July 7 – July 13, 2024

Bollinger Shipyard has announced its significant involvement in a new international agreement between the United States and NATO allies

Jul. 11, 2024

https://www.wlox.com/2024/07/11/pascagoula-play-key-role-creating-fleet-icebreakers

On July 11, 2024, the Biden administration unveiled the details of the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort, known as the ICE Pact. This agreement, forged between the United States, Canada, and Finland, aims to develop a new fleet of polar icebreaker ships capable of navigating the challenging ice-covered waters of the Arctic Ocean. The ICE Pact was officially announced during the recent NATO summit held in Washington, D.C. According to Bollinger Shipyards, they hold the unique distinction of being the only company in the United States to have engineered and built heavy icebreakers in the past 50 years, underscoring their critical role in this international initiative.

New Authentic Mediterranean Restaurant in Ocean Springs is a Hit Among Fans

Jul. 11, 2024

https://www.sunherald.com/entertainment/restaurants/article289939964.html

The Mississippi Coast’s newest Mediterranean restaurant soft launched late this spring, and is quietly gaining popularity. By the Fig and the Olive is open in Ocean Springs and is led by a quartet of chefs from around the world who have combined to create a menu that is unique in South Mississippi.

Jackson County unveils major expansion plans for Trent Lott Airport

Jul. 12, 2024

https://www.regionalgateway.net/jackson-county-unveils-major-expansion-plans-for-trent-lott-airport/

The Jackson County Airport Authority has unveiled its long-term vision, which includes a significant expansion project at Trent Lott International Airport (TLIA). This project will be funded by a combination of Local Airport Funding, the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program, the RESTORE Act, and the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s Strategic Multi-Modal Investments Fund.The comprehensive plan, titled “TLIA’s Next 20 Years,” focuses on seizing growth opportunities, optimizing the airport layout, and conducting noise analysis. It incorporates feedback from the Airport Advisory Committee partners, which include local authorities, the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, and the Southern Sky Foundation.

Investors Pour Millions into New Hotel Projects with Top-Notch Amenities in South MS

July 9, 2024

https://www.sunherald.com/news/business/article289786634.html

Despite high interest rates and an uncertain economy, investors are building hundreds of new hotel rooms in Biloxi and across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The addition of guest rooms will help Biloxi and South Mississippi surpass the 9,000 hotel rooms it had before Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Most notable are the locations of the hotels near the beach and in town, styles that range from true Southern to art deco and the mix of national hotels and locally owned.

Jackson County Schools prepare facilities in preparation for the upcoming school year

July 1, 2024

https://www.wlox.com/2024/07/01/jackson-county-schools-prepare-facilities-preparation-upcoming-school-year

Big updates are happening to Jackson County Schools as the school district prepares for the upcoming academic school year. While students are out enjoying their summer break, construction updates are being completed to ensure safety once class begins. 13 schools in total are being worked on currently.

USM Offers Hands-On Blue Economy Internships for High School Students

July 7, 2024

https://www.usm.edu/news/2024/release/gensea-blue-economy-internships.php

High school students can dive into the world of coastal research and state-of-the-art technology through The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) GenSea Blue Economy Internships led by the Center for STEM Education. This summer, 17 interns were chosen to explore the world of STEM careers and blue economy pathways through programs, including those in Ocean Springs.