June news
Behind the Business: Superior Optical
WLOX
Https://www.wlox.com/2025/06/17/behind-business-superior-optical
One South Mississippi business helps ensure veterans always get a better view. Since 1991, Superior Optical has served the Mississippi Gulf Coast by building and providing eyeglasses primarily to veterans. Over time, many things have changed, including ownership and expansion. “We have a little over 50,000 square foot facility now. A couple of years ago, we went through an expansion, and we retrofitted it with all the latest technology,” said President and CEO Derek Bodart. “What we’re doing is mass producing almost 2,000 pairs of glasses a day.”
See the Mississippi city World Atlas calls the ‘friendliest small town on the Gulf Coast’
Clarion Ledger
The Gulf Coast prides itself on Southern hospitality, welcoming newcomers and visitors to local communities with charm and flair. While they’re surely too graceful to use them, the residents of one Mississippi city have earned bragging rights. World Atlas recently named Ocean Springs the friendliest small town on the Gulf. It’s just the latest in a long list of national recognitions. The town has a thriving arts scene, flavorful food options and entertainment options that can be fun for the whole family. Here’s what to know before you visit.
M&M Bank ravaged by 2023 tornado set to reopen in Moss Point
WLOX
https://www.wlox.com/2025/06/19/mm-bank-ravaged-by-2023-moss-point-tornado-reopen
Construction of the new Merchants & Marine Bank in Moss Point is nearing completion. The bank on Main Street was destroyed in an EF-2 tornado on June 19, 2023. The bank was closed that day since it was a federal holiday, but eight people who worked in rented office space were rescued from the rubble. In January 2024, the damaged building was demolished. Months later, in June 2024, crews broke ground on the new location, which is expected to open in September 2025.
Ingalls Shipbuilding honors 2025 class of Master Shipbuilders
HII
HIl’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division honored the 2025 class of master shipbuilders, an elite group of employees who have dedicated 40 years of continuous service to the company, during a special ceremony held at the shipyard June 12. Each of these shipbuilders have committed four decades to building the nation’s most advanced naval ships, supporting national security, and mentoring the next generation of shipbuilders. “Reaching 40 years of service is an extraordinary milestone and we are proud to honor these master shipbuilders for their decades of service, leadership and loyalty to Ingalls Shipbuilding,” said Brian Blanchette, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding. “Their dedication has shaped not only our country’s Navy fleet, but our workforce, our communities and our shipyard culture.”
May news
OS Hotel now open in historic Ocean Springs
Hospitality Net
https://www.hospitalitynet.org/announcement/41012647.html
OS Hotel, the signature boutique hotel within the vibrant os1515 Downtown development in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, is now open and welcoming guests following its soft opening on Friday, May 9. This artful, design-forward property blends modern luxury with local charm, offering 32 thoughtfully appointed rooms and immediate access to the restaurants, shops, and gathering spaces that define historic downtown Ocean Springs.
Improvements coming to busy Ocean Springs intersections
WLOX
https://www.wlox.com/2025/05/21/improvements-coming-busy-ocean-springs-intersections
Two busy Ocean Springs intersections could soon see improvements. The Board of Aldermen executed a memorandum of agreement with the Mississippi Department of Transportation for their Transportation Improvement Program. The program would address safety concerns along Highway 90 at the Martin Luther King and Washington Avenue intersections. Improvements will include crosswalks, modified timing for traffic lights, and changes in traffic patterns.
See a Mississippi hotel that Southern Living names one of 10 best new hotels in the South
Clarion Ledger
Are you looking for a new hotel for your summer vacation? Southern Living has named 10 hotels the best new places to stay overnight in the South. The editors used “our own experiences as guests, customer reviews, and the value that they offer travelers” to pick. One hotel in Mississippi on the Gulf Coast stands out. Here’s what we know about where to go, what to do for a charming trip to the beach. Check out The Springs Hotel, 424 Washington Ave., for your next trip to Ocean Springs.
Moss Point growth continues with new car dealership, Tractor Supply
WLOX
Those driving on Highway 63 in Moss Point will see a variety of new businesses. One of those is a brand new car dealership. It’s a season of new beginnings as Cannon Motors opens its newest Nissan dealership. It’s the second Cannon dealership in the area. Owner Michael Joe Cannon explains he’s excited by the view of cars passing on the highway. “That is beneficial to a company moving out here on the bypass,” he explained. Cannon’s Toyota dealership is next door. He says having two businesses on a busy highway will be a game-changer.
Mississippi Songwriter Performing Arts Center one step closer to construction
WLOX
The Mississippi Songwriters Performing Arts Center, to be located just down the road from The Sound Amphitheater, is one step closer to construction. Last week, Gautier City Council awarded the construction contract to Dan Hensarling, Inc., one of four bids the city recieved. “This marks a major milestone in bringing this exciting project to life. The new center will celebrate Mississippi’s deep musical roots and serve as a catalyst for cultural enrichment and economic development in Gautier,” the city said in a Facebook post.
Local companies like Ingalls, Chevron, and Miss. Power participate in annual workday
WLOX (Video)
Graduation Ceremony for Project SEARCH at Ocean Springs Hospital
WXXV
https://www.wxxv25.com/graduation-ceremony-for-project-search-at-ocean-springs-hospital/
It was a celebration at the cafe in the Ocean Springs hospital as the newest class of graduates from Singing River Health System’s Project SEARCH Program walked the stage. Project SEARCH is a collaboration between Singing River Health System, the Ocean Springs and Pascagoula-Gautier School Districts as well as the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services that enables young adults with disabilities to gain and maintain employment through training and career exploration. Participants in the program completed three 10-week rotations in departments around Singing River Health System to ensure they find the job that suits them.
Class of 2025 celebrating CTE program achievements with Singing River Health
WXXV
https://www.wxxv25.com/class-of-2025-celebrating-cte-program-achievements-with-singing-river-health/
The Pascagoula-Gautier School District in partnership with Singing River Health Care Academy is celebrating the next generation of heroes. Seniors in the Class of 2025 Career and Technical Education program graduated Thursday in a special ceremony held at Pascagoula Hospital. These students aren’t just receiving diplomas, they’re walking into real career opportunities in the medical field with hands-on training already under their belts.
HII “Ingalls” hosts signing day
Kark.com (Global Newswire)
HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding hosted a “signing day” for the 2025 graduates of its Shipbuilder Academy at the shipyard Wednesday. This year, 43 students were offered full-time positions at Ingalls, marking the beginning of their careers with HII. The “signing day” coincided with National Apprenticeship Day, recognizing the importance of connecting individuals to meaningful careers and assisting employers in building a skilled workforce. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and classroom instruction, participants in the Ingalls Shipbuilding Academy (ISA) gain invaluable experience that prepares them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a shipbuilding career.