Political power, influence in Pascagoula, Jackson County shouldn’t be overlooked
Y’all Politics
Frank Corder | July 20, 2022
Set aside that Jimmy Buffett ran away from the Flagship City and headed to Margaritaville, and that Sarah Thomas used her Pascagoula roots to become the first female NFL referee. Outside of the Jackson Metro area, no municipality and no county besides Pascagoula and Jackson County carries as big of a stick, politically speaking, in Mississippi than this coastal area currently enjoys.
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Hospital system sale would eliminate $150 million in taxpayer funded debt
Gulf Live
Warren Kulo | July 19, 2022
Jackson County supervisors say a merger of Singing River Health System with another hospital system isn’t a viable option and are continuing the process which they hope will result in an outright sale of county-owned SRHS. “A merger is not really financially feasible for the county,” supervisors president Randy Bosarge told The Mississippi Press, “because of the $150 million in pension and bond debt. We’d still be responsible for that debt, even with a merger.
Public hearing set for Aug 17 to discuss potential sale of Singing River Health System
WLOX
Amber Spradley | July 18, 2022
Jackson County residents will get a chance to weigh in on the future of Singing River Health System. Monday, county supervisors voted unanimously to hold a public hearing on the matter. Singing River Health System is the second-largest employer in Jackson County with about 3,500 employees. It has locations in Ocean Springs, Pascagoula and Gulfport. However, its Board of Trustees said the system is struggling financially, especially after losses due to the pandemic. Trustees have already approved a sale, but it’s ultimately up to the county.
Ocean Springs ready to move forward with estimated $11 million Front Beach project
Gulf Live
Warren Kulo | July 21, 2022
Having finally acquired the property, the City of Ocean Springs is ready to move quickly to begin work on will ultimately be an estimated $11 million recreational development on a long-dormant piece of Front Beach property. The City recently signed the paperwork closing the $1.3 million sale of the property, owned privately since 1948 and unused since Hurricane Katrina. The purchase was jointly funded by the City, using proceeds from a property acquisition loan, the the Jackson County Board of Supervisors, which oversees use and maintenance of the beaches on behalf of the State of Mississippi.
Residents split over Moss Point restaurant tax increase
WLOX
July 22, 2022
In a little more than a month, Moss Point citizens go to the polls. River City residents will be voting for or against a 2% restaurant tax increase. “It’s the wrong time,” said Moss Point resident Irma Mitchell. “Maybe next year, but not this year. It’s the wrong time.” “I’m all for the referendum,” added community activist Sherwood Bradford. “A 2% tax is going to be a great thing for the city.” Voters were split Friday. Senior citizen Irma Mitchell said during an already inflation-squeezed season and on the heels of the pandemic, the timing isn’t right for her.
Pascagoula officials optimistic Amtrak passenger service will return to coast
Gulf Live
Warren Kulo | July 22, 2022
In February 2016, the Pascagoula community came out to welcome Amtrak officials and other dignitaries, including U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, as a passenger train pulled into Pascagoula for the first time since 2005. And then they waited. And hoped.Six years later, they’re still waiting — and hoping. The return of passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile — with Pascagoula as the only Jackson County stop — remains somewhat in limbo. The Southern Rail Commission — comprised of state appointees from Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama — has been pushing for years for the return of passenger service and helped secure $66 million in federal funding for rail infrastructure improvements.
Renovation underway at historic Ocean Springs hotel
WLOX
Josh Jackson | July 20, 2022
Dating back to 1927, Gulf Hills Hotel and Resort has a lot of history. Notable guests include Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroeand many other A-listers. “Al Capone has been legend to have stayed here as well,” said co-owner Roxy Condrey. “He had different ways he could leave if the feds were to show up. One of those is a secret tunnel under the hotel.” But there have been many changes since then. The historic hotel is now in need of a major renovation. “Our goal is to really look at the history of the hotel and pay homage to what it was originally built to be which was a premier destination on the coast,” Condrey said. “We have twelve acres on the water which is very unique for Ocean Springs so we want to take advantage of that waterfront.”
HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding Awarded DDG(X) Design Engineering Contract
Naval News
July 23, 2022
Ingalls Shipbuilding is a major contractor and shipbuilding partner in the Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) program that has been in production for three decades. Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are multi-mission ships that can provide offensive and defensive capabilities, and can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection, all in support of the United States military strategy.
Students receive free uniforms in Moss Point
WLOX
Leslie Rojas | July 16, 2022
The Junior Auxiliary of Moss Point and Pascagoula hosted a back-to-school uniform closet event at First Baptist Church in Moss Point. More than 300 families received school uniforms for their children. Committee Chairperson Sarah Hollis said more than 1,600 items were handed out. “I’m grateful that we are able to help a lot of people in the community. I know its hard times right now for everyone. So, I am just very grateful for all the donations we were able to get for the community and that we are able to pass them back to everyone,” Hollis said. With inflation hitting new record highs, several parents told us getting free uniforms for their children is an immense help.