August News
Women Leading Mississippi: Highlights from MEDC’s Inaugural Women’s Summit
August 8, 2025
https://msgcbc.org/women-leading-mississippi-highlights-from-medcs-inaugural-womens-summit/
On Thursday, August 7th, women from across Mississippi gathered at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson for the Mississippi Economic Development Council’s (MEDC) Inaugural Women’s Summit. This powerful, day-long event brought together thought leaders, business owners, economic developers, and changemakers to learn from one another, share stories, and spark action around supporting women in leadership—and in life. The summit opened with a warm welcome from Mary Martha Henson, Deputy Director of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, who helped plant the seeds for this gathering. “This profession continues to grow with women,” Henson shared. “And when you think about the core of what we do as economic developers—we are the connectors, the collaborators, and the conveyors. Today is about giving ourselves permission to dream big, think bold, and do something different. We want every woman here to leave with her cup filled, not emptied.”
Apprentice program on Mississippi Gulf Coast opens doors to careers in healthcare
https://mississippitoday.org/2025/08/26/apprentice-program-health-care-careers
August 26, 2025
Singing River Healthcare Academy in Ocean Springs allows students to earn as they learn, pursuing certifications in a range of health careers at no cost while receiving a salary and full benefits. It combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training in hospitals and clinics, and many students accept jobs at Singing River locations after graduating. The apprenticeship program celebrated the opening of a dedicated building around the corner from the system’s Ocean Springs hospital this month, which will expand the program’s capacity from about 150 to 1,000 students a year, said Jessica Lewis, chief human resources officer for Singing River Health System.
Southern Miss begins construction on state-of-the-art oyster hatchery in Ocean Springs
August 26, 2025
OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) – The University of Southern Mississippi has begun construction of a new oyster hatchery that aims to help alleviate the decline in oyster harvests along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The hatchery will be located at USM’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center Cedar Point campus in Ocean Springs. It will be capable of producing up to one billion eyed larvae for use in restoration and research, with completion expected in late summer or early fall of 2026.
Ocean Springs, Long Beach rank among top districts in Mississippi state testing
August 22, 2025
OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. — Two Coast school districts are being recognized among the best in Mississippi for academic achievement. The Mississippi Department of Education released results from the 2024-25 Mississippi Academic Assessment Program, or MAAP, showing Ocean Springs and Long Beach school districts ranked in the state’s Top Ten across all four tested subjects: math, English language arts, science and U.S. history.
Pascagoula Public Library to reopen after renovation
https://www.wlox.com/2025/08/12/pascagoula-public-library-reopen-after-42m-renovation
August 12, 2025
PASCAGOULA — After 14 months and $4.2 million in renovations, the Pascagoula Public Library will unveil its upgraded facilities to the public on Aug. 18.
As the renovation ends and more than 42,000 books are reshelved, the library is planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a grand opening for new entertainment and educational amenities in October.
Singing River Health recognized by American Heart Association
https://www.wxxv25.com/singing-river-health-system-recognized-by-american-heart-association/
August 24, 2025
Singing River Health System is recognized by the American Heart Association’s ‘Get with the Guidelines’ program. Singing River earned top honors in both stroke and cardiac care. Hospitals in Gulfport, Ocean Springs, and Pascagoula all received Stroke Gold Plus with target, Stroke Honor Roll Elite, and Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll.
Nontraditional student from Gautier finds success at Singing River Healthcare Academy
August 11, 2025
OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WXXV) – With the opening of Singing River’s Healthcare Academy, one nontraditional student is pursuing her LPN through the academy’s career-focused programs. Bridgette has worked as a tech with Singing River for over 10 years, and credits the program for allowing her to return to school and advance her career. For nontraditional students, returning to school is not easy. Bridgette knows firsthand that it takes dedication and strong self-discipline. Singing River Healthcare Academy continues to open doors for students of all backgrounds, offering the training and support to enter rewarding careers in healthcare.
July News
Fairbanks Morse Defense Completes Acquisition of Rolls-Royce Naval Propulsors Business
July 24, 2025
Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) has finalized its acquisition of the Rolls-Royce Naval Propulsors business. This milestone was celebrated at the newly acquired Pascagoula, Mississippi, foundry, where Governor Tate Reeves, Fairbanks Morse Defense CEO Steve Pykett, Jackson County Economic Development Foundation Deputy Director Mary Martha Henson, and other community and industry leaders gathered to recognize the significance of the acquisition to both national security and regional economic growth. The Fairbanks Morse Defense Pascagoula facility is the only privately owned foundry in the United States capable of casting large Navy-standard propulsor systems, making it a critical component of the maritime defense supply chain. Jackson County Economic Development Foundation Deputy Director, Mary Martha Henson, echoed this sentiment: “Fairbanks Morse Defense is joining a community that knows how to get the job done,” Henson said. “Jackson County has the infrastructure, workforce, and partnerships to help defense manufacturers thrive because we’re focused on building a regional hub that strengthens our economy and supports national security. We look forward to working with Fairbanks Morse Defense to grow local opportunity and ensure their success here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”
Maritime defense company Fairbanks Morse Defense acquires Rolls-Royce Naval Propulsion in Pascagoula
July 15, 2025
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX) – A new business acquisition could lead to investments in national defense here in South Mississippi. The ribbon has been cut at the Rolls-Royce Naval Propulsion in Pascagoula after being acquired by Fairbanks Morse Defense. It’s a company that specializes in maritime defense products, including propellers and motors. Fairbanks Morse Defense CEO Steve Pykett said coming to Jackson County was a no-brainer. “We have some of our biggest customers based down here,” said Pykett. “I think the ability to center some of our offerings outside of the propulsion business will be significant for us.” This facility is now the only privately owned U.S. foundry capable of casting large-scale Navy-standard propulsor systems. It is a feat, Pykett said, that will help expand their operations.
Ingalls Shipbuilding hosts Mississippi educators to strengthen workforce pipelines
HII
July 1, 2025
PASCAGOULA, Miss.: Ingalls Shipbuilding division recently concluded its third annual educator externship, hosting 15 educators from school districts across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The two-week program, held June 9-20, is part of HII’s broader initiative to strengthen skilled workforce pipelines and align local education efforts with national defense needs. “As we continue to execute on our Navy shipbuilding priorities, investing in workforce readiness remains central to our mission at Ingalls,” said Susan Jacobs, vice president of human resources at Ingalls Shipbuilding. “This externship program strengthens our connection to the classroom, equips our educators with industry insight, and helps ensure our local students are developing the skills required for a successful career in shipbuilding.”
Pascagoula High School recognized as “Healthy School,” awarded $50,000 grant
https://www.wlox.com/2025/07/25/pascagoula-high-recognized-healthy-school-awarded-50000-grant
July 25, 2025
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX) – Pascagoula High School recieved a $50,000 check for promoting healthiness in the school. The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation selected Pascagoula High as one of its 2025 Healthy School Award winners at the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents Summer Convention in Biloxi.
The school earned the title “Healthy School” in recognition of implementing exemplary school health and wellness initiatives. The $50,000 grant will support further health initiatives at the school.
Iconic South MS landmark demolished, developer says he has big plans for site
https://www.sunherald.com/news/local/counties/jackson-county/article311158295.html
July 24, 2025
Cotita Holdings LLC Owner Hayes Dent plans to turn the former Cornerstone and Cotita’s restaurant site into a mixed-use development. Demolition of the building concluded last week. A mixed-use property typically combines residential and commercial uses within the same structure or development.
ESPN highlights MS Coast locations in two episodes of Emmy-winning series
https://www.sunherald.com/entertainment/article311237535.html#storylink=cpy
July 25, 2025
The show that travels the heart of football country in search of soul and food is returning this year with an episode dedicated to one Mississippi Coast town. Season eight of the Emmy Award-winning show TrueSouth is set to air later this year on SEC Network and will feature Ocean Springs as one of its four destinations across four main episodes. A fifth episode pulling back the curtains of the show’s most recent travels will also spotlight a Biloxi burger joint.
Phase one of River Park Pier improvement in Pascagoula wraps up
https://www.wxxv25.com/phase-one-of-river-park-pier-improvement-in-pascagoula-wraps-up/
July 8, 2025
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WXXV)- The City of Pascagoula shares that a project is nearing completion. Contractors have wrapped up phase one of the River Park Pier Improvement Project. This project is possible due to tidelands funding. This phase focused on reworking the northern approach ramp with new concrete piles, upgraded handrails, and decking while addressing refreshed benches and amenities.
Former Pascagoula mayor Dane Maxwell settling in as USDA State Director for Rural Development
July 13, 2025
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) – In May, President Donald Trump appointed Dane Maxwell as the U.S. Department of Agriculture State Director for Rural Development in Mississippi.
Maxwell previously served as the mayor of Pascagoula before serving as the Southern District Public Service Commissioner.
Renovations begin on Sue Ellen Recreation Center
https://www.wlox.com/2025/07/25/renovations-begin-sue-ellen-recreation-center-moss-point
July 24, 2025
MOSS POINT, Miss. (WLOX) – The Sue Ellen Recreation Center in Moss Point is set to receive some long-awaited renovations. The building remains damaged from the tornado that struck on Juneteenth in 2023. “It’s the hub for youth services for the city of Moss Point, and it has been down for too long,” said Moss Point Parks and Recreation Director Donna Joseph. New roofing, flooring, and AC units will help bring the building back to full operational status.
Mayor Billy Knight aiming to build on growth and development following re-election
July 6, 2025
MOSS POINT, Miss. (WLOX) – This week, Mayor Billy Knight begins his first full week of his next term leading the River City. He is the first sitting mayor to win reelection in Moss Point in more than three decades. “We made a lot of progress in these first three and a half years, and I’m asking the people of Moss Point to give me an opportunity to finish the job,” Mayor Knight told WLOX News prior to the election. “You just can’t get it all done in three years or four years, you gotta have a second term to finish the job.”
City of Gautier approves second phase of Legacy Park
https://www.wxxv25.com/city-of-gautier-approves-second-phase-of-legacy-park-project1/
July 17, 2025
GAUTIER, Miss. (WXXV) — Legacy Park in Gautier will soon enter the second phase of construction following approval by the city on Tuesday night. Mayor Casey Vaughan and City Council members voted unanimously — with one abstaining member — to begin the biggest part of the project. “They will be issued their permit to go ahead and start construction on the first building on the property,” Vaughan explained. “So, it’s very exciting news here in Gautier. The permitting they have now has been for the site work, as you can see from the site. They are diligently working.”
June News
Understanding the Pascagoula refinery’s role in US energy independence
June 24, 2025
Chevron’s Mississippi refinery is an important part of the energy value chain, contributing to the Gulf Coast’s oil and gas production capacity. Chevron’s refinery in Pascagoula, Mississippi, safely and reliably produces nearly 7 million gallons of gasoline and other oil products every day. It is a vital link in the energy value chain. And during a recent interview with Bloomberg TV, Andy Walz, Chevron’s president of Downstream, Midstream and Chemicals, highlighted the refinery’s role.
Singing River Mall demolition signals new era for Gautier
https://www.wxxv25.com/singing-river-mall-demolition-signals-new-era-for-gautier/
June 24, 2025
GAUTIER, Miss. (WXXV) — A once-bustling shopping destination in Gautier is being torn down—ushering in a new chapter for the city. The Singing River Mall, which sat vacant for years and became a symbol of economic stagnation, is now the focus of Gautier’s largest redevelopment effort in decades. City leaders say the demolition marks more than the end of a structure—it represents the beginning of a vibrant, revitalized downtown core. Plans for the site include new shops, restaurants, walkable streets, green space, and potentially housing.
U.S.S. Jeremiah Denton christened at Ingalls Shipbuilding
https://www.wxxv25.com/u-s-s-jeremiah-denton-christened-at-ingalls-shipbuilding/
June 30, 2025
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WXXV)- On Saturday in Pascagoula, it was a day of celebration as Ingalls Shipbuilding christened a new guided missile destroyer named after a former U.S. Senator and Vietnam war hero. The U.S.S. Jeremiah Denton is named after the former Alabama senator, who spent eight years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.
It’s the third Flight III Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer to be built at the Ingalls Shipbuilding division.
Behind the Business: Superior Optical
Https://www.wlox.com/2025/06/17/behind-business-superior-optical
June 17, 2025
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.”
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
June 19, 2025
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
June 13, 2025
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.”