County approves financing changes for Pascagoula development, city approval pending
WLOX
Amber Spradley | March 6, 2023
A Pascagoula project in the talks for three years is now inching closer to reality. Consultant Chris Gouras presented a Chattanooga developer’s vision at a public hearing during the Jackson County Board of Supervisors meeting Monday morning. The company is looking to build an 85,000-square-foot shopping center on Highway 90. “Pascagoula Center” would be located near Chicot Road and Denny Avenue. Local leaders first approved a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan back in 2020. According to Gouras, COVID-19 stalled the project. Now, the developer is requesting changes to that initial plan.
Ocean Springs Board of Aldermen set to discuss 1515 Government Street Project
WLOX
Ja’Colbi Rivers | March 7, 2023
The Ocean Springs Board of Aldermen will discuss plans to renovate a lot along Government Street. The project has been in talks since 2018. The 1515 Government Street project will turn the lot into a vibrant tourism spot. Developers would like to put tourist attractions like a hotel, retail shops and even restaurants at the lot. One business owner says he loves the idea of bringing attention to downtown.
Ocean Springs named Best Small-Town Shopping Destination by USA Today
WXXV
Brook Parker | March 6, 2023
The City of Ocean Springs has been voted USA Today’s Best Small-Town Shopping Destination. This acknowledgement is one Miner’s Toy Store, a nearly 40-year establishment, has been waiting for. Owner Merileigh Miner Furr said, “It’s so wonderful and it’s so gratifying because those of us here in town with small businesses – we love our community and our community loves us. And so, we all nurture each other. And now outsiders that come in have felt the love and the passion of all of us here – and they like it, too.”
Huntington Ingalls, Ocean Aero announce partnership to advance unmanned maritime platforms
Magnolia Tribune
March 3, 2023
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) and Ocean Aero announced a strategic agreement to advance the combined capabilities of their respective unmanned maritime platforms and autonomy software solutions. While HII is headquartered in Virginia, one of their primary shipyards is located in Pascagoula, MS. It is the nation’s largest military shipbuilder with nearly 43,000 total workers and boasts a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security. Ocean Aero is headquartered in Gulfport, MS. It features a team of nearly one hundred people.
Looking for good small-town living? Southern Living weighs in
WXXV
March 9, 2023
Southern Living has named two Coast towns to its list of the Top 50 Best Small Towns in the South. Ocean Springs checked in at No. 18. Southern Living said: “A thriving arts community, vibrant entertainment districts, and the beauty of the Gulf Coast are just a few reasons this is a great place to live and visit. Delicious food doesn’t hurt either. Go old-school at Aunt Jenny’s Catfish Restaurant (with a speakeasy in the cellar), or have a fancy night out at Vestige, an award-winning restaurant with a five-course tasting menu.”
MS Department of Education announces state administrator of the year, teacher finalists
March 16, 2023
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) announced today the finalists for the 2023 Mississippi Administrator of the Year and the 2023 Mississippi Teacher of the Year. The Mississippi Teacher of the Year program recognizes exemplary teachers in the state. The award recipient will be asked to share expertise through various presentations, professional development, and activities for the improvement of education. The recipient also will receive a $5,000 stipend and will represent Mississippi in the National Teacher of the Year competition. In congressional district 4, Louise Smith is a teacher finalist. She is a teacher for 7-8th instrumental music education at Gautier Middle School within the Pascagoula Gautier School District. Her personal philosophy: “The complex work of education is the great equalizer for our society, and teachers are the people who stand in the gap as bridges for students and their future.”
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Ocean Springs business gears up for third round of Mississippi Makers’ Challenge
WLOX
Parker Boyd | March 8, 2023
An Ocean Springs company is one of the winners of the second round of the annual Mississippi Makers’ Challenge. Redline LumTronix Inc., known for selling Halo Headlights, is set to go up against Leland’s World Class Paints in round three. The winner of this round will head to Jackson, Mississippi for the final round. The competition was created to promote more manufacturing businesses in Mississippi. CEO Tony Giametta said he’s proud of how far their family business has come.
Bollinger Kicks Off Construction of T-ATS 10 with Steel Cutting Ceremony
SeaPower Magazine
March 7, 2023
Joined by senior U.S. Navy officials at Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding, Bollinger Shipyards LLC (“Bollinger”) last week officially commenced construction of the future USNS MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION, the tenth Navajo-class Towing, Salvage and Rescue Ship (“T-ATS”) and the fifth T-ATS vessel being constructed by Bollinger since acquiring the program in April of 2021. “Bollinger is honored to be entrusted by the Navy to build the Navajo-class Towing, Salvage and Rescue Ship. We’re excited to be able to utilize our newly acquired facility in Pascagoula to maximize our mobility and efficiency on the T-ATS program as we officially kick off construction on the fifth of five T-ATS ships to be built by Bollinger,” said Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. “The T-ATS program is an important part of our expanding portfolio and relationship with the Navy as we work to support critical fleet modernization efforts. Maximizing Bollinger Shipyards resources across the Gulf Coast is something we’re incredibly proud of. This program sustains jobs in both our facilities between Houma and Pascagoula.”
Coastal Mississippi Offers New and Refreshed Experiences for the Spring
Press Release
March 8, 2023
The Pascagoula River Audubon Center is now offering admission for two, a tandem kayak rental and 10% off gift shop purchase through the One More Day of Play initiative. Visitors can extend their weekend trip and spend their time kayaking leisurely along Rhodes Bayou and Beardslee Lake. The Audubon Center, located in Moss Point, is an educational gateway to 35,000 acres of land and bayou habitats along the Pascagoula River—one of the largest free flowing rivers in the country.
State of Mississippi announces revised action plan for Community Development Block Grant funds for Hurricanes Zeta and Ida
Press Release
March 14, 2023
The state of Mississippi is seeking public comment on a proposed amendment to the action plan for using Hurricanes Zeta and Ida Community Development Block Grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The proposed action plan amendment includes changes to the previously approved federally funded programs that support the state’s long-term recovery from storm damages. Hurricane Zeta supplemental funds will be evenly split between the two HUD designated locations of Harrison County and the city of Moss Point in Jackson County. Hurricane Ida funds are designated for storm water infrastructure in Moss Point and a watershed mitigation study for Jackson County.
Efforts to boost Pentagon budget may start with Navy
Roll Call
John Donnely | March 15, 2023
Roger Wicker, who is the Senate Armed Services Committee’s top Republican, hails from Mississippi, where Ingalls Shipbuilding cranks out destroyers, amphibious ships and Coast Guard cutters. Also from Mississippi is Rep. Trent Kelly, a Republican who chairs the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces.
Pascagoula eliminates $14M budget deficit
WLOX
Mike Lacy | March 16, 2023
Pascagoula is back in the black. After nearly five years of fiscal restraint, the city of Pascagoula has finally eliminated the $14 million budget deficit that was found in 2018. It was sticker shock. There was a forensic audit and an FBI investigation. “The big issue was in 2014 and 2017, the previous management staff was utilizing bond proceeds and putting into the general fund,” said city manager Michael Silverman.
15 Best Things to Do in Moss Point, MS
Travel Lens
Jobert Arcede | March 15, 2023
It’s impossible to resist the strong pull of Moss Point when you know that plenty of things to see and do abound, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is home to some of the most beautiful and unique natural habitats, brimming with abundant flora and fauna. Moss Point is nestled in the southeastern part of Jackson County, Mississippi. The city features the junction of the Pascagoula River and the Escatawpa River, plus lakes and bayous.
School leaders help to lift up young men at Moss Point High School
WLOX
Parker Boyd | March 15, 2023
Moss Point District Superintendent Oswago Harper hosted the Men of Color Symposium to mentor 9th and 10th grade African American boys at the city’s family education center. The purpose of the event was to prepare young men for life after high school and help them build strong character. At the event, the teens learned about foundational success and how to interact with law enforcement. Tyreek High is a Moss Point High School sophomore.