APRIL 2022

INSIDE THE FLAGSHIP CITY

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF PASCAGOULA

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

It's no secret we have major infrastructure needs in Pascagoula. I've said before that we can no longer kick the can down the road. Ensuring we have stable infrastructure is paramount to our continued growth. Right now, $915,000 in GOMESA funding is being used to address drainage improvements on Buena Vista. We've dedicated $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to waterline improvements. That project will replace and relocate failing water distribution infrastructure serving 8^th , 9^th , 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, and 13^th Streets between Ingalls Avenue and Taylor Avenue as well as the area including South Fernwood Street, Rosewood Street, Dogwood Street, and Redwood Street. These projects are a good start, but we know it only marks the beginning of what is needed in our community. During the April 5 City Council meeting, we unanimously approved a resolution declaring our intent to secure a $12 million general obligation bond. That bond money will be used solely to address infrastructure needs around the city. I want to ensure you that even though we are planning to take out a bond, this will not mean an increase of city ad valorem taxes. We will be using revenue generated by the sales tax on internet sales to pay off this bond. This is a type of bond we can manage and I cannot stress enough the importance of getting these infrastructure needs addressed as soon as possible. -Mayor Jay Willis

UPCOMING EVENTS

APRIL15: Ribbon cutting @ Singing River Art Gallery, 2:00 pm
APRIL 15: Ribbon cutting @ Sail & Anchor, 3:30 pm
APRIL 15: Third Friday, 5-8 pm, Downtown Pascagoula
APRIL 21: Business After Hours, 4:30-6:30 pm, Heidelberg Steinberger, P.A.
APRIL 22: Pascagoula Area Council ft. Mayor Willis, 8:30 am, Chamber of Commerce
APRIL 23: Earth Day Cleanup, 8:30-10:00 am, IG Levy Park
APRIL 23, Jackson County Heart Walk, 9:00 am, Beach Park
APRIL 28 & 29: "The Ponder Heart" Performance, 7:00 pm, Pascagoula Senior Center
APRIL 30: Hazardous Waste Collection Day, 8:00 am-12:00 pm, Singing River Mall
APRIL 30: "The Ponder Heart" Performance, 2:00 pm, Pascagoula Senior Center
MAY 7: Free Flowin' Fest, 12:00-8:00 pm, Beach Park

PRICE CHANGES AT MACHPELAH CEMETERY

Effective April 15, 2022, the price of burial plots at Machpelah Cemetery will increase. The sale price of each plot in Sections 31-117, inclusive, will be $1200 per plot.

BASKETBALL COURT COMING TO I.G. LEVY

A basketball court will be installed at I.G. Levy Memorial Park. Community Development Block Grant funding will pay for the installation of the court. The city council awarded the bid to JE Talley Construction during the April 5 meeting.

CITY EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

This month, we're recognizing an employee who hasn't been with the city for very long, but is already making a positive impact. Shannon Garrett came on as the Secretary for the Fire Department in October 2021. She is very knowledgeable and has a great attitude. The Fire Department is fortunate to have had her come on as part of the team!

JOIN OUR TEAM: OPEN POSITIONS

The Parks and Recreation Department is hiring for several positions: Park Attendant, Laborer, After School Counselor, Summer Camp Staff. Find job descriptions and apply at cityofpascagoula.com/jobs.

PARKS & RECREATION PROGRAMS

Summer Camp: Registration for summer camp is now open! Camp will run from May 31-July 29. The cost is $90 per week for Pascagoula residents and $110 per week for nonresidents. Click here to register a child for camp.

Swim Lessons: Registration for summer swim lessons is now open. Swim lessons are available for kids ages 3 and up. There will be two sessions: June 14-24 and July 12-22. Classes will be held at 8:00 am, 9:00 am, and 10:00 am. Cost is $35 per child.

For more information on programming, you can call the Parks & Recreation Department at (228) 938-2356.

MOVIE NIGHTS AT BEACH PARK

Mark your calendars because movie nights at Beach Park return in May! Here is the summer lineup:

May 13 - Goosebumps
June 3 - Sing 2
July 22 - Jungle Cruise

Movies will start at 8:15 pm. Popcorn will be free and additional concessions will be available for purchase. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on. If it rains, the movie will be shown at the Pascagoula Rec Center

NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

In March, there was a ribbon cutting for Clary & Sage Apothecary, which is a holistic store located at 1763 Market Street. At Clary & Sage, you'll find everything from loose leaf teas to aromatherapy. Their hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday from 11:00 am-7:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am-4:00 pm. Clary & Sage has has also teamed up with SRC Fit at the corner of Market and Ingalls to offer alternative fitness classes including yoga, burlesque, and belly dancing. Welcome to Pascagoula!

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

Mayor Willis declared April Child Abuse Prevention month and recognized the hard work done by Jackson County CASA and The Canopy South MS Advocacy Center to raise awareness and stop child abuse from happening in our community.

NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH

You may have noticed the Round Island Lighthouse is lit blue and green. April is National Donate Life Month. There is always a need for organ, eye, and tissue donors. Singing River Health System is joining Donate Life in raising awareness and registering people to be donors. To learn more about organ donation or to register, visit https://www.donatelife.net/register/.

MAYOR'S YOUTH COUNCIL TRIP TO JACKSON

The Pascagoula Mayor’s Youth Council enjoyed a great trip to Jackson! Members got to tour the Capitol, see the Supreme Court, visit the Secretary of State’s office and the Department of Public Safety headquarters. Thank you so much to all our elected and appointed officials who took time out of their day to speak with these students! Senator Brice Wiggins, Senator Jeremy England, Rep. Charles Busby, Rep. Manly Barton, Judge Tony Lawrence, Judge Joel Smith, Secretary of State Michael Watson, DPS Commissioner Sean Tindell, and Colonel Randy Ginn…we appreciate you!

YOUTH COUNCIL DONATION DRIVE FOR BACKPACK BUDDIES

The Pascagoula Mayor's Youth Council is sponsoring a donation drive benefitting Backpack Buddies of Pascagoula, an organization that provides food for local students in need. You can drop off nonperishable food items at Pascagoula City Hall (603 Watts Avenue) through May 6. You can also bring donations to Free Flowin' Fest at Beach Park on May 7. Look for the Mayor's Youth Council table!

ART SCULPTURE UNVEILED DOWNTOWN

Have you noticed the new addition downtown? The 15 foot metal art sculpture was designed and built by students at PGSD’s Career & College Technical Institute. It’s part of a three semester program by the school district and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art called the Pascagoula Public Art Enterprise. Students spent time speaking with different community members about what Pascagoula means to them in order to spark inspiration for the design. The sculpture at the corner of Delmas Avenue and Pascagoula Street is the first of three art sculptures that will be placed throughout our downtown. Click here to watch a video from the art sculpture unveiling and Third Friday.

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Pascagoula-Gautier School District:

Pascagoula High School Senior Meg Corlew competed in the 6a girls state powerlifting championship. With a total score of 700 pounds, Meg came in first place in the 123 pound weight class. Congratulations to Meg and Coach Quinn Odom!

Resurrection Catholic School:

Daniel Myers was named Resurrection Catholic School’s 2021-2022 STAR student. To become STAR student, a graduating senior must have the highest ACT score in the class, the highest set of sub scores and at least a 93 academic average. Each STAR student is asked to designate a STAR teacher- the teacher who has made the most significant contribution to the student’s scholastic achievement. Daniel selected Mr. Mike Toole as STAR teacher. Congratulations to Daniel and Mr. Toole!

In sports, sophomores Iain Cumbest and Caroline St. Pe were named honorable mention to the 2021-2022 Sun Herald All South MS Soccer Team. Also, two RCS sports standouts will be moving on to the play at the next level. Reigning State doubles tennis champ Hudson Hans has signed with Jones Community College and bowling standout David Brock has signed with Emmanuel College. Congratulations to you all and good luck to you in the future!

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