AUGUST 2021

INSIDE THE FLAGSHIP CITY

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF PASCAGOULA

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

Cleaning up our city is something that is important to me, as I’m sure it is for many of you. The Police Department launched a great program that allows people to work off old fines by cleaning litter. We’re committed to addressing blight in our neighborhoods. Seeing Thunder’s on Market Street being torn down struck an emotional chord for many who have good memories there, but it’s a sign that Pascagoula is moving forward. While we’re making good progress, we need your help. Please don’t litter and if you see litter on the ground, pick it up. If you see properties in your neighborhood that need addressing, let someone know. Call our Code Enforcement office or contact your City Councilman. Let’s all work together to keep Pascagoula beautiful! -Mayor Jay Willis

UPCOMING EVENTS

AUGUST 21: Cattails & Cocktails Drawdown, 6:30 pm, Pascagoula Country Club
AUGUST 28: Spencer Memorial Baptist Church Block Party, 3:00 pm, Beach Park

FEDERAL FUNDING ALLOCATED TO WATERLINE IMPROVEMENTS

During the July 20 City Council meeting, the Pascagoula City Council voted unanimously to allocate the first installment of $2,583,647 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to address aging infrastructure in the city. The funds will be used to replace and relocate failing water distribution infrastructure serving 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th Streets between Ingalls Avenue and Taylor Avenue as well as the area including South Fernwood Street, Rosewood Street, Dogwood Street, and Redwood Street. The existing infrastructure requires extensive regular maintenance and is a significant source of water outages and boil water notices in the City. The improvements will upsize the waterlines serving the areas and relocate the lines from alleyways to the street-side of the residences. The majority of the proposed lines will be installed outside of the asphalt within the street rights-of-way in order to improve meter and valve access, hydrant location, and maintenance issues.

PHASE II OF INGALLS AVENUE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT BEGINS

Ingalls Avenue between Market Street and Pascagoula Street will be closed to thru traffic for approximately three months. Those who need to access businesses and residences will be able to do so. The preferred detour routes are Communy Avenue and Beach Boulevard. This is the second phase of the Ingalls Avenue improvement project which includes replacing water mains, sewer lines, and storm drains. Ingalls Avenue will be repaved and new ADA compliant sidewalks will be put in.

PASCAGOULA FEATURED ON NASDAQ.COM

In an article published August 9, Nasdaq ranked Pascagoula in the top 5 cities for families in the southeast. “We love this coastal Mississippi city,” an excerpt from the article reads. “The city is very family-friendly: The residents are known to be very nice…Also, the topography is lush, and there’s plenty of open space to play, walk, and bike. And of course, being on the Gulf Coast means it’s a great home for boating, fishing, and water sport enthusiasts.”

NEW DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & BUILDING

We would like to welcome our new Director of Planning and Building, Patrick Collins, to Pascagoula. Patrick is a native of South Mississippi, a graduate of Ole Miss, and has 30 years of experience in planning. Patrick is eager to hit the ground running as the head of the Planning & Building Department. "What's going on in Pascagoula is exciting. There is tremendous development taking place downtown, which will become a catalyst for development throughout the entire city. I look forward to coming up with creative ways for expansion in Pascagoula."

CITY EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

This month, we're recognizing Kyle Bryant of the Pascagoula Fire Department. During July's Third Friday event downtown, Kyle spent a considerable amount of time in the dunk tank letting kids take countless turns trying to get him in the water. He was a good sport and certainly makes us #PascagoulaProud.

PASCAGOULA PRIDE WINS MML AWARD

We're so grateful for all that Pascagoula Pride does for our city and we're thrilled they could be recognized on the state level. Pascagoula Pride won the 2021 Mississippi Municipal League "City Spirit" award for the beautification work done at Beach Park. The award recognizes individuals or groups that go above and beyond in their efforts to make their community a better place to live. Pascagoula Pride certainly embodies that description! Thank you for your dedication to our community!

NEW CLASS OF MAYOR'S YOUTH COUNCIL

The 2021-2022 class of the Pascagoula Mayor's Youth Council was sworn in prior to the start of the July 20 council meeting. The Mayor's Youth Council is comprised of 10th, 11th, and 12th graders from Pascagoula High School and Resurrection Catholic School. We were thrilled to see so many students choose to take an active role in our city government. The Mayor's Youth Council will learn about how our city operates and will organize service projects throughout the year. Congratulations to our new members: Folsom Berry, Emma Brandenstein, Andres Briseno, Melany Carrasco, Nadia Corder, Eva Criddle, Sophia Cuellar, Kaylynn Dammen, Carolyn Facio, Jackelyn Facio, Daleisha Francis, Ashley Garcia Prado, Riley Hanson, Mia Harris, Evelyn Lachaussee, Jermerious Lofton, Ja'Kaylee Minor, Ja'Shaylee Minor, Ruby Murray, Henry Ros, Sydney Sudduth, Mary Walker Foster, Kennedy Williams, Markel Williams.

WE'RE HIRING: AFTER SCHOOL COUNSELORS

The Parks & Recreation Department is looking for after school counselors. The work schedule is Monday-Friday from 1:00 - 5:30 pm during the school year. Find the full job description and application on our website.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR ADULT KICKBALL

Grab some friends and play kickball this fall. Registration is open for an adult co-ed league. Team registration is $200 for teams of 10-16 or you can register individually for $20 and be placed on a team. Games will be played on Thursday nights at the Pascagoula Sports Complex from September 9-October 28. You must be 18 to sign up. Register at cityofpascagoula.com/register.

NEW YOUTH VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE

For the first time, the Parks & Recreation will organize a youth volleyball league. Teams will be comprised of six players in two divisions: ages 7-10 and 11-14. The league will be facilitated by Coach Noelle Mann and the PHS girls volleyball team. Registration is $65 and is open through October 1. The season starts October 18. Middle school volleyball players are eligible for this rec league. Register at cityofpascagoula.com/register.

BASEBALL CAMP

Coast Baseball Academy will host a one day baseball camp at the Pascagoula Sports Complex on August 28 from 8:00 am-2:00 pm. Camp is for ages 6-8. Registration is $40 and includes lunch. Camp coaches include:

- Ryan Jordan, 4 year William Carey University pitcher

- Jansen Rayborn, 3 year USA 1B/OF
- Jeff Middleton, 2 year PRCC & 2 year USA pitcher
- Jordan Steele, 2 year MGCCC pitcher
- Brandon Speese, 4 year University of Mobile pitcher

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Pascagoula-Gautier School District:

The Pascagoula-Gautier School District has hired Steven Engle as its new Pascagoula Athletic Director. Engle previously served in the Lamar County, Harrison County and Bay-Waveland School Districts before coming to the PGSD. Engle said he is excited about working with the City of Pascagoula to help grow students involved in the feeder athletic programs from a young age to solidify a winning combination of teams at the middle and high school levels. “I know the Pascagoula Panthers have a rich tradition of producing some amazing athletics by looking at the alumni who have come through Pascagoula High School,” Engle said. "I look forward to promoting the City of Pascagoula through our athletic programs.”

Resurrection Catholic School:

The campuses of Resurrection Catholic School welcomed children back to class on August 6^th. New to the Elementary campus, the students will be able to participate in “After Hour Eagle Power”, an after school enrichment program that offers a variety of fun, age-appropriate activities. This structured program was created to suit an assortment of interests and includes activities such as fitness, crafts and etiquette training just to name a few. At the Middle and High School campus, the campus ministry team has been hard at work making face to face visits to all new students and personally welcoming them to the RCS family. RCS also added their first Campus Minister, Emma Hofbauer. Emma is originally from Katy, Texas and is a recent graduate from Franciscan University of Steubenville. She looks forward to working with the young people at RCS and “helping them come to know and have a personal relationship with the living God”. Welcome Emma!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Are you forwarding this newsletter to someone who wants to subscribe to our mailing list? Subscribe to newsletters and other city alerts at cityofpascagoula.com.