NOVEMBER 2021

INSIDE THE FLAGSHIP CITY

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF PASCAGOULA

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

With Thanksgiving upon us, we have plenty to be thankful for in Pascagoula. Great things are happening in our city. We're seeing growth at an exponential rate. Be proud, be excited, and tell everyone you know what a great city we have to live and work. Optimism is contagious. We should also be thankful for the wonderful men and women we have protecting our great city at the police and fire departments. When you see them, tell them how much you appreciate what they do for our community on a daily basis. We all want to see Pascagoula thrive and continue to move forward. In order to accomplish that, we all need to work together. If something doesn't look right, let someone know. Police use calls from citizens to check out suspicious circumstances. You can call 228-762-2211 for non-emergency situations. If a property in town is neglected and detracting from the neighborhood it is in, give Code Enforcement a call to put it on their radar. The phone number is 228-938-6620. It takes each of us, every day to make sure Pascagoula is the best it can be. I'm thankful for our city employees and our citizens. I'm blessed to be your Mayor. -Mayor Jay Willis

UPCOMING EVENTS

NOVEMBER 13: Blues & Heritage Festival, 4pm, Jackson County Fairgrounds
DECEMBER 3: Downtown for the Holidays, 5-9pm, Downtown Pascagoula
DECEMBER 18: Glass Blown Ornament Workshop, Pascagoula Senior Center

CITY TEAMS UP WITH JEUNE ESPRIT FOR TOY DRIVE

We're #PascagoulaProud to participate in the Jeune Esprit toy drive benefitting children in Pascagoula. We'll be accepting unwrapped toys for children ages 4-12 at the following city buildings during regular business hours: City Hall, Central Fire Station, Pascagoula Police Department, Recreation Center, Senior Center, Utilities Office. Donations will be accepted through December 3. Help us help children have a wonderful Christmas!

DOWNTOWN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

It's that time of year when the community comes together to kick off the holiday season in Pascagoula. Downtown for the Holidays will be on December 3 from 5-8 pm. The night kicks off with the lighting of the tree at the corner of Delmas Avenue and Canty Street. That's where Santa will be in Santa's Sleigh to hear those early gift wishes. Get some holiday shopping done by shopping with local vendors who will line the street. Get your picture taken with the Goula Grinch who will be set up near the courtyard at Delmas Avenue and Magnolia Street! The night will be filled with live performances by local dance, musical, and theatrical performers. The kids will be able to write letters to Santa and decorate Christmas cookies! It all leads up to a Christmas Parade of Lights at 7:30 featuring multiple lighted floats and marching bands. The night will end with a fireworks show. We can't wait to see you there! Vendors and those interested in joining the parade can contact Main Street Pascagoula by email at mainstreetpascagoula@gmail.com .

HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGNATION

The National Park Service has designated Downtown Pascagoula as a historic district. The Downtown Pascagoula Historic District, known historically as the Scranton Historic District, is roughly bounded by Krebs Avenue, Pascagoula Street, Convent Avenue, and Frederic Street. While the historic district serves to honor and preserve Pascagoula’s history, it will also aid in the revitalization of the area. Buildings that are contributing to the district are now eligible for historic tax credits. The federal government offers a 20% credit for the rehabilitation of historic structures used for income-producing purposes. The State of Mississippi offers a 25% credit for the rehabilitation of historic structures used for income-producing purposes. Of the 84 properties that make up the Downtown Pascagoula Historic District, 53 are considered contributing and eligible for tax credits.

COMING SOON TO DOWNTOWN

If you've driven around downtown Pascagoula, you may have noticed banners hung on empty buildings and properties letting you know what new things are coming. Among the projects coming to downtown Pascagoula in 2022 are coffee shop Delo's on Delmas, boutique Hotel Whiskey, meal-prep service Kitchen Sisters, furniture store White Pelican, and several additional downtown apartments in many of these buildings. We are excited to see all of these projects come to fruition!

CITY EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Reginald Barnes Sr. has served the City of Pascagoula for more than 15 years. Reggie is a tireless worker, serving in the sewer department as part of our public works team with H2O Innovation. He also works part-time in the Parks & Recreation Department. Reggie works and volunteers countless hours for the local youth. He truly embodies what it means to be an active member of your community. We're lucky to have Reggie as a part of our team!

PROMOTIONS

Congratulations to the newly promoted Fire Captain Landon Baker and Fire Lieutenant Shawn McFaul!

PARKS & RECREATION PROGRAMS @ RECREATION CENTER

Aerobics: Monday & Wednesday (8-9 am) Friday (6-8 pm) $12 per month
Kids Karate: Monday & Thursday (6-7 pm) $60 per month
Kids Ballet: Tuesdays (11 am - 2 pm) $30 per month

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

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Pascagoula-Gautier School District:

Four Pascagoula High School Students have been selected to serve on the State Superintendent's Advisory Council: Nadia Corder, Sophia Cuellar, Ja'Kaylee Minor and Ja'Shaylee Minor. The four are among just 44 students from across the state selected to serve. Students from different backgrounds, school size and regions in Mississippi will be able to share their opinions and offer advice about educational opportunities and policy in Mississippi with Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. "Members of the Student Advisory Council offer tremendous insight about their educational experiences and contribute valuable ideas about how to advance public education in Mississippi," Wright said. All four students are members of the Pascagoula Mayor's Youth Council and are involved in a number of student activities at PHS.

Resurrection Catholic School:

Fall is a busy time of year at the campuses of Resurrection Catholic School, and this year was no exception! Homecoming is always a highly anticipated time for students, staff, and families of RCS. This year was celebrated with spirit week dress out days, a parade, powder puff football games, a block party and pep rally, and a homecoming dance. At Friday's football game, the elementary and high school homecoming court was presented, and senior Ella St. Pe was crowned RCMHS Homecoming Queen. Also, during homecoming week, the newly renovated gymnasium at the middle/high school campus, was dedicated to Coach Glenn Murphy and Coach Leslie Patrick, two former RCS coaches whose legacies have impacted hundreds of young men and women at OLV and RCS. The Murphy and Patrick families were named as Grand Marshalls of the RCS Homecoming Parade. The defending state champion RCS Girls' Volleyball Team gave the school another reason to celebrate. After wins over Pascagoula and George County, the Lady Eagles marched into the playoffs and successfully defended their South State title and returned to the State Championship Game. After a hard fought battle led by Seniors Ciana Mallette and Mia Holland, the Lady Eagles fell just short in a fifth set tie breaker. Congratulations to Mia Holland who received the MHSAA 1A Scholar Athlete award for the player with the highest GPA. Great job Lady Eagles for another fun and amazing season!

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