MAY 2022

INSIDE THE FLAGSHIP CITY

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF PASCAGOULA

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

While we wait for the Surface Transportation Board to make a decision, we remain hopeful that Amtrak service will return between New Orleans and Mobile. Pascagoula has been designated as the only stop in Jackson County. The restoration of our historic train depot is something we've wanted to see happen for a very long time. I'm pleased to share that Gulf Coast Restoration Funds have been awarded for a rail line development that includes the redevelopment of the train depot and Anchor Square properties. A developer has plans to turn the depot into a restaurant and Anchor Square into residential units. We're excited for such a wonderful project that will serve as the first thing train passengers will see as they make their way to the Pascagoula stop. We are so grateful for our legislative delegation. They work so hard in Jackson advocating on behalf of Pascagoula. Great things are on the horizon. I hope you'll join me in being proud and sharing the positive news about the progress we're seeing. -Mayor Jay Willis

UPCOMING EVENTS

MAY 10: Blood Drive @ MS Maritime Museum, 11:00 am-4:00 pm
May 13: Movie Night @ Beach Park: Goosebumps, 8:15 pm
MAY 14: Boating Safety Course @ MS Maritime Museum, 9:00 am
May 14: Disc Golf Tournament, 9:00 am, IG Levy Park
MAY 14: Hugo Krebs 308th Birthday Bash, 1:00 pm, LaPointe Krebs House & Museum
MAY 17: Jackson County Industrial Trade Show, 10:00 am-4:00 pm, Fairgrounds
MAY 20: Third Friday ft. Blackwater Brass, 5:00-8:00 pm, Downtown Pascagoula
MAY 21: National Maritime Day Celebration, 9:30 am-12:00pm, Point Park
May 21: Youth Tennis Team Challenge, 9:30 am, IG Levy Park
MAY 24: Bandit Run & Food Trucks @ Senior Center, 1:00 pm
MAY 27: Pascagoula Area Council, 8:30 am, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce

PGSD NAMES NEW SUPERINTENDENT

Billy Ellzey has been named as the new superintendent of the Pascagoula-Gautier School District. Serving as the Kosciusko School District Superintendent since 2017, Ellzey will start with the PGSD on July 1, 2022 for the 2022-23 school year. The Pascagoula-Gautier Board of Trustees made the decision after starting the search process in November 2021, and then narrowing the search down to two candidates. Ellzey has more than 22 years of experience in the education field, starting as a classroom teacher and coach. “I am excited to work with the staff, parents, and community stakeholders in Pascagoula and Gautier to build upon the traditions already in place for a bright future. Together, we will take our district to the next level,” Ellzey said.

BEACH PARK SPLASH PAD NOW OPEN

The splash pad at Beach Park is now open for the season! The splash pad is open daily from 9:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening.

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.

CITY EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Janet Hurd has worked in the Parks and Recreation Department for 15 years as an After School Counselor. She is extremely hard working and willing to pitch in wherever she is needed. She has helped at the Senior Center, Lighthouse and during many of the department's special events. During the pandemic, Janet volunteered to help keep our participants safe by cleaning the Rec Center every day during our Summer Camp. She is retiring in June and will be truly missed. Thank you, Janet for your years of service and dedication to the City of Pascagoula!

SUMMER SOFTBALL SOCIAL FOR ADULTS

Registration is now open for Park and Recreation's adult open softball league. Men and women 21 and older can register for $20. There will be eight games played at the Pascagoula Sports Complex on Tuesday evenings from June 7-July 26. Post game socials will be held at sponsor restaurants following each game. Registration is individual and teams will be assigned based on self-evaluation. Click here to register.

INDOOR SOCCER CAMP FOR KIDS

Registration for indoor soccer camp at the Pascagoula Recreation Center is now open. The camp will be held on July 7 & 8 from 9:00-12:00 each day. Camp is open to boys and girls age 7-16. All skill levels are welcome. Beat the summer heat and avoid the rain at indoor soccer camp! Registration is $55 per camper. Click here to register.

HELP US WELCOME THE BANDIT RUN TO PASCAGOULA

On Tuesday, May 24, The Bandit Run will be making a pit stop at the Pascagoula Senior Center. The Bandit Run is a group of Trans Am enthusiasts who get together for a road trip each year. The Bandit Runners come from all over the United States. Help us welcome them to Pascagoula and our wonderful Senior Center! There will be food trucks at the Senior Center beginning at 11:30 am. The cars are set to arrive around 1:00 pm. There will be live music from Jim Treadway, the Senior Center Choir, and a performance from the Line Dancers.

NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

The ribbon has been cut on Goosehead Insurance, located at 3313 Market Street. Brothers Garrett & Graham Odom grew up here and recently returned home to open The Odom Agency. Welcome to Pascagoula!

PASCAGOULA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUDUATION

Graduation ceremonies for the Pascagoula High School Class of 2022 will be held at 8:00 in the evening on Thursday, May 19 at War Memorial Stadium. Congratulations Panthers!

RESURRECTION SPORTS WRAP UP ON A HIGH NOTE

For the second year in a row, Hudson Hans and Ryan Roth won the Boys Doubles Championship at the MHSAA 1A State Tennis Championships. On the track, RCS had a great showing at the MHSAA 1A Track Championships with 3^rd place finishes by Khloe Byrd in the 400 meters, Mia Franklin in the pole vault, Terrance Packer in the triple jump and Gavin Davis in the long jump. The RCS girls’ softball team also had success making it to the second round of the playoffs. Basketball standouts JT Schnoor and DJ Pickens were chosen for the All South MS Boys Basketball team for 2021-2022. Congratulations to all these Eagles!

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