City of Gulfport - Mayor's Office

Start your engines and get ready for the 15th Annual View the Cruise presented by Gulfport Main Street and Gulfport Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED!

SUNDAY OCTOBER 6th !!

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as we bring together an incredible array of talented artists to entertain you throughout the View the cruise event. From local favorites to renowned performers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Mark your calendars and start your engines. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, October 6 for the 15th annual view the cruise!

Gulfport declares a state of emergency, administrative closure, and curfew ahead of Hurricane Francine. ⚠️

GULFPORT, Miss. (Sept. 11, 2024) — Mayor Billy Hewes has declared a state of emergency for the City of Gulfport due to the anticipated impacts of Hurricane Francine.

Key Announcements:

Administrative Closure:
All city administrative functions will be suspended beginning at noon today, Sept. 11, 2024. Operations will resume at 6 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.

Curfew:
A citywide curfew will be in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, through 5:59 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.

The curfew is in place solely for public safety due to the approaching severe weather, including strong winds (50-60 mph) and heavy rain. The purpose is to minimize unnecessary travel that could lead to accidents or interfere with emergency response.

If you are commuting to or from work or have another essential reason to be out, you’re allowed to travel. Should you encounter law enforcement, simply explain your situation, and you will be able to proceed. Your safety is our top priority, and we appreciate your cooperation during this time.

⚠️ Hurricane Francine Update – 10 PM Advisory ⚠️

Hurricane Francine is approaching the Louisiana coast, but the Mississippi Gulf Coast will still face significant impacts, including tropical storm conditions, heavy rain, coastal flooding, and the threat of tornadoes starting early Wednesday morning and continuing into Thursday.

Expected Impacts for Mississippi Gulf Coast:
- Heavy Rainfall: 4-8 inches, with isolated areas receiving up to 12 inches, which may lead to flash flooding in urban and low-lying areas.
- Storm Surge: Coastal areas along the Mississippi Gulf Coast may experience a storm surge of 3-5 feet, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
- Tornado Risk: Tornadoes are possible across southern Mississippi starting Wednesday morning through Wednesday night as outer bands from the storm impact the region.

Shelters Opening in Harrison County at 9 AM on 09/11/24:
- County Farm Road Shelter – 15038 County Farm Rd, Gulfport
- Lyman Senior Center (Pet Accommodations) – 14592 County Farm Rd, Gulfport
- D'Iberville High School – 15625 Lamey Bridge Rd, Biloxi
- Lobouy Road Shelter – 9505 Lobouy Rd, Pass Christian
- Crated pets can be sheltered at the Lyman Senior Center

Local Announcements:
- Gulfport and Harrison County schools will be closed tomorrow (09/11/24).
- Waste Pro will collect trash one hour earlier tomorrow.
- Coast Transit Authority (CTA) will cease all services at 12:00 PM (noon) on Wednesday and will provide evacuation transportation from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Call 866-206-8843 ext. 0 to schedule transportation.

Key Reminders:
- Complete all preparations tonight (09/10/24).
- Prepare a Go-Kit with food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important documents in waterproof containers.
- Charge devices and have backup power sources ready for possible power outages.
- Secure pets and make final preparations for their safety.

Watches and Warnings for the Mississippi Gulf Coast:
- Storm Surge Warning: From Cameron, Louisiana to the Mississippi/Alabama Border.
- Tropical Storm Warning: From east of Grand Isle, Louisiana to the Alabama/Florida border, including all of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Follow the National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service New Orleans, and Harrison County Emergency Management for the latest updates.

The Gulfport School District will be closed on Wednesday, September 11, for evacuation and preparation.

GSD will also remain closed on Thursday, September 12, to allow families time to return home and clean up any storm debris.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: As Tropical Storm Francine nears the Gulf Coast, MDOT advises any boats that need to shelter on the back bay or need to move inland via one of the drawbridges on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to do so by 6 p.m. TONIGHT, September 10.

Tropical storm force winds are expected to affect the area starting tonight. These wind speeds have prompted MDOT to remove the gate arms on drawbridges on State Route 605, State Route 609, and I-110. The gate arms will be removed just before 6 p.m. tonight. Then, the bridges will be locked down and closed to marine traffic. They will not be raised again until after the storm passes.

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3AZ0LEO

Tropical Storm Francine – Updated Warnings for Gulfport

10:40 AM | Sept. 10

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is under Tropical Storm and Storm Surge Warnings. Francine is moving N/NE with sustained winds of 65 mph and could reach 90 mph at landfall. Expected impacts include strong winds, heavy rainfall, and significant storm surge.

Residents should complete preparations by tonight (09/10/24):

🥫 Prepare a Go-Kit: Include food, water, medications, and important documents in a waterproof container.
📲 Monitor Forecasts: Stay informed using multiple sources such as apps, radios, and news outlets.
🚗 Evacuation Plan: Know your evacuation routes and where you’ll go if evacuation is ordered.

Sandbags are available:
- Hewes Avenue and Glover Street
- Harrison County Road Department, 10076 Lorraine Road, Gulfport
- Orange Grove Work Center, 8300 34th Ave., Gulfport
- Courthouse Road Pier, 96 Courthouse Road, Gulfport
- Fire Station 2, 3838 12th St

Gulfport School District will be closed Wednesday and Thursday.

Stay informed through the National Weather Service and Harrison County Emergency Management.

Tropical Storm Francine – Watches Issued for Gulfport ⚠️

Sept. 10 | 10:40 AM

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is under Tropical Storm and Storm Surge Warnings. Francine is moving N/NE with sustained winds of 65 mph and could reach 90 mph at landfall. Expected impacts include strong winds, heavy rainfall, and significant storm surge.

Sept. 9 | 5:30 PM

As of 4 PM, Tropical Storm Francine continues to strengthen, with a potential upgrade to hurricane status as it approaches the Gulf Coast. A Tropical Storm Watch, Flood Watch, and Storm Surge Watch remain in effect for Harrison County.

Sept. 9 | 12:30 PM

A Tropical Storm Watch, Flood Watch, and Storm Surge Watch are currently in effect for Harrison County, including Gulfport, Biloxi, D'Iberville, Long Beach, and Pass Christian.

Sandbags Available:
Sandbags are available at the corner of Hewes Avenue and Glover Street.

Expected Impact:
As the storm approaches Wednesday and Thursday, prepare for heavy rainfall, storm surge, strong winds, and possible tornadoes.

Preparation Tips:
- Secure outdoor items.
- Clear drainage systems to minimize flooding risk.
- Locate flashlights, batteries, water, and non-perishable food items in case of power outages.

Stay Informed:
Monitor official forecasts for updates and warnings from the National Weather Service and Harrison County Emergency Management.

The next update will be posted this evening unless significant changes occur sooner.

For more information or assistance, contact Harrison County EMA at 228-865-4002

We are looking for car enthusiast / collectable vendors, art vendors and food trucks! Interested in joining us for the largest block party on the coast ? Message me for more information!

🍂🍁Fall is in the air so guess what we just got?! Amazon just delivered our brand new Pumpkin Spice Police Lidar Gun 8000, and trust us—it's laser accurate!

Whether you're:
- "Just keeping up with the flow of traffic"
- "Running late for the most important meeting of your life"
- "About to go number one and two"
- "Desperately needing that Starbucks trenta (btw, that’s the 30 oz drank. And yes, we said drank) iced white mocha with vanilla, sweet cream, cold foam, and caramel drizzle"
- “The speed limit is too slow for this highway. If I go the speed limit, I’ll get run over”
- “Highway 90’s speed limit should be at least 73 MPH”
- “I thought the sign said 90 MPH, not HWY 90”

We've heard just about every excuse in the book. But our Pumpkin Spice Police Lidar Gun 8000 can shoot pumpkin rays up to a mile away, so take it easy, slow down, enjoy the season, and most importantly—stay safe out there. 🍁🍂

TrainTastic hosting Touch-A-Truck event this weekend - WXXV News 25 TrainTastic in Gulfport is hosting a first responder appreciation day this weekend. On September 7th, all first responders can enter the museum for free. Non-first responders can still join in the fun, adult tickets costing $10 and children tickets costing $8. A special event for the children, a Tou...

In observance of Labor Day, all non-emergency City of Gulfport offices will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024. Please note that Waste Pro will also not be collecting garbage, trash, or recycling on this day.

📅 Waste Collection Update:

Monday’s collection will be moved to Tuesday, Tuesday’s collection will be on Wednesday, and so forth for the remainder of the week.

For more information, Gulfport residents can dial 311 or call (228) 868-5700.

Enjoy a safe and happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸

Nineteen years ago, our lives along the Mississippi Gulf Coast were forever changed by the devastating force of Hurricane Katrina. On this day, we remember the heartbreak of loss, the destruction of homes, and the way our communities were upended. The storm’s massive surges, reaching 30 feet, washed away more than just buildings—it took parts of our lives with it.

But in the face of unimaginable devastation, we found strength. We came together to rebuild not only our homes but our sense of community. We supported one another through the darkest times, demonstrating that our spirit cannot be broken.

Today, as we remember those we lost and the many lives forever changed, we are reminded of the power of our shared humanity.

It is our unity and compassion that have made us resilient.

Together, we continue to heal and move forward, proving that we are stronger together.

📸 Tim Isbell | SunHerald

What an incredible night at the One Coast Jam 2024! 🎸🥁

We are overwhelmed by the community's support and enthusiasm. Your presence made this event memorable; we couldn't have done it without you!

A huge thank you to everyone who came out, our amazing sponsors, talented performers, and all the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this event successful. Together, we are supporting a better way to give and positively impact our community.

Excitement building for upcoming Amtrak stop in Gulfport Senator Roger Wicker, Mayor Billy Hewes, and business owners in Gulfport gathered at Pop Brothers on Tuesday to talk about their excitement for the return of the Amtrak services.

TONIGHT! 🎸🥁 We can't wait to see you at Ground Zero Blues Club Biloxi for the One Coast Jam 2024: Supporting Better Way To Give!

Arrive by 6:00 PM, and you will have a chance to be in a tourism commercial before the concert at 7:00!

Better Way to Give: One Year Later
https://www.wlox.com/2024/08/27/better-way-give-one-year-later/

Daisy insisted upon joining me at the office for take your pet to work day!

Thank you Biloxi Shuckers for donating tickets for First Responder Night!

We're excited to welcome Mercedes Carranza as the newest member of the Memorial Health System Board of Trustees! He was appointed by the City of Gulfport to serve on the board effective August 1, 2024.

Mr. Carranza brings a wealth of experience and deep community ties to his new role, and we look forward to the impact he will make.

Learn more: https://wearememorial.com/2024/08/mercedes-carranza-appointed-to-memorial-health-system-board-of-trustees/

Join us this evening at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College IMPAC as Mayor Billy Hewes goes head-to-head with some of the brightest young minds on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the "Are You Smarter Than a Club Kid?" trivia showdown! 🧠📚

Will Mayor Hewes' competitive spirit and strategic game skills help him outsmart the kids, or will the next generation come out on top? There's only one way to find out!

📅 Date: Thursday, August 22, 2024
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Doors open at 5:00 PM)
📍 Location: MGCCC iMPAC, 409 Debuys Rd, Gulfport, MS 39507
🎟️ Admission: FREE (Donations Welcome)

Come out and support our Mayor and the incredible kids of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast!