Page 106 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2019

LONG BEACH
NEW BUSINESSES, DOG PARK AND HARBOR MARKET
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of The City of Long Beach
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Known as the Friendly City, Long Beach is on the move with growing businesses and a population of 14,792. The city is home to the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Park Campus, along with a popular harbor and beach front and several
light industries. Jeff Davis Avenue, the main downtown thoroughfare, is rebounding from the ravages of Hurricane Katrina with shops, restaurants, city hall, a public
library and an inviting town green. Mayor George Bass says the Long Beach economy is steadily growing and open for growth and business.
New businesses added in 2018 include Crunch Fitness, Dollar Tree, Goodwill, Cajun Gourmet, Jerky King, Basil’s Restaurant, Sassy Southern Boutique and Friendship Oak Village Dorms
for student housing. The Long Beach Wheel Way is also new, and is the first handicap beach access on the Coast.
Jeepin the Coast and Long Beach Live Finally First Friday are part of the line up of public events.
“Long Beach Live is a concert series to expose residents and visitors to local talented musicians and grow the festival community in our wonderful downtown area as well as to foster local business growth,” spokeswoman Jenny Levens said. “In doing so,
we have seen a marked increase in business for our local merchants and promotion of our city across the Coast.”
The concerts run from April through the end of October every year. Events are held the first Friday of every month in the Harper McCaughan Town Green amphitheater and are schedule from 7-10 p.m. These events are free to the public. Every Saturday the farmers market opens to sell fresh produce, meats, cheeses and more.
City improvements planned for 2019 include the Long Beach Gateway at Jeff Davis Avenue and Highway 90, FETCH Park for dogs and the opening of Long Beach Harbor Market.
Asked about a casino opening in Long Beach, Mayor Bass said, “We are waiting on the Gaming Commission to decide if the proposed site is a legal gaming site.”
106 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • January 2019
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