Page 34 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2020

JACKSON COUNTY
CASHING IN WITH A
CONNECTED
COMMUNITY
story by Paige Roberts
Consultants, economic developers, and planners across the country in 2020 are all speaking the same language: the language of connectivity. Jackson County is speaking it too!
Sparklight, for example, has invested $14 million in Jackson County, and $46 million across Mississippi’s three coastal counties, in laying deeper ber optic infrastructure.
Several companies and community leaders in Jackson County are paving the same path as Sparklight to better broadband access. In addition to enabling improved communication,
this communal e ort is an economic driver. The three pillars
of economic opportunity for the Mississippi Gulf Coast are foundational, core economic development, and transformational, according to the Coastal Mississippi Investment Opportunity Analysis, published by TIP Strategies for the Gulf Coast Business Council and Gulf Coast Community Foundation. 5G and broadband are examples of foundational opportunity.
Jackson County Administrator Brian Fulton and the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Regional Strategy Committee are helping lead the e ort to coordinate telecommunication e orts across the county. Fulton said, “Jackson County’s strength of industry, small business, and leadership will build our capacity to compete on the world-wide stage.”
Sparklight President Laulis spoke to the greater meaning of connectivity for communities, “Rural residents can telecommute rather than having to move to nd work. It means access to medical care via telehealth services; the ability to achieve a higher education online; and the cultivation of entrepreneurship and economic growth.”
PITCH IN, PASCAGOULA! story by Paige Roberts
Just call new Pascagoula Mayor Steve Demetropoulos “Mr. Clean.” One of his rst initiatives since swearing into o ce on February 18, is “Pitch In, Pascagoula!” The anti-litter campaign is aimed at cleaning up the city’s image because a trashy town is not attractive to potential developers, investors, or visitors.
“It’s like the broken windows theory, which says visible signs of crime, anti-social behavior, and civil disorder encourage more crime and bad behavior. Only this is about our landscape,” Demetropoulos pointed out. “I consider safety and cleanliness to be non-negotiables for the success of a city.”
The rst steps of Pitch In, Pascagoula have focused
on structuring the campaign and communication with stakeholders and partners. The mayor met with the police department to discuss stronger enforcement of city laws, such as the $500 ne for littering. The city is increasing signage to remind people of the law and penalty for breaking it.
City Manager Michael Silverman is working with the company Utility Partners to ensure the high-rise bridge
is cleaned twice a week, while the Mayor enlists the help of community group Pascagoula Pride in re-visiting the Adopt-A-Highway program. Waste Pro is providing extra Dumpsters for designated clean-up e orts.
Demetropoulos said, “This is a matter of pride. Everyone needs to pitch in!”
34 | April 2020
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