Page 45 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2023

As Mayor, I am proud to invite you to join us in celebration of the 125th anniversary of our city. This significant event is not just a mark of longevity, but a testament to our community’s resilience and collective spirit.
Our city’s history is rich and varied. We started from humble beginnings in the 1840s, transforming over time from the small settlements of Mississippi City and Handsboro into the thriving economic hub we have today.
It is crucial to honor the foundations of our city, established by the pioneers who shaped our community with strategic vision and industrious effort. They harnessed the richness of our local pine forests, harvested the bounties of our waters, and leveraged our position on the Gulf of Mexico into the center of commerce we are today.
Gulfport was officially incorporated in 1898 and has withstood the trials of time, undergoing significant developments, including the construction of the G&SI Railroad and the deepening of our port into the third-largest commercial maritime operation in the Gulf.
Our journey is one of remarkable progress. Even confronting natural disasters and economic transformations, our unwavering resilience carries us forward. Rising stronger and more unified through each challenge, Gulfport’s success is a testament to our enduring spirit.
As we gather on July 29 at Jones Park, I look forward to the communal spirit that
will fill the air. Expect an array of family-friendly activities, live local music, and food trucks serving our local delicacies. As the day concludes, we’ll gather to watch fireworks, symbolizing our vibrant past, dynamic present, and promising future.
So, bring your loved ones, share your Gulfport stories, and join us in this city-wide celebration! After all, we are Gulfport. We thrive on unity, progress through shared dreams, and building our future through collective efforts. I look forward to marking this milestone with each of you as we continue to write Gulfport’s remarkable story.
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net July 2023 | 45