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Articles by Hunter Ezelle
Two coast homeowners get first certified fortified roofs in state program
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI, Miss. (WLOX) — Two coast homeowners now have certified “fortified” roofs, the first under the Strengthen Mississippi Homes program. Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney handed out certificates and checks this afternoon. Windstorm Underwriters Association Executive Director Durr Boyles said homeowners benefit beyond a stronger roof. Chaney said the program is paying off.
Biloxi water, sewer rates to increase
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — Biloxi residents and business owners will see their water and sewer bills increase soon. The city council and administration outlined likely increases during a workshop Tuesday. City leaders said costs are going up, and those costs will be passed along to users. Leaders also said reserve funds used for repairs and improvements are dwindling.
Federal highway official visits Mississippi Coast to review road projects
DIAMONDHEAD, Miss. (WLOX) — Three major road projects are moving forward in South Mississippi. The head of the Federal Highway Administration, Sean McMaster, is on the Coast getting updates on how those improvements are coming along. Federal partnerships with MDOT are funding the Diamondhead interchange, upgrades along Highway 67 in Harrison County and new lanes on Highway 57 in Jackson County.
Memorial Gulfport holds 'Pink Out' day for breast cancer awareness
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — On Friday, staff and leadership at Memorial Gulfport marked the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a “Pink-Out” event to encourage the entire community to prioritize breast health. Memorial employees wore pink throughout the day to highlight breast cancer prevention — and the lifesaving importance of regular mammograms.
Memorial Gulfport Holds ‘Pink Out’ Day for breast cancer awareness
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — On Friday, staff and leadership at Memorial Gulfport marked the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a “Pink-Out” event to encourage the entire community to prioritize breast health. Memorial employees wore pink throughout the day to highlight breast cancer prevention — and the lifesaving importance of regular mammograms.
Oyster season opens on Mississippi Gulf Coast
PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (WLOX) — Oyster season is officially open for the 2026-27 season, and about 15 boats had already taken to the water Thursday morning. Boats hit the water bright and early Thursday as oystermen spent the morning searching the reefs for their first catch of the season. Finding them on opening day took some work. “It was slim pickings at first, but we went and caught some. We knew where they were at,” said James “Catfish” Miller, an oysterman with Second Wind.
Oyster season opens on Mississippi Gulf Coast
PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (WLOX) — Oyster season is officially open for the 2026-27 season, and about 15 boats had already taken to the water Thursday morning. Boats hit the water bright and early Thursday as oystermen spent the morning searching the reefs for their first catch of the season. Finding them on opening day took some work. “It was slim pickings at first, but we went and caught some. We knew where they were at,” said James “Catfish” Miller, an oysterman with Second Wind.
Green sea turtle released into Mississippi Sound after months of rehab
PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (WLOX) — One green sea turtle is now home in the Mississippi Sound. The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) released the turtle Thursday morning on the beach across from Walmart in Pass Christian. The turtle arrived at IMMS after accidentally being caught in a cast net in Bay St. Louis. While the net didn’t hurt the animal, the fisherman noticed previous injuries and called IMMS.
Green sea turtle released into Mississippi Sound after months of rehab
PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (WLOX) — One green sea turtle is now home in the Mississippi Sound. The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) released the turtle Thursday morning on the beach across from Walmart in Pass Christian. The turtle arrived at IMMS after accidentally being caught in a cast net in Bay St. Louis. While the net didn’t hurt the animal, the fisherman noticed previous injuries and called IMMS.
Downtown Gulfport business owners bury hot dogs in hopes of clear skies for Cruisin' the Coast
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — The 17th annual View the Cruise event happens this weekend, and with the weather forecast not looking promising, Gulfport Main Street and business owners in the downtown area are thinking of any way to stop the rain from coming in. When they found out about an old wives' tale of burying a hot dog to deter bad weather, those involved figured they would give it a try.
Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary gives surrendered monkeys a second life
PERKINSTON, Miss. (WLOX) — Twenty-two monkeys are relearning how to be monkeys at the Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary after spending their lives as pets in people's homes. Caregivers say the rescues point to a larger issue behind how monkeys end up in American households. How the sanctuary started April Stewart, founder of the Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary, said her involvement began the same way many owners' did. “I actually started just like all the other people.
Downtown Gulfport business owners bury hot dogs in hopes of clear skies for Cruisin’ the Coast
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — The 17th annual View the Cruise event happens this weekend, and with the weather forecast not looking promising, Gulfport Main Street and business owners in the downtown area are thinking of any way to stop the rain from coming in. When they found out about an old wives’ tale of burying a hot dog to deter bad weather, those involved figured they would give it a try.
Downtown Gulfport business owners bury hot dogs in hopes of clear skies for Cruisin’ the Coast
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — The 17th annual View the Cruise event happens this weekend, and with the weather forecast not looking promising, Gulfport Main Street and business owners in the downtown area are thinking of any way to stop the rain from coming in. When they found out about an old wives’ tale of burying a hot dog to deter bad weather, those involved figured they would give it a try.
Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary gives surrendered monkeys a second life
PERKINSTON, Miss. (WLOX) — Twenty-two monkeys are relearning how to be monkeys at the Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary after spending their lives as pets in people’s homes. Caregivers say the rescues point to a larger issue behind how monkeys end up in American households. How the sanctuary started April Stewart, founder of the Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary, said her involvement began the same way many owners’ did. “I actually started just like all the other people.
Downtown Gulfport business owners, Mainstreet bury hot dogs in hopes of clear skies for Cruisin’ the Coast
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — The 17th annual View the Cruise event happens this weekend, and with the weather forecast not looking promising, Gulfport Mainstreet and business owners in the downtown area are thinking of any way to stop the rain from coming in. When they found out about an old wives’ tale of burying a hot dog to deter bad weather, those involved figured they would give it a try.
Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary gives surrendered monkeys a second life
PERKINSTON, Miss. (WLOX) — Twenty-two monkeys are relearning how to be monkeys at the Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary after spending their lives as pets in people’s homes. Caregivers say the rescues point to a larger issue behind how monkeys end up in American households. How the sanctuary started April Stewart, founder of the Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary, said her involvement began the same way many owners’ did. “I actually started just like all the other people.
MSU, MGCCC partner to host ‘Securing the Coast’ cyber security event Original
Gulfport, Miss. (WLOX) —Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Mississippi State University held “Securing the Coast,” an event aimed at helping small businesses with defense contracts strengthen their cybersecurity practices. The event comes as the Department of War pushes for increased security amid threats to critical defense contractors, many of which operate along the Gulf Coast.
Banana Ball players connect with Coast fans before sold-out weekend
WAVELAND, Miss. (WLOX) — Banana Ball fans got an early chance to meet their favorite players Friday morning ahead of a high-energy, sold-out weekend series on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Fans gathered at 9:30 a.m. at the Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Waveland — an official partner of the Loco Beach Coconuts — to greet players, snap photos, and share in the pre-game excitement. The Loco Beach Coconuts face off against the Firefighters on Friday and Saturday night at Keesler Federal Park in Biloxi.
Banana Ball players connect with Coast fans before sold-out weekend
WAVELAND, Miss. (WLOX) — Banana Ball fans got an early chance to meet their favorite players Friday morning ahead of a high-energy, sold-out weekend series on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Fans gathered at 9:30 a.m. at the Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Waveland — an official partner of the Loco Beach Coconuts — to greet players, snap photos, and share in the pre-game excitement. The Loco Beach Coconuts face off against the Firefighters on Friday and Saturday night at Keesler Federal Park in Biloxi.
Back Bay Mission holds ‘Save a Life’ event
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — South Mississippi organizations worked together Thursday to help the public recognize an overdose and prevent it. The “Save a Life” movement happens every September. Communities gather to provide overdose prevention education, share information about local recovery services, and give away free Narcan. South Mississippi organizations worked together Thursday to help the public recognize an overdose and prevent it. Back Bay Mission participated in the movement.
MGCCC celebrates new training hub for future healthcare professionals
GAUTIER, Miss. (WLOX) — Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) held a ribbon-cutting on Wednesday for the Health Professions Building at the Jackson County Campus in Gautier. Officials say the new facility will benefit both students and the community. Dr. Cedric Bradley, Vice President of the Jackson County Campus, said the building is a win for Jackson County.
Ocean Springs businesses prepare for Hobie 16 Championship, Songwriters Festival
OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) — Light winds delayed the start of racing on day one of the Hobie 16 International Championship in Ocean Springs. Dozens of sailing teams are taking part in the event over the next two weeks. Lil' Market Deli and Bagelry owner Oren Zweig is ordering more food and hiring more staff for the rush. Later this week, more people will come to Ocean Springs for the Mississippi Songwriters’ Festival. Perkins says tourism keeps his business moving.
Seabees honor Medal of Honor recipient with battle reenactment
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Seabees on Thursday honored Medal of Honor recipient Marvin Shields with a Vietnam battle reenactment. Seabees on Thursday honored Medal of Honor recipient Marvin Shields with a Vietnam battle reenactment. At 1 p.m., Seabees staged a recreation of the final moments of Shields’ life in combat. Shields is the first and only U.S. Navy Seabee ever awarded the Medal of Honor. Seabees on Thursday honored Medal of Honor recipient Marvin Shields with a Vietnam battle reenactment.
Seabees honor fallen service members, families, as part of annual Bells Across America ceremony Original
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — The sounds of bells rang out in Gulfport as a part of the annual Bells Across America ceremony Thursday. he sounds of bells rang out in Gulfport as a part of the annual Bells Across America ceremony Thursday. Each September, the program gives families of fallen service members one promise — that their loved ones will not be forgotten.
Labor Day celebration honors working families in Moss Point
MOSS POINT, Miss. (WLOX) — The Jackson County Democratic Executive Committee hosted a Labor Day celebration for working families Monday afternoon at Second Street Park. Organizers offered free food, giveaways and a chance to hear from state Reps. Jeramey Anderson and Jeffrey Hulum III, along with local union leaders and business owners. Anne McMillion, chairwoman of the Jackson County Democratic Executive Committee, said the event celebrated the working family.
80-year-old Gautier marina now under new ownership Original
GAUTIER, Miss. (WLOX) — Mary Walker Marina is the oldest continually operating business in Gautier and this year, it’s celebrating 80 years of service. The historic property now has new local ownership: four Jackson County surgeons and an operating manager. The historic property now has new local ownership: four Jackson County surgeons and an operating manager. They say they’re investing in upgrades and preservation to honor Mary Walker’s history while expanding what the site offers the community.
Tiger Beach nears debut in Henderson Point
HENDERSON POINT, Miss. (WLOX) — Tiger Beach is nearing its debut, and owner Thomas Genin says the project could help reshape how people experience Henderson Point. Water surrounds two sides of the property, which also includes cabanas, a boathouse and fuel docks. “This is the only place since Hurricane Katrina that has had zero commercial activity, and we’re really excited about that,” Genin said. Genin said Tiger Beach has been years in the making, but he has wanted to build on the site since 2009.
Biloxi police, fire department compete for most donations at Battle of the Badges blood drive
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — A friendly competition in Biloxi meant to help save lives wrapped up Wednesday. The Biloxi police and fire departments faced off in the battle of the badges blood drive. Community members spent the day donating blood at the Biloxi Visitors Center. The blood drive wrapped up at 4 p.m. “Oh, it's always fun, especially when it becomes a competition. Between police and fire, you know, there's always a friendly rivalry between the two.
Biloxi police, fire department compete for most donations at Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — A friendly competition in Biloxi meant to help save lives wrapped up Wednesday. A friendly competition in Biloxi meant to help save lives wrapped up Wednesday. The Biloxi police and fire departments faced off in the battle of the badges blood drive. Community members spent the day donating blood at the Biloxi Visitors Center. The blood drive wrapped up at 4 p.m. “Oh, it’s always fun, especially when it becomes a competition.
Hancock County libraries launch Imagination Library donation drive
BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. (WLOX) — Hancock County Libraries is celebrating Library Card Month by launching a donation drive to expand the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program in Hancock County. Every dollar donated in September will be matched by the Library Foundation of Hancock County, up to $30,000. Library officials said they are honored to help carry Dolly Parton's legacy forward, one book and one reader at a time.
Hancock County libraries launch Imagination Library donation drive
BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. (WLOX) — Hancock County Libraries is celebrating Library Card Month by launching a donation drive to expand the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program in Hancock County. Every dollar donated in September will be matched by the Library Foundation of Hancock County, up to $30,000. Library officials said they are honored to help carry Dolly Parton’s legacy forward, one book and one reader at a time.
Gulfport retirement community brings Waffle House experience to residents
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — A retirement community brought the Waffle House experience to its residents without requiring them to leave the building. Lakeview residents received the sounds, smells and food associated with the restaurant chain, delivered on-site. Residents recall Waffle House memories Shannon Allen, a Lakeview resident, said Waffle House is a shared favorite among residents. “Everybody loves Waffle House. And it just brings that fun to Lakeview,” Allen said.
Gulfport retirement community brings Waffle House experience to residents
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — A retirement community brought the Waffle House experience to its residents without requiring them to leave the building. Lakeview residents received the sounds, smells and food associated with the restaurant chain, delivered on-site. Residents recall Waffle House memories Shannon Allen, a Lakeview resident, said Waffle House is a shared favorite among residents. “Everybody loves Waffle House. And it just brings that fun to Lakeview,” Allen said.
New indoor playroom opens for kids in Long Beach
LONG BEACH, Miss. (WLOX) — Tiny Tides Playroom is now open in Long Beach, an indoor, air-conditioned play place designed for kids eight and under. The new business on Beatline Road includes dress-up areas, jungle gyms and a ball pit for toddlers two and under. Owner Caitlyn Dawsey, a mom of two with a third on the way, said she created Tiny Tides so families would have a safe, comfortable place for their children to play out of the heat.
Two South Mississippi districts rank among top 10 in state testing
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI (WLOX) — Bay-Waveland Schools and Ocean Springs Schools scored in the top-10 in the state in all three subject areas of this year’s Mississippi Academic Assessment Program results. Ocean Springs Schools is one of only four districts in Mississippi to score in the top 10 in all three tested subject areas for the seventh year in a row. The district leads in English language arts, math and science. The district leads in English language arts, math and science.
Biloxi Lighthouse undergoes restoration of upper deck and lantern room
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — Major renovations are underway at the Biloxi Lighthouse, according to public affairs specialist John Majure. The lighthouse has stood for more than 175 years, Majure said. Restoration follows Katrina damage The current work is a restoration of the upper deck following damage from Hurricane Katrina, Majure said. “This is a restoration after that Katrina damage restoration to get that upper deck redone,” Majure said.
Biloxi Lighthouse undergoes restoration of upper deck and lantern room
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — Major renovations are underway at the Biloxi Lighthouse, according to public affairs specialist John Majure. The lighthouse has stood for more than 175 years, Majure said. Restoration follows Katrina damage The current work is a restoration of the upper deck following damage from Hurricane Katrina, Majure said. “This is a restoration after that Katrina damage restoration to get that upper deck redone,” Majure said.
Pineville Elementary School named Emerging Science of Reading School for 2026-2027
HARRISON COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX) — Pineville Elementary in the Harrison County School District was named one of Mississippi’s Emerging Science of Reading Schools for the 2026-2027 academic year. The designation recognizes schools that focus on building strong readers in kindergarten through third grade. Students took a break from class on Monday to celebrate the achievement. Former principal Jamie Boyer said technology will not replace reading printed books.
Pass Christian elementary school named Emerging Science of Reading School for 2026-2027
PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (WLOX) — Pineville Elementary in Pass Christian was named one of Mississippi’s Emerging Science of Reading Schools for the 2026-2027 academic year. The designation recognizes schools that focus on building strong readers in kindergarten through third grade. Students took a break from class to celebrate the achievement. Former principal Jamie Boyer said technology will not replace reading printed books.
Jim Simpson Pier could reopen by end of September after six-year closure
LONG BEACH, Miss. (WLOX) — The Jim Simpson Pier in Long Beach could reopen by the end of September, more than six years after Hurricane Zeta ripped it apart in 2020. Work is underway to restore the Gulf Coast landmark along Highway 90. While the project is led by Harrison County, Long Beach city officials said they are grateful for the progress being made for residents, visitors, fishermen and families across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Powerball jackpot climbs to $905 million ahead of Monday’s drawing
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $905 million after no ticket matched Saturday night’s six winning numbers to claim the $856 million grand prize. Monday’s drawing marks the latest in a jackpot run that has gone without a winner for more than three months. A ticket sold in Texas won $2 million in Saturday’s drawing. Four additional tickets — sold in Arizona, Florida, Michigan and New York — each won $1 million.
George Rodrigue ‘Bayou Collection’ opens at Walter Anderson Museum of Art
OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) — A new exhibition featuring early work by Louisiana artist George Rodrigue opened Monday at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. The Bayou Collection showcases 40 pieces from Rodrigue’s work in the early 1980s, including the original Blue Dog — the painting credited with launching the artist’s widely recognized series. The exhibition runs through Jan. 9. Mattie Cooling, executive director of the museum, said the exhibition connects two iconic artists of the Gulf South.
Beau Rivage donates school supplies to Coast elementary schools
OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) — The Beau Rivage Casino and its employees collected school supplies and began distributing them to area elementary schools this week. Since Monday, representatives have visited multiple campuses across South Mississippi. On Thursday, they stopped at Magnolia Park Elementary in Ocean Springs. Alison Graham, principal at Magnolia Park Elementary, said the donation reflects broader community support for students. “We feel very loved.
Treasure Bay Casino partners with Salvation Army for clothing drive
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — The Salvation Army and Treasure Bay Casino have launched a clothing drive this week, accepting donations daily through Saturday in the casino’s south parking lot. The drive began Wednesday at 11 a.m. Residents can drop off unwanted clothing between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. each day through Saturday. “My goal is to fill this truck. I hope they have to go drop it off and bring it back again,” said Susan Varnes, Treasure Bay Casino president and COO.
Biloxi community center pool cuts hours amid lifeguard shortage
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — The city of Biloxi announced Friday that the pool at the Donal M. Snyder Senior Community Center will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays and will remain open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 a.m. until noon. The reduced schedule comes after the city’s budget meeting Tuesday, where a lifeguard shortage was identified as the cause of the potential closure, which was first reported Thursday.
Mississippi Aquarium staff take extra steps to keep animals cool in summer heat Original
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Staff at the Mississippi Aquarium are using ice treats, temperature-controlled habitats, and shaded retreats to keep animals comfortable during the summer heat. Staff at the Mississippi Aquarium are using ice treats, temperature-controlled habitats, and shaded retreats to keep animals comfortable during the summer heat.
Ingalls Shipbuilding employees pack more than 1,000 food bags for Jackson County students
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX) — Employees at Ingalls Shipbuilding packed more than 1,000 bags of food Wednesday as part of the Backpack Buddy program in Jackson County, an annual effort aimed at fighting food insecurity among children. Shipbuilders rotated through the packing event, filling bags with snacks intended for students. Stakeholder Engagement Manager Lisa Bradley said the event is one employees look forward to each year. “And we ask them throughout the year, what matters to you?
Moss Point School District holds employee convocation ahead of new school year
MOSS POINT, Miss. (WLOX) — Teachers, administrators, and staff in the Moss Point School District gathered Monday for the district's 2026 Employee Convocation, an annual event organizers describe as one of the district's most anticipated of the year. The event brought employees together to recognize their dedication and to share the district's vision for the year ahead. Interim Superintendent David Graves said the convocation serves as a launching point for the new school year.
Moss Point School District holds employee convocation ahead of new school year
MOSS POINT, Miss. (WLOX) — Teachers, administrators, and staff in the Moss Point School District gathered Monday for the district’s 2026 Employee Convocation, an annual event organizers describe as one of the district’s most anticipated of the year. The event brought employees together to recognize their dedication and to share the district’s vision for the year ahead. Interim Superintendent David Graves said the convocation serves as a launching point for the new school year.
IMMS uses acoustic tags to track endangered sea turtles near fishing piers Original
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) is adding acoustic tags to its sea turtle research program, allowing scientists to track the endangered animals underwater near local fishing piers in real time. For years, IMMS has used satellite tags to monitor sea turtles across the Gulf of Mexico, recording their locations when they surface for air. The new acoustic tags provide a closer look at turtle movement in specific areas. “Satellite’s great for long distance.
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