Will Polston
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Articles by Will Polston
The £1m Ceiling: What's Stopping More Women-Led Businesses From Reaching Seven Figures
Women-led businesses grow when founders build profitable, scalable, less dependent companies. When a women-led business stalls before £1m, confidence usually gets the blame. Think bigger, take more risks, ask for more money. It's a tidy explanation, and it's incomplete because it ignores unequal access to funding, networks, role models, and practical support with caring responsibilities.
Bay Waveland School District ranks No. 1 in state accountability scores
BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. (WLOX) — The Mississippi Department of Education released its 2025-26 state accountability scores, and the Bay Waveland School District earned the highest ranking of all 148 districts statewide. The district scored in the top 4% for reading, math and science proficiency, and in the top 2% for growth in math and reading. Nicole Menotti, assistant superintendent, said the district focused on proficiency.
North Gulfport coach named Mississippi Middle School Coach of the Year
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — North Gulfport Elementary & Middle School football and basketball coach Tim Nelson has been named the 2025-26 Mississippi Middle School Coach of the Year. Harrison County School District leaders surprised Nelson with the announcement in the school gym. Players applauded as he walked in. Faculty and staff kept the award a secret and presented Nelson with a slideshow of memories from his teams. “It’s nice to be honored. It’s not something I was working towards.
Harrison County poll workers begin election training
HARRISON COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX) — Poll workers in Harrison County began training Tuesday to prepare for Election Day. The training is a two-week process that teaches workers the steps to make sure votes are cast and collected correctly. Becky Payne, with the Harrison County Election Commission, said the workers take the job seriously. “The coworkers, we have taken the job seriously. They’re dedicated to it.
Cruisin' the Coast rolls into Pascagoula's Beach Park
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX) — Cruisin' the Coast rolled into Pascagoula Thursday morning, packing Beach Park with classic cars, live music, and families out having fun. Even with Isaias looming off the coast, folks in the Flag City didn't let it spoil their day. Cruiser Larry Soper said the Beach Park stop is his favorite on the entire Cruisin' the Coast route.
Cruisin’ the Coast rolls into Pascagoula’s Beach Park
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX) — Cruisin’ the Coast rolled into Pascagoula Thursday morning, packing Beach Park with classic cars, live music, and families out having fun. Even with Isaias looming off the coast, folks in the Flag City didn’t let it spoil their day. Cruiser Larry Soper said the Beach Park stop is his favorite on the entire Cruisin’ the Coast route.
Inside the Biloxi Block Party for Cruisin’ the Coast
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — Cruisers took over the Biloxi Town Green and downtown for the Biloxi Block Party Wednesday. While Cruisin’ the Coast is celebrating 30 years, the block party started back in 2002 and has quickly become one of the most popular events each year. “The people, the cars. You know, no matter who you talk to, young or old, you’ve got the same interests, and if they’ve got that, there can be common ground anywhere,” said Chester Lamey, a Biloxi resident attending the block party.
Ocean Springs considers ordinance on public urination, defecation
OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) — The Ocean Springs Board of Aldermen will discuss an ordinance addressing public urination and defecation at tonight’s meeting. The ordinance is intended to improve public health and safety in the city. Ocean Springs currently has no ordinance in place addressing the issue. Mayor Bobby Cox said most cities already have this type of ordinance.
Veteran golfers compete in national championship in Harrison County
HARRISON COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX) — More than 100 veteran golfers are in Harrison County for the Veteran Golfers Association National Championship. The veterans are playing at the Fallen Oak Golf Course. Winners will get the chance to play a practice round at the Masters in Augusta, Georgia. The opening ceremony on Monday included the presentation of the nation’s colors and the playing of all military branch anthems.
Cruisin’ the Coast surpasses 9,200 cruisers registered after day one
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Cruise Central, commonly known as Jones Park, is packed out for the next week, loaded with classic cars and people registering for this year’s Cruisin’ the Coast event. In 2025, Cruisin’ the Coast set a record with 10,334 registered cruisers. This year is already off to a pace that is coming up on that record. After the end of day one, Oct. 4, the grand total was more than 9,200 cruisers, and registration was continuing at Jones Park.
Southern Classics cruise-in and swap meet kicks off ahead of Cruisin' the Coast
PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (WLOX) — Southern Classics is holding its cruise-in and swap meet starting Friday, ahead of Cruisin' the Coast, which officially begins Sunday. The fourth annual Southern Classic Cruise and Swap Meet includes classic cars, live music, food and a raffle for a 1940 Chevy Deluxe. The raffle will be drawn Saturday, Oct. 3 and tickets are $10 apiece. This is the first time the event has been held over two days.
Southern Classics cruise-in and swap meet kicks off ahead of Cruisin’ the Coast
PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (WLOX) — Southern Classics is holding its cruise-in and swap meet starting Friday, ahead of Cruisin’ the Coast, which officially begins Sunday. The fourth annual Southern Classic Cruise and Swap Meet includes classic cars, live music, food and a raffle for a 1940 Chevy Deluxe. The raffle will be drawn Saturday, Oct. 3 and tickets are $10 apiece. The fourth annual Southern Classic Cruise and Swap Meet includes classic cars, live music, food and a raffle for a 1940 Chevy Deluxe.
Cow costumes, free entrees mark opening of new Chick-fil-A in Biloxi
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — A new Chick-fil-A opened Thursday on Pass Road in Biloxi. While a Chick-fil-A operates inside Edgewater Mall, Thursday’s opening marks the first standalone brick-and-mortar location in the city. To celebrate the opening, customers who arrived dressed as cows or wearing black and white spots received a free entree. Mitchell Daniel, owner and operator of the new Chick-fil-A restaurant, said he hopes the location becomes a longtime fixture in the community. “We’re permanent.
Long Beach annexation hearing begins
HARRISON COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX) — The city of Long Beach is seeking to annex about one square mile of land, including an industrial park and four smaller areas, according to testimony given in Chancery Court. The proposed annexation area includes a combined total of 25 businesses and 73 people. Both sides gave opening statements Monday, and Mayor Tim Pierce was questioned for hours. Objectors of the annexation say the move is a cash grab.
Gulf Coast Business Council establishes select committee
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — The Gulf Coast Business Council is taking the next steps in its “Plan of Plans” by establishing the Select Committee. The committee is made up of 14 people whose main objective is to reach the coast’s economic, infrastructure and community goals. A private sector survey done by the Business Council highlighted eight principal issues business owners want to see addressed.
MAIN offers free AI resources for Mississippians Original
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Dr. Kollin Napier, chief artificial intelligence officer for the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network, known as MAIN, said responsible use of AI is key. MAIN is a statewide software program that offers no-cost resources for Mississippians to learn about AI and how it can be incorporated into everyday life. “You can see potentially increase in revenue, you can free up time of your employees to focus on higher priority tasks, and you can optimize your workflow.
Singing River brings mobile health clinic to Moss Point
MOSS POINT, Miss. (WLOX) — Singing River Health System placed its Mobile Clinic in front of the community action center in Moss Point Wednesday morning as part of an effort to bring health care into the community. The mobile unit is composed of three visiting rooms where patients can receive common care, including wellness checks, treatment for common illnesses and basic vaccines. Some patients use the mobile clinic to establish primary care.
A deeper dive into the grand jury report in the Nolan Wells case
JACKSON COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX) — A grand jury has found no evidence to charge anyone with a crime in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells. District Attorney Angel Myers-McIlrath said the grand jury reviewed 132 subpoenas and heard from 43 witnesses before reaching a unanimous “no true bill” verdict. The grand jury report does not list the names of those who testified. The report addresses questions raised by Wells’ family and their attorney, Ben Crump.
MGCCC building skilled trades workforce with help from Lowe’s Foundation
HARRISON COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX) — Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is working to address a national labor shortage by expanding its skilled trades programs, with support from the Lowe’s Foundation. The U.S. Department of Education estimates about 2.1 million skilled trades jobs could go unfilled by 2030. MGCCC has received two Gable Grants from the Lowe’s Foundation totaling $1.7 million. The funding has provided tools and scholarships for students and helped expand the college’s programs.
MGCCC building skilled trades workforce with help from Lowe’s Foundation
HARRISON COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX) — Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is working to address a national labor shortage by expanding its skilled trades programs, with support from the Lowe’s Foundation. The U.S. Department of Education estimates about 2.1 million skilled trades jobs could go unfilled by 2030. MGCCC has received two Gable Grants from the Lowe’s Foundation totaling $1.7 million. The funding has provided tools and scholarships for students and helped expand the college’s programs.
New Navy chiefs pinned in ceremony marking career milestone
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Twenty-nine men and women were honored in a pinning ceremony marking their promotion from petty officer first class to chief petty officer. The promotion is described as the most significant accomplishment in an enlisted sailor’s career. Selectees completed six weeks of trial testing, referred to as Chief Week, before receiving their pins and having their covers placed. CMDCM Charlie Luna said: “Your entire life has now changed. More will be expected of you.
Diamondhead to add boardwalk, nature trail in coming months
DIAMONDHEAD, Miss. (WLOX) — Diamondhead residents can expect new recreational opportunities in the next two months. The Jourdan River Boardwalk extends from Pete’s Landing to I-10. Visitors will be able to check out the river from observation decks once it is completed. The Montjoy Creek Nature Trail is also in the works. That project includes a kayak launch and new playground equipment. Both projects are meant to capture the beauty of the surrounding nature in the city.
Seabees hosts annual 110-flight stair climb to honor victims of 9/11 attacks
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — People gathered Friday to climb 110 flights of stairs, making 18 trips up and down a staircase at the Seabee base to honor those who lost their lives during the Sept. 11 attacks, 25 years later. The event is a yearly tradition. The event is a yearly tradition. RELATED STORIES: Remembering Sept. 11 U.S. Navy Chief Kitara Byerly said her first thought on the day of the attacks was calling friends and family back in New York City.
Coast Electric holds live-line safety demo for PRCC lineman students
POPLARVILLE, Miss. (WLOX) — Coast Electric presented a live-line demonstration Thursday to lineman students at Pearl River Community College, showing what could go wrong with a high-voltage power line and how to avoid it. Coast Electric presented a live-line demonstration Thursday to lineman students at Pearl River Community College, showing what could go wrong with a high voltage power line and how to avoid it.
First Legacy Park building to open Sept. 24
JACKSON COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX) — The Deaconess Home Health office at Legacy Park will be fully operational on Sept. 24. The Deaconess Home Health office at Legacy Park will be fully operational on Sept. 24. Crews are putting finishing touches on the building this week to prepare for staff arriving in two weeks. Legacy Park owner Dr. Sati Adlakha said the project has changed significantly since construction began about 18 months ago. “I remember when we first started out here,” Adlakha said.
Board denies appeal for Wortham Woods subdivision in Saucier
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — The Harrison County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to deny an appeal for a proposed 230-lot subdivision in West Wortham, blocking the development for now. Residents packed the Board of Supervisors meeting to voice concerns over the developers’ appeal, which challenged an earlier denial of the subdivision’s permit.
Mississippi Highway Patrol launches Labor Day enforcement period
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — The Mississippi Highway Patrol will launch its Labor Day holiday travel enforcement period at 6 p.m. Friday and continue through midnight Monday. During the holiday weekend, troopers will conduct safety checkpoints aimed at reducing speeding, impaired and distracted driving, increasing seatbelt use, and preventing serious crashes.
Mississippi Highway Patrol launches Labor Day enforcement period
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — The Mississippi Highway Patrol will launch its Labor Day holiday travel enforcement period at 6 p.m. Friday and continue through midnight Monday. During the holiday weekend, troopers will conduct safety checkpoints aimed at reducing speeding, impaired and distracted driving, increasing seatbelt use, and preventing serious crashes.
Gulf Coast mom hosts baby supplies drive in daughter’s memory Original
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX) — A Gulf Coast mother is hosting a baby supplies drive to make sure no child has to go without. Betty Camille, nicknamed Cam, was 26 days old when she died from SIDS. Erin Sanford, Cam’s mother, is in the second year of a baby supplies drive. She has placed collection bins across the Gulf Coast for donations. “Something just told me one day that she doesn’t want me just sitting in bed being sad,” Sanford said.
Unchanged cemetery violations prompting new court summons in Pascagoula
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX) — Jackson County Memorial Gardens remains unsecured and unsanitary three months after owner Terry Tutor was issued a court summons for failing to address violations at the cemetery, according to Pascagoula City Manager Justin Larsen. Larsen said Tutor’s legal team reached out to address the problems shortly after the summons. “If a property owner is willing to work with us, then it’ll stay out of court,” Larsen said.
Gulfport firefighters train monthly to prepare for any call
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Firefighters in Gulfport train monthly, regardless of weather or time of day, to prepare for emergency calls. Training Chief Eric Valles said firefighters never know when the next call will come or what to expect when they arrive, which is why mastering the basics is important. “Not all fires will be the same, but the way we approach it should be,” Valles said.
Biloxi schools add 29 electric buses to fleet
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — Biloxi Schools added 29 electric buses to its fleet, replacing some of the district’s diesel buses. The electric buses now make up 40% of the district’s fleet. Biloxi Schools added 29 electric buses to its fleet, replacing some of the district’s diesel buses. The buses were bought with an $11 million grant in 2024 through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Bus Program.
Harrison County touts tourism record, no tax hikes in state of the county address
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — Harrison County is on pace to bring in $1.1 billion in tourism revenue, a county record, according to Supervisor Dan Cuevas. Cuevas made the comments during a meeting Tuesday morning at the IP Casino in Biloxi. “That shows the resiliency of our tourism and what we have to offer here,” Cuevas said. “That brings people in from all over the country, and all over the world to come here and see what we have to offer.
New Moss Point superintendent speaks on focus areas moving forward
MOSS POINT, Miss. (WLOX) — Dr. Michael Battle has taken over as superintendent of the Moss Point School District. Battle is a former teacher and administrator with more than 25 years of educational experience, including nine years as principal of Gulfport Central Middle School. “I've had the opportunity to be in the hallways, talk with students and talk with teachers and engage with them about the learning taking place in the building.
Update: Suspect identified following standoff in Moss Point, sheriff's office says
MOSS POINT, Miss. (WLOX) — The Jackson County Sheriff's Office arrested a man after a standoff that lasted about six hours Friday. Sheriff John Ledbetter announced the arrest of Marquis Odom, 44, of Jackson County, on armed robbery and domestic violence aggravated assault charges. The sheriff's office said the incident began about 5:40 a.m. when it received a report about a domestic altercation at a home on Wisteria Drive in Escatawpa.
New Moss Point Superintendent speaks on focus areas moving forward
MOSS POINT, Miss. (WLOX) — Dr. Michael Battle has taken over as superintendent of the Moss Point School District. Battle is a former teacher and administrator with more than 25 years of educational experience, including nine years as principal of Gulfport Central Middle School. “I’ve had the opportunity to be in the hallways, talk with students and talk with teachers and engage with them about the learning taking place in the building.
Ship Island Excursions vessel catches fire, no injuries reported
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Ship Island Excursions has been operating for 100 years. Captain Louis Skrmetta said the company experienced a fire in the engine room for the first time early Thursday morning. “We're very fortunate that this wasn't a major fire. It was a small fire that occurred,” Skrmetta said. The Captain Pete traveled about 2 miles from the dock when the crew smelled something burning. Crew members checked the hatch to the engine room and saw the fire.
Ship Island Excursions vessel catches fire, no injuries reported
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Ship Island Excursions has been operating for 100 years. Captain Louis Skrmetta said the company experienced a fire in the engine room for the first time early Thursday morning. “We’re very fortunate that this wasn’t a major fire. It was a small fire that occurred,” Skrmetta said.
Ship Island Excursions vessel catches fire, no injuries reported
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Ship Island Excursions has been operating for 100 years. Captain Louis Skrmetta said the company experienced a fire in the engine room for the first time early Thursday morning. “We’re very fortunate that this wasn’t a major fire. It was a small fire that occurred,” Skrmetta said. Captain Louis Skrmetta said the company experienced a fire in the engine room for the first time early Thursday morning.
Lane closure set on Gulfport’s Pass Road through Friday
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — A lane closure is in effect on Pass Road between 30th and 33rd Avenues in Gulfport through Friday. Crews are working to clean out ditches in the area over the next few days. Gulfport Public Works Director Tyler Gentry said the work is routine but necessary to keep floodwaters managed in the area. Crews are expected to be in the area from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. each day. Gentry asked drivers to remain aware and use extra caution in the area.
One year later: Amtrak Mardi Gras line connects region, draws 150,000 riders
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX) — Amtrak service returned to the Gulf Coast one year ago, after nearly 20 years without service to the region. Ridership service began on Aug. 18, 2025, and has carried about 150,000 passengers in its first year, averaging nearly 400 riders a day. The line connects Mobile to New Orleans with four stops on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.(WLOX) The line connects Mobile to New Orleans with four stops in the Mississippi Gulf Coast: Pascagoula, Gulfport, Biloxi and Bay St. Louis.
One year later: Amtrak Mardi Gras line connects region, draws 150,000 riders
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX) — Amtrak service returned to the Gulf Coast one year ago, after nearly 20 years without service to the region. Ridership service began on Aug. 18, 2025, and has carried about 150,000 passengers in its first year, averaging nearly 400 riders a day. The line connects Mobile to New Orleans with four stops on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The line connects Mobile to New Orleans with four stops in the Mississippi Gulf Coast: Pascagoula, Gulfport, Biloxi and Bay St. Louis.
Coast marks 57 years since Hurricane Camille
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Monday marks 57 years since Hurricane Camille made landfall on the Mississippi Gulf Coast on Aug. 17, 1969. Camille remains one of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes and produced the highest storm surge in continental U.S. history at the time. Former Harrison County EMA Director Rupert Lacy was a teenager when the storm hit. He remembers the devastation left behind. “When we made it back where our church was, it was just devastating. There was no church. It was a slab.
Coffee with a Veteran event connects Coast service members with resources
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College hosted a Coffee with a Veteran event Wednesday morning. Former service members gathered to connect with one another and learn about resources available to them. Attendees were also offered a free breakfast buffet. Don Northcutt, who served in both the Air Force and the Army, said the event draws a familiar crowd.
Early morning fire damages Biloxi business, cause under investigation
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — A building that caught fire near Southern Avenue and Begonia Street early Wednesday morning in Biloxi has been contained, officials said. No injuries were reported. The fire broke out at Perry’s Refrigeration and Air Filter Services. The city of Biloxi sent an alert to residents early in the morning advising them to be aware of the fire in the area. Perry Tosch, the former business owner, said he retired in 2023 and had been using the building primarily for storage.
Poplarville’s new post office opens its doors
POPLARVILLE, Miss. (WLOX) — The U.S. Postal Service has opened a new post office in Poplarville, giving residents a permanent facility after years of operations conducted out of a mail truck. The building opened to the public and began offering full postal services, including PO Boxes, package drop-off, and priority mail. April Russell said she was the first visitor to the new location.
Keesler airmen practice hurricane readiness in 72-hour pack-out exercise Original
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — About 80 airmen at Keesler Air Force Base took part in a hurricane readiness exercise Friday, securing and relocating equipment to demonstrate they can pack and move operations in less than 72 hours. The drill was conducted by the 81st Training Wing, which trains specialists who calibrate the tools and systems that keep Air Force aircraft and operations running.
Southern Miss, Integer Technologies awarded $9.8M for Navy seabed warfare program
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — The University of Southern Mississippi and Integer Technologies have been awarded a $9.8 million option exercise contract modification from the Office of Naval Research for the next phase of their Intelligent Autonomous Systems for Seabed Warfare program. The modification brings the total cumulative contract value to $24.8 million and supports continued development of software for autonomous undersea missions.
Southern Miss, Integer Technologies awarded $9.8M for Navy seabed warfare program
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — The University of Southern Mississippi and Integer Technologies have been awarded a $9.8 million option exercise contract modification from the Office of Naval Research for the next phase of their Intelligent Autonomous Systems for Seabed Warfare program. The modification brings the total cumulative contract value to $24.8 million and supports continued development of software for autonomous undersea missions.
MGCCC hosts pinning ceremony for new healthcare graduates
HARRISON COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX) — Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College hosted a pinning ceremony Wednesday welcoming more than 60 students into the health care profession. Families filled the IMPAC Center as program completers walked across the stage, received their pins and held up candles marking the final steps before entering the medical field.
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