SUMMARY: The Driftwood Motel in Bay St. Louis, previously considered a nuisance, has been transformed into a charming vacation spot after extensive renovations led by Eugene Schmidt and his development group, SVN Urban Properties. New Orleans resident Sarah Taylor, enjoying the refurbished motel with her family, praises its family-friendly amenities like the pool and its proximity to the beach. Schmidt aimed to create an accessible summer destination featuring a swimming pool, pickleball, and cornhole, catering to a diverse group. The motel, once plagued by issues like drug overdoses, now offers a welcoming environment for families. SVN Urban Properties is also working on another historic hotel in New Orleans.

A Bay St. Louis motel that was once seen as a nuisance is now a newly renovated vacation spot.

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SUMMARY: Jackson County Schools are undergoing significant updates during the summer break to prepare for the upcoming academic year. Thirteen schools are currently under construction to enhance safety and facilities. Van Cleave High School is receiving a much-needed new roof due to leaks. St. Martin Middle School is getting a new dishwasher, allowing a return to reusable lunch trays, and the dish room is being completely renovated with upgrades in plumbing, electrical work, and tiling. Routine maintenance, such as floor waxing, is also taking place. These projects aim to be completed before the school year starts on July 25th.

Big updates are happening to Jackson County Schools as the school district prepares for the upcoming academic school year.

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SUMMARY: Ocean Springs recently annexed about six square miles, incorporating around 700 new homes into the city. This expansion means these residents will now receive city police, fire protection, sewer, and water services, replacing their current septic tanks and wells. While this integration process includes switching waste management services, the main challenge lies in connecting homes to city utilities—a $12 million project spread over five years. Some residents, like Charles Holman, express concerns about potential costs and property tax increases. The city assures that tax revenues will be offset by better services and lower fire insurance rates. Emergency services are already in place, with plans to hire more officers.

Monday marked the first day that recently annexed homeowners are now served by Ocean Springs.

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