News

Ribbon cutting ceremony celebrates repaving of Pass Rd. near Gulfport Seabee Base

GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) - On Wednesday, the Naval Construction Battalion Center gave a big thank you to Harrison County and the City of Gulfport.

That’s because the county repaved Pass Road between Highway 49 and the base’s gate.

Harrison County did most of the work, with the city helping with milling.

“This is the main artery for folks coming into and out of the base,” said Capt. Ana Franco, NCBC Base Commander. “It’s a great project that we’ve been anxiously waiting for, so we’re super excited and super grateful to our community leaders to make this investment.”

“You can’t accomplish anything without a team effort,” noted Harrison County District 4 supervisor Kent Jones. “We work well with the City of Gulfport and this is another one of the projects where we’ve been planning it and were able to put it together to make it happen.”

The total project costs falls around $500,000.

Collin Caranna Joins Harrison County Development Commission as Director of Marketing and Government Affairs

Gulfport, MS — January 31 — The Harrison County Development Commission (HCDC) is excited to announce that Collin Caranna has been appointed the new Director of Marketing and Government Affairs. Caranna brings extensive marketing experience to the role, having most recently served as the Marketing Director at Shaggy's Restaurants and the Digital Marketing Manager at Mississippi Aquarium.

With a background in strategic communication and social media management, Caranna will play a crucial role in promoting the Commission’s initiatives, engaging stakeholders, and supporting government affairs efforts.

"Collin's talent for crafting strategic communications and achieving results will be vital as we advance economic development and advocate for our community," said Bill Lavers, Executive Director of the Harrison County Development Commission. "Her experience and skills make her the perfect candidate to improve our outreach efforts and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders."

In her new role, Caranna will develop and implement marketing strategies for the HCDC, aiming to raise awareness of its programs and initiatives. 

"I am excited to join the Harrison County Development Commission and contribute to economic growth and community relationships," said Caranna. "As a Gulf Coast native, I look forward to sharing Harrison County's story and shaping its future."

Massive tugboat launched by Edison Chouest Offshore

(Article by Leslie Rojas, WLOX)

"On Thursday (June 9, 2022), Edison Chouest launched a massive offshore tugboat off the Gulfport (Mississippi) shipyard. The vessel took around 9 months to build. It's around 157 feet long and 50 feet wide."

Bill Lavers, Harrison County Development Commission's Executive Director, said "It's a celebration of all the hard work and energy and all the great workforce." He added, "This vessel is headed to another part of the world and the oil industry, and we are very proud of that."

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves appoints new HCDC board members

The Harrison County Development Commission (HCDC) is pleased to announce the two new outstanding Board of Commissioners appointees by Governor Tate Reeves:  John Carter, Licensed Realtor at Century 21 J. Carter & Company, and James Moody, Vice President/Employee Benefits Consultant at BXS Insurance (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bancorp South Bank). Their 4-year board term begins October 2021.

"I appreciate John and James stepping up to help promote and develop Harrison County," said Governor Tate Reeves. "I have no doubt that they will be an asset to the Board of Commissioners and effective in their new roles."

Ocean Aero locating manufacturing operations and headquarters in Gulfport

reprinted from Mississippi Development Authority

Ocean Aero, manufacturer and service provider of ocean-going autonomous underwater and surface vehicles, is relocating its manufacturing operations and headquarters from San Diego to Gulfport. The project is a $4.64 million corporate investment and will create 45 jobs.

Rail returning to Bernard Bayou Industrial District

The Chicago Rock Island & Pacific Railroad will begin operation of the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad in the Bernard Bayou Industrial District.

HCDC Executive Director Bill Lavers says, "We are excited to bring this benefit back to all the tenants in the park."

Public Records Request

The Harrison County Development Commission Public Records Request form and accompanying policy are available for downloading.