The city of Ocean Springs is rolling out the welcome mat for its newly annexed residents with a community-wide Meet & Greet event. Scheduled for Monday, August 5, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, the event will take place at the Fontainebleau Community Center, located at 3905 MS-57 in Ocean Springs.
The Ocean Springs Community Meet & Greet aims to integrate new residents into the city by providing them with valuable information about city services, introducing them to local leaders, and clarifying the implications of the recent annexation. This event is seen as a crucial step in fostering community spirit and ensuring a smooth transition for the newcomers.
Alderman-At-Large Bobby Cox, who currently represents the newly annexed residents, will be a guest speaker at the event. Joining him will be Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter and other key community leaders. Their presence is intended to provide the new residents with a comprehensive understanding of the local governance and support systems available to them.
Despite the annexation becoming official on April 21, 2024, the new ward lines have yet to be finalized. City leaders have assured that these lines will be established and announced by September, aligning with the upcoming presidential elections.
The Meet & Greet is being organized by The Ocean Springs Weekly Record Newspaper, with co-hosts including The Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street and The Ocean Springs Lions Club. This collaboration underscores the community’s unified effort to welcome and support the new residents.
The recent annexation has significantly expanded Ocean Springs, adding over 700 households and more than 1,700 people to its population. The city now includes the Ocean Springs Sports Complex, Ocean Springs High School, several multi-family apartment complexes and duplex developments, multiple churches, an assisted living facility, a retirement home, and approximately 60 businesses.
This event marks a historic moment for Ocean Springs as it integrates a diverse group of new residents and establishments into the city. The community is eager to embrace these changes and looks forward to the positive growth and development they will bring.
For more information about the event, residents are encouraged to contact the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street or The Ocean Springs Weekly Record Newspaper.
