Ocean Springs prepares for The Drop on Government on December 31

Ocean Springs, MS – On Sunday, December 31, 2023, the City of Ocean Springs will host its inaugural New Year’s Eve event, The Drop on Government.

The festivities will begin at 8:00 p.m. with the Tree-Oh and Unfazed Show and Band leading the City into 2024.

Beginning at 2:00 p.m., Washington Avenue will close from Desoto Street to Bowen Avenue; and Government Street from Washington Avenue to Bellande Avenue to set up the entertainment stage.

At 7:00 p.m. the Ocean Springs Police Department will extend the Government Street road closure to Kotzum Avenue. “No Parking After 3:30 AM” signs will be placed along Washington Avenue (Desoto Street to Bowen Avenue) and Government Street (Washington Avenue to Bellande Avenue); and “No Parking after 3:30 PM.” signs will be placed on Government Street (Bellande Avenue to Kotzum Avenue) on the evening of Saturday, December 30, 2023, to prepare for the event.

The event footprint will be hard barricaded at 7:00 p.m. Any vehicles remaining that are deemed a hindrance to the event will be towed immediately.

There will be no parking on the city right-of-way on Government Street. The barricades will be removed after the event. Anyone who crosses the barricades will be apprehended by the Ocean Springs Police Department.

The following streets will be closed:

• Washington Avenue (from Desoto Street to Bowen Avenue)
• Government Street (from Washington Avenue to Kotzum Avenue)
• All side streets along the event footprint Southbound traffic on Washington Avenue from US-90 will be re-routed via Desoto Street.

Northbound traffic on Washington Avenue from Porter Avenue will be re-routed via Bowen Avenue. Westbound traffic on Government Street will be re-routed southbound on Kotzum Avenue.

Roads will reopen at the discretion of the Ocean Springs Police Department. As always, it is at the discretion of local law enforcement as to whether it is in the interest of the public’s safety to add or remove a barricade.