‘Shrimp Signs’ Pop Up Around the Coast to Direct Visitors

Drivers on Highway 90 in Hancock County may have noticed round, numbered signs branded with shrimp at most intersections. Those signs are now popping up in Gulfport, pointing the way to Coast attractions.

From restaurants to casinos, the Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau is putting up signs to help steer people to attractions across the Coast. Renee Areng, Executive Director of the Mississippi Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, says, "The signs actually correlate to a dining and attractions brochure, so it’s not just attractions, it’s dining, golf courses, casinos."

Driving down Highway 90 looking for places to eat or play can be difficult, especially during heavy traffic, but with shrimp signs starting in Waveland and making their way east, it may be a lot easier soon. Connie Rockco, Harrison County Supervisor for District 5, says, "Every intersection in the three coastal counties on Highway 90 will be marked and we hope we can encourage the cities to mark the insides as well."

As locals, we know there is no shortage of attractions on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, but what if you’re a visitor to our fine state? How will you know everything you need to see and do? Well, just go to your local visitors center or rest stop, grab your dining and attractions guide book, hit Highway 90, and follow the shrimp. Areng also says, "The shrimp represents not only our culture, but our cuisine, so it allows the involvement of the sound into our Coast."

The newest sign, #19, points you to the Island View Casino and the Beach Boulevard Steamer. They’re adding new ones every day, and it won’t be long until all 26 miles of Coast are covered. Rocko also says, "Hopefully by the second week in January, we should be finished with all three coastal counties."

The more of Mississippi people see, the more they will love. Areng closes, “We want to share our backyard with the visiting public, to see how wonderful it is to be part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast."