Dirt work for state aquarium begins in Gulfport

Buildings are coming down in Gulfport to make way for the new aquarium.
Construction workers have started the tear down process on the old building that used to be Big Mike’s Speakeasy. This is the first of multiple structures scheduled to be knocked down, part of the initial dirt work before the new aquarium can stand. First Christian Church and the Masonic Building in downtown Gulfport will also be torn down.
This is prep work to get the 4.5 acres the aquarium will sit on ready. City of Gulfport Public Information Officer Chris Vignes said, “You’re going to see a lot of action taking place in the upcoming weeks and upcoming months, getting ready for the Mississippi Aquarium and this is just a lot of fun. We’re excited. There’s going to be a lot of things out there for people to see. We’re glad everybody is taking part in this, a project for the entire state of Mississippi, not only the state of Mississippi but the region in itself.”
The tear down process for the building is set to continue next week. The restaurant bar has recently relocated to a new building on Highway 49.