Harrison County leaders speak at the State of the County Address

HARRISON COUNTY, Miss. (WXXV)- Harrison County leaders gathered Tuesday morning at the IP Casino for the 2026 State of the County Address.

Local officials outlined the challenges and priorities ahead.

Harrison County Board of Supervisors President Dan Cuevas delivered the keynote address, focusing on the county’s continued population growth, strong tourism, and increasing demands on local infrastructure.

He also highlighted the need for modernized public safety, expanded senior services, and greater access to mental health resources.

Cuevas said the county must plan ahead for that growth while also recruiting new economic development, protecting coastal beaches, and maintaining fiscal discipline. “Harrison County is here to not only do what we can for our constituents in the unincorporated area, but we’re all in it together. I want all the cities to know we’re here to help, bring in business, and we want to be a partner. We’ve grown tremendously; we’re pushing 216,000 residents with one of the fastest growing counties in the state. Poised to be number one and we’re opened for business. The cities that we have play a part in that.”

Cuevas says responsible planning and disciplined budgeting will be critical to turn Harrison County’s priorities into long-term investments.