Gautier police officers visit city’s head start

GAUTIER, Miss. (WXXV)-On Wednesday, officers with Gautier police made a little stop at the city’s head start. The students at Gautier Head Start were able to come out and see motorcycles, meet officers and other first responders. All the students were full of excitement and smiles as they learned more about the first responders. Gautier police saying community connections matter,…

Picayune baseball rolls to 2-1 win over Pascagoula

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WXXV) — The Picayune Maroon Tide rolled to a 2-1 district win over Pascagoula on Saturday. WXXV News 25’s Elizabeth Keen has highlights from the first three innings of action. Categories: Local Sports, Sports, Sports Team Tags: Pascagoula athletics, Pascagoula Baseball, pascagoula high school, Picayune Athletics, picayune baseball, Picayune memorial high school

Safety exchanged zone installed at Poplarville Police Department

ROY HOWARD COMMUNITY JOURNALISM CENTER- Poplarville now has a safety exchange zone where residents can meet up to complete online purchases or custody exchanges. The zone is in the Poplarville Police Department parking lot and marked with a reserved sign. The area is well lit and covered by security cameras. Anyone can use it at any time and you don’t…

Gulfport mayor honors first responders at breakfast event

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)-Mayor Hugh Keating recognized first responders from the city this week. The Gulfport Chamber of Commerce hosted their quarterly first responder breakfast on Wednesday. While there, Donald Fredman of the Gulfport Police Department was named Officer of the Quarter. Mayor Keating says his commitment to protecting and serving the city doesn’t go unnoticed. Michael Westbrook took home the…

New Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial in Picayune

ROY HOWARD COMMUNITY JOURNALISM CENTER-A new memorial in Picayune is giving residents a place to remember beloved pets. The Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial is inspired by the ‘Rainbow Bridge’ poem which is often shared by grieving pet owners. Visitors can clip a pet’s collar or keepsakes to the cable along the bridge. Memorial tags are also available for purchase with…

Residents excited for growth in Gautier as construction continues on Legacy Park

ROY HOWARD COMMUNITY JOURNALISM-Residents in Gautier say they’ve been watching closely as construction ramps up during the final year of the Legacy Park Development. For many in the community, the project represents something they say the city has lacked for years, new growth. Justin Glowacki with the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center looks at what the project could mean for…

State of Mississippi’s credit rating upgraded by one agency

Mississippi officials say the state’s financial outlook is improving, after a major credit rating agency upgraded the Magnolia state’s credit forecast. Governor Tate Reeves and State Treasurer David McRae announced Monday that S&P Global Ratings has upgraded Mississippi’s outlook from negative to stable. The announcement comes as the state reports record investment earnings. Mississippi generated one billion dollars in interest…

Gulfport Police Department expands force with new officers

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)-Gulfport Police welcomed three new officers into their ranks. Officers Makayla Plattenburg, Destin Billings, and Jamee Bye all passed the Harrison County Law Enforcement Academy. Gulfport police say they are proud to welcome the newest graduates and look forward to their contributions to the city. The department says this is an important milestone, reflecting the dedication and commitment…

New officer joins Pascagoula police force

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WXXV)- Pascagoula is welcoming a new officer to their ranks. Officer Buckley graduated from the police academy this past Friday. The department at Pascagoula says they know he will serve with honor, integrity, and respect. Categories: Local News Tags: law enforcement, Pascagoula Police Department

Jackson County Sheriff’s Department welcomes new members to the force

JACKSON COUNTY, Miss. (WXXV)- The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office welcomed two new deputies to their ranks. Deputy Willa Lawrence III and Brayden Mitchell both graduated from the Harrison County Law Enforcement Academy. Deputy Lawrence was also recognized with the ‘Physical Fitness Award.’ One instructor from the Jackson County Adult Detention Center took home the ‘Favorite Instructor Award,’ that honor going…

William Carey University opens new fitness center on Tradition Campus

HARRISON COUNTY, Miss. (WXXV)- William Carey University’s Tradition Campus welcomed a new facility. The fitness center officially opened on Tuesday. Students were invited to the event for a chance to win prizes and see fitness demonstrations. The fitness center is located on the first floor of B Building. It is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m….

Pascagoula Police Department receives reaccreditation

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WXXV)- The Pascagoula Police Department announced they have received reaccreditation. The team traveled to Arizona to meet with commissioners and answer questions about the department. The commission unanimously voted for the department to receive their fourth accreditation award. The department says they want to thank Captain Lofton, the accreditation manager, as well as the police personnel who made…

New community center being built in George County

ROY HOWARD COMMUNITY JOURNALISM CENTER- People in the Barton Basin community will soon have a new place to gather close to home. George County leaders are building a community center they say will serve families, events, and help during emergencies. Morgan Gill with the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center reports. For years, people in the Barton-Basin area have had limited…

IMMS receives final rounds of Christmas gifts for animals

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)-The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies announces their animals have received all Christmas gifts. These presents were given as part of the Seasons of Giving. Staff shared that all animals are happy for the new toys. They are grateful to everyone who purchased a gift. These gifts will provide enrichment for all the animals, ensuring they remain happy…

Seven Gulfport Admirals sign to continue their soccer careers!

Gulfport high school celebrated an outstanding group of senior student athletes Friday afternoon. Proud family, friends, coaches and teammates gathered at the Gulfport Auditorium to recognize seven soccer players signing to take their talents to the next level. Starting off with the Lady Admirals, three members of the girls team are putting pen to paper!  Congratulations to Madelinh Robertson for…

Two state agencies earn Keep America Beautiful recognition award

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science received the national Keep America Beautiful State Agency Award during the 2026 Keep America Beautiful Summit in New Orleans. The award honors affiliates that develop and lead developmental groundbreaking, creative solutions to environmental challenges in their communities. MDWFP and MMNS were recognized for their collaboration…

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center cuts ribbon on new outdoor classroom, restored Treehouse Village

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV) — Excitement is in the air at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, where new outdoor developments have brought joy to kids and adults alike. “It’s like, so fun,” eight-year-old Ella Thompson said “I like the treehouses a lot.” On Friday, Lynn Meadows held a ribbon cutting for the newly-renovated Treehouse Village — one of the museum’s oldest exhibits…

New initiative offers residents a chance to speak with Gulfport Mayor Hugh Keating

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)- Community members had a chance to connect and be heard this morning through the Hangin’ with Hugh Initiative. Gulfport Mayor Hugh Keating visited The Village Florist and Gifts to connect with business owners and residents. The visit provided an opportunity for the community to share feedback, ask questions, and discuss local needs. Additional stops are planned as…