Traffic preps for big events in Gulfport

South Mississippi is already prepping for the 21st annual Cruisin’ the Coast event.
America’s largest block party revs up in just over a week on October 1st. Also happening towards the tail end of Cruisin’ is the Gulfport Music Festival. Both events expect large crowds and some are concerned about traffic flow.
Gulfport Police Sergeant Josh Bromen tells News 25 they do not expect any issues because of the typical route Cruisin’ vehicles typically take in downtown Gulfport. “Cruisin’ the Coast is primarily on the east end of town where Music Fest is going to be towards the west end of town with Jones Park and we really don’t see these two events merging. There’s only one traffic light between Courthouse Road and Jones Park. That’s going to be the one at Hewes Avenue so there’s a lot of area for the traffic to dissipate and spread out so we really don’t anticipate a lot of issues with the two events going on the same weekend.”
Gulfport police will bring out an additional 15 to 20 officers for Cruisin’ the Coast and have some patrol Jones Park during the music festival as well.