Mississippi
Going on vacation? Southern Living says this Mississippi city has best white sand beaches
See what beaches rank top in the nation
As summer kicks off, here are some of the top-ranked beaches, according to the 2023 USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Ariana Triggs, USA TODAY
Southern Living has highlighted one Mississippi beach town as having the whitest sand in the state.
Biloxi, on the coast, is a top tourism spot.
“Considered one of the state’s best beach towns, Biloxi is known for its picturesque sand and calm waters that are protected by barrier islands just south of the beach in the Gulf of Mexico. With warm temperatures in the summer that remain temperate through the winter, there’s never a bad time to visit Biloxi,” Southern Living wrote.
The white sand beaches in Harrison County include a 26-mile stretch that World Record Academy identifies as the largest manmade beach in the world. Parts of it were designed to protect the seawall and the area from Biloxi to Pass Christian is maintained to prevent erosion.
Check out islands on Mississippi coast
There are six barrier islands for outdoors adventures and family fun in Mississippi, and parts are in the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Cat Island requires a private boat to access. There are some homes, and the beaches are popular for fishing. The name reportedly comes from French explorers confusing the resident racoons with felines.
If you’re looking for a beach with the clearest water, Getmyboat recommends checking out Ship Island for “powdery white sand and turquoise waters that rival those of the Caribbean.” You an also check out Fort Massachusetts, which dates back to the Civil War. The island has a swimming area, bathrooms, pavilions and a concession store. A public ferry runs from March to October out of Gulfport.
Deer Island is a coastal preserve. It’s currently uninhabited, but people lived there until Hurricane Camille hit in August 1969, destroying all the homes.
Horn Island and Petit Bois Island were designated as wilderness areas by Congress in 1978. They can only be accessed via private boat, according to the National Park Service.
Round Island is also home to migratory birds.
Contributing: Brian Broom
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.
Mississippi
Mississippi House of Representatives passes bill to make NIL earnings non-taxable
NIL money comes with a price. More specifically, a tax bill.
The Mississippi legislature is trying to reduce that burden for college athletes who play there.
Via Bea Anhuci of the Mississippi Clarion Ledger, the Mississippi House of Representatives has passed a bill that would exempt NIL earnings from state income tax.
It’s a recruiting tool for Ole Miss and Mississippi State, one that would put the Mississippi schools on equal footing with other states that host SEC universities. Florida, Tennessee, and Texas have no state income tax, and Arkansas carved out NIL earnings from the state’s income tax burden in 2025.
Mississippi currently charges a four-percent tax on anyone making more than $10,000 per year.
NIL earnings remain subject to federal income tax.
The bill will have to also pass the Mississippi Senate, and the governor would then be required to sign it into law.
Mississippi
Why Rebels are keeping pace for Mississippi State CB commit Brandon Allen Jr
Mississippi
Carpenter Pole and Piling invests $5M in Mississippi, creating 10 jobs
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Staff
A wood products manufacturer is set to create new jobs as part of a major expansion.
Carpenter Pole and Piling is investing nearly $5 million into its Wiggins, Mississippi, operation.
The expansion will add 10 new positions and support long-term growth in the region.
“Carpenter Pole and Piling is a true Mississippi success story, and we’re proud to see the company continue investing right here at home,” Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said.
“This expansion in Stone County is creating new opportunities for hardworking Mississippians while strengthening a company that has long contributed to our state’s economy,” Reeves said. “When Mississippi businesses grow, our communities grow with them, and we remain committed to fostering a business environment where companies can thrive.”
Carpenter Pole and Piling produces utility poles and pilings for marine and foundation use.
The project includes construction of a new treatment plant, investment in a 2,600-cubic-foot autoclave and an alternative treatment option to improve production capacity.
The company is also clearing and preparing an additional 20 acres for a new pole storage yard.
Stone County is also contributing to the project.
The company expects to complete construction by September 2026.
The new roles are expected to be filled by January 2027.
Carpenter Pole and Piling specializes in the production of utility poles. It also manufactures foundation and marine pilings.
The new autoclave will increase production and add an alternative treatment option.
This story was created by business and development writer Ross Reily, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
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