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.
JACKSON COUNTY, Ms. (WZTV) — The family of a Mississippi teenager whose body was found after he went missing Fourth of July weekend is now demanding answers.
On Friday, Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump , Rev. Al Sharpton and the family of Wells are holding a press conference to demand an investigation into the teen’s death.
Wells’ body was reportedly found Monday in the water near the end of Horn Island in Jackson County, Mississippi.
Rev. Sharpton opened the conference by stating there are too many unanswered questions to close the investigation into Wells’ death. He says Wells, who is Black, went on a boat with three white men, who returned with Wells’ phone and keys, but not Wells.
“We we’ve been told does not make sense,” Rev. Sharpton said. “There’s just too many questions where they should not be closing the investigation. This does not smell right.”
Attorney Crump leading an independent investigation into Wells’ death.
Investigators are asking anyone who was on or near Horn Island on July 4 to come forward, especially if they saw Wells, spoke with him, heard or saw any type of disturbance or have original photos or videos from the island.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigations Division at 228-769-3065 during regular business hours or 228-769-3063 after hours.
This is a developing story. Check back as we continue to update this story.
Mississippi
Mississippi Highway Patrol deployed to Goodman after viral gun video, leaders explain goals
GOODMAN, Miss. — The Mississippi Department of Public Safety has deployed state troopers to the Town of Goodman indefinitely following a viral video showing people waving guns and mocking the absence of police in the town.
DPS Commissioner Sean Tindell and other department leaders flew into Goodman on Thursday to meet with town officials. Tindell said the video drew the attention of both himself and Gov. Tate Reeves.
“We felt like there needed to be a presence of law enforcement in Goodman to send a message,” Tindell said. “That it’s not a town or any town in Mississippi that we’re going to allow lawlessness to prevail.”
Troopers conducting stops, working alongside sheriff’s office
Since Wednesday, troopers have been stopping drivers in downtown Goodman and in neighborhoods. Tindell said the Mississippi Highway Patrol is working alongside the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office as part of the investigation.
“It’s more regular law enforcement duties at this point,” Tindell said. “You know, we’re looking at individuals in the video to ask who they were and go from there.”
Tindell said MHP deployments to towns across the state are not uncommon, and include safety checkpoints, driver’s license verifications and insurance verifications.
“So that’s not unusual anywhere on any given day,” Tindell said. “We just happen to be in Goodman because they needed additional help at that time.”
Mayor supports presence; some residents question it
Mayor Michael Howard said he supports MHP’s increased presence in the town. However, resident Keni El questioned whether the deployment was necessary.
“It really doesn’t change anything because if the people they’ve seen on the video are who they came for then that’s who they need to be looking for,” El said. “Because in a way, it’s kind of harassing the people for stupidity of some younglings.”
El said leaders should instead focus on providing resources to mentor young people.
“The youth need to be taught the right knowledge, right wisdom, right understanding,” El said. “But I’m not going to be afraid of no child.”
Tindell said he is unsure how long state troopers will remain in Goodman but will stay in contact with town officials until a departure date is determined.
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