Ocean Springs News
City of OS Leases Water Front Property for Public Access
Ocean Springs, MS – The City of Ocean Springs has signed a six month lease with Front Beach property owner Earl Fayard, owner of the former Ocean Springs Seafood Factory, an icon on Ocean Springs Front Beach at the foot of Jackson Avenue until it was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. City officials hope to acquire the property to create a centralized public park area for Front Beach. The City is currently seeking grant funding for the project.
“This property will complement Fort Maurepas and the McPhearson Pier, creating a large recreational area and green space for citizens to enjoy,” said Mayor Connie Moran. Ocean Springs has a beautiful water front area; we want to secure this space for everyone’s enjoyment.”
For safety reasons, the City has erected a security fence around the property while assessing the potential reuse of the remaining structure. Currently, the property is being cleaned and graded and will be reopened when the preliminary work is completed.
The Ocean Springs Planning Department has held numerous public forums to discuss the potential public use of the site, along with improvements included in the Front Beach Master Plan. Construction of a walkway on the beach connecting the Biloxi Bay Bridge to the harbor is expected to begin in October.
