Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke shares information about new limitations to in-person access to city services; Waveland's return to virtual meetings; and an update on the Nicholson Avenue project.

The concept for a raised "boardwalk" goes public with a rendering showing a beachfront shopping district, a town green and a new marina. 
 
- Story by Dena Temple
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Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke shares details of a recent energy audit; sad news about the annual Fourth of July fireworks; and the next Food Truck Friday.
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This month, Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke provides details on a new construction project, and welcomes everyone back to Food Truck Fridays!
 
- Photos by Richard Gleber and Dena Temple

This month, Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke explains necessary changes to the annual Relay For Life benefit and offers thanks to those of us who have worked through the coronavirus outbreak.
 
- Photos by Dena Temple and the American Cancer Society

With misinformation and conflicting information bombarding us, it’s hard to know what to believe – or who. Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke offers assurance that the current precautions won’t last forever – and why it’s important for all of us to follow them today.
 
- Photo courtesy Shoofly archive

Alderman Jeremy Burke shares the details of Waveland's upcoming St. Patrick's Day parade, always a great time.

- 2019 parade photos courtesy of the Shoofly Magazine archives
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Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke provides details on an important fundraiser coming up, as well as information on the 2020 Krewe of Nereids parade.
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Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke reviews the city's accomplishments in 2019 and reveals the board's direction for 2020.

Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke shares details of exciting upcoming events in town, plus big beach news.
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For more information, visit our “Christmas on Coleman” Facebook page, contact Waveland City Hall, or contact Kristen Tusa via email at kristentusa@gmail.com.

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Waveland Food Truck Friday
 
The last Waveland Food Truck Friday for 2019 will take place on Coleman Avenue on Friday, December 13th from 5:00-8:00 pm. The section of Coleman Avenue in front of Studio Waveland will be closed to vehicular traffic to accommodate the food trucks and allow participants to set-up a canopy tent, table and chairs if they choose. 
 
Waveland Food Truck Friday admission is free and open to the public. Food can be purchased through the food trucks. The Waveland Civic Association will have a table set up selling beer, soft drinks and water. Baked goods will also be available for purchase. Studio Waveland will be open late for a little Christmas shopping while on Coleman Avenue, and there will be musical entertainment, thanks to the generous sponsorship from the Silver Slipper Casino.
 
Use the hashtag #downtownwaveland on your social media post so everyone can see all the good food and the great time you are having!
 

 
Handicapped Beach Access
 
Waveland is currently soliciting bids to construct a handicapped water access ramp at the beach.
 
The access ramp would allow wheelchairs to have quick and easier path from the Coleman Avenue beach parking lot to the beach and into the water.
 
This project was conceived from a suggestion submitted by a resident several years ago. It has taken Waveland a few years to hammer out the logistics and receive the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources Tideland funding for this project, but it is hopeful that soon it will become a reality.
 
In my opinion, having access to the Waveland beach in this way will be life-changing for disabled people. It is an incredibly worthwhile investment which will generate endless returns for our community.
 
The bids will be opened in January, 2020, and we anticipate that Waveland will be able to award in early spring.
 

Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke shares details of three exciting upcoming events in town.

The parade coordinator asks that veterans complete a parade entry form or contact her at kristentusa@gmail.com or (228) 209-7399.  Parade entry forms are available at Waveland City Hall and Bay Books (131 Main Street, Bay St. Louis).
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​Waveland's Ground Zero Museum will hold its Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, November 23. The day begins with a pancake breakfast from 7:00 am until 9:00 am. The cost of the pancake breakfast is $5.00 per person and is sponsored by the Waveland Civic Association. 

The Waveland's Ground Zero Museum Christmas Bazaar will be held from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. Products offered include candles, jewelry, books, art and ceramics, just to name a few categories. A lunch will be available for purchase with food provided by Chappy's Rum Kitchen. 

Vendor spots are full. For more information about this event, contact the Waveland Ground Zero Museum at (228) 467-9012.
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I hope to see everyone on Coleman Avenue on Friday, November 8, between 5:00-8:00 pm for Waveland Food Truck Friday. Coleman Avenue in front of Studio Waveland will be closed to accommodate the food trucks and allow you to set-up a canopy tent, table and chairs if you choose.

​Waveland Food Truck Friday admission is free and open to the public. Food and drinks can be purchased through the food trucks. The Waveland Civic Association will have a table set up selling beer, soft drinks and water.
 
Waveland Food Truck Friday will have musical entertainment, thanks to the generous sponsorship from the Silver Slipper Casino.
 
Use the hashtag #downtownwaveland on your social media post so everyone can see all the good food and the great time you are having.

Next Board of Mayor and Alderman meeting
Wednesday, November 20th at 6:30PM

This month, Waveland Mayor Mike Smith picks up a pen to bring us up to date on events and important projects in our seaside town.
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​I am also very proud that we recently opened up the first dog park in Hancock County, with a section for both small and larger furry friends. On that same day we officially opened the City of Waveland town green between the Ground Zero Museum and the Library. This will be an area that everyone can enjoy and will be the home of our Festival of Lights this year. We will do our official tree lighting and Christmas parade with Santa Claus all in this location on December 7 starting at 5:00.
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​We also are about 80% finished with our new community center at the Martin Luther King Jr. Park, which is slated to open in November. The community center will include a new playground, a resurfaced basketball court and a new and improved stage for our community to enjoy. We are in the final stages of the city-wide sewer program, which was a $5.5 million infrastructure project, intended to reduce infiltration and save thousands in treatment costs. 
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Last but not least, we have about 30% of the Waveland Avenue sidewalk project complete, which adds sidewalks on both sides of Waveland Ave. This project has been the works for over four years; it is a much needed safety project for pedestrians along one of the busiest streets in Waveland.

Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke reports on a new event on Coleman Avenue; the acquisition of land for a new park; and a second Waveland lighthouse?
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The next Waveland Food Truck Friday is scheduled for Friday, October 18 from 5 to 8 pm. You can “like” Waveland Food Truck Friday on Facebook to keep up with the latest news about the events.

​Avenue B Park
 
The city of Waveland is acquiring two parcels at the corner of Caspian and Avenue B in order to construct a park. Waveland saw a need for a park on the north side of Highway 90, and the property being acquired will be gifted to Waveland by the Mississippi Secretary of State. Once the property officially belongs to the city, building the park will be one of the top priorities for the city of Waveland. 
 

​I will call you, Mini Lighthouse
 
The City of Waveland is now the home to not one, but two lighthouses. Well, kinda. The Arts, Hancock County recently donated a replica of the Waveland Lighthouse to the city. The replica lighthouse originally made its debut at the Studio Waveland Street Party on Coleman Avenue in June and made another appearance in front of the original Waveland Lighthouse at the July 4th Destination Waveland event.
 
City of Waveland appreciates the artists that put in hundreds of hours in creating this lovable masterpiece.

Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke reports on an important court decision that benefits Waveland residents; and recognition of the Waveland Business of the Year.
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​Waveland owes a great deal of gratitude to Senator Cindy Hyde Smith, Senator Roger Wicker and Congressman Steven Palazzo for this endeavor. Without their leadership and perseverance Waveland would still be at a standstill.
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Business of the Year
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I would like to congratulate Pearl River Community College Hancock Center for being elected by the Hancock Chamber membership as the Waveland Business of the Year.

Pearl River Community College Hancock Center provides local students with an opportunity to receive a quality education right here in Waveland.  Pearl River Community College Hancock Center opened right before Katrina then reopened shortly after Katrina in a trailer in order to continue the mission of educating Hancock County students.  

What a blessing Waveland has that students can receive a top-notch education with just a short drive, bike ride or even walk to the Pearl River Community College Hancock Center. Congratulations to Pearl River Community College Hancock Center. 

Waveland Food Truck Friday - August 9

Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke reports on Waveland Taco Fest 2019; HemFest in Paris; and the recent MML Conference in Biloxi.
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- Photos by Lionel Haynes, Jr

​Ernest Hemingway's 120th birthday celebration will continue on Saturday, July 20 with the 1K "No Bull Fun Run."  The Fun Run begins at the intersection of Central Avenue and Coleman, and registration opens at 5:00. The "bulls" will be roller derby ladies on skates, and runners are encouraged to wear your best whites and a red scarf!  The race entry is $25 per person in advance.

To purchase your tickets for either event, contact Joanne Boyd at (985) 249-1103, or reserve your tickets at wavelandgroundzero.com.

Waveland Taco Fest 2019 will take place on Saturday, July 27 from 3:00-8:00 pm on Coleman Avenue.

This is an event to help support Madison Dobson. Madison, the 8-year-old  daughter of Joe and Mindy Dobson of Waveland, was recently diagnosed with CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome). CRPS /RSD is a disease of the central and autonomic nervous systems. It is the most painful medical condition known to man at 45/50 on the McGill Pain scale. Since January, Madison has battled pain, numbness and loss of mobility in both legs and feet. She also struggles with nerve pain internally in her stomach, esophagus, spleen and liver. 
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This disease progresses rapidly, and there is no cure. We have sought treatment over the last few months through many of the south’s best doctors and pediatric specialists with no luck. She is in Stage 1 of full body CRPS, and we are hoping to seek treatment before the disease progresses any further.

Before this illness, Madison loved gymnastics and lived for competitions and watching Olympians on YouTube. She is a very self-motivated and determined little girl, always excelling in everything she tries, best described by her parents and siblings as the overachiever of her family of nine.

Waveland Taco Fest will feature a taco cookoff competition, unlimited taco tasting, live music, craft vendors, limbo competition and much more. Taco Fest will be a fun event for a worthy cause. If you think you have the best tacos in South Mississippi, prove it and enter a team.

Please visit Taco Fest’s website for additional information and to purchase advance tickets for the event.

During the week of June 24-26, Mayor Mike Smith, Alderman Charlie Piazza and I attended the 88th Annual Mississippi Municipal League Conference in Biloxi. The MML Conference has over 2,500 attendees and is a great opportunity for public officials to get professional training and to network with other public officials from all over Mississippi.

Mayor Mike Smith was recognized at the conference for completing his Advanced Level Certified Municipal Official of the Certified Municipal Official (CMO) program. Mayor Smith is currently working on fulfilling the requirement for the final level of the CMO program, the Professional Development level. 

​I completed the final level of the Certified Municipal Official program, the Professional Development level in 2018 and was recognized at this conference for my accomplishment. Although I have no more levels to complete, I will continue to attend classes because I never want to stop learning.

Although the certification course is voluntary, receipt of the designation of Certified Municipal Official requires completion of core courses: Municipal Organization, Municipal Law, Municipal Finance, Municipal Land Use and Community Development. The CMO program provides the participants training to become more effective leaders for Waveland.

Established in 1931, MML represents 295 city, town and village governments in Mississippi. The mission of the MML is helping cities and towns excel through training, lobbying at the state and federal level, and providing resources and networking opportunities with state, federal and private entities. For more information about the Mississippi Municipal League, visit www.mmlonline.com.
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Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke reports on a special program at the Waveland Library; and a special art exhibition and party at Studio Waveland & Gallery.
- Photos by Ellis Anderson
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This program is sponsored by the NAACP, as an adjunct to its Reading Buddies tutoring program during the school year in the Bay St. Louis and Waveland elementary schools. No fee or advance sign-up is required.
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​2nd Annual Summer Solstice Party
 
Celebrate the summer solstice and the opening of the 25 WOMEN Art Exhibition with Studio Waveland & Gallery on Saturday, June 22 from 5-10 pm. 
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The event will feature the opening of the 25 Women Art Exhibition, ART FILMS by Women FilmMakers, and music. Studio Waveland invites you to "Bring Your Own Dinner Party” to set up under the sunset and evening stars. Yes, that’s right. Gather your neighbors, family and/or friends and bring the party to us. Bring tables, chairs, colorful tablecloths, food, drinks and any other party enhancements and set up on the street.
 
For more information please visit The Shoofly Magazine's Upcoming Events page!

Event Date: Saturday, June 22, 5-10 pm
25 Women Art Exhibition Dates: June 22 - August 17
Location: Studio Waveland & Gallery
            228 Coleman Ave., Waveland, MS 39576
            504-914-9618
 
Free to the Public

Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke reports on the start of Waveland's new sidewalk project, the St. Clare Seafood Festival and the lighthouse ribbon-cutting ceremony.
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​Waveland Avenue will remain open throughout the duration of the project, although intermittent lane closures may occur as needed to accommodate construction.  

The project is broken down into four sections in order to reduce the inconvenience to homeowners along Waveland Avenue.  The first section of construction will be from Highway 90 to Rue De Lasalle, second section is Rue De Lasalle to Herlihy, third section is Herlihy to Sycamore and final section is Sycamore to end of project.  All drainage will be complete, cut driveways repaired and sidewalks complete before the contractor can proceed to the next section of project. ​

This project has been in the works since 2015, and I’m excited to see we are finally heading down the home stretch. The project will make travel a lot easier and safer for pedestrians. It is anticipated that the project will be completed during the summer of 2020.
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St. Clare Seafood Festival
The St. Clare Seafood Festival has grown into the marquee festival in Hancock County for the Memorial Day weekend. The festival runs Friday, May 24, 5–11 pm, Saturday, May 25, 11 am–11 pm, and Sunday, May 26, noon to 10 pm
The festival features food, carnival rides, craft vendors, and the best free Memorial Day weekend live entertainment anywhere on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
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Please make plans to have a good time while supporting St. Clare this Memorial Day weekend.

Ribbon-Cutting for the Waveland Lighthouse

I'm extremely proud to offer this facility to the residents and visitors to Waveland.   The Waveland Lighthouse and Pavilion will be an anchor for the continue growth of Waveland.

Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke reports on the newly completed Waveland lighthouse and the 12th annual Crawfish Cook-off! ​

This project is a great example of a successful collaborative effort between Waveland and Hancock County Board of Supervisors. The project is a significant addition for the public at Waveland’s Coleman Avenue beach area. The project was funded using  Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act funds, Tideland Trust funds, and seawall tax funds. ​
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Much of the new facility matches the vision outlined and discussed for nearly a decade. The facility has a convenient layout, such as user-friendly ground level space, an elevator and plenty of seating along the observation deck. The facility is low maintenance, has low operating costs and is ADA accessible.

The Waveland Lighthouse, pavilion and bathroom facility will be cleaned daily.  The facility will have 24 hour video surveillance. No established hours for the opening and closing of the restrooms have been decided, but the restrooms inside the Waveland Lighthouse will not be available 24 hours a day.

I will let everyone know when a date and time is decided for the ribbon cutting of this much needed facility.

C&R’s Bar and Grill’s 12th Annual Crawfish Cook-Off will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019, from 10am – 4pm on Coleman Avenue.

The teams will be competing for cash prizes and for the glorious honor of being crowned Crawfish Cook-off Champion. Trophies will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams, as well as to the People’s Choice and Most Unique Edible Lagniappe item.

Admission is just $25 for adults and $10 for kids (9–12), and under-8s are free. The C&R crawfish cook-off benefits Hancock County non-profit, Hope Haven.

No outside beverages are allowed to be brought in and please leave your pets at home. The sponsors of this event are the Silver Slipper Casino and Budweiser.  

Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke reports on the upcoming St. Patrick's Day parade and the city's new appointments.

The parade will include the regionally famous Krewe of Shamrockers, The Queens, and the Raw Oyster Marching Club.

The parade will start on Waveland Avenue, travel down Central Avenue, turn right onto Coleman Avenue,  right on Beach Boulevard, then disband at Waveland Avenue. The Waveland Police Department decided this route is logistically the best route for the parade.  Hope to see everyone lined up on the route ready to catch beads, cups, and, of course, cabbage!
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​Welcome Aboard!

In February, Waveland approved the appointment of former Lt. Phillip Pavolini to assistant police chief and  Mickey Lagasse  as city clerk.  

​Assistant Chief Phillip Pavolini has been with Waveland Police Department for a number of years and rose through the ranks.  Assistant Chief Pavolini will be an outstanding addition to the leadership team at the Waveland Police Department. He brings a wealth of experience and an impeccable service record to his new role.

​My expectations are simple: law and order and providing exceptional service while maintaining community confidence in our police force. Not only has Assistant Chief Pavolini fulfilled that expectation, he has earned the respect of the public and his fellow officers with his impressive service to our community.  

Mickey Lagasse will be an excellent fit here at the city for a host of reasons. His love of customer service will serve the city residents well. He also has years of experience leading staff, streamlining processes, overseeing budgets, preparing contracts, and is a well-organized professional. These are all necessary attributes that we were seeking when filling the city clerk position.

Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke reports on the upcoming Nereids Parade, the recent conference of the Mississippi Municipal League, and recent appointments made by Mayor Smith.

Please read the notice below regarding the Nereids parade.

​Laissez les bon temps rouler!
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​PUBLIC NOTICE FROM THE CITY OF WAVELAND
 

• There will be no parking of vehicles, trailers, or recreational vehicles before 12:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon February 23, 2019. Any vehicle parked on the right-of-way at any time that obstructs the view of traffic for cars going into or out of businesses will be towed.
• There will be no marking or reserving parking areas along the parade route with tape, rope or other means of “marking a spot.” 
• Underage consumption of alcohol will not be tolerated. There will be plain clothes officers enforcing the law.
• There will be no sale of silly string &/or Snap and Pops on the parade route.
• There will be no skateboards, hover boards, skates, scooters, bicycles or any unauthorized modes of transportation, including motorized forms of the items mentioned above, on the parade route. Any one of these will be removed from the parade route.
• There will be no drones of any kind on the parade route.
• There will be no reptiles or pets of any kind allowed on the parade route.
• There will be no glass containers on the parade route.
• There will be no parking on the median or ladders or scaffolding.
• ​Please be courteous and use the trash containers provided along the parade route.

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Board Members Go To Capitol

​Waveland Mayor Mike Smith, Alderman Bobby Richardson, and I recently attended the Mississippi Municipal League’s 2019 Mid-Winter Legislative Conference in Jackson, Mississippi.
 
Along with approximately 500 municipal leaders from all over Mississippi, we participated in discussions of current legislative issues and their impact on local governments and attended sessions to listen to ideas to help move Waveland forward. We also networked with legislators and business leaders at the Gulf Coast Legislative Reception and at the capitol to provide them important feedback on issues that are critical to Waveland.

While in Jackson Mayor Smith, Alderman Richardson and I met with Mississippi Development Authority leadership to ask for additional funding for a community building at Martin Luther King Jr. Park on Herlihy Street. I’m pleased to report that Mayor Smith got word in mid-January from the Mississippi Development Authority that Waveland got the additional funding required to fund the building at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.
 
Attending the MML's Mid-Winter Conference and visiting the capitol during the legislative session are valuable components of Waveland’s progress forward.
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Waveland Appointments
 
In accordance with Waveland’s charter, Mayor Mike Smith was required to make his appointments to several positions at the first meeting of the new administration. The list of the mayor’s appointments are as follows:

• Police Chief - Michael Prendergast
• Fire Chief - Tony Mallini
• City Attorney - Rachel Yarborough
• Superintendent of Utilities Department (Public Works) - Brent Anderson
• Judge - P.J. Mauffray
• City Prosecutor - Melinda Tucker
• Public Defender - Todd Thriffiley
• Mayor Pro Tem - Shane LaFontaine
• City Clerk (temporary) - Ron Duckworth

 
The two changes that Mayor Mike Smith made was appointing former Assistant Chief Michael Prendergast as the Waveland Police Chief. Chief Prendergast replaces Dave Allen.
 
Chief Allen has served as Waveland Police Chief since 2013 and served Waveland well. He led a department that was facing a number of lawsuits to one of the most respected police departments in South Mississippi. I’m happy to report that Dave Allen has agreed to stay with the Waveland Police Department to serve as Head of Investigations and a full-time Cyber Crimes Investigator for the city of Waveland.
 
I’m positive Chief Prendergast will do a stellar job. His 30-plus years of experience in law enforcement and fresh perspective will be invaluable for the Waveland Police Department. I am confident that under Chief Prendergast’s dedicated leadership, the Police Department will continue to work diligently in protecting our community against crime, while implementing best practices, new technologies and initiatives to ensure the department is able to meet the growing needs of our city.
 
The other change that was made was the appointment of Ron Duckworth as city clerk. The appointment of Ron is only a temporary appointment.  Ron will still hold his position as comptroller, but Mayor Smith informed the Board of Aldermen that his desired choice of city clerk wouldn’t be ready to begin work as city clerk until February, so Ron was temporarily appointed to fill the position.