Hattiesburg, Mississippi — The 2026 Mardi Gras season in Hattiesburg was officially announced today, January 15, during a press conference with Mayor Toby Barker, highlighting a full calendar of events that celebrate the city’s culture, creativity and community spirit. Mardi Gras in Hattiesburg is more than just a celebration; it’s a reflection of the community’s unity and cultural richness. Each...
CITY OF HATTIESBURG NEWS
Infrastructure Improvements to Begin in Unified and Irene Chapel Neighborhoods
Hattiesburg, Mississippi — The City of Hattiesburg is beginning construction on a major infrastructure and drainage improvement project in the Unified and Irene Chapel neighborhoods to address long-standing drainage issues, upgrade aging utilities and improve safety and accessibility. The project includes improvements along Magnolia Avenue near Cherry Street, Cedar Street and William Carey Parkway in the Unified Neighborhood, as well...
Assistant Chief Chris Carr Named Chief of the Hattiesburg Fire Department
Hattiesburg, Mississippi — Mayor Toby Barker announced Monday, Jan. 5, the appointment of Chris Carr as chief of the Hattiesburg Fire Department, succeeding Chief Sherrocko Stewart, who retired Dec. 31, 2025. “Chris Carr brings deep experience, strong operational knowledge and a proven commitment to training and professional development,” Barker said. “He has been a key part of the leadership team...
Hattiesburg Fire Chief Sherrocko Stewart Announces Retirement After Transformational Tenure
Hattiesburg, Mississippi – Hattiesburg Fire Chief Sherrocko Stewart will retire effective Dec. 31, 2025, concluding a distinguished career in fire service and nearly eight years of leadership with the Hattiesburg Fire Department. Stewart was first appointed fire chief in 2018 following a unanimous vote of the Hattiesburg City Council approving Mayor Toby Barker’s nomination. He was reappointed in 2021 and...
City of Hattiesburg Earns Seventh Consecutive Perfect Score for Drinking Water System
Hattiesburg, Mississippi – The City of Hattiesburg has earned a perfect score on the Mississippi State Department of Health’s (MSDH) annual inspection of its drinking water system for the seventh consecutive year, this time under a newly updated scoring system. This year, MSDH shifted from a 5-point scale to a more detailed 100-point evaluation, providing a fuller picture of operational...
City of Hattiesburg and The University of Southern Mississippi Announce Expanded Employee Education Partnership
Hattiesburg, Mississippi — On Monday, December 1, the City of Hattiesburg and The University of Southern Mississippi announced an expanded employee education program that will broaden educational opportunities for all full-time city employees. The program, originally launched in 2018 for sworn personnel in the Hattiesburg Police and Fire departments, provided up to six undergraduate credit hours each semester for eligible...
Hattiesburg Receives $4 Million in State/Federal Investment for Major Sewer Project
Hattiesburg, Mississippi – The City of Hattiesburg has received more than $4 million in principal forgiveness from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality’s Water Pollution Control Revolving Loan Fund (WPCRLF) to advance a major sewer improvement project along the North Main Street corridor. The investment allows the City to complete critical infrastructure work with minimal local cost by leveraging state...
Hattiesburg Police Department Opens Academy Applications, Announces $5,000 Raise for Officers
HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Mayor Toby Barker, joined by Police Chief Hardy Sims and other police personnel, announced Monday that applications are now open for the Hattiesburg Police Department’s next Police Academy class. New officers who complete the academy and graduate into the department will begin with a starting salary of $55,000. As part of the city’s continued investment in public...
Hattiesburg Earns Improved Community Rating System Score, Bringing Flood Insurance Discounts for Residents
Hattiesburg, Mississippi – The city of Hattiesburg has earned an improved score in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS), moving from Class 8 to Class 7. This advancement means that beginning April 1, 2026, most property owners with flood insurance policies through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will receive a 15% discount on their premiums....
City of Hattiesburg Dedicates Intermodal Facility in Honor of Former Mayor Ed Morgan
Hattiesburg, Mississippi – On July 17, 2025, the City of Hattiesburg officially named its Intermodal Facility, commonly known as the Hattiesburg Train Depot, in honor of former mayor J. Ed Morgan, recognizing a legacy of public service and transformative leadership that helped shape modern Hattiesburg. The J. Ed Morgan Intermodal Facility stands not only as a hub for transportation but...
Construction Begins on Major Drainage and Infrastructure Project Along West 7th Street
Hattiesburg, Mississippi – The City of Hattiesburg has begun construction on a major infrastructure and drainage improvement project in the area of West 7th Street, Grace Avenue and North 25th Avenue, aimed at reducing flash flooding and improving safety for motorists and nearby properties. The area near the Highway 49 underpass on West 7th Street has long experienced recurring flash...
City of Hattiesburg Celebrates Parks and Recreation Week with Full Week of Events
Hattiesburg, Mississippi – The City of Hattiesburg is celebrating National Parks and Recreation Week, July 14 – 19, by highlighting the programs, services and staff that help enhance quality of life for residents across the community. Throughout the week, the Hattiesburg Parks and Recreation Department will host a variety of free and family-friendly events that showcase the diverse programs it...