AGP Executive Report

Tourism Economy: Visit Mississippi’s 2025 Tourism Economic Contribution Report says the state welcomed 45.5 million visitors who spent $12.4 billion, driving $18.9 billion in total economic impact and supporting nearly 138,000 jobs. Local Travel Boost: Meridian leaders point to the city’s I-20 location and a packed fall events calendar as key reasons travelers are choosing the “Queen City.” Road-Trip Infrastructure: U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker announced a $44 million federal grant to widen and improve a major DeSoto County stretch of I-55/I-69, adding lanes and upgrading interchanges to reduce congestion and support tourism and business. Coast Events: Cruisin’ the Coast 2026 celebrates its 30th anniversary Oct. 4–11 with cruise-ins, show-and-shines, seafood sampling, and casino after-parties across South Mississippi. Community & Heritage: The Chickasaw Nation is helping fund a new $60 million Chickasaw Heritage Center in Tupelo, with phase one targeted for March 2027. Stay & Book Direct: Studio 6 Plus is expanding with a new Horn Lake, MS extended-stay hotel, while Gulf Coast vacation hosts get a new integration to make direct bookings easier.

Tourism & Events: Jackson’s first LEGO Brick Convention drew big crowds at the Mississippi Trade Mart, with professional builders and Star Wars-style and dinosaur displays—perfect for a family weekend plan. Local Culture: Pass Christian is rolling out “Oysters in the Pass,” placing oyster sculptures around town to spotlight the area’s oyster-bed history and turn it into a walkable public art trail. Travel Safety: A woman died after her vehicle left the roadway and entered a pond in Natchez; investigators say there’s no sign of foul play, but a pre-existing medical condition may have played a role. Outdoor & Wildlife: Mississippi State’s deer guidance breaks down what whitetails eat by season—browse, forbs, and mast—useful for hunters and anyone planning fall hikes. Road Trip Reality Check: GasBuddy reports Mississippi’s regular prices averaged about $3.91 for the week ending Sept. 19, with local lows varying by county. Weather Watch: Sunshine and mild conditions are expected to support outdoor travel, though rain chances return midweek in parts of the region.

Jackson LEGO Convention: The first-ever Jackson Brick Convention at the Mississippi Trade Mart drew crowds “packed really well,” with professional LEGO artists and big-name themes like Star Wars and even a Taylor Swift nod. Mississippi Tourism & Travel: Mississippi is touting record tourism numbers—45.5 million visitors in 2025 and $18.9 billion in economic impact—plus more tourism push activity statewide. Fall Fun Ideas: A guide highlights family-friendly fall foliage getaways, with seasonal outdoor traditions and scenic drives as the big draw. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show lower prices in parts of Mississippi, including regular gas as low as $3.67 in Scott County and $3.58 in DeSoto County, with statewide averages hovering around the low-$3.90s. Local Safety Note: A woman died after her vehicle left the roadway and entered a pond in Natchez; investigators say there’s no sign of foul play and a pre-existing medical condition may have contributed. Sports Tourism Hook: LSU heads to Starkville for an SEC volleyball opener against Mississippi State on Sept. 27, a matchup likely to pull fans to the area.

Mississippi Tourism & Culture: The Mississippi Book Festival returned to the state Capitol in Jackson, drawing thousands of young readers and families for author signings and a celebration of the written word. Gulf Coast Community: East Biloxi held its third annual Resilient East Biloxi Community Festival at John Henry Beck Park, spotlighting local art, music, and community resources, with a soft opening of a new community center tied to civil rights leader Dr. Gilbert Mason Sr. Learning on the Road: Mississippi LIFT is bringing free educational materials to rural families through mobile units, including stops at places like the Leakesville Public Library and Touch a Truck events in Pascagoula. Travel Context: Gas prices remain a wild card for road trips, with the national regular average rising to about $4.48 and Mississippi-area reports showing weekly swings. Sports Tourism Hook: Alabama’s big win over South Carolina keeps SEC travel buzz high, with Mississippi State set to host Missouri in Starkville—another weekend draw for visitors.

Community Learning on the Move: Mississippi LIFT is sending four mobile units across rural areas with free toys, books, and learning materials, including recent stops at the Leakesville Public Library and a Touch a Truck event in Pascagoula. Local Sports & Travel Buzz: UT Martin’s rifle team kicks off its 2026-27 season Saturday in Oxford, competing against Ole Miss and Ohio State. Game-Day Tourism Angle: Week 4 college football is packed with ranked matchups, including Ole Miss at Florida and Missouri at Mississippi State—big draws for fans heading to Starkville and Gainesville. Statewide Visitor Context: Mississippi is still riding strong tourism momentum, with a report citing record 45.5 million visitors in 2025 and $18.9 billion in economic impact. Fuel Watch for Road Trips: GasBuddy data shows regular prices in parts of Mississippi staying relatively low for the week ending Sept. 19, with Tunica County’s lowest at $3.96 and Yazoo County’s at $3.59.

Baseball Heritage: Princeton’s Gil Hodges Field of Dreams gets a spotlight as the Barrett family’s 100-plus-year baseball ties to the historic ballpark and the city come to the fore. Gulf Coast Fun: The Loco Beach Coconuts kick off a Banana Ball weekend at Keesler Federal Park with Tropical Smoothie Cafe, including player meet-and-greets and a limited-time Loco Beach Colada. Space & Tourism Leadership: Biloxi native Christine Powell is named the new director of NASA’s Stennis Space Center, a hometown win with big implications for regional visibility. Fall Travel Planning: A 2026 fall foliage forecast says peak color timing varies, with the lower Mississippi Valley and parts of the Southeast possibly seeing duller displays due to rain and clouds. Visitor Economy: Mississippi is reported to have hit a record 45.5 million visitors in 2025, generating a record $18.9 billion economic impact. Local Hospitality Growth: Airbnb and American Farmland Trust offer up to $10,000 grants for Farm to Stay agritourism upgrades, helping farmers turn stays into experiences. Starkville Game-Day Boost: Downtown Starkville prepares for Mississippi State vs. Missouri with late-night specials and a Sunday “Bulldog Brunch and Browse” push.

Gulf Coast Fun: The Loco Beach Coconuts are turning up the excitement in Waveland with Tropical Smoothie Cafe, including a limited-time Loco Beach Colada and player meet-and-greets at Keesler Federal Park for a sold-out Banana Ball weekend. Fall Skywatch: Mississippi’s Harvest Moon (Corn Moon) peaks Saturday, Sept. 26 at 11:49 a.m. CT, with the best viewing around moonrise near 6:45 p.m. (clouds may affect visibility). Agri-Tourism Grants: Airbnb and American Farmland Trust are offering farmers and ranchers up to $10,000 each to launch or expand farm stays and agritourism experiences. Road-Trip Upgrade: Jackson County is building a new $35.2 million Welcome Center on I-10 with expanded truck parking and accessibility upgrades, with the current site closed for about two years. Tourism Snapshot: Mississippi welcomed a record 45.5 million visitors in 2025, generating a record $18.9 billion in economic impact. Coast Safety Alert: Authorities responded to a man who fled into the Mississippi Sound with a knife near Long Beach/Gulfport, with marine resources working to resolve the situation.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Dining: Waveland’s newest spot, The Sand Bar, is set to open as the city’s only oyster bar, with a two-level setup for casual beach vibes and a sit-down menu featuring grilled oysters, fresh fish, and local shrimp. Gulf Coast Family Fun: USM is inviting families to the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Open House in Ocean Springs, offering live animal exhibits, hands-on activities, and Davis Bayou boat rides (plus on-site oyster shucking). Baseball on the Coast: Banana Ball is rolling into Biloxi—teams arrived at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport ahead of sold-out games at Keesler Federal Park, with the event positioned as a big visitor draw for the region. Local Sports Spotlight: Holmes Community College fell to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College 28-24, while Ole Miss men’s and women’s basketball schedules were released, adding more travel-friendly dates for fans. Tourism Economy Note: A new report highlights Mississippi’s tourism strength, citing record economic impact and continued visitor momentum. Community Culture: Clinton, Iowa’s river-town art revival story offers a travel inspiration angle for Mississippi’s own heritage-and-arts tourism.

Mississippi Tourism Boom: Mississippi hit a record 45.5 million visitors in 2025, driving a record $18.9 billion in total economic impact and $12.4 billion in visitor spending, plus 137,728 jobs and $1.2 billion in state and local tax revenue. Tourism Infrastructure: Jackson County is redeveloping its I-10 Welcome Center with a $35.2 million project aimed at better security, accessibility, parking, and more truck spaces—plus local coastal-themed exhibits—wrapping up in summer 2028. Maritime & Jobs: SubSea Craft is setting up a U.S. production center at Port Bienville in Hancock County, investing $6M+ and creating 56 jobs by 2028, supporting autonomous boat manufacturing. Local Culture & Heritage: Leflore County finalized its 2026-27 budget with the Museum of the Mississippi Delta receiving $20,000, after last year’s cut. Outdoor/Family Fun: A 90-ton engineering artifact tied to the Hamilton-Keokuk Dam was dedicated at the Chaney Creek boat launch, adding a new stop for visitors. Travel Costs Watch: GasBuddy reports show some of the lowest regular and premium prices across multiple Mississippi counties in the week ending Sept. 19.

Mississippi Travel & Safety: Mississippi health officials are warning residents to avoid counterfeit pills and other unregulated drugs after two Ole Miss students died, urging people to keep naloxone on hand. Mississippi Tourism & Sports Travel: Visit Oxford says the LSU–Ole Miss game weekend brought bumper-to-bumper traffic, overflowing trash, and a cleanup that ran more than 17 hours, with visitor and economic impact estimates due Friday. Mississippi Events & Family Fun: The Hancock County Fair opened for its 14th year, running four days with livestock, vendors, horse racing, and 4-H activities. Mississippi Travel Tech (Partner): BYRDLI, Visit Mississippi and Travel South USA launched “MISSISSIPPI FOUND,” a creator road trip that turns stays and itineraries into bookable products inside a travel club. Regional Connectivity: A new report highlights how shrinking regional air routes are pushing travelers toward cars and buses—an issue that could shape how Mississippians plan trips.

Road & Tourism Access: Biloxi crews are nearing completion on a $27 million extension of Popp’s Ferry Road, adding a new south-side connection to Highway 90 and improving hurricane evacuation and tourism access; paving on the north side is set to begin next week, with full completion expected by year’s end. Travel Disruptions: MDOT will run overnight alternating lane closures on I-20 in Jackson (8 p.m.–6 a.m.) Sept. 23-25 as part of “The Big Fix” bridge work, affecting multiple crossings and warning drivers to slow down and watch for crews. Local Events: Brookhaven’s “Come and See” Christian Motorcyclists Association rally (Sept. 24-27) kicks off with Bike Night/Cruise In and continues with public activities and registration at the Lincoln Civic Center. Wildlife & Outdoors: Mississippi State Extension is asking residents to watch for spotted lanternfly, a new invasive pest that could threaten fruit crops if it reaches the state. Community Spotlight: A WLOX investigation says Mississippi CPS has spent more than $34 million since 2022 placing some removed children in hotel rooms, raising concerns about oversight and safety.

Public Health & Travel Safety: U.S. measles cases have surged past 3,400 this year, and officials say a traveler exposed at Philadelphia International Airport (terminals B and F, plus connecting areas) could have been contagious—urging anyone who was there to check vaccination status and watch for symptoms. Coast Lodging & Culture: Bay St. Louis’ Fleurty Girl owner has turned a historic cottage into the Dolly Parton-themed “Dolly Suite,” a new Mississippi Coast stay built around the late icon’s style and spirit. Community & Mentorship: Mississippi University for Women is hosting its first Women’s Leadership Symposium, pairing students with local business and community leaders for mentorship and networking. Local Business & Jobs: The Mississippi Business Alliance stopped in Columbus for its Business Forward Tour, gathering feedback from industry leaders on what’s holding businesses back and what leaders should tackle next. Gulf Coast Spotlight: A grand jury returned a “no true bill” in the death of Nolan Wells, with his family and attorney saying they still want answers—an ongoing story that’s keeping attention on the Mississippi Gulf. Road Trip Costs: GasBuddy reports the lowest midgrade price in Mississippi County at $4.05/gal (week ending Sept. 12), with statewide midgrade averaging $4.27.

Tourism Spotlight: Visit Mississippi is headed back to the Rose Parade on Jan. 1, 2027, with its third appearance—“Mississippi: Where Hospitality is Always on the Menu”—a Gulf-food-and-landscape float featuring an outdoor “Mississippi Café” and a performance by Jamal Roberts. Gulf Coast History & Lodging: Biloxi’s White House Hotel is getting national attention for its century-old charm, including live oaks, historic interiors, and its beachside story. Travel Infrastructure: Work is set to begin Sept. 23 on a new Jackson County Welcome Center on I-10, adding modern amenities plus 62 truck parking spaces to ease a long-running shortage. Local Safety & Travel Disruption: Aurora police are asking for help after a possible kidnapping involving a silver BMW that may have headed toward Mississippi Avenue. Community & Nature: Mississippi’s outdoor calendar gets a boost with fall-themed events and guided hiking-style programming in the region. Major Local News: The Nolan Wells case remains a flashpoint after a grand jury declined charges, with his family and attorneys continuing to press for answers.

Coast Safety Update: A Jackson County grand jury unanimously returned a “no true bill” in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells after a Fourth of July trip to Horn Island, saying there’s no credible evidence of criminal wrongdoing and that his body was found under circumstances “consistent with drowning.” Tourism & Community Impact: The case—off the Mississippi Gulf Coast near Ocean Springs—drew national attention and renewed debate over how investigations are handled, with the district attorney also rejecting claims that the death was racially motivated. Outdoor & Family Fun: Biloxi’s Keesler Federal Park is gearing up for Banana Ball, a faster, rules-different baseball experience bringing big crowds to the Coast. Travel Costs: AAA reports Mississippi gas prices at $3.96 statewide, with higher prices in Lauderdale County, adding pressure to weekend travel plans. Local Events: Mississippi’s fall calendar continues to build with community happenings, including the Mississippi Songwriters Festival in Ocean Springs.

Travel Costs: AAA says Mississippi gas averages $3.96 a gallon, with Lauderdale County even higher at $4.06—plus jet fuel costs are pushing up airfare, making vacations harder for Meridian-area residents. Local Travel & Safety: MDOT joins the federal push for National Roundabouts Week, highlighting how roundabouts can cut fatal and serious injury crashes. Road Alerts: Mississippi Highway Patrol is investigating fatal crashes on I-59 in Pearl River County and on I-10 in Jackson County. Voting for Travelers: Mississippi absentee voting opens Sept. 21 with a new in-person scanning process for ballots to reduce disqualification. Oxford & Ole Miss Buzz: Ole Miss’ big win over LSU keeps the state in the spotlight as Week 4 SEC matchups roll in. Family-Friendly Fun: Mississippi Songwriters Festival wraps its 17th year in Ocean Springs, and Mighty Roots Music Fest returns to Stovall Sept. 25-26. Nature & Outdoors: A Mississippi wildlife rescue’s “raccoon boot camp” teaches baby kits survival skills before release.

Ole Miss Football & Travel Buzz: Ole Miss jumped to No. 4 in the AP Top 25 after beating LSU 32-24 in Oxford, a result that’s already fueling “big weekend in Oxford” energy for fans and visitors. SEC Weekend Plans: Missouri opens SEC play Saturday, Sept. 26 at Mississippi State in Starkville (6:45 p.m. CT, SEC Network), a matchup that could bring more out-of-state traffic to the Golden Triangle. Outdoor Travel Tips: Planning a hunting or fishing trip? A new guide breaks down how to fly with gear—especially the need to check each airline’s rules and TSA limits before you pack. Family-Friendly Delta Events: The Mighty Roots Music Festival returns Sept. 25-26 at Stovall Farms near Clarksdale with roots acts, food trucks, camping, and a Kid Zone. Road Safety for Fall Getaways: MDOT warns deer-related crashes remain a risk statewide (4,221 last year) and urges extra caution at dawn/dusk and during peak evening hours. Local Tourism Infrastructure: Meridian Regional Airport is updating its new terminal, with the north parking lot closed during construction and travelers directed to the southern entrance. Community Calendar: Religious gatherings across the Mississippi Gulf Coast are listed for Sept. 20-26.