April 2025
The Gulfport-Biloxi market is seeing steady economic momentum fueled by infrastructure upgrades, new businesses, and a growing tourism sector.
Gulfport ranked on U.S. News Best Places to Live.
What This Means for You: U.S. News & World Report recently released its take on the 150 best places to live in America and Gulfport ranked No. 134. Gulfport also earned a No. 124 ranking in the publication’s best places to retire list.
Mississippi’s first Buc-ee’s on track to open this June in Harrison County.
What This Means for You: Buc-ee’s — the Texas-based megastore gas station chain – is set to open June 9, 2025. It will be one of the largest in the nation, spanning 74,000 square feet with 126 gas pumps, 24 electric vehicle charging stations, and 165 toilets. Buc-ee’s plans to hire 200 employees with starting wages at $20 an hour, plus full benefits and retirement.
Bass Pro Shops announces plans for new outdoor superstore to serve Greater Gulfport-Biloxi area.
What This Means for You: The 75,000 sq ft store will be the company’s second in the state of Mississippi. The new Jackson County location is expected to employ 125 new “Outfitters.”
Amtrak now expected to begin Gulf Coast passenger rail service in June.
What This Means for You: Trains will run from New Orleans to Mobile with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula. Services are expected to provide economic growth opportunities, boost tourism, and reduce traffic on the roadways.
Hattiesburg-based restaurant developer to open The Downtowner in Gulfport.
What This Means for You: Hattiesburg restaurant developer Robert St. John owns multiple restaurants in the Hattiesburg area and is now investing in the Gulf Coast. While St. John already has roughly 420 employees overall, he plans to add another 50 on the Coast.
New Holiday Inn to be developed in Gulfport.
What This Means for You: The property on the end of Debuys Road will soon be the spot for a Holiday Inn. The 5-story hotel will feature 113 rooms, a pool, a restaurant, and cabanas. Developers say they are expecting a groundbreaking ceremony in May or June of this year.
J. Allen Automotive breaks ground on new Mazda dealership in Gulfport.
What This Means for You: The automotive group broke ground on a new Mazda dealership off Highway 605. The current Mazda dealership off of Airport Road will be moving to the new location full-time in 2026.
