Wednesday marked the 90th birthday for the king of rock and roll and some of his biggest fans gathered in Ocean Springs to celebrate his memory At the Sunset Lounge inside the Gulf Hills Hotel a birthday bash was held to honor one of the most influential figures in American history who also had deep roots within the hotel itself “Elvis frequented the Gulf Hills in the 1950’s so his legacy is really important to the hotel and to the community so we like to preserve that and celebrate him,” said Gulf Hills Hotel co-owner Jennifer Jones and of course as much of Elvis’s music as you could handle The biggest surprise came towards the end of the night Elvis was revealed with a coastal makeover “He’s obviously a recognizable person so I was trying to take that and make it a little less literal but more of a coastal camouflage kind of feeling the artist responsible for the statue’s transformation CNOOC Limited today announces that it has made a major breakthrough in the exploration of Paleozoic buried hills in the Beibu Gulf Basin Homepage|Site Map Exploration well WZ10-5-1Sa has encountered an oil and gas pay zone of 283m China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has announced a “major breakthrough” in the exploration of Paleozoic buried hills within the Beibu Gulf Basin The discovery was made through exploration well WZ10-5-1Sa at the Weizhou 10-5 oil and gas field which is located in the Beibu Gulf in the South China Sea at an average water depth of around 37m The well has encountered an oil and gas pay zone of 283m It was drilled to a total depth of around 4,840m The test result shows that the well produces approximately 13.2 million cubic feet (mcf) of natural gas and around 800 barrels (bbl) of crude oil per day CNOOC chief geologist Xu Changgui said: “The Weixinan Sag in the Beibu Gulf Basin is one of the most explored sags offshore China the company has been researching on the reservoir formation theories of the complex buried hills and the relevant technologies needed “The breakthrough in the exploration of Paleozoic granite buried hills reveals the vast exploration prospects of the buried hills in the Beibu Gulf Basin It will also provide guidance for exploration in similar fields offshore China.” Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis CNOOC CEO Zhou Xinhuai said: “In recent years the company has made large and medium-sized oil and gas discoveries in various types of buried hills offshore China which have been further expanding the company’s oil and gas resource base The discovery in the Beibu Gulf Basin will help to stabilise energy supply and continuously contribute to the economic and social development.” Last month, CNOOC initiated production from its Luda 5-2 North Oilfield phase two development project This field is located in the central part of the Bohai Sea at an average water depth of approximately 30m Last month, the company also announced the commencement of operations at the Buzios7 project within the Buzios field The Buzios field is situated in the pre-salt layer of the Santos Basin offshore Brazil  It is claimed to be the world’s largest deep-water pre-salt oilfield Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network Residents are being evacuated in the Talla Point area in Gulf Hills as crews are currently working a fast-moving woods fire in the Gulf Hills area in Ocean Springs homes are in danger with this fire and it is blazing in multiple locations Residents in the Talla Point area are being forced to evacuate their homes Several agencies are on scene working the fire We will have more information as it becomes available .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Joanne AndersonIn the summer of 1956 Elvis Presley shook hands with Gulf Hills assistant manager Cecil "Ces" Spearman Presley was one of many celebrities who stayed at Gulf Hills (Photo submitted by Gulf Coast Album)The second and third entries in the Jackson County section of Charles Sullivan's new book "Gulf Coast Album: A Journey in Historic Photographs 1899-2011 From New Orleans Across the Mississippi Gulf Coast to Mobile" feature Gulf Hills Country Club and Gulf Hills Dude Ranch in Ocean Springs The club's web site -- www.gulfhillsgolf.com -- gives a very concise take on the Gulf Hills story It was to be a resort like no other in its era," the story goes "This was accomplished with an absolutely beautiful golf course the original 13 homes were built with no kitchens and no laundry facilities Residents of this exclusive community took all meals at the clubhouse and even their laundry was picked up and returned clean and folded by clubhouse employees Sullivan writes that in 1950 when Dick and Gladys Waters were owner/operators these four- to eight-room villas sprawled down a hillside to the banks of Fort Bayou where the installation's private pier was located They contained a total of 66 private rooms each with its own bath and private entrance The website said Jack Daray designed the 18-hole course Golf Digest once listed the 17th hole as "one of the top five most beautiful and challenging in the entire Southeastern Region." that the resort was developed especially for the seclusion and entertainment of Chicago crime figure Al Capone remnants of a "Speak Easy" and Gambling Casino still remain In the clubhouse was a fabulous lounge called The Pink Pony gangsters and members of the "upper crust" enjoying drinks and residents recalled how he loved to play the piano and just relax in what was described as a comfortable and secure atmosphere the course was so popular that tee times were actually auctioned off to the highest bidder the night before Gulf Hills was not only a first-rate golf course It became very popular for horseback riding Sullivan quotes an entry from "Mississippi Magic: The Balance Agriculture With Industry (BAWI) Bulletin" in his book: "Mississippi's first dude ranch is being opened at Gulf Hills on the state's resort-minded Gulf Coast will operate the ranch and stable of 20 riding horses in conjunction with the Gulf Hills Hotel and Golf Course." Another excerpt and comment from Sullivan on the June 18 edition of the Times-Picayune tells more: "The Gulf Hills Dude Ranch is described as 'a horse-hayride-square dance resort.' A half dozen cowhands had been imported from West Texas to provide riding instruction and to supervise group outings Activities on the 700-acre ranch included moonlight rides a visit by the contestants of the Miss Hospitality Contest (usually held at the Buena Vista Hotel) to the Gulf Hills Dude Ranch became a tradition Sullivan's research noted that Dick and Gladys Waters sold out to Ike LaRue and others in 1962 a comprehensive write-up in Deep South magazine mentioned trail rides and cookouts but the club was no longer described as a "dude ranch." The website sums it up: "Throughout the past 72 years Gulf Hills has been bought and sold many times It seems everyone wanted to own a piece of history the residents purchased Gulf Hills and have restored it Although the dude ranch is now just a memory 6,266-yard course is enhanced by a new clubhouse Sullivan's 240-page hardbound pictorial history may be purchased at a price of $40 from: MGCCC Alumni House, 601-528-8900; dena.hatten@mgccc.edu; P.O. Box 99, Perkinston, MS 39573; www.mgccc.edu; or at the GI Museum Anyone who would like to share historical records, photos and/or documents may contact this columnist by email at joandy42@cableone.net or Sherry Owens and Renee Hague with Pascagoula Public Library at 228-769-3078 Photos and original documents will be digitized and returned to owner Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, (updated 8/1/2024) and acknowledgement of our Privacy Policy, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/1/2025) © 2025 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us) The material on this site may not be reproduced except with the prior written permission of Advance Local Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site YouTube's privacy policy is available here and YouTube's terms of service is available here Ad Choices The Gulf Hills Hotel is celebrating what would have been Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday The fun starts at 6:30 tonight featuring Elvis bingo The Gulf Hills Hotel even saying those bingo prizes are a surprise you won’t want to miss Elvis use to visit the Gulf Hills Hotel during the early part of his career Gulf Hills Hotel has been frequented by some of America's most famous stars and gangsters and for a few million dollars you can own this piece of history "It actually was built and opened in 1927," said general manager Donna Brown "It was built by the Branigar Brothers of Chicago Illinois purportedly with laundered mob money as a hideout for Al Capone Brown explained that at one time there was a railroad that ran from Chicago to Ocean Springs making travel to the hotel relatively easy for Chicago-based Capone and his associates The hotel is located on waterfront property which offered two modes of escape in the event it was raided by law enforcement the alleged gangsters could escape in cars parked in front The hotel didn't just appeal to the shady characters of organized crime. Stars Marilyn Monroe Jayne Mansfield and Judy Garland are all said to have enjoyed the luxury and privacy of the hotel but one name keeps guests coming more than any other "Elvis was one of our most famous guests," Brown said "He stayed in the hotel from 1951 to 1957 in the summers of those years." Brown said the hotel's location was ideal for Presley Those were the early years of his career and the hotel served as a hub while he toured the Southeast Brown said there was a dude ranch on the property at the time which appealed to Presley's love of horses He got his first taste of waterskiing there "He learned how to waterski at Gulf Hills," Brown said "We've got some great pictures of Elvis learning how to ski in 1952 and 1953." The hotel is also associated with Presley's love life Brown said Presley became engaged to June Juanico of Biloxi there but the demands of being engaged to a rising star were apparently too much for her They remained good friends until he died." Mansfield and Capone roaming the grounds are long gone presidents and many big names," Brown said "We have entertainers that play at the casinos They stay with us and out of the madness of the casinos." Historical purchaseBut now the hotel and its storied history are for sale "It's been owned and operated by a local family," Brown said pool and 11 acres of waterfront property was initially listed at $6 million the owners are offering less acreage at a reduced price "We're pricing the hotel and about 3.8 acres at $2.9 million," said Southeast Commercial Real Estate Services agent Monte Luffey "That's the main hotel and all the rooms.  The rest of the property we technically don't have on the market." Brown said many potential buyers have looked at the property and each with a different vision Possible developments have included the addition of a luxury motor coach park an assisted living facility and apartments "It would be a loss for the community and the coast.  More: 'Everything was gone.' Hurricane Camille, Mississippi's first monster storm, turns 50 More: 'My guess is the 1700s — maybe a little earlier': Mississippi fisherman makes historic find More: 'I froze.' 45 years after reported Pascagoula alien abductions, more UFO witnesses talk More: LSU's Matt Branch was shot by a dog. His leg was amputated. Now he plans to hunt again. I’m not talking about an actual Elvis sighting but The King of Rock and Roll is all over the coziest Elvis-historic-themed hotel anywhere in the United States My friend Terry Lynn Hamm knows about my complete adoration for Elvis She told me I had to stop in to tour this hotel tucked away in beautiful Ocean Springs while on the Coast for a conference All I can say is you have to go and experience this place for yourself… The Elvis destination is a place called Gulf Hills Hotel and Conference Center General Manager Donna Brown gave me the grand tour and I must say that this place is “Always on My Mind!” “Construction of Gulf Hills began in 1925 and was developed by the Branigar Brothers out of Chicago with purported laundered mob money as an Al Capone hideaway It opened in 1927 as the Gulf Hills Dude Ranch and Golf Club,” Brown said “It’s said that Capone bootlegged alcohol out of Canada and then to points East and West from there,” she added other interesting guests to later stay at Gulf Hills were Marilyn Monroe we can’t tell you the names of recent famous people who’ve stayed there You never know who you might run into Gulf Hills Elvis started staying at the Ocean Springs hotel security and friends used Gulf Hills as their home base,” Brown told It was a convenient location as he was touring from Texas to Florida Elvis and his entourage stayed during the summers through 1957 “Gulf Hills was a secluded location back in the day his retreat from the miles on the road and long nights in the clubs,” noted Brown and he could be heard singing to no one in particular as they rode down the many trails He learned to ski here and could be found riding the ‘waves’ of Old Fort Bayou,” she said The kitchen staff at Gulf Hills was quick to prepare his favorite meals like peanut butter soup or peanut butter and banana sandwiches the staff was extremely respectful of his privacy and became very protective of Elvis Did you know Elvis dated a gorgeous Biloxi woman named June Juanico June caught his eye while he was performing at Keesler Air Force Base and June was the first woman Elvis was engaged to they had to sign a non-disclosure agreement so the relationship wouldn’t scare off all the women fans a hunk of “Burning Love” man playing guitar like Elvis and now we fans know why his relationship to June was hidden from public view… to keep his female fans interested There are photographs of Elvis and June at Gulf Hills you can get a glimpse of the Elvis era at Gulf Hills by checking into the Love Me Tender Love Me Suite “The suite is 2,000 square feet of interconnecting space featuring three private bedrooms each with full bath $750 per night for two or more consecutive nights Brown says The Love Me Tender Love Me suite is elegantly done in authentic period 1950’s furnishings and fixtures in art deco colors glass and chrome are reflective of the furnishings found at Graceland Elvis with his mama and other family members all throughout the suite Gulf Hills turned into “Heartbreak Hotel” for a little bit after Hurricane Katrina The hotel sustained about $2 million in damages Brown said the entire lower level was blown out and sanitation systems that had been submerged under water were completely shot They operated on generator power until the week of October 19th first responders and displaced coast families were given rooms to stay in Bush recognized the folks at the hotel with the American Spirit Award for going above and beyond the call of duty before The folks at Gulf Hills might have been “All Shook Up,” but two years later their hotel was back and ready for tourists Brown said they’ve had folks from all over the United States Once you’ve toured or stayed in the Love Me Tender Love Me suite you’re gonna want to come back every single summer just like Elvis or stopping in either to inquire as to… Did you used to be a Dude Ranch where Elvis stayed Or more often than not… people shared stories of Elvis stopping in unannounced to a wedding reception and singing the wedding couple a love song,” Brown continued “Showing photos of themselves or family members in the swimming pool with Elvis or skiing with him or simply strolling the grounds and hanging out in the lobby All of these things give testament to the history and heart of Gulf Hills Hotel and Conference Center in Ocean Springs.” If you’re looking for a great place to get lost in the Elvis history of Gulf Hills and have “A Little Less Conversation,” just come on down and “Surrender” for “One Night.” “Are You Lonesome Tonight” or just a “Hard Headed Woman,” maybe it’s time to book that weekend get-a-way and find out for yourself why Elvis treated Gulf Hills like his second home To Donna Brown, Terry Lynn Hamm, Elvis, and guitar players everywhere… Thank You, Thank You Very Much for sharing, for friendships, and making awesome memories. Tweet me @TheDonnaEchols or email me at DonnaEchols@gmail.com. A year after a visit to the Gulf Coast, a writer reflects on the kindness of strangers — and the cycle of rebirth in a land defined by storms. The worldview in Bay St. Louis was clear: destruction is sure to visit us in this life, no matter who we are or where we live, and the only way to weather it is to have an open hand and borrow from our neighbors. My therapist puts it this way: you become what you have, not what you’ve lost.  highly curated editorial content brings attention to hidden gems Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine Share LinkAl Capone And Elvis Presley Once Bunked At This Historic Mississippi Hotel      Gulf Hills Hotel and Resort in Ocean Springs known for its celebrity guests and historic charm They’ve both bunked at the Gulf Hills Hotel But they’re not the only recognizable names on the hotel’s former guest list The hotel has played host to several celebs which means you can join the ranks of some of history’s most famous (and infamous) characters The Gulf Hills Hotel and Resort opened in Ocean Springs in 1927 Gulf Hills Hotel + Resort/Facebook Surprisingly who plan on restoring it to its former glory an upscale resort that was no stranger to celebrity guests oceanspringshotel.comThe resort was the brainchild of the Branigar Brothers from Chicago oceanspringshotel.comA long time in the making the brothers found the site for the resort during a visit to the Gulf Coast in 1901 The brothers set out to build a “resort like no other on the Coast." oceanspringshotel.comWhen opened the hotel was re-branded as the state’s “first working dude ranch.” oceanspringshotel.comBringing a taste of the West to the South, the ranch spanned 700 acres and offered activities, like horseback riding. oceanspringshotel.comIt’s been speculated that the resort was actually built for Al Capone Elvis Presley became a regular at the resort Gulf Hills Hotel + Resort/FacebookAnd when he wasn’t taking in the views from his villa or playing the piano in the resort’s lounge oceanspringshotel.comOther famous guests include Judy Garland Jayne Mansfield/Facebook Just like Elvis, they all preferred to stay in the resort’s waterfront villas. the Gulf Hills Hotel and Resort of today boasts comfy accommodations Gulf Hills Hotel and Resort/TripAdvisorThe eatery's name isn't the only nod to the resort's past serving as a reminder that it’s as legendary as some of the guests it’s hosted over the years This isn’t the only historic hotel in Mississippi. Click here to read about one of the state’s oldest. Choose your stateAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasNorthern CaliforniaSouthern CaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingSubscribe... Enjoy your own private fishing pond and then head to one of Missouri's underrated fishing spots with a stay at this cozy cabin. Thanks for subscribing. We’ll see you in your inbox! The 17th hole at Gulf Hills Golf Club (pictured currently at left; in previous years at right) was once named by Golf Digest as among the most beautiful and challenging in the southeastern U.S Course officials have hired a new superintendent with intent of restoring the hole -- and the rest of the course -- to its former glory.(Warren Kulo/The Mississippi Press) .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Warren Kulo | wkulo@al.comOCEAN SPRINGS new fleet of carts and more improvements set for the fall are among the upgrades underway at Gulf Hills Golf Club Gulf Hills is the second-oldest course on the Mississippi coast with the full 18 holes opening in 1927 (the first 9 opened a year earlier) After longtime superintendent Jimmy Fayard retired in November The club's board of directors took over management of the course while they searched for a new superintendent who had been the assistant superintendent t The Bridges at Hollywood Casino in Bay St and Yankovich has begun the process of restoring the course to its former glory "He's been trying to get the greens brought back from the wintertime," said Gary Thone "We just got a new fleet of carts in Wednesday and we're looking at more improvements in the fall after we get the growing season and the grass going good They're talking about doing some more trim and upgrading the bunkers." The Branigar brothers developed Gulf Hills opening the full golf course in 1927 and building 13 "upscale" homes which were constructed with no kitchens and not laundry facilities The total cost of the project was estimated at $15,000,000 residents were fed at the clubhouse and their laundry was picked up and cleaned by clubhouse employees the head golf professional at Olympic Fields golf club in Chicago at the time One of the more highly-regarded club professionals of his era among Daray's students were President Woodrow Wilson and baseball legend Ty Cobb Urban legend holds that the resort was developed for the use of Chicago crime boss Al Capone called "The Pink Pony" and photos from the era show movie stars One story which has been verified is that Elvis Presley was known to frequent Gulf Hills So high in demand were tee times in the early days that they were auctioned off in a bidding process the night before the Gulf Hills Dude Ranch offered horseback riding O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center has an entire exhibit on the resort The course has changed ownership a number of times since its opening and after a Japanese company which owned the course put it up for sale a group of Gulf Hills residents formed a corporation and purchased the course Although the course currently isn't in the best shape it's ever been "Business has been good," he said We've had nine tournaments so far in June (with another Saturday) and then our package groups start coming in during the middle to end of July." Gulf Hills is now offering golf memberships to non-shareholders cart fees -- "everything," Thone said There are also "Stay and Play" packages which include housing for up to four people in The Carlisle House which sits directly on the course adjacent to the clubhouse one breakfast and one lunch at the clubhouse's Mulligan Room contact Gulf Hills Golf Club at 228-872-9663 or the hotel at 866-875-4211 Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application Martin and Latimer communities and was a graduate of St he worked for Gulf Hills Dude Ranch in Ocean Springs as a Wrangler leading trail rides and taking guests on hayrides he was diagnosed with Hereditary Ataxia at age 30 Lanny continued working with horses at Gulf Hills until the dude ranch and western recreation closed in 1978 He then drove a truck for Mavar Seafood until 1983 when his illness forced him to retire on a trail ride and they were engaged in February Lanny accepted Christ as his Savior in 1982 and was ordained as a Deacon at McClellan Road Baptist Church in 1985 He enjoyed serving the Lord in many ways such as Lanny loved to go to horse sales and horse shows where he watched family members compete He served as president of the Woolmarket Riding Club and was later active in Lazy B and enjoyed helping Lanny Jr with his tack business Conard and Willmetti Ferguson; and three brothers Barbara Ferguson; and many nieces and nephews A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Thursday Friends are invited to visit from 9:30 am – 11 am Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Lanny Drue Ferguson Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors The reconstruction of the Gulf Hills Hotel and Resort in Ocean Springs is nearly complete making the historic area one step closer to reaching its former glory the location has served as a quiet hideaway for celebrities throughout the years guests were able to stay in one of the hotel’s 66 rooms while enjoying an 18-hole golf course the hotel transformed into Mississippi’s first working “Dude Ranch,” allowing for activities in the wilderness in addition to its original features Elvis was one of the most common celebrity guests at the hotel in the 1950s “That really was the draw for Elvis because he would stay in Villa #9. He could kind of get away from the people and have some privacy,” Condrey said on a recent episode of The Gallo Show “There’s even rumor that he would cook his own pizza in the kitchen because he would stay for months at a time.” Condrey added that the infamous gangster Al Capone is also rumored to have frequented the property years prior as legend has that he had a hand in funding the hotel’s construction There’s even a tunnel under the hotel if Capone needed a quick escape “There’s actually a house down the road from the hotel that has discovered a tunnel and they’ve told us there’s one under the hotel as well,” Condrey explained they would leave distracting the feds and he would jump in the tunnel and go to the house that’s down the street.” The location’s long-time owners sold the property years after the hotel’s height in 1962 with the wake of Hurricane Camille seven years later and a fire of unknown origin in 1974 leaving the location in ruin the former hotel and resort was sold to Condrey with the new owners quickly making plans to revitalize the 12-acre property and the nearby marina for travelers to enjoy once again “We didn’t purchase it with really a big plan; we just knew we wanted the property to stay a hotel because the history is there and it’s such a big part of the coast,” Condrey said there was a person who was interested in putting an RV park there and plans of condos being built on the site We certainly felt like it needed to stay a hotel.” Condrey and her team have worked on revamping the hotel’s interior with the five-year project now expected to focus on restoring the exterior of the historic building Copyright 2025 SuperTalk Mississippi Media Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly SuperTalk Mississippi Media is Mississippi’s leader in news SuperTalk Mississippi Media covers every inch of the state .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Joanne AndersonGulf Hills postcard.jpg An early postcard depicts the 17th hole at what was then called Gulf Hills Country Club Gulf Hills Resort and Dude Ranch was a popular destination for tourists and locals as far back as the late 1920s and to honor its history the History Museum at the Mary C O'Keefe Cultural Center in Ocean Springs is hosting an exhibit now through the end of 2017 A History of Gulf Hills," it was curated by Pat Pinson Elvis Presley was a frequent guest at Gulf Hills Resort during the summers of 1951 to 1957 photos and artifacts from the Gulf Hills Hotel and Golf Course Some emphasis will be on the glory days of the 1950s when celebrities like Elvis Presley Then there was the other element of visitors like Al Capone and others associated with organized crime The exhibit is on display on the second floor of the Mary C More information may be obtained by calling 228-818-2878 wrote a detailed history of Gulf Hills that may be read on the Jackson County government website Hines wrote that Gulf Hills was a project of the Branigar brothers of Chicago and their associates who "carved an exclusive neighborhood from the wilderness north of Ocean Springs." They were promoting the golf course and resort style-living farming and working charcoal kilns to make a living A 1925 article in the "Pascagoula Chronicle Star" noted that a man identified as C.W Gormley was planning to create an elaborate golf course on the hill north of Fort Bayou Original furniture from the Gulf Hills Hotel in Ocean Springs is part of the current aHistory and Hearta exhibit open through 2017 at the Mary C The Branigars hosted a gala in early 1927 marking the opening of Gulf Hills on No Gulf Hills covered 667 acres with 249 of them dedicated as fairways Golf course architect Jack Daray of Chicago's Olympian Fields fame designed the 18-hole course and a community began to evolve Originally there were 12 winter homes built for out-of-state owners The Branigars managed Gulf Hills until about 1945 Today's resort has a 52-room boutique hotel with meeting and banquet space Its 18-hole championship golf course is located right at the front door of the hotel It is a place where the rich and famous have laid their heads Columnist Joanne Anderson may be reached at joandy42@yahoo.com The Walter Anderson Museum of Art at 510 Washington Ave. Collection of the Family of Walter Anderson Gift of Mary Anderson Pickard in memory of Amelia "Amy" Stebly is home to the Alice Moseley Folk Art & Antique Museum dedicated to Mississippi Gulf Coast folk artist Alice Moseley's work is home to the Alice Moseley Folk Art & Antique Museum The main gallery in the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art on North Fifth Avenue in Laurel a little Al Capone history and local photography with a stay at the Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort in Ocean Springs at 13701 Paso Road Mississippi is the home of the blues and fried catfish But did you know that Mississippi offers visual art experiences as well Follow this itinerary to spend a weekend enjoying the best paintings and pottery of southern Mississippi Leave work early and head to Bay St. Louis to visit the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum Monday through Saturday with free admission Louis at the age of 79 after visiting for an art exhibition Moseley was a “self-taught idyllic folk artist who began painting at the age of 65 as a hobby.” Like many artists who begin later in life the Moseley collection suggests that she painted what she knew best: her home the streets of the towns where she lived and her memories of growing up in the south After a burst of southern nostalgia with Moseley, stroll through town to The Arts, Hancock County check out one of the regularly scheduled arts markets or perhaps watch an artist in action mark your calendar for the annual “Arts Alive” festival March 29-30 Head a little farther east, just across the Alabama state line, to the Mobile Museum of Art The admission fee is $12 for adults with reduced fares for seniors With a permanent collection of more than 6,400 pieces and a variety of classes the museum offers a little something for everyone to enjoy Of special note are the contemporary art exhibition and an outdoor sculpture trail try Blue Dog Bistro at 1801 Government St. chargrilled barbecue salmon and house-made crabcakes After lunch, return to Mississippi to visit the Walter Anderson Museum of Art The admission fee is $10 for adults with reduced fares for seniors The premiere art museum in an artsy town, the Walter Anderson Museum is a must-visit for any art lover visiting the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It offers rotating exhibitions, interesting day trips and art classes for all ages. Check out the museum's education page to reserve an experience After a leisurely brunch at Phoenicia Gourmet Restaurant, begin your trek back to Louisiana with a visit to Biloxi’s Ohr-Okeefe Museum of Art at 386 Beach Blvd. Ohr-Okeefe offers hands-on classes such as pine needle basket weaving What a perfect way to finish an art-filled weekend away Enjoy Elvis Presley memories, a little Al Capone history and local photography with a stay at the Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort in Ocean Springs the hotel has undergone major renovations since the new owners 52 rooms (some with bunk beds) and an old-school ballroom Gulf Hills offers something to suit the needs of couples business meetings and destination weddings Jones says guests often describe it as “having a 'Dirty Dancing' resort vibe.” If Gulf Hills is sold out, check out the nearby walkable Roost Boutique Hotel at 604 Porter Ave., Ocean Springs, or the creative district’s Beatnik Hotel at 402 Porter Ave. For a four-day weekend, add an art day by visiting the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, at 565 N. Fifth Ave., Laurel, open 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Or try the Mississippi Museum of Art News Tips:newstips@theadvocate.com Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home - Ocean Springs This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Boutique Hotelier USA marking the fifth addition to the Rain Travel Collection of boutique hotels The building that was the former law office of a famous attorney on the coast in Ocean Springs has been transformed into a new 15-bedroom joining the portfolio of hotels developed and owned by Joe and Jessica Cloyd All bedrooms have been named after either flowers herbs or plants that are believed to have medicinal powers The hotel’s name has been inspired by the healing springs that gave Ocean Springs its name Part of the business model means that The Springs Hotel does not have an in-house restaurant instead encouraging guests out to explore the local eateries in the area An on-site shop Palmette sells flowers and fine art and is run by Jerrod and Jessie Partridge given its location in the downtown and less than a quarter mile from Front Beach and the luxurious design The Rain Travel Collection comprises Roost Boutique Hotel The Hemingway and Gulf Hills Hotel + Resort at First United Methodist Church of Pascagoula .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Special to The Mississippi PressLindsay Leigh Bishop and Thomas Edward Wooten were married Dec The bride is the daughter of Kirby and Barbara Thornton of Moss Point The bridegroom is the son of Timothy and Katrina Wooten of Mobile Serving as matron of honor was Brittany Thornton Wilson of Oceans Springs The bridesmaids were Frankie Borries Ivy of Vicksburg Meredith Harrison of Vancleave and Taylor Bishop of Pascagoula niece of the bride and daughter of David and Brittany Wilson; and Ashlynn Reese Bonta cousin of the bride and daughter of Troy and Angie Bonta; all of Ocean Springs Serving as best man was the brother of the bridegroom Tanner Wooten of Mobile cousin of the bride and son of Troy and Angie Bonta of Ocean Springs nephew of the bride and son of Rene and Alanna Mejia of Ocean Springs The reception was at Gulf Hills Country Club in Ocean Springs The couple will have a belated honeymoon in July when the groom graduates from Nursing School The rehearsal dinner was at Scranton's in Pascagoula and was hosted by the groom's parents .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Theresa Seigergulf shores police accident county road 2.jpg Gulf Shores police responded to a reported accident involving a car and two bicyclists on Baldwin County Road 2 in Gulf State Park (Courtesy of the Gulf Shores Police Department) A Vestavia Hills man, struck by a car with his wife while they rode bicycles in Gulf State Park Wednesday John Richard Vos, 73, died after a Baptist LifeFlight crew transported him to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida. His wife, Augusta Forbes Vos, 50, suffered serious injuries in the crash. She underwent surgery at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola and is expected to recover, said Cpl. Josh Coleman of the Gulf Shores Police Department police found the Voses unconscious on the southbound side of Baldwin County Road 2 about 1 mile north of East Beach Boulevard They were struck by a 2003 Ford Mustang driven by 21-year-old Blake Ashton Foote He remained on scene when police arrived and cooperated with detectives Authorities believe fatigue may have played a role in the crash Gulf Shores police and the Alabama Law Enforcement are investigating the collision Anyone with information can contact GSPD Sgt with additional information from Gulf Shores police Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, (updated 8/1/2024) and acknowledgement of our Privacy Policy, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/1/2025) © 2025 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us) Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site Ad Choices .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Cherie WardView full sizeJudge David McVeay: Wins Democratic runoff in his bid for a fourth term as District Four Justice Court judge in Jackson County Mississippi -- An incumbent and a newcomer were winners in runoffs for 2 Jackson County Justice Court Judge seats in today's runoff election Incumbent District 4 Judge David McVeay defeated Ocean Springs Alderman Jerry Dalgo in the Republican primary runoff "It was a good clean race and that's mainly what I was hoping for," McVeay said I have the best supporters in the world." "I would like to congratulate my opponent for a well-run campaign and I would like to thank my supporters for everything," Dalgo said Tucker said both Dalgo and McVeay would have been tough opponents I can start campaigning and showing voters my qualifications," Tucker said pointing to his career as a local attorney Gerald Wayne Jones defeated Lisa Bosarge Fairley to succeed to retired Judge Cecil Byrd's seat Byrd retired this year and did not seek a third There were no Democrats or independents in the race and Jones will be sworn into office in January Jones said he had a great time campaigning and getting to know the community better I'm looking forward to being judge," Jones said I want to thank those who got out and voted for me," Fairley said Justice Court judges hear cases on civil actions; criminal misdemeanor charges; felony preliminaries; citations from the highway patrol sheriff's department as well as the state departments of transportation A justice court judge also performs marriage ceremonies .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Special to The Mississippi PressJACKSON COUNTY Matthew Dewitt Lansford was arrested and charged with public intoxication Phillip David Amos was arrested on charges of driving under the influence Daniel Davis reported suspicious persons on his property Megan Rogers reported the theft of a 1999 Mercury mountaineer Karen Strangi reported harassing phone calls Derek Lane Christopher was arrested on charges of child molestation and sexual battery Quang-Duc Rickey Nguyen and Dong Van Le were arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute Emily Hamilton reported harassing phone calls Deputy Donnie Moore reported an abandoned vehicle Richard George Walker was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon Bradley Howard Enis was arrested and charged with aggravated assault Amanda Deanne Hicks was arrested on a warrant for aggravated assault Richard Matthew Berry was arrested and charged with child pornography Thomas Havard reported the theft of a boat and trailer was arrested on charges of domestic violence and disorderly conduct Norman Albert Leaveau was arrested and charged with public intoxication Franklin was arrested on NCIC hits from Jones County and from Mississippi Department of Corrections James Davis reported the theft of a cell phone Bobby Williams reported the theft of a 1986 Pontiac Firebird Phillip James Burts was arrested and charged with driving under the influence Jeremiah Lee Moncada was arrested and charged with arson Ronald McKinley McQueen was arrested on charges of driving under the influence Michael Rhodes reported a stolen license plate Fred White reported the theft of a sidewinder interstate mower Larry Cannon reported the theft of a briefcase and contents Jerry Rutland reported the theft of gasoline Ronald Stephen Smith was arrested on charges of driving under the influence failure to yield to blue lights and careless driving Shanikqua Smith reported malicious mischief Michael Lofton reported the theft of a Poulan chainsaw Grechen Merrell reported credit card fraud Michael Morris reported malicious mischief Terry Scott reported the theft of four vehicles titles was arrested on charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct Nathan Cheyenne Cochran was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and driving with a suspended license failure to yield to blue lights and siren and careless driving Edwin Allen Chambers was arrested and charged with domestic violence Michael Robert Dunn was arrested on charges of domestic violence second offense and driving with a suspended license Stephen Dale Zitterkopf was arrested and charged with driving under the influence Rocky Cole Mallette was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct Shane Alan Young was served warrants for conspiracy to transfer a controlled possession of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm Kevin Duane Deese was served warrants for eight counts of burglary Antoinette Newsom was served a warrant for possession of a controlled substance Donald Lee Kennon was served a warrant for possession of a controlled substance/enhanced Michael Lorenzo Carter was served a warrant for possession Phillip Jermaine McClendon was served a warrant for burglary Aaron Undreau Holloway was served a warrant for two counts of transfer of a controlled substance/enhanced Adam Ray Dunn was served warrants for attempted capital murder and conspiracy to commit capital murder Darrah Williams was served warrants for 11 counts of burglary Ocean Springs Melissa Dunkin reported malicious mischief Sherry Kennedy reported malicious mischief Robert Brian Hill was arrested on three counts of sexual battery and 12 counts of touching children for lustful purposes Deputy Savie Goff reported an abandoned vehicle The vehicle had been stolen from Moss Point Melody Gentry reported the theft of prescription medication Kejuan Davison was arrested and charged with possession of crack cocaine Patti Ann Sigler was arrested on a warrant for two counts of felony driving under the influence John Randall Jackson was arrested on a warrant for contempt of court Christopher Lee Hixenbaugh was arrested on a warrant for contempt of court Wayne Robert Plumier was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and no proof of insurance and on warrants for three counts of contempt of court Kejuan Maryize Davison was arrested on charges of burglary and possession of crack cocaine Joseph Schafhirt reported the theft of copper wire Jerry Furby reported the theft of copper wire Chadda Meagher reported a vehicle burglary Melvin Joseph Hall was served warrants for vehicle theft and contempt of court Darrah Williams was served a warrant for burglary Bobby Ray Brenson was served warrants for six counts of sexual battery and two counts of touching a child for lustful purposes Thomas Keith Coleman was served warrants for auto burglary and two counts of credit card fraud Warren Earl Biggs was served a warrant for armed robbery Albert Matthew Everett was served warrants for two counts of felony shoplifting Jesse Tompkins reported the theft of a lawnmower Shannon Tiblier reported a vehicle burglary Ocean Springs A residential fire was reported Brian Lee Kilgore was arrested on charges of transfer of a controlled substance generation of hazardous waste and possession of precursors Samantha Whitt Wallace was arrested on a warrant for felony driving under the influence James Edward Hines was served a warrant for grand larceny Felton Leiphardt reported the theft of a Stihl weed eater Tina Elizabeth Slater was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct Jeremy Lee Stewart was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct Kim Ha Tran was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute Quida Cleo Smith was arrested on a warrant for uttering forgery Bobby Jawune Hands was arrested on a warrant for armed robbery .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Kaija Wilkinson(Kaija Wilkinson/The Press-Register)Tommy Barnes a native of Tupelo who wrote "Indian Outlaw" for Tim McGraw talks about the music industry on Saturday a young songwriter who produces records for Escatawpa rock band Three Doors Down said that no matter how technologically advanced the music industry gets it always comes back to human to human contact - sharing personal stories talking about the inspiration for certain songs "You just can't duplicate that on the Internet," said Gasaway one of about 50 songwriters who took part in Day Two of the inaugural Mississippi Songwriters Festival a local businessman with a passion for music With the "Elvis Suite" of the Gulf Hills Hotel as their home base participants who weren't leading workshops talked shop and told music-business war stories as they meandered around the historic resort with the mostly male group reflecting on the previous night's performances and anticipating the ones scheduled Saturday night and today over smokes and iced tea on the veranda The songs that the men wrote are ones many people know and love: Tim McGraw's "Indian Outlaw" and "When She Wakes Up (and finds me gone)," Hank Williams Jr.'s "Man to Man," Exile's "I Want to Kiss you All Over," a 1978 rock-pop ballad that still gets heavy air play today who joined Exile after high school in 1965 wrote the song and performed it Friday night in the basement bar The Julep Room A couple who said it was "their song" were thrilled to learn it was being sung to them by the man who wrote it "It's just unbelievable the songs you hear," said volunteer Amanda Knight of Hurley "There are many times you just get chills." who has songs under review by Martina McBride he's got high hopes for the fest's future Cumbest said he's working with PBS and Biloxi station WLOX to produce a documentary and related recordings that he believes will spark interest Gasaway said the fest opens people's eyes to the rich musical heritage of the state and folks here need to be reminded about the talent that is here and how amazing this state is." He'd like to see a "Have You Forgotten"-style song penned about Hurricane Katrina preferably by a songwriter from south Mississippi "Have You Forgotten" is a country hit by Darryl Worley about 9/11 As Gasaway hung out in the Elvis suite and talked Grammy-nominated songwriter Steve Leslie conducted a 2-hour workshop on the art of the chorus with about 30 people paying $35 to hear Leslie's advice and George Strait are among the stars who have recorded Leslie's songs Today's grand finale concert is set to feature Richie Jones of Hurley and could very well attract some surprise celebrity guests Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at the door or online at www.themaryc.org .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Tyler Carter | tcarter@al.comPASCAGOULA surrounded by law enforcement officials from various Gulf Coast municipalities announced the success of a major drug trafficking operation that arrested five with gang ties Tuesday morning in Vancleave and two in Pearl River County was the culmination of a year of surveillance work since he had taken the oath as sheriff located in Vancleave had grown notorious as a site where drug and gang activity had become rampant where warrants were served to the individuals but it is unclear whether it was with/without incident Ezell said that dealers were selling crystal meth Jackson County suspects include: Terry Reddix also known as "Fathead" and Darryl Williams are all from Vancleave -- Chris Reddix is the lone suspect from Ocean Springs only two will remain at the Jackson County Adult Detention Center while the others will be transported to the Harrison County jail along with Requita Magee and Marcel Graves of Picayune Suspects arrested are facing federal charges related to trafficking narcotics and federal authorities working together to arrest the individuals responsible and to get drugs off the streets the drugs are being funneled into the community by way of Mexico "A lot of these drugs are coming from Mexico and a lot of the problems we are having with meth and other drugs have been coming from there," Ezell said "They make their way here by way of Dallas and Houston The Hill has been a problem for nearly 30 years Ezell said He recalled an operation from 2000 where he served as a member of the FBI's Safe Streets Task Force where a raid he and fellow officers executed arrest numerous individuals Why has it taken 30 years for more progress to be made in that area "We have made many arrests over the years but there are so many arms and legs to these kinds of cases," he said but we feel like the case we have made today and over the past several weeks is going to put a stop to this behavior." Ezell said Gulf Coast municipalities will benefit greatly "This is going to have a major impact in all of the cities and out into the county," Ezell said "Because of these arrests and our investigations we feel that it is going to curtail a lot of the issues that are happening in these cities." The Marble Palace sale gets Dubai luxury property off to strong start in 2025 Dubai: The Dubai property market has seen its first high price deal of 2025 with The Marble Palace in Emirates Hills fetching Dh425 million The Versailles-inspired mansion represents the second-most expensive residential sale in Dubai’s history after 2023’s Como Residences penthouse on Palm Jumeirah The Marble Palace covers 60,000 square feet of interior space on a 70,000 square-foot plot in one of Dubai’s most exclusive gated communities A garage capable of housing 15 luxury vehicles complements the estate’s exclusivity The construction of The Marble Palace took nearly 12 years with an estimated Dh 80 million to 100 million invested in Italian stonework alone Its interiors feature 70,000 gold-leaf sheets and an array of rare artifacts Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox Weak dollar can be handy for some Dubai property buyers Kuwait ex-MP Al Tabtabai’s jail term doubled to 4 years $50 million Jumeira Bay land sale sets brand new record Project provides around 8,000 homes accommodating over 30,000 residents Riga: Eagle Hills announced the launch of its new project which aims to develop the waterfront on the Daugava River in Riga The project's investments exceed 3 billion euros or Dh12 billion The project provides around 8,000 designed residential units accommodating over 30,000 residents It also includes a diverse range of hotels with over 1,000 hospitality units highlighted the strengthening ties between the UAE and Latvia noting the substantial growth in trade and investment relations across various sectors He added that the launch of the 'Riga Waterfront' project underscores the deepening partnership between the UAE and Latvia identifying Latvia as a key economic and investment partner in the Baltic region remarked on recent advancements in UAE-Latvia relations He attributed this progress to multiple cooperation agreements designed to create business opportunities in both countries The new Emirati-funded project signifies a shared commitment to enhancing collaboration in priority sectors reflecting the ongoing positive development in their bilateral relationship Founder and Chairman of Eagle Hills Properties stated that the project reflects the strategic vision of developing Latvia and its capital The aim is to turn the site into a vibrant hub that offers a harmonious blend of luxury residential buildings and an active community life with a direct waterfront view Dubai's La Mer cluster records Dh200m+ deal