SUMMARY: The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) and the University of Southern Mississippi’s Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center (TCMAC) have launched the next phase of the Aquaculture Advanced Seed Production Training Program. Starting July 12, participants will use a mobile hatchery to spawn oysters and engage in larval culture, pediveliger setting, and seed grading. The free 100-hour training aims to expand off-bottom oyster aquaculture by building skills in hatchery operations and water quality management. This effort supports local hatchery capacity, reduces reliance on out-of-state seed, and strengthens Mississippi’s commercial oyster industry. Two production runs are planned for 2025.

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SUMMARY: Hurricane season is stressful for coastal Americans, with forecasts predicting 6 to 10 hurricanes, half potentially major. Preparation reduces stress, officials say. Secure outdoor items, board windows, and protect important documents. Inspect roofs, trim weak tree limbs, review insurance, and inventory possessions early. Emergency kits should include water (1 gallon per person daily for seven days), nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and entertainment for kids. Include pets’ needs too. Those evacuating should know routes, have backup plans, and fuel vehicles. Having a detailed plan and communicating it helps ease fears and ensures readiness for hurricanes.

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SUMMARY: One month after Buc-ee’s opened in South Mississippi, its food and merchandise are popular, but traffic around its single-entrance roundabout is causing issues. Michelle Englett, local business owner, says the roundabout creates heavy congestion, confusing drivers and blocking access to nearby shops. The design directs customers straight to Buc-ee’s, reducing traffic for other businesses. While some visitors find it easy to navigate, they rarely explore beyond Buc-ee’s. Workers at nearby stores suggest solutions, such as additional entrances, employee parking, or a service road to better manage traffic flow and support local commerce.

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