Page 16 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2019

COASTNOTES
A L K INSIDE
Sounds
Summer Begins with
Aquatic World
by the
story by Lynn Lofton
Estory and photos courtesy of Mississippi Aquarium
xcitement is building within the community as the state’s premier destination, Mississippi Aquarium takes shape. Over the past several months the Aquatic Wonders building has
risen to four stories while the dolphin and river otter habitats were formed. The acrylic panels, which had been staged at the Port of Gulfport since August of 2018 while Roy Anderson Corp prepared the habitats, are now being installed, marking a huge step in the aquarium’s progress.
“The installation of our acrylic panels is a significant milestone in the development of Mississippi Aquarium,” said David Kimmel, president and CEO of Mississippi Aquarium. “These are the windows into our habitats that will allow our visitors to connect with the aquatic world. I can’t wait to walk through our 360-degree acrylic tunnel where sharks, rays and all the aquatic wonders of the Gulf of Mexico and beyond will be swimming around. This is a great time for Mississippi and our Gulf Coast”.
The process of loading and delivering the acrylic panels took place throughout the end of March. The panels include the swirl habitat, 360-degree tunnel and big window that reveals the main ocean habitat, vary in size and shape and weigh up to 40 tons.
B Sea
Acrylic Panel Installation Begins at Mississippi Aquarium
ring your picnics and American flags to Sounds by the Sea during Memorial Day weekend. Admission is free to the two patriotic concerts presented by
the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra. The Harrison County event takes place May 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Park,
Gulfport. The Jackson county concert is May 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Beach Park, Pascagoula. Both events have pre- concert entertainment beginning at 7 p.m. and end with fireworks displays.
It all began in Harrison County 20 years ago with the idea of giving back to the community. “It’s been amazing,” says Peggy Schloegel, who has chaired the event each year. “It’s a wonderful way to bring symphony music to people who might not hear it otherwise.”
Serving on that first committee with Schloegel were Katherine Blessey, Dave Marshall and John McFarland. Former Symphony Board president Shelia White joins the committee this year.
Veterans from the Armed Forces Retirement Home are treated to dinner and brought to the event. During the concert, all who have served in the military are asked to stand as the song from their branch of service is played.
Schloegel expressed appreciation to the sponsors who help make the concert possible.
Mississippi Aquarium
228.205.4014 www.msaquarium.org
16 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • May 2019
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
Gulf Coast Symphony
228.896.4276 | www.gulfcoastsymphony.net