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Hancock County’s 553 square miles offer a variety of landscapes, ranging from sand beaches to rolling countryside to peaceful bayous. But geography is not the only thing that’s diverse in this vital community.
Hancock businesses include everything from a microbrewery to one of the top scientific hubs in the world. Stennis Space Center is in the western part of the county and is the largest rocket test complex in the U.S. The center hosts more than 30 federal, state, academic and private organizations, as well as many technology based companies, boasting a total workforce of over 4,500.
Jeremy Howell works at Stennis Space Center as senior chief for the Navy’s Meteorological and Oceanography Command. His last posting was in Norway, so he and wife Jessica researched the region online thoroughly before selecting Hancock County as their new home.
“This is the place we liked best,” he said. “My wife works as a nurse in Gulfport, so a central location like Diamondhead was critical. The quality of the education available here also played a big part in our decision since we have two children, ages 8 and 16.”
“Diamondhead has all the amenities we like, including several pools. It’s a safe neighborhood and close to the beach. My wife and I are ultimately planning to retire right here,” he said.
In the central part of Hancock County, the Kiln community has seen extraordinary growth in the past few years. New homes and businesses have sprung up along the major arteries, with more development projected in the coming decade.
Lifelong Hancock resident Michael Seal opened Seal’s Marketplace on Miss. 43 in February 2006. The popular store is a full-service grocery with a butcher on staff to manage the specialty meat market.
Seal and his family live just north of Kiln surrounded by a “close-knit” community of family and friends. The avid hunter and fisherman also enjoys the numerous recreational assets of the area.
Farther south, the beach and the Silver Slipper Casino have proven to be popular draws for visitors, residents and business owners. Janet McArthur and her partner Keith Sallier are the owners of Ken and Sue’s in Lakeshore, just a few miles from the beach. The shop and eatery has established a reputation for serving up delicious home-cooked meals.
“I moved here about 10 years ago and just love it,” McArthur said. “The locals are very supportive of our business and once tourists discover us, they come back again and again. I have one couple who drives all the way from Poplarville for my roast beef po-boys.
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