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6 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2007
BRIDGES OVER THE BAY • THE SEA COAST ECHO
"They did so well staying on schedule."
"It can only help because it gives people a reason to drive along the Coast," said Pirate's Cove restaurant owner Mike Lamarca.
The business has been in Lamarca's family for a quarter of a century and is currently located in a trailer at War Memorial Park and Second Street. The area surrounding the park has become the new center of town since the storm. City hall and the police department are located in trailers across the street.
Both Mayor Favre and Mayor McDermott think the opening of the bridge will help bring their towns back to life. Both realize that the process will still be
When completed in November, the new bridge will include a protected lane for bicycles and pedestrians
a long one.
"But we have realized
that we depend on one another, on both sides, for so many little things," said Favre.
Local artist Julie Williams-Mello - one of the 22 winners selected to have their artwork memorialized in plaques along the bridge's foot path scheduled to open in November
-	says she is honored to just be a part of history.
"The bridge opening is a symbol of hope for the community and I feel so honored to be a part of this historic moment," said Williams-Mello.
Her depiction of an Indian mermaid (the keeper of the Bay) holding the sun and the moon will be placed at the highest point of the bridge.
In Old Town, Bay St. Louis business owners Suzi Walters, who co-owns Bohemia with Karen Price
-	and Andora Smith, who owns Sanctuary - are thrilled. Both women live on the other side of the Bay and drive the long way to work.
"I think the bridge will bring people back to Old Town and to other businesses in Hancock County," said Walters. "From a business sense, we need it.
"It is bittersweet, not our same old bridge," said Smith. "But I think it will bring a civilized feel back to my area (Henderson Point), which has been like living at the end of the world."
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We are excited to see the opening of the new Bay St. Louis bridge. It serves as a tangible sign that life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast continues to get better and better. We'd like to take this opportunity to remind you that we are here, as always, to help your life get better and better as well.
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Harrison Countv 228/539.7029 • Hancock County 866/o;’ii'' . 1 \2!>' • www.gulfcoaffifcfrlrwtnunitvfcu.ori?'W
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