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THE SEA COAST ECHO • HANCOCK TODAY
THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 200<
‘Guardian’ awards put Hancock County in national spotlight
BY ED LEPOMA Staff Writer
Hancock County was in the national spotlight in April when the Gulf of Mexico Program handed out its first-ever Guardian of the Gulf Awards.
The award presentation at a luncheon ceremony was the climax of activities of the Gulf of Mexico Symposium, which took place at the Mobile Convention Center over a period of four days and drew marine and environmental experts from five states in the Gulf region and from state and federal agencies.
A large delegation from Hancock County, led by all five members of the Board of Supervisors, was in the audience for the presentation of the prestigious award?
Hancock County was singled out
for first place in the Partnership category. The Hancock County Board of Supervisors, the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and Hancock County's Water and Sewer District won praise for its concerted efforts to extend sewerage to approximately 95 percent of the area south of Interstate 10 within a period of three years.
And, Casino Magic's Bridges Golf Course was first-place winner in the Business category for the design and maintenance of its golf course, which is sensitive to its environment and to the wildlife living there.
Gulf of Mexico Director Jim Giattina of Waveland served as master of ceremonies for the luncheon, and before each first place win-CONTINUED-PAGE 24
A large delegation from Hancock County went to Mobile last April to attend the Gulf of Mexico Symposium and accept a first-ever Guardian of the Gulf Award. All five supervisors attended, along with representatives from the Hancock Chamber of Commerce and Hancock’s Water and Sewer District.
About the cover. . .
The cover highlights just some of the key components that make up Hancock County.
Photo Credits:
Boy on the Beach, Echo staff photo by Randy Ponder.
Kiln Library: supplied by the Library.
Courthouse, Diamondhead sign, Shrimp nets and StenniSphere at the Welcome Center, Echo staff photos by Donna J. Smith.
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Growing with Hancock County!
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