Page 20 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2023

COAST NOTE
photos by
Kelsey Sunderman-Foster
12199 Preservation Drive.
story by Lynn Lofton 13130 Whistle Court.
12216 Preservation Drive.
The tour began in 1959 and has been held each year except the years following hurricanes Camille and Katrina and during the pandemic.
“We invite everyone to come out and
get in the Christmas spirit with us,” said Tour Chairman Cissy Pedigo. “We are truly grateful to the homeowners who are graciously opening their homes for the tour. They and all who come are helping the Civic League support many projects in the community.”
The Florence Gardens' homes on tour include those of Stephanie and Jack Norris, 12216 Preservation Drive; Kaye and Bob Riggs, 12199 Preservation Drive; Diana and Phillip Bateman, 12542 Westwood Place; and Bridget and Andy Whiteman, 13130 Whistle Court.
For 76 years the Gulfport Civic League has been improving the quality of life in Gulfport. The group was formed in 1947 by 18 civic-minded women who came together to staff a polio clinic by checking in patients,
12542 Westwood Place.
assisting the staff and providing activities to entertain children while they waited.
“A focus on helping children and special needs individuals has been a mainstay of the Civic League,” President Camille Williams said.
The Civic League was responsible for donating handicap accessibility for two splash pads and a handicap launch for boat access in Gulfport. Recently, two wheelchairs were donated to Mississippi Aquarium.
Some of the other community projects are the Backpack Buddy program which provides food for school children during weekends; collecting items for the Women's Shelter; assisting the Salvation Army; and working with the Harrison County Shelter for Children.
The Civic League's only fundraiser is the Christmas Tour of Homes. Tickets are $20 and can be obtained from members, at the doors of homes the day of the tour or by calling 228.297.6204.
20 | November 2023
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