On the eve of the 7th anniversary of the 2017 tornado, Mayor Toby Barker and the City of Hattiesburg extend condolences to affected families and offer an update on two of the public facilities that were damaged during that tragic event: Timberton Park and Fire Station 2.

Status of Timberton Park
Bids have been opened and currently await FEMA approval to accept and move forward with construction (along with a decision on whether to allow for wood light poles poles or concrete light poles). You can read the entire timeline of Timberton Park post-tornado by clicking here. 

Status of Fire Station 2
The city is awaiting a decision on its appeal to FEMA Region 4 administrator on how much in construction costs will be approved. You can read the entire timeline of Fire Station 2 post-tornado by clicking here.

“As we arrive at another anniversary of the 2017 tornado, we remember the four lives lost from that terrible morning: Cleveland Madison, Ernest Perkins, David Wayne McCoy and Simona Cox. To their families, we extend our heartfelt condolences,” Mayor Toby Barker said.

“We are also reminded of the critical work ahead as we work to rebuild neighborhoods and public facilities like Timberton Park and Fire Station 2,” he added. “While recent months have offered long-awaited excitement on Timberton Park, we continue a frustrating battle with FEMA on a permanent Fire Station 2.”

“I want our residents and first responders to know that we stand committed to rebuilding both facilities to a standard of quality, safety and excellence that our neighborhoods deserve,” Barker said. “We will use every legal and legislative means to see these facilities through to completion.”