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Bay St. Louis, Miss. – The Hancock Chamber of Commerce will unveil a commemorative bronze star honoring former U.S. Representative Gary Eugene “Gene” Taylor on Monday, Dec. 8 at 4pm. The star will be installed on the sidewalk in downtown Bay St. Louis in front of Hancock Whitney at Beach and Main. The public is invited to attend.

This installation marks the 16th star placed in the community, continuing a local tradition of recognizing individuals whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on Hancock County and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Following the ceremony at the star site, guests are invited to a reception at Dan B.’s Restaurant, located directly across the street.

Born and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Taylor served in the U.S. Coast Guard before entering public service. He was elected to the Bay St. Louis City Council in 1981 and to the Mississippi State Senate in 1984. In 1989, he won a special election to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represented South Mississippi until 2011. During his more than two decades in Congress, Taylor became known for his advocacy for military service members and veterans, his leadership on the House Armed Services Committee, and his tireless work on behalf of the Gulf Coast—particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Community members, colleagues, friends, and supporters are encouraged to join in celebrating Taylor’s legacy of service and the newest addition to the community’s sidewalk star program.

Event Details

What:
Sidewalk star unveiling honoring Gary Eugene “Gene” Taylor (the 16th star in the community)

When:
Monday, December 8 at 4:00pm

Where:
Sidewalk installation site in downtown Bay St. Louis in front of Hancock Whitney at Beach & Main Street (across from Dan B.’s—109 S Beach Blvd.)

Reception:
Immediately following at Dan B.’s Restaurant, located directly across the street

Who:
Open to the community — residents, friends, colleagues, and local organizations are welcome

We encourage those planning to attend to arrive a few minutes early. The bronze star will serve as a lasting tribute to Gene Taylor’s contributions and a visible reminder of service and dedication in our downtown streetscape.

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