Good Things Happening in Waveland

Waveland - September 2026

Many new businesses, a new park, news on our beloved fishing pier, and election information are on today's agenda!

– By Shoofly Staff

For the last several years, the City of Waveland has been working towards revitalization, in particular on Coleman Avenue. Big strides have been made recently on Highway 90 with the development of the Fairfield Inn,
​Chick-fil-A, the old Rite Aid building, and on Coleman with Rickey’s. The Sand Bar is just the latest addition to these efforts.

 Waveland
is supported by

 
“Being the first ground-up restaurant built on Coleman Avenue since Hurricane Katrina says something powerful about how far our city has come,” Trapani said. “Seeing a developer commit to building brand new here is a real vote of confidence for Waveland and its future.”
 

 
The Sand Bar will have an open-air ground floor with a full bar and snack options. The second floor will be climate controlled and feature a full oyster bar, offering patio seating and stunning views of the Gulf. In addition to on-street parking, The Sand Bar will offer special golf cart parking spots, complete with chargers.
 
"Waveland needs a fun, casual, beachside restaurant,” said Genin. “If not now, when?”
 
Live music, fresh Gulf seafood, and a family-friendly environment are central to the concept.
 
The current plan is to open by October, so keep an eye out for opening details!

​Finally, Fishing

Shoofly file photo | Dena Temple

​More big news on Coleman: The Garfield Ladner Pier is moving along – FINALLY!!  These structural repairs have been a long time coming. Once construction is completed on the structure, additional improvements are anticipated, including adding back the pagodas. The contractor has six weeks to finish the structural repairs, so check back around the first week of October.
 

​Pickleball, Anyone?

Waveland is getting pickleball courts! There will be two courts constructed at Waveland Avenue Park (or Elwood Bourgeois Park, 220 Pine St.). The contractor has 90 calendar days to complete construction, so be ready with your paddles on Thanksgiving day, November 26!
 

More Room to Play

Make sure to stop by the new McLaurin Street playground! This family attraction is located next to the Waveland Police Department, with shaded spots to picnic and relax and a large open field for other fun activities.

Waveland's Slate of Candidates

Pixabay | Jill Wellington

It’s election season, and here is the finalized list of candidates and the roles they are seeking:
 
Mayor

• Jay Trapani, Republican
• Bobby Richardson, Republican

 
Ward 1 Alderman

• Rhonda Aime-Gamble, Republican
• Roger Estopinal, Republican

 
Ward 2 Alderman

• Vicki Reid-Estapa, Republican
• Arthur A. Paulk, Republican
• Adam L. Bouma, Republican
• Clarence Harris, Democrat

 
Ward 3 Alderman

• Bryan Frater, Republican
• Braxton Lafontaine, Republican
• Paul ‘PT’ Taylor, Republican

 
Ward 4 Alderman

• Jeremy G. Clark, Republican
• Gary Catalano, Republican

 
The primary election will be held on Tuesday, October 6, and the general election will be held on Tuesday, December 8.
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