Last week Picayune’s Retirement Attraction Committee met to update members on what is going on around the city.

Picayune Retirement Director Christy Goss said during the meeting she updated about 10 committee members on the work going on around the city, including the natural gas line replacement project, the work planned for the green space through grant funding and promotion of Picayune Main Street Inc.’s Street Festival.

Goss said the committee has another meeting scheduled for July where the members will determine what help the community needs with upcoming events.

One of the things Picayune offers is an Amtrak stop. Goss said the committee is considering a trip along the line, which could be a day or overnight trip. The day trip would be as far away as Meridian, while an overnight trip could take them as far as Chicago. Taking the trip will help them effectively market the city’s access to Amtrak stops.

Committee members also heard about the live feed cameras planned for installation outside City Hall. Goss said the cameras will not record video, but will be available for live viewing through a web browser. Some of the committee members said they plan to share links to the live feed with friends living in other states.

Goss said the cameras are part of a marketing campaign to promote Picayune as a retirement destination.

Recent data suggests Florida is losing retirees, a lot of which are moving to Picayune, Goss said. Part of the reason for the transition is Mississippi’s lower insurance rates and Picayune’s higher ground, Goss said.

The committee is looking for additional members. They meet bi-monthly and meetings feature guest speakers. Guest speakers can include representatives with local power companies about hurricane preparedness or energy saving practices or the benefits of a community becoming smoke free. Anyone interested in joining can contact Goss at City Hall.