In the aftermath of the February 10, 2013, tornado that damaged over 1,000 structures in Hattiesburg, the city formed Hattiesburg Unites to Rebuild (HUB) to coordinate recovery efforts. Funds obtained by the organization, such as the National Emergency Grant, helped to finance and staff efforts to reverse the effects of the tornado. Fortunately, the tornado caused no deaths, but the storm damaged major city landmarks such as Westminster Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg High School, and the University of Southern Mississippi.
In 2014, city volunteers continue to clean up storm debris and organize demolition as necessary. In February, the city gathered many of these volunteers in a cleanup push known as the “Day of Difference.”
As the effects of the tornado recede, Hattiesburg looks to the future with an effort to obtain the latest fiber optic internet service through C Spire wireless. In order to construct the infrastructure needed for the upgrade, C Spire needs the city to express sufficient interest through individual pre-registrations; interested citizens may sign up at www.hattiesburgms.com/fiber.