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- Rankin Co., MsGenWeb
Flowood, Mississippi
In 1951, in the middle of a sleepy, flood plain, along the banks of the
Pearl River, gathered a handful of people who talked of starting their
own town. With little time behind them, they were granted a Charter in
1953 to incorporate the small town of Flowood, Mississippi. Fighting
the elements of nature, they hung on. In 1962 came the big flood that
instigated the levee system to be built along the Pearl River in Rankin
County. Mayor Chastain Flynt, the Board of Aldermen and the City
Engineer, with a great vision and influential assistance, stabilized
Flowood as a prosperous town. Businesses began to locate. Homes,
schools and roads were built that would open access to the town. In
1969 the town annexed state Highway 25 (Lakeland Drive) into the towns
limits as well as Highway 475 (Airport Road). In 1976 the town annexed
again adding more land into its limits. Many prosperous things began to
happen for the Town of Flowood. But as fate would have it, nature again
intervined. In the spring of 1979, on Easter Sunday morning, the worst
flooding disaster on record, encompassed all of Flowood. The levees
held but the heavy rains left extensive damage. Mostly human spirit and
faith took over. The towns leaders and supporting citizens found a
determination to build a better and stronger town. They implemented new
zoning and planning ideas. In 1988 a comprehensive plan and zoning
ordinance was adopted. A new town was taking shape. The Police and Fire
departments grew and were top-rated. In 1985 and 1987 Flowood annexed
again defining an extended accommodation that would begin drawing more
commercial and residential populations. New subdivisions developed.
Flowood again continued to flourish. In 1989, Flowood's first and
long-time mayor, Chastain Flynt retired after serving in office for
over thirty-six years. As he stepped down, the towns Chief of Police,
Gary Rhoads, was elected mayor, as was a fresh slate of Aldermen. With
enthusiasm and open vision, the new leaders continued to direct Flowood
toward its booming future. The years since 1989 have been phenominal
for Flowood. In 1990, The Town of Flowood made a necessary change and
became The City of Flowood, Mississippi. Upon that decision, many more
great things began to happen. Not only has Flowood become a very elite
City in its design, it also prides itself as being one of the most
unique and accommodating Citys available. Its corporate developments
offer a prestigious tax base for Flowood. The City works hard to
attract facilities to assist the total need of a thriving population.
Its safety, beauty and education are high priorities for the governing
body. As Flowood continues to grow, under watchful eyes, we will see
the unveiling of a hand-crafted city that invites a prideful population
to make it their own. Flowood offers something for everyone and
everything for most. With a history and record of progress that Flowood
has created, along with all of the successful untold stories, we will
continue to watch a City of excellence emerge. Flowood is not like any
other City. It is a masterpiece in the making.
Population per 2000 Census
4,750; Leann Rimes,
Country Music Star is a famous resident of Flowood
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Jane
Combs, October 19, 2008 ©2008
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