by Ezabelle Janssen, Staff Writer
LONG BEACH (GG) — When a community wins together, it celebrates together. On Thursday, October 23rd, the Coastal Daiquiri Bar & Grill was sizzling with teamwork and hometown pride as local volunteers grilled and packed 440 hamburgers — one for every Long Beach School District employee.
The effort was a heartfelt way to thank the teachers, staff, and administrators who helped make Long Beach the #1 school district in the state.
From retired teachers and business owners to Superintendent Dr. Talia Lock, the event drew a crowd that reflected the heart of Long Beach itself. Even Harrison County Sheriff Matt Haley and his department joined in — stepping up to cook every burger patty after hearing about the celebration.
“This truly shows who we are,” said Alderman-at-Large Donald Frazer. “It’s not about credit or recognition. It’s about showing appreciation to the people who make a difference for our kids every day. The friendly city’s motto lives on when businesses and neighbors come together like this.”
The celebration was made possible thanks to an all-star lineup of local supporters, including: Keith Starita, owner of Coastal Daiquiri, whose restaurant hosted the event, said supporting LBSD is second nature for his business, “We hire a lot of students and love giving back to the schools,” he said. “We’ve been behind the football, baseball, and soccer programs — and we’ll keep doing this every year they’re number one.”
Dr. Lock expressed how meaningful the gesture was for her district’s staff, “It definitely makes us feel appreciated and valued for what we do,” she said. “We do it for the students, but it’s nice to be recognized for the hard work our people put in day in and day out. This success took a whole community — our teachers, our parents, and the people who support them.”
The district isn’t done celebrating yet. On Thursday, October 30th, at 5 p.m., the Friendly City will host a parade, celebrating the school district.
Long Beach has proven that its greatest strength isn’t just in its schools — it’s in its people. “This is what makes Long Beach the best,” said Dr. Lock. “Not just in rankings, but in heart.”
(Photos submitted by Ezabelle Janssen/The Gazebo Gazette)
