Gulfport, South Mississippi's largest city, could soon host another Walmart Supercenter after the city council prepares to discuss annexing property on U.S. 49 near Mississippi 53. Mayor Hugh Keating confirmed the property, formerly owned by Gulfport Memorial Hospital, was sold to Walmart for a new retail development. The annexation meeting, moved to Feb. 19 due to Mardi Gras, will decide the city's expansion plans.

The planned retail development would mark Walmart's third location in the Gulfport area, complementing an existing superstore south of I-10 and a Neighborhood Market north of I-10. The annexation process involves transferring property from Harrison County to Gulfport at the city's corporate limits in the Lyman area. Site work is already underway on what appears to be an additional store in the region.

The commercial expansion reflects Walmart's continued investment in the South Mississippi market despite already having a substantial presence. City officials expect a "friendly takeover" of the property, with Walmart developing the former hospital site. The annexation would extend Gulfport's corporate boundaries while adding significant retail capacity to the area's commercial landscape.