Tony Ducker - Petal Mayor

06/08/2026

Great afternoon in Columbus to see Mayor’s Youth Council member Amelia Hutchinson as she attends the 45th Mississippi Governor’s School. Amelia didn’t disappoint, playing a big role in today’s reception. There are 57 participants in this year’s cohort from all over the state for the two weeks at MUW. Another example of how Petal is raising our next generation of leaders! Thanks Amelia for the invite and the shout out! Good to see hardworking Senator Don Hartness and Jerrie Lynn as well.

06/05/2026

City Update
*Matthew’s Branch Trail – Currently 90% complete. Funded by MDOT TAP Grant, MOSTF Grant, and some 3% percent monies.
*2025 Paving – Nearly complete, just a few things to button up before final payment.
*Chappell Hill – west end – Mostly complete. Rep. Larry Byrd obtained state $500k for this project. A little more work before final payment.
--Currently addressing a sewer break that we believe is at least part of the issue north of W. Central. Hopefully, this will help and it needs fixing either way. Planning an upgrade to the Mitchell St. lift station which should also help. Not selling an easy fix, there is a lot of work that needs to continue to seal our system from rainwater- infiltration, but this is moving us forward.
--The BOA has set in motion efforts to tap into state funds for water and sewer projects we hope to announce this fall. This would further help us seal up our system.
--Still working on funding our 2 pipes under the Leaf River sewer project. Some primary planning has been done. So far funding help has come from Congressman Ezell, Senator Hyde-Smith, Rep. Larry Byrd, and Senator Don Hartness.
--Street crews are making the rounds blowing out culverts. Understand, when we get the kind of rain we've gotten recently, not much help but needs doing. This is long term due to the number and the fact we’ve been in a drought for some time. Focus will be on several hot spots in the initial run.
--Currently the City has 2 Bonds. Both are water/sewer that were taken out prior to 2009. One should pay off next year, but don’t get happy yet. The payment on the other bond will go up so we won’t feel better until 2032. Payments are a little over $1 million per year.
--Since 2021 the City has paid off 2 bonds/loans saving thousands in interest. I should be able to give details later this year about a General Obligation Bond of $5 million from 2006 has been paid off. This was for several things including the old Senior Center (now the 3D School) and upgrades as well as additions to Robert E. Russell Sports Complex, among other things.
--If you see limbs/bushes intruding on the roadway such as Broken Arrow for example, please let me know. As for mowing, if it’s a wet summer we most likely won’t be able to keep up, so everyone’s patience is appreciated.
--Hope to keep the Flags on the Gandy up through Veteran’s Day in November!
Always available for any questions you have about anything going on in the city! Thanks!
[email protected]
FB Messenger
601-299-1527 Cell

05/28/2026

Continued prayers for this family. Please consider helping if you are in a position to do so!
https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-help-the-floyd-family

View Rachael Smith Floyd's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

05/26/2026

Final update
Two valves on both sides of Greens Creek installed earlier and everyone is back online. Those with a boil water have been notified. Water leak was in the creek making it tough to find. Any issues let me know! Ty

Update
We believe we have the issue of low water pressure isolated. Bad news there will be a few without water in the morning in the Elizabeth Circle area. Emergency locate has been called in, so once cleared we will begin work to get everyone back online. Thanks for everyone’s patience on this. Ty

05/26/2026

Some days make you question a lot of things. I’m sure most of you have heard about the tragedy in Petal earlier today. We will have more information tomorrow but for now a family is getting news no one ever wants to receive about a loved one that’s not coming home. Prayers for them tonight! Hug your loved ones you just never know.

05/25/2026

FYI
Crews are out working this weather event. Currently there are reports of low water pressure. We are trying to locate the possible line break in order to repair. Also, first responders are prepared for any emergencies via dispatch and 911. I will pass along any info as it becomes available! Ty
Added
We are placing barricades in some spots. They won’t be everywhere so be smart about traveling in areas with water on the road.

05/25/2026

To those that laid down their lives in defense of our nation, we will never forget your sacrifice!
Memorial Day 2026

05/23/2026

Tough weather the last couple of days. I dumped my rain gauge Friday morning at 4 inches and just dumped another 4 today. The first picture is the Leaf River gauge. The river is one of the spots I usually monitor. If it’s high, Greens Creek and Matthew’s Branch starts backing up and then it cascades from there. As you can see the river rose and fell quickly. The fell part is encouraging, but we are expecting more rain over the next few days. We have crews that worked over yesterday and are available if needed today. There is sand located on Fairchild Dr. as well. Most importantly have a safe Memorial Day weekend!

05/22/2026

FYI
12:30ish return for The 7A State Champs!