WELCOME TO MERIDIAN
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CLIMATE: The average annual temperature is 63.9 degrees. Average rainfall 53 inches. Growing season - 250 days.
RECREATION: Meridian has a well rounded Parks and Recreation Department with activities for all ages. Meridian has four 18 hole golf courses, Okatibbee Reservoir, a 3800 acre lake offering water sports and hunting. There are over 20 lighted baseball and softball fields with bowling, skating and soccer all available in the area. Some of the best deer and turkey hunting to be found are also available.
EDUCATION: Meridian is the only city in Mississippi with its own Community College. Founded in 1938, it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Meridian also boasts a degree-granting branch of Mississippi State University. The City Public School System operates eight elementary, two middle schools, two junior high and one high school. Lauderdale County operates four attendance centers. There are also five private schools and three parochial schools in the Meridian area.
MEDICAL: Meridian serves as the Medical Center for East Mississippi and West Alabama. City hospitals have 1,488 bed capacity. There is also a county run Health Clinic, a state operated Mental Institution, seven nursing homes and Weems Community Health Center.
CHURCHES: There are over 100 churches representing more than 25 denominations.
CULTURAL: Meridian offers the Meridian Symphony Orchestra, The Meridian Little Theater and The Meridian Museum of Art all of which have full time directors. Meridian is also home to the "Father of Country Music", Jimmie Rodgers, which is celebrated yearly with the Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival.
TRANSPORTATION: Meridian is served by Interstate Highways 20 and 59; U.S. Highways 11, 45 and 80, and State 19 and 39. It is also served by three airlines, four railroads, four bus lines, and 29 motor transport lines.
MILITARY: Meridian Naval Air Station, with 5,000 personnel, is where Navy and Marine pilots receive their jet training and wings. Meridian is also home to the Mississippi Air National Guard 186th Air Refueling Group and an Army Reserve Artillery Unit and a Transportation Terminal Unit.