Officials break ground on $250 million Scarlet Pearl Casino in D’Iberville

An artist's rendering of the Scarlet Pearl casino planned for D'Iberville. (File Photo/Gulflive.com)
An artist's rendering of the Scarlet Pearl casino planned for D'Iberville. (File Photo/Gulflive.com)
An artist’s rendering of the Scarlet Pearl casino planned for D’Iberville. (File Photo/Gulflive.com)

D’IBERVILLE, Mississippi (AP) — D’Iberville Mayor Quave says the tax revenues generated from a casino will allow the city to give raises to police, fire and city employees, as well as pay for much-needed sewer and drainage projects.

Officials broke ground Tuesday for the $250 million Scarlet Pearl Casino.

The Scarlet Pearl is set to open on New Year’s Eve 2015. It will become the 13th casino in South Mississippi.

George Toth, CEO of the developer, Land Holdings I, said the work will bring 500 construction jobs and 1,100 permanent jobs.

The resort will have 300 hotel rooms, restaurants, retail, and conference and entertainment space plus two premium miniature golf courses.

“This is what’s going to set us apart. I started to think about all the kids who will play on that course with their parents, their grandparents, the young couples creating the memories,” said Toth.

Toth said the casino will also create jobs.

“It makes me feel very proud, because in 2006, I closed a casino in Atlantic City and I put 2,000 people out of work. So now I’ve come full circle, and I’m going to put 1,100 people back to work,” Toth said.