Lafayette County is tied with Lamar County for having the second-highest population growth in Mississippi.
14.36%
Lafayette grew from 47,351 (2010) to 55,813 (2020), a gain of 8,462 residents, or +17.9%, averaging ~1.6% per year.
8,160
Since the 2010 U.S. Census, Lafayette County has gained more than 8,160 residents, which resulted in a 17.8% percent increase.
The city of Oxford has more than doubled its population over the last 20 years, although much of this has been due to annexation.
In 2018, Mayor Robyn Tannehill and the Board of Supervisors signed off on the city’s largest annexation to date, nearly doubling the square mileage of the city.
Oxford is the 12th-largest city in Mississippi.
AROUND TOWN
There are a number of ways to get around town as well as several routes that can be taken. Here are some common names you’ll run into when out and about in the LOU (Lafayette-Oxford-University) Community.
THE MAIN DRAGS:
• The Square is Oxford’s downtown and traditional commercial center.
Traffic flows in a counter-clockwise direction.
• North Lamar Boulevard stretches from the Square through a historic residential district, before opening up into a commercial corridor and meeting Highway 30. As “Old Highway 7 North,” it runs past the Lafayette County Industrial Park and finally up to Abbeville.
• South Lamar Boulevard runs from the Square across Highway 6 and into the center of Oxford’s medical district. It becomes “Old Highway 7 South” and meets “New 7” south of town.
• University Avenue runs from the heart of the University of Mississippi campus eastward to
meet both Highway 7 and Highway 6 at the eastern edge of town.
• Jackson Avenue runs through the Square westward past the University campus, and turns into the town’s western commercial thoroughfare before ending at Highway 6.
THE CUT-THROUGHS:
• Highways 6 and 7 provide quick access by skirting the city’s Southern and Eastern edges.
• Gertrude Ford Boulevard is a shortcut to get from Jackson Avenue to Highway 6 at Old Taylor Road along the old railroad bed – without getting stuck in campus traffic.
• Anchorage Road is a curvy, dangerous road used as a shortcut between Anderson Road and Old Sardis Road.
• Hathorn Road, which connects West Jackson Avenue with Coliseum Drive at the rear of the campus, is heavily traveled by traffic from the apartments.
ALSO KNOWN AS:
• Four Corners: The intersection of University Avenue and South Lamar Boulevard, where the former Abner’s is located.
•Three Way: The intersection of Molly Barr Road/Highway 30 and North Lamar Boulevard/Old Highway 7.
• Molly Barr Road and McElroy Drive connect to form a speedy route across the northern portion of town between Highway 7 and College Hill Road.
TAXI & LIMO SERVICES
Aside from public transportation, the city also has several taxi and limo services available to provide transportation around town and even to the Memphis International Airport.
To make it safer for passengers and drivers, the city of Oxford established three locations on the Square for rideshare pick-ups.
Beside Downtown Parking Garage
Along South 14th Street
Behind City Grocery on Harrison Avenue
***Rideshare drivers and local cabs can drop off clients anywhere on the Square, but they must use the designated areas when picking up riders during the required hours.
Designated drivers are strongly encouraged, but not required to use the pickup locations.
The pick-up areas are marked with signage, have lights and security cameras.
There are plenty of ways to get to Lafayette County and plenty of ways to take the occasional getaway. No matter what you do or where you go, Oxford offers the perfect blend of small-town seclusion with big-city access, making it an ideal location.
BY HIGHWAY:
To Memphis (75 miles)
• Highway 6/278 West to I-55 at Batesville
• Highway 7 North to Highway 78 West at Holly Springs
Go through Memphis to reach Little Rock, Ark. (another 135 miles), Nashville, Tenn. (215 miles) or St. Louis, Mo. (285 miles).
To Tupelo (50 miles)
• Highway 6/278 East
Go through Tupelo to reach Starkville-West Point-Columbus area (about 60 miles) or Birmingham, Ala. (another 140 miles).
To Jackson (160 miles)
• Highway 6/278 West to I-55 at Batesville
• Highway 7 South to I-55 at Grenada
Go through Jackson to reach New Orleans (another 185 miles), Gulfport (160 miles) or Pensacola, Fla. (250 miles).
BY AIR:
You can reach the Memphis International Airport from Oxford in less than an hour and a half.
Many people take Highway 7 North to Holly Springs, then take Highway 78 West to Memphis.
Southwest Airlines now services flights from Memphis, along with Frontier, Delta, Allegiant, Air Canada, Vacation Express, American Airlines and United Airlines, as well as several smaller operating carriers. For more information, visit www.mscaa.com
Private pilots and charter planes may fly out of the Airport at Ole Miss. The airport also serves local flight instructors and their students. For more information, call 662234-2036 or visit www.olemiss.edu/depts/ airport
GET ON OUT
OXFORD UNIVERSITY TRANSIT
Oxford-University Transit, or OUT for short, has become a mainstay in the city for locals and college students. With plenty of routes and consistently outstanding service, there’s no better way to get around.
With an annual ridership of 1.5 million passengers, OUT is the most utilized transit system in Mississippi. OUT is supported by MDOT and RATP Dev. By helping students get to class and Oxonians transverse the city, OUT is an integral part of Oxford’s infrastructure and mobility.
OUT is dedicated to providing affordable, comprehensive transit services.
All OUT bus lines are free of charge for students and non-student riders.
CITY ROUTES
Blue Line runs east to west.
↳Blue-East Line runs from Courthouse Square to Brittany Woods.
↳Blue-West Line runs from the Square Parking Garage to West Oxford Loop.
Red Line runs north to south.
↳Red-North Line runs from the Old Armory Pavilion to as far north as Highland Square.
↳Red-South Line runs from the Old Armory Pavilion to the North MS Regional Center.
Teal Line runs from the Square Parking Garage to the Observatory.
Grey Line runs from the Square Parking Garage to Walmart.
Blue/Grey Combined Line runs from the Square Parking Garage to Kroger.
STUDENT HOUSING
Green OTR Line runs from the Archive Apartments to the Observatory.
Hathorn Line runs from Campus Walk to the Observatory.
Orange Line runs from Thacker Heights to the Observatory.
Brown-South Line runs from Millers Landing to the Student Union.
Brown-North Line runs from Anderson Road to the Student Union.
SATURDAY ROUTES (ONLY RUN ON SATURDAYS)
Purple Line West route runs from Faulkner Flatts to South Campus Rec.
CAMPUS SHUTTLES
(RUN ONLY ON THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI CAMPUS)
Rebel Red & Rebel Blue Lines run from the Student Union to the Observatory.
Bronze Line runs from the Jackson Avenue Center to the ROTC.
OUT Gold/SOC Line runs from South Campus Parking to the Observatory.
SPECIAL ROUTES
Safe Ride Line runs from the Square Parking Garage to Rebel Frat Row at the University of Mississippi.
ACCESSIBILITY
Going out and being active with a disability can be difficult. OUT provides paratransit transportation services for riders with special needs. All paratransit vehicles are wheelchair accessible and equipped with necessary equipment. Rides may be scheduled by phone or in-person at the OUT Facility. Call for more information at 662-234-3540.
Routes can also be tracked via TransLoc on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
For more information on Oxford-University Transit, OUTransit routes and passes, visit www. outransit.com.
UTILITIES RECYCLING
Power, lights, water, gas, sanitation, and communications. Everything you need to set up your home or business in the LOU Community.
ELECTRICITY
‣ Oxford Utilities (inside city limits), 300 McElroy Drive, 662-232-2373
‣ North East MS Electric Power Association (outside city limits), 11389 Cooperative Way, 662-234-6331
‣ Tennessee Valley Authority (to business customers and local power companies), 865-632-2101
WATER
‣ Oxford Utilities (inside city limits), 300 McElroy Drive, 662-232-2373
‣ Oxford Water Department, 662-232-2399
‣ Oxford Water Treatment, 662-232-2398County Road 12
‣ Mid-Valley Pipeline Company, 1001 College Hill Road, 662-234-4114
SANITATION & WASTE
‣ Oxford Environmental Services, 107 Courthouse Square, 662-232-2325 or 662-232-2359
‣ Oxford Sewer Department, 662-232-2397
‣ Oxford Wastewater Treatment Plant, 662-232-2396
‣ Lafayette County Solid Waste Department, 300 North Lamar Boulevard, Suite #103, 662-236-2535
RECYCLING
Residential Drop Off (within Oxford):
‣ Oxford Municipal Center, 717 Molly Barr Road
‣ Oxford Fire Station #3, 139 MS Highway 7 South
‣ Cannon Nissan, 479 MS Highway 6
Business & Industry Drop Off:
‣ City of Oxford Landfill, Pea Ridge Road (County Road 321)
COMMUNICATION & INTERNET
‣ AT&T, 1805 West Jackson Avenue, 662-234-6441
‣ MaxxSouth, 1901 Jackson Avenue West, Suite B, 800-457-5351
‣ NE SPARC, 1389 Cooperative Way, 662-238-3159
PAYING THE BILLS
Ad valorem tax rates vary depending upon where in Lafayette County your property is located. The rate of taxes is based upon a mill (1/10 of a cent), or one dollar per one thousand dollars of assessed value. Here are local rates for 2020-2021
LAFAYETTE MILLAGE RATES
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Lafayette County is not immune to natural disasters. Severe thunderstorms that produce lightning and hail are common in the late spring and early summer months. Winter storms, including ice storms, are possible, as well as flash flooding and even earthquakes.
The Lafayette County and Oxford emergency management agencies encourage each and every new family who moves into Lafayette County to purchase a Specific Area Message Encoding NOAA All-Hazards Radio for weather and disaster warnings and information. Both agencies will help in the selection and programming of these radios if you have any questions on what to purchase or on the use of the radio. In Oxford, tune into 1630 AM for emergency information.
COMMUNITY STORM SHELTERS
Lafayette County and the City of Oxford have installed community storm shelters at most county fire stations and city buildings. The shelters are to remain empty, open and unlocked.
Not meant for long-term sheltering, they’re a place to take cover in the event of severe wind storms, severe lightning or tornadoes. Each set of shelters holds 38 people, but as many as 60 can squeeze in if need be. Shelters are for humans and guide dogs only.
WARNING SIRENS
Tornado warning sirens are located throughout the Oxford city limits and on the University of Mississippi campus. These sirens are tested every Wednesday at noon, weather permitting.
Lafayette County currently has 27 sirens placed around areas like Taylor, Abbeville and Harmontown. A link to a map of the locations of the county sirens and shelters can be found on the EMA page of the Lafayette County website: LafayetteCOMS.com.
If you have any questions or need more information on specific emergencies or volunteer opportunities, call Oxford Emergency Management Coordinator, Jimmy Allgood, at 662-816-7649 or Lafayette County Emergency Management Coordinator Steve Quarles at 662-234-5667.
LAFAYETTE COUNTY COMMUNITY STORM SHELTER LOCATIONS
‣ LCFD Central Station – 50 County Road 1032 (Across from North Pointe)
‣ LCFD Station 1 – 599 Highway 310 (Harmontown)
‣ Harmontown Community Center County Road 504
‣ LCFD Station 2 – 254 Highway 30
‣ LCFD Station 3 – 22 County Road 369 (Near Hwy 7 / Hwy 9 Split)
‣ LCFD Station 4 – 8 County Road 130 (College Hill)
‣ LCFD Station 5 – 826 Highway 334 (Yocona)
‣ LCFD Station 6 – 153 County Road 436 (Tula)
‣ LCFD Station 7 – 44 Business 7 South (Abbeville)
‣ LCFD Station 9 – 65 County Road 335 (Taylor)
‣ LCFD Station 11 – 11 County Road 287 (Lafayette Springs)
‣ LCFD Station 12 – 1301 Highway 30 (Philadelphia)
‣ LCFD Station 14 – 31 County Road 430 (Paris)
‣ LCFD Station 15 – 4 County Road 109 (Highway 6 West)
‣ LCFD Station 16 – 823 County Road 313 (Union West)
‣ Taylor Community Center 78 County Road 338
‣ Gordon Community Center 37 County Road 115 (South of Abbeville)
‣ New EL Bethel Church 20 County Road 488
‣ Lafayette County Justice Court Complex
‣ Oxford Utilities Parking Lot
‣ Oxford Activity Center
‣ Oxford Recycling Center (Next to OPD)
‣ Oxford Fire Department Station Three
‣ Oxford Fire Department Station Four
PUBLIC SPACES
The public spaces in Oxford and Lafayette County are welcoming to all and the places you go for official business.
OXFORD CITY HALL
107 Courthouse Square
662-236-1310
662-232-2312
(City Clerk)
LAFAYETTE COUNTY COURTHOUSE
142 Courthouse Square
662-234-4951
(Circuit Court)
LAFAYETTE COUNTY CHANCERY BUILDING
300 N Lamar Blvd
662-234-2131
(Chancery Clerk)
662-234-5562
(Tax Assessor/Collector)
LAFAYETTE COUNTY BUSINESS COMPLEX
72 F.D. “Buddy” East Pkwy
662-234-5231
LAFAYETTE COUNTY BUSINESS COMPLEX
401 Bramlett Blvd
662-234-5615
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
401 McElroy Dr
662-234-5615
(Circuit Court)
• Barnard Observatory
• Cedar Oaks
• Civil Rights Memorial
• College Hill Presbyterian
• Confederate Cemetery
Walk around Oxford and you will find history at every turn, from a downtown Square with 19th century architecture to a famous author who’s presence can still be felt.
• Downtown Square
• The Lafayette County Courthouse
• L.Q.C. Lamar House
• Rowan Oak
• Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church & Cemetery
• The Cumberland Presbyterian Church, (also known as South Street Presbyterian Church)
• William Faulkner’s grave
COUNTY GOVERNMENT
The Lafayette County Board of Supervisors meets on the first and third Mondays of each month at 5 p.m. and 8 a.m., respectively, in the Supervisors Board Room on the second floor of the Lafayette County Chancery Building.
LAFAYETTE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Brent Larson
District 1, Board President 662-801-6431 blarson@lafayettecoms.com
Scott Allen
District 4
662-801-7787 sallen@lafayettecoms.com
John Morgan
District 2 662-801-0582 jmorgan@lafayettecoms.com
Mike Roberts, District 5, Vice President 662-816-9235
Tim Gordon District 3 662-832-4291 tgordon@lafayettecoms.com
David O’Donnell, County Lawyer
Kate Victor, County Administrator 662-236-2717 kvictor@lafayettecoms.com
The Board of Aldermen meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. in City Hall.
CITY GOVERNMENT
OXFORD MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN
Robyn Tannehill Mayor 662-232-2340 robyn@oxfordms.net
Jim Zook Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications and Marketing 313 Lyceum 662-915-7008 jzook@olemiss.edu
Wendell Weakley President & CEO, UM Foundation Brandt Memorial House 662-915-3845 wendell@umfoundation.com
Kirk Purdom
Executive Director of Alumni Affairs
Triplett Alumni Center
662-915-7375
kirk@olemiss.edu
Keith Carter
Athletic Director, Deputy AD of Development
662-915-6684
jkcarter@olemiss.edu
Brent Marsh
Dean of Students 246 Lyceum
662-915-7705
ARTS & CULTURE
BURNS-BELFRY MUSEUM
www.burns-belfry.com (662) 801- 4087
The old Burns Methodist Episcopal Church built in 1910 holds both state and local landmark status in testimony to its many years of service to the African American community. Following its recently completed restoration, it has begun a new era of community service as the Burns-Belfry Museum & Multicultural Center. It offers a professionally designed museum exhibit on African American history from slavery through Civil Rights. A short video accompanies the remarkable history of the building.
POWERHOUSE
COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER
www.oxfordarts.com
662-236-6429
Home to the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and the local arts community, the Powerhouse hosts classes, exhibits, performances and more in the former Oxford Electric Department headquarters. It is also the host to the monthly Art Crawl which takes art lovers on a tour of local galleries on the Double Decker bus on the fourth Tuesday in January through October at no cost. It’s located on University Avenue, across South 14th Street from Newk’s restaurant.
FORD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
www.fordcenter.org (662) 915-7411
This grand venue seats as many as 1,058 in its main hall to see Broadway touring companies, world-class symphonies and legendary performers. Friends of the Ford Center members receive early notice for season tickets and can take part in special receptions before events or during intermission.
SQUARE BOOKS
www.squarebooks.com
Oxford’s famous independent book-
stores host frequent readings by authors and serves as home base for the local literary community. The first Square Books opens 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. all week, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, and has a large literary fiction section and southern fiction and history collection. Square Books Jr., Square Books extended children’s book and toy store, is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays, from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays, and hosts story-time every Wednesday and Saturday at 10 a.m. Off Square Books, an offshoot of Square Books, hosts Thacker Mountain Radio (TMR) most Thursdays during the fall and spring. TMR is a live radio show featuring weekly author readings and a wide array of musical performances from the Square. The free show is taped and broadcast every Thursday at 6 p.m. during the fall and spring and rebroadcast every Saturday night on Mississippi Public Radio. For more information on the show, visit www.thackermountain.com. Off Square Books opens weekdays 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m.-5 p.m. and hosts most of the author events, readings, talks and signings.
UNIVERSITY MUSEUM
www.museum.olemiss.edu 662) 915-7073
The University’s Mary Buie Museum and Kate Skipwith Teaching Museum are host to an eclectic blend of collections, with permanent holdings of about 11,000 items as well as special exhibits. The museum’s education department hosts after-school and summer programs for children. The University Museum also operates the Walton-Young Historic House adjoining the museum on University Avenue. A walking path connects the museum property to Rowan Oak through Bailey’s Woods. The University Museum is open to the public 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and is closed on Monday and regular University holidays.
ART GALLERIES
OXFORD TREEHOUSE GALLERY
oxfordtreehousegallery.com 328 County Rd 418 (662) 236-1667
YOKNAPATAWPHA ARTS COUNCIL oxfordarts.com 413 S 14th St (662) 236-6429
THE FRAME UPBASEMENT GALLERY frameupoxford.com 1308 N Lamar (662) 234-6641
STUDIO WHIMZY studiowhimzy.com 807 College Hill Rd (662) 202-2895
UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM museum.olemiss.edu University Ave & 5th St (662) 915-7073
ARTS & CULTURE
THE LYCEUM
The oldest building on the University of Mississippi campus, this iconic building, completed in 1848, was the only survivor of the original buildings to the University. Ionic Greek Revival style architecture, the building has become a trademark at the University of MS.
CIVIL RIGHTS MONUMENT/ FREEDOM TRAIL MARKER: The Freedom Trail marker and the Civil Rights monument commemorating the events that took place during the integration of Ole Miss is located behind the Lyceum. This moving statue beautifully honors James Meredith, the first African American student to attend Ole Miss and commemorates the progress the University has made since the tragic and historic events that took place in 1962.
THE CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF SOUTHERN CULTURE
southernstudies.olemiss.edu • 662-915-5993
Housed in Barnard Observatory on the University of Mississippi campus, The Center for the Study of Southern Culture promotes regional studies and, as the first center of its kind in the nation, serves as a model for future centers in other regions. Its projects include the award-winning Encyclopedia of Southern Culture and publication of Living Blues magazine, the gospel music magazine Rejoice!, and in addition cohosts the annual Faulkner Conference. The observatory displays a changing photographic exhibit throughout the year. A marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail honoring the Living Blues magazine, produced at the University of Mississippi is also located on this site.
CONFEDERATE CEMETERY
Just to the south of the University’s Tad Smith Coliseum is a modest walled lawn with a single monument at the center. Here lie around 700 Confederate dead from the Battle of Shiloh in 1862. During the Civil War, the buildings of Ole Miss became hospitals for the battle-wounded, and the casualties were thus buried here. At one time the cemetery had individual markers but groundskeepers removed them to mow and forgot where they belonged.
LAFAYETTE COUNTY
& OXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
www.firstregional.org • 662-234-5751
A member of the First Regional Library System, the public library offers a large book, periodical, video, DVD and bookson-tape collection. The library also conducts many programs for adults and children. The public library has consistently scored one of the highest circulation rates in the state of Mississippi. Library hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m.
J.D. WILLIAMS LIBRARY
Residents of the Oxford community can also become members of the library at the University of Mississippi. Hours vary by semester. For more information, call the library at 662-915-7091.
ART GALLERIES
Southside Gallery, on the south side of the Square, has hosted some of the country’s foremost painters, sculptors and photographers since it opened in 1993. Art2Frame Gallery & Custom Framing, located on Heritage Drive, and the Frame Up/Basement Gallery, located on the Square, hosts exhibits and offer custom framing. On campus, Meek Hall Gallery 130 showcases the work of students, faculty and alumni. Local artists display their work at some of the antiques malls around town, and at shows hosted by the Oxford Artists Guild. Many local restaurants and coffee shops and the occasional Square business will also showcase the work of local artists on their walls as monthly exhibits. Water Valley, a 20-minute drive south, is also home to galleries such as Yalo Studio and Bozarts Gallery.
MUSIC VENUES ARTS & CULTURE
FESTIVALS & CONFERENCES
Every week of the year Oxford visitors and residents can take advantage of interesting and enjoyable events. Varying with the season, these events include musical and dramatic performances, festivals, lectures, arts and craft shows, brown-bag lunches, amateur athletic competitions, and Southeastern Conference (SEC) sporting events.
For more information on event dates, visit www.visitoxford.com
JANUARY
FIBER ARTS FESTIVAL
http://oxfordarts.com/events/fiberfest
Oxford Fiber Arts Festival - A three-day celebration of local artists who use fiber and textiles through workshops, exhibitions, and demonstrations.
FEBRUARY
OXFORD FILM FESTIVAL
www.oxfordfilmfest.com
Oxford Film Festival has become a favorite with film
buffs and movie fans. Four days of independent film screenings, panels and parties. Malco Oxford Commons Cinema.
MARCH
OXFORD CONFERENCE FOR THE BOOK
www.oxfordconferenceforthebook.com
Held at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, the conference includes notable authors, editors, publishers, educators, and book lovers giving addresses, panel discussions, and readings to
celebrate reading, writing, and books along with the practical concerns of the publishing world upon which the literary arts depend.
APRIL
DOUBLE DECKER ARTS FESTIVAL
www.doubledeckerfestival.com
Held in Courthouse Square in downtown Oxford on the last Saturday of April each year, the Double Decker Festival is named for the town’s highly visible and beloved authentic English tour bus, the festival draws more than 50,000 people to celebrate and enjoy music by a dozen groups, food presented by more than 30 vendors, and the work of over 100 artists.
MAY YOKSHOP
Annual writers conference and workshop.
OXFORD CAR SHOW
Historic and classic cars displayed on the Square.
JUNE
SUMMER SUNSET SERIES
Sunday evenings in June, Performances in The Grove.
AUGUST
SANCTUARY ARTS FESTIVAL
A collection of artists from across the state, across a variety of art forms that channel the history and traditions of Mississippi.
OCTOBER
SOUTHERN FOODWAYS SYMPOSIUM
The symposium explores Southern food culture and includes lectures, discussions, and tastings.
OXFORD PARK COMMISSION (OPC)
If you live in Oxford, you’re already helping support the Oxford Park Commission through your local tax dollars—so why not take advantage of everything it has to offer? From seasonal favorites like the city pool on Washington Avenue to family staples like the community-built playground at Avent Park, OPC plays a central role in enhancing quality of life for all ages.
Programs like Leisure Lifestyles cater to active adults 40 and up, while a wide range of recreational opportunities—indoors and out—ensure there’s something for everyone. The Oxford Activity Center and the newer Ulysses “Coach” Howell Activity Center, both located off Price Street, serve as OPC’s main hubs. Facilities include multiple basketball courts, a 6,000-square-foot gymnastics area, a racquetball court, walking track, arcade games, and flexible spaces for everything from fencing to fitness classes.
Stay informed and view upcoming events by visiting www.oxfordparkcommission.com.
OXFORD PARK COMMISSION PUBLIC PARKS
Parks of the Oxford Park Commission are open daily from sunrise to sunset. For more information on city parks, call the Park Commission at 662-232-2380.
AVENT PARK
Located on Park Drive, down the street from Oxford Middle School on Bramlett Boulevard. Includes four lighted tennis courts, a picnic pavilion, walking trail, nature trail, disc golf, baseball field, playground, quiet areas and Oxford’s community-built playground.
BAILEY BRANCH PARK
Located on Office Park Drive, across from FNC. Includes open air pavilion, restrooms, walking trail and kids’ playground.
OXFORD CITY POOL
The public city pool was newly renovated in 2025 and is open from Labor Day through Memorial Day weekend. Children and adults, 3 through 55, are $3. Seniors 55+ and babies under 3 years old are free. The pool is open from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. It is located off Washington Avenue across from Stone Park.
JOHN LESLIE TENNIS COMPLEX
Located next to the Activity Center. There are currently 20 lighted tennis courts open to the public and are often home to regional and state tournaments.
GARDEN TERRACE PARK
Walking trail and small playground. John Leslie Tennis Complex — Located next to the Activity Center. There are currently 20 lighted tennis courts open to the public and are often home to regional and state tournaments.
OXFORD SKATE PARK
Located on Bramlett Boulevard across from the Lafayette County & Oxford Public Library. It features 9-foot and 7-foot-deep bowls, a playground, and a picnic and pavilion area.
PRICE HILL PARK
Located on Price Hill Road, off West Jackson Avenue. Includes a baseball/softball field, park pavilion, playground, spray pool and an outdoor basketball court.
RIVERS HILL PARK
The park consists of a playground, open air pavilion and two outdoor basketball courts.
STONE PARK
Located on Washington Avenue across from the city pool. Features a park pavilion, recreation center, playground area and a softball field.
OXFORD COMMUNITY GARDEN
The Oxford Community Garden offers the opportunity to grow a vegetable or flower garden for yourself or for harvest donations to the Pantry. There are over 50 plots of varying sizes, along with tools, water, and a lot of sunshine. For a nominal fee, you can be a member and plot holder. Contact oxfordcga@gmail.com for plot availability or about working with the Community Harvest team. The garden is located at the corner of University Avenue and Bramlett Boulevard.
PARK PAVILIONS
There are a number of pavilions that are available for rental purposes. They include Avent Park, Stone Park, Price Hill, Rivers Hill and Bailey Branch. There is a two-hour minimum to rent the pavilions, which are perfectly suited for birthday parties and other family outings. Cost per hour is $35 for all pavilions outside of Avent Park; the cost for Avent is $50. There is also a $50 security deposit due at the time of contract, which is refundable if cleaning requirements are met. For more information, email kimpettis@oxfordparkcommission.com.
Mississippi STATE PARKS
Three area Mississippi State Parks supply local fishers, campers and outdoor lovers a bountiful amount of opportunities to further explore those passions.
ENTRANCE FEES
Entrance fees to Mississippi’s state parks are $4 per private vehicle or motorcycle (50 cents per person over six people). An annual entrance permit which is honored at all parks is available for $42. A daily activity pass (for swimming, fishing, skating, disc golf, carpet golf, tennis and entrance) is $10. The park offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
JOHN W. KYLE STATE PARK
John W. Kyle State Park is located on Sardis Reservoir, which offers 58,500 acres of fresh water for fishing, swimming and boating. Located just about a 30 minute drive west of Oxford, the park also offers camping, picnic areas,
cabins, nature trails and other outdoor recreation.
For more information, call 662487-1345.
WALL DOXEY STATE PARK
Wall Doxey State Park, between Oxford and Holly Springs, has cabins, fishing, campgrounds and picnic areas among other activities.
For more information, call 662252-4231.
HOLLY SPRINGS NATIONAL FOREST
Much of the land in the northeast corner of Lafayette County falls within the Holly Springs National Forest. Two of the more popular areas within this national forest are Puskus Lake and Upper Sardis Wildlife Management Area. For more information about these local
recreation areas, call 662-2366550.
HUNTING
Hunting in and around Lafayette County provides those who enjoy the outdoors a number of exciting choices of game. From deer hunting in the fall and winter to turkey hunting in the spring, public wildlife management areas are just a 20- to 30-minute drive from downtown Oxford. Hunters have an opportunity there to track the most popular and smartest of game Mississippi has to offer. While not every hunting trip produces a trophy buck, the time spent outdoors can provide a level of rest and relaxation that’s hard to find anywhere.
FISHING
The lakes and rivers in and around Lafayette County are ideal for fishermen, while boating enthusiasts have an array of places to investigate from the water.
BOATING GUIDE
Anglers who own boats or pleasure boaters can launch from various areas located around Sardis, Enid, Grenada and Puskus lakes. Some of the most popular boat landings at Sardis are located at Pat’s Bluff and Cole’s Point (both are located off Highway 6), Clear Creek (located off Highway 314) and Hurricane Landing (located off Highway7). Sardis Lake, as well as many of the other lakes around the Oxford area, is a great place for those just wishing to get some sun and have a little fun. Pleasure boaters frequently use the lake for skiing, tubing, wake-boarding, parasailing and swimming.
MTRADE PARK
AT OXFORDLAFAYETTE FIELDS
For the past 12 years, mTrade Park, Oxford’s sportsfield complex, has given local youth athletes as well as those around the state a place to enjoy the spirit of competition.
The park was renamed to mTrade Park in 2020 after mTrade formally purchased the naming rights. For the 10 years prior, it was called FNC Park.
The end result of years of political wrangling and pleas from parents, the 75-acre complex features five-regulation-size soccer fields with lights, 10 baseball fields — four of which have synthetic turf — four 315-foot softball fields with lights, 24 shade structures covering the bleachers on each baseball and softball field, a bike path and space to park more than 950 cars.
In 2014, the Oxford Ortho indoor practice facility with six retractable batting cages and synthetic turf was built. Donations of $150,000 each from the City and Lafayette County as well as Oxford Orthopedics were made to help fund construction of the facility, which also has an observation deck and concession stand.
The park opened in the spring of 2009, with families filling the park on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Weekends normally draw traveling teams from all over the country for tournaments. The indoor facility is open Monday-Thursday from 4-9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Sunday from 1-6 p.m.
mTrade Park is operated through the Oxford Park Commission and is being paid for through a partnership between the City and Lafayette County governments, along with local sponsors. The park is located at 328 Old Sardis Road.
For more information and current schedules, log onto www.fncpark.com or call 662-236-1012.
ANIMAL RESOURCE Center
ANIMAL RESOURCE CENTER
The Oxford Animal Resource Center (ARC) is an animal shelter that provides temporary shelter to stray, abandoned and surrendered animals for the purpose of finding permanent suitable homes, promoting adoptions, finding foster homes and organizing transports to reputable animal shelters and rescue groups to help reduce excessive euthanasia with the goal of no-kill 90 percent live release rate, provide low-cost spay/neuter services from participating veterinarians and the humane treatment of animals.
ARC currently only takes in animals from within the city limits of Oxford.
ARC contracts with the City of Oxford to provide Animal Control Services within the Oxford City Limits, phone number 662-8321931. Dog Licenses are available at ARC or from Animal Control for $15 per tag for unaltered dogs and $5 for altered dogs.
Animal Control Services are provided seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. For emergencies between 10 p.m. and 6
a.m., contact the Oxford Police Department at 662-232-2400
ARC has a small staff, but volunteers are encouraged. To become a volunteer, contact ARC at 662-234-3981.
LAFAYETTE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER
The Lafayette County Animal Shelter is located off Industrial Park Road within the Lafayette County Max D. Hipp Industrial Park.
It is expected to open in the summer of 2025. It is funded by Lafayette County and managed by the Lafayette County Humane Society.
Situated on three acres, the 4,160-square-foot facility provides ample space for animal care, including extensive outdoor areas for exercise and play.
The shelter will also collaborate with the Tubb Spay & Neuter Project, which will have a dedicated space within the building to provide essential spay and neutering services.
Call 662-506-2461 for more information.
WelcomeWARM
Whether you want to get together with others to help your neighbor, improve your neighborhood or just socialize, the L-O-U area has an organization for you. And for you newcomers, the Oxford Newcomers’ Club & Friends has been helping new residents adapt to their new community since 1999.
The purpose of the club is to offer people, who have relocated to Oxford or Lafayette County an opportunity to learn about their new community, meet new people, make new friends and join in a variety of activities for every interest.
The club year runs from September 1 - August 31. Most activities and special events are offered throughout the year. The Oxford Newcomers’ Club and Friends offers various groups and activities that reflect the talent and interests of its membership.
The Newcomers’ Club generally has special events each month featuring activities and speakers of interest to Oxford newcomers. Annual parties include the Kick-Off in September, Pot Luck Thanksgiving, Christmas Dinner, Valentine’s Day appetizers, and a Year-End Bash.
For more information, visit www. oxfordms.com/chamber-of-commerce/ programs-and-events/oxfordnewcomers-club/.
Monthly Events:
Better Read Than Dead: 4th Thursday at 2pm
Book Club One: 3rd Thursday at 2pm
Bridge Group: 2nd & 4th Tuesday’s at 1pm
Five O’Clock On The Square: Happy hour at 5pm
Ladies Happy Hour: 3rd Monday, 4:30-6:30pm
Ladies Who Lunch: 2nd Tuesday, 11:30am
Lunchbunch: Last Tuesday Of Every Month
Men’s Breakfast: Monday’s & Thursday’s at 7am
Oxwine: Monthly Sunday Afternoon
Women’s Coffee: 1st and 3rd Friday’s at 9am
RETIREE ATTRACTION PROGRAM
Oxford offers a retirement lifestyle that has recaptured a tranquility and community spirit that many remember as a thing of the past. It is also widely regarded as a center for Southern arts, culture, and literature. Because of this lifestyle, Oxford created a robust Retiree Attraction Program.
The Mississippi Hometown Retirement Program has designated Oxford as a Certified Retirement City. This designation is attained through a three-month process that ensures that the features most sought by retirees are offered, including an affordable cost of living, low taxes, low crime rate, quality medical care, recreational opportunities, continuing
education, cultural opportunities, and a welcoming community.
Working closely with the Oxford Lafayette Newcomers and Friends Club, it has been embracing both newly relocated retirees and residents since 1999.
Its mission is to provide awareness of what our community has to offer and the opportunity to build new friendships. And our friends enjoy it so much, some have been members since the beginning! We invite you to join in the fun!
Visit www.oxfordms.com/retire-in-oxford/
• Electronics & Appliances
• Furniture & Mattresses
• Antiques
• Fine Art & Framed Art
• Photographs
• Clothing & Keepsakes
• Collections
• Vinyl Records
• Paper Records
Book Online! Move In Today!
LAFAYETTE COUNTY School District
The Lafayette County School District believes that all children can learn. Its mission is to provide a quality education so that all students will be required to spend sufficient amounts of time on task to master basic skills. Materials, supplies and support services are provided to ensure the understanding and mastery of these objectives. The district has 49 percent of its faculty holding advanced degrees and 14 percent being National Board Certified. LCSD is ever-changing in the world of technology education. Google classrooms are commonly found and encouraged throughout the district. The students at Lafayette are grounded in academics and the development of young men and women of character are a key component to the education process of the district.
LAFAYETTE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Superintendent Jay Foster 100 Commodore Drive Oxford, MS 38655
662-234-3271 / Fax: 662-236-3019
LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Principal Dr. Glenn Kitchens 71 F.D. Buddy E Parkway Oxford, MS 38655
662-234-5627 / Fax: 662-236-3019
LAFAYETTE UPPER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Principal Janine Lee 120 Commodore Drive Oxford, MS 38655 662-236-3761 / Fax: 662-234-0291
LAFAYETTE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Principal James Everett 102 Commodore Drive Oxford, MS 38655 662-234-1664 / Fax: 662-232-8736
LAFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL
Principal Eric Robertson 160 Commodore Drive Oxford, MS 38655
662-234-3614 / Fax: 662-236-3019
OXFORD-LAFAYETTE SCHOOL OF APPLIED TECHNOLOGY
Grant Crockett, Director 134 Hwy. 7 South Oxford, MS 38655
662-234-9469 / Fax: 662-236-2496
OXFORDSchool District
The Oxford School District wants students to be prepared for a full range of college or career experiences, confidently knowing that the 21st Century is theirs. Students experience a “First in Class” education coupled with the opportunity to choose from diverse, engaging extracurricular programs that each school offers.
Principal Barbara Price-Cage 501 Martin Luther King Drive 662-236-5508 / Fax: 662-236-7944
OXFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Principal Audra Rester 222 Bramlett Blvd. 662-234-2288 / Fax: 662-236-7337
OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL
Principal Noah Hamilton 101 Charger Loop 662-234-1562 / Fax: 662-236-7941
LAFAYETTE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Kathy Babb Worley kathy.worley@ gocommodores.com
Erika Hewlett erika.hewlett@ gocommodores.org
Judith Thompson jgthomps@olemiss. edu
Jamie Anderson President omrebels@gmail.com
Lafayette County School District 100 Commodore Drive Oxford, MS 38655 Phone: 662-234-3271 • Fax: 662-236-3019 visit their website at www.gocommodores.com
Kimberly East Secretary east.kimmiejo@gmail. com
Carter Myers President myerscarter@ bellsouth.net
Denny Tosh dennytosh3@hotmail. com
Denson Hollis denson@ givetoathletics.com
Ashley Wilkinson ashley@oxfordfloral. com
Lolita Gregory Secretary llgregor@olemiss.edu
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
REGENTS SCHOOL OF OXFORD
Regents School of Oxford is a Classical Christian School offering a Christ-centered, academically excellent education. Regents was founded in 2000 by a dedicated group of families desiring more for their children’s education. Regents welcomes the homeschool community and offers opportunities for these students to take classes at the school as well as participate in our extra-curricular activities. regentsschoolofoxford.com / 662-232-1945
HOMESCHOOLS
Oxford Christian Homeschool Educators. For more information, call Kim and Walter Locke at 662-234-1289
MAGNOLIA MONTESSORI
Magnolia Montessori School is a nonprofit school offering Montessori education to students ages 14 months to 12 years and educates children in a safe classroom environment that teaches core values and problem-solving skills. magnoliamontessorischool.com / 662-234-0344
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Students seeking an alternative route to a high school diploma can take advantage of the recently developed virtual high school” program at the University of Mississippi’s Department of Outreach. The program offers the core courses and electives. www.outreach.olemiss.edu/umhs/
PRESCHOOLS
DAYCARE FACILITIES
Early Childhood education is a pillar of the LOU community. There are a variety of preschools and daycares in town to serve every family’s needs.
ABC LEARNING CENTER
17 CR 2051, Oxford, MS 38655
Phone: 662-234-4074
Age range: 18 Months – 5 Years
CHILDREN’S ACADEMY
415 Galleria Dr, Oxford, MS 38655
Phone: (662) 871-6255
Age range: infants to 4 years
CREATIVE LEARNING CENTER (NORTH OXFORD BAPTIST CHURCH)
304 CR 101, Oxford, MS 38655
Phone: 662-234-9852
Age range: infant to 4 years
After school up to 4th grade
LEARNER’S PLAYHOUSE
36 Hwy 334 #F, Oxford, MS 38655
Phone: 662-236-5976
Age range: 2 – 5 Years
KID’S COLLEGE DAY CARE
6 CR 118, Abbeville, MS 38601
Phone: 662-234-3163
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH CHILD CARE CENTER
800 Van Buren Avenue, Oxford, MS 38655
Phone: 662-234-3517
Age range: 8 Weeks – 5 Years
After school program up through 5th Grade
DISCOVERY DAY SCHOOL (OU UNITED METHODIST CHURCH)
424 S. 10th St., Oxford, MS 38655
Phone: 662-234-3371
Age range: 3-4 years
LITTLE ANGELS PRESCHOOL AND DAYCARE CENTER
2204 University Ave, Oxford, MS 38655
Phone: 662-236-4574
Age range: Infant to grade school
OXFORD EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
Pre K
1637 Hwy 30 E, Oxford, MS 38655
Phone: 662-371-1630
MARY CATHEY HEAD START
278 HWY 314 Oxford, MS 38655
662-234-3230
Age range: 3-5 years
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS in the LOU
BARKSDALE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF NORTH MISSISSIPPI
The Boys & Girls Club has served the LOU community for more than 10 years. The club got its start in classrooms at the Oxford School District’s Central Elementary School and nine years ago, it moved to a new $1.5 million facility funded by Jim Barksdale, the former president and CEO of Netscape Communications. The club is located at 413 Washington Ave.
The club is open during the school year from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and serves children every day from 3 to 6 p.m. Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The club picks students up from the schools in Lafayette County, and the Oxford School District provides transportation to the facility. For more information about the club, call 662-832-0602.
LEAP FROG
Leap Frog is an after-school tutoring and enrichment program that serves 140 first-, second- and third-grade children from the Oxford and Lafayette County school districts.
Teachers refer students to the program who are “at-risk” for falling behind academically. For one hour two afternoons a week, each child is paired with a volunteer tutor for the semester to help them with their homework, reading, writing, and math skills. The second hour is geared toward enrichment activities and socialization skills. Services are free to the students.
Volunteers are always needed from 3 to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday to tutor the students and also from 4 to 5 p.m. to serve as play buddies and mentors. For more information about Leap Frog, contact Teresa Adams at 662-801-9698 or by email leapfrogdirector@gmail.com or visit the website at www.theleapfrogprogram.org.
CHARGER AFTER SCHOOL
The Oxford School District offers afterschool care for its students. Children in grades Pre-K through 6 attend afterschool care at their respective school sites (OECC, BES, DDES, and CES). In addition to those sites, students from OIS will can walk down the hill and join after-school care at CES. For more information, call Charger After School, contact Marilyn Barnes at mvbarnes@oxfordsd.org.
YMCA OF MEMPHIS & MIDSOUTH
The YMCA of Memphis & The Midsouth provides the Before & Afterschool Care program for families in the Lafayette County School District. The YMCA provides these services on the campuses of Lafayette Lower Elementary School and Lafayette Upper Elementary School.
The program provides a safe, structured, and fun environment for children right on the school campus. It is designed to align with the school to provide academic success in a fun, enriching environment.
For more information about YMCA of Memphis & Midsouth, contact Oxford - YMCA Operations Director Leslie Kennedy via email at lkennedy@ymcamemphis.org.
CAREER PREP CONTINUING EDUCATION
OXFORD-LAFAYETTE SCHOOL OF APPLIED TECHNOLOGY
The Lafayette Career and Technical Center, also known as The Tech, serves the Oxford and Lafayette County school districts with vocational and technical education. The school has seven areas of study, from health careers to auto mechanics. Students may take classes at The
Tech in 9-12 grades. Programs offered at The Tech include: Automotive Service Technology, Construction and Carpentry, Health Science, Metal Fabrications, Programming Fundamentals and Teacher Academy.
Students at the Oxford-Lafayette School of Applied Technology Center work on benches. (LCTC)
NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Students in North Mississippi can take advantage of higher education opportunities at Northwest Mississippi Community College in three convenient locations: the main campus in Senatobia, the LafayetteYalobusha Technical Center in Oxford, the DeSoto Center in Southaven and Olive Branch or the Concourse in Batesville. More than 200 academic and careertechnical classes are also offered online by Northwest’s eLearning Division.
Students from Lafayette County are a significant part of Northwest’s student population. Students from the county comprise the fourth-largest
student population group for the college’s overall enrollment. Northwest is a two-year public community college offering programs of study in academic and career-technical education. The college also conducts GED, continuing education classes and industrial training through its Workforce Development program. The college is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Applied Science degree, and certificates in career education. Students taking classes on the Oxford campus can choose from nine career and technical
programs of study, and students can take core academic classes in day or evening school classes. Technical programs include: Medical Office Technology, Administrative Office Technology, Business Management Technology, Paralegal Technology and Surgical Technology. Career programs available at the campus include Cosmetology, Health Care Assistant and Practical Nursing
The center includes modern classrooms, labs and a learning resources center for students
The Oxford campus also hosts a variety of academic clubs that can be transferred to most universities and come with great scholarship opportunities.
BAPTIST MEMORIAL Hospital
Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi is a 217-bed acute care facility serving the northern third of Mississippi. One of the fastest-growing hospitals in the region, Baptist North Mississippi serves as a regional referral center offering safe, integrated, patient-focused, high-quality, innovative and cost-effective medical care.
Baptist North Mississippi’s 600,000 square-foot facility offers a variety of services, including cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, oncology, radiology, rheumatology, home care and hospice and a 24-hour emergency room.
With over 150 medical and surgical specialists representing more than 40 specialty areas, Baptist North Mississippi continues to grow and improve healthcare and safety standards. Since the hospital became affiliated with the Baptist system in 1989, Baptist has invested almost $700 million into the community.
Baptist North Mississippi physicians are among the first in Mississippi to use a new robotic bronchoscopy procedure to help detect lung cancer earlier. Combining the latest advancements in robotics, software, data science and endoscopy, Auris Health’s Monarch Platform’s robotic bronchoscopy
system allows surgeons to remove and biopsy nodules, or tumors, in the lungs that are small and hard to see or difficult to reach, ultimately leading to a more accurate and earlier diagnosis.
Cardiac care at Baptist North Mississippi has expanded with the opening of the new Electrophysiology (EP) Lab. The EP Lab is used to assess and repair the heart’s electrical system and diagnose abnormal heartbeats such as bradycardia, tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and cardiac arrest. The EP Lab allows physicians to perform cardiac ablations, EP studies, 3D mapping, and device implants such as pacemakers and defibrillators.
Baptist Cancer Center Oxford, accredited by the Integrated Network Cancer Program from the Commission on Cancer, a quality program of the American College of Surgeons, is located one mile south of the Baptist campus. The Cancer Center offers chemotherapy, infusion, and radiation services. With the availability of clinical trials, cutting-edge treatments, advanced technology and the expertise of their physicians and medical staff patients can receive high-quality care without having to leave home.
Not only did Baptist lead in the implemen-
tation of standards, it also received recognition for its unparalleled safety standards.
Baptist was designated as a Blue Distinction Center of Excellence for Maternity Care by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi. The facility was recognized by the state’s leading health and wellness company for its work in meeting stringent criteria focused on patient safety and clinical outcomes.
Baptist Health Care offers a full continuum of care to communities throughout the Mid-South.
The Baptist system, which consistently ranks among the top integrated health care networks in the nation, comprises 22 affiliate hospitals in West Tennessee, Mississippi and East Arkansas; more than 4,500 affiliated physicians; Baptist Medical Group, a multi-specialty physician group with more than 750 providers; home, hospice and psychiatric care; minor medical centers and clinics; a network of surgery, rehabilitation and other outpatient centers; and an education system highlighted by Baptist Health Sciences University.
CHAMBER AND EDF
The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation (EDF) are two entities sharing a common staff and facility, and with similar but distinct missions to enhance the community’s business environment. For newcomers, it’s worth a stop by the Chamber office to meet the staff and browse the stacks of business cards and handouts. It can be a good starting point for learning about your new community and finding the services you need here.
Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce
The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce is the voice of businesses in local, county, and state issues.
The Chamber represents the business community in problem-solving, promoting economic development, raising the per capita income and providing strong financial resources to create a better life for all citizens.
The Chamber consists of over 700 businesses and professionals working together to make Oxford and Lafayette County a better place to live. The Chamber serves as clearinghouse for plans and proposals affecting Oxford’s future.
Chamber committees work hard at meeting the City’s and County’s needs and setting and achieving goals that will ensure Oxford and Lafayette County of reaching its full potential as a community.
For more information on the OxfordLafayette Chamber of Commerce, visit oxfordms.com/chamber-of-commerce.
Economic Development Foundation
The Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation’s mission is to be a leader in creating opportunities for responsible economic investment, thereby raising the per capita income for all citizens of Lafayette County.
In support of this, the EDF is committed to being responsive to local business and industry, being a responsible vehicle to preserve a positive business environment in Lafayette County and the area, facilitating technology transfer at the University of Mississippi into our community and supporting other positive community efforts which improve our quality of life and yield economic benefits.
For more information on the OxfordLafayette County Economic Development Foundation, visit oxfordms.com/economic-development.
The Lafayette-Oxford-University community has five law enforcement agencies working around the clock to make sure it stays a safe place for its citizens. The Oxford Police Department covers the city limits with Chief Jeff McCutchen heading the department.
The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office is headed by Sheriff Joey East. With just five deputies on each shift, the Sheriff’s Department patrols all of Lafayette County outside of the city limits.
The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit was formed as a partnership with Oxford and Lafayette County police departments. The unit handles most of the area’s major drug cases.
The University of Mississippi Police Department is responsible for maintaining law and order on the campus and only has jurisdiction there.
Mississippi Highway Patrol Troop E patrols the area’s highways, which include highways 6, 7, 9 and 30.
AREA COURTS
MUNICIPAL COURT
The Municipal Court is the judicial body responsible for adjudicating criminal misdemeanor offenses involving city ordinances and state statute. The court is based in the courtroom of City Hall on the Square. To find out about ticket fees, court dates or driving school, call 662-232-2320.
JUSTICE COURT
The Justice Court of Lafayette County hears misdemeanor cases from the county and the University of Mississippi as well as handles payments for all traffic tickets given out by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department, the University Police Department and the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Civil cases involving less than $2,500 from the city, county and university are heard at Justice Court. Judges can also perform marriages. Notary
services are available. Located at 713 Jackson Ave. Call 662-2341545 for more information.
CHANCERY COURT
The Chancery Court hears all matters in equity; divorce and alimony cases; matters testamentary and of administration; youth court; and mental illness and drug and alcohol abuse commitments. Located in the Lafayette County Chancery Building, 300 N. Lamar Blvd. For more information, call 662-2360232.
CIRCUIT COURT
The Third Circuit Judicial District Court serves Benton, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Lafayette, Marshall, Tippah and Union counties. The Circuit Court hears felony criminal prosecutions and civil lawsuits for more than $2,500, as well as appeals from the
HELPFUL NUMBERS
Oxford Police Department 10 Industrial Park Drive 662-232-2400
Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department 711 Jackson Ave. 662-234-6421
University Police Department
Kinard Hall
University of Mississippi Rebel Dr 662-915-7234
Lafayette County Metro Narcotics 711 Jackson Ave E 662-236-3900
Lafayette County Chancery Building
300 N Lamar Blvd 662-234-2131
CRIMESTOPPERS 662-234-8477
Justice and Municipal courts and from administrative boards and commissions such as the Workers’ Compensation Commission and the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. Located in the Lafayette County Courthouse on the Square. For more information, call 622-234-4951.
DRUG COURT
The Drug Court, which is
under the Third Circuit Judicial District Court, is a special court given the responsibility to handle cases involving drug-using offenders through frequent court appearances, comprehensive supervision, drug testing, treatment services and immediate sanctions and incentives. Located in the Courthouse on the Square. Call 662-234-4951.
FEDERAL COURT
U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Mississippi is located in the Federal Building at 911 Jackson Ave. The courthouse serves the counties of Benton, Calhoun, Grenada, Lafayette, Marshall, Montgomery, Pontotoc, Tippah, Union, Webster, Yalobusha, Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Panola, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate and Tunica.
LOCAL LIQUOR LAWS
While recent years have seen law enforcement toughen up on problems like underage drinking and DUIs, the party is still going strong in Oxford. A lot of people come to this town simply to have a good time, and drinking is as much a part of football game day traditions as ever. The challenge of enjoying yourself without getting into trouble is knowing what you can legally drink, and where and when. It isn’t as simple as you might think. The Oxford-Lafayette-University community is like a patchwork of jurisdictions, each with its own set of rules. The evolution of all these laws dates back to Prohibition in the 1920s, and includes a series of city and county referendums from the 1930s to the ’70s. The University of Mississippi opted for a more pragmatic approach
than its longstanding prohibition policy, falling back on the state and local laws already in existence. The catch is that while most of the campus is not technically in Oxford’s city limits, some of it is, and therefore even the campus itself does not operate under a single set of rules. Oxford now requires people to register at City Hall if they want to buy a keg of beer and partial Sunday sales were approved four years ago after more than a year of debate and committee work. In late 2013, the Oxford Board of Aldermen drastically changed Oxford’s alcohol laws by allowing cold beer sales seven days a week at gas stations and grocery and convenience stores and for voting to allow Sunday alcohol sales at bars and restaurants only. Beer and light wine can be purchased on Sundays at off-site locations.
HERE’S A GENERAL OVERVIEW OF WHAT’S ALLOWED WHERE:
IN OXFORD CITY LIMITS
• You can buy cold beer at service stations and grocery stores, including Sundays.
• Liquor cannot be sold on Sunday at off-site locations, other than beer and light wine. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased on Sundays at restaurant and bars.
• Bars close at 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday but alcohol is not sold after 1 a.m. On Sundays, bars may sell alcohol from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Brown bag permit is allowed at several restaurants in Oxford, which allows you to bring your own wine, liquor and beer during regular serving hours
IN LAFAYETTE COUNTY
• You can’t buy alcohol outside the Oxford city limits –except for packaged wine and liquor in Abbeville.
• You can take your own wine and liquor to “brown bag” restaurants in the county but
taking beer is illegal.
ON CAMPUS
• Most of the campus is “wet” for wine and liquor, but “dry” for beer. Areas east of the University Avenue Bridge including OxfordUniversity Stadium are “wet” for beer, too.
• Alcohol left unattended or in plain sight is considered “distribution” and can be confiscated. Kegs, party balls and other means of “common supply” are banned, as are things like funnels and shots.
MS MEDICAL MARIJUANA
The Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act went into effect on July 1, 2023, allowing patients to apply for medical marijuana cards if they meet a prescribed list of conditions. The set of conditions includes:
• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
• Agitation Of Dementia
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Autism
• Cancer
• Chron’s Disease
• Dementia
• Diabetic/Peripheral Neuropathy
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• Huntington’s Disease
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Pain Refractory To Appropriate Opioid Management
OXFORD DISPENSARIES
Magnolia Cannabis Dispensary 2570 Jackson Ave W, Suite 18
Hybrid Relief Medical Dispensary 1801 Jackson Ave W, Suite 112d
Star Buds Medical Cannabis Dispensary Oxford 1319 N Lamar Blvd, Suite A
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Sickle-Cell Anemia
• Spastic Qudriplegia
• Spinal Cord Disease Or Severe Injury
• Ulcerative Colitis
Also qualifying is a chronic terminal or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces one or more of the following:
• Cachexia Or Wasting Syndrome
• Chronic Pain
• Severe Or Intractable Nausea
• Seizures
• Severe/Persistent Muscle Spasms
Releaf Medical Dispensary 1130 N Lamar Blvd
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE PRACTITIONER
Pause Pain & Wellness
101 Ricky D Britt Sr Blvd, Suite 1
BANKS AND CREDIT UNIONS
BankFirst
2601 W Jackson Ave (662) 234-4434
BankPlus
409 South Lamar (662) 550-4146
Bank of Commerce 1610 West Jackson Ave P.O. Box 1057 (662) 234-2220
Bank of Oxford 2043 University Ave P.O. Drawer 1015 (662) 234-5990
Cadence Bank 517 South Lamar Blvd (662) 238-7000
First Commercial Bank 908 N Lamar Blvd Suite 102 (662) 371-1494
FNB Oxford Bank 101 Courthouse Square (662) 234-2821
Guaranty Bank and Trust 404 Enterprise Drive Suite A (662) 871-6816
Jake Ott - New American Funding 1223 E Jackson Ave Suite 200 (662) 832-4663
Mississippi Federal Credit Union 1101 Jackson Ave West (662) 236-9099
Origin Bank 1713 University Ave (662) 513-2380
Paragon Bank 2401 South Lamar Blvd (662) 259-8306
Regions Bank 1931 West Jackson Ave (662) 371-4167
Renasant Bank 1111 Jackson Ave East (662) 236-1111
Renasant Bank Mortgage Lending 2527 Jackson Ave West (662) 607-6574
Rivers Hill Bank 1345 Cooperative Way (601) 853-1181
The Citizens Bank 902 Sisk Ave Suite E (662) 550-4029
Trustmark 106 Courthouse Square (662) 234-5888
Unity Bank Loan Production Office 501 Heritage Drive Suite 125 (662) 252-1341
OXFORD Restaurants
Ajax 118 Courthouse Square
Aloha Thai-Hawaiian Restaurant 2580 Jackson Ave W
Amore Italian Restaurant & Bar 705 Sisk Avenue
Arby’s 103 Home Depot Dr
B’s Hickory Smoked Bar-B-Q 825 College Hill Rd
Back 9 Oxford 308 S Lamar Blvd
Big Bad Breakfast 719 N Lamar Blvd
Bim Bam Burgers 2204 W. Jackson Ave.
The Blind Pig 105 North Lamar Blvd
Bottletree Bakery 923 Van Buren Ave
Bouré 110 Courthouse Square
Bremma’s Cakery & Confections 1944 University Ave
Booth’s Barbeque 2200 South Lamar Blvd
Buffalo Wild Wings 2315 W Jackson Ave
Burger King 1741 University Ave
Byrdhouse Organic Cafe 605 South Lamar Blvd
Cabin 82, Graduate Hotel 400 N Lamar Blvd
Caffecitos Coffee Truck 1801 University Ave
Captain D’s 2533 W Jackson Ave
Casa Mexicana 1908 W Jackson Ave
Chevron Food Mart (4-Corners Chicken on a Stick) 502 South Lamar Blvd
Chick-fil-A 2307 W Jackson Ave
Chicken Salad Chick 1305 Merchants Dr
Chili’s Bar and Grill 2576 W Jackson Ave
China Royal 1938 University Ave
Chipotle Mexican Grill 2151 Jackson Ave W
Chow King Buffet 2142 W Jackson Ave
City Grocery 152 Courthouse Square
Common Ground Coffee Bar 81 Ed Perry Blvd, Unit 101
Connie’s Chicken 2622 Jackson Ave West
Cook Out 2195 Jackson Ave West
The Coop at the Graduate Hotel 400 N. Lamar Blvd
Cups: An Espresso Cafe 1501 W Jackson Ave
Dairy Queen 1700 Jackson Ave West
Domino’s Pizza 1603 W Jackson Ave
El Agave 2305 W Jackson Ave
El Charro 669 Sisk Ave
El Mariachi 1518 Jackson Ave W
Fergndan’s Wood Fire Pizza 176 MS-30 East
Firehouse Subs 1501 W Jackson Ave
First Watch 104 S Lamar Ct
Five Guys 2153 W Jackson Ave
Fox’s Pizza Den 900 Sisk Ave
Funky’s 1012 Jackson Ave
Great American Cookie & Marble Slab Creamery 1801 Jackson Ave W, Unit A-102
Grit 2 Town Square Lane, Taylor
The Growler 265 N Lamar Blvd
Guthrie’s Chicken 1506 University Ave
RESTAURANT
H2O Oxford Oriental Cafe 1304 University Ave
Handy Andy Grocery 800 N Lamar Blvd
Honey Baked Ham 204 Merchants Dr
Huddle House 1925 W Jackson Ave
IHOP 2152 W Jackson Ave
Insomnia Cookies 303 S Lamar Blvd
James Food Center 505 Jackson Ave. East
Jane’s Exxon 321 North Lamar Blvd
Jimmy John’s 2206 W Jackson Ave
Jinsei Sushi 713 N Lamar Blvd
Johnston Hill Creamery 707 North Lamar Blvd
Just Cake It 2580 Jackson Ave West
Kabuki 1631 W Jackson Ave
Kingswood Restaurant 425 South Lamar Blvd
Krystal 420 Highway 6 W
The Landshark 2311 Jackson Ave W
La Perla Tapatía 1912 University Ave
LB’s Meat Market 2008 University Ave
Lenora’s 309 N Lamar Blvd
Little Easy Catering 3 CR 215
Library Sports Bar 120 S 11th St
Living Foods 809 College Hill Road
Lost Pizza Co. 7102 College Hill Rd
Maharaja Indian Cuisine 2570 W Jackson Ave
Mama Jo’s 1503 N Lamar Blvd
Market Place at Oxford Commons 701 Sisk Ave
Marco’s Pizza 100 S Lamar Ct
Marquis Chevron 2100 South Lamar Blvd
McAlister’s Deli 2605 Jackson Ave West
McCormick’s at The Inn at Ole Miss, 120 Alumni Drive
McEwen’s 1110 Van Buren Ave
McDonald’s 1900 University Ave E 1803 Jackson Ave W
Mi & Tea 1502 Jackson Ave West
My Michelle’s 6 CR, 1014 Ryland Wy #485
Moe’s Original BBQ 311 S Lamar Blvd
Mugshots Grill and Bar 1400 Merchants Dr
Newk’s 1309 University Ave 2305 W Jackson Ave Oxford
The Noodle Bowl Asian Bistro 1501 W Jackson Ave
Oby’s 1931 University Ave
Ollie’s Donuts 2151 S Lamar Blvd
Ollie’s Donuts 2151 S Lamar Blvd
Oxford Burger Company 916 E Jackson Ave
Oxford Grillehouse 114 Courthouse Square
Panera Bread 1902 W Jackson Ave
Papa John’s 1506 W Jackson Ave
Phillips Grocery 2406 S Lamar Blvd
Popeye’s Chicken and Biscuits 2624 Jackson Ave. W
Proud Larry’s 211 S Lamar Blvd
Rafter’s Bar & Grill 1000 E. Jackson Ave
Rice & Spice 1520 W. Jackson Ave
Round Table 132 Courthouse Square
Saint Leo 1101 E. Jackson Ave
The Sipp on South Lamar
400 South Lamar Blvd Suite A2
Sizzler Steak House 582 Highway 6 E
Smoothie King 2311 W Jackson Ave
SnackBar 721 N Lamar Blvd
Sno Biz 1132 N Lamar Blvd
Sonic Drive-In 2000 Jackson Ave W 1207 East University Ave
South Depot Taco Shop 1004 Van Buren Ave
Southern Coop Wings 705 Sisk Ave #111
Starbuck’s Coffee 1804 W Jackson Ave
Square Pizza 1101 Van Buren Ave
Subway 1901 W Jackson Ave 1948 University Ave
Taco Bell 1726 University Ave
The Taco Shop 1921 University Ave
Tallahatchie Gourmet 1221 Van Buren Ave
Tango’s Patio and Kitchen 1008 E Jackson Ave
Tarasque Cucina 1611 Jackson Ave West
Taylor Grocery 4 First St, Taylor, MS
Tico’s Steakhouse 1001 Jackson Ave E
Toyo 2305 W Jackson Ave
Tropical Smoothie Cafe 1801 Jackson Ave W
Ugly Mug/TCBY
501 Bramlett Blvd (Inside Chaney’s Pharmacy)
Uno Mas 1101 E Jackson Ave
Uptown Coffee 265 N Lamar Blvd
The Velvet Ditch Daiquiri N’ Sports Bar 430 S Lamar Blvd
