St. Tammany's "Pearl"
By: JoBeth Kavanaugh

Nestled against the West Pearl River, where some folks take a vacation day to go fishing or ride their four-wheelers along the dusty back roads, is the small town of Pearl River, LA.

This one-hundred-year-old town in St. Tammany Parish is rich with generations of family traditions and values. The storeowners still unlock their door after closing time to help a friend, and in this special place, there is certainly no shortage of friends. Accessible by I-12, I-59 or Highway 41, Pearl River is anything but a "best-kept secret" these days. This once quiet, sleepy town has opened its heart and wrapped its arms around the future since the influx of so many seeking a safe haven after Hurricane Katrina. Local officials are proud of the town's hospitality, low-to-no crime rate and a higher elevation that has made the area particularly attractive to former residents of St. Bernard Parish.

These days, and especially due to the influence of Hurricane Katrina, Pearl River is sporting a round-table of new business influence. The city limits are approximately 2.3 square miles and their residents are using every square inch to entertain new business development.

The "Pearl", as locals refer to their hometown, lures folks with its old-time legends, passion for family and a new dedication to business. The East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce is proud to represent Pearl River, LA, a pearl indeed.