City grows in businesses owned by Hispanics

8602378670?profile=originalERICK GARCIA Hernandez moved his tire shop to 902 Hardy St. from Laurel because he thought it would be good for his business.

The move was at the advice of a friend.

Five months ago, he opened his doors, and things have been busy.

"My friend said Hardy Street was a pretty good spot. Right now, things are going good," said Hernandez, whose business sells new and used tires and rims, repairs brakes and flat tires, and offers other services.

"A lot of people know me. Things are all right."

Hernandez's Tire is one of several Hispanic-owned businesses that have popped up along Hardy Street over the years.

They join several Hispanic-owned stores and restaurants throughout the city that have been around for several years.

According to 2010 Census data, the number of Hispanics/Latinos living in Hattiesburg jumped from 630 in 2000 to 1,996 in 2010.

Similar growth was seen in Lamar and Forrest counties. Lamar County saw the Hispanic population jump from 426 to 1,205, while Forrest County saw it spike from 912 to 2,637. READ MORE

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