Newsletter
Fall 2026
A Message from Mayor Yvette Crain
A Great Year of Progress in Jean Lafitte
Dear Friends,
It has been an exciting spring and summer in Jean Lafitte, and I am proud of all our community has accomplished.
One of our biggest milestones was the opening of the Louisiana Wetlands Educational Center & Museum, a new destination that shares the story of our wetlands, wildlife, culture, seafood heritage and way of life. I want to recognize former Mayors Tim Kerner Sr. and Tim Kerner Jr., whose years of hard work and commitment helped make this vision a reality.
We also celebrated another successful Jean Lafitte Seafood Festival, celebrated our community’s rich Filipino heritage, and welcomed Governor Jeff Landry to Jean Lafitte for the signing of important legislation strengthening Louisiana seafood labeling laws, sponsored by State Representative Tim Kerner Sr.
There is much more ahead. We recently broke ground on the Jean Lafitte Medical Center, and construction is now underway. Our proposed Jean Lafitte Waterfront Amphitheater Stage also received top honors in its category at the Louisiana Municipal Association Awards and is now out to bid. We are excited about what these projects will mean for our residents and the future of our community.
This summer also brought great sadness with the passing of our beloved Police Chief and friend, Marcell Rodriguez. For 15 years, Chief Rodriguez faithfully served Jean Lafitte and cared deeply for its people. We will miss his leadership, friendship and compassion, and we will always be grateful for his dedicated service to our community.
As we remember Chief Rodriguez, we also welcome our new Police Chief, Joseph “Joey” Kreger Jr. Chief Kreger is a Lafitte resident who brings more than 30 years of experience with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office to his new role. We look forward to his leadership and service to our community.
As we head into fall, I want to thank our residents, staff, volunteers, businesses, first responders and community partners who continue to make Jean Lafitte such a special place to call home.
There is a lot happening in our town, and I look forward to seeing you around Jean Lafitte this fall.
Yvette Crain
Mayor, Town of Jean Lafitte
Highlights
Discover the New Louisiana Wetlands Educational Center
The new Louisiana Wetlands Educational Center & Museum is now open! Explore immersive exhibits highlighting our wetlands, wildlife, culture and coastal heritage, then head outdoors to experience the Wetland Trace and surrounding cypress swamp.
Learn more: louisianawetlandscenter.com
Award-Winning Waterfront Amphitheater
The proposed Jean Lafitte Waterfront Amphitheater Stage received top honors in its category at the Louisiana Municipal Association Awards and is now out to bid.
The future waterfront venue will create a permanent home for concerts, festivals, cultural events and community celebrations while supporting tourism and local businesses.
Keeping Our Bayous Beautiful
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Bayou Beautiful Clean-Up Day on September 19!
Volunteers worked by land and water to clean our bayous, swamps and waterways and help protect the natural beauty that makes Jean Lafitte so special. Thank you to our volunteers and Town staff for making the event such a success.
Kerner Bridge Nearly a Year Ahead of Schedule
Great news for Jean Lafitte and Barataria! Construction on the new Victor Kerner Bridge continues to make tremendous progress, with the latest project schedule estimating completion in September 2027—almost a full year ahead of schedule.
We thank State Representative Tim Kerner Sr. for his years of persistence and determination in helping make this important project a reality for our community.
Medical Center Groundbreaking
Jean Lafitte recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the Jean Lafitte Medical Center, another important step forward in our community’s continued recovery from Hurricane Ida.
The project will include structural elevation, reconstruction and rehabilitation, accessibility improvements, and additional measures to provide greater flood protection and resilience.
Once completed, the improved facility will help ensure residents continue to have access to important health care services right here in our community.
On the Trails in Jean Lafitte!
Explore the Wetland Trace with the National Park Service
Starting in Fall, visitors can join a National Park Service ranger for a guided Wetland Trace Walk every Wednesday and Thursday from 1-2 PM.
Explore the beautiful cypress swamp while learning about the plants, wildlife, wetlands and natural environment of the Barataria Basin.
Wednesdays & Thursdays | 1-2 PM
Wetland Trace Trailhead
4905 City Park Drive
Jean Lafitte, LA
Fall Events – Save the Dates!
October 17
Witches & Warlocks Wine Walk
Old Town Hall
October 23
Kids Movie Night
Jules Nunez Pavilion
October 31
Trick-or-Treating
Old Town Hall
November 14
Town Market
Jules Nunez Pavilion
December 12
Beginner’s Fly Fishing Course
10 AM-12 PM
Town of Jean Lafitte
Celebrating our culture. Protecting our community. Building for the future.
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