I moved here 20 years after this documentary was made by Louisiana Public Broadcasting. I have lived here for over 2 decades, and I have seen a lot of businesses come and go. I have also made a lot of friends that I have seen leave and take up residence in other cities for better opportunities. I remember talking with my brothers who were in the military, and they talked about their time being stationed at Fort Polk as well, and driving to Lake Charles to Ball's Auditorium for fun and live entertainment.

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I like to pick some of the local residents brains and see whether or not they feel that the city is growing in their eyes. Many feel like we are currently at a stand still. Within less than 2 years we have been dealt a blow from two Hurricanes, a flood, and a freeze storm. This is not even including the pandemic, but I have seen the size of Lake Charles decease since these occurences. What really appeared to be the city of growth has slowed down some. Obviously, with good reason after the toll that the city has taken, we need a break and time to rebuild.

Wow, Look at this front view from the Lake Charles Civic Center

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Here is former Mayor William Boyer, 1981

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The Oil industry was flourishing then and still is in Lake Charles

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Mcneese State University, 1981

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What is your take about the documentary? Do you feel that it is accurate 20 years later? I would like to say that Lake Charles is everything they say and more, but I see so many things that we are missing out on. I would love to see more shopping areas so that we are not having to go to Houston or New Orleans for a little more of a variety. I would also like to see more activities for the children to partake in. I would love to see a diverse nightlife, and even more job opportunities outside of just the casinos and industry jobs. Lake Charles has a lot of potential, and hopefully in a few years we can really get things back to the way they were. We just have to survive these very concerning Hurricane seasons that leave many questioning whether they are wanting to stay here.

 

 

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