Recent news that decorative lights on the Mississippi River Bridge would not immediately be replaced after ongoing bridge repairs gave the local naysayers the perfect opportunity to jab the Natchez area.

References to the old adage: The last person to leave should turn the lights outs abounded.

But such an approach is not only unfair; it is inaccurate.

Looking at sales tax data over the last several years reveals something seemingly remarkable about Natchez — stability.

That’s correct. Despite the closure of several large retails and a population that has been slowly on the decline of late, Natchez’s sales tax indicates spending remains fairly steady.

That’s great news, of course, but it’s also a reminder that perception is often not reality.

Natchez may very well be on the cusp of a revival of sorts.

The City of Natchez has recently adopted a revitalization plan for downtown and as one local said last week, “Successful people like to be part of a vision. Now we have a vision. We need implementers.”

We saw one of the first seeds of that last week when a successful Shreveport, Louisiana, businessman purchased the long-vacant Prentiss Club on Pearl Street.

Such investments can quickly add up to a rebirth of Natchez.

As Natchez approaches its 302nd birthday, let us never forget the dozens of economic ups and downs the city has endured through its long and proud history.

And let us all stay ready as the coming rising tide lifts all our collective fleet.