Most Hancock Bank branches to stay open on Presidents Day, Mardi Gras

     GULFPORT, MS (February 14, 2007) - Hancock Bank officials announced today that most Hancock Bank locations in Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Alabama will remain open for regular business hours on Presidents Day (Monday, February 19, 2007) and Mardi Gras (Tuesday, February 20, 2007).

Exceptions for Presidents Day - a federal holiday - and Mardi Gras include, respectively, branches on government installations and locations on or near major parade routes:

Presidents Day

Stennis Space Center Branch (MS)

Not Open Monday, February 19, 2007

Mardi Gras

	Covington Branch (LA)	Not Open Tuesday, February 20, 2007
	Mandeville Branch (LA)	Not Open Tuesday, February 20, 2007
	Slidell Branch (LA)	Not Open Tuesday, February 20, 2007
	Williams Boulevard Branch (Kenner, LA)	Not Open Tuesday, February 20, 2007
	Veterans East Branch (Metairie, LA)	Not Open Tuesday, February 20, 2007
	Clearview Branch (Metairie, LA)	Not Open Tuesday, February 20, 2007
	Elmwood Branch (Metairie, LA)	Not Open Tuesday, February 20, 2007
	LaPalco Branch (Harvey, LA)	Not Open Tuesday, February 20, 2007
	Westgate (Eunice, LA)	Not Open Tuesday, February 20, 2007 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)
	Biloxi Main Branch (MS)	Not Open Tuesday, February 20, 2007
	Diamondhead Branch (MS)	Not Open Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Customers may call their local Hancock Bank to confirm regular business hours. Additionally, access to 24-hour account information and bill pay services is available at www.hancockbank.com.

Hancock Holding Company - parent company of Hancock Bank (Mississippi), Hancock Bank of Louisiana, Hancock Bank of Florida, and Magna Insurance Company - has assets of $6.26 billion at March 31, 2006. Founded in 1899, Hancock Bank stands among the strongest, safest five-star financial institutions in America. Hancock Bank operates 100 Hancock full-service offices and 120 automated teller machines throughout South Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida as well as subsidiaries Hancock Investment Services, Inc., Hancock Insurance Agency, and Harrison Finance Company. Investors can access additional corporate information or online banking and bill pay services online.

— 30 —

FOR MORE INFORMATION