Just checked the logbook and it was mid 2000 when I last flew with Vortex.
A neat operation set up by a couple of Vietnam vets by cutting a hole in the 'ouisiana forest and making 3M59 heliport. Back then it was best described as Southern Professional, which means that it looks like everyone is laid back and slow but nobody misses a thing, and the moment anything needs fixing they are onto it in Spades.
Really enjoyed my time with them, good instruction and good atmosphere. They had some Japanese contracts back then which added a multicultural interest. Much Birru consumed.
Gulfport-Biloxi is economical to live (they had very reasonable and OK accomodation for students) and the redneck riviera is right there if you need the night-life.
That was year 2000. With the attitude they had back then, I would suspect it has only got better, but I don't know.
FWIW