New Orleans Newbie

I am interested in getting into open water swimming. I was a distance swimmer in high school and just started getting back into the pool recently. I am up to 4000m in a bit over an hour. Does anyone know people who practice in the area and when and where they meet? Saw the recommendations for a few books. Anything else I should check out? My goal is to work up to some longer swims. Not sure what "longer" is, considering some people are talking about 24h swims and what not, so I am interested in what open water swimmers call "longer" as well. WOuld love any advice and good info available. Thanks!