Biloxi Police Chief John Miller will use actual 911 tapes from the height of Hurricane Katrina during his Katrina Café presentation Friday at lunchtime, but, more importantly, Miller will tell audience members what the department learned from those experiences and how it is better prepared today.
The luncheon, part of the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art’s “Katrina +10” retrospective, will begin at noon. Reservations — $10, which includes lunch and a free tour of the K10 exhibit — must be made by 5 p.m. today. Call 228-374-5547.
Make your reservations online
Fire Academy for Kids now accepting registrants
The Biloxi Fire Department’s Fire Academy for Kids is coming up in June, and the department is now seeking registrants for the program, which is open to children ages 7 through 12.
The free program is designed to increase children’s fire safety and first-aid knowledge, and to provide them with a better appreciation of firefighters and their often-dangerous jobs.
“This is a fun program for children,” said Vincent Payne, assistant chief for Fire Prevention, “but more than that, it benefits the children and their families with life-saving information. It also gives them  insight into the training and professionalism in the Biloxi Fire Department.”
The five-day program will be conducted June 8-12 at the Biloxi Fire Department’s Station No. 1, 170 Porter Ave., and at the West End Hose Company No. 3 Fire Museum, 1046 Howard Ave. The academy will operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.
The academy is open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Children will have classroom activities, hands-on training and homework. They also will be introduced to firefighters, the equipment they use and the jobs they perform. Each day snacks and a beverage will be provided. On the fifth day, children will review what they have learned and participate in a graduation ceremony, with a luncheon of hamburgers and hot dogs afterward.
See details and a registration form
See photos from the 2014 fire academy
News and notes
Fish fry: West End Hose Co. No. 3, the Biloxi fire museum, will host a fish fry Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The $8 fish plates include fried fish, potato salad, baked beans and bread. To read more and to find out about ordering in advance, click here.
Kickball event: Â An event called “Kickball in the Park” takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. until at Todd Migues Park on Biloxi’s Back Bay. The event will highlight the adoption of the park by the East Biloxi Community Collaborative, and, besides kickball for all ages, will feature refreshments, a “pop-up pocket park” and a chance to meet longtime Biloxi Southern Little League Coach, the legendary Bobby Migues. To read details, click here.
