2026 State of the City: Biloxi is Real
Here is the prepared text of Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich’s 2026 State of the City presentation, delivered at the Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the Beau Rivage.
To see the video, click here.
To see the State of the City BNews Monthly, click here.
From the podium:
Hello everyone. Welcome to the state of your city. Thank you all for being here today.
To Executive Director Tina Ross-Seamans and everyone at the Biloxi Bay Chamber, thank you for putting this great event together again.
And, to the Beau Rivage and their entire staff. Every year, this event is always top-notch.
Please give all of them a round of applause.
You all know that in a few short months, our country will celebrate its 250th birthday. And today we’re here celebrating progress & growth, and Biloxi is at the top of its game.
We should remember that so many folks have sacrificed so much to make all this possible for us to enjoy at this moment.
Just weeks ago, 13 of our military men and women gave their lives defending our freedom, and about 200 more were wounded. Keep them and their families in your prayers.
Just look around at people here in uniforms now and those who once wore the uniform. We owe them a round of applause in appreciation of their service.
This marks my 11th time delivering this address. I’m as pumped up now as when I delivered my first one.
Today, there are a lot of folks that I want to recognize and need to express my appreciation for their support regarding what has been accomplished in our great city over the past years.
I think we should recognize this event itself, the Annual Biloxi State of the City.
“It was the brainchild of the late Tommy Munro, the longtime Biloxi booster, civic leader, and respected businessman. He marshaled support among like-minded citizens to shine a favorable light on our city, to present an annual state of the city report.”
Mayor A.J. Holloway presented the first one in 1997, now pushing an incredible three decades.
Biloxi attorney Wayne Hengen was a charter member and former president of what is today the Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. I believe he has attended every State of the City since the first one in 1997.
Today, Biloxi is a “thriving brand” known across this country. It teems with a sense of accomplishment, excitement, energy, and anticipation. Not hope but expectation.
This just doesn’t happen by chance or luck. It takes leadership, collaboration, and cooperation. None of this could have happened without the support of the Biloxi City Council: Ward 1 Wayne Gray, Ward 2 Anthony Marshall, Ward 3 Mike Nail, Ward 4 Jamie Creel, Ward 5 Paul Tisdale, Ward 6 Kenny Glavan, and Ward 7 David Shoemaker.   Â
Let me say that I appreciate you for always keeping Biloxi and its citizens at heart and for being thoughtful and reasonable in your decision-making. Please give it up for them. You know, I don’t remember any real arguments, always fun … right!! Mostly fun?
If Biloxi were a wheel, the spokes of that wheel would be our Department Directors.
In 2025, we had some key retirements. They gave decades of service to the citizens of Biloxi. We want to acknowledge & thank them for their dedication: Chief Administrative Officer – Mike Leonard, Chief of Police – John Miller, Parks & Recreation Director – Sherry Bell, Public Works Director – Billy Ray Allen.
Now, at the center of what makes Biloxi roll is Chief Administrative Officer – Rick Weaver, Chief of Police – Chris De Back, Fire Chief – Nick Geiser, Parks & Recreation Director – Jamie Lee, Community Development Director Jerry Creel, Public Works & Engineering Director – Christy LeBatard, Courts & Legal Department – Peter Abide, Ports & Harbor Division Director – Christina Johnson.
Next, a number of organizations have made significant contributions to our city’s success and made Biloxi what it is today. Each has its own unique mission, and they’re led by their own boards, directors, staff, and volunteers. Believe me, their jobs are not easy. Included are: Biloxi Public Schools, Biloxi Housing Authority, Biloxi Planning Commission, Design Review Committee, Architectural & Historical Review Commission, Building Board of Adjustments & Appeals, Tree Committee, Beautification Commission, Municipal Elections Committee, and the Civil Service Commission.
We enjoy great partnerships with numerous agencies at the regional, state & federal levels: Harrison County Board of Supervisors – Rebecca, Dan, Bobby, Harrison County Sheriff’s Department – Sheriff Matt Haley, Harrison County Utility Authority, Department of Marine Resources – General Joe Spraggins, South Mississippi Planning & Development District, Gulf Regional Planning Commission, Harrison County Development Commission, Harrison County Motor Vehicle for Hire Commission, Coastal Mississippi Tourism, Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport Authority, Coast Transit Authority, Mississippi Coast Coliseum Commission, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, Harrison, Hancock & Stone County District Attorney’s Office – DA Crosby Parker, Mississippi Legislative Delegation, and the United States Senators and Congressmen.
We have great working relationships with all our sister cities for years now. Yes, even Gulfport. No one could figure that out. But me & Billy did. Now, Hugh and I have. I think it has something to do with music.
But best of all, those relationships are what Biloxi has and enjoys with the United States Air Force and our beloved Keesler Air Force Base. Now, over eight decades, growing stronger than ever.
For certain, Biloxi is what it is today because of Keesler, and Keesler is what it is today because of Biloxi. We share the same DNA. It put us both on the map. Wherever you go, if you mention Biloxi, Keesler will be brought up. And vice versa, you say, Keesler, Biloxi will follow.
These are not just nice words. It’s truly like a family. Over and over again, when needed, we were there for each other. I believe that will be the case for generations to come.
As always, our Keesler cousins are with us today in force. Their leaders: Major General Wolfe Davidson – 2nd Air Force Commander, Colonel Chris Robinson – 81st Training Wing Commander, Colonel Jaret Fish – 403rd Reserve Wing Commander, and Colonel Jennifer Bein – 81st Medical Group Commander.
Biloxi has some stars, too. They’ve served their country all over the world and in Biloxi, too: Lt. General Clark Griffith and Lt. General Mike Peterson.
Look, it’s not all roses. We have challenges. There are challenges that come from many directions that need to be met every day.
Take it from me, to have the quality of life we enjoy today, you just can’t wish for things to happen. It comes from vision, leadership, and hard work. The rubber meets the road every day through the dedicated men and women in each and every one of our departments.
Now we will show you that in a great video that Public Affairs has prepared.
Enjoy the video, and I’ll see you in a few minutes.
Recorded:
Real FoFo: “ Hi, I’m FoFo Gilich, Mayor of the City of Biloxi.”
(AI Pixilated Version Slides in from the Right)
AI FoFo: “And I’m the new and improved AI Fofo Glitch, the AI Mayor of BIloxI” (mispronounced and Robotic sounding)
Real FoFo: “I’m here to talk to you about what we’ve made in 2025 and the exciting plans we have for 2026.”
AI Fofo: “I am here to map out my plan for Biloxi’s Future.”
(Show Sims City type graphics with Biloxi expanding to take over the entire Gulf Coast, with text BILOXI getting larger as the buildings take over the entire coast and up to Jackson )
Real FoFo: “Hold on. Hold on. I love technology as much as the next guy, in fact, I did pretty good in technology, but Biloxi isn’t a computer game. Biloxi is a REAL city with a rich history and Real People full of heart and a passion for the City we’ve all built.
So AI… thanks but no thanks.
(AI Version computer sounds wind down and is pushed off the screen.)
Let’s take a look at what we’ve accomplished in 2025 and the continued growth ahead for Biloxi.
We started the year out with a snow day – a historic, once-in-a-generation blizzard that transformed Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast into a frozen winter wonderland. The enchanting yet hazardous event coated the beach, palm trees, roadways, and the Biloxi Lighthouse in thick snow.
Biloxi’s emergency management team, first responders, public works crews, and public affairs staff worked around the clock before, during, and after the snowstorm to keep residents safe and provide timely updates on conditions and closures.
It was a powerful reminder that Biloxi is truly a team—one focused on serving the public. That spirit of teamwork carried throughout the year, as city crews worked together to support the many special events that bring our community together, including the long-standing tradition of Mardi Gras and other gatherings across the city.
In March, many gathered at the newly renovated A. J. Holloway Sport Complex,
After an extensive renovation, the A. J. Holloway Sports Complex reopened with the Biloxi Youth Baseball League hosting its opening ceremonies. The upgraded complex has quickly proven itself as a premier facility, booking 15 tournaments and generating more than $70,000 in rental fees in a short time.
The past year also brought significant improvements through the work of the Ports and Harbors Department.
The Point Cadet Living Shoreline was restored into a welcoming waterfront space that now greets visitors arriving both by land and by sea.
Piling caps were installed at Point Cadet Marina, Biloxi Small Craft Harbor, and the Commercial Dock to preserve and protect the pilings.
Damaged pilings were removed and replaced, and no wake zone signs were painted on exterior break walls at both the Small Craft Harbor and the Commercial Dock. The boat trailer parking lot was extended at the Small Craft Harbor to accommodate full-size vehicles with boat trailers.
This is just a glimpse of the improvements at the marinas.
The Coliseum Pier was restored last year. Broken and rotten decking and handrails were replaced on the entire pier. Sixteen light poles were also fabricated and installed to accommodate solar lighting.
The Parker’s Creek boat ramp finger piers were replaced with fiberglass-reinforced decking along with a new substructure and pilings.
At the Causeway, the finger piers, fishing piers, and overlook fishing pier received repairs and upgrades, including new fiberglass decking and handrails.
At the Lighthouse pier, unusable since Hurricane Zeta, our goal has always been to rebuild the iconic pier better and stronger than the way it was before the storm. Hurricane Zeta was the first occasion that FEMA considered additional funding to do that.
This mitigation funding required, it seems to be a never-ending plan of revisions, estimates, questions, responses, denials, and appeals.
Most recently, we submitted a hazard mitigation proposal to FEMA outlining how the city plans to strengthen the pier so it can better withstand future storms. We anticipated a response in February. However, due to the recent partial federal government shutdown, non-emergency FEMA staff were furloughed, which has delayed the review process.
Despite these challenges, we remain committed to building a Lighthouse Pier that is stronger and more resilient, and one that residents and visitors can enjoy for generations.
We hope to bid the project this year.
Work on the Popp’s Ferry Extension continues to make strong progress.
On the southern end, earthwork, drainage, and curb-and-gutter are nearly complete, with the crushed stone base in place.
Roadway lighting and traffic signal poles are already being installed, and the roadway is beginning to take shape from Beach Boulevard to the railroad.
Most underground drainage structures are in place, and construction of the retaining wall near the Coliseum parking area will begin soon.
North of the railroad, earthwork and drainage are also nearing completion, with crushed stone base laid from the railroad to the existing Popp’s Ferry Road.
Remaining work includes the Pass Road intersection, a new railroad crossing, a new signalized intersection at Beach Boulevard, and, of course, paving throughout the corridor.
We are looking for completion by the end of the year.
This project continues to spark development in the area.
Last year, Five Below opened next to Rouses Market, and just last month, the new 7 Brew drive-through coffee stand opened on Pass Road, south of Rouses Market. Next door, construction on the long-awaited Chick-fil-A is expected to break ground in April.
This is just an example of the momentum that has taken place. Throughout the city, several other projects were completed or began.
We saw the completion of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College entrance intersection on Pass Road and the Woolmarket Road sidewalks along Woolmarket Road.
We saw the opening of the Picklr on Pass Road, Dollar Tree on Popp’s Ferry Road, Smalls Sliders on Beach Boulevard, Jett’s Pizza on Highway 67, and Rip’n Hot Chicken on Rue Magnolia.
Construction began on the 100,000-square-foot Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center near White Avenue and Larcher Boulevard. The center will be a collaboration between the U.S. Air Force, the State of Mississippi and run by the Mississippi State University Research and Technology Center. It will serve as the heart of the statewide cyber initiative.
On Beach Boulevard in East Biloxi, construction is underway at the former Church of the Redeemer site, where a new 102-room Home2 Suites is framing up. Developers worked with the city to preserve the historic “Ring in Oak” tree; a landmark tied to a treasured local story.
And in downtown, on the corner of Howard and Reynoir, construction crews have been steadily working inside the historic building, preparing for a new chapter. This year, the historic Barq’s building will welcome a new restaurant and upstairs cocktail bar, blending respect for the building’s past with a fresh addition to the growing downtown dining scene.
The restaurant will preserve much of the Barq’s building’s historic character and offer high-quality ingredients and classic preparations with a focus on steak and seafood.
The cocktail bar will offer a more intimate setting overlooking the district. For now, Lee Young and his team are keeping the name, opening date, and full details under wraps, but the steady hum of construction suggests that something extraordinary is quietly coming to life within the historic walls.
Across the street, The Scoop, a specialty ice cream shop, opened up in December. With sprinkled floors and vibrant colors, the shop offers 32 flavors of ice cream and specialty items.
Just around the corner stands the historic Saenger Theatre. After an extensive renovation, the project is finally nearing the finish line, with new carpet tiles, freshly polished wood floors, updated seating lines, and a fresh coat of paint bringing new life to the beloved venue.
Along with the physical improvements, the Encore Saenger group—a team of talented individuals brought together by their shared passion for theatre—has assumed the management of the historic facility, helping usher in a new chapter for performances and events in downtown Biloxi.
Down the road on Howard Avenue, across from Nativity Church, High Tide Nutrition opened in 2025, offering loaded teas, shakes, and more. Next door, the new Greek restaurant, Acropolis, also opened, further expanding the business district in the area.
On Lameuse Street, the Biloxi Yacht Club has leased the historic former library building. As one of the oldest yacht clubs in the United States, it is fitting that the organization now calls a historic structure home, continuing its long tradition as an important part of Biloxi’s coastal culture. As they settle in, plans are underway to restore the interior walls to match the library’s original blueprints.
But the progress happening in Biloxi isn’t limited to new businesses and development. It’s also about enhancing the experiences that bring our community together. And nowhere is that more visible than at Keesler Federal Park, where baseball and memories continue to happen
This year, fans have already been able to enjoy some incredible matchups. High school rivals Biloxi and D’Iberville brought their fierce competition to the diamond during the annual Battle of the Beach tournament. College teams have also taken the field, with exciting games like Mississippi State vs. Tulane and Southern Miss vs Nicholls, giving fans unforgettable moments of high-level play.
And now, as a new season approaches, we look forward to even more thrilling games, packed stands, and unforgettable moments on the field. Keesler Federal Park continues to be a place where our city comes together, celebrates our teams, and enjoys the best of what our community has to offer.
2025 marked the return of passenger rail service to the Mississippi Gulf Coast with the launch of Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service. What began as a long-awaited milestone has continued to gain momentum, reconnecting Biloxi to neighboring cities and bringing new visitors to the coast.
In its first month alone, the service carried more than 18,000 riders, and by the end of the second month, ridership had already exceeded Amtrak’s initial projections for that timeframe. On any given day, a drive by the Biloxi stop reveals a parking lot filled with vehicles from riders taking advantage of the service.
Progress like this doesn’t happen on its own. It takes leadership, vision, and the dedication of those willing to guide this city forward.
For Biloxi, there was an election this past year, bringing new faces and fresh perspectives to City Hall with the addition of four new council members.
We also marked a transition in city leadership with the retirement of Michael Leonard as Chief Administrative Officer and the hiring of Rick Weaver as Biloxi’s CAO. Both distinguished military veterans, they continue to strengthen Biloxi’s deep ties to the armed forces while leading on the front lines of city operations.
With new leadership comes conversation, collaboration, and at times spirited debate as we work together to guide the city forward.
We certainly face our share of challenges. Ever since gambling was legalized on our shores in 1991, some have often wondered, where is all the casino money going.
Let’s put it in context. Last year alone, our eight casinos generated annual revenue, what they call gross gaming revenue, of more than one billion dollars. The Biloxi casinos paid about 131 million dollars in taxes to the State of Mississippi, and about 23 million dollars was returned to Biloxi’s general fund, about 7 million dollars to Biloxi Public Schools, another 3.5 million dollars to other school districts in Harrison County, and 10 million dollars to Harrison County.
Where does that money go? It’s the same answer that has been said for years. Just look around. It goes to HELP fund city services, public safety, infrastructure, and even the schools.
It is one main reason why our citizens pay the lowest taxes and charges for services lower than all of our neighboring municipalities.
We also faced the challenges of a fast-paced social media environment, where information spreads quickly, not always accurately, and tools like AI are increasingly shaping what people see. While AI can play a role in sharing news and updates, residents are reminded that the city remains the most reliable source for accurate information. We remain committed to open communication, keeping residents informed, and making decisions guided by facts, experience, and the long-term well-being of our community.
Our focus remains the same: working together to make thoughtful decisions that keep Biloxi moving forward.
Behind every project, every public service, and every interaction with residents is Team Biloxi, the employees who bring city services to life in our neighborhoods.
The city currently has more than six hundred employees who provide the day-to-day services that you expect and deserve.
To make it easier for the public to connect with the city services, we implemented the B-Connect request center. Formerly known as Citizens Services, the program has been rebranded to reflect the city’s commitment to streamlined communication and more efficient service. It also allows citizens multiple ways to report various issues, from potholes and litter to traffic signal outages and water service issues.
Now, B-Connect centralizes these requests through a modern call center, allowing the city to track concerns more efficiently and respond faster.
Often seen by the public are the first responders.
The Biloxi Police and Fire Departments are always ready to answer the call.
In 2025, the Biloxi Police Department responded to more than 112,000 calls for service, generating almost 9,000 reports and over 6,000 arrests, while maintaining a low use-of-force rate of just 2.9% of arrests.
Officers also completed more than 14,400 hours of training to meet professional standards and accreditation requirements through the Mississippi Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.
Community engagement remained a cornerstone of policing in Biloxi through initiatives like the Festival Against Crime, the Citizens Police Academy, school demonstrations, and volunteer programs, strengthening trust between officers and residents. Proactive policing strategies also helped the city maintain lower-than-average rates of vehicle and residential burglaries.
The Biloxi Fire Department responded to more than 8,000 emergency calls in 2025, a slight increase over the previous year. Over 65 percent of those calls were rescue- and medical-incident-related.
Through the EMS partnership with Pafford EMS, life-threatening emergencies averaged under 10 minutes response time, and non-critical calls were reduced by 15–20%, allowing firefighters to focus on fire suppression and rescue. The department maintained its Class 2 fire insurance rating.
Public Works employees remain on-call to provide all kinds of services, including asphalt repair, mowing rights-of-way, litter patrol, water and sewer main repairs, daily trash collection, and assisting with the numerous special events held throughout the city.
Crews in Public Works handled nearly 9,000 work orders in 2025, totaling more than 3.6 million dollars last year.
Over at the Parks & Recreation Department, crews remain out and about, mowing ballfields, picking up trash in city parks, and maintaining park equipment.
Last year, we saw the addition of new equipment at the Popp’s Ferry dog park, new playground equipment at Miramar Park, and new outdoor exercise equipment at Pennzoil Park.
The Aquatics Division remains a regional leader, hosting top-tier swimming competitions for summer leagues, high school teams, club leagues, and, in the near future, potentially collegiate leagues.
This year, the Parks & Recreation and Public Works Departments are preparing to roll out a city-wide grass-cutting program. Residents will have access to an easy-to-read map and a proposed schedule, helping everyone stay informed and aware of when maintenance will occur in their neighborhoods. By keeping our community in the loop and working together, we ensure a cleaner, more beautiful Biloxi for all.
Greeting faces each day are the staff in the Community Development Department.
By overseeing orderly development and growth, the department ensures that new projects, renovations, and community improvements align with the city’s vision and standards. From reviewing permits and guiding developers to supporting neighborhood initiatives and maintaining the character of Biloxi’s neighborhoods, the team plays a key role in shaping a safe, vibrant, and thriving community for residents and visitors alike.
In 2025, 271 building permits were issued for new single-family houses, and 183 building permits were issued for commercial buildings. The department also issued permits for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical, as well as for short-term rentals, and certificates of occupancy. Overall, more than 4,000 building permits were issued, representing a 49 percent increase over those issued the previous year.
Managing municipal construction projects, ensuring compliance with city, state, and federal regulations, and overseeing the public infrastructure improvements are the responsibilities of the employees of the Engineering Department.
In 2025, the department managed 70 construction projects in various phases of work, including concept, design, construction, and close-out. These projects are valued at just under $136 million.
The Katrina infrastructure project, replacing centuries-old water and sewer mains and upgrading drainage, remains ongoing. To date, three hundred and twenty-one million dollars of work has been completed in this massive city project.
Work on the Point, in the areas known as STM one and two, is nearing completion. Contractors are currently addressing the final punch list items.
In West Biloxi, in the area known as BEA one, two, and three, 5.1 miles of sewer main and 4.4 miles of water main have been installed. Constructors are working on final paving and should be complete with the punch list items in that area by the second quarter of 2026.
The next phase is the ROD9 project, which runs between Veterans Avenue and St. Peter Street. We hope to bid on that project in April.
As for the BVE one and two project, design engineers are updating the plans so that we will be ready to move forward once additional funding becomes available.
And keeping the public informed of the facts is the Public Affairs Department. Maintaining a relationship with the media, visitors, and residents. This team works with every department to stay on top of the facts. This can be seen on the city’s numerous social media pages, the award-winning newsletter, on BTV, and on the city’s website.
As Biloxi continues to move forward, we remain focused on the real work being done, the facts, and honest conversations to strengthen our city, support our neighborhoods and businesses, and invest in a future that benefits every resident.
We are committed to collaboration, growth, and opportunity in this city. By continuing to focus on good governance, community input, and strategic planning, the city is destined for great things.
Whether it’s a new development downtown, enhancements to public spaces, or improvements to our streets and infrastructure, we work to make sure Biloxi is safe, vibrant, and thriving for generations to come.
As we move forward, I believe our greatest strength will always be the people who serve and support this city.
(Split Screen as AI version is stuck in a loop trying to pronounce Biloxi. Smoke and electronic distortion take over that side of the screen and are pushed off to the right.)
Real FoFo: “AI has its place, but for now, I know we can count on the People of Biloxi, our City Council, and our hundreds of dedicated employees to navigate the challenges we face today and to create the future you and your families deserve.
