Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, a fan of things “Old Biloxi,” is asking the U.S. Air Force museum and the state highway department to allow a return of something from Biloxi’s past: an Air Force plane in the center median of U.S. 90 near White Avenue.
The plane, actually a decommissioned 1956 F-104 jet now on display at Keesler, “would serve as a symbol of the city’s support of Keesler and commemorate the 76-year relationship between the city and Keesler,” Gilich writes in a resolution included on the agenda for the City Council meeting on Tuesday.
The city is seeking the loan of the jet as part of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force’s static display program, and is also asking the Mississippi Highway Commission for approval for the relocation.
“For many years previous, Biloxi displayed a jet very near this same location,” Gilich wrote in his letter to the museum. “That jet and others the city also displayed on the beachfront highway for decades were lost over time to natural disasters.”
Keesler has also expressed its support for the idea and has offered logistical support for the move.
Writes Col. Michelle Edmondson of Keesler’s 81st Training Wing in her letter of support to the Air Force museum: “The partnership between Keesler and Biloxi is unlike any other I have seen in my 25 years of service and this static display would only further benefit our relationship.”
See photos of a past U.S. 90 plane and the F-104
See the resolution on the council agenda
Council to receive briefing on legal issues
The Biloxi City Council will conduct a rare executive session, closed to the public, at a point during its meeting on Tuesday afternoon.
The council meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. at City Hall, includes nearly 30 measures in all.
City Attorney Peter Abide has placed a measure on the agenda seeking the closed session to brief councilmembers on issues including pending litigation with the state involving Golden Nugget rent funds the state owes the city, and potential issues with CSX Railway.
The state’s open meetings law allows public bodies to enter into executive or closed session to discuss legal strategy. Only those announced issues may be discussed and if any votes are taken in executive session they must be reported when the council returns from executive session.
See the City Council agenda
City eyes homeless assessment center at former school
Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich is looking to build on the city’s award-winning partnership to end veterans homelessness with a program that could serve as a model to addressing the challenges of homelessness.
Gilich on Tuesday will be asking the City Council to approve a no-cost lease with Biloxi Public Schools that could see the creation of a homeless assessment and coordination center in west Biloxi that would link homeless individuals and families with available services, such as mental health or substance abuse.
“Right now, there are more questions than answers to resolving this issue of homelessness,” the mayor said. “What I can say is that we are not looking to have a shelter at the former site of Beauvoir Elementary School. Right now, we have a tapestry of services available for the homeless, but we envision a centralized, coordinated effort that makes the best use of available grants and programs. That’s what this is about.”
Read the entire story
News and notes
Biking in Biloxi: The City of Biloxi this afternoon launched its new bike sharing program with Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and others making an inaugural ride through downtown Biloxi. To read the story and see photos, click here.
Weekend preview: The Gorenflo’s Cobia Tournament takes place that the Point Cadet Marina, the Biloxi Shuckers take on the Montgomery Biscuits, the musical Amadeus will be performed at the Biloxi Little Theatre, Kool & The Gang will be at the Beau Rivage and the Temptations & The Four Tops will be at the IP. To read the entire weekend lineup, click here.
