Author Archives: Vincent Creel

The headlines, literally, in today’s 10-minute report: Traffic cones coming up next weekend on 90, a look at our most accident-prone intersections, Hollywood has its way with Biloxi, a First Friday preview, a breath of fresh air in the fire department, and some bloomin’ video.Facebook: See today’s videoYouTube: See today’s videoCOVID-19: By the numbersCommunity CalendarCity […]

The Architectural and Historic Review Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday has been pushed back to April 14 to allow architects time to tweak plans for two beachfront hotels. In fact, says Community Development Director Jerry Creel, architects are working to incorporate additional historic features into the designs. The proposals, which would be on Beach Boulevard […]

Work is underway at the former Wells Fargo location downtown to transform the two-story building at Reynoir and Howard into residential units, The Bella. To date, the city has issued only a demolition permit, which allows developers to begin refurbishment. The work is one of the segments covered in this week’s A to Z video. […]

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich has notified United Bridge Partners that there’s inadequate support in Biloxi for a new Popp’s Ferry bridge to include a toll, and that instead the city would focus efforts on replacing the bridge’s 40-year-old span. The mayor, in a letter sent this week to the Denver firm, said the city appreciates […]

This week’s Biloxi A to Z report includes a tribute to a Grand Lady of Biloxi, Gwen Hand Gollotte, there’s an update on the trying week on the I-110 and Popp’s Ferry bridges, college baseball is back at MGM Park next week, and today is First Friday. The report also includes the latest on COVID-19, […]

Fred Haise had his day in Biloxi with the dedication of a nine-foot statue in his likeness, and videographer August Taconi captures all of the moments in a new special presentation airing this month on BTV. You can see the 50-minute presentation daily at 8 a.m., 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on BTV: Biloxi Television. […]

City crews today were picking up the pieces left behind by a Mardi Gras throng that police say numbered as many as 80,000 paradegoers. A team of Public Works laborers this morning began picking up the 2,200 barricades, hundreds of traffic cones, and tons of broken beads and other trash that littered the 2.8-mile route […]

“Come early and plan to stay late,” Biloxi Police Chief John Miller advises those attending the Gulf Coast Carnival Association parade on Fat Tuesday in downtown Biloxi. “Traffic is going to be thick and slow-moving,” Miller said, “and if you park along the parade route, know that you’ll have to hang around a while after […]

City crews continue to prepare for the upcoming Mardi Gras festivities happening this weekend, all leading up to the big day, Fat Tuesday. The most-telling signs of approaching parades, of course, are the barricades along downtown streets. This week, Public Works crews installed 2,200 barricades, 12,000 feet of rope and 500 rope poles, 300 traffic […]

Biloxi honors its most-famous native, astronaut Fred Haise, with the public dedication of an eight-foot statue south of the Biloxi Lighthouse Sunday afternoon at 1:13. The storied Apollo 13 astronaut, who turned 88 in November, will join Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and sculptor Mary Ott Tremmel Davidson in unveiling the bronze likeness of a smiling […]

Biloxi A to Z: The latest on Ground Zero and other downtown development, your preview to the Battle of the Bands and other weekend affairs, thumbs up to a waterfront project on Back Bay, and doing the Moonwalk with Fred Haise. But there’s more.Facebook: See the videoYouTube: See the videoCOVID-19: By the numbers News & […]

A documentary that tells the story of a new Biloxi landmark being unveiled this month, the Fred Haise statue, makes its debut Tuesday on BTV, and the pace of work is picking up down at the site south of the Biloxi Lighthouse. Videographer August Taconi, who has chronicled the Fred Haise statue progress from Day […]

This week’s Biloxi A to Z report, a 10-minute compendium, has the inside story on sales and gaming taxes in Biloxi, your weekend preview and forecast, the latest on COVID, scheduling news from Amtrak and the City Council, and a visit to the soccer fields at A.J. Holloway Sports Complex.Facebook: See the videoYouTube: See the […]

“All the trends are in the right direction: Up,” says Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich after reviewing the record-sales tax collections in Biloxi for Calendar Year 2021. The city’s Community Development Department, which oversees construction, land-use and zoning, reported that Biloxi saw a record $13.8 million in sales tax collections from January to December 2021, with […]

Two upcoming city events of note have been postponed because of the spike in COVID-19 numbers. Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich announced Friday that the State of the City luncheon organized by the Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce has been postponed from Tuesday, Jan. 18 to Tuesday, April 19 at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. […]

This week’s Biloxi A to Z video, published moments ago, has the latest on what the fifth wave of COVID means, an update on the city’s desire to build on the cooperative effort that has produced the U.S. 90-median upgrade and West Beach boardwalk, a Biloxi Police initiative to help tornado-ravaged Kentucky communities, and a […]

Harrison County, in anticipation of a freeze Sunday night, has announced that two cold-weather shelters will open on Sunday: – D’Iberville: Kenny Fournier Multipurpose Center, 10395 Automall Parkway, will open at 4:30 p.m.  – Gulfport: St. Peters By-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 1909 15th St., will open at 4 p.m. For more information, contact the Salvation Army […]

BTV: Biloxi Television has a wealth of new programming this evening from 8 to 9, including replays of Children’s Christmas parade and Christmas on the Water parade, two events that took place over the weekend. The Children’s Christmas parade, an 11-minute program, begins at 8 p.m., followed by the Christmas on the Water parade, a […]

“Sometimes we’re accused of having a fondness for history here in Biloxi, especially on BTV,” William Sackett intones on BTV this month. “We’re guilty as charged. We love our colorful history and we share it here regularly to educate, to inspire, to entertain.” Sackett’s voiceover introduces this month’s special presentation on BTV, yet another offering […]

The public tonight gets its first look at the newly proposed ward lines in Biloxi, which will be added to the agenda tonight and will take effect in the next municipal elections, in 2025. The ward lines are expected to be added to the agenda for the City Council meeting at 6 this evening. The […]

Motorists on Irish Hill Drive may notice a half-dozen new signs declaring “No Littering/$450 fine.” The two-sided red-and-white signs are primarily near the CSX railway in the areas between Iberville Drive and Veterans Avenue. The city’s sign shop erected the signs last week at the direction of Mayor “FoFo” Gilich. “It takes five people to […]

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, with the assistance of the Harrison County Board of Supervisors, has opened an Assistance Center to help citizens with SBA and FEMA claims for damages from Hurricane Ida. The center, which is open through Nov. 20, is in the Harrison County Annex Building, 9229 U.S. 49, Gulfport. Hours are weekdays, […]

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Veterans Parade, which rolls Saturday in downtown Biloxi, has been recognized as a National Veterans Day Regional Site for the 14th year in a row by the Department of Veterans Affairs. There were 33 sites across the country that were chosen by the DVA’s Veterans Day National Committee, and Biloxi was […]

The city’s Clean Sweep initiative is done, but the work continues on citywide clean-up efforts. In fact, this month’s Biloxi newsletter, BNews, offers a refresher course for residents: what will be picked up, when it will be picked up, and how residents can make help it happen. Additionally there’s a reminder on policies involving trash […]

The 15th Annual Old Biloxi Cemetery Tour takes its final bow this evening, with performances beginning at 5 and continuing until 7.  Sunday’s first run of the annual event saw brisk weather with about 750 touring the cemetery to see period-garbed local history buffs portraying some of Biloxi’s most colorful characters to life. “Feedback from […]

The city’s Fiscal Year numbers are in, and Biloxi casinos, with $100 million months in April and July, have posted a record-breaking year, with $1.02 billion in gross gaming revenue. Gross-gaming revenue is the amount of money that casinos pay taxes on. Biloxi’s eight casinos generated $1.02 billion in FY 2021, which runs from Oct. […]

A second court has rebuffed the position of Mississippi Secretary State Michael Watson, who had sued Biloxi and Harrison County over plans to construct a handicapped accessible public pier in West Biloxi. Harrison County Chancery Court Judge Jennifer Schloegel, in a ruling filed Monday, said the city and county are within their rights to construct […]

The headlines from today’s Biloxi A to Z report: – Get your stuff to the curb by Monday morning for Operation Clean Sweep, part of a citywide clean-up effort. – Court agrees with city and county on a huge new handicapped-accessible public pier at Veterans Avenue. – Weekend preview: Glorious weather for musical marching at […]

Biloxi will stage “Operation Clean Sweep” next week, and residents and business owners are being asked to do their part: Bring your yard debris, limbs and bagged leaves, to the curb for pickup. The city will deploy two additional large self-loading trucks and trailers, similar to those used after Hurricane Zeta, in a weeklong effort […]

Garbage and recycling pick up will be on schedule this week, but the Harrison County Utility Authority reports that the trash pick up of limbs and other yard waste will be running a day behind because of increased volume. The utility authority says Pelican Waste and Debris, the contractor whose blue trucks pick up limbs, […]

Biloxi and other local governments can proceed with claims that opening Bonnet Carré harms fisheries habitats, but a federal court in Gulfport says it has no authority to compel a new Environmental Impact Statement to determine damages from the openings. “Without doubt, there have been recent, more frequent openings of the Bonnet Carré Spillway,” wrote […]

Today’s A to Z video includes your weekend preview, a move to clean up high-profile areas in the weeks before Cruisin’ the Coast and thereafter, the latest on COVID-19, talk of a toll bridge, and a heads up on a few fee increases that you might not notice. Facebook: See today’s reportYouTube: See today’s reportCOVID-19: […]

Biloxi picked up nearly 5,400 residents in the past decade, a 12 percent increase, and more new residents than any other city on the Coast, according to numbers from Census 2020. The city had 49,449 residents on Census Day, April 1, 2020, up from the 44,054 residents in the 2010 census. The latest numbers, which […]

This week’s Biloxi A to Z has the latest on the Ida recovery, a message from Mayor Gilich, your weekend preview and more. Facebook: See today’s reportYouTube: See today’s reportCOVID-19: By the numbersSee the month’s BNews, with Community calendar

Fire stations throughout the city will be accepting cleaning supplies and dry goods for Hurricane Ida victims in Independence, La. The fire stations will begin accepting items — but no clothing or money — Saturday at 8 a.m. Additionally, a team of volunteers from the Biloxi Fire Museum and Biloxi firefighters will be leaving Wednesday […]

Property damage from Hurricane Ida appears to be very limited after an initial windshield appraisal, says Community Development Director Jerry Creel, but businesses and residents are encouraged to report any structure damage caused by the storm. “We’re following through with our damage estimates, and we’re asking anyone with structure damage from the storm to call […]

Those in low-lying areas who feel vulnerable from the threatening weather should evacuate to higher ground, with friends, family or even in a storm shelter, the city is advising.  “We’re asking people to be prudent and safe,” Biloxi Fire Chief Nick Geiser said this afternoon. “The forecast is for the storm to grow into a […]

Biloxi Public Works crews were picking up 1,250 traffic-control barricades along U.S. 90 this morning, as workers throughout city departments took steps to prepare for Hurricane Ida, which is expected to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane sometime Sunday. Emergency managers say Ida is forecast to move northwest into the Gulf of Mexico tonight […]

The prospect of a hurricane being in the Gulf of Mexico this weekend is beginning to impact some functions. Police this afternoon announced that traffic cones will not be used this weekend as part of the city’s special-events traffic plan, and, because of the threat of inclement weather, the Public Works Department on Friday morning […]

The Biloxi Port Division today “highly recommended” to boat owners that they relocate their vessels from the city’s public harbors and marinas. “We are currently monitoring the weather,” the email said, “but although evacuation is not mandatory at this time, it is highly recommended that vessels be relocated well in advance to safer locations in […]

Hear the latest on spiraling COVID-19 numbers, the proposed $70 million city budget, an update on Oak Street work, and a weekend preview in this week’s Biloxi’s A to Z report.Facebook: See today’s reportYouTube: See today’s reportCOVID-19: By the numbersCommunity calendar

Two north-south thoroughfares, Caillavet Street and Porter Avenue, and the western end of Division Street will be closed beginning next week. CSX will close the Caillavet Street rail crossing from Tuesday until Friday to allow crews to upgrade the crossing. The 12,000 motorists who use the Caillavet crossing should detour to Reynoir Street, a block […]

For years, the City of Biloxi would air the 1970s-era documentary “A Lady Called Camille” annually on Cable One to mark the anniversary of the storm and to help call attention to the dangers of storm and flooding. The city stopped airing the program in 2006, as a new city-commissioned documentary about Katrina took its […]

Tropical Storm Fred is expected to make landfall on the western Florida Panhandle sometime Monday afternoon or evening as a tropical storm, but Biloxi residents should know that some gusty winds and street flooding in low-lying areas could be possible. A Coastal Flood Advisory begins at 7 tonight and will continue through Monday. The official […]

Oscar Renda Contracting, the Texas firm that in 2014 was awarded the contract for the $116 million North Project, and at one point had dozens of East Biloxi streets reduced to dirt, has filed a $79 million lawsuit against the city, alleging, among other things, that the engineering documents and plans for the construction were […]

Biloxi’s eight casinos won $106 million in July, the second largest month since legalized gaming began in the city 29 years ago, in August 1992. The gross-gaming revenue figure, the amount of money after gaming wins are paid, is second only to $111.2 million reported in April, three months ago. The month marked the sixth […]

Budget discussions will resume this afternoon, with Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and councilmembers expected to review water and sewer revenue and expenses, and budgets for the Community Development and Parks & Recreation departments. The public gathering begins at 1:30 at City Hall and will be carried by the LIVE channel on the city website. The […]

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich was at the Harrison County Board of Supervisors meeting Monday to hear a report from AMR, the ambulance company whose response times in Biloxi for July averaged 25 minutes and in some cases, there was no response to calls. AMR representatives, who are under exclusive contract with Harrison County to provide […]

Biloxi A to Z video today has a weekend preview — First Friday, two fireworks shows and more — plus the latest on the city budget talks, a look at fire chiefs today and yesterday, school’s back with class (and masks), and an important update on COVID-19.Facebook: See today’s reportYouTube: See today’s reportCOVID-19: By the […]

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich’s “safe, friendly and beautiful” credo, fueled by millions in federal COVID-19 funding to replace lost revenue, was the backdrop more than once this week when the mayor and councilmembers reviewed nearly $4 million in additional spending in three key city departments: Police, Fire and Public Works. Biloxi could have 16 new […]

Those attending meetings of the Biloxi City Council today will notice a return to social distancing. Two meetings are scheduled – a 4 p.m. budget workshop and a 6 p.m. regularly scheduled meeting – and Chief Administrative Officer Mike Leonard says that social-distancing measures will be in place in the audience and among meeting participants. […]

Public schools in Biloxi have their first day of class Wednesday, and school leaders and Biloxi Police are asking motorists to be careful near school zones, especially during mornings and afternoons. Between 5,500 and 6,000 students are expected in Biloxi’s public schools on opening day. The Biloxi Public School District operates five elementary schools, an […]

A group of concerned citizens has teamed with local organizations to help foster walkable and bikeable places throughout Harrison County and they need your help to identify the areas. Through the Harrison County Active Living Initiative, the public is invited online to submit locations and ideas for making a safer transit for pedestrians and bicyclists […]

City finances will be front and center Tuesday, with Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and the Biloxi City Council reviewing FY 2022 spending plans in an afternoon meeting before the evening meeting where the city formally acknowledges receiving $6.5 million in state and federal COVID-19-related programs. Chief Administrative Officer Mike Leonard said the proposed budgets for […]

Katrina became the new gold standard, no doubt, when the storm made landfall Aug. 29, 2005, but Mississippi filmmaker Rex Jones wanted to make sure the original monster storm, Camille, got appropriate due in 2019, when the killer storm’s 50th anniversary rolled around. All this month, the anniversary months of Camille and Katrina, the city’s […]

Nicholaus Geiser, a 17-year veteran of the Biloxi Fire Department who currently serves as Deputy Chief of Management, is Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich’s choice for chief of the department. The appointment, which must be approved by the majority of the Biloxi City Council, is on the council’s agenda for Tuesday. Geiser, if approved, will replace […]

What timing at Edgewater Mall, a new 75-ton sand sculpture saluting the military is now completed inside the mall, just in time for Mississippi’s tax-free shopping. During the tax-free period, which actually begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday and ends at midnight Saturday, shoppers will not pay sales tax on clothing, footwear or school supplies if […]

Leaders from cities and towns across the state are in Biloxi this week for the annual Mississippi Municipal League conference, which typically attracts 2,500 guests and is said to be the Coast’s largest annual convention. The three-day conference, marking its 90th year, is being held at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convnetion Center. Among the […]

Members of the Biloxi City Council today will consider making fireworks legal in Biloxi on the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve and in association with the annual Tet celebration. The measure, which first appeared on a council agenda in December, is one of three dozen issues on the agenda for the City Council meeting […]

With 28 gigabytes of content – photos, videos, podcasts, agendas and other documents, 6,000 posts in all – it’s an impressive archive, this city website, and now it’s operating at lightning speed, thanks to a new dedicated server. The site, at biloxi.ms.us, had outgrown its previous server, which also housed several other websites that could […]

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich has notified City Council President Paul Tisdale that Joe Boney will continue serving as fire chief until a new chief is in place. Gilich’s move comes after the Biloxi City Council on Tuesday overruled the mayor’s nomination of Boney. Under state statute, Gilich has 90 days to more forward with another […]

The mayor and City Council, who launched their new terms earlier this month, have begun the process to craft a municipal budget for Fiscal Year 2022, which begins Oct. 1. A series of public work sessions will be held between now and September. Two budget meetings have taken place, a session where revenue projections were […]

The Mayor and City Council launched their new four-year terms July 6, but the city’s chief administrative officer and department directors will have to wait until the council’s next meeting on July 20, to see if they are confirmed. Councilmembers, after a 40-minute closed session, voted unanimously to table the re-appointments of CAO Mike Leonard, […]

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, in an emotional oath of office and inauguration speech, was sworn in for the third time as Biloxi’s mayor, and oaths also were administered to members of the Biloxi City Council during a ceremony today at the Biloxi Civic Center. “This is a very special moment for me,” Gilich said at […]

It’s going to be a busy weekend, with Scrapin, the rain-delayed Juneteenth, and Shuckers baseball. In this week’s Biloxi A to Z report, Capt. Brian Dykes of the Biloxi Police Department has the story on what you can expect this weekend on U.S. 90, there’s also news of the Biloxi Police and Fire departments, the […]

U.S. 90 motorists on Friday morning will see traffic cones in the center lanes of the highway from I-110 to DeBuys Road signaling the big news for beachfront motorists: Scrapin the Coast 2021 has arrived. Public Works crews will begin placing the cones in the early morning hours, beginning at 3 a.m. Barricades also will […]

The Popp’s Ferry bridge, the two-lane West Biloxi artery used by 20,000 motorists on an average day, will be closed to vehicles Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for repairs. The closure will allow city contractors to make adjustments to the alignment of the bridge’s span so it will open and close without malfunction. […]

Margaritaville, the family-style resort on Point Cadet, celebrates five years of fun Wednesday with a day of specials and capped off with a fireworks show over the water in East Biloxi. Games on the “gaming floor” will be half price all day long, and at 5 p.m. the first hundred guests 21 or older will […]

As many as 400 fire chiefs from across the Southeast will be in Biloxi this week for the annual conference of the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs, and the group will make history, with Biloxi’s fire chief being named the first Mississippian to head the organization. Biloxi Fire Chief Joe Boney, who has served as […]

From the beginning it was billed as a storm that would be mainly a rainmaker with the inevitable street flooding in low-lying areas, and Biloxi’s brush with Tropical Storm Claudette has been just that. Biloxi Emergency Manager Nick Geiser this afternoon reports that 14.99 inches of rain has fallen in Biloxi in the past 24 […]

Know how to prepare for a storm? For useful advice, click here. Winds are already beginning to gust with intermittent rain as Potential Tropical Cyclone 3, which could become Tropical Storm Claudette, churns in the Gulf. In fact, outer edges of the storm are expected around noon today. Winds could reach tropical storm force, which […]

If there was a line that jumped out at Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich in an ongoing Tidelands debate between local governments and the Mississippi Secretary of State, it was this one: “To stagnantly hold tidelands is not always in the public’s best interest, nor is it responsive to the public’s trust.” The line, quoting from […]

The months-long municipal election process, which began in January with would-be candidates announcing their plans to run for office, comes to a close Tuesday with residents casting ballots for mayor and City Council at 10 precincts citywide. Contested races are taking place in Wards 1, 2 and 5, but all candidates, regardless of whether they […]

Hurricane season begins today and runs through Nov. 30, and a host of disaster-preparation and response authorities offer how-to advice in the new edition of “R U Ready?” on BTV, the city’s municipal TV channel. The 45-minute program, which airs at 7:45 each morning and evening on BTV, is designed to provide a broad base […]

Members of the Biloxi City Council on Tuesday will consider making fireworks legal in Biloxi on the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve and in association with the annual Tet celebration. Currently, the shooting of fireworks is illegal in Biloxi, although fireworks sales are permitted from mid-June to the Fourth of July and from Dec. […]

One of city’s most cherished traditions, the Blessing of the Fleet, takes place this weekend in East Biloxi. The weekend-long celebration, which dates back to the Old Country, is highlighted by the Sunday afternoon blessing of a brightly decorated shrimping fleet to ask for God’s blessing for a safe and bountiful season. Several dozen shrimp, […]

By Andrew “FoFo” Gilich Mayor of Biloxi Biloxi’s casino industry shattered all gaming records for a single month in April 2021. Gross gaming revenue is net income on which casino’s pay taxes each month. Biloxi’s eight casinos generated $111 million in gross gaming revenue according to state records, eclipsing a $105 million record set in […]

Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-4) has introduced a bill to designate the Biloxi’s downtown post office as the “Robert S. McKeithen Post Office Building.” The Biloxi police officer was gunned down outside the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center on May 5, 2019. Officer McKeithen graduated from the University of Mississippi and went on to serve in the U.S. […]

The Biloxi Shuckers open the 2021 home schedule on Tuesday with a 6:35 p.m. game against the Mississippi Braves at MGM Park, and the Double A squad’s opener is going to be magnetic. Fans on opening night will receive a 2021 magnet schedule, presented by The Peoples Bank. It’s also the first postgame fireworks show […]

“We are challenged every day to make sense or put things together that just don’t make sense,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said to audience of law enforcers, community leaders and others gathered outside the city’s public safety center during a somber Fallen Officers Ceremony that took place steps away from where Biloxi Police Officer Robert […]

More baseball is coming to Biloxi, with the Cotton States League expanding to a Coastal Division and playing games in June and July. The Coastal Division league will be offering a chance for up to 150 collegiate players to play for six to eight teams, with games being played at MGM Park, Biloxi High School […]

Biloxi’s National Day of Prayer, which takes place Thursday on the front steps of City Hall, will honor the late Carleen Hall, longtime organizer of the annual ceremony in Biloxi. The public ceremony, which runs from noon to 1 p.m., marks the 70th Mississippi National Day of Prayer. A host of community leaders and clergy […]

The Biloxi Police Department this week will conduct its Fallen Officers Ceremony and will host a blood drive in memory of an officer ambushed and killed in the front parking lot of the public safety center two years ago. The Fallen Officers Ceremony takes place Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center, […]

An award-winning documentary that sheds light on Mississippi Governor Barnett’s behind-the-scenes posturing surrounding the enrollment of James Meredith to the University of Mississippi in 1962, the resulting riots on the Ole Miss campus, and the unlikely appearance by former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy on campus four years later gets a national airing on PBS […]

Biloxi High School is the best high school in south Mississippi and No. 2 in the entire state, according to U.S. News & World Report. The annual ranking is based on six factors: college readiness, reading and math proficiency, reading and math performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth and graduation rates.  The methodology for […]

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich will provide updates on city projects and programs this week and in May as Biloxi’s two chambers of commerce will resume public gatherings as COVID-19 mandates have eased. The Biloxi Chamber of Commerce has a Breakfast with the Mayor gathering Thursday at 8 a.m. at the IP Casino Resort in Biloxi, […]

The May edition of BNews Monthly will be arriving in all homes and businesses in Biloxi Wednesday and Thursday, with stories about the upcoming city elections, the city’s plans for golf carts on neighborhood streets, a preview of the Biloxi Shuckers season, and the early line on the 2020 storm season. Back in the Day […]

The Biloxi Police Department, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration, will be accepting unused, expired and unwanted prescription medication during Take Back Day on Saturday at the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center. The public can drop off potentially dangerous prescription medications at the Biloxi Police Department, 170 Porter Ave. between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., […]

This week marks the 51st anniversary of Apollo 13’s launch, and the statue commemorating Biloxi native and Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise, which has faced challenges not unlike the space mission itself, is back on track toward a Nov. 13 dedication at its pedestal south of the Biloxi Lighthouse. A preliminary look at the statue […]

The ins and outs of the spring break traffic plan, the COVID-19 and vaccinations report and massive streets and drainage work on Shriners Boulevard and in East Biloxi top today’s Biloxi A to Z video report. Here, in broad, general terms are the “tipping points” of the spring break traffic plan, according to Capt. Brian […]

Motorists on U.S. 90 this week have been seeing metal barricades and orange traffic cones in medians of the beachfront highway, signaling the pending arrival of spring break. The gathering, loosely organized and sometimes promoted on social media as Black Spring Break, has attracted thousands to Biloxi this time each year, which means the city […]

Biloxi voters will cast ballots in four wards in a Republican municipal primary election on Tuesday, and two seats, Wards 4 and 6, could be decided since the Republican nominees face no Democratic or Independent opposition in the June general election. Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Wards 1, […]

The Biloxi Police Department has joined the Ring Neighbors social media app, meaning the department has a new way to engage with residents. The Ring Neighbhood service will allow residents, if they choose, to share images of criminal or suspicious activity with the police department, Biloxi Police Capt. Brian Dykes says in today’s Biloxi A […]

The huge drainage project that has been taking place along Woolmarket Road will cross Shriners Boulevard in April, prompting 11,000 motorists a day to detour off the major roadway north of Interstate 10. The $1.4 million project, which has seen new drainage lines installed along Woolmarket Road to Old Highway 67, will see Shriners Boulevard […]

Sparklight and other Cable One companies have announced the launch of the company’s Charitable Giving Fund, which will annually award $200,000 in grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations across the company’s 21-state footprint. “We are committed to connecting customers in the cities and towns we serve to what matters most,” said Julie Laulis, President and CEO. […]

The city’s B-Alert texting system, where more than 10,000 people currently receive traffic advisories from the city, is moving to a new address, and users of the free service must sign up by texting BILOXI to 99411 to continue to receive alerts. The new address will replace the city’s 888-777 number, which had been used […]

Five new developments in downtown Biloxi, the latest on the Biloxi Shuckers, changes coming to the Biloxi Water Department, and the names of the candidates in upcoming city elections are among the topics in the upcoming edition of the citywide newsletter. The March issue of BNews Monthly will be arriving in homes and businesses across […]

It’s municipal election year in Biloxi, and four of the seven City Council seats are being contested in the upcoming April 6 party primaries. Republican and Democratic Executive committees today announced the qualified candidates to Biloxi Municipal Clerk Stacy Thacker. Incumbent Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and Councilmembers Dixie Newman of Ward 3 and Nathan Barrett […]

 Biloxi Police Chief John Miller vividly recalls the time a few years ago when freezing conditions closed bridges into Biloxi.  “I was approaching the I-110 over Back Bay,” Miller said, “and even before I got to the incline, I could feel that I was losing a slight bit of traction, and at the other ramps, […]

“2020 will be the year of COVID, but Biloxi will not be defined by a virus,” just as the community was not defined by any hurricane or other disaster, Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich declares in the annual State of the City presentation, which makes its online debut this evening at 8. The 26-minute presentation uses […]

Good fences make good neighbors, someone once said, and the city wants to make sure any new fencing or repairs in the works are permitted and are built or repaired to code. The city’s Community Development Department is reminding those replacing or repairing fences to obtain a required permit from the city, which is free […]

The graduates of two Biloxi schools, one public and one private and both segregated, discuss their school days in Biloxi in the 1960s in a new program airing as a Black History Month salute on BTV this month. Videographer August Taconi says his latest production features interviews with a dozen former students of Nichols Public […]

BTV videographer Renny Sherman has wanted to do a cooking show for some time, and the program “Biloxi Cooks!”, which premiered on BTV Jan. 1, today became available on the city’s YouTube archive. The city’s YouTube page today also added another BTV exclusive: the premiere episode of “Storytime with Gumbo Kelly,” a collection of four […]

By Wayne Duggan Most businesses around the world were forced to adapt their approach in 2020 because of the pandemic. For the Biloxi Public Library, social distancing meant no more Thursday morning storytelling sessions with children’s librarian Kelly Derouen. But instead of shutting down all together, the librarian the kids affectionately call “Gumbo Kelly” decided […]

For years, the Biloxi Fire Department has had the goal of improving its state fire rating, and with the addition of a fire training tower, two new stations and other improvements this year, the station has earned a Class 2 rating, putting it among the Top 2 percent of stations in the country. The state […]

The city’s debris teams hauled away more than 14,000 cubic yards of debris over the weekend, primarily from such major thoroughfares as Lorraine and Popp’s Ferry roads and U.S. 90. The latest figures — along with a new map that allows residents to track which day debris was picked up — are among the news […]

Here are answers to questions about the city’s Hurricane Zeta debris removal progress. Updated Dec. 11, 2020. When will the debris crews get to my street? As quickly as they can. Crews are working on a “first pass” around the entire city. The areas south of I-10 have been the focus of the contractor because […]

BTV: Biloxi Television, the city’s municipal TV channel, is offering a decidedly holiday flavor this month, with a lineup that looks back at the city’s festive celebrations. Highlighting programming in December, which debuted Tuesday, are replays of the Christmas on the Water boat parades from 2017 and 2018, the Woolmarket Christmas Parade from 2019, and […]

From Walt Rode, the manager of the city’s infrastructure project: Warren Paving completed paving Graham Avenue today. Warren Paving is scheduled to begin surface asphalt on Forrest Avenue, which runs along the eastern side of Keesler, on Monday. The paving crews will do Grady Street first to allow Keesler traffic access to Meadows gate until […]

Debris efforts are expected to pass 50,000 cubic yards this weekend, about a fourth of the debris estimated to be in neighborhoods across the city. The volume of debris hauling is picking up, thanks to a West Biloxi site that went into full operation Veterans Day. “That has allowed our contactor, Crowder-Gulf, to haul far […]

Debris teams continue hauling unbagged Hurricane Zeta debris from neighborhoods in all of Biloxi’s seven wards, says Biloxi Chief Administrative Officer Mike Leonard, and short-term mitigation is the order at Biloxi municipal facilities. In all, more than 32,000 cubic yards of debris had been hauled from neighborhoods as of Wednesday afternoon, seven days into the […]

Teams of debris crews were throughout the city today, in neighborhoods using debris trailers with small cranes atop, or using old-fashioned elbow grease and rakes in city parks and other facilities. Removing fallen limbs and piles of unbagged leaves is now a focus for the city, along with wrapping up repairs on traffic signals, and […]

As many as a dozen storm-debris teams will be in neighborhoods across the city beginning Thursday at daybreak, and residents are reminded to please move their storm debris to the curb now. Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich has announced the plan which will involve storm-debris teams having eight designated starting points, one in each of the […]

By the middle of next week, the city will begin the process to remove the estimated 200,000 cubic yards of debris left in Zeta’s wake. However, now is your time to be hauling storm debris out to the curbside. City contractors cannot come onto private property. The city is asking you to haul debris to […]

Biloxi’s municipal water system has maintained adequate water pressure, provided continuous service and performed well during Hurricane Zeta and the aftermath, says Public Works Director Billy Ray Allen. “We made sure we had adequate supply in our city water tanks, and we’ve been able to meet the overall demand of our 15,000 customers,” Allen said. […]

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich has announced the City of Biloxi will be under a curfew from 8 tonight until 6 in the morning. “We’re asking people to please stay off the roads unless you’re going to work or have a legitimate reason to be out,” Biloxi Police Chief John Miller said. “We have a significant […]

Residents are being asked to stay off city streets today as clean-up crews are using heavy equipment to remove downed tree limbs and other debris from roadways. Crews from the Biloxi Public Works Department are pushing downed tree limbs and other debris from major thoroughfares this morning while MDOT workers are clearing U.S. 90. “Please […]

Harrison County Emergency Management is encouraging residents to use an online form to report damages caused by Hurricane Zeta. The online form will collect location address, a short description of damages, any photos, and basic contact information. For more information or assistance, contact Harrison County Emergency Management Agency at (228) 865-4002.See the easy-to-use online form

Non-emergency municipal offices and facilities in Biloxi will close at 1 p.m. today, Chief Administrative Officer Mike Leonard has announced. Non-emergency employees are expected to return to work Thursday at 10 a.m. Said Leonard this morning in an email for the city’s more than 600 employees: “Heavier wind and rain will probably start around 3 […]

Hurricane Zeta, with sustained winds now up to 90 mph and gaining speed, is expected to make landfall in southeastern Louisiana this afternoon, moving close to Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast are under hurricane and storm surge warnings, and a flood warning is in place for the Biloxi […]

The Biloxi City Council declared a State of Emergency today, empowering Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich to take any necessary action to prepare Biloxi for the expected high winds and storm surge from Tropical Storm Zeta. The state of emergency declared in Biloxi this afternoon grants the mayor broad authority in making emergency purchases and using […]

Boats in Biloxi’s public harbors and marinas should be moved by 5 p.m. today to avoid the expected winds and storm surge from Tropical Storm Zeta, says Larry Sablich, who manages the city’s Port Division. “About half of the 300 or so boats have already relocated,” Sablich said, “and we’re looking to make sure we […]

Those with vessels in Biloxi’s harbors and marinas received a familiar message today: A tropical storm may be headed to the Gulf and we recommend that you move your vessel to a safer location. The city’s Port Division sent the email to boat owners today because Biloxi is in the cone of uncertainty for Tropical […]

Here, from Robert Lavia, chairman of Dakia UVentures, is the story of UMUSIC Hotels and why Biloxi and Mississippi were chosen as the first out of the gate, with UMUSIC Broadwater Hotel. These are the remarks by Lavia during the announcement of the $1.2 billion, 266-acre resort development at the Broadwater site in West Biloxi. […]

Representatives of UMUSIC Broadwater will be in Biloxi this afternoon to join Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves and Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich for the formal announcement of plans for a $1.2 billion, 266-acre development at the Broadwater site in West Biloxi. You can see the 2 p.m. announcement in a City of Biloxi live stream. […]

— Universal Music Group, Dakia U-Ventures announce announced UMUSIC Hotels — First music-based experiential hotel properties slated for Atlanta, Biloxi and Orlando (From Universal Music Group) SANTA MONICA, CA (October 9, 2020) — Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment and Dakia U-Ventures, the entertainment impact investment group, today announced the launch […]

Biloxi Police may not be able to use one of their traffic tools this weekend, the orange traffic cones that separate lanes on U.S. 90 during special events, because of expected wind gusts from Louisiana-bound Hurricane Delta. The cones have been deployed annually on U.S. 90 during special events such as Cruisin’ the Coast in […]

Three years ago at this time, Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich had the Biloxi Fire Department visiting hundreds of RVs along the front beach telling owners in town for Cruisin’ they might consider leaving town early because Hurricane Nate was threatening. Today, with Hurricane Delta expected to make landfall in Louisiana Friday as thousands of visitors […]

Hurricane Delta, now a Category 4 storm, was moving across the western Caribbean Sea at 16 mph with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph this morning. Continued strengthening is expected and Delta will be a major hurricane before reaching the Yucatan Peninsula near Cancun and crossing into the southern Gulf of Mexico, the National Hurricane […]

Owners of vessels in Biloxi’s four harbors and marinas have been notified that they should consider moving their vessels to safer locations ahead of turbulent weather possible with Hurricane Delta. “Although evacuation is not mandatory at this time, it is highly recommended that vessels be relocated well in advance to safer locations in order to […]

You can see the telltale signs that Cruisin’ is rolling into town soon: Public Works crews are hanging Cruisin’ the Coast pole banners throughout downtown. Another crew upgraded the high profile White House fountain on U.S. 90. City, county and state crews are brushing up medians along the highway. And classic cars are beginning to […]

Nobody likes a rate increase, but the new rates going into effect Oct. 1 for Biloxi water and sewer service and garbage collection might not even be noticed by the vast majority of the city’s 15,000 customers. The new water rate increases by 2 percent, or about 3 cents a month per thousand gallons for […]

You can step on a CTA bus anywhere in Biloxi for free on Saturday, as part of Coast Transit’s Last Stop for our Ride Free Summer Shopper’s Day. The public transit agency is introducing Ride Free Summer Shopper’s Days, with free fares in one city CTA serves each month. First stop: Biloxi. “Here at CTA […]

“There’s no doubt about it,” says Biloxi Police Chief John Miller of the city auction this weekend: “Some people like to come to these city auctions just to watch, to listen to the auctioneer, to see the deals and see what’s going on. There is a definite entertainment value.” The city will hold an absolute […]

“We’re very thankful today,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said to a host of interviewers seeking comment on Biloxi’s near-miss with Hurricane Sally, which devastated Pensacola, Fla., with 100 mph winds and nearly 25 inches of rain. “And while we’re thankful,” Gilich added, “we’re also thoughtful, for our neighbors in Mobile and Pensacola, and the Florida […]

Slow-moving Sally, the hurricane with winds of 85 mph and 55 miles east of the Mississippi River, may cause concern for Biloxi residents for the next couple of days, says Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich. “There’s no doubt that this storm is still a threat,” Gilich said today. “Projections have taken it from the west to […]

Gulf Coast casino resorts were ordered closed by 4 p.m., city crews have been making storm preparations throughout the day, and now the City of Biloxi is bracing for Hurricane Sally, expected to have winds of nearly 100 mph, a 7-to 11-foot storm surge and 24 hours of rain. Hurricane conditions are expected later tonight […]

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich met with key department heads this morning for an update on storm preparations in city departments and divisions. Said Gilich after the meeting: “We’re asking people to do the same things that we’re doing: Make the preparations. Secure your property. Monitor the weather reports, have a hurricane kit and supplies to […]

Boaters streamed up the Bay of Biloxi today, under sunny and clear skies, and ahead of the expected 100-mph winds and 7 to 11 foot storm surge with the approaching Sally, now a tropical storm less than 300 miles east-southeast of Biloxi and moving west-northwest at 13 mph. The storm is expected to make landfall […]

The City of Biloxi’s six sandbag locations for residents are Beck Park, 671 Division St.; Migues Park, 425 Parker St.; Cavalier Park, 2059 Lawrence St.; Popp’s Ferry Soccer Fields, 2150 Popp’s Ferry Road; Fire Station 8, 8479 Woolmarket Road; and Fire Station 9, 9370 Oaklawn Road. These are self-serve sites, meaning residents need to have […]

The city has ordered owners of vessels in Biloxi’s municipal harbors and marinas to have those vessels moved to safer areas by Sunday at 3 p.m. because of the pending threat from Tropical Storm Sally. The evacuation order comes as the National Weather Service this afternoon issued a hurricane watch and storm surge watch for […]

The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum’s 35th Annual $10,000 Drawdown will be a virtual affair on Saturday, Sept. 19.   Because of COVID-19, the drawdown, which is the museum’s major fundraiser of the year, will be held between 7 and 9 p.m. on Sept. 19 on the museum’s Facebook and Instagram pages. The silent auction, […]

The city is gathering supplies for the Cameron Parish, La., community, which was decimated by Hurricane Laura. Supplies are being accepted primarily at three Biloxi fire stations: Station 1, Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center, 170 Porter Ave.; Station 5, Bay Vista, 2499 Pass Road; and Station 7, Cedar-Popp’s, 1672 Popp’s Ferry Road. “We’ve been talking to […]

Gov. Tate Reeves and Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, with Hurricane Laura victims on their minds, marked the 15th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina by placing a wreath today at the Katrina Memorial in Biloxi.Facebook: Watch the nine-minute ceremonyYouTube: Watch the nine-minute ceremonyGallery: See photos from the virtual event

Three members of the Biloxi Fire Department – a deputy chief and two firefighters – are being deployed to the Hurricane Laura disaster zone today as part of Mississippi Task Force 3. Laura grew today into a Category 4 hurricane. Forecasters feared a 20-foot storm surge that would be “unsurvivable” and capable of decimating entire […]

Two new fire trucks will be joining the Biloxi Fire Department fleet in a couple of months, and although they’ll be red on the outside, they’re actually “green trucks.” The trucks, at a half-million dollars each and scheduled to go in service downtown and in West Biloxi in November, are part of the fire service […]

You see the warnings and the advisories: Two storms in the Gulf. Marco moves on and Laura in the wings, they say. Here’s the latest from Biloxi Emergency Manager Nick Geiser: “For Hurricane Laura, most models agree on the projected landfall near the Louisiana-Texas border. “The City of Biloxi does not anticipate any extreme conditions […]

Biloxi Police and Fire stood down their water-rescue teams today, as Marco seems to have fizzled out, but Emergency Manager Nick Geiser says the rains will come later today. Skies were clear this morning, turning overcast this afternoon, with breezy conditions, a northeast wind 15 to 20 mph. However, forecasters expect rain – a 90 […]

The City of Biloxi has opened six sandbag locations for residents: Beck Park, 671 Division St.; Migues Park, 425 Parker St.; Cavalier Park, 2059 Lawrence St.; Popp’s Ferry Soccer Fields, 2150 Popp’s Ferry Road; Fire Station 8, 8479 Woolmarket Road; and Fire Station 9, 9370 Oaklawn Road. These are self-serve sites, meaning residents need to […]

“Yes, there are two storms out there right now,” Biloxi Emergency Manager Nick Geiser said this afternoon, “and while Laura will be later in the week and is on our minds, we’re focusing on Marco right now. “People can expect Marco to be another Cristobal for Biloxi, if the current track continues,” Geiser said, referring […]

Owners of vessels in the city’s public harbors and marinas were notified this morning that it’s “highly recommended” that their craft be relocated to safer locations. The announcement, from Port Division Manager Larry Sablich, was made as Tropical Storms Laura and Marco are expected to enter the Gulf of Mexico, and as the National Weather […]

The City of Biloxi will conduct a special election on Tuesday, and, if history is an indication, turnout will be low. Biloxi voters on Tuesday will cast ballots on whether to renew an existing franchise agreement with Mississippi Power. City polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Those voting must wear […]

What began as a look back at Hurricane Katrina through the eyes of the Salvation Army on the 15th anniversary of the monster storm this month quickly turned into something else when filming began in July. Instead, it turned into a heartfelt story about the people behind the shield, those who serve the Salvation Army […]

Census 2020, the once-a-decade snapshot of the United States, is falling short in Biloxi, and city leaders are asking for help. “Right now, 58 percent of the people in Biloxi have responded, and we need to do better,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said. “At least 42 percent of the people in Biloxi who were mailed […]

The Popp’s Ferry Bridge, a north-south connector used by nearly 20,000 motorists a day, was closed for nearly four hours today after a tugboat pushing three barges struck the bridge’s bumper system just before 1 this afternoon. The two-lane bridge re-opened to vehicular traffic at 4:45 p.m. today but remains closed to marine traffic. And […]

The Biloxi Police Department is inviting business and residential video camera owners to register their security camera locations with the department as part of a new public safety initiative. This will enable Biloxi Police, with the permission of the camera owner, to quickly and securely obtain recorded video in the event of an incident near […]

The Mississippi Urban Forest Council will dedicate a newly established pollinator garden at Hiller Park in Biloxi on Friday at 10 a.m. The 1,400-square-foot garden, which is situated in a grassy wetland swale a stone’s throw from the children’s splash pad, is planted predominately with flowers that provide nectar or pollen for a range of […]

The northernmost lane of U.S. 90 will be closed south of the Biloxi City Cemetery Wednesday through Friday as archaeologists and anthropologists begin the process to remove skeletal remains that were discovered more than two years ago during work on a federally funded infrastructure project. The righthand, westbound lane will be closed south of the […]

“Oh, say can you see?” Yes you can. Biloxi’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show is set to take place Saturday beginning at 9 p.m. The city-sponsored front beach show, which is supported by a host of businesses through the organizing Boom Boom Committee, takes place on Independence Day from a barge just south of […]

All 91 lights on the 4,700-foot long Point Cadet Fishing Bridge are being replaced with sturdier, more weather-resistant LED lights. In fact, the manufacturer of the fixtures is now designing mounting brackets specifically for the bridge, which is a popular daytime and nighttime fishing spot. “This pier is probably the most-used and most popular pier […]

For years it’s been called Circle Park because it’s rounded by Porter Avenue. A sign says it’s Bay Terrace Park, and for new generations of children growing up near the north end of Porter Avenue near Back Bay, it’s also known as Mark Barhanovich Memorial Park, named for a late civic leader who played in […]

The city is a step closer to launching its next waterfront improvement project, a 1,700-foot concrete boardwalk, pavilion with lookouts and benches in the area along Back Bay, west of the Forrest Avenue pier and boat ramp. The $3 million project, part of Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich’s initiative to make the Biloxi waterfront more inviting […]

Sharp-eyed viewers of the city’s website, that archive of All Things Biloxi, may have noticed the addition of two new icons at the top right of the page. The BTV icon now makes it easier to get to the online simulcast of BTV, the city’s municipal channel also carried by Sparklight and AT&T UVerse, and […]

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich on Tuesday will be seeking council approval to apply for about $8.5 million in tidelands grants for public improvement projects in Biloxi. The seven grant applications make up a large part of the 19 measures on the agenda for the City Council meeting on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall. […]

Biloxi High School has been named the No. 1 high school on the Coast and the No. 4 high school in the state by U.S. News & World Report, whose website has 42 million visitors a month. This annual ranking is based on six factors: college readiness, reading and math proficiency, reading and math performance, […]

Dakia Entertainment Hospitality and Broadwater Development, LLP announced today the signing of a formal letter of intent, subject to finalizing financial commitments, to redevelop the historic, former Broadwater Beach hotel, marina and golf course site into a $1.2 billion, 266-acre, world-class entertainment complex on U.S. 90 in Biloxi, Miss. The project has a projected opening […]

The City of Biloxi is in the process of developing its 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and 2020 Annual Action Plan, required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the City’s Community Development Block Grant Entitlement Program. Biloxi receives an annual CDBG funding allocation, which is $462,382 for Program Year 2020.  These funds must […]

“It was a little bit more than I thought it would be,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said of Tropical Storm Cristobal today, after a weekend of tropical winds and more than seven inches of rain closed many of the city’s roadways. “I think many people were surprised by the strength of the storm, considering how […]

Construction plans have been approved and a permit is ready to be issued for one of the first cases reviewed since Development Review Committee meetings resumed a couple of weeks ago. “We are simply waiting on the contractor to come in and pick up the plans,” said Community Development Jerry Creel, referring to a project […]

The City of Biloxi is among seven south Mississippi local governments and trade groups pushing back on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ claims that it has no obligation to look for ways to avoid the shocking environmental damage caused by the recent back-to-back openings of the Bonnet Carre Spillway.  In 2019 the spillway was […]

By Nick L. Shrimp “You know,” Slim Smith once said in a previous life, “they talk about the guy who invented the wheel. They say he was pretty smart. I don’t know. I think the guy who invented the axle was pretty smart, too.” And so it is, we come to Census 2020, on this […]

Official questionnaires from Census 2020 began arriving in mailboxes in Biloxi this week, and Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich is asking Biloxians to make time to respond, either online or using the self-enclosed envelope. The white 10-inch-by-six-inch envelope contains a letter from Census Director Steven D. Dillingham, a Q&A about the census, multi-lingual explanations on how […]

Wow. What a way to launch the baseball season at MGM Park. A throng of 5,752 fans were in Biloxi’s downtown ball park Tuesday evening to see the 13th-ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs best No. 2 Texas Tech 6-3. “We put a lot of work into making this happen,” said Hunter Reed, general manager of MGM […]

Gates open in less than an hour, at 5 p.m., at MGM Park for the opening game of the Hancock Whitney Classic, with Mississippi State facing Texas Tech, and Biloxi Shuckers GM Hunter Reed says baseball fans will like what they see as Biloxi’s downtown ball park ushers in another season of baseball. “We’ve been […]

Baseball returns to MGM Park Tuesday and Wednesday when two perennial powerhouses, Mississippi State and Texas Tech, take part in the Hancock Whitney Classic. The matchup features two teams that have each reached the College World Series in back-to-back season and enter 2020 with high expectations, as the Red Raiders were ranked sixth in the […]

Councilmen Kenny Glavan and Felix Gines have ward meetings coming up. The Ward 6 meeting will be Monday, March 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Innovation Center, Popp’s Ferry Road. The Ward 2 meeting will be Thursday, March 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Gruich Center, Howard Avenue. Ward 3 Councilmember Dixie Newman has a […]

Apollo 13 astronaut and Biloxi native Fred Haise has received numerous awards during his storied career, including a Presidential Medal of Freedom, and he says the ones that mean the most to him are those that come from pilots or test pilots, his peers. And some of his most-cherished peers – family and friends from […]

Coast Transit unveiled two new trolleys for its East Biloxi Casino Hopper line the other day thanks to $500,000 in state and federal grants, but the agency worries it may have to cut back its Beachcomber line from six days to two days a week if it doesn’t get full funding from the City of […]

March 1 is Sunday, which means a new month of programming on BTV, the city’s municipal TV channel. That also means that the programs airing throughout February will now be available exclusively on the city’s YouTube channel. Among the new programs making their debut on Sunday are a behind-the-scenes story on the events to honor […]

The Mardi Gras beads and trinkets have barely been put away, if at all, and it’s time for another parade – with a cookout, to boot. You’ll get a preview of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Grillin’ on the Green, which take place March 14, in the March issue of BNews Monthly, which […]

A total of five people – from among a crowd of “every bit of 80,000” – were arrested on Fat Tuesday, reports Police Chief John Miller. “The low number of arrests for a crowd of that size is fantastic,” Miller said. “Over the years, the city has worked to promote our Mardi Gras parades as […]

Gulf Coast Carnival Association, with a scheduled lineup of 112 units, rolls at 1 p.m. through downtown Biloxi on Tuesday, Mardi Gras Day, and Biloxi Police Chief John Miller has some advice for paradegoers: “Be safe,” he says. “Be courteous. Be patient. Stay behind the barricades, and if there aren’t any barricades, stay on the […]

Gerald Everett, an officer of the Krewe of Neptune, decided to throw his girlfriend something more than Mardi Gras beads during the krewe’s parade Saturday night in downtown Biloxi. A costumed Everett, standing on the reviewing stand at City Hall, tossed a small black box to his girlfriend, Farris Kay, as her Krewe of Sirens […]

The Second Liners parade rolled through downtown Biloxi today in a route that circled dozens of Neptune floats readying for the carnival crew’s 5:30 parade. “It was perfect weather for the parade,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said. “The Second Liners group has come a long way and is celebrating 25 years this year. The members […]

Mardi Gras weekend has arrived, with two parades in downtown Biloxi on Saturday, leading to the Gulf Coast Carnival Association parade on Tuesday. Biloxi Police, mindful of the tens of thousands of paradegoers in downtown Biloxi, have announced the traffic plans for the parades, and this year the city is publishing the hourly milestones of […]

“Mardi Gras is one of our great cultural celebrations in Biloxi, and we want everyone to have a spirited-yet-safe time,” says Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich. “We ask people to make sure they have a good plan.” Before the parade – Carpool and anticipate traffic delays. Appoint a designated driver. Obey the commands of officers at […]

The Nina and Pinta, replicas of Columbus’s ships of discovery, are now available for tours at the Schooner Pier and will be open daily until their departure March 2. Both ships tour together as a “sailing museum” for educating the public and schoolchildren on the “caravel,” a small, fast Spanish or Portuguese sailing ship of […]

More and more news is coming out about Mardi Gras 2020. The Krewe of Neptune, which rolls Saturday evening, has announced the Ying Yang twins, yes, those of “get Kronk” fame, will be parade grand marshals, and Gulf Coast Carnival Association has begun its preliminary court announcements. Fat Tuesday, of course, is Feb. 25, less […]

Record crowds lined Lameuse Street and Howard Avenue this morning to witness the annual Children’s Mardi Gras Walking Parade, where more than 300 children were registered to ride decorated bikes, trikes and other non-motorized vehicles through downtown to City Hall. And youngsters were recognized from more than nearly 50 who registered for the post-parade costume […]

The winners of the annual Shoe Box Float Contest were recognized at Biloxi City Hall. The annual contest, conceived by the Mardi Gras promoter and educator Ruth Hunt 22 years ago, is designed to spur interest among youngsters in the history and traditions of Carnival. First place winners and their respective schools: Allison Otahal, fourth […]

Operators of four unlicensed short-term rentals were fined a total of $200 in Biloxi Community Court this week and ordered to cease operations. Four other cases were resolved before court proceedings began, and three other cases face court dates. “The city took assertive steps to ensure that operators of short-term rental units are complying with […]

Biloxi observed the 321st anniversary of its founding this week, with the day named in honor of longtime local historian Edmond Boudreaux. History and culture were celebrated throughout the week. Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, in one of the widest ranging interviews of his 56 months in office, spoke about old and present-day Biloxi in an […]

The City of Biloxi’s Community Court on Wednesday will hear eight cases involving unlicensed short-term rentals operating in the city. The cases involve short-term rentals on Lickskillet Road, Lameuse Street, Southern Avenue, St. Paul Avenue, Kimbrough Boulevard, Gill Avenue, Todd Cove and Howard Avenue. All are either operating in neighborhoods zoned for single families or […]

Aficionados of Biloxi and Gulf Coast history are in for a treat. This evening from 5:30 to 7 will be an opening reception for the Art of Keesler and the History of Keesler AFB exhibits at the Biloxi Visitors Center, a pre-cursor to the Gulf Coast Historical and Cultural Expo on Friday and Saturday. All […]

More than 4½ inches of rain fell in Biloxi Wednesday, which would have been catastrophic on the muddy streets of east Biloxi a year ago, but city leaders say there were no major drainage issues in the new drainage system under 55 miles of paved streets north of the CSX Railway. Keesler Air Force Base […]

The city is taking bids on the demolition and removal of nine properties on the west end of Division Street to make way for the new development corridor that will serve as the gateway to Keesler’s new main entrance. “There’s no doubt this new Keesler main entrance is necessary for many reasons,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” […]

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich covered nearly two dozen topics during his 28-minute State of the City video presentation last week. Here’s a quick reference to take you directly to the topic: Biloxi Public Schools Boardwalks Bonnet Carre spillway issue Census 2020 Closing credits Daily passenger rail Departmental highlights Downtown restoration Eagle Point Park East Biloxi […]

February 13 marks the 321th anniversary of the explorer Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d’Iberville setting foot on the shores of present-day Biloxi, and history is front and center this month on BTV, with new and old programs dotting the programming schedule. August Taconi, the longtime photographer and videographer of Biloxi events, dipped into his archives […]

Biloxi leaders of the past used the year 2020 as a planning benchmark, and now that we’ve reached 2020, Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich told a State of the City audience today, you can see the vision from the past plans becoming reality today. Gilich, in a 28-minute presentation, spoke of new hotels, new restaurants, multi-million-dollar […]

The Budweiser Clydesdales will be in Biloxi on Wednesday, and you can get a close-up look at the stately horses and their shiney red beer wagon when the team arrives at City Hall between 6:30 and 6:45 p.m. The Clydesdales, world-renowned as the ambassadors of Budwesier, will be greeted at City Hall by Mayor Andrew […]

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich will be asking the City Council next week to approve four measures designed to help avoid a repeat of last summer’s disastrous spillway opening. The mayor also wants to see civic and community groups get involved. The four resolutions have been recommended by the Mississippi Sound Coalition, a group of community […]

The Coastwide Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, which began Thursday with a “Power in Pumps” women’s symposium at the Biloxi Visitors Center, continues its march through the weekend with events leading up to Monday, with the MLK parade and Battle of the Bands at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. “We try to move events around […]

The Mississippi Sound Coalition, a group of local leaders working to avoid a repeat of last summer’s disastrous spillway opening, is asking its member cities and counties to lobby Mississippi’s congressional delegation for help. The coalition, which met Wednesday at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport, voted to ask local governments in the […]

“Some people may be worried about the weather,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says of the Saturday morning dedication of the city’s new fire station at Cedar-Popp’s, “but, let me tell you, it’s going to be inside, and this station can hold half of Keesler field.” The city on Saturday at 10 a.m. will formally dedicate […]

It’s the first of the year, which means it’s State of the City time, when the Biloxi mayor reports to the public on the city’s program of work. The annual presentation, which Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich will make Jan. 30 in a Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon, will be replayed Jan. 31 at […]

By Gerald Blessey Our coastal way of life is threatened. We must stand united to protect it. The 2019 openings of the Bonnet Carré Spillway caused great damage to the Mississippi Sound and our fisheries, tourism and coastal culture. Recognizing the threat of future openings and other man-made damage, Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich asked me […]

The city ushers in the New Year this week with the arrival of a January issue of “BNews Monthly” that’s chockfull of news and information about city projects, upcoming special events, and the January lineup for BTV, the city’s municipal TV channel. The 24-page advertiser-supported newsletter, which begins arriving in homes Tuesday, features stories on […]

The citizens of Biloxi received a major Christmas present the other day — FEMA reinstating $8.8 million for infrastructure work — and Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says Mississippi’s Congressional delegation played a major role in the issue. FEMA reinstated $8.8 million in Katrina disaster funds for Biloxi’s infrastructure projects, after the city in August appealed […]

Cliff Kirkland, who worked for three mayors in his 30-year association with Biloxi City Hall, has tendered his resignation in the wake of being arrested for two counts of allegedly touching a child with lustful purposes. Kirkland had served as the city’s Chief of Innovation and Economic Development under Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, and he […]

It was a quiet-yet-significant milestone this week when Oscar Renda paving crews laid down the last stretch of base course of asphalt in the nearly 55 miles of infrastructure work north of the CSX railway. The work was at the north end of Forrest Avenue, the several blocks between Bayview and the Keesler gate at […]

About 3,500 runners are expected to take part in the Gulf Coast Marathon Sunday morning, and police will have a number of roadways or traffic lanes closed as the 26.2-mile race makes its way on U.S. 90 from Henderson Point in Pass Christian to Biloxi’s MGM Park. The run, which takes place in the southernmost […]

Deputy Chief Andy Mason, a 24-year veteran of the Biloxi Fire Department, has been awarded one the department’s highest honors, the Phil McCabe Five Bugle Award, an honor named for the department’s first chief and recognizing a member who exemplifies the department motto of “Always Ready with Willing Hearts.” Mason’s award, announced during the fire […]

BTV ushers in the holiday season with a new 20-minute program that gives you a preview and background on the city’s time-honored holiday traditions. The traditions are not unlike the programming on BTV this month – some old and some new. “Christmas Traditions in Biloxi” will tell viewers the story behind the story on the […]

Business owners, residents and those who travel Howard Avenue between Porter Avenue and Hopkins Boulevard can see the telltale signs of road work coming up. City infrastructure contractors last week cut into the asphalt in preparation for the installation of a major sewer line under a 1,500-foot section of the southernmost lane of Howard, in […]

The city wraps up its three days of ribbon-cutting ceremonies with an event on Saturday that will feature a national hero. World War II Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams, a Marine corporal who saved countless American lives with his flamethrower in the Battle of Iwo Jima, will be the speaker at the dedication […]

City leaders gathered this morning to formally open the city’s newest fire station, Station 10, which is on Old Highway 67 and will serve the Cedar Lake and East Woolmarket areas. The new station, which is expected to reduce response times north of the Bay, will currently be manned ’round the clock by three firefighters […]

World War II Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams, a Marine corporal who saved countless American lives with his flamethrower in the Battle of Iwo Jima, will be the speaker at the dedication this week of the Gulf Coast Gold Star Families Memorial Monument on Saturday at Guice Veterans Memorial Park in Biloxi. The […]

Biloxi Capital, a firm involving Coast developer Danny Conwill, today published its Notice of Intent to apply for gaming site approval for a 30-acre tract of land in East Biloxi that it purchased in 2005-2006 for more than $40 million.  In 2007, the city designated this beachfront property on U.S. 90 as zoned for gaming. […]

The cold blast Biloxi residents woke up to today will cause a hard freeze this evening and into the morning, with temperatures as low as 24 expected overnight. The National Weather Service has issued a Hard Freeze Warning, from 8 this evening until 8 Wednesday morning. The freeze, forecasters say, is expected to last 10 […]

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich’s proposed expansion and upgrade of Point Cadet Marina received a major boost from Gov. Phil Bryant Tuesday when the governor announced a $3 million RESTORE Act grant to help jumpstart the project. Bryant announced 15 Coastwide grants totaling $53.2 million, and cited Biloxi’s award as an important piece of Gilich’s East […]

The city is hoping to save a decades-old live oak that residents had wanted removed while infrastructure workers were in the area. Over the years, the tree on Azalea Drive just south of Irish Hill had begun to encroach on Azalea Drive and limited the line of sight at the intersection. In fact, the issue […]

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich spoke about the city’s efforts to see a new Popp’s Ferry bridge during his Breakfast with the Mayor presentation this week, and, like clockwork, hours later phones began ringing in the city’s Engineering Department, a clearinghouse for all public and private construction undertakings in the city. “People who live on Popp’s […]

City contractors are installing about a half-mile of new sidewalks along Camellia, Southern and Iris in West Biloxi. The four-foot sidewalks will be from U.S. 90, along the west side of Camellia Avenue to Southern Avenue, on the south side of Southern Avenue to Iris, and on the east side of Iris to just south […]

The city’s massive infrastructure project, which is in the final phases on the $130 million north contract and midway through $25 million worth of infrastructure work in neighborhoods south of the railway just west of downtown, is expanding to the east end of Biloxi’s peninsula. A $10.5 million, 550-day contact has been awarded to Lane […]

It may be a bit nippy outside, but it’s also First Friday, signaling the first-of-the-month gathering in downtown Biloxi, and there’s hot chili. During the 5:30 to 8 p.m. downtown street party, primarily on Rue Magnolia, visitors will find a chili cookoff, as well as music by Brandon Kenyon and Nevin Applewhite. There’s also a […]

Three new programs – the storied history of Edgewater, a preview of the new Mardi Gras Museum and a tour of the Kroc Center – make their debut today on BTV: Biloxi Television and will run daily throughout the month. The trio of programs join updates of monthly segments on infrastructure work in East Biloxi […]

Federal environmental and historic preservation authorities, engineers and contractors met Wednesday at the site of human bones discovered a year and a half ago just south of the Biloxi City Cemetery and decided that the large water line being installed north of U.S. 90 must be installed below the known grave site and 10 other […]

The National Weather Service is warning of a risk of heavy rainfall across south Mississippi through tonight. They issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook, a Coastal Flood Advisory, and, for a period earlier this morning, a tornado watch was in effect. Forecasters say the wet conditions — 2 to 4-inch rainfall totals expected – will continue […]

Keesler has announced that its main gate at White Avenue will be open to traffic beginning Monday, and motorists who use the Forrest Avenue gate at Meadows Drive will face a detour that is expected to last a month. Forrest Avenue will be closed from Meadows to Bayview as city contractors install new water, sewer […]

More than a thousand people turned out Sunday for the annual Old Biloxi Cemetery Tour and organizers say the turnout for the second tour, which is this evening from 5 to 7, is typically larger than the Sunday audience. “It was great to see the interest people had on Sunday,” said Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, […]

The Magnolia Hotel, which has been called “the oldest tangible reminder of the early days of the resort industry in Biloxi, and, as such, one of the most historic buildings on the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” is going back on the tax rolls. The city, which has leased the vacant three-story wood-frame structure to a developer […]

One of the city’s most popular events, Halloween at Hiller Park, takes place this evening from 6 to 8, and those attending must use the Atkinson Road to enter the park. “We want everyone to enjoy the event, but you must enter from the west end of the park, at Atkinson Road,” said Sherry Bell, […]

White Avenue is open to two-way traffic from Irish Hill to U.S. 90, city infrastructure contractors report, but Keesler says the base’s main gate will remain closed to motorists and pedestrians until Oct. 28. To accommodate increased traffic at other gates, Keesler is keeping the Pass Road and Meadows Road gates open 24 hours a […]

The annual Old Biloxi Cemetery Tours will be Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. However, you can get a preview of this year’s tour in a free program this evening at 5:30 at the Slavonian Lodge, 159 Maple St., Biloxi. Theme of the program this evening, […]

“We’re hoping people are going to be calm because it’s going to be slow-moving traffic on Highway 90 and other major thoroughfares this weekend, and it’s going to be all weekend,” Biloxi Police Chief John Miller said today as another record-breaking Cruisin’ The Coast heads into the final weekend. Miller said Biloxi Police expect between […]

Residents and businesses near North Bay Elementary School may hear a commotion – fire alarms, sirens and possibly gunfire – Friday morning as part of a Biloxi Public Schools training exercise to help keep schools safe. Students will not be on campus Friday because of a fall holiday. The active shooter drill is scheduled to […]

It’s that time of year again when thousands of cars and car aficionados saturate the beachfront highway and adjoining thoroughfares for the fun-filled, week-long event, Cruisin’ The Coast. Car enthusiasts parade their antique, classic, hot rod and custom vehicles along U.S. 90 and stop at various venues to enjoy entertainment, cruise-ins, sock-hops and more for […]

Festivals and community gatherings come and go with any given weekend on the Biloxi Town Green, but this weekend it promises to be “unequaled and unrivaled.” It’s Ohr Fest 2019, the event that pays tribute to the life and times of George Ohr, Biloxi’s and the world’s most famous potter and promoter, self-proclaimed, of course. […]

The city issued a $5.8 million building permit to Community Bank last week, and time is not a wastin’: A construction trailer has been moved on the prominent downtown site at Lameuse and Howard, and construction fencing is going up. “I would consider the bank ‘under construction’ at this point,” said Leslie Kelley, senior vice […]

Wow, so what’s up with this Popp’s Ferry Bridge, besides the span? The bridge has had four traffic-detouring issues in the past nine days, frustrating many of the 20,000 motorists who travel the West Biloxi roadway on an average day. The bridge caused traffic detours in two instances today, once for a span stuck in […]

Paul Tisdale, a longtime education leader and civic leader and second-term Biloxi City Councilman, will be the honoree at this year’s Biloxi First Roast, which takes place Oct. 24 at the IP Casino Resort. Reservations – $50 for individuals or up to $1,000 for a reserved table of 10 – are now being taken. Deadline […]

By Nick L. Shrimp So, have you figured out BTV yet? We’re still working on it ourselves, this two-month-old municipal TV channel. To be sure, it’s a government channel, with a healthy dose of replays of City Council meetings and other public affairs programming, but you’ll also see a slant towards Biloxi’s history and culture. […]

Governor Phil Bryant this afternoon directed $5.9 million of Mississippi oil and gas royalties to the City of Biloxi to fund ambitious waterfront enhancement projects on east beach and Back Bay. Biloxi’s two grants are part of Bryant’s 2019 GOMESA projects funded by the state portion of leases for energy exploration in the Gulf of […]

OK, so what’s up with the “north project,” where Oscar Renda Contracting has been pushing for a November or December “substantial completion,” and some had hoped for Thanksgiving as a fitting conclusion? It’s looking more like the end of the year, the contractor says, before pipes on the four remaining streets can be installed and […]

The October issue of the city’s monthly newsletter will be making its way to mailboxes across the city Saturday and Monday, and it’s a capacity of 24 pages, with more than a dozen stories and features about community events, issues and history. BNews Monthly has previews of Cruisin’ The Coast, the downtown Biloxi Block Party […]

Mississippi Sens. Roger F. Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith, and Reps. Steven M. Palazzo of south Mississippi and Benny G. Thompson of the Delta have all notified FEMA that the decision to retroactively deny $15.5 million in infrastructure funding for Biloxi is “unacceptable” and should be reversed. The letter, dated Sept. 13 and sent to Acting […]

The commercial corridor on Division between I-110 and the new Keesler gate at Forrest means some decades-old Biloxi houses on Division have to be demolished. “Or do they?” asked Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich. Instead of demolishing five vacant houses — one without a roof — the Gilich Administration floated the idea of relocating the homes. […]

The monthlong, modern-day history lesson involving the 1951 Biloxi-set, half-hour documentary “Social Change in a Democracy”, is beginning to reveal more information about the production, which today showcases rare video of myriad Biloxi locales and people. The black-and-white documentary, which a five-man film crew shot in Biloxi over three week in July 1951, was actually […]

Students attending Biloxi Public Schools can earn 36 hours in college credits, they’ll also see the benefits of a new cafeteria program called “farm to school,” and they have a chance to take part in a wealth of fine arts programs in all schools in the district. Those are the highlights of a new program […]

The Mississippi Department of Education accountability results are in and the Biloxi Public School District remains one of the top achievers in the state.  The district has again achieved an “A” rating, with Biloxi Junior High School being ranked the highest in south Mississippi. A host of other Top 10 and Top 5 rankings were […]

A city contractor this week is expected to patch a dime-size hole causing water to escape from the city’s million-gallon elevated water tank on Pass Road at the Bay Vista Fire Station. The leak was reported Wednesday to the city’s Public Works Department, and a contractor is expected to begin work on repairs as early […]

Here are the documents associated with the FY 2020 municipal budget. The City Council approved the budget during a special-called, 28-minute meeting Tuesday evening. Overview by Chief Administrative Officer Mike LeonardCombined Funds StatementCapital projectsDepartmental summariesDiscretionary spendingVideo: See the City Council meeting

By Hunter Reed, Biloxi Shuckers General Manager The Shuckers are back in the Southern League Championship with a chance to achieve something no prior Shuckers team has done, win a title, but we’ll need a real home-field advantage tonight and tomorrow to help make that happen.  We need you, everyone reading this, to come out […]

By Garrett Greene, Biloxi Shuckers With their season on the line, the Biloxi Shuckers (85-59, 3-2 Playoffs) put together a five-run rally in the bottom of the eighth inning to top the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (78-66, 2-3) 8-4 Sunday evening at MGM Park and win the 2019 South Division Title. Biloxi secures its second consecutive […]

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich on Tuesday will again be asking the Biloxi City Council, which has final say on city spending, to OK a municipal budget for Fiscal Year 2020, which begins Oct. 1. Gilich had hoped the budget would be approved at a meeting earlier this week, but councilmembers wanted to take another look […]

Community Bank has broken ground on its new Biloxi presence, a three-story, 15,000-square foot facility that will be in the heart of downtown Biloxi, at Lameuse Street and Howard Avenue. “It’s exciting to see this much anticipated plan take the next step in coming to fruition,” said Eric Chambless, president of Community Bank’s Mississippi Coast […]

The Biloxi Shuckers, wrapping up the regular season with a franchise record 82 wins, begin the 2019 Southern League Playoffs tonight, facing the Pensacola Blue Wahoos in the best-of-five South Division Championship Series. The Shuckers will host the Wahoos in a second game Thursday before the series moves to Pensacola. First pitch for the MGM […]

The city is giving a few more days to those interested in either demolishing or moving six structures on Division Street west of I-110. The city is seeking proposals for six structures – five houses and one office building – which have been acquired by the city as part of the commercial corridor that is […]

The latest issue of BNews Monthly, the citywide newsletter, begins arriving in homes and businesses across the city on today and Saturday. The 20-page publication devotes nearly five pages to the East Biloxi infrastructure project, including nine detailed maps showing the progress. Also included is a four-page September community calendar, which spotlights the upcoming Biloxi […]

That new documentary about Hurricane Camille, “Camille: The Original Monster Storm,” has its world television premiere on Mississippi Public Broadcasting Television this evening at 8, with an encore presentation on Sunday afternoon at 4. The hour-long documentary, which had its world premiere in Biloxi a week ago, was produced for the Southern Documentary Project at […]

A host of never-before-aired Katrina video will be included in special programming airing on BTV today, Thursday and Friday to mark the 14th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which decimated Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast on Aug. 29, 2005. The city’s award-winning “Katrina & Biloxi,” its follow-up “Katrina +10,” and “RU Ready,” the city’s storm-preparedness […]

A crowd of more than 500 was on hand Sunday at the Biloxi Civic Center to see the city induct 13 new members into the Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame. High school and college football coach John Williams and former Indians basketball star Seber Windham, who now coaches at Biloxi High School, were among an […]

The Biloxi City Council on Tuesday is expected to formally approve an agreement that will see the Nixon and Delauney streets rail crossings closed in several weeks, but that didn’t keep an 18-wheeler from becoming snagged at the Nixon Street crossing this morning, blocks from the deadly Main Street train-bus collision a year ago. Biloxi […]

Principal photography was completed this morning at the White House Hotel for a month-long BTV presentation premiering in September, a 90-minute special involving the 1950s documentary filmed in Biloxi called “Social Change in a Democracy.” The presentation, which will be multi-media and interactive, will ask viewers to help identify people and places in the nearly […]

By Nick L. Shrimp OK, it’s a dumpster fire. We get that. But there’s no denying that this massive project known as “the North Contract,” where these 55 miles of roads have been in turmoil, some would have you believe, since before construction began five years ago, is near the end. Here’s a fact: There […]

The Biloxi school board wants feedback from all stakeholders in the search for a new superintendent to lead Biloxi Public Schools, and the board’s search consultant, the Mississippi School Boards Association, will facilitate three stakeholder meetings on Sept. 5. The meetings are to gather input from specific groups regarding the qualifications and characteristics that the […]

Community Bank has set Thursday, Sept. 5 as the day ground will be broken on its new Biloxi presence, a three-story, 15,000-square foot facility that will be in the heart of downtown Biloxi, at Lameuse Street and Howard Avenue. “We are proud to be a part of Biloxi, having been a member of this community […]

The Biloxi City Council faces an agenda of more than three dozen issues when members gather this afternoon at 1:30 at City Hall. Among the measures: first reading of ordinances to create an historic district on Division Street from I-110 to the new Keesler gate and to expand downtown zoning to stretch to Porter Avenue, […]

Memorials, gatherings, TV specials and the world premiere of a new Camille documentary will help mark this weekend’s 50th anniversary of Hurricane Camille decimating Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It was on a Sunday night, just before midnight, on Aug. 17, 1969, that Camille, a Category 5 storm, came ashore, killing 143 people along […]

The Biloxi Shuckers return to MGM Park for their penultimate regular-season series as they take on the Mobile BayBears in a homestand that begins tonight and runs through Saturday. Baseball fans will find another T-shirt Tuesday, a jersey auction and a tote bag giveaway as part of a loaded five-game series at MGM Park. See […]

The city’s Finance Division has released the latest gaming report, a compilation based on collections made by the state. Since July of 1992 (licensing fees were collected a month before the first casino opened), the Biloxi casino market has generated: $20.2 billion in gross gaming revenue $2.47 billion in total state and local taxes […]

“It’s going real well so far,” Joel Moody of Warren Paving said today of Week 1 of paving work on U.S. 90 in Biloxi. “We’re exceeding our baseline production, almost doubling it in fact.” Moody, however, knows more labor-intensive work is ahead, especially from I-110 to the Biloxi Bay Bridge, which will begin in a […]

The City Council, winding down the process to draft a 2020 spending plan, will conduct another in a series of budget meetings Monday at 1:30 at City Hall. During the session, which is open to the public, councilmembers and Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich will work to draft a 2020 budget, a blueprint that guides city […]

Warren Paving, the firm that is putting tons of asphalt on city roadways in East Biloxi, has also begun a project to pave all of U.S. 90 in Biloxi. Joel Moody, Warren’s Gulf Coast division manager, reports that paving is scheduled to begin this evening on U.S. 90 at DeBuys Road, eastbound lanes. The plan […]

It’s official: Every morning at 6 o’clock, Rockin’ Ray Fournier and his rendition of his original tune “Down in Biloxi” launch BTV: Biloxi Television, the city’s new government channel, which is carried in Biloxi on Sparklight 56 on Uverse 99. “We kick off the day at 6 a.m. (and every day of the month) with […]

The Biloxi Shuckers celebrate all things Biloxi this Wednesday at 6:35 p.m. when the City of Biloxi is featured as part of the minor league baseball team’s One Coast series. Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, former Major Leaguer Barry Lyons and local root beer scion “Bones” Barq will toss ceremonial first pitches. Hundreds of airmen […]

The city’s August newsletter arrives in home and businesses across the city in the next day or two, and it’s chockfull of news about a variety of major projects and the most advertising in the newsletter’s 18 months. BNews Monthly for August, at 20 pages, includes a status report on East Biloxi infrastructure (Oscar Renda […]

City leaders will conduct their third budget workshop Monday at 3 p.m. in a drive to craft a budget to fund city operations for the next year, come Oct. 1. During the Monday session, which will be at City Hall and is open to the public, councilmembers and Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich are expected to […]

More than five hours of City Council meetings will be playing on BTV daily through the weekend on BTV at these times: 12:30 p.m. – Initial budget meeting, from July 15, where revenue projections were discussed. (66 minutes) 8:30 p.m. – Tuesday’s regular council meeting, with issues of panhandling, infrastructure. (54 minutes) 9:25 p.m. – […]

Oscar Renda Contracting says it’s aiming to have the “north contract” substantially complete around Thanksgiving, meaning “all major items of work to be complete.” “I’d like to see us reach the substantial completion point in November and certainly no later than December,” said Jennifer Matranga of Oscar Renda Contracting. The $128 million project began five […]

Ground was broken this morning for the new Gold Star Families Memorial Monument during a ceremony at Guice Park, north of the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor. “We are excited to add another monument to the park and to honor those who lost loved ones in combat,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said. “Through the partnership with […]

Get ready for a wet weekend, as Tropical Storm Barry is expected to continue its movement toward the west-northwest today before making an eventual turn to the north-northwest early Saturday. “We’re expecting this to primarily be a rain event for Biloxi, so prepare accordingly and continue to monitor your local weather reports,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” […]

By Jennifer Pyron, Biloxi Public Schools It’s registration time for Biloxi Public Schools. We’ve gathered all the important info that you’ll need to make sure your student is ready to go on the first day of school.  Online registration begins Monday, July 15 and is available on the Biloxi Public Schools website.  Returning students should […]

Sparklight, formerly Cable ONE, is giving three service area residents $3,000 to use toward Fall 2019 tuition through its Going Places social media campaign. Students ages 17 and older enrolled in an institution of higher education for Fall 2019 and who either live in or attend school in Sparklight communities can enter simply by sharing […]

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and the Biloxi City Council declared a state of emergency in Biloxi this afternoon, a measure that authorizes the mayor to do all things necessary to deal with the expected torrential downpour from Tropical Storm Barry. “We’re expecting more severe thunderstorms,” said Andy Mason Biloxi Fire Department Deputy Chief of Operations. […]

The city’s Police and Fire departments are in the spotlight this week on BTV: Biloxi Television, the city’s municipal TV channel, and you’ll also find a trio of recent City Council meetings where several major issues were discussed. Every day this week, BTV carries replays of the annual awards ceremonies for the Biloxi Police and […]

They say there’s an 80 percent chance of tropical cyclone development in the northern Gulf later in the week — and it’s coming from Georgia. Local weather authorities, who advise caution in the continuing 90-degree temperatures, say a trough of low pressure over central Georgia will move southward toward the northeastern Gulf later this week, […]

Biloxi’s Guice Park, located on U.S. 90 at the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor, will soon have a new monument.  Joining the current World Wars monument, Purple Heart monument and USS Biloxi memorial will be the Gulf Coast Gold Star Families Memorial.  The Gold Star Families Memorial honors the patriotism and sacrifice of the families who […]

The City of Biloxi on Monday afternoon received a 146-page analysis of whether a convention center should be considered for East Biloxi, amidst thousands of existing hotel rooms, and where it should be located. The 146-page report was commissioned by Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District and compiled by Conventions, Sports & Leisure International. The […]

It probably won’t be discussed when the City Council meets Tuesday night, but the council’s agenda includes an update on plans for the much-anticipated expansion of Margitaville resort and hotel property in East Biloxi. Developers, in their first official notice to councilmembers, are seeking a Master Plan Amendment, which will outline locations of the new […]

A trio of fireworks shows will herald the Fourth of July in Biloxi. The first show will be on Wednesday at MGM Park, when the Shuckers, who will be wrapping up a homestand against the Mobile BayBears, will present their largest fireworks show of the year. The city-sponsored front beach show, which is supported by […]

Biloxi native Mary Ann Mobley, Miss America 1959, tells the story of the Biloxi Lighthouse in a 2004 documentary airing this evening on BTV: Biloxi Television, the city’s burgeoning TV channel now carried on Sparklight (formerly Cable One) Channel 56 in Biloxi. In all, nearly six hours of programming are scheduled to air as part […]

(The writer is a columnist in BNews Monthly, the citywide newsletter mailed to all Biloxi residents and businesses. The nom de plume is a homage to the late Walter Fountain, original olde crab, longtime editor of the Biloxi-D’Iberville Press, and longtime Biloxi Chamber of Commerce manager.) By Nick L. Shrimp So I’m minding my own […]

The latest report card on the quality of water the city delivers to its customers is out, and it’s good news. Annual testing of the city’s water systems over the past year shows that municipal water customers in Biloxi are receiving water that “meets or exceeds all federal and state requirements.” The annual report, mandated […]

The city months ago rounded up more than a hundred residential garbage carts because they were not associated with an account, and more unregistered carts will be removed as early as this week, says Biloxi Chief Administrative Officer Mike Leonard. The city collects $14.33 a month for weekly garbage, trash and recycling service from about […]

Biloxi Police Chief John Miller, who WLOX says has been “a source of compassion and strength not only for Biloxi but all of South Mississippi” in the wake of the tragic murder of Biloxi Police Officer Robert McKeithen, will be profiled tonight as part of the TV station’s “South Mississippi Strong” series. The segment will […]

More than 3,000 people, elected leaders from across the state, exhibitors and presenters are in town for several days for the annual Mississippi Municipal League summer conference, one of the state’s largest annual conventions. “The MML Annual Conference is the largest association conference held in the state each year,” said Shari T. Veazey, executive director […]

Scrapin the Coast bills itself as “the wildest show on the Coast,” and Biloxi Police say the 2019 edition, which attracted tens of thousands to Biloxi roadways Friday through Sunday, lived up to the billing. The crowd count is not in yet – police forecasted 25,000 beforehand, while the promoter predicted 40,000 – but Mike […]

Public Works crews this morning placed traffic cones in the center lanes of U.S. 90 in the 7 miles from I-110 and DeBuys Road signaling the big news for beachfront motorists: Scrapin the Coast 2019 has arrived. The annual three-day show, now in its 17th year at the Coast Coliseum, attracts a decidedly younger demographic than […]

The Gilich administration, following up on suggestions from the public and members of the City Council, is seeking proposals from the private sector as an option to move forward with restoration and operation of the city-owned historic Saenger Theatre. The city this week published a Request for Proposals seeking interest from developers who could be […]

The East Biloxi infrastructure work — the arduous process of replacing, restoring, relocating and repaving about 60 miles of city streets — continues its grueling pace. Oscar Renda Contracting, the firm responsible for about 55 miles of work north of the CSX railway, has asphalt going down on two dozen streets, while also continuing to […]

The East Biloxi infrastructure work — the arduous process of replacing, restoring, relocating and repaving about 60 miles of city streets — continues its grueling pace. Oscar Renda Contracting, the firm responsible for about 55 miles of work north of the CSX railway, has asphalt going down on two dozen streets, while also continuing to […]

Testing of BTV: Biloxi Television, the city’s burgeoning government channel, continues on Channel 56 on Cable One in Biloxi. Here is the programming scheduled today through Monday: “RU Ready,” the storm-preparedness presentation held this month at the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, airs each day at 8:30 a.m., noon, 3:30 and 7 p.m. The program, […]

The City of Biloxi Tree Committee is seeking representatives for Wards 6 and 7, as Representatives Bernie Marinovich and Brian Lamar are stepping down. Tree Committee members say the ideal candidate understands Biloxi’s need to balance tree conservation with development. Requirements include attendance at regular monthly meetings either in person or telephonically, participation in site […]

Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich joined four other Coast mayors and several municipal leaders in a White House meeting Wednesday afternoon to discuss impacts to the Mississippi Sound caused by the ongoing intrusion of river water through the Bonnet Carre Spillway. Gilich and the Coast contingent met with representatives from the Administration, the U.S. Army […]

MDOT crews closed the westbound left lane of U.S. 90 today at White Avenue for drainage improvements as part of a repaving project on the state highway. Work and the lane closure at White Avenue are expected to continue until Friday, followed by similar pipe replacement work on U.S. 90 at Acacia Drive, Rodenburg Avenue […]

The Biloxi City Council today OK’d Phase 1 of a 43-acre mixed-use development that will be on Popp’s Ferry Road at Atkinson Road, after weeks of discussion and comments from nearby residents. The project, known as Bertucci Park, will provide 107 market-rate homes, 60 condominium units, and 70,000-square feet of commercial and retail shopping space. […]

Ever wonder how much money the Biloxi casino market generates in gaming taxes? And where that money goes? The latest numbers are in, and have been published by the city’s Finance Division. Last month, according to the report public today, Biloxi’s casinos had gross gaming revenue of $78.1 million. Taxes paid: $6.2 million to the […]

Daily passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile could begin in 24 months, thanks to a $33 million grant announced today by Sen. Roger Wicker. The $33 million will join the $30 million in pledges the Southern Rail Commission has assembled to make the $60 million in rail improvements needed to accommodate passenger rail […]

The clouds are out today, but the stars will be shining next week. Six Biloxi Shuckers have been named to the 2019 Southern League South Division All-Star team, the Southern League announced today. First baseman Patrick Leonard, third baseman Weston Wilson, shortstop Luis Aviles Jr. and designated hitter Trent Grisham will be part of the […]

Biloxi and the surrounding area are under a host of weather advisories until later this evening, and the dreary weather, which is expected to continue through the weekend, is changing plans for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic Tournament, the upscale deep-sea fishing event hosted at Point Cadet Marina. A flash flood watch is in […]

Oscar Renda Contracting, the firm overseeing the lion’s share of infrastructure work now underway in East Biloxi, says a record 8,500 tons of asphalt was placed on the streets of East Biloxi this month. Jennifer Matranga, Oscar Renda’s project manager, says the amount — which required over 566 dump truck loads of asphalt — is […]

June 1 marks the beginning of hurricane season each year, and Biloxi residents and business owners will be receiving a host of preparedness information in the new edition of the city’s monthly newsletter. The June issue of “BNews Monthly,” with 24 pages of information, is expected to arrive in mailboxes and PO boxes across the […]

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich told a meeting of Coast mayors this morning that a united front is needed to work with state and federal partners on solutions to the negative impacts from unprecedented dual openings of Louisiana’s Bonnet Carre Spillway. “We’re looking for facts and solutions, and we’re going to work together to find a […]

You’ve heard about the heartfelt eulogy by Biloxi Police Chief John Miller and the 11-mile long funeral procession of police vehicles for slain Biloxi Police Officer Robert McKeithen, and now you can appreciate the emotion of the day in a farewell look published by the city today. Videographer Renny Sherman interviewed many of the visiting […]

Here is the program for the funeral of Patrolman Robert McKeithen, as announced by Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes. Public visitation is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Biloxi, where the funeral begins at 12:30 p.m. The procession is scheduled to leave First Baptist Church between 1:45 p.m. and 2 p.m., for […]

A number of roadways will be closed Monday during the funeral procession for Biloxi Police Officer Robert McKeithen. The procession could have as many as a thousand vehicles and will use two lanes of traffic. It is expected to begin between 1:45 and 2 p.m. It will travel from First Baptist Church on Popp’s Ferry […]

Biloxi is expected to come to a standstill Monday afternoon when as many as a thousand police vehicles move through the city as part of the funeral procession for slain police officer Robert McKeithen. Public visitation for the fallen officer will be from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 1560 Popp’s Ferry […]