The riverboat “Betsy Ann” will be sailing for at least another year along the Biloxi waterfront.
The Gilich Administration has come to agreement with operators of the “Betsy Ann,” the paddle wheel excursion vessel that has been offering dinner and eco-cruises out of Point Cadet Marina since March of 2018.
“We’ve been very pleased with the response to our dinner cruises,” said Michael White, captain and owner of the Betsy Ann, an 89-foot replica of a stern-driven paddle wheeler.
“Our Saturday dinner cruises are booked solid through November 24,” White said. “And more and more people are discovering the beauty of the sunset cruises, which allow you to get great views of the sunset, the beachfront and Deer Island.”
White also reported that “in coordination with the city, we will soon be installing new signage to assist passengers to find their way to the boat.”
The extended lease, which requires City Council approval, means this unique maritime attraction will remain in Biloxi at the Point Cadet Marina through 2019. A second excursion vessel at Point Cadet, the Ship Island Ferry, which Mayor Gilich lured back to Biloxi last year, has a four-year lease through 2021.
The city is also seeking to finalize a lease with the “Sailfish,” the longtime excursion vessel berthed at the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor that offers shrimping and fishing tours out of the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor. In fact, a lease agreement is on the City Council agenda for Tuesday.
“These are all great attractions and elements of our Biloxi maritime experience,” Gilich said, “and don’t forget the two Biloxi Schooners operated by the Maritime and Seafood Museum.”
Video: An update from the Betsy Ann
Photos: Tour the Betsy Ann
See the Council agenda for Tuesday
News & notes: Seal Avenue, week in review, Ward 5
Seal accident: A motorist crashed into a fire hydrant at the south end of Seal Avenue on Friday, washing out temporary gravel that had been installed on the road and causing Seal to be closed between Howard Avenue and U.S. 90. Workers with Hemphill Construction, which are replacing infrastructure on Seal, are making repairs today. To see images of the work, click here.
The week that was: Last week, the Fire Department answered 146 calls for service, including 94 medical emergencies and three fires; the Police Department handled 2,267 calls for service; the Community Development Department issued 102 building permits with a construction valuation of more than $2.5 millon; and the Engineering Department continued to progress on projects throughout the city. To see the reports covering last week, click here.
Ward 5 meeting: West Biloxi Councilman Paul Tisdale will conduct a ward meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Donal Snyder Center on Pass Road. Among the scheduled topics: the speed table on Mercury Lane; plans for Cruisin’, Spring Break and Thunderbirds;Enclave-Audubon drainage swale; Tree Committee; FY ’19 budget highlights; rezoning of property on Pass Road near Mississippi Music; and an update on the extending of Popp’s Ferry Road to U.S. 90. Have a comment? Email Tisdale at ptisdale1@yahoo.com.
