Category Archives: Your City At Work | Page 2

Your City at Work

Biloxi identifes positive Coronavirus case

Merit Health in Biloxi announced this morning that a patient has been confirmed as having Cornoavirus or COVID-19 The hospital’s statement: “For the last several days, our hospital has been working collaboratively with the Mississippi State Department of Health while testing was completed for a patient who presented our facility with risk factors and symptoms consistent […]

Keesler seeks to limit base traffic

Keesler Air Force Base is asking retirees and veterans to limit travel to the base for essential medical appointment only. “Keeping our training pipeline open is essential to the success of our Air Force,” said Col. Heather Blackwell, commander of the 81st Training Wing. “Stopping the spread of this virus will enable us to continue […]

First responders develop new protocols

Two-thirds of the 7,000 calls to the Biloxi Fire Department in a typical year are medical emergencies, and the threat of the coronavirus means 911 dispatchers will be asking more questions as they roll first responders to calls for help. “It’s really a matter of protecting our first responders and making sure we don’t do […]

City eyes impact of casino closures

“We’re evaluating every aspect of our city finances,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said today, hours after casino resorts in Biloxi and across the state closed to minimize the threat of spreading the coronavirus. The city’s annual budget — about $66 million for operations and another $18 million for water and sewer services — had projected […]

Council meeting to have restricted attendance

The Biloxi City Council will meet Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., but city leaders are asking that only those with pending business before the council attend the meeting since seating will be restricted. The restricted seating also will be enforced during a noon special meeting to consider funding for Coast Transit Authority. All meetings of the […]

Municipal Court cancels sessions for two weeks

Biloxi Municipal Court will not be in session this week, however, the court itself remains open for those scheduled to make payments or perform court-appointed work. An administrative order issued by the court today continues all cases for at least two weeks, through 5 p.m. on Friday, March 27. The order also notes that judges […]

City to declare state of emergency

The City of Biloxi plans to declare a state of emergency during a City Council meeting on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. The state of emergency and the city’s continuing assessment of standard operating procedures are steps designed to minimize the expected increase in cases of the Coronavirus. The state of the emergency, a measure typically […]

Monday will bring closures, schedule changes

Classes will not be in session this week at Biloxi Public Schools and a number of city facilities, including the Biloxi Natatorium and Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center, will be closed as well, as local leaders attempt to reduce the chance for the spread of the coronavirus. Leaders of Biloxi Public Schools, after a […]

Podcast: A rollercoaster of a week

This week’s City Desk podcast reviews the week — huge back-to-back crowds at the ballpark, followed by postponement of weekend events — as community leaders continue to work to diminish the chance of the Coronavirus spreading. The weekly public affairs program, which also focuses on Census 2020 this week, was recorded this afternoon at City […]

Natatorium, Snyder Center to close temporarily

The Biloxi Parks & Recreation Department has decided to temporarily close two well-used facilities beginning Monday. The Biloxi Natatorium and the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center, facilities that are frequented by people of all ages, will close on March 16 and remain closed until further notice. “We want to be prudent,” said Parks & […]

Census questionnaires arriving now. Do your part

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 […]

With spike in interest, Biloxi postpones parade, Grillin’

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, after consulting with organizers of two weekend events, has announced that the Hibernia Marching Society St. Patrick’s parade and Grillin’ on the Green will be moved to the Fall. Gilich made his decision after organizers of both events reported a significant spike in interest from potential visitors and vendors because other […]

St. Paddy’s parade, Grillin’ remain on schedule

The Hibernia Marching Society’s annual St. Paddy’s Day parade and Main Street’s Grillin’ on the Green are still on schedule for this weekend, but Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says the city will continue to monitor directives from public health leaders, and the public should continue to take common-sense steps to diminish the spread of the […]

State-Texas Tech attracts 5,700 to MGM Park

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 […]

Ball park opens at 5 for State-Texas Tech

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 […]

State-Texas Tech at MGM Park this week

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 […]

New VA protocols tie up Monday morning traffic

Traffic headed into the Biloxi Veterans Administration grounds was slow-moving and backed up the length of Veterans Avenue, to U.S. 90, at one point this morning as the VA introduced new protocols with the coronavirus in mind. Under the plan, VA staff is questioning those entering the federal grounds about their health, whether they’ve traveled […]

Ward meetings in the works for March

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 […]

You made it! It’s First Friday

The March edition of First Friday, the monthly downtown affair, kicks off at 5 today in the Biloxi Downtown Arts District. The event, which takes place along Rue Magnolia, and Water and George E. Ohr streets, will feature discounts from downtown merchants, who expand hours for the event. You’ll also find trivia hosted by Biloxi […]

Fred Haise: From Biloxi to the moon – and back

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 […]

CTA faces key city funding vote Tuesday

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 […]

BTV: Out with the old, in with the new

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 […]

March: St. Paddy’s, Grillin’ and a whole bunch more

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 […]

Mardi Gras 2020: The follow up

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 rolls at 1 p.m.

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 […]

Beads and love were in the air for Neptune

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 […]

Second Liners roll; Neptune in the wings

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 […]

Here’s the traffic plan for Mardi Gras

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 […]

Safety tips for before, during and after the parades

“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 […]

Nina, Pinta now at Schooner pier

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 […]

Fat Tuesday: Closer by the day

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 […]

City seeks volunteer nominations

Do you know a person, organization or business that is always willing to help out? Then nominate them for the 37th annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony. The City of Biloxi will be recognizing those who have volunteered in Biloxi in the areas of community, health, arts and history, education, military, nonprofit organization, youth, sports, adult and […]

Children’s parade rolls through downtown

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 […]

Shoebox float creators honored at City Hall

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 […]

Dancing, parading, barking and more this weekend

It’s Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras season in Biloxi. That means more to celebrate and parade about, especially this weekend. The Biloxi Parks & Recreation Department will present its popular annual Daddy-Daughter Sweetheart Dance tonight from 6 to 9 at the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center. All daddys and daughters are invited to dress […]

Short-term rental operators closed, fined

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 […]

It was a week 321 years in the making

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 […]

City to pursue short-term rental cases

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 […]

Tonight, get a sneak peek at history expo

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 […]

New drainage system handled torrential downpour

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 […]

Mardi Gras happenings in Biloxi

Saturday, Feb. 15: Biloxi Children’s Mardi Gras Walking Parade The annual children’s parade, open to ages 12 and younger, will walk and roll downtown on Saturday at 10 a.m.  This year’s theme is “Carnaval Du Cirque” and celebrates the circus.  The parade begins under the I-110 overpass on Howard Avenue, travels east on Howard to […]

City seeks bids to remove Division Street structures

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” […]

State of the City: Pick your topic

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 […]

Sign up now for the Children’s Mardi Gras parade

Mardi Gras is only weeks away and the city, the Gulf Coast Carnival Association and the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum are now asking for children to join the festivities. The annual Biloxi Children’s Mardi Gras Walking Parade, set for Saturday, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m., is open to youngsters age 12 and younger who […]

BTV: A parade of history in February

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 […]

Gilich delivers a 2020 Vision for Biloxi

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 […]

Clydesdales return to Downtown Biloxi Wednesday

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 […]

City recognizes fourth quarter longevity recipients

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, on Tuesday, recognized 26 employees for their years of service during a longevity awards presentation. 35 years of service: Cheryl Bell, Parks & Recreation Department director 30 years of service: John Rodolfich, Fire Department; and Ronald Lessner, Police Department 25 years of service: Louis Leitenberger and Stephen Strickler, Fire Department; and Michael […]

City to consider Sound, spillway resolutions

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 […]

MLK celebration marching to Monday

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 […]

Sound Coalition seeks new legislation

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 […]

Cedar-Popp’s fire station to be dedicated Saturday

“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 […]

Carnival season kicks off in Biloxi this weekend

Carnival season will officially kick off in Biloxi on Sunday with the celebration of Twelfth Night beginning at 5 p.m. at the Biloxi Visitors Center, followed by a parade to Biloxi City Hall. The gathering will begin with the Gulf Coast Carnival Association’s 2019 Royal Court parading through the visitors center and out to the […]

States of the City: A look back

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 […]

A Sound idea: Cities, counties form coalition

By Gerald Blessey Our coastal way of life is threatened. We must stand united to protect it. The 2019 openings of the Bonnet CarrĂ© 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 […]

New BNews Monthly arrives this week

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 […]

Gilich praises Congressional delegation for FEMA help

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 […]

Coast leaders file spillway lawsuit

The City of Biloxi has joined other coast leaders in filing a federal lawsuit regarding future openings of the Bonnet CarrĂ© Spillway. The filing, announced today by Marlin Ladner, President of the Harrison County Board of Supervisors, is to compel the Mississippi River Commission to consult with the people of the Mississippi Coast before opening […]

Kirkland resigns from city post

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 […]

Biloxi’s Holiday Open House is this weekend

Looking for that one-of-a-kind gift to give for Christmas? Look no further. The Holiday Open House at the Biloxi Visitors Center has you covered this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Biloxi Visitors Center will be filled with dozens of artists and craftsmen showing and selling their wares. There […]

North contract: The end is near. Really.

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 […]

Gilich: Kirkland on leave

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich announced this morning that Cliff Kirkland is on leave pending a resolution of criminal charges.  Kirkland, 67, was arrested Tuesday night by Biloxi Police on two counts of allegedly touching of a child with lustful purposes. “As Mayor, I will always put the City of Biloxi’s interest first,” Gilich said.  “These […]

Jack the Fire Dog growing into the job

Jack the Biloxi Fire Dog is learning that everything’s not in black and white. On any given day, he knows not whether he’ll in be in a fire station roaming among firefighters, in front of a classroom of young students, or greetings crowds at a Christmas or Mardi Gras parade. Such is the life with […]

Santa parades through Woolmarket Saturday

Christmas celebrations continue in Biloxi this weekend with the annual Woolmarket Christmas Parade beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. The parade, now in its third year, will include dozens of walking units, floats, golf carts, utility vehicles, corvettes and a Biloxi fire truck.  “Every year this parade has grown,” said Ward 7 Councilmember Nathan Barrett, […]

Gulf Coast Marathon in town this weekend

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 […]

Christmas parades and festival this weekend

The annual Christmas on the Water Children’s Parade rolls downtown tonight beginning at 6 p.m. The parade, open to children in kindergarten through fourth grade, will begin at the Dr. Frank G. Gruich Sr. Community Center on Howard Avenue, travel west on Howard Avenue, turn south on Reynoir Street, east on Jackson street, south on […]

Police offer holiday safety tips

The Christmas season officially kicked off in Biloxi this week and with more festivities planned, Biloxi Police are asking everyone to keep safety in mind while enjoying the season. “Crime tends to rise as the criminals take advantage of all the hustle and bustle during the season,” Biloxi Police Major Christopher De Back says.  “And […]

Mason, firefighters honored for heroics

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 […]

Holidays, heroes highlight BTV lineup

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 […]

Here’s the 2019 Christmas lineup

Sunday, Dec. 1 Gulf Coast Carnival Association Fleur De Lis Children’s Christmas Party, Noon to 2 p.m., Mary Mahoney’s Old French House, 110 Rue Magnolia. See the King, Queen and court of Mardi Gras in a festive affair. $25 per person. Details: 228-432-8806. Thursday, Dec. 5 Biloxi Lighthouse Holiday Lighting, 5:30 pm. Biloxi Lighthouse, south […]

Infrastructure work returning to Howard Avenue

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 […]

Thanksgiving is prime time for feasting – and fires

Cooking is the most common cause of residential fires, according to the National Fire Prevention Association, and home fires are four times more likely to occur on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year. This Thanksgiving, the Biloxi Fire Department wants to remind residents of some safety tips to keep in mind while […]

World War II hero to speak at Gold Star ceremony

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 […]

It’s a 10! City puts newest fire station in service

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 […]

Trio of ribbon cuttings planned this week

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 […]

Mayor’s Cup spills into downtown Saturday

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich will be firing the starting gun to launch the Mayor’s Cup Run on Saturday, an event that is expected to attract dozens of runners to downtown Biloxi for its annual presentation. “It’s one of our larger races,” says longtime Gulf Coast Running Club director Leonard Vergunst, who oversees more than two […]

Coast developer seeks casino resort OK for Tivoli site

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. […]

Hard Freeze Warning issued for this evening

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 […]

Point Cadet Marina project awarded $3 million grant

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 […]

City seeks to save oak in Azalea neighborhood

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 […]

Christmas City, Fall Festival and more this weekend

You don’t have to look far for something fun to do this weekend in Biloxi. Beginning today, the annual Ron Meyers Christmas City Gift Show, which traces its origins to 1983 and is now touted as one of the largest gift shows in the South, takes place at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. The three-day holiday […]

Gilich updates status on Popp’s Ferry corridor

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 […]

New sidewalks being installed along Southern Avenue

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 […]

Infrastructure work expands to area of Point Cadet

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 […]

Weekend preview: First Friday, Peter Anderson and more

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 […]

BTV’s November lineup now playing

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 […]

Plan in works to bore under burial site

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 […]

Keep safety in mind when trick-or-treating

Halloween is Thursday night, and Biloxi public safety leaders are advising those families who are not participating in organized gatherings to make safety a priority when trick-or-treating in city neighborhoods. The city offers these tips for you to be aware of and share with your children: When trick-or-treating: -A parent or responsible adult should always […]

November newsletter due out this week

Biloxi’s eight casinos took in $883.5 million in the just-concluded fiscal year, the highest gross gaming revenue figure in a decade. That news, which caught the attention of columnist Nick L. Shrimp, is one of the dozen or so features in the November issue of the citywide newsletter, BNews Monthly, which is due this week […]

Weather service: A wet weekend on tap

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 […]

Openings, closings for White Avenue, Forrest gates

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 […]

Cemetery tour encore is this evening

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, […]

City recognizes third quarter longevity recipients

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, on Tuesday, recognized 36 employees for their years of service during a longevity awards presentation. 40 years of service: Marilyn King, Community Development Department 30 years of service: Stacy Thacker, Administration Department; Brian Thacker, Parks and Recreation Department; and Lyonel Hodge, Public Works Department 25 years of service: Michael Wills, Police Department […]

City may sell vacant Magnolia Hotel

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 […]

Enter Hiller from Atkinson for Halloween gathering

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, […]

Keesler: White Avenue gate closed until Oct. 28

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 […]

Get a preview tonight of upcoming cemetery tours

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, […]

Relax. Know it’s going to be a slow-moving weekend

“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 […]

Active shooter drill planned at North Bay

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 […]

Cruisin’ 2019: Earlier arrivals and smoother rides

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 […]

Ohr Fest celebrates a Biloxi genius

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. […]

Community Bank begins construction at new downtown site

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 […]

Frustration continues at Popp’s Ferry Bridge

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 […]

Seats now available for Biloxi First roast of Tisdale

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 […]

BTV unveils October lineup on Tuesday

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 awards $5.9 million for Biloxi waterfront projects

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 […]

Oscar Renda seeks final OK for all areas east of Lee

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 […]

Citywide newsletter has your October preview

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 […]

Congressional delegation: FEMA reversal is ‘unacceptable’

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 […]

Biloxi houses saved from wrecking ball

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. […]

Community Festival at Point Cadet this weekend

Dozens of people are expected to gather at Point Cadet Plaza Saturday for the Biloxi Police and Fire departments’ annual Biloxi Community Festival Against Crime.   The public will get a close-up look at the city’s emergency-response equipment, meet police officers and firefighters and receive safety tips on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. […]

Drawdown at the Seafood Museum this weekend

The public is invite to enjoy an evening of festivities at the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum Saturday for the 34th Annual $10,000 Drawdown. The affair will take place at the museum, 115 First Street, with cocktails and entertainment beginning at 6 p.m. A host of tasty seafood dishes, buffet style, will be available beginning […]

See 1951 Biloxi on the silver screen Thursday

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 […]

New Biloxi schools program has the inside story

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 […]

Biloxi schools excel in state accountability results

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 […]

Bay Vista tank repairs begin, end this week

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 […]

Firefighters on parade and on the run

Firefighters and first responses will be celebrated this weekend during the annual Biloxi Fireman’s Day Parade and the Stephen Siller Tunnels to Tower 5K and Climb. Dozens of fire trucks from across the Coast will parade downtown Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. on Howard Avenue. Teh procession begins at the intersection of Main Street and […]

Seafood galore on Town Green this weekend

If you are looking for something to do in Biloxi this weekend, you don’t have to look too far. The annual Biloxi Seafood Festival – two days of seafood, music, family entertainment, and arts and crafts – takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on […]

Learn to overcome your fear of water

Do you or someone you know have a fear of being in the water? The City of Biloxi Aquatics Division wants to help. On Saturday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. staff at the Biloxi Natatorium will open the facility to individuals age 18 and older who want to become more comfortable about being in the […]

FY 2020 budget: Inside the numbers

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

Be a part of the home-field advantage tonight

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 […]

Shuckers launch title run Tuesday at MGM Park

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 […]

Council to revisit city budget Tuesday

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 breaks new ground in downtown

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 […]

Shuckers host Blue Wahoos tonight in Game 1 of playoffs

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 […]

City seeks proposals for removal of Division Street structures

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 […]

September newsletter arrives Friday, Saturday

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 […]

Camille documentary debuts tonight on MPB

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 […]

BTV marks Katrina anniversary with ‘new’ video

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 […]

Sports Hall of Fame welcomes new class — 2019

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 […]

Rail crossings on agenda Tuesday

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 […]

Miller addresses Lions Club audience

Biloxi Police Chief John Miller gave an Ocean Springs civic group an idea of how the Biloxi Police Department operates on a daily basis, and he left no doubt about his biggest challenge these days: Dealing with the homeless. “A quarter of my day every day is spent dealing with that issue,” Miller told members […]

Shuckers, Shrimp Bowl and more this weekend

The Biloxi Shuckers return to MGM Park tonight for their final homestand of the season as they take on the Mississippi Braves. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m. and, its Fireworks Friday so the game will be followed by spectacular fireworks display.  Baseball fans will be able to enjoy game night promotions with Shuck Yeah […]

White House to present interactive Biloxi history lesson

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 […]

North contract continues down home stretch

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 […]

School board seeks input in superintendent search

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 ready to break ground

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 […]

Council faces full agenda this afternoon

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, […]

Camille at 50: Something old, something new

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 […]

Shuckers open BayBears series

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 […]

Shuckers vs. BayBears: Promotions, jersey auction and more

By Garrett Greene, Biloxi Shuckers 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 […]

Sports Hall of Fame to welcome 2019 class

High school and college football coach John Williams and former Indians basketball star Seber Windham, who now coaches at Biloxi High School, are unanimous selections to the 2019 Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame. Williams and Windham head an impressive group of 13 inductees, which includes three Biloxi Boxing Club legends, a 165-pound walk-on center on […]

City updates gaming revenue figures

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 […]

U.S. 90 asphalt work completes Week 1

“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 […]

A video primer: Inside the city budget talks

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 […]

Biloxi Shuckers announce 2020 schedule

By Garrett Greene, Biloxi Shuckers The Biloxi Shuckers have announced their 2020 home schedule, which again includes Opening Day at MGM Park, a July 3 matchup with the Mississippi Braves and 10 Friday home games. The Shuckers will open the 2020 season at home on Thursday, April 9 against the Montgomery Biscuits. This marks the […]

Want to ride along with a firefighter?

Are you interested in a career as a firefighter but unsure of what the job really entails? Maybe you are just interested in what a day in the life of a firefighter is like. Well, now you can find out by applying for the Biloxi Fire Department’s Citizen Ride-Along Program. “We have had individuals express […]

U.S. 90 paving work begins tonight at DeBuys

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 […]

First Friday and more this weekend in Biloxi

The Biloxi Main Street and downtown businesses will host the August edition of First Friday, tonight from 5 to 8 p.m. along Rue Magnolia and Water Street. The affair will include live entertainment by Brandon Kenyon and Nevine Applewhite, and street tacos and cold brews at Makin’ Groceries Taco Pop-Up outside The Threaded Cork. Gallery […]

BTV now in Sparklight and Uverse homes

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 […]

Biloxi Public Schools registration deadline is Wednesday

Those students who are not yet registered for Biloxi Public Schools have until Wednesday to complete online registration to be able to attend classes on the first day of school, which is Tuesday, Aug. 6. Registration is taking place for public schools across the city and may be done online by clicking here.  A school […]

Seafood museum opens nominations for 2019 hall of fame

The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum is now accepting nominations for its 2019 Heritage Hall of Fame class. Nominations are open to individuals who have shown dedication to honoring the tradition of the maritime and seafood industry on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the following four categories: Boat Owner/Captain/Commercial Fisherman, Commercial Seafood Processing Companies, Industry […]

Batter up! Biloxi Night is Wednesday at MGM Park

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 […]

August newsletter arrives this week across Biloxi

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 […]

Budget workshop planned for Monday

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 […]

BTV weekend: The ‘B’ is for budget

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: Thanksgiving may be D-Day

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 […]

City finances are front and center these days

There’s a story about city finances in the upcoming August issue of the citywide newsletter — “2018 audit: City gets encouraging financial news” — but now Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and City Councilmembers find themselves in 2019 and working on a 2020 budget that has a host of big-ticket expenses. “We have better news to […]

Shuckers usher in Biloxi series with Generals

The Biloxi Shuckers on Saturday evening launch a five-day series hosting the Jackson (TN) Generals, and it all climixes on Wednesday night with a Biloxi Night. The Shuckers, who are in Jacksonville this evening, will face Jackson at MGM Park on Saturday at 6:35 p.m. Tylers Amazing Balancing Act will headline off-field entertainment Saturday night, […]

Dirt turned at future spot of Gold Star Families monument

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 […]

Mayor gives progress report to Chamber audience

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich addressed a full house for Breakfast with the Mayor this week, with a recap and update on city projects and issues. “We got a lot of spinning plates right now”, Gilich said during the breakfast, “and were trying to add some more”. Gilich, who spoke to a Biloxi Chamber audience at […]

Cool down on the Biloxi Town Green tonight

The Biloxi Parks & Recreation Department is celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month by hosting a water themed movie night tonight on the Biloxi Town Green. Beginning at 6 p.m., the green space at the corner of U.S. 90 and Main Street will be filled with carnival games and waterslide. Then at dusk, the movie […]

City recognizes second quarter longevity recipients

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, on Tuesday, recognized 14 employees for their years of service during a longevity awards presentation. 35 years of service: Chief Joe Boney, Fire Department director 25 years of service: Tammy McMillan, (Court) Administration Department; and Ernest Thibodeaux, Public Works Department 20 years of service:Gregory Eleuterius Jr. and Joseph Freeman, Parks & Recreation […]

Barry expected to soak the weekend

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” […]

Registration coming up for Biloxi Public Schools

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 giving away $3,000 in student aid

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 […]

Biloxi declares state of emergency

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. […]

First responders, council meetings highlight BTV lineup

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 […]

Threatening weather may be on horizon

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, […]

Gold Star Families Memorial headed for Guice Park

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 […]

City receives East Biloxi convention center report

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 […]

Take 2: Another night of BTV testing

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 […]

Council to get new look at Margaritaville

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 […]

July Fourth: Fireworks lineup and other info

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 […]

BTV testing: A night of programming tonight

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 […]

What? Biloxi’s closed? Au contraire, mon ami

(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 […]

Shuckers, BayBears homestand and promotions begin Sunday

By: Garrett Greene, Biloxi Shuckers As the calendar turns to July, the Biloxi Shuckers return to MGM Park for a four-game series against the Mobile BayBears from June 30 to July 3. The homestand will include an Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza, another T-Shirt Tuesday and a late afternoon start time on Sunday. Salute Sunday presented […]

City issues latest water quality report

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 […]

Unregistered trash, recycling carts to vanish

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 […]

WLOX to recognize Biloxi police chief

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 […]

Municipal league in town, aiming for a home run

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 […]

Popp’s Ferry Bridge work in final stages

City contractors this week will be finalizing the upgrades to the Popp’s Ferry Bridge and, good news, no other closings are expected. Motorists and marine traffic have seen recent closures to the bridge while repairs and upgrades have taken place. The latest closure was last week, which impacted marine traffic. On Sunday morning, the bridge […]

Scrapin: Another year in the books

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 […]

Cones down; 25,000 expected for Scrapin

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 […]

City opens door to private interest in Saenger

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 […]

Gilich reflects on Camille at luncheon today

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich will address a Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum audience at 11:30 this morning during the Lunch and Learn Series. The series, part of the “Camille at 50” exhibit at the museum, takes place in the first floor meeting room and runs until 1 p.m. “Up until Katrina, Hurricane Camille was what […]

Summertime means more paving in east Biloxi

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 […]

Shuckers, Braves at MGM Park and myriad promotions

By Garrett Greene, Biloxi Shuckers  The Biloxi Shuckers open a five-game homestand hosting the Mississippi Braves from tonight to Monday. The first home series against the Mississippi Braves in 2019 will feature a number of fun-filled experiences including golf night, fireworks and a kids backpack giveaway! Golf Night and Double Play Thursday presented by Polk’s […]

In East Biloxi, summertime means faster pace of paving

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 […]

All stars take over MGM Park, Hard Rock

The 2019 Southern League All-Star game is just a day away, but activities begins this afternoon at MGM Park. The 2019 Southern League All-Star festivities in Biloxi are underway now with FanFest outside the park, followed by autograph sections with North Division players from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. and South Division players from 4:45 to […]

BTV moves a step closer on Cable One

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, […]

Tree Committee seeks members from Wards 6, 7

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 […]

Delegation discusses spillway issue in White House meeting

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 begins U.S. 90 work in Biloxi

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 […]

Council approves Bertucci Park development

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. […]

Downtown development forum set for Tuesday

With so many opportunities available for new development in downtown Biloxi, the City of Biloxi, Biloxi Main Street, and the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce have decided to hold a Downtown Development Incentive Forum Tuesday morning. The free forum will take place at the Biloxi Civic Center from 8 a.m. to noon with more than a […]

Latest state report shows impact of Biloxi casinos

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 Amtrak service: 24 months away?

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 […]

Biloxi Shuckers homestand highlights June 7-11

By Garrett Greene, Biloxi Shuckers The Biloxi Shuckers open a five-game homestand hosting the Pensacola Blue Wahoos from tonight to Tuesday, June 11. The pivotal division clash will continue the Seafood Buffet Rivalry Series, feature fireworks, a giveaway, Saints Hall of Fame Night and Military Appreciation Night!  Fireworks Friday and Saints Hall of Fame Night […]

Saints, Shuckers storm into Biloxi today

The Saints Hall of Famers have arrived. Today, they’re on the golf course, and later today they’ll be at MGM Park and with the Biloxi Shuckers. Newly anointed New Orleans Saints Hall of Famers Reggie Bush and Marques Colston celebrated their ascension with Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich Thursday night at the IP Casino Resort. […]

Six Shuckers named to all-star squad

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 […]

Take heed; wet weather delays Billfish

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 […]

Bush, Rogers, Colston headline Saints Day

Former Heisman winners George Rogers and Reggie Bush unite with standout receiver Marques Colston and NFL Hall of Famer Rickey Jackson in Biloxi this week when the annual Saints Hall of Fame Weekend returns for the fourth time. An invitation-only reception and silent auction of Saints memorabilia will be held Thursday at the IP Casino […]

Point Cadet Marina abuzz with Billfish preparations

Hundreds of deep-sea anglers and their armada of million-dollar boats are at Point Cadet Marina this week for the annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Tournament taking place through Sunday. Teams begin arriving this morning to compete for millions in cash and prizes in six divisions: Catch and Release, Blue Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, Dolphinfish and Lure […]

R U Ready for hurricane season?

Hurricane season is days old, and the City of Biloxi wants to know if you are prepared. To help residents plan, the city is hosting its annual R U Ready event on Friday. The free, informative event takes place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, 115 First St., with […]

90th annual Blessing of the Fleet

The 90th annual Blessing of the Fleet takes place this weekend in East Biloxi. The weekend-long tradition, which officially began Thursday with the Memorial of the Mass for Deceased Fishermen, will continue this weekend with the Great Biloxi Schooner Mayors Cup, Fais Do-Do, and the Blessing of the Fleet. The weekend activities kick off Saturday […]

Oscar Renda hits paving milestone

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 […]

City newsletter, storm season on the way

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 […]

Senior health expo happening Wednesday

Adults age 50 and older can get a host of free health screenings, demonstrations and tips on leading a healthy lifestyle Wednesday during the Senior Health, Wellness & Fitness Expo. The event is free and takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center, 2520 Pass Road. “This […]

Shuckers, Smokies and myriad promotions this week at MGM Park

By Garrett Green, Biloxi Shuckers The Biloxi Shuckers open a five-game homestand hosting the Tennessee Smokies from tonight to Saturday, June 1. In the only 2019 clash at MGM Park between the two clubs, the Shuckers will have two giveaways, Double Play Thursday and will also host Pride Night! T-Shirt Tuesday with ‘How I Met […]

Gilich, mayors discuss Bonnet Carre issue

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 […]

Conference USA heading to semifinals this weekend

The Conference USA baseball tournament continues at MGM Park with games tonight and throughout the weekend. The winner of today’s game between Marshall University and the Rice Owls, which began at 3 p.m. today, will take on Southern Miss on Saturday at 9 a.m. in the semifinals. No. 1 seed Florida Atlantic awaits the winner […]

Get a taste of history at the Community Market Festival

The Preservation in May Program joins the Charles R. Hegwood Biloxi Community Market Festival today in Downtown Biloxi. The festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Biloxi Community Market under I-110 off Howard Avenue and will feature entertainment by Amber Dawn, lunch provided by Biloxi Main Street and a Preservation in […]

A farewell video: ‘Salute to a Fallen Brother’

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 […]

Funeral home announces program for McKeithen service

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 […]

Roadway closures announced for McKeithen procession

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 […]

Thousands expected for McKeithen services Monday

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 […]

‘ReUnion at the Union’ on tap for May 17

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich’s vision for the “new” Howard Avenue has compared the brick-covered street to “a parquet dance floor,” and on May 17, the public will get a chance to try it out. The city, Main Street and Merit Health Biloxi will formerly mark the re-opening of Howard Avenue on Friday, May 17 with […]

A conversation with the McKeithen family

Robert McKeithen, the 24-year Biloxi police officer who died after being shot in front of the city’s public safety center Sunday night, had told Police Chief John Miller he planned to retire at the end of the year, but family members question whether that was really going to happen. “He always talked about retiring. But […]

Wreath, vigil turn attention to officer, community

“We’ve had the tragedy, the accused have been captured, and now the attention returns to healing and the memory of a well-liked Biloxi police officer,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says of the candlelight vigil planned for this afternoon at the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center and the pending funeral services for Biloxi Patrolman Robert McKeithen. The […]

Warrant issued in death of Biloxi police officer

A capital murder warrant has been issued for 19-year-old Darian Tawan Atkinson of Biloxi in the shooting death of Biloxi Police Officer Robert McKeithen. The announcement was made late this afternoon during a briefing by Gulfport Police Chief Leonard Papania, Harrison County Sheriff Troy Peterson and Biloxi Police Chief John Miller. See the video: To […]

Robert McKeithen: ‘An unbelievably fine policeman’

Update May 8: A conversation with the McKeithen family. See the story and the videoAlso, see the video of the laying of a wreath by city officials and of the vigil. Update: May 7: City officials laid a wreath and prayed for Officer Robert McKeithen near his patrol car and a prayer vigil was held, […]

Rain threat aside, air show remains on schedule

The National Weather Service says there’s an 80 percent chance of rain Saturday, mainly after 1 p.m., right about the time the Thunder over the Sound air show is scheduled to begin over the Biloxi Beach, but as of right now, the air show remains on schedule. Any changes in the air show schedule will […]

Preservation in May: Virtual Voices from Our Past

History takes center stage this month with the city’s annual Preservation in May series, and this year there’s a bonus: the introduction of a virtual tour of the Biloxi City Cemetery. Tonight, the 12th Annual Preservation in May series begins with a Biloxi Trivia Night at Southport Line from 5:30 to 7 p.m. where the […]

Fire museum to host fish fry Friday

Sure, the Thunderbirds are in town this weekend, but there’s no better way to kick off the weekend with a fish fry at the Biloxi Fire Museum. West End Hose Co. No. 3, as the museum is officially known, will host a fish fry Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can dine in […]

What you need to know about the air show

Barricades were placed along U.S. 90 intersections earlier this week, and tonight at 10 Biloxi Public Works crews will begin placing traffic cones in the center lanes of the beachfront highway as plans move forward for the Thunderbirds air show this weekend. Fans actually will get their first peek of “Thunder over the Sound: The […]

Playing spots available in Saints Hall of Fame golf tournament

Biloxi once again welcomes legends from the New Orleans Saints to the Mississippi Gulf Coast June 6-8 when the annual Saints Weekend returns for a celebrity-packed golf tournament at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Grand Bear and an autograph-photo session during a Biloxi Shuckers home game. Two of the most outstanding offensive stars in Saints history will […]

Busy, high-flying times ahead for U.S. 90

Biloxi Public Works crews began positioning barricades alongside intersections on U.S. 90 today, signaling what will be a busy time on the beachfront roadway over the next seven days. Thunder Over the Sound: The Keesler & Biloxi Air and Space Show doesn’t take place until Saturday and Sunday, but you can expect to see crowds […]

Here’s your history expo presentation line up

The 2019 Gulf Coast Historical and Cultural Exposition began this morning at the Biloxi Civic Center and includes a dozen presentations and films in the lecture hall. The two-day event continues until 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Here is the complete line up for this afternoon and Saturday.  Note, […]

May citywide newsletter on the way

The May issue of BNews, with stories on the Thunder over the Sound air show, Preservation in May and a host of other May happenings, will begin arriving in mailboxes and PO boxes across the city this weekend. The 16-page issue contains two pages of details on the Thunder over the Sound 2019 Keesler and […]

Salvation Army offers more Help Cards

The Salvation Army, after seeing its initial supply of 2,000 Help Cards distributed to businesses and the public in a matter of days, has made another 10,000 of the free referral cards available at the Biloxi Visitors Center, the Kroc Center in Biloxi, or The Salvation Army on 22nd Street in Gulfport. The business-size cards, […]

Celebrate coast history and culture Friday and Saturday

Biloxi has a long history filled with diverse culture and in celebration of the community’s history, the City of Biloxi and Preserve Biloxi hosts the Gulf Coast Historical and Cultural Exposition Friday and Saturday at the Biloxi Civic Center. The free affair, taking place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, is open to […]

City recognizes employees for service milestone

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, on Tuesday, recognized nearly two dozen employees for their years of service during a longevity awards presentation. City employees who were commented for the milestone this quarter are listed below. 40 years of service: Patricia Rose, Community Development Department 35 years of service: Karen Brashier, Council Department 30 years of service: Jill […]

Short-term rental debate may be decided Tuesday

The years-old issue of short-term rentals – where dozens of properties have taken advantage of renting out properties for discerning visitors – may be fine tuned on Tuesday. The City Council will conduct a special meeting Tuesday morning at 10:30 and the issue is scheduled for a vote during the council meeting Tuesday afternoon at […]

OK, parents, Saturday is registration day

A host of Biloxi parents are expected to line up Saturday morning at the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center as citywide registration takes place for Biloxi’s popular summer camp – officially known as the Summer Playground and Enrichment Program. Registration – Biloxi residents only – will be Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at […]

Spring storm, strong winds expected today

Biloxi and the surrounding area could see sustained winds from 20 to 30 mph between noon and 10 p.m. as a vigorous spring storm is expected. City leaders have announced that non-emergency municipal offices are closing at 1 this afternoon. The National Weather Service says wind gusts could be as high as 45 mph. “We’re […]

Broussard named Distinguished Volunteer of the Year

Pete Broussard, a retired letter carrier who was described as “a silent hero, a sincere helper and truly one of the ‘good guys,’” was named as the city’s Distinguished Volunteer of the Year in a ceremony Tuesday evening. Broussard was among the dozens of individuals, businesses and groups recognized during the city’s annual Volunteer Recognition […]

Raymond earns certification in historic redevelopment finance

Bill Raymond, the City of Biloxi’s historic administrator, has received certification as a Historic Real Estate Development Finance Professional from the National Development Council. The certification is a professional credential given to individuals who have successfully completed the National Development Council’s intensive historic real estate development finance training series. The training provides professionals working in […]

Spring Break: Traffic plan kept traffic moving

There’s no doubt about it, Police Chief John Miller says regarding the Spring Break weekend: The city’s traffic plan keeps traffic moving, has reduced the number of traffic tickets and accidents, and is working. The issue, Miller says in a video released today on the city’s YouTube channel, is that you’re going to have issues […]

Hydrant testing to get underway in west Biloxi

The Biloxi Fire Department, as part of the citywide fire-rating process, will be conducting inspections of fire hydrants Tuesday in the neighborhoods around the fire stations at the Margaret L. Sherry Memorial Library and stations at Veterans and Pass Road. Tests will involve testing water pressure at the hydrants by having them run for five-minute […]

Shuckers kick off Blue Wahoos homestand this evening

By Garrett Greene, Biloxi Shuckers After a five-game road trip to Montgomery, the Biloxi Shuckers return to MGM Park for 10 games, beginning this evening at 6:35 p.m. when the Shuckers kick off a homestand by hosting the Pensacola Blue Wahoos for a five-game series. The Blue Wahoos series is also the first games the […]

City rolls out East Biloxi facade grant program

The city’s Federal Programs Division on Thursday will begin accepting applications for a façade program that offers grants of up to $20,000. The program initially targets owner-occupied businesses east of Caillavet and north of the CSX railway. The grants, administered under the city’s Community Development Block Grant program, have stipulations: Businesses on Caillavet and Division […]

Spring break, eggs hunts and more this weekend

Spring Break weekend is here and the city is preparing for the throngs of visitors and cruisers expected in Biloxi to partake in the festivities. Copies of the Spring Break Traffic Plan have been delivered to the Edgewater Mall, the Biloxi Visitors Center, and many city facilities, and nearly 6,000 traffic cones and barricades have […]

Shuckers, Shrimp and Wahoo begin seafood rivalry

By Garrett Greene, Biloxi Shuckers Three Southern League franchises, all connected by I-10 and seafood-related mascots, are partnering for a round robin competition throughout the 2019 season. The Biloxi Shuckers, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Pensacola Blue Wahoos will vie for the Seafood Buffet Rivalry Series, bringing the winning team one pound of seafood from each […]

Get ready: Spring Break crowds, traffic coming up

Spring Break weekend, when tens of thousands of college-age visitors descend on Biloxi for the weekend, is upon us in a few days, but innkeepers report this weekend shows only a fraction of the number of reservations seen in years  past. However, motorists on U.S. 90 on Thursday will see Biloxi’s Public Works Department setting […]

Sports Hall of Fame seeks nominees for 2019 class

The Biloxi Parks & Recreation Department is now seeking nominations for its 2019 class of the Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame. If you know a retired athlete who contributed to the betterment of athletics in Biloxi, or a coach or individual who has played a supporting role for more than a decade, nominate them for […]

Shuckers’ 2019 season hits some firsts

The Biloxi Shuckers launched their 2019 season and tonight they end their five-game homestand with the Birmingham Barons. Here’s a recap of the season opening weekend, straight from Biloxi Shuckers Media Relations Manager and Broadcaster Garrett Greene. “Despite Mother Nature throwing the kitchen sink at us (and the first ever fog delay in MGM Park […]

Doubleheader, fireworks to open Shuckers season

By Garrett Greene, Biloxi Shuckers The rain on Thursday means more excitement for this evening’s opening of the Biloxi Shuckers season: The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader at 5:35 p.m. with drink and hot dog specials, a magnet schedule giveaway and postgame fireworks. The Shuckers and Barons will play two […]

Shuckers open 2019 campaign Thursday

Who could forget the 2018 Shuckers season? A league-record number of wins, South Division champions, a host of individual awards, and a chance to watch a number of former Shuckers playing in the bigs with Milwaukee. And now, the 2019 campaign is upon us. Shuck Nation is back at MGM Park in a big way […]

Summer Camp registration begins Saturday

Registration for the city’s popular summer camp – officially known as the Summer Playground and Enrichment Program – begins this weekend and the Biloxi Parks and Recreation leaders want to make sure parents are ready. Registration for Biloxi residents living in the Woolmarket community will be Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Woolmarket […]

11 return from 2018 Shuckers lineup

By Garrett Greene, Biloxi Shuckers The first Biloxi Shuckers roster for 2019 was announced earlier this week by the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday, including 11 players returning from the 2018 season. The 27-man roster will be brought down to 25 players before the Shuckers Opening Night game against the Birmingham Barons on Thursday. The Shuckers […]

Gilich outlines citywide program of work

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich showed progress on a host of city projects citywide this morning with his Breakfast with the Mayor presentation and the crowd broke out in laughter when he arrived at a photograph of the new brick-surfaced Howard Avenue, lined with parked vehicles and cars traveling the roadway. Said Gilich to a roomful […]

Shuckers announce opening weekend fan promotions

By Garrett Greene, Biloxi Shuckers For just the second time in franchise history, the Biloxi Shuckers will begin their Southern League campaign at MGM Park when the team opens the season on Thursday at 6:35 p.m. against the Birmingham Barons. The Shuckers will begin the season with five games at home from Thursday to Monday, […]

Renaissance Garden group seeks volunteers

The Renaissance Garden Foundation is asking for volunteers or interested groups to help achieve the vision of a botanical garden in Hiller Park, one of the city’s most popular and spacious parks. The garden, which is on the eastern side of the 99-acre city park, would be for the propagation and cultivation of specimens of […]

Salvation Army unveils the ‘Help Card’

Next time you’re approached by a panhandler seeking money for food, a bus ticket or even a beer, the Salvation Army has a suggestion: Make it a thoughtful gift, a help card. Salvation Army leaders announced the new program during a media gathering this morning at the Biloxi Visitors Center. The Army, not unlike many […]

Easter Bunny Hops to Town Green this weekend

Youngsters are invited to hop over to the Biloxi Town Green Saturday morning to see the Easter Bunny and enjoy Easter themed activities for the Biloxi Excel By 5 event, Hop the Trail to Bunnyland. From 9 to 11:30 a.m., youngsters age five and younger can participate in fun hands-on activities such as tissue paper […]

Registration now open for kids fire academy

The Biloxi Fire Department is now taking applications for youngsters to attend its hugely popular educational fire camp. Registration for the Academy for Kids Camp is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fire Department Station No. 1 in the Lopez Quave Public Safety Center, 170 Porter Ave., and is available to […]

New look, expansion in works for Woolmarket City Center

A new façade and expansion are in the offing for the Woolmarket City Center, where a county library and city community center opened months ago. This month, the city will receive bids on the new façade, which will also include expanding the community center portion of the facility to include a stage and other amenities. […]

Seafood museum to mark 50th anniversary of Camille

The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum has unveiled the logo for “Camille at 50,” a six-month, multi-media exhibition that will mark the 50th anniversary this summer of what many call the original monster storm, Hurricane Camille. It was late in the evening of Aug. 17, 1969 when Camille made landfall along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, […]

City water, sewer now at Woolmarket Plantation, Larkin

The city is notifying residents of the Woolmarket Plantation and Larkin Subdivision in Woolmarket that now that water and sewer service has been made available in those areas, it’s time for residents to connect to the services. The services are now available to 117 parcels of land, 109 of which have homes on them. With […]

Get ready: Spring Break crowds, traffic coming up

It’s that time of year again: Spring Break, when tens of thousands of college-age visitors descend on Biloxi for a weekend of fun. And cruisin’ along U.S. 90, primarily in the area of the Coast Coliseum. This year, judging from online traffic, Spring Break is scheduled to take place April 12-14, with visitors arriving as […]

Howard Avenue: Enjoy the asphalt for a few more months

So Jack Gratwick and his crew at Hemphill Construction were able to have temporary pavement on Howard Avenue east of Porter Avenue in place in time for the Mardi Gras parades weeks ago. That was welcome news for carnival krewes, paradegoers, motorists and businesses alike, but now, the big question: How long will the temporary […]

Here’s the story on the lane closures in West Biloxi

No doubt motorists have noticed the fiber optics work along major thoroughfares across the city, especially in those areas, such as Pass Road where traffic has been limited to one lane in some cases. The boring work, which involves installing underground cable sleeves, is making way for new high-speed fiber optics cables to be installed […]

Info-filled April newsletter on the way

The April issue of BNews, the citywide monthly newsletter, will be arriving in mailboxes and PO boxes across the city in the next couple of days, with 20 pages of news from across the city. Biggest news is that the Biloxi Shuckers kick off their season April 4 at MGM Park, a game that launches […]

City requests nominations for Volunteer of the Year

The City of Biloxi wants your help in finding a Volunteer of the Year. If you know someone or an organization or business that always seems willing to help, nominate them now for the 36th annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony. Individuals who have volunteered in Biloxi will be recognized in the areas of community, health, arts […]

Have your say Thursday on short-term rental issue

The Biloxi Planning Commission, which in the past couple of weeks has seen 165 applications filed for short-term rentals, wants public input on where the vacation rentals should or shouldn’t be, and any other regulations that should be considered. The commission will conduct a Public Hearing on the issue Thursday at 2 p.m. in the […]

St. Paddy’s, Grillin’ take center stage

The Biloxi Town Green lives up to its name this weekend, with grillin’ and green galore. St. Patrick’s Day festivities take place Saturday with a run, a grilling competition and a parade. The Gulf Coast Running Club will kick off the day with the annual Hibernia Marching Society St. Patrick’s Day 5K and 1-mile Health […]

Biloxi Shuckers tickets, promotions schedule now available

In the wake of the Biloxi Shuckers’ fifth season at MGM Park, taking place in April, the team has opened up individual ticket sales and announced its 2019 promotional schedule. Tickets for all 70 Biloxi Shuckers home games, the 2019 Southern League All-Star Game and the 2019 Southern League Home Run Derby are now on […]

Gallery 782 celebrates 10 years this weekend

Gallery 782, a local cooperative art gallery (“co-art,” they call it), is celebrating a decade in the Biloxi Arts District, and the public is invited to attend a gala reception on Saturday. The gathering will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the gallery, now at 773 Jackson St., one block north of its […]

Following up: CSX rail crossings, Howard Avenue and more

Thursday, March 7, 2019 marked the second anniversary of the deadly train-charter bus collision at the Main Street crossing, where four people died when a freight train collided with a charter bus carrying 48 passengers that had become hung up on the rail at the crossing. In the wake of the tragedy, the city upgraded […]

Police officer and queen have their moment

For Biloxi Police Maj. Larry Murphy, it was “just another Yeti sighting online,” but for a Meridian mom at Biloxi Mardi Gras with her young daughter, Murphy’s actions during the Krewe of Neptune parade brought tears to her eyes. Murphy, a towering veteran of the Biloxi Police Department (he stands 6-6 at 325 pounds), was […]

GCCA: ‘It’s all on the line’ this year

As Captain of Carnival this year, David Machado is the person responsible for making sure all goes well with Gulf Coast Carnival, from the most minute detail of the planning months ago to the final throw from the final float at this year’s parade. One question Carnival organizers as well as paradegoers want to know […]

Carnival: Let’s get ready to roll

The parade routes have been paved. The barricades and safety ropes are in place. The floats are in town and ready to go. It’s Mardi Gras parade time. The Krewe of Neptune, whose floats made their way from Slidell, La., to Biloxi this week, will roll Saturday at 5:30 p.m. with Grand Marshall John Schneider, […]

Trivia and King Cake, all part of First Friday

Biloxi’s First Friday, returning after a two-month hiatus, kicks off the month with a three-hour event beginning this evening at 5 p.m. The affair, a Biloxi Main Street event taking place downtown throughout Rue Magnolia in the Biloxi Art District, will feature a Downtown Biloxi Trivia Contest for prizes and a King Cake Baby contest […]

Mardi Gras safety, traffic: What you need to know

Thousands of parade goers will be in downtown Biloxi this weekend for the annual Neptune Mardi Gras parade and just as city crews finish their preparations, the Biloxi Police Department asks paradegoers when making their plans, keep safety in mind.  “Our role is to make sure everyone has a safe time,” Biloxi Police Chief John […]

Special Tactics ruck march to pass through Biloxi

Residents of Biloxi and the Gulf Coast will be able to watch a unique military tradition Friday afternoon and evening as two Special Tactics Airmen ruck along U.S. 90. In Biloxi, on Friday night the duo will be joined by about 50 Keesler officers and airmen at White Avenue.  A “ruck” or load march, by […]

Humphrey named BPD’s Officer of Year

Police officer Eli Humphrey, who saved the life of a fellow officer while working a traffic accident last year, has been named the Biloxi Police Department’s Officer of the Year. The incident occurred while officers were working a traffic accident in January 2018 on Interstate 110, and it demonstrated the quick thinking and pro-activeness exhibited […]

‘March Madness’ is just around the corner

The March issue of BNews Monthly, dubbed “March Madness,” will be arriving in mailboxes and P.O. boxes across the city in a day or two, with a preview of the approaching Mardi Gras parades and a heads up on what else is in store for March.  Of course, the biggest question is answered right away: […]

Infrastructure: The dirt on the North Contract

Each month, the city’s Engineering Department publishes a host of maps showing progress on the infrastructure work taking place north and south of the CSX railway in East Biloxi.  The detailed maps – eight of them in all – show water, sewer, drainage and paving status as of Feb. 13 on Oscar Renda’s work on 55 […]

Children’s parade rolls downtown Saturday

There’s a Mardi Gras parade in downtown Biloxi Saturday morning – and it’s rolling on paved streets, some of them stylishly paved, too. While some have worried about pending parades and downtown road construction, the Biloxi Children’s Mardi Gras Walking Parade, which begins Saturday at 10 a.m. at Howard Avenue and I-110, will be one […]

Tickets on sale for high school, college games at MGM 

Seven high school and college games have been set to be played at MGM Park in March and the box office is now selling tickets for each of the games. The slate of games begins with the annual Biloxi High versus D’Iberville High game on Friday, March 1 at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are […]

Arbor Day run, tree giveaway is Saturday

Several varieties of trees will be given away during the city’s Arbor Day 5K Run Saturday morning on the Biloxi Town Green. The event also will include a one-mile run-walk-roll and a quarter-mile challenge. City Arborist Eric Nolan reports that the city will be distributing about 300 trees to runners, participants and the public. Runners, […]

Second Liners Mardi Gras parade rolls Saturday

The Second Liners Mardi Gras Club will host its annual parade in downtown Biloxi on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. This year’s parade will have a “Mystical Magic of Mardi Gras” theme and will feature more than three dozen units, including seven marching bands. The parade begins at 1 p.m. at Nichols school at the […]

Here’s the list of the Mardi Gras parades in Biloxi

Saturday, Feb. 16: Second Liners Mardi Gras Club Parade The annual parade begins at 1 p.m. at Nichols School at the corner of Division Street and Nichols Drive and travels west to Caillavet Street, south to Esters Boulevard and ends at the Doris C. Busch Park, 645 Esters Blvd.  To see the parade route, click […]

Biloxi celebrates 320 years next week

Biloxi marks its 320th birthday Wednesday with a host of activities to commemorate the day – Feb. 13, 1699 – when the French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville first set foot on the shores of present-day Biloxi. The occasion, which amplifies the point that Biloxi is one of the oldest communities in the country, is […]

Southland Designer Homes breaks ground at Hidden Springs

Southland Designer Homes, a company owned by second-generation builder Phil Frisby, has broken ground for its model home in the first phase of the Hidden Springs subdivision. Hidden Springs represents 166 acres of the 1,478-acres Belle la Vie master-planned community, which will be about three miles north of Interstate 10, with easy access to Mississippi […]

‘Bo Duke’ to headline Neptune parade

John Schneider, who rose to fame in TV’s “Dukes of Hazzard,” will be the 2019 Grand Marshal for the Neptune Parade. The actor, musician and filmmaker will ride in the March 2 downtown Biloxi parade, continuing a tradition that began a few years ago, when Neptune moved its parade to the Saturday night before Fat […]

Employees recognized for years of service

Chief Administrative Officer Michael Leonard, on behalf of Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, recently recognized 27 employees for their years of service during a longevity awards presentation at Biloxi City Hall. Those recognized were: 35 years of service: Adam Kozlowski, Public Works Department 30 years of service: Anthony Murphy and Anthony Shook, Fire Department 25 years of […]

City seeks to modernize Point Cadet Marina

The Biloxi City Council on Tuesday OK’d a contract of almost a quarter-million dollars to upgrade the electrical system at Point Cadet Marina, and the work only touches the surface of what the city wants to see done at the 35-year-old facility. Contractor DNP of Biloxi was awarded a $228,000 job that will repair electrical […]

See the Clydesdales at City Hall Wednesday

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 5:50 and 6 p.m. The Clydesdales, world-renowned as the ambassadors of Budwesier, will be greeted at City Hall by Mayor Andrew […]

Benefit lunch to aid fallen firefighter’s family

Today at lunchtime, the Biloxi Fire Department will be serving fish plates to raise money for the family of fallen firefighter, Darren Endris, who passed away on Jan. 16 from a prolonged illness. Lunch will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those interested can dine at the Lopez Quave Public Safety Center, 170 […]

Children’s Mardi Gras parade rolls Feb. 23

The City of Biloxi, Biloxi Mardi Gras Museum and Gulf Coast Carnival Association invite children ages 12 and under to be a part of the Biloxi Children’s Mardi Gras Walking Parade, which takes place Saturday, Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. Participants may walk, bike, skate, or be pushed or pulled in strollers and wagons. No […]

Expanded citywide newsletter on the way

A record-setting issue of the citywide newsletter, BNews Monthly, packed with detailed maps on infrastructure progress and an 11-page State of the City report, will soon be making its way to residents and businesses across the city. The 24-page advertiser-support publication, normally 16 pages each month, also includes stories on several high-profile issues: the expired […]

C-SPAN rolls into town next week

The C-SPAN Bus is on its “Southern Swing,” and next week Cable One is bringing the award-winning state-of-the-art, 45-foot customized bus to Biloxi and the surrounding area to engage students, teachers, community members and elected officials. On Monday, the bus will be at St. Martin Middle School from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., and at Gulfport […]

State of the City: What you didn’t hear

Sure, there was plenty of talk of new and future boardwalks, new restaurants and hotels, expanded parks, fire stations and lots more in the State of the City address this week, but what about a few other topics? The opening of Howard Avenue downtown, panhandling, short-term rentals, MGM Park and more. Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich […]

Shuckers unveil new membership programs

OK, the NFL debacle in New Orleans is history, unfair as it is to fleur-de-lis faithful, and now it’s time to turn attention to baseball, Shuckers-style. The Biloxi Shuckers, following up on a 2018 all-star-studded season that set Southern League and franchise records, have rolled out their new Shuck Nation memberships, joining the traditional season ticket […]

Cable One bringing C-SPAN Bus to town

The C-SPAN Bus is on its “Southern Swing,” and next week Cable One is bringing the award-winning state-of-the-art, 45-foot customized bus to Biloxi and the surrounding area to engage students, teachers, community members and elected officials. On Monday, the bus will be at St. Martin Middle School from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., and at Gulfport […]

Gilich gives whirlwind tour of city ‘on the move’

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich delivered the annual State of the City this afternoon, and after his high-flying, fast-paced 30-minute presentation, the mayor admitted the state of Biloxi can be summed up in three words: “On the move.” “Biloxi is a teeming environment of accomplishment, excitement, energy and anticipation. Not hope, but expectation,” declared Gilich, who […]

Clydesdales coming to town next month

Mark Feb. 6 at 5:30 p.m. on your calendar. Sandwiched amongst the calendar of Mardi Gras parades along the Coast in February, Biloxi will host the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales will be in town.  In fact, if you’re at City Hall on Lameuse Street at 6 p.m. that day you’ll have a chance to get a […]

Deadline for north contract comes and goes; work continues

The current contracted deadline of Jan. 6, 2019 has come and gone on the north contract, which means the city is now assessing infrastructure contractor Oscar Renda $6,000 a day. Says Jennifer Matranga of Oscar Renda: “There are change orders we have in the works, namely the holdup on Reynoir Street and the expansion of […]

City OKs The District, $54-million downtown development

For months, the city has touted a developer’s rendering of a fully restored Barq Building in downtown Biloxi, with upstairs living and downstairs retail, but, the fact is, the resurrection of that long-dormant building, once a centerpiece downtown, is only part of the downtown plan. The Biloxi City Council has approved a plan that will […]

AA-rated city sees nine million-dollar months

A state report issued today shows Biloxi had nine million-dollar sales tax months in 2018, the first time since the heady days pre-Katrina. Biloxi’s share of sales taxes posted in 2018 amounted to $12.7 million, slightly above the $12.4 million in 2017, but nonetheless a milestone considering million-dollar months were posted in January, April, May, […]

Civil Rights icon James Meredith headlines MLK celebration

James Meredith, regarded as one of the greatest heroes of the Civil Rights era, will headline the multitude of educational and entertaining events for the Coastwide Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, which begins this evening.  Meredith, longtime activist and educator, will serve as the keynote speaker during the Sunday Inspirational program and is scheduled to […]

Debate heating up on short-term rentals issue

The Biloxi City Council this week voted to deny a short-term rental request for a unit in a front beach condominium, a decision that is the first of 18 cases involving short-term rental requests working their way through the zoning process. In fact, councilmembers are awaiting a Biloxi Planning Commission citywide review of appropriate locations […]

Expect delays Thursday morning on Popp’s Ferry bridge

Part of Popp’s Ferry bridge will be limited to one lane of traffic Thursday morning between 9 and 10 while workers make repairs to the steel deck at the bridge’s draw. The repairs will be in the southbound lane, but northbound and southbound traffic will alternate during the work, which may be completed before the […]

Boil water notice issued for Woolmarket, Eagle Point areas

A brief interruption of water service in Woolmarket and Eagle Point has prompted the city to issue a boil-water notice for about 1,500 water customers in that area.  Necaise Brothers Contracting is notifying residents and businesses of the notice. State-mandated boil water notices are a precaution usually prompted by a loss in water pressure. The […]

Twelfth Night celebration ushers in Carnival

Biloxi and the Gulf Coast will officially turn the calendar from Christmas to Carnival on Saturday night with the celebration of Twelfth Night, complete with a parade and outdoor celebration. The gathering begins at 5 p.m. inside the Biloxi Visitors Center, 1050 Beach Blvd. Gulf Coast Carnival Association’s 2018 Royal Court will walk from the […]

2018: A last look at first responders

As the page turns on another year, here’s a look at some of the heroes of the year and those poised to lead in 2019.   Darren Endris received Phil McCabe 5 Bugle Award When the Biloxi Fire Department recognized nearly two dozen acts of bravery and gallantry during its annual awards ceremony, Firefighter III […]

Darren Endris receives Phil McCabe 5 Bugle Award

When the Biloxi Fire Department recognized nearly two dozen acts of bravery and gallantry during its annual awards ceremony, Firefighter III Darren Endris was honored with the chief’s award. “He is the ideal of what a public servant should be, and he possesses a natural ability to inspire others through his gentle, encouraging actions,” Biloxi […]

Progress continues on north contract as clock ticks

Residents, motorists and businesspeople north of the CSX railway in East Biloxi can see real progress every day, in terms of more asphalt going down and dirt roads becoming a thing of the past in most neighborhoods. However, there are still roads to be paved, sidewalks to be poured and landscaping to be installed. And the current date […]

Keep safety in mind this Christmas season

The Biloxi Police Department wants everyone to keep safety in mind this Christmas and they are reminding residents and visitors of some safety tips. Safety at Home Lock doors and windows when you leave home, even if you plan on being gone for a short time. Have a neighbor or family member watch your home […]

Thunderbirds drop in for a close-up look

The word is in from two Thunderbird pilots visiting Biloxi and Keesler this week: Those attending the Thunder over the Sound air show in May can expect to see Thunderbirds flying as fast as 600 mph, climbing as high as 15,000 feet and as low as 200 feet. And it’s all over the Biloxi beachfront. […]

Deja vu: Popp’s Ferry bridge to close again

The Popp’s Ferry bridge will close again Friday night at 10 to allow contractors to connect the recently installed generator and switch to a landline power source. The bridge will be closed beginning at 10 p.m. and is expected to re-open no later than 6 Saturday morning. The work is part of a $1.27 million […]

Santa will be dancing, parading and checking his list this weekend

Santa Claus makes many appearances this time a year and this weekend is no exception. Tonight, Jolly Old Saint Nick will be at the City of Biloxi Special Needs Christmas Dance.  The dance, open to all ages with physical and mental disabilities, will be from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Donal M. Snyder Sr. […]

Popp’s Ferry bridge to close Friday night

The Popp’s Ferry bridge will close to motorists and pedestrians Friday night beginning at 10 so city contractors can replace the generator and underwater cable that power the raising and lowering of the bridge span. The bridge could be closed for as long as eight hours, until 6 a.m. Saturday. Said City Engineer Christy LeBatard: […]

Sidewalk project in the works for Woolmarket

The City of Biloxi and the Mississippi Department of Transportation are signing an agreement that could see a million dollars worth of sidewalks in the Woolmarket community. The new ADA-compliant sidewalks, which could be under construction this time next year, would run from the intersection of Woolmarket Road and Lorraine Road, north on Lorraine Road […]

City issues monthly report on gaming revenue

Today’s a good day for reports on the City of Biloxi website, with the traditional weekly report from Police, Fire, Community Development and Engineering departments and the release of the November state gaming report, which tracks all casino gaming revenue collected in Biloxi. In fact, the latest state gaming report, which is compiled by the […]

Runners and rain across the coast this weekend

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon returns for its third year this weekend and while participants and spectators make their preparations, they should also keep an eye on the weather. Event activities began this morning with the opening of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon Expo at the Mississippi Coast Convention Center. The athletic activities begin on Saturday […]

U.S. 90 to close at midnight for overpass work

The pedestrian walkway between the Beau Rivage and the Beau Rivage employee parking garage will be hoisted into place tonight beginning at midnight, when U.S. 90 will close at Caillavet Street for as long as five hours, until as late as 5 o’clock Wednesday morning. Biloxi police will close U.S. 90 at Seal Avenue and […]

Boardwalk offers views of beach and history

A ribbon will be cut this week to dedicate the West Biloxi Boardwalk and those walking the half-mile of Phase 1 of the project will discover it’s much more than a pathway connecting rows of restaurants and visitor-related attractions between Veterans and Rodenberg avenues. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. at the […]

Biloxi Police announce promotions

More than two dozen police officers were promoted during a ceremony at Biloxi City Hall. Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, Biloxi Police Chief John Miller and other officers and officials recognized 27 officers for earning an increase in rank.  Three captains, eight lieutenants and sixteen sergeants were pinned with their new badges in front of family and […]

Fire Department to present annual awards

A host of firefighters, individuals and businesses will be recognized this evening during the Biloxi Fire Department annual awards ceremony, a public event at the Biloxi Civic Center. In all, 11 acts of bravery and gallantry will be cited during the ceremony, which begins at 7 p.m.  Doors to the civic center open at 6:30 […]

Gilich, Hewes lead trade mission to Colombia

Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes led a Coast trade mission to Rionegro and Medellin Colombia earlier this week in hopes of luring a major floral exporter to the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. While in Colombia, the mayors’ group met with Santiago Cock-Rada, president of Carmel Flowers, and visited his extensive farm […]

Coming attraction: Movie time at the mall

Biloxi’s first digital theater since Katrina will have its first public showings Friday. In fact, it was one year ago today that Edgewater Mall announced plans for its new cinema, officially known as Premiere Lux Cine & Pizza Pub Edgewater Mall. A $6.5 million building permit was issued in March, and a ribbon-cutting is planned […]

Lighthouse lighting kicks off Christmas season

Christmas events in Biloxi officially begin Thursday evening with the Lighting of the Biloxi Lighthouse. The public is invited to gather at the city’s signature landmark, south of the Biloxi Visitors Center, 1050 Beach Blvd., at 5:30 p.m. Those attending will be treated to hot chocolate and then at 6 p.m., Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich […]

Here’s Biloxi’s Christmas event lineup

Thursday, Nov. 29: Lighting of the Biloxi Lighthouse The city ushers in the Christmas season with the lighting of the Biloxi Lighthouse from 5:30 to 7 p.m., south of the Biloxi Visitors Center, 1050 Beach Blvd.  Santa Claus will be on site for a visit and hot chocolate will be available. For more information, call the Biloxi […]

City seeks feedback for housing survey

The public is invited to take part in a gathering to help identify affordable housing needs on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. at the Dr. Frank G. Gruich Sr. Community Center, 591 Howard Ave. The Coast entitlement communities and local housing authorities – which includes Biloxi, Gulfport, Moss Point, Pascagoula, Biloxi Housing Authority, Mississippi […]

December citywide newsletter on the way

The December issue of BNews Monthly, with stories and photos about Christmas events and a host of development initiatives in east Biloxi, is due in homes and businesses across the city in the next couple of days. The 16-page issue also contains detailed maps showing progress on the infrastructure work north and south of the […]

What you need to know about visit by POTUS, VEEP

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence will be in Biloxi later today for a Coast Coliseum campaign rally for Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, who faces Mike Espy in a runoff election Tuesday. Here’s what you need to know about today’s event: Police have said motorists citywide should expect traffic delays, road closures and detours […]

Trump to stump in Biloxi for Hyde-Smith

President Donald J. Trump is coming to town Monday in a public appearance to support Republican candidate Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith on the eve of her Senate race with challenger Mike Espy. Doors to the Coast Coliseum will open at 5 p.m. Monday, and the president is scheduled to take the stage at 8 p.m. The […]

New Howard Avenue sees heavy traffic

The new brick-covered section of Howard Avenue between Reynoir and Lameuse streets was a flurry of activity today, with the city testing the capacity of the new downtown roadway. A host of city vehicles – pickup trucks, sedans, SUVs and even a huge fire truck – were positioned on the newly minted thoroughfare this morning […]

New homes helping drive construction

Biloxi is running 35 homes and $3.1 million ahead of the residential permits issued for this time in 2017, according to numbers from the Community Development Department. The department on Monday reported that overall construction in Biloxi is $28 million ahead of this point last year. A breakdown on the residential numbers, Jan. 1 through […]

Think fire safety this Thanksgiving

Thursday is Thanksgiving Day, which means family gatherings and lots of cooking.  It can also mean more fires. In fact, the National Fire Prevention Association says cooking is the most common cause of home fires, and home fires are four times more likely to occur on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year. […]

Biloxi Police to deliver meals on Thanksgiving

Biloxi Police will be delivering 760 meals to the needy on Thanksgiving Day. The department is once again participating in the Gulf Coast Public Safety Feed the Needy program, a collaboration of local public safety agencies, donors and volunteers, to deliver  Thanksgiving meals. “This is something that we have participated in for more than 28 […]

City’s sales tax, construction numbers score milestones

For several weeks now – nine, to be exact – pro football fans have been savoring the New Orleans Saints and their winning streak, and the City of Biloxi has been watching a trend of its own for several months now. For the first time since 2004, before Hurricane Katrina, the city has had eight […]

Register now for Biloxi Christmas parades, festival

OK, we’re a week away from Thanksgiving, and that means plans for the holidays are afoot. It’s time to register for some of the most popular Biloxi Christmas events. Organizers of Biloxi’s signature holiday event, Christmas on the Water, are taking applications for participants in the children’s and boat parades, and Biloxi Main Street is […]

Fire chief: Reduce the risk of home heating fires

With frigid temperatures continuing throughout the weekend, the Biloxi Fire Department is reminding residents to take precautions to reduce the risk of home heating fires. “Fire safety saves lives,” said Vincent Payne, deputy chief for fire prevention. “Misuse of portable or electric heaters are a main cause of residential fires in the winter months.” Payne’s […]

Keesler, Biloxi finalize date for 2019 joint air show

Keesler Air Force Base and the City of Biloxi, working with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, have confirmed that the official date for “Thunder Over the Sound: The Keesler and Biloxi Air and Space Show” will be May 4 and 5, 2019. The event takes place over both KAFB and the Biloxi sound. While exact […]

Coast Transit expands service for Popp’s Ferry corridor

Coast Transit has expanded its Route 32, serving the Popp’s Ferry Road corridor and now extending into D’Iberville. The 90-minute route, running six days a week, includes stops at Pass and Popp’s, Atkinson Road, the Margaret Sherry Library, Santa Maria Retirement Center, Cedar Lake Medical Center, Walmart Neighborhood Market, two Family Dollar stores, and throughout […]

Relief workers have satisfying week in Port St. Joe

“It was a very satisfying week,” Biloxi Fire Chief Joe Boney declared this morning in a report to Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich about last week’s weeklong relief trip to the small Hurricane Michael-ravaged town of Port St. Joe. About 60 volunteer relief workers – representing fire departments from Biloxi, Keesler, New Sharon (Iowa), and Tyndall […]

Margaritaville comes forward, bigger and with a twist

The much-anticipated next phase of Margaritaville, the family resort in east Biloxi, takes a step forward as the project appears on the City Council agenda next week. What’s new: It’s now up to $200 million, with a hotel tower, Ferris wheel and other amusements on the south side of U.S. 90, and a hotel on […]

Dinosaurs, Christmas, and Veterans top this weekend

The big talk at Edgewater Mall, of course has been the new eight-screen movie theater – scheduled to open later this month – and the new trampoline center, but there’s something pre-historic lurking at the mall this weekend. Prehistoric Dinosaur Adventures, a free attraction that began today at the mall, combines a unique mobile prehistoric […]

City to shop vacant Caillavet, Division properties

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, who has turned several pieces of unused city property into tax-producing and job-creating ventures, says the city is seeking interest in another group of municipal properties to include nearly two dozen city parcels on Caillavet Street and four in east Biloxi. This month the city published Request for Proposals for either […]

Mayor dishes on issues for Breakfast crowd

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich had a plateful of issues for Breakfast with the Mayor this morning, from the possibility of an east Biloxi convention center, the governor’s idea to add to the Biloxi waterfront remake, and the idea of Biloxi children attending Biloxi schools. Also included in the mayor’s 16-minute presentation – “shooting from the […]

Governor unveils architectural designs for beach outfalls

Gov. Phil Bryant today unveiled architectural designs for the first phase of beach storm water outfalls that will be placed on the beach in Biloxi. The governor made the announcement today at the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources headquarters on Back Bay in Biloxi. Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, who has been an advocate of improvements […]

Biloxi relief groups making progress in Port St. Joe

“So, dark had fallen before we arrived in Port St. Joe, Fla., and as we’re driving an old, familiar scent rudely burrowed its way through. As I did my best to ignore it, I began to feel walls closing in as we traveled further on. Eerie but all too familiar sights began to creep in […]

Downtown events, disc golf usher in Fall

Fall has officially begun and the cooler temperatures today are expected to continue throughout the weekend.  That’s good news because popular outdoor events dominate the weekend. Tonight, the monthly First Friday event takes place along Rue Magnolia and Water Street. From 5 to 8 p.m. the downtown businesses will open their doors and extend their […]

Developer to study east Biloxi convention center sites

The idea of an east Biloxi convention center — to be located amidst the 5,000 or so hotel rooms east of Interstate 110 – is not a new one, but now a developer could be stepping in to take a serious look at the issue. Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich is proposing the city enter into […]

Platoons of Biloxi volunteers to aid Florida community

A host of Biloxi firefighters and others from the West End Hose Co. No. 3 fire museum are leaving Biloxi this afternoon for a weeklong relief effort in the small community of Port St. Joe, a Florida waterfront community that’s 30 minutes from Mexico Beach, ground zero from Hurricane Michael. Biloxi Fire Chief Joe Boney […]

Gilich: There is a better path to schools issue

The City of Biloxi went on record weeks ago opposing the Harrison County School District’s asking residents to borrow $55 million for school improvements, and Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich wants those Biloxi residents who are paying higher county school taxes to know there is an alternative. Gilich, in a message titled “Opportunities, Challenges and Alternatives” […]

Work to begin on harbor pedestrian overpass

A city contractor has erected temporary fencing a block east of Main Street on U.S. 90, signalling that work will be underway shortly on thenew pedestrian overpass that will link the two new soon-to-open hotels, the Watermark and Hilton Garden Inn, with the areas south of U.S. 90: the Biloxi waterfront, Guice Park, the Biloxi […]

Fire stations receiving hurricane donations through the weekend

Anyone wanting to assist the Biloxi Fire Department with donations for Hurricane Michael victims has until Sunday to drop off items. The department is currently taking part in a Coastwide relief effort, where residents can drop off supplies at any local fire station. The items may include: gift cards for Wal-Mart, Visa, Home Depot, Lowes; […]

Dress up, have tea and get crafty this weekend

Tonight ghosts and goblins will fill the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center for the Special Needs Halloween Costume Ball.  The Biloxi Parks & Recreation Department hosts its annual event from 6 to 9 p.m. The affair is free, includes a costume contest with awards for adults and youths, and food.  All ages with physical […]

Get a look at Barq Building, progress in new newsletter

The November issue of BNews Monthly will be arriving in homes and businesses across the city next week, and all of Biloxi will get the first look at plans for the new Barq Building in downtown Biloxi, as well as a detailed map showing progress on paving in east Biloxi. The 16-page city newsletter features […]

Biloxi Police: ‘Please, give us your drugs’

The Biloxi Police and the DEA want your drugs – those left over or expired prescription drugs or even non-prescription drugs that have been sitting idly in the medicine cabinet or drawer for years.  Residents of Biloxi are being asked to bring the unused drugs to the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center Saturday between 10 a.m. […]

City to consider spending for major improvements

Biloxi has a host of major, long-term and pressing projects in the works, such as drainage and infrastructure in Woolmarket, repairs to the Cedar Lake Bridge and upgrades at the Main Street rail crossing, and Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich is proposing the city borrow $14 million to keep them moving toward construction. The City Council […]

Cemetery tour pushed back a week

The second tour of the 12th annual Historic Old Biloxi Cemetery Tour schedule for this evening has been postponed until next week. “Because of the inclement weather, we have decided it best to postpone tonight’s tour,” said Bill Raymond, Preserve Biloxi committee member.  “The free, self-guided tour will now take place on Tuesday, Oct. 30 […]

Remember safety in the kitchen this holiday, fire chief says

Holiday season is here, with family gatherings, cooking, holiday decorations, candles and heating. It also brings more fires. In fact, the National Fire Prevention Association says cooking is the most common cause of home fires and home fire-related injuries. Thanksgiving is nationally noted for having as many as four times the house fires than any other day of the year. “Practicing […]

Something new, something prehistoric at Edgewater Mall

The big talk at Edgewater Mall, of course, has been the new eight-screen movie theater – scheduled to open Nov. 30 – and the new trampoline center, but there’s something pre-historic lurking at the mall in November. Prehistoric Dinosaur Adventures, a free attraction Nov. 9-11 at the mall, combines a unique mobile prehistoric walk through Dinosaur Museum and thrilling up-close encounter with the […]

New boardwalk will round the tip of Point Cadet

Work is now underway on the latest boardwalk project – a 12-foot-wide waterside concrete pathway that will tie all of Point Cadet together, from Point Cadet Marina, around the tip of the peninsula, to Point Cadet Plaza and recreational area to Howard Avenue and just south of the Palace Casino. The $1.85 million project is […]

‘Fill the Boot’ to move sites Tuesday, Wednesday

The Biloxi 2018 Fill the Boot campaign, which raises money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, will be at Popp’s Ferry and Pass Roads Tuesday and at Popp’s Ferry and Cedar Lake roads Wednesday.  In the program, which began this morning at U.S. 90 at Porter Avenue, in the shadow of the Biloxi Lighthouse, Biloxi firefighters and […]

This weekend is one for the great outdoors

A host of outdoor events is on tap this weekend, beginning with a fish fry now underway at the fire museum, Halloween at Hiller Park tonight, a fireman’s day parade downtown and Catfish for Kids at Hiller Park on Saturday, and on Sunday dozens will gather in the Biloxi City Cemtery for the kickoff of […]

Firefighters, Police to seek donations for MDA

U.S. 90 at Porter Avenue, in the shadow of the Biloxi Lighthouse, will be a gathering place for Biloxi firefighters and police officers Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday as the first responders ask motorists for donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. It’s the 2018 Fill the Boot campaign, continuing firefighter support of MDA that goes back more […]

City seeks compromise on county schools bond vote

Residents of Biloxi – whether they live in Woolmarket, Eagle Point or other areas – ought to be able to attend Biloxi public schools, Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich has long said, and on Tuesday the Biloxi City Council asked the Harrison County School Board to help make that happen. When Woolmarket and Eagle Point became […]

Enter off Atkinson for Halloween at Hiller

One of the city’s most popular events, Halloween at Hiller Park, takes place on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m., 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 […]

Fire Department has host of events this week

The Biloxi Fire Department this week is helping gather supplies and funds for Hurricane Michael victims, honoring its three fallen firefighters, and hosting a benefit fish fry before hosting the Fireman’s Day Parade on Saturday. The department is taking part in a weeklong Coastwide relief effort, where residents can drop off supplies at any local […]

Ten former Shuckers on Brewers roster tonight

Ten former Biloxi Shuckers players and coaches are part of the Milwaukee Brewers 2018 NLCS roster that was announced by the Brewers today. The list includes six Minor League players, three Major League rehab players and former manager Carlos Subero as members of the NL Central Champions playoff roster for the National League Championship Series against the Los […]

Council agenda includes dozens of measures

Zoning issues, board appointments and a taxing issue that would impact Biloxi residents in Woolmarket and Eagle Point are among the three dozen issues on the agenda when the City Council meets Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. Included in the zoning measures is a request by W.C. Fore for the city to rezone a Pass […]

Weekend preview: Get outdoors and enjoy

The Fall weather seems to have arrived, and it’s perfect timing with a host of outdoor events on tap this weekend. Happy Halloween in Woolmarket takes place this evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the Woolmarket School Grounds on John Lee Road. Fishing for Catfish Kids Day runs from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday […]

City Desk: CAO Mike Leonard on the issues

Chief Administrative Officer Mike Leonard drops by this week’s City Desk podcast to discuss an array of issues: Boardwalks, streets and drainage, Cruisin’ the Coast, Popp’s Ferry Causeway Park and more. The 14-minute program was recorded this morning at City Hall Listen to the City Desk podcast    

Expect high tides, rain from Michael

The forecasters remain steadfast: Hurricane Michael is expected to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday, but there’s also a warning for those in Biloxi and on the Mississippi Gulf Coast: You will see a storm surge of 1 to 3 feet and rainfall of 1 to 2 inches. Those with vessels in Biloxi’s public harbors […]

Biloxi Bay Bridge walking path to close for cleaning

The walking path on the Biloxi Bay Bridge will be closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day for a week beginning Wednesday so city contractors can pressure wash its entire stretch. The walkway, which is 12 feet wide and 1.8 miles long from end to end, will be open before and after the […]

See what this year’s cemetery tours are all about

The 12th annual Old Biloxi Cemetery Tours are scheduled for Oct. 21 and 23, but the public can get a preview this evening at the Biloxi Visitors Center. Themed “Biloxi Praise: A Presentation of Churches Past and Present,” this year’s tours focus on individuals that made significant contributions to seven of Biloxi’s most notably historic […]

Hurricane Michael appears Florida-bound

Emergency managers are continuing to monitor freshly minted Hurricane Michael, and a Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for east-facing shores of Louisiana and Mississippi, but the storm appears headed for landfall at the Florida Panhandle or the Florida Big Bend area on Wednesday. Biloxi Police, however, this morning closed the low-lying section of Cedar […]

Cruisin’ sets records – high and low

Cruisin’ The Coast and the Biloxi Police Department both had a record-setting year for the just-concluded 22nd year of “America’s largest block party.” Cruisin’ The Coast had a record high – 8,444 registered cars – and Biloxi Police had a record low – only 55 traffic tickets written, less than a third of the citations […]

Cruise on down to the Ohr Festival Saturday

The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art is reviving its arts festival with a new name and a Cruisin’ twist, and it all takes place on Saturday.  From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art will be transformed with craft beer tents, arts and craft vendors, vintage campers and more during the George E. […]

Zoom, zoom! Cruisin’ heads into final days

This year’s record-setting Cruisin’ The Coast rolls into its final stretch this weekend, and Biloxi Police Chief John Miller, whose department has the task of keeping traffic moving safely in Biloxi, says it’s been a smooth ride. “Everything’s been good so far,” Miller said, as the eight-day Coastwide parade of cars today announced its registration […]

Removal of stucco begins on Barq Building

The restoration of Howard Avenue and downtown Biloxi is taking another step this morning as private contractors are removing stucco from the Barq Building in the initial phases of restoring the downtown landmark to its original brick appearance. As laborers from Gulf Breeze Landscaping crossed the halfway point in the laying of the brick roadway […]

Cruisin’ sees a new downtown in the making

About 40,000 auto enthusiasts were in downtown Biloxi Tuesday for the city’s annual Cruisin’ The Coast Block Party, and Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said the audience and the 1,700 to 2,000 vehicles on display got a close up look at the changing downtown landscape. Cruisers began arriving as early as 3 a.m. to vie for […]

Biloxi chief elected head of Southeastern group

Biloxi Police Chief John Miller, who has led Biloxi’s department for nine of his 28 years with the city, has been elected chairman of the Regional Organized Crime Information Center, an agency that serves a network of 1,400 law enforcement agencies across the Southeast and in U.S. territories. The ROCIC is one of six such […]

City weighs interest in grass-cutting duties

The City of Biloxi is farming out the maintenance of more than 70 parcels of city-owned, mostly vacant land. In a Request for Proposals published in September, the city is seeking sealed proposals for litter control, mowing, edging, and cleaning of grass clippings for sites in all parts of the city, including vacant lots on […]

Cruisers party in downtown Biloxi Wednesday

Antique and classic cars and RVs began showing up on U.S. 90 late last week, and now it’s official: The 22nd annual Cruisin’ The Coast is underway, and come Wednesday morning cars will fill the streets in downtown Biloxi for a daylong block party, with live entertainment, food vendors and thousands of people. “We’re looking forward […]

Public housing survey now underway

The City of Biloxi’s federal programs office is joining the state, five other cities and 50 public housing authorities in conducting a fair housing study to determine opinions about conditions in public housing. Those taking part in the survey – you may remain anonymous, if you prefer – can take the 58-question survey either online […]

Take precautions! West Nile case confirmed in Biloxi

The Mississippi Department of Health has announced that a human case of the West Nile Virus has been confirmed in Biloxi, and those venturing outside are encouraged to take precautions. West Nile is a virus that can be spread to humans and animals by mosquitoes and causes flu-like symptoms. “As with most things we encounter […]

Hemphill to begin work on Porter next week

Porter Avenue south of the CSX railway will be a bevy of construction next week, as Hemphill Construction begins replacing drainage and water mains on the street, which is north of the Biloxi Lighthouse off U.S. 90. “Two-lanes of traffic will be maintained and opened on Porter although there is a possibility that Porter for […]

Cable One to debut Sports Hall of Fame program

One of the Parks & Recreation Department’s most-anticipated programs each year is the Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet. And you have a chance to see this year’s ceremony, thanks to Cable One, which will air a 55-minute special about the program every Tuesday and Thursday at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Cable […]

Tickets on sale for Biloxi First roast of mayor

It’s one of the hottest tickets of the year each year, and this year will be no different. Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich will be the roastee for the 16th annual Biloxi First Roast, which will take place Thursday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. at the IP Casino Resort Spa. The event is the major […]

Tourism figures, project updates highlight Breakfast gathering

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich is admittedly a fan of numbers – “numbers are my friend,” and “if you can measure it, you can manage it,” he likes to say – and tourism leader Milton Segarra reminded those at Breakfast with the Mayor this morning just how important Biloxi and the Gulf Coast’s numbers are. During […]

Help! Biloxians headed to Florence-devastated community

The volunteers from the Biloxi fire museum and Biloxi Fire Department have traditionally gone into disaster zones weeks after a disaster to help typically overwhelmed first responders care for their own damaged property. And with Hurricane Florence, which swamped communities along the east coast, the Biloxi volunteers have apparently found the neediest of the needy: […]

Cones to make appearance at Cruisin’ this year

Cruisin’ the Coast, not unlike other major events in Biloxi, will see traffic cones going down on parts of U.S. 90, but Biloxi Police say it could be a case similar to this year’s Scrapin’ the Coast: There may be no reason to reserve a lane of traffic for emergency vehicles. As part of the […]

October BNews: Something old, something new

Who remembers the old Kimbrough & Quint drug store in downtown? It was part of an era when you could find anything in downtown Biloxi, literally. A look at the bustling downtown from Back in the Day along with an update on the restoration of Howard Avenue are among the stories included in the October […]

Waterfront meetings focus on Point Cadet possibilities

“I thought the great thing about it,” says Mayor Andrew ‘FoFo” Gilich of the recent two days of waterfront meetings at City Hall, “is that people came together and talked about the future of the waterfront, especially the vacant land on Point Cadet.” In fact, it was standing-room-only for the opening gathering at City Hall, […]

Multicultural Festival and Country Cruise this weekend

The diversity and culture of Biloxi will be on display Saturday during the city’s annual Multicultural Festival on the Biloxi Town Green. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. the Town Green will be filled with a host of vendors, performances, informational booths, and more as part of the affair. Admission to the festival is free […]

MEMA director sees progress firsthand

Greg Michel, who only 90 days ago was appointed the new head of MEMA, was in Biloxi last week to get a firsthand look at Biloxi’s massive infrastructure work. “This was my first opportunity to view the project in the field,” said Michel, who served for nearly 30 years in Mississippi National Guard and as […]

Road workers racing toward November milestones

October marks the home stretch for two major milestones: The paving of Division Street, and the re-opening of Howard Avenue to two-way traffic between Reynoir and Lameuse streets. Both of the accomplishments are expected by the end of October. “Division Street is the backbone of the infrastructure work north of the railway,” said Mayor Andrew […]

2018 had its share of milestones for Shuckers

By Hunter Reed Biloxi Shuckers General Manager The fourth season of Biloxi Shuckers baseball at MGM Park has somehow already come and gone. While coming up short in the Championship Series against the Jackson Generals was a disappointing end to a very memorable season, there is definitely a lot to be proud of this year. […]

‘Betsy Ann’ will continue cruising Biloxi waterfront

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 […]

Biloxi Police host family-friendly festival against crime

The Biloxi Police Department, the Biloxi Fire Department and other first responders will offer home and personal safety tips during a free family-friendly festival on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Point Cadet Plaza. The annual Biloxi Community Festival Against Crime allows the public to get a close-up look at the city’s emergency-response […]

Biloxi firefighters part of Florence response

The Biloxi Fire Department, which has helped first-responders in the aftermath of disasters across the country, already has firefighters responding to the East Coast to help with Hurricane Florence. Biloxi firefighters Cameron Whiteside and Chuck Parker are members of the Mississippi Task Force 3, one of the state’s three emergency task forces. The group, which also includes 10 […]

C-USA baseball championship returning to Biloxi

Conference USA and Overtime Sports announed today that MGM Park will be the site of the 2019 C-USA Baseball Championship. The eight-team, double-elimination tournament will take place Wednesday, May 22 through Sunday, May 26 at MGM Park. This will mark the third consecutive year that the event will be played in Biloxi. The 2016 C-USA Championship […]

Unregistered garbage carts disappearing in Biloxi

The city has rounded up more than a hundred residential garbage carts because they were not associated with an account and more unregistered carts will be removed when discovered, says Biloxi Chief Administrative Officer Mike Leonard. The city collects $14.33 a month for weekly garbage, trash and recycling service from about 11,950 households, but the […]

Shuckers face Generals in league championship

The Biloxi Shuckers, who on Saturday won the South Division championship over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, travel to Jackson, Tenn. Tuesday to kick off a best-of-five Southern League championship with the North Division champions, the Jackson Generals. The championship series will continue with second game in Jackson on Wednesday and returns to Biloxi on Friday […]

Shuckers, seafood headline weekend

It’s a big weekend, with Shuckers and seafood leading the way. The Biloxi Seafood Festival, one of the city’s signature events, takes place Saturday and Sunday, on the Town Green, with a host of live entertainment, arts and crafts, kid activities, and, of course, a variety of seafood dishes. And over at MGM Park on […]

Waterfront meeting draws full house to City Hall

It was standing-room-only this afternoon at Biloxi City Hall for a discussion of the possibilities for development on Biloxi’s Point Cadet. Ann Breen and Dick Rigby, co-directors of The Washington, D.C-based Waterfront Center, presented an hour-long slide show of successful waterfront developments, which prompted an hour-long discussion of the vacant land situated at Biloxi’s easternmost […]

Public meetings to focus on Biloxi waterfront

Development of Biloxi’s waterfront, especially vacant land at Point Cadet, will be the focus of a meeting this afternoon that will feature two waterfront development authorities who had a hand in Biloxi’s award-winning waterfront master plan in the 1980s. During the 1:30 public meeting at City Hall, Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich will introduce Ann Breen […]

Shuckers open playoffs against Pensacola tonight

The Biloxi Shuckers, who won the first and second halves of the South Division, will open the 2018 Southern League Divisional Round by hosting the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at MGM Park this evening at 6:35. The Shuckers are set to send 2018 Southern League Most Outstanding Pitcher RHP Zack Brown (9-1, 2.40) to the mound […]

City services, casino resorts re-opening doors

“We ducked a punch,” one-time boxer and Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said this morning of Tropical Storm Gordon, which had been projected to hit Biloxi before coming ashore with 70-mph winds in Pascagoula. “We’re very fortunate, but at the same time we never want to become complacent,” Gilich declared. “Forecasting the weather is not […]

Coast casinos to close; sheriff announces curfew

The Mississippi Gaming Commission has announced that Coast casinos will close today no later than 5 p.m. The sheriff of Harrison County, meantime, has announced that a curfew will be in effect from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. See the latest Gordon forecast See the local forecast See real-time radar   News & notes: Facebook, […]

Non-emergency city offices to close at 2

Extra shifts of police officers and firefighters will be on duty today and throughout the evening, but Biloxi Chief Administrative Officer Mike Leonard says non-emergency city offices in Biloxi will close at 2 this afternoon. “We take this measure of closing early in an abundance of caution,” Leonard said. “However, residents should be aware that all […]

Council to declare state of emergency

The Biloxi City Council will hold a special meeting at 11:30 this morning to declare that a state of emergency exists in Biloxi as the city continues to prepare for tonight’s expected landfall of Gordon, now a tropical storm with sustained winds of 65 mph and 230 miles east-southeast of the Mississippi River. Biloxi, which […]

Biloxi orders evacuation of harbors

It’s official: Gordon is expected to make landfall on the Mississippi Gulf Coast on Tuesday night, and the National Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning, with the possibility of hurricane-force winds expected begining late Tuesday afternoon. All vessels in Biloxi’s four harbors and marinas, about 300 craft in all, have been ordered to evacuate […]

Shuckers play last homestand of the season

Tonight the Biloxi Shuckers play game two of a five game homestand against the Birmingham Barons. This is the last regular season homestand. It is also Fireworks Friday. Here are the promotions for the remaining games of the homestand. Tonight: Fireworks Friday, presented by Alpha Media, with a fireworks extravaganza after the game . During […]

Causeway Park officially opens on Friday

The Popp’s Ferry Causeway Park, a project that’s been three decades in the making, will open to the public Friday morning. Motorists passing on the nearby Popp’s Ferry bridge have watched for months as outdoor pavilions, waterfront piers and marsh overlooks have taken shape, but the city has delayed opening until marsh grass was allowed […]

City moving forward with Popp’s Ferry extension

The city is sending letters to about three dozen property owners in the route of the extension of Popp’s Ferry Road to U.S. 90 letting them know that the process is beginning for the city to buy their property. City Engineer Christy LeBatard said the letters will be mailed in the next couple of weeks […]

New bridge for Popp’s Ferry still years away

The Popp’s Ferry bridge doesn’t open a dozen or so times a day as it did years ago for coal barges, but the 20,000 motorists who travel the bridge on an average day will tell you they cross their fingers each time the span opens. That’s because the two-lane, low-level bridge, now 39 years old […]

BNews: Road work update and $25 from Margaritaville

The September issue of BNews Monthly, with a detailed look at roadwork through the city and a $25 match play coupon from Margaritaville Biloxi, will begin arriving in homes and businesses throughout Biloxi on Thursday. The 16-page issue includes a comprehensive update and detailed maps on infrastructure work north and south of the CSX railway, […]

Big issues on City Council agenda Tuesday

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich next week will be asking the City Council to move forward on a host of high-profile issues that have been in the works for months and, in some cases, years. When the council meets on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., the agenda includes an Administration proposal establishing a downtown housing incentive program.  […]

Weekend preview: Sports Hall to welcome six

The Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame will induct six new members during a ceremony Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Biloxi Civic Center. The Class of 2018 is Eric Fortenberry, who former Indians basketball coach Laird called “one of the best Biloxi players of all time,” along with baseball standout Glenn Lamas and former football […]

Waffle House plans unique look at new site

Waffle House is big on Biloxi – covered, smothered and chunked, in the hash browns vernacular – but the company’s fifth location will be off the menu. That’s because the new location, on U.S. 90 just west of Bellman Street, is in a Biloxi historic district and Waffle House developers answered Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich’s […]

The Blake headlines bustling lineup of growth

Amid the talk of boardwalks and parks and fire stations, the city’s Community Development Department has issued what may be one of its largest building permits of the year: a $15.5 million permit for construction of an assisted living facility on Popp’s Ferry Road near Cedar Lake Road. In fact, ground was broken Wednesday morning […]

New walkway in the works north of harbor

The new pedestrian bridge at U.S. 90 and Caillavet Street – linking the Beau Rivage employee parking garage and the Beau Rivage itself – will begin taking shape over the highway in a few months, and about that time, the City of Biloxi will begin work on a second U.S. 90 pedestrian overpass, west of […]

Cable One to air Katrina, Camille specials

The City of Biloxi and Cable One will air a series of special storm-related programming beginning tonight and continuing all day Wednesday to commemorate the anniversaries of Hurricanes Camille and Katrina, and to help educate residents about the dangers of storms and flooding.  Cable One, beginning at 6 this evening on Cable Channel 69, is […]

Biloxi to introduce new gear for firefighters

The Biloxi Fire Department this week will become one of the first departments in the country to use turnout gear that employs protective cuffs to help reduce exposure to toxic substances. The new turnout gear also will have a revolutionary, lightweight design. The department is scheduled to receive 30 new sets of turnout gear, which […]

Oscar Renda, Hemphill update progress

The lane closures on U.S. 90 west of White Avenue should be history in about three weeks, and all of Division Street should be paved at the end of October, according to the latest video update from contractors rebuilding the infrastructure in east Biloxi. “Our utility work, the installation of sewer and water lines along […]

Budget: More gaming money, more cops, no new taxes

The city expects to see a million dollars in new revenue from sports betting in the coming fiscal year, and plans are to hire an additional six police officers, with no increase in the city property tax rate. Those are some of the announcements that have come from a series of workshops the Gilich Administration […]

Familiar-looking fire station planned for north of Bay

The city broke ground this morning on another new fire station north of the Bay, and architect Mark Williams says passersby will see a familiar site when the station begins coming out of the ground over the next several months. That’s because Station 10, which is on Old Highway 67 east of Cedar Lake Road, […]

Shuckers return to MGM Park with myriad promotions

The Biloxi Shuckers return to the MGM Park tonight for an 11-game homestand, six games against the Mobile Baybears and five against the Pensacola Wahoos.  Tonight will be a doubleheader, with the first pitch at 5:30 p.m. followed by a makeup from a missed game on July 2.  Along with the games, comes the promotions, […]

Biloxi hopes remains of hometown war hero are found

Are the remains of a Biloxi Air Force lieutenant among those that North Korean recently returned to the United States? That’s the question Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich is asking of Defense Department officials in the wake of news that North Korea is returning remains from the Korean War. First Lt. Robert Phillip Gaude Jr., whose […]

MDOT plans paving, repairs for U.S. 90 in Biloxi

Sharp-eyed motorists on U.S. 90 in Biloxi may have noticed markings on the asphalt near storm drains, the first signal that MDOT is nearly ready to begin a major paving and repair project on the nine miles of highway between DeBuys Road and the Biloxi Bay Bridge. Contractors are currently inspecting and videoing existing drain […]

The inside story on NTSB’s bus-train crash report

The National Transportation Safety Board, after months of investigating the deadly bus-train accident in Biloxi in 2017, said CSX and the city should have taken action to resolve the issues at the crossing, but a six-page abstract of the report recommended that state and federal agencies need to develop specific guidelines for signage at dangerous crossings […]

Guns & Hoses is on the way for pickleballers

Registration is now open for the inaugural Guns and Hoses Charity Pickleball Tournament, where pickleballers are challenging first responders. Law enforcers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and their supporters are being invited to sign up now for the tournament, which takes place Saturday, Oct. 13 at the Popp’s Ferry Recreational Area. Registration is free to all active first responders […]

Howard Avenue work, despite surprises, on schedule

Engineers and contractors working on the nearly $2 million reconstruction of the downtown section of Howard Avenue report that work is on schedule for its October completion, but the project has not been without its surprises. Most of the work over the past four months has been below-ground construction, such as storm drains and water […]

Excel By 5 to begin orientation sessions

A new school year has arrived, and Excel by 5 also is ready to begin its year for pre-schoolers. Before preschoolers can attend the many Biloxi Excel By 5 programs, parents and caregivers are required to attend one of the upcoming orientations. Biloxi Excel By 5 is an early learning community-based program designed to improve […]

Gilich: Rail crossing oversight is a complex issue

Here is a statement from Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich regarding the NTSB findings from the deadly bus-train accident at the Main Street crossing in Biloxi in March 2017: “We haven’t been waiting for the findings of the NTSB to be reactive on railroad crossing safety. We’ve been proactive. “Before the tragic accident last year, we […]

NTSB to release bus-train collision findings

The National Transportation Safety Board, during a board meeting this morning at 8:30, will release its findings on the probable cause of the March 2017 collision of an ECHO Transportation motorcoach and a CSX freight train at the Main Street rail crossing in Biloxi. Four of the 49 motorcoach passengers were killed in the crash, […]

Sports Hall of Fame to welcome six new members

One of Jackie Laird’s best basketball players and a hard-hitting catcher with join four football legends as the 2018 inductees into the Biloxi Sport Hall of Fame. The Biloxi Parks & Recreation Department announced the Class of 2018 today. Eric Fortenberry, who former Indians basketball coach Laird called “one of the best Biloxi players of […]

Biloxi, Meet the Press

It was Labor Day 1990 when Biloxi musician Robert Collier and Andrew Thomas of the Spinners decided to form a band, Meet the Press, which they figured would be around for six months or so. And now, 28 years later, this weekend at Point Cadet Plaza, local audiences will have a chance to see an […]

Today is deadline for Biloxi schools registration

Those students who are not registered for Biloxi Public Schools by this afternoon at 3 won’t be able to attend classes on the first day of school, which is Monday. Registration is taking place at public schools across the city. Those who miss the today’s registration deadline will be included in late registration, which begins […]

Cruisin’ The Coast seeks â€Cruisin’ Krewe’ volunteers

Cruisin’ The Coast is looking for fun-loving Coastians who want to be a part of “America’s Largest Block Party.” The success and growth of Cruisin’ The Coast has made it necessary to seek community volunteers to help with the annual event. The volunteers, who will be known as the “Cruisin’ Krewe,” will assist staff and […]

Shuckers GM: We’re playoff-bound and just a few games back

The Shuckers return to MGM Park Thursday for a five-game homestand against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. As the regular season winds down and the playoffs approach, it’s time to check in with General Manager Hunter Reed. The Shuckers were off to a fast start at the beginning of the season and seem to have been […]

Council will meet Tuesday morning, afternoon

Biloxi could see a new software training center open next year, offering one-year courses where graduates could be assured jobs paying at least $50,000 a year. It’s part of Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich’s plan to see the new center, known as a “coding academy”, established in Biloxi where high school graduates would learn to write […]

Seafood museum opens nominations for hall of fame

The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum is now accepting nominations for its 2018 Heritage Hall of Fame class. Nominations, open to individuals who have shown dedication to honoring the tradition of the maritime and seafood industry on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, are for the following four categories: Boat Owner/Captain/Commercial Fisherman, Commercial Seafood Processing Companies, Industry […]

Biloxi seeks state action on internet sales

This weekend it’s a sales tax-free weekend in Mississippi for those buying back-to-school supplies, primarily clothing and footwear under $100, but this week Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and the Biloxi City Council went on record asking for action on another sales tax issue: interstate sales over the internet. The City Council, at Gilich’s request, passed […]

Classes resume Aug. 6 at Biloxi Public Schools

The 2018-2019 school year begins on Aug. 6 for the Biloxi Public Schools. When the doors open on Biloxi’s eight public schools — Biloxi High, Biloxi Junior High, Biloxi Upper Elementary, and elementary schools at Gorenflo, Jeff Davis, Nichols, North Bay, and Popp’s Ferry – school leaders estimate 6,200 students will be in class. That’s […]

A look at development in Biloxi

No doubt you’ve seen the two big announcements – major expansions in the works at Margaritaville and Treasure Bay – and, as significant as they are, they’re just a fraction of development in Biloxi. In fact, at the moment, Biloxi has $70 million in commercial and residential construction underway, outside of nearly $200 million in […]

City seeks input on plans for CSX access road

The City of Biloxi will host a community engagement meeting on Aug. 2 at 5:30 p.m. in the Biloxi Community Development Department auditorium 676 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. to discuss the proposed federally-funded construction of an east-west roadway north of the CSX railway in east Biloxi. The two-lane roadway, which would be immediately […]

August newsletter on the way to Biloxi residents

The new issue of BNews Monthly, with a focus on development in Biloxi and a host of other city news, will begin arriving in homes and businesses throughout Biloxi on Saturday. The issue also includes information about major expansions at Margaritaville Resort & Family Entertainment Center and Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel, and stories on […]

Popp’s Ferry Causeway Park still on hold

To the casual observer, it may look like it’s complete and ready for visitors, but the Popp’s Ferry Causeway Park won’t be opening for another month. Biloxi Chief Administrative Officer Mike Leonard reports that the city and Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality want marsh grass to mature before the public is allowed into the area, […]

City Council faces host of issues Tuesday

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich will be asking the Biloxi City Council on Tuesday to approve three key measures, including a pilot program to help create downtown residents and a measure that would ask the state Legislature to protect local governments across the state from sales tax revenue lost to internet sales. The mayor also will […]

Gilich: Thanks to many for such a great air show

“I think it was universally viewed as a success,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says of the weekend’s Blues Over Biloxi air show. “It was exciting for everyone, all of the families that went down to the beach and to Point Cadet, the tourism industry that saw an occupancy rate that will probably be in the […]

Some advice for Day 2 of Blues Over Biloxi

 The finale of the Blues Over Biloxi air show takes place this afternoon, and tens of thousands of spectators are expected along the Biloxi waterfront again today to see a two-and-a-half hour aerial demonstration headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Not as many beachgoers were positioned on the beach at 7 a.m. as they […]

Here’s the latest on infrastructure work in east Biloxi

Sure, the Blue Angels are thundering overhead again today, rehearsing for the Blues Over Biloxi air show this weekend, but that doesn’t mean roadwork throughout the city comes to a halt. In fact, here’s the latest update: Porter Avenue and connecting streets north of Division will see asphalt being poured in August, and during the […]

Here’s the lineup for Blues Over Biloxi

Blues over Biloxi is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. and end at 3:30, according to the latest schedule, issued by David Shultz Air Shows. Gates at Harrah’s Great Lawn, the premium viewing location, open at 9 a.m. Here’s what you’ll see: 1 p.m. – Opening ceremony and National Anthem performed by Air Force Maj. […]

What you need to know about the air show

Those are U.S. Navy Blue Angels you hear screeching over the skies of Biloxi this afternoon, as members of the precision flying team begin the first of two days of rehearsals before the Blues Over Biloxi air show Saturday and Sunday. The show will be centered over Deer Island, immediately south of the Great Lawn […]

Air show has harbors, marina buzzing

More than 100 boaters are in town for the Blues Over Biloxi air show this weekend, and more are on the way, reports Larry Sablich, who oversees the city public marinas, harbors and boat launches. “We have them from Louisiana, Alabama and some came over from Gulfport,” said Sablich, who maintains a supply of slips […]

City recognizes second quarter longevity recipients

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, on Tuesday, recognized 36 employees for their years of service during a longevity awards presentation. 40 years of service: William Wiley, Fire Department 30 years of service: Pinkey Lewis, Administration Department 25 years of service: Clayton Courtney and Michelle Crowley, Fire Department 20 years of service:James Carson, Parks & Recreation Department; and […]

Lighthouse Pier, Woolmarket library now open

Two anticipated facilities – the Biloxi Lighthouse pier and the new Woolmarket Public Library – are now open. The lighthouse pier, which is the city’s most popular pier, reopened over the weekend after contractors completed repairs from Hurricane Nate damage. The Woolmarket branch of the Harrison County Library System opened this morning at its new digs, […]

Here’s a heads up on the air show traffic plan

The Blue Angels are renowned for their precision flying, and Biloxi Police are hoping to transfer some of that precion to U.S. 90 motorists on July 21 and 22 when the Navy’s high-flying flight demonstration squadron comes to town July 21-22. For the Blues Over Biloxi air show, motorists can expect to see the two southernmost […]

No question, these Shuckers are diamond gems

The playoff-bound Biloxi Shuckers have games this evening and Wednesday morning to wrap up a four-game homestand with Jackson (Tenn.) Generals, and Biloxi General Manager Hunter Reed says the Milwaukee Brewers Double-A affiliate is at the top of its game, on and off the field. Last week, in a game on the eve of the […]

First Friday, fireworks, and Shuckers headline weekend events

Biloxi’s First Friday, the monthly downtown affair, ushers in another month this evening with a three-hour event beginning at 5 throughout Rue Magnolia.  Activities include a Downtown Biloxi Stars & Stripes Scavenger Hunt beginning at the Biloxi Main Street table in front of the Threaded Cork, an art reception for Vielsa Harding “An Affair with Art” […]

City releases latest audit, and it’s ‘clean’

The city published its annual audit earlier this week, and, as expected, it’s page after page of tables of numbers, and explanations that may leave Joe Taxpayer in a daze. However, says Biloxi Chief Administrative Officer Mike Leonard, the 152-page document, known as a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the City of Biloxi, has several […]

Biloxi fireworks show goes rain or shine

The Biloxi Fourth of July fireworks show begins this evening at 9, fired from a barge inside Deer Island. Here’s what you need to know about the 18-minute show. The weather: It really doesn’t matter, says Jerry Munro of the Boom-Boom Committee. The Biloxi fireworks show will be presented rain or shine. Best viewing: The […]

Shuckers resume games and fireworks this evening

Biloxi Shuckers fans were seeing something unique at MGM Park with the Biloxi squad’s homestand with the Mobile BayBears, which began last Thursday: Instead of the usual five-game homestand, the Shuckers had league permission to play a six-game homestand so the series could stretch to July 3. That was important because all Southern league teams […]

City to again offer fireworks-free zone

Fireworks fans will again be able to enjoy the city’s Fourth of July fireworks presentation on east beach without the fear of being hit with fireworks. The fireworks-free zone, which Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich introduced in 2016, occupies the area between Oak Street and the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor, a mile-long stretch of the eight […]

Get ready for an encore, Back Bay fireworks fans

The thunderstorms may have kept a host of fireworks fans from seeing the fireworks show over Back Bay Sunday night, but there’s good news: IP and Scarlet Pearl have announced that an encore presentation will be Saturday, July 7 at 9 p.m. “With the unfortunate bad weather, we know our local community members and their […]

Biloxi to host series of Fourth fireworks shows

“We love our fireworks, and we love to celebrate,” Biloxi businessman Jerry Munro says of the three fireworks shows coming up to mark the Fourth of July in Biloxi.  The shows, for the record: Sunday, 9 p.m., over Back Bay between IP and Scarlet Pearl casino resorts; Tuesday, post-game Biloxi Shuckers Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza […]

It’s all good: City issues annual water quality report

Annual testing of the city’s water systems shows that municipal water customers in Biloxi are receiving water that “meets or exceeds all federal and state requirements.” The annual report, mandated by the state Department of Health, is being mailed to all city residents and businesses in the July issue of BNews Monthly.  The four-page consumer-confidence […]

Shuckers host BayBears daily through Tuesday

The Shuckers have another lineup of fan promotions for the upcoming Mobile Bay Bears homestand, which begins today and runs through Tuesday. The Shuckers (45-31) are coming off a six-game series in Chattanooga. The Double-A Biloxi squad, which won the first half of its Southern League South Division, is currently tied for first with Pensacola. […]

July issue of BNews Monthly on the way

The latest issue of BNews Monthly – with more pages, more stories and more advertisers – will be arriving in all Biloxi homes, businesses, apartments, condos and PO boxes in the next few days. The newsletter and calendar of events, which follows up on the premiere issue in June, features more than two dozen stories, […]

Margaritaville gets green light for major expansion

State and local leaders gathered at Margaritaville Resort Biloxi this afternoon to announce that the Point Cadet resort has received state approval to move forward with its major expansion, which includes an amusement park and second hotel. The Barrington Group, which originally announced the $140 million investment in 2016, has worked since that time to secure […]

MML, police chiefs in town this week

Biloxi motorists will be seeing a host of unfamiliar public vehicles on U.S. 90 and other local roadways this week: Police cars and an array of municipal vehicles from across the state. The annual Mississippi Municipal League convention, which attracts more than 3,000 municipal elected officials, municipal employees, state agency employees, legislators and exhibitors begins gathering […]

Woolmarket city water: A progress report

More than 240 homes and businesses in Woolmarket area have received access to city sewer in the past year or so, meaning that nearly 1,700 of the 3,100 homes and businesses in Woolmarket now have access to city water and/or sewer. But, says Ward 7 Councilman Nathan Barrett, even with the progress and with plans […]

Work and plans for Biloxi boardwalks moving forward

The West Biloxi boardwalk continues on track for its completion this summer, and plans are already in the works for a boardwalk that will wrap around the tip of the Biloxi peninsula. The West Biloxi work, a city-county project using more than a million dollars in Tidelands funds, will be more than 3,000 feet long […]

City awards $4 million contract for Cedar-Popp’s fire station

It’s official: Construction of a new fire station is scheduled to begin on city property on Popp’s Ferry Road east of Cedar Lake Road in the next few weeks, and the new station should be operational this time next year. The station, known as Station 7, will be a 13,000-square-foot fire command station to serve […]

Barring storms, contractors see progress on Irish Hill, Division

Biloxi’s two infrastructure contractors – Oscar Renda and Hemphill – are heading in to the peak of afternoon thundershower season, but both expect rain delays to be minimal, barring any tropical storms. In fact, both say, motorists, residents and businesses should  xpect to see major progress on Irish Hill Drive and Division Street. Oscar Renda […]

Traffic cones in place; Scrapin underway

Public Works crews this morning placed traffic cones in the center lanes of U.S. 90 in the 8.2 miles from I-110 and DeBuys Road signaling the big news for beachfront motorists: Scrapin the Coast 2018 has arrived. The annual two-day show, now in its 16th year at the Coast Coliseum, attracts a decidedly younger demographic than […]

Irish Hill to see temporary closures

Looks like Irish Hill won’t be your alterate route to escape Scrapin’ traffic this wekeend – at least during the daytime.  Hemphill Construction is closing Irish Hill from Summer Place to St. Paul during daylight hours through Monday to install a new water main along the roadway. The closure, which is actually from 6:30 a.m. […]

Biloxi’s Main Street director honored as best in state

Mississippi Main Street Association has named Kay Miller as the Outstanding Director of the Year. Kay Miller, who serves as the Biloxi Main Street Executive Director as well as the City of Biloxi Downtown Services Manager, was honored with the prestigious award Thursday afternoon during the 29th Annual Awards Luncheon in Jackson. “I was very […]

Scrapers to see familiar traffic plan

Scrapin’ the Coast, the car, truck and bike show that has attracted as many as 16,000 auto enthusiasts in previous years, returns to Biloxi this weekend and Biloxi Police will be using the same traffic plan as for Spring Break.  That means motorists can expect to see U.S. 90 limited to one lane of traffic […]

Woolmarket library temporarily remains closed

The Woolmarket library remains closed while the City of Biloxi complete installation of the fire alarm panel. The branch, original set to open today at the Woolmarket City Center, will officially open its doors to the public later this month. During this time, no fees will be charged on items checked out.  Library staffers remind […]

Saints Day: Here is the lineup

The third annual Saints Day kicks off Friday morning with nearly two dozen Saints Hall of Famers and three current Saint’s players participating in a series of events, including the free clinics. The New Orleans Saints Hall of Famers Rickey Jackson and Willie Roaf, along with current starters Wil Lutz, David Onyemata and Zach Wood, […]

Biloxi Cemetery Tour receives Heritage Award

In recognition for preserving Biloxi’s history, the Mississippi Heritage Trust has awarded the Old Biloxi Cemetery Tour with a 2018 Heritage Award for Preservation Education. For more than a decade, the Biloxi Historic Cemetery Tour has welcomed thousands of visitors to Biloxi’s historic cemetery for tours of re-enactors telling the history of those laid to […]

Woolmarket library to reopen Thursday

The Woolmarket branch of the Harrison County Library System will re-open Thursday in its new location. The library has completed its move into a larger facility and will re-open Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Woolmarket City Center, 13034 Kayleigh Cove Drive. “Staff are very excited to have almost twice the space in the new […]

Billfish tournament, summer fair and more this weekend

Hundreds of fisherman and their armada of million-dollar boats are at Point Cadet Marina this weekend for the annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Tournament. With millions in cash and prizes at stake, the anglers are competing in six divisions: Catch and Release, Blue Marlin, Swordfish, Tuna, Wahoo, and Dolphinfish. Scales open from 3 to 6 […]

Saints return to Biloxi for a third year

The Saints Hall of Fame event returns to Biloxi Friday, June 15 with a golf tournament, a kids and parents experience, and a Saints Day with the Biloxi Shuckers. “This year’s Saints Day offers a wide range of events for the whole family,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said. “This event continues to highlight a growing […]

Holloway services set for Friday; other news and notes

The Biloxi Police and Fire departments, two agencies that had seen overwhelming growth in the A.J. Holloway administration, will play key roles in the former mayor’s funeral service Friday morning, as condolences continue to arrive in the wake of the mayor’s passing. Visitation for the 22-year mayor will be Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon […]

A.J. Holloway, ‘a legend in so many ways,’ dead at 79

A.J. Holloway, who oversaw an unprecedented number of quality-of-life improvements during his unprecedented 22 years as Biloxi’s mayor, died early Tuesday morning. He was 79. He was elected to the City Council in 1989 and elected mayor in 1993, 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009, and 2013, before resigning in 2015.  Holloway became mayor a year after […]

Biloxi air show to feature huge food truck rally

When the “Blues over Biloxi” air show takes place July 21-22 in Biloxi, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will be only part of the attraction for the beachfront airshow. In an effort to keep the tens of thousands of spectators fed, “Blues Over Biloxi” will feature an army of  mobile food vendors, from three states […]

Summer camps have begun in Biloxi

School’s out and hundreds of youngsters have signed up with the City of Biloxi for a fun-filled summer break in the city’s summer camp and fire academy. And the city has announced that the Biloxi Natatorium is going to be open each Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. throughout the summer. This morning, more than […]

Galaxy of stars to fete Schooner at MGM Park this evening

Biloxi’s league-leading Shuckers face the Mississippi Braves this evening and Saturday, and tonight’s fireworks extravaganza aside, there will be a galaxy of stars at MGM Park later today. It’s Schooner the Seagull’s birthday, and the Shuckers plan a huge, star-studded pre-game party for the team mascot. Check out this guest list: Finny from Margaritaville Biloxi, Pierre from […]

New building codes go into effect June 1

On June 1, the City of Biloxi begins operating under the 2018 International Building and Fire Codes, which, on the surface may not be a big deal but the updated codes mean property owners should continue to enjoy discounts on building and flood insurance premiums. The codes, which govern new construction and renovations, have minimal […]

Museum to unveil new Golden Fisherman

After four decades, the monument that was designed to commemorate the Biloxi’s and the Coast’s seafood heritage and pay tribute to generations of commercial fisherman will once again rise in honor of the iconic Gulf Coast fisherman. The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum will unveil the new Golden Fisherman statue on Thursday as part of […]

Woolmarket library branch to temporarily close

The Woolmaket Public Library branch, which has been housed for years in a small trailer, will be closing to the public Wednesday to begin its permanent move to the Woolmarket City Center. No word yet on when the branch will open at its new location, which is at 13034 Kayleigh Cove Drive. The move, a project […]

Shuckers face Braves all week at MGM Park

The league-leading Biloxi Shuckers return to MGM Park this evening to kick off a five-game series against in-state rival Mississippi Braves.  Games will be played daily through Friday, but minor league baseball is only part of the attraction, the team says. The lineup of promotions for this week: Today The road to the show travels […]

Alberto heads east; let’s play ball

It’s official: With Subtropical Storm Alberto continuing its track eastward, toward the Florida and Alabama coastline, the storm and flood watches for Biloxi and Harrison County have been discontinued. The forecast for this afternoon is for a 40 percent chance of thundershowers and a high of 83. On Memorial Day itself, however, there’s an 80 […]

Alberto roundup: What to expect and when

Owners of the 300 or so vessels moored at Biloxi’s four public harbors and marinas were notified on Friday to prepare their craft for high winds and high tides as Subtropical Storm Alberto continues to creep toward the Gulf of Mexico, and if they haven’t done so yet, now is the time to act, Port […]

Preparations well underway for Alberto

Alberto appears as if he’s going to be an unwelcome visitor this Memorial Day weekend — or at the least drench weekend activities. The subtropical storm, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and gusts of up to 65 mph, has formed in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to be approaching the north-central Gulf […]

Conference USA moves into Day 2

The Conference USA baseball tournament at MGM Park launched into Day 2 today, with top-seeded USM facing the University of Alabama-Birmingham this afternoon at 1:30, with follow-up games planned at 5 and 8:30 p.m. The tournament runs daily through Sunday, with games telecast nationally on ESPN3 and the title game on Sunday carried by the […]

Rain may be a factor this Memorial Day weekend

Local weather authorities are asking the public to closely monitor weather reports throughout Memorial Day weekend. The National Weather Service is predicting a 50 to 90 percent chance of rain throughout the weekend with a chance of flooding in low-lying areas. Forecasters also are monitoring a low pressure system that at 2 p.m. today was […]

City launches new citywide monthly newsletter, calendar

The City of Biloxi today is launching “Bnews Monthly,” a full-color monthly newsletter and calendar of events designed to help keep citizens across the city aware of myriad city projects and events. The first edition of the newsletter, dated June 1 and expected to arrive in homes in the next several days, includes nearly two […]