Category Archives: Your City At Work | Page 4

Your City at Work

7 of 8 teams now chosen for Conference USA

It’s official: Seven of the eight teams have been decided for the Conference USA Baseball Championship at USM Park next week. The teams are top-seeded Southern Miss, followed by Old Dominion, Louisiana Tech, Florida Atlantic, Charlotte, University of Texas at San Antonio and Rice. Florida International University and Marshall remain in contention for the final […]

Police chief addresses fallen officers ceremony

Here are remarks made by Biloxi Police Chief John Miller at the outset of the Biloxi Police Department’s Fallen Officers ceremony, held this morning outside the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center. Good morning, thank you for being here today to honor Biloxi Police Officers who gave their lives while protecting our community and also to show […]

Tim Bennett and the inside story on Conference USA

OK, so you’ve heard about Conference USA baseball championship coming to MGM Park next week. It’s going to be five days of top-flight college baseball, led by the top-seeded Southern Miss Golden Eagles, along with daily national TV exposure and thousands of baseball fans from across the country. So what do you need to know […]

Seats for USM’s Conference USA opener now on sale

Individual tickets for the University of Southern Mississippi’s first game of the 2017 Conference USA Championship Tournament are now on sale. USM comes in as the top-ranked team in the conference, coming off an 11-3 victory at MGM Park Wednesday night against Southeastern Louisiana. The Golden Eagles will take on a to-be-named opponent on Wednesday, […]

Gilich: We need a real solution to the sandy U.S. 90

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says Biloxi has spent nearly half a million dollars on removing sand from U.S. 90 since he took office two years ago, and this morning he told a Biloxi Chamber audience that there’s got to be a better way. The mayor, during his 20-minute presentation, discussed progress on the city’s infrastructure […]

Conference USA lineup coming into focus

MGM Park will be viewed as a neutral site next week when the Conference USA Baseball Championship begins play, but one thing’s for sure: the Southern Miss Golden Eagles will be the No. 1 seed. In fact, as Conference USA rolls into its final week of the baseball season, half of the tournament field has […]

City seeks your memories of downtown Biloxi

“Everybody has their memories of what made downtown Biloxi special,” says Mayor Andrew ‘FoFo” Gilich, “and we’re looking for people to share those memories.” The input from residents is a key part of the first phase of a fourth-month process that is going to result in an action plan toward restoring downtown Biloxi. “We all […]

Firefighters respond to three kitchen fires

Last week, Biloxi firefighters were called to four fires: three kitchen fires and one trash fire.  Since cooking fires are the No. 1 cause of home fires and home injuries, firefighters are reminding residents to never leave the kitchen unattended when cooking. According to a 2013 survey by the insurance firm Liberty Mutual, nearly half […]

Sizzlin’ Shuckers return for a 10-game homestand

The red-hot Biloxi Shuckers, who have won 11 of their past 14 games, return to Biloxi Saturday to launch a 10-game homestand at MGM Park, the first of two such homestands this season. The 10-game slate features five games against the Mississippi Braves, an Atlanta Braves affiliate, and five games against the Chattanooga Lookouts, a […]

Oscar Renda: All of east Biloxi paved by end of August

With the east Biloxi infrastructure project about 13 months away from its contracted end, Oscar Renda announced today that all streets east of Lee Street should be paved by the end of August. Project Superintendent John Cowart, appearing in a monthly progress video published today on the city’s YouTube channel, also reported that Graham, Iroquois […]

Summer Movie Series event postponed

Organizers of the “Summer Movie Series,” the fun and games event with the showing of the movie “Moana” planned for tonight on the Biloxi Town Green, have decided to postpone the event until May 20 at Hiller Park because of the inclement weather. The National Weather Service forecasts showers and thunderstorms through the early evening hours, […]

Preservation series launches on Howard Avenue

The 10th Annual Preservation in May series kicks off tonight with a tour of Howard Avenue. Those attending will be able to tour 18 sites along the east Biloxi roadway to learn more about past and present sites along Howard Avenue. “We want people to see what Howard Avenue used to be like,” Biloxi Historic […]

Podcast: Spring break, homelessness and more

Councilman Paul Tisdale had about 20 of his constituents call him with concerns about spring break, so he thought he would arrange a meeting between those residents and Police Chief John Miller, Fire Chief Joe Boney and Community Development Director Jerry Creel. Those 20 residents and about 40 more turned out Wednesday night at the […]

18-wheeler becomes lodged at CSX crossing

The driver of an 18-wheeler this morning was cited for failure to obey traffic devices after his tractor-trailer became stuck on the tracks at the CSX rail crossing at Lameuse Street, where signs say buses, trucks or RVs are not allowed at the crossing. The site is a block west of the Main Street crossing where a […]

City amplifies argument for return of casino rent money

The City of Biloxi is intensifying its efforts to recoup more than $600,000 from the state and has filed documents in Harrison County Chancery Court that show the actions in transferring the funds were unconstitutional and ignored rules of the state House and Senate. Members of the Biloxi City Council were briefed on the issue […]

Council seeks new state flag, faces vote on flying current flag

The Biloxi City Council will not vote until May 23 on whether the city should fly the state flag at city facilities, but councilmembers did vote this evening to ask the state to replace the current state flag with a symbol that “can unite, rather than divide the citizens of Mississippi.” Councilmembers addressed the two […]

Flood insurance reminders going out this week

The City of Biloxi, as part of its continuing efforts to educate property owners about the dangers of storms and flooding, is reminding residents this week about the importance of having flood insurance, regardless of where they live. “More than 20 percent of the claims in the National Flood Insurance Program are from outside identified […]

Council to receive briefing on legal issues

The Biloxi City Council will conduct a rare executive session, closed to the public, at a point during its meeting on Tuesday afternoon. The meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. at City Hall and is open to the public, includes nearly 30 measures in all. City Attorney Peter Abide has placed a measure on the […]

Air Force jet could land on U.S. 90 in Biloxi

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, a fan of things “Old Biloxi,” is asking the U.S. Air Force museum and the state highway department to allow a return of something from Biloxi’s past: an Air Force plane in the center median of U.S. 90 near White Avenue. The plane, actually a decommissioned 1956 F-104 jet now on […]

Arts, music and a pinata on tap for First Friday

Biloxi Main Street hosts “First Friday” this evening from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Rue Magnolia and Water Street area. The Cinco de Mayo themed event will feature live entertainment by Colin & Chase, a fun piñata game and downtown area specials.  Visitors will have chance to win a $100 gift card to a […]

Your guide to the new bike share program

The City of Biloxi this afternoon launched its new bike sharing program with Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and others making an inaugural ride through downtown Biloxi. Two bike sharing stations with five bicycles on each are located in downtown Biloxi, one at the Biloxi Visitors Center and the other at the MGM Park, among the […]

City eyes homeless assessment center at former school

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich is looking to build on the city’s award-winning partnership to end veterans homelessness with a program that could serve as a model to addressing the challenges of homelessness. Gilich on Tuesday will be asking the City Council to approve a no-cost lease with Biloxi Public Schools that could see the creation […]

City Desk: Get the inside story on Shuckers baseball

The Biloxi Shuckers, who last year were recognized by the Southern League with the first-ever Patriot Award, will be hosting the Naval Construction Battalion Center with “Navy Night” on Saturday. It’s the latest in an ongoing series of promotions designed to make Shuckers baseball a family outing, whether you’re a baseball fan or not. That’s […]

Preservation in May offers a walk through time

This year’s Preservation in May series will feature a walking tours of an historic avenue and neighborhood, a seafood sampling, a park dedication and the Mass of the Deceased Fisherman. The five-week program, taking place Thursday evenings, begins on May 11 and ends on June 1, just in time for  the Blessing of the Fleet […]

Friday, it’s Cinco de Bike-o at Visitors Center

A new service is coming to downtown Biloxi that will take advantage of the growing number of bike lanes in the city.  The Biloxi Visitors Center on Friday will begin offering bike rentals, with bikes available in an automated rental service through the bike share provider Zagster. Initially, the bike share stations, the first of […]

Gilich coasts in primary; five council seats now decided

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich secured the Republican nomination for mayor in balloting today, and five of the seven Biloxi City Council seats were essentially settled this evening, with incumbent Robert L. Deming III of Ward 4 and newcomer Nathan Barrett of Ward 7 claiming victories. Only Wards 1 and 2, with incumbent Democrats George Lawrence […]

National Day of Prayer ceremony set for Thursday

Biloxi will mark National Day of Prayer with a multi-denominational observance Thursday at noon at Biloxi City Hall. The hour-long ceremony, organized by Carleen E. Hall, is scheduled to take place indoors this year, instead of on the front steps of City Hall, because of the threat of inclement weather. The event, themed “For Your […]

Development news turns appetizing

The walk-in Sonic opened for business on Pass Road last week and the developers of the new Mugshots in downtown Biloxi, who broke ground last week, are aiming to open the first weekend in October, coinciding with Cruisin’ the Coast. Building plans also were submitted to the Community Development Department for a new Waffle House, […]

Grambling faces UNO Tuesday at MGM

Grambling State University takes on the University of New Orleans in a college baseball game Tuesday at MGM Park in downtown Biloxi. Gates to the stadium open at 6 p.m and the first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Tickets are $10 and $11, and can be purchased at the MGM Park ticket office or […]

Republican-laden primary takes place Tuesday

The Republican and Democratic party primaries take place Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Biloxi, but the fact is, only the Republicans will have citywide ballots, with only one Democratic race taking place, in Ward 2. Those voting in the Republican primary will have choices for mayor and in council races in Wards […]

Bishop-elect to be ordained, installed this afternoon

Bishop-elect Louis Kihneman III will be ordained and installed as the fourth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi this afternoon at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral. The ceremony, which is by invitation only, will begin at 2 p.m. and be broadcast live on cable TV’s EWTN and on WLOX.  Kihneman, 65, was […]

City seeks help in identifying 1950s sites, people

OK, your city needs your help. Who remembers the landmarks and people of 1950s Biloxi? The City of Biloxi has acquired a half-hour U.S. Army documentary, “Social Change in a Democracy,” which was filmed in Biloxi in 1951, and help is needed in identifying people and places in the documentary. Take a look at leave […]

Republican ballot will include executive committee

Those voting in the Republican primary in the Biloxi municipal elections on Tuesday are going to see more than the mayor and their respective council seat on the ballot. Voters in the Republican primary also are going to be asked to cast ballots for the eight members of the Biloxi Republican Municipal Executive Committee. The […]

Susan Hunt named Biloxi’s Outstanding Citizen

Susan Hunt dedicates her life every day to making Biloxi a better place, whether through being a career educator, or working with Biloxi Excel By 5 or helping spark an interest in the colorful traditions of Mardi Gras, and now the city and Biloxi Lions Club have taken note of her dedication. Hunt was recognized […]

Wylie recognized as outstanding volunteer

Patrick Wylie, who has volunteered for a host of activities and helped raise hundred of thousands of dollars to assist those affected by multiple sclerosis,  has been named as Biloxi’s Distinguished Volunteer of the Year. The announcement was made Tuesday night during the 34th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony held at the Dr. Frank G. Gruich Community […]

Hundreds turn out for clean-up campaign

Hundreds of individuals and groups volunteered to help keep Biloxi beautiful last week during the Great American Clean-Up campaign. The campaign began on Saturday, April 16 and ended on Saturday, April 22. “We had great support,” Downtown Services Manager Kay Miller said.  “Over the course of the week, we had about 250 participants including about […]

Volunteer ceremony set for Tuesday afternoon

The City of Biloxi will recognize dozens of volunteers and name a Distinguished Volunteer of the Year in a free public ceremony Tuesday afternoon at the Dr. Frank G. Gruich Community Center, 591 Howard Ave. The 5:30 program will feature food, a photo montage, and recognition of volunteers in the areas of health, community, arts […]

Employees recognized for years of service

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich this week recognized 32 employees for their years of service during a longevity awards presentation. Those recognized during the April 18 council meeting were: 20 years of service: Debvie Danilson, Parks & Recreation Department; and Dolores Pizzetta, Police Department 15 years of service: William Fairley, Thaddeus Galle, Charles Hawkins, Anthony McGee, Gregory […]

Absentee voting at City Hall on Saturday

Biloxi City Hall will be open Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon for absentee voting for the May 2 Primary Election. Absentee votes, which is for eligible voters who are unable to be at the polls on election day, also may be cast weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at City Hall, which is […]

Unwelcome visitor apprehended at Biloxi Lighthouse

Yes, we’re a visitor-oriented city, and everyone is welcome.  Well, not quite everyone. Biloxi Police Officer Bryan Wallace this afternoon muzzled a four-foot alligator on the Biloxi beachfront after a beachgoer carried the four-legged reptile to the shoreline. It’s a rare occurrence, said Wallace, a former Department of Marine Resources officer who’s actually hog-tied a […]

Crawfish festival headlines weekend events

The Crawfish Music Festival, held annually at the Coast Coliseum for more than two decades now, continues throughout the weekend with live musical performances, carnival rides and, of course, crawfish. The event, which officially began Thursday with the Miss Crawfish Music Festival pageant, is held over two weekends and includes live entertainment each night and […]

Get involved! Clean-up Biloxi campaign picking up steam

Biloxi’s role in the Great American Clean Up is picking up steam as the movement heads into its home stretch on Saturday. “We just had two more groups sign up this afternoon,” said Downtown Service Manager Kay Miller.  “Today staff from Back Bay Mission helped clean up Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and the […]

City seeks interest in old Biloxi library

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich wants to turn an historic city-owned downtown building into an income-producing, job-creating showplace. The city on Friday will advertise for proposals for the purchase, lease or lease purchase of a property referred to as the “Old Biloxi Library Building and Grounds,” at 124 and 122 Lameuse St. The two-story building, which […]

Keesler joint land-use meeting is Thursday

Interested residents and business owners have a chance to hear progress on the Keesler Joint Land Use Study  and how to minimize the impact on Keesler’s current and future missions during a public workshop Thursday at 3:30 p.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Municipal Building in downtown Biloxi. The meeting, which is a […]

Paving in works for Ward 4 roadways

Paving is in the works for several thoroughfares in the Bay Vista subdivision of Ward 4, including Walda and Linwood streets, Old Bay Road and Ross Circle. The start date for Warren Paving to begin the work will be announced shortly. Other Ward 4 streets to be scheduled for paving are Holly Hills, Rustwood, Baywood […]

Gilich turns to Guice’s own words for eulogy

 When it came time to deliver a formal eulogy for “Danny” Guice, Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich turned to the words of the three-term Biloxi mayor himself. Gilich who said Guice was a regular visitor at his City Hall office since he became mayor two years ago, recounted his first recollections of the beloved community leader […]

Shuckers see 21 percent increase in fans, national TV

By Chris Harris Biloxi Shuckers The Shuckers ended their opening homestand on Sunday, and attendance through the first five games enjoyed a 21 percent increase over the opening series in 2016. A total of 14,806 fans came through the gates to see the Shuckers take on the Blue Wahoos, an increase of 2,577 fans from […]

Funeral for Danny Guice is Tuesday afternoon

An honor guard of Biloxi police officers and firefighters will be standing at attention during the funeral Tuesday afternoon for former Mayor Daniel D. “Danny” Guice, and Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said he expects a large outpouring from Biloxi citizens. Guice, a three-term Biloxi mayor who has the distinction of serving in three branches of […]

Exterior design approved for Mugshots Restaurant

The Architectural Historical Review Commission last week approved the exterior design for Mugshots, a new restaurant being proposed for downtown. The restaurant, which will be north of Patio 44 off Main Street, will include 201 parking spaces to be shared by both restaurants. Plans are now being reviewed by the city building and fire departments […]

Gilich seeks OK for downtown â€action plan’

The Biloxi City Council will meet at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday instead of 1:30 p.m., and when council members gather they’ll face an agenda that includes measures dealing with a host of long-discussed major issues. Councilmembers have pushed back the starting time of the meeting by an hour in order to attend the funeral of former […]

City Desk: Mayor on the issues

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, guesting on this week’s City Desk podcast, touches on a number of issues: spring break, Shuckers, infrastructure work, Popp’s Ferry Causeway Park and “the boat to Ship Island.” The nine-minute program was recorded this morning at City Hall. Listen to City Desk podcast   News and notes Good Friday: Non-emergency municipal […]

Gilich: Let’s build on Opening Day success

The Biloxi Shuckers fell short on the MGM Park scoreboard opening night against the Pensacola Wahoos, but Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says the Biloxi minor league team fared much better at the box office. “I think everybody had a great time,” said Gilich, who threw out the first pitch for the game (an inside strike, […]

Shuckers GM Chuck Arnold on 2017 and MGM Park

  Five questions with Chuck Arnold, 36-year-old general manager of the Biloxi Shuckers, who’s beginning his second season in Biloxi, after two seasons with Pensacola and 10 seasons with a St. Louis Cardinals affiliate. Why are you excited about this season? “You’re always excited to open a new season. We’ve got a great new lineup […]

Caillavet Street re-opens to traffic

Caillavet Street, where motorists have had to detour for two weeks, was fully reopened to traffic shortly after lunch today, after contractors applied thick coats of asphalt to the intersection at Division Street. Just days ago the intersection of Caillavet and Division had been a 25-foot deep crevice where contactors installed an 18-inch sewer line […]

Shuckers open MGM play this evening

The Biloxi Shuckers open play at MGM Park this evening in a homestand with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos that will continue through Sunday. The Opening Day celebration against Pensacola, an affiliate of Cincinnati Reds, will see Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich toss out the first pitch at 6:35 p.m.  Gates to MGM Park open at […]

Volunteers needed for the Great American Clean Up

It’s time to clean up, Biloxi. The city and county are asking for volunteers, companies and groups to participate in the Biloxi Great American Clean Up during the week of April 16-22. Throughout the week, individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and church and civic groups are asked to “clean up” neighborhoods or areas in the community […]

City files action to recover rent money

The City of Biloxi today took steps in Harrison County Chancery Court to protect its right to $606,350.52 in rent paid into a state holding fund by the Golden Nugget Casino Resort. The state Legislature last year erroneously transferred the city’s money into the state general fund and failed to return the money during the […]

Spring Break generates traffic and trash headaches

A record crowd of 60,000 spring breakers clogged local roadways and litter in their wake in an event that began Friday afternoon and ran into the late hours of Sunday. “We’re accessing the situation right now, the good, the bad and the ugly,” Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said this morning. “The biggest things, of […]

Sign up now for the kids fire academy

Looking for a fun and educational camp for your child to attend? Interested in having your child learn more about fire safety? Well, the Biloxi Fire Department has your answers. The Biloxi Fire Department is now taking applications for its Fire Academy for Kids Camp. Registration is open weekdays at the Fire Department Station No. […]

BLT has an homage to ‘Yats’ and Carnival

Biloxi Little Theater opens its Carnival opus “And the Ball at All” tonight, and those attending the sold-out show may have smiling faces even before they enter the theater: The Lee Street playhouse is no longer on a dirt road. Oscar Renda crews this afternoon added a level surface of pea-sized rocks to Lee Street […]

Spring Break ’17: Sold out, almost!

It’s something that you don’t see that often, and it’s great news, says Linda Hornsby, longtime Biloxi and Gulf Coast tourism authority: Biloxi and the Gulf Coast are close to hanging out a “No vacancy” sign for this weekend, with only a handful of the 15,341 rooms from stateline to stateline available, primarily for the […]

Are you’re getting timely Biloxi updates on Facebook?

The city now has a Facebook audience of more than 28,000, and, as a result more and more timely news updates are posted on the city Facebook page to augment news on the city website. However, a while back Facebook changed the way it chooses the posts you see – and you may need to […]

Q&A about spring break and the traffic plan

Biloxi residents, motorists, businesses and public safety workers are preparing for more visitors and heavy traffic this weekend in connection with an influx of visitors for Spring Break events. Here are frequently asked questions and answers about the event and steps the city takes to keep traffic moving: Who puts on Spring Break, and why […]

Hiller Park splash pad opens Saturday

“When I was a boy, we used to go jump in Back Bay, or we ran through the water on the beach,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said the other day. “Boy, have times changed.” Gilich and Harrison County Supervisor Beverly Martin will open the city’s newest splash pad, at Hiller Park, on Saturday with a […]

Point Cadet lands SKA National Championship

It’s official. The 2017 Mercury Southern Kingfish Association National Championship will be presented Oct. 27-29 at Point Cadet Marina in Biloxi. The event, which is scheduled to attract as many as 131 boats, is one of a half-dozen fishing tournaments in the offing at Point Cadet Marina, which is at the easternmost tip of the […]

Outstanding Citizen to be named April 26

Biloxi will name its Outstanding Citizen Wednesday, April 26 during a Biloxi Lions Club luncheon at the Biloxi Yacht Club.  The noontime luncheon is open to the public and has a $20 fee. For reservations, contact Vincent Creel at vcreel@biloxi.ms.us or (228) 435-6368. The Lions Club outstanding citizen program dates back more than 80 years, […]

Navy Band Southeast performs tonight in Biloxi

Mississippi Gulf Coast Navy Week festivities comes to Biloxi this evening with a performance by the Navy Band Southeast. The Navy Band Southeast’s Ceremonial Band will perform at the Lighthouse Park Pavilion, west of the Biloxi Visitors Center, beginning at 6 p.m.  The performance is free to attend but it is requested that guests bring […]

More venues, more to do means bigger Spring Break this year

Spring Break, the annual ritual of college-age youths cruising in cars and on foot along west beach in Biloxi, rolls into town Friday, and Biloxians should expect to see more traffic and more people for this year’s two-day rendition. If U.S. 90 traffic approaches gridlock a point during the event, Biloxi Police, who implement traffic […]

City celebrates Community Market season opening

The City of Biloxi will celebrate the season opening of the Charles R. Hegwood Biloxi Community Market on Tuesday. The market officially opens from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a ceremony and festival beginning at 9 a.m. under the I-110 overpass on Howard Avenue.  The festival, hosted by Biloxi Main Street, will include cake-themed […]

Oscar Renda comes to aid of ‘Walk for Christ’

The “Walk for Christ” takes place on Caillavet Street on Saturday morning, and thanks to last-minute work from contractor Oscar Renda, walkers will be able to walk on Caillavet all the way from IP to MGM Park. Since Monday, contractors have had a large trench at the intersection of Division and Caillavet, with the road […]

Bicentennial celebrations kick off Friday

This year marks Mississippi’s 200th anniversary of becoming a state and the state-wide festivities begin this weekend on the Gulf Coast, with Biloxi represented in the affair. The two-day Bicentennial Celebration South event kicks off Friday at 9 a.m. and concludes on Saturday with the Governor’s Concert. The events will be staged at Centennial Park, […]

Caillavet will re-open to motorists Monday

See updated story Caillavet Street, which has been closed since Monday while infrastructure crews install major water and sewer lines at Division Street, will remain closed until the end of the day Monday, when work is expected to be completed. However, one lane of the roadway will be opened temporarily Saturday morning for pedestrians taking […]

Work getting underway at Popp’s Ferry Causeway Park

Preliminary site work and the delivery of materials and equipment has begun on the Popp’s Ferry causeway, and over the next 12 months visitors to the area and motorists on the Popp’s Ferry bridge will see a 30-year-old idea becoming a reality: Popp’s Ferry Causeway Park.  The project will include a bait shop and kayak […]

There’s something fishy at the Biloxi Police Department

“Place your fish fry orders now to beat the rush,” says Biloxi Police Lt. Christopher De Back of Friday’s Special Olympics fish fry. “Orders usually pick up dramatically around the middle of the week.” The 2017 Law Enforcement Torch Run Fish Fry, a benefit for the Mississippi Special Olympics, takes place Friday from 11 a.m. […]

Oscar Renda aims for host of milestones by June 1

East Biloxi infrastructure contractor Oscar Renda, fresh from paving a half-dozen neighborhood streets last week, is planning for a busy summer, with a host of milestones expected by June 1. “We expect a round of paving across the project every month,” Oscar Renda Superintendent John Cowart says in this month’s video of progress, which was […]

‘Southern Living’ has a list about Biloxi

“Southern Living,” which is all about Great Things Southern, has a glowing update on Biloxi, which it hails as a charming town “with gorgeous scenic views, a fantastic art museum, and some of the best seafood around – you’ll want to stop and stay awhile.” Among the list of seven things that would-be visitors are […]

Absentee ballots available weekdays at City Hall

Absentee voting is now taking place Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the April 6 Democratic and Republican primaries for mayor and City Council. Some registered voters are eligible to vote by an absentee ballot because of age, health, work demands, temporary relocation for educational purposes or their affiliation with the […]

Town Green hosts ‘Hop the Trail to Bunnyland’

The Biloxi Town Green turns into Bunnyland on Saturday morning thanks to Biloxi Excel by 5. “Hop the Trail to Bunnyland,” a free affair open to children ages five and younger, will take place from 9 a.m. to noon. Children can participate in fun hands-on activities such as eggs in the basket, tissue paper eggs, […]

Dredging work moves a step closer

Boat owners who use the boat launch at Hiller Park have complained for years about the need for dredging of the canal near the boat launch, and now it appears a city project is on track for deepening of that area and other sites along the Biloxi waterfront. Christy LeBatard, the city’s director of engineering, […]

Registration dates announced for summer playground

Soon hundreds of youngster will be out for summer break and the City of Biloxi is preparing to fill their time with fun and creative activities through the Summer Playground and Enrichment Program. Registration for the summer camp will be held on two main dates: Saturday, April 1 and Saturday, April 8.  On April 1, registration will be open […]

City seeks nominations for volunteer awards

The City of Biloxi is seeking nominations for its upcoming 34th annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, which takes place Tuesday, April 25 at the Dr. Frank Gruich Sr. Community Center, 591 Howard Ave.  The city will recognize individuals who volunteer in the areas of health, community, arts and history, education, military, non-profits, youth, and sports. Also […]

Free weight loss challenge begins next week

It’s time to lighten up, Biloxi. The City of Biloxi is partnering with “Let’s Go! Gulf Coast,” Salvation Army Kroc Center, and the National Diabetes and Obesity Research Center at Tradition for a free eight-week weight loss and health challenge program. The “Lighten Up Biloxi” program, which aims to promote a healthy and active lifestyle […]

Rail crossings and Belle La Vie: Now what?

The Biloxi City Council on Tuesday made decisions on a couple of key issues: the consolidation of six of the city’s 29 rail crossings and the green light for rezoning of more than 600 acres for a planned community in the north part of the city. So what’s next?   The next steps on the […]

Hiller Park splash to open soon

Residents and visitors to Hiller Park will soon have a new way to stay cool while enjoying the outdoors. On Saturday, April 8, city and county leaders will open the community’s newest splash pad, at Hiller Park, with a ribbon cutting beginning at 11 a.m.  The 40-by-50-foot splash pad, which is north of the Hiller Park […]

Pedestrian access soon to increase at Hiller Park

Work is now underway on the latest pedestrian access project at Hiller Park. The project, which begin last week, includes an 8-foot-wide, 1,400-foot-long walkway that will run alongside the bay at the northern end of the park near the Hiller Park Pavilion. “This project advances our initiative of a more walkable community,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” […]

Biloxi pirates to invade D’Iberville to mark bicentennial

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and a party of marauding pirates, traveling aboard a Jolly Roger-flagged Biloxi schooner, are scheduled to invade the City of D’Iberville’s re-enactment of the Landing of D’Iberville Saturday on the north shores of the Bay of Biloxi. And that’s just the way organizers of “Party with Pierre” want it. “We wanted […]

Election update: Ward 4 down to two candidates

The race for the Ward 4 council seat, which represents areas of west Biloxi north and south of the Bay, became a two-man field Friday after candidate Nick Patano withdrew from the race. As a result, two candidates will meet in the Ward 4 Republican primary on May 2: incumbent Robert L. Deming III and […]

Tickets on sale for Christian festival at MGM

MGM Park will host its first-ever Christian Concert on Saturday, April 1, the Inaugural Unity Christian Music Festival, an all-day alcohol-free event open to all ages and free to children 7 and under. The Grammy-winning group Anthem Lights, which claimed the 2015 K-LOVE fan choice award on I-Heart Radio and has more than a half-million […]

Huge ‘Battle at Beach’ wraps up Saturday at MGM

The college baseball doubleheader at MGM Park this afternoon is launching a weekend of baseball at the downtown park, culminating  with four high school games that will bring the curtain down on a weeklong “Battle at the Beach” tournament that has featured 30 high school teams. The college doubleheader features Loyola and Tougaloo at 4 […]

City to discuss rail crossings at public hearing Tuesday

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich is asking the City Council to begin a process to consolidate seven of Biloxi’s 29 rail crossings and for CSX and the Mississippi Department of Transportation to help the city improve safety at existing crossings. The council is being asked to vote on the resolution during a public hearing on Tuesday, […]

Former O’Jay to sing National Anthem tonight

Three-time Grammy winner Nathan Best, a former member of two-world renowned groups, The O’Jays and the Fairfield Four, will perform the National Anthem to open today’s Jackson State-Alcorn State baseball game at MGM Park. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Best is one of the few African-Americans to ever win Album of The Year […]

Merit Health, city to recognize first responders

Merit Health and the City of Biloxi are hosting a First Responder Appreciation Event, actually a picnic in a downtown city park, to honor the public safety personnel and emergency workers who assisted in the aftermath of the tragic train-bus collision last week. Hamburgers, hot dogs, beverages and desserts will be provided to first responders, […]

Easter schedule gets hopping in Biloxi

Here is a list of community Easter events:   Thursday, March 23, 2017: Bunny Day Biloxi Excel by 5, along with the Biloxi Public Schools and the IP Casino Resort Spa, will hold a Bunny Day!  The event begins at 10 a.m. at the Lopez School School, 140 St. John Avenue, is free and open […]

City seeking nominees for Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame

The Biloxi Parks & Recreation Department is now accepting applications for the 2017 class of the Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame. Nominees must meet a criteria and are selected on athletic achievements, advancement in sports and community service.  Applications may be acquired weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Parks & Recreation office […]

Library seeks help in identifying 1950s Biloxi

 There’s an old black-and-white government-created documentary floating around on the internet that should have special appeal to Biloxi residents, and the city is embarking on a project to give the short film new life and new meaning. “Social Change in a Democracy,” an almost half-hour documentary created by the U.S. Army in 1951, discusses the […]

Ole Miss leads off MGM baseball lineup

MGM Park ushers in another big week of baseball this evening with a college game between Ole Miss and Nichols State, followed by a slate of other college and high school games into the weekend. First pitch will be tossed out at 7 this evening. Then, on Friday, its a college doubleheader, with Loyola and […]

Make your reservations for Special Olympics fish fry

The Biloxi Police Department, which raises money throughout the year for Special Olympics Mississippi and the Law Enforcement Torch Run, will hold a fish fry on Friday, March 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center. On the menu will be fish or hamburger plates, which include potato salad and […]

Who is Biloxi’s outstanding citizen?

The Biloxi Lions Club is now accepting nominations for Biloxi’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year. Nominations are due at Biloxi City Hall by 5 p.m. Friday, March 24. Forms can be obtained at the Biloxi Visitors Center or online at biloxi.ms.us. Nominations should be emailed to vcreel@biloxi.ms.us, faxed to (228) 435-6129, or dropped off at the […]

St. Pat’s festivities take over downtown Biloxi

Downtown Biloxi will be filled with runners, grillers and parade goers on Saturday as part of this weekend’s St. Patrick’s Day events. The Gulf Coast Running Club will kick off the day of events when it hosts the annual Hibernia Marching Society’s St. Patrick’s Day 5K and 1-mile Health Run/Walk.  The 1-mile begins at 9 […]

NTSB video update from Thursday

Thursday afternoon at about 4 o’clock the National Transportation Safety Board held a press conference at the Hyatt Hotel on Beach Boulvard to give an update on their going investigation of the train-bus collision that occurred at the railroad crossing at Main Street and Esters Boulvard Tuesday afternoon. Here is the video from that press […]

Candlelight vigil scheduled for Sunday

A former east Biloxi resident, who said he cried when he heard about the deadly bus-train collision Tuesday in downtown Biloxi, is organizing a candlelight vigil for Sunday evening at 6:30 in memory of those involved in the incident. Jerome Harrison, who worked for years in a seafood plant on Back Bay before moving to […]

City reaches agreement with Shuckers, Overtime

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says the city, the Biloxi Shuckers and Overtime Sports Management have reached agreements regarding terms of use of MGM Park and are all ready to move forward to get on with the business of baseball. The three parties have cooperated to iron out certain issues that had prompted the city to […]

Cedar Lake traffic to detour for paving

The section of Cedar Lake Road between Interstate 10 and the Cedar Lake bridge, which closed for five weeks in November while contractors installed sewer lines, will be closed for five days next week, but when the road re-opens on Friday, motorists will be driving on a freshly paved roadway. The work, which is expected […]

Popp’s Ferry bridge to one lane this morning

The Popp’s Ferry bridge will be reduced to one lane at its draw this morning while workers make repairs to the bridge’s steel grate. The work, deemed as emergency repairs by the city’s Public Works Department,  is to repair or replace teeth in the steel grate of the span. The work is expected to be […]

News and notes about the train-bus collision

Members of the National Transportation Safety Board arrived in Biloxi today and conducted a briefing at the Main Street site of the fatal collision of the CSX freight train and charter bus. Anyone with information regarding the collision should contact the NTSB by email at witness@ntsb.gov. The NTSB website is at www.ntsb.gov.   Learn more about […]

Following up on today’s train-bus collision

“This is a sad day,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said this afternoon after a downtown Biloxi collision between a CSX train and a tour bus carrying 48 people. Three passengers died on the scene and another died later. Eight are reported critically injured. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those in this tragedy, and, of […]

Council meeting expected to draw full house

The City Council meeting on Tuesday night is expected to take place before a standing-room-only audience because of three items of note on the meeting agenda. A proposal to create Belle La Vie, a planned community that would be created in multiple phases on 626 acres in the northern part of the city, is one […]

17 file to run for elective offices in Biloxi

A total of 17 would-be candidates, including seven of the eight current officeholders, have filed their Statements of Intent to run for elective office in Biloxi. Longtime Ward 7 Councilmember David Fayard is not seeking re-election, but today, on the last day to file paperwork, Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich picked up two opponents in the […]

Council to hear comments on Belle La Vie proposal

The Biloxi City Council will hear more information and allow citizens to comment on Belle La Vie, a planned community that would be situated on 626 acres in the northern part of the city, during its City Council meeting on Tuesday night.  The public hearing will be part of the council meeting that begins at […]

CoastCon leads weekend’s events

CoastCon, the state’s longest-running and largest science-fiction, fantasy and gaming convention, celebrates its 40th anniversary this weekend with a three-day gathering at the Mississippi Coast Convention Center. The event, which promotes reading, education, fellowship, and science fiction, fantasy and gaming, is one of the many recreational diversions this weekend. CoastCon began today at noon and […]

Shuckers single-game tickets go on sale Monday

Single-game tickets for all 70 Biloxi Shuckers home games at MGM Park during the 2017 season go on sale Monday at 10 a.m. at the MGM Park box office, online at BiloxiShuckers.com or via Ticketmaster outlets. The Shuckers will open their 2017 home campaign against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at MGM Park on Wednesday, April […]

Deadlines approaching for municipal elections

Elections for Biloxi mayor and City Council are just around the corner – in fact, Friday at 5 p.m. is a key deadline for would-be candidates – and the city is sending information to residents to make sure they know when and where to vote. The party primaries, when voters will decide Republican or Democratic […]

City crews begin the Mardi Gras clean-up

Biloxi Public Works and Parks & Recreation laborers this morning began picking up Mardi Gras leftovers – broken strands of beads, empty beer cans and the like – from the streets of downtown Biloxi and expect to have the job completed in the next day or so. “We’re picking up the major roadways right now,” […]

Mayor Gilich teams up with artist to support CASA

We know Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich is skilled in computer software and municipal government but what about art? Well, Mayor Gilich has teamed up with local artist and city employee Tonya Hebert, to present an original work of art at the CASA of Harrison County’s Gala, P’Casa. The benefit, taking place on Thursday, March 16 […]

Downtown roads to begin closing shortly

Biloxi Police will be closing streets and reducing traffic shortly in preparation for the Gulf Coast Carnival Association parade, which begins at 1 p.m. Here’s the traffic plan: — At noon, U.S. 90 will be reduced to two lanes from Bellman Street to Gill Avenue and I-110 south of Division is closed. — At 12:30 […]

Neptune rolls to huge downtown crowd

Mike Leonard enjoyed his first parade as Biloxi’s chief administrative officer, once he donned the right equipment. The retired Marine colonel, who was named Biloxi’s CAO in September, donned a City of Biloxi hardhat for protection after being pummeled by beads from Krewe of Neptune floatriders passing the City Hall reviewing stand Saturday night. “Everybody […]

Reminder: Downtown streets to close today

Heads up on road closures for the Krewe of Neptune parade: — At 4 p.m., U.S. 90 will be reduced to two lanes from Bellman Street to G.E. Ohr Street. — At 5 p.m., the parade route itself closes to vehicular traffic. — At 5:30 p.m., the parade begins. — About 6:30 p.m. all lanes […]

Weekend preview: Beads, balls, strikes and more

It’s all about Mardi Gras this weekend. Or is it? Actually, there’s a whole bunch more in this weekend’s lineup of entertaining diversions. First, MGM Park offers two days of baseball, with college match ups tonight (Jackson State vs. Texas Southern) and a high school triple header on Saturday (games at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. […]

‘Barricade brigade’ makes it happen for Mardi Gras

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, who has a degree in mathematics and likes to say numbers are his friend, would get along just fine with the city’s “barricade brigade,” the handful of Public Works laborers who help set up pedestrian and traffic controls for the city’s two Mardi Gras parades. This week, the barricade crew has […]

Forget beads! Balls and strikes to fly at MGM Park

Mardi Gras beads will be flying over the next few days in Biloxi, and at MGM Park balls and strikes will be flying, with a slate of college and high school games scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Jackson State plays Texas Southern in a college baseball game on Friday night at 7:05 at MGM Park, […]

City eyes six crossings for closure

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, saying that it’s a safety issue and he’s personally known three people who have died in car-train collisions, asked the Biloxi City Council to call a public hearing to discuss closing as many of six of the 29 rail crossings along the 8.5 miles of CSX railway in Biloxi. The city […]

Colleges, singers, speakers to gather for Black History program

Representatives of Alcorn State, Jackson State and Mississippi Valley State and even alumni of the old Biloxi Colored School will have exhibits set up this evening when the community’s Black History Month program takes place at the Dr. Frank G. Gruich Sr. Community Center on Howard Avenue. Between 150 and 200 people are expected to […]

City Council to headline chamber’s ‘Coffee Talk’

The Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce’s next installment of “Coffee Talk” will be Wednesday morning at 8 at Biloxi City Hall, and it will have all the trappings of a City Council meeting. In fact, it will be an actual meeting of the City Council, with free food. Members of the City Council will […]

Neptune floats arrive in town Tuesday

Motorists on Interstate 10 Tuesday will get the first peek at the Krewe of Neptune’s 2017 floats when the 19 50-foot-long, double-decker vessels make their way from New Orleans to Biloxi for the Neptune parade Saturday night in downtown Biloxi. The floats will travel a top speed of 20 mph in the five-and-a-half hour trip […]

Arbor Day run, Children’s parade highlight weekend events

The 29th Annual Arbor Day 5K Run, 1-mile run/walk/roll and quarter-mile ability challenge takes place on Saturday with the 5K run beginning at 9 a.m. and the 1 mile and quarter-mile beginning at 9:45 a.m. at the corner of Lameuse Street and Highway 90 near the Biloxi Town Green. Trophies will be given to overall […]

Biloxi, Keesler participate in joint exercise

The 81st Training Wing of the Keesler Air Force Base and the City of Biloxi will participate in a joint exercise on Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon near the Keesler main gate on White Avenue. The exercise will be isolated to the intersection of Irish Hill Drive and White Avenue causing the closure of […]

Biloxi Pickleballers practice for Senior Olympics

In preparation for the upcoming Mississippi Senior Olympics, the Biloxi Senior Pickleball Program hosted its first tournament over the weekend at the A.J. Holloway Sports Complex. Twenty-three doubles teams participated in the “just for fun” tournament on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon. “No medals were presented, but bragging rights were bestowed upon […]

Blind Tiger opens in Biloxi

Last week, the Community Development Department reported issuing a Certificate of Occupancy for The Blind Tiger leading to the restaurant’s opening on Friday, Feb. 10.  The Biloxi restaurant, a waterside bar and grill located at the western end of the Harrah’s property south of U.S. 90 on Point Cadet, offers 3240-square feet including a covered patio […]

Oh, my! Boats, sharks and dogs converge on Coast Coliseum

It’s a little chilly outside but some people’s thoughts are already turning to warm days on the water! The Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center opened its doors at noon today for the weekend-long Biloxi Boat Show.  The 60th annual event showcases the latest selection of boats, motors, personal watercraft and marine accessories. The event […]

Would-be municipal candidates face March 3 deadline

Biloxi municipal elections are just around the corner, with deadlines for potential candidates rapidly approaching. The Democratic and Republican primaries, where voters chose candidates vying to represent a party, take place May 2. Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in each of the city’s seven wards. Runoff elections, in cases […]

S&P affirms city’s ‘AA-‘ credit rating

Standard & Poor’s Financial Services this week affirmed the City of Biloxi’s excellent credit rating of “AA-/Stable,” based on the city’s economy, financial management and ability to pay its debt.  An AA rating is the second highest on the 10-point scale, which ranges from AAA to D. An AA rating, S&P says, differs from the […]

Library unveils educational, fun Black History Month exhibit

There’s a new exhibit in the children’s section of the Biloxi Public Library on Howard Avenue that local history authority Jane Shambra recommends  for both children and adults. It highlights several of our notable people from our African-American community, in celebration of Black History Month. The exhibition of nine locals is on display during library […]

Education is theme of Black History Month program

The City of Biloxi Parks & Recreation Department, along with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and East Biloxi Community Collaborative, will host the annual Black History Month Program on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. The free affair, taking place at the Dr. Frank Gruich Sr. Community Center at 591 Howard […]

Biloxi VA to host National Veterans Golden Age Games

The Biloxi Veterans Administration Medical Center, which provides care for more than 50,000 veterans throughout Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, has been named the host of the 2017 National Veterans Golden Age Games, a weeklong event that is expected to attract a thousand veterans and their families to the city. By hosting the games, which are planned […]

A dozen streets to see asphalt over next two weeks

A week after Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich promised more progress in east Biloxi, Oscar Renda Contracting has announced that it will begin its largest round of paving, covering a dozen east Biloxi neighborhood streets. The paving work, which is tentatively scheduled to begin Wednesday and is expected to take two weeks, will see 6,000 tons […]

Your guide to Mardi Gras in Biloxi

  Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast are home to myriad Carnival balls, more than 20 family-oriented parades and dozens of special events to herald the approach of Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” the last day of the Carnival season.  Fat Tuesday itself falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.  Here are […]

Tips for a safe and fun Mardi Gras

The City of Biloxi encourages you to have a spirited-yet-safe time at Mardi Gras. In order to make the occasion a safe one, the Biloxi Police Department asks that you follow these suggestions, which are more than suggestions in many cases: Before the parade — Carpool and anticipate traffic delays. Appoint a designated driver. Obey […]

Firefighters meet increase in emergency medical calls

Last week in his State of the City, Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich reported on the increased number of medical calls received by the Biloxi Fire Department and how this increase is being by firefighers. “Last year the department responded to 6,928 calls for service in 2016, which included a 10 percent increase in emergency medical […]

Biloxi sees jump in number of non-casino hotels

The success of the year-old Margaritaville Resort and its pending expansion has captured a great deal of attention in recent months, but Margaritaville is part of a bigger story, Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said last week in his State of the City presentation. It’s the tremendous and continuing expansion of non-casino hotels in the Biloxi […]

Billy Crystal in town and he looks ‘mahvelous’

“Mr. Saturday Night” himself, Billy Crystal, the comedian who parlayed a standup act into becoming a star of the small screen, silver screen and Broadway stage, is joined by Bonnie Hunt to headline this weekend’s entertainment lineup. Crystal and Hunt are on bill at the Beau Rivage, and you’ll find Creedence Clearwater Revisited at the […]

Council to consider major development issues

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich will be asking the Biloxi City Council next week to take action on four of the major economic development issues he touted in the State of the City presentation this week. On Tuesday, during a 4 p.m. special meeting of the City Council, the mayor will be discussed the proposed high-tech […]

Gilich, CSX look at rail crossings safety, numbers

Biloxi is working to create two boulevard-style rail crossings in the city, one for the extension for Popp’s Ferry Road to U.S. 90 and another for the Pine  Street extension to Back Bay Boulevard, but the growth, according to CSX officials, means that at least six of the city’s current 29 rail crossing may have […]

Encore of full State of City now available

Online and cable-TV versions of Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich’s State of the City presentation are now available for those who may have missed the luncheon or just want to see it again. During the 32-minute presentation, which is a 21-minute prepared video with opening and closing remarks by the mayor along with an introduction by […]

SOTC: Gilich lays out solid vision for Biloxi

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich updated a host of major city projects and initiatives for an audience of 650 at the State of the City luncheon today, all designed to help foster “that Biloxi thing.” “You know all about that Biloxi thing,” Gilich told the audience in his opening remarks at the Biloxi Bay Area Chamber […]

Firefighters seeking names for smoke detector installation

Does your home have a working smoke detector? Well, Biloxi firefighters can assist but you have to call first.  As part of the department’s fire prevention program, firefighters will go to the homes of residents in need of a smoke detector and install one. “The smoke detector is installed free of charge and is maintenance […]

SOTC preview: Gilich to point out significant drops in crime

Mayor Andrew “FoFo”  will update a number of familiar initiatives during his State of the City presentation Wednesday, but one of the most important will be following through on a commitment to keep Biloxi a safe community. Mixed in with progress reports on infrastructure work, economic development and waterfront efforts, Gilich will announce that the […]

Deadline is this afternoon for State of City seats

Nearly 600 seats have been purchased for the annual State of the City luncheon next week, and the Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is expecting another sold-out audience for the affair. Deadline is 4 p.m. today to reserve seats for the Wednesday luncheon. Call 228-435-6149. Meantime, Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich has been applying the […]

Biloxi relief team headed to Hattiesburg, Petal

The disaster relief team from the city’s all-volunteer fire museum, West End Hose Co. No. 3, will be responding next week to a call for help from Hattiesburg and Petal tornado victims, and residents of Biloxi be a part of the effort. Biloxi Fire Chief Joe Boney, whose team from West End Hose Co. No. […]

Biloxi getting in the Mardi Gras spirit

Applications are now available for the annual Biloxi Children’s Mardi Gras Walking Parade, which is open to those ages 12 and under. This year’s theme is “The Luck and Lore of Superstition.” Participants can walk, bike, skate or be pushed in strollers or wagons in this parade, which takes place Saturday, Feb 18.  After the […]

Hearing on Belle La Vie will be March 7

The Biloxi City Council has called a special meeting for March 7 at 6 p.m. to hear more information and allow citizens to comment on Belle La Vie, a planned community that would be situated on 626 acres in the northern part of the city. Developers of the site propose zoning to be changed from […]

Weekend preview: Big stars, high-flying feats

Talk about a stellar lineup of weekend entertainment. You’ll find Engelbert Humperdinck at the Beau Rivage, Irma Thomas at the Golden Nugget, Neil Sedaka at the IP, and the Golden Dragon Acrobats at the Hard Rock.  Read the entire weekend lineup   Employees recognized for service milestones Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich this week recognized 26 […]

Employees recognized for service milestones

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich this week recognized 26 employees for their years of service during a longevity awards presentation. Those recognized during the Jan. 17 council meeting were: 35 years of service: Jody Ault, Administration Department; and Randy Jenkins, Parks & Recreation Department 20 years of service: Richard Conine, James Davis, Michael Downs, John Giardina, […]

Weekly recap: Fire, Police, Community Development

Every wonder how busy the men and women of the Biloxi Police, Fire and Community Development departments are? It’s relatively easy to find out through the online weekly reports from those departments. Last week, the city’s Community Development Department issued 59 permits with a total valuation 1.45 million  while the Police Department handled 2,839 calls for […]

Ship Island ferry a step closer in Biloxi

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich came a step closer this afternoon to his goal of having Ship Island ferry service resume in Biloxi after the City Council approved $165,000 in funding for a city pier to be constructed on Point Cadet, between Harrah’s and Margaritaville. “This is something we’ve been working on for months,” Gilich said. […]

MLK Day gets the name, officially

It’s official. The City of Biloxi’s MLK celebration, an event that has attracted thousands to the city over the years, is now known as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, updating a decades-old ordinance that labeled the day as “Great Americans Day.” The City Council voted unanimously to make the change during a special City […]

Enthusiastic crowd turns out for MLK celebration

Hundred gathered this afternoon at the Biloxi Civic Center for one of the mainstays of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, a Sunday afternoon program. This year’s program, co-sponsored by the city and organized by the Coastwide MLK Celebration Committee, featured songs, speakers and a keynote address by Brandi Harvey, daughter of superstar […]

City wants to kick off MLK Day in right manner

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich is calling a special meeting of the Biloxi City Council for Monday, the observance of Dr., Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so the city can formally change a 30-year-old ordinance to reflect the national name of the holiday. Gilich and members of the Biloxi City Council were unaware of the city’s […]

Q&A: The MLK story and how it occurred

Here is background on the city’s actions that caused widespread criticism concerning the holiday Monday.   What happened? The city Public Affairs office, using its various means of communication, typically notifies the public when non-emergency municipal offices will be closed for a holiday. On Friday afternoon, ironically about the same time the city was publishing […]

Gilich: Change name to match federal holiday

Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, responding to a flurry of comments about a city tweet today referring to Monday as “Great Americans Day,” believes the Biloxi City Council on Tuesday should take steps to update the city’s Code of Ordinances to reflect the official federal name of the holiday, “Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King […]

MLK events take center stage this weekend

The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade has gained a reputation over the years in Biloxi for having a top-notch lineup of marching bands, and this year the MLK Coastwide speakers program will also boast star power. Brandi Harvey, daughter of superstar game show host and radio personality Steve Harvey, speaks Sunday in a […]

Safety check, it’s only a phone call away

Biloxi residents who are either alone or feel vulnerable can get a daily “Are You OK?” phone call from the Biloxi Police Department. The system, known as RUOK, is a free service offered to citizens in Biloxi who request a telephone safety check.  The service helps by providing a reassurance call to check on the […]

Biloxi honors Notre Dame coaching legends

Former Notre Dame High School athletes will gather Friday at the old school gym to celebrate the enduring legacy of coaching standouts Charles Hegwood and Tony Cintgran. What started as an idea to informally remember the Catholic boys school’s legendary football coach has mushroomed into an afternoon of celebration of the careers of both Hegwood […]

Steady numbers reported last week

Business remains steady in the Community Development Department last week with the issuing of 32 permits with a construction valuation of $23,000.   Meantime, calls for service in the Police Department, decreased slightly last week with a reported 2,062 calls for service, generating 102 arrests.  The Biloxi Fire Department’s call volume remained steady with 131 […]

Seats now available for the State of the City

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich will present the State of the City report on Wednesday, Feb. 1 in a Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce-sponsored luncheon at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. The mayor’s report will focus on the major accomplishments as well as the ongoing program of work of the city over the past year. […]

Wind advisory, hard freeze warning for this evening

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory from 6 tonight until 9 a.m. Saturday as well as a hard freeze warning from midnight to 11 a.m. Saturday for Biloxi and the surrounding area. Sustained winds of 25 to 30 mph are expected with gusts around 40 mph and temperatures are expected to drop […]

Pepsi truck meets CSX train

“It was a good thing that the train was not going full speed,” says Biloxi Fire Department Deputy Chief Jeff Merrill of this morning’s accident where a CSX train plowed into a Pepsi truck. The call was dispatched around 9:50 a.m., after the driver of an Allen Beverages’ Pepsi delivery truck, traveling north on Main […]

East Biloxi historical public meeting set for Thursday

A public meeting is set for Thursday to receive input on the African-American commercial district in east Biloxi. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Our Mother of Sorrows School, 800 Division Street, the public is invited to share information on recently identified buildings for local historic preservation.  “Public comments provide context for a building,” Historic Administrator Bill […]

Twelfth Night: No rain, but it’ll be a bit nippy

OK, here’s the scoop on the Twelfth Night celebration coming up Thursday evening: There’s only a 30 percent chance of rain, but it’s going to be on the chilly side, with temperatures as low as 47. But Bill Raymond, manager of the Biloxi Visitors Center and one of the organizers of the affair, says have […]

Residential construction didn’t take a holiday

The holidays are traditionally a slow time of year in the Community Development Department, but the city issued 60 permits with a construction valuation of $990,800 over the past two weeks. In fact, a total of 92 single-family homes are now under construction in Biloxi, reports the city’s Community Development Department. In the past week, the […]

Water-logged weekend had rescues, drenched streets

The Biloxi Fire Department’s swift-water rescue team, which rescued two Woolmarket families trapped by rising waters over the weekend, is prepared today to make more rescues as rivers crest over the next few days, and contractors in east Biloxi are using vacuum trucks to suck up remaining water and heavy equipment to help dry out […]

Are you getting timely Biloxi updates on Facebook?

The city now has a Facebook audience of nearly 30,000, and, as a result more and more timely news updates are posted on the city Facebook page to augment news posted on the city website and delivered through Bmail. In the past week, many of the city’s 27,500 Facebook followers were updated on weather issues […]

Real-time river levels, projected crests

Here are links to river stages and projected crests. Tchoutacabouffa River Biloxi River near Lyman Biloxi River near Wortham

Contractor working to clear low-lying streets

Several low-lying areas of east Biloxi streets were closed because of standing water after a torrential overnight downpour, more than five-and-a-half inches in the past 24 hours, and workers this morning are working to clear streets of water and prepare for the expected next round of rain. “We had a dozen men manning water pumps […]

Expect a soggy New Year’s Eve, weekend

Heavy rainfall may usher in the New Year, with more showers expected the first night of the New Year and into Monday. The National Weather Service forecasts three to five inches of rainfall, with the threat for heavy rain beginning this afternoon and continuing through tonight, with more showers Sunday night and into Monday. As […]

Average numbers reported for police and construction

The Community Development Department issued 26 permits with a total valuation of just over $540,000 last week.  Meantime, the Biloxi Police Department reported 2314 calls for service, making 142 arrests.  The Biloxi Fire Department report was not available. See the complete weekly report

Twelfth Night gathering to signal arrival of Carnival season

The Gulf Coast will officially change from the holiday season to Carnival season on Thursday, Jan. 5 with the celebration of Twelfth Night beginning with a 5 p.m. gathering at the Biloxi Visitors Center, followed by a parade to the Mardi Gras Museum. “The Biloxi Visitors Center is where we began the holiday season, with […]

Heater to be replaced at Natatorium

Swimmers visiting the Biloxi Natatorium may feel that the water is a bit cooler these days, pending installation of a new heater. The twelve year old gas heater at the Olympic-size swimming pool on Father Ryan Avenue has essentially wore out and is excepted to be replaced within the next several weeks. “An inter-pipe has […]

Some water bills going out late

Water bills that the city would have mailed to customers today won’t be mailed until Friday or Tuesday, meaning due dates are being pushed back, too. Those with Jan. 5 due dates will not face late-payment until Jan. 9.  Questions? Email water@biloxi.ms.us or call 228-435-6240.

Mayor Gilich’s Holiday Message

“It is with sincere appreciation for your continued encouragement and support that I take this opportunity to wish each of you the happiest of holidays and the most prosperous new year.  This time of year always brings us closer together and helps us understand the importance of community.  Make sure to share your good wishes […]

First phase of bridge lighting complete

Contractors have completed the first phase of new lighting on the Popp’s Ferry Bridge, installing LED lighting on the eastern side of the quarter mile bridge. The installation, originally planned to end at noon today, continued until late afternoon so that workers could complete the walkway area lighting. “The walkway area is lit by nearly […]

Biloxi among cities to receive passenger rail funds

  The Southern Rail Commission has awarded Biloxi with a grant of more than $250,000 for improvements for passenger rail service on the Gulf Coast. The announcement was made on Monday by the SRC which awarded more than $1 million to four coastal cities: Biloxi, Gulfport, Bay St. Louis and Pascagoula. “This is a big […]

Popp’s Ferry Bridge down to one lane Wednesday morning

Portions of Popp’s Ferry Bridge will be reduced to one lane of traffic Wednesday morning between 8:30 and noon while city contractors install LED street lights on the bridge. Flagmen will be at the work zones to help direct traffic, and motorists are advised to use caution and expect delays. Meantime, at the eastern end […]

Infrastructure crews hit a paving milestone

The city’s infrastructure crews in east Biloxi are placing more asphalt these days than at any other time since the project began, and after the Christmas break, residents should expect to see entire blocks paved on a monthly basis. That’s the word from Project Superintendent John Cowart, who this morning was overseeing the beginning of […]

Cedar Lake north of I-10 now open to traffic

Cedar Lake Road, north of Interstate 10, which had been closed for weeks for a major sewer installation project, is now open to traffic.  The closure, which included the Cedar Lake bridge, had forced motorists to take a mile-long detour. “Considering the contractor faced two long rainy periods while working to install sewer manholes and […]

Permit issued for La Quinta Inn

The Community Development Department issued 47 permits with a total valuation of over $2 million last week including a permit for the new La Quinta Inn & Suites.  The proposed four story hotel, to be located at the corner of Hopkins and Beach Boulevards, is to have 67 suites.  Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-January. Meantime, calls […]

East Biloxi: Water aside, asphalt goes down Tuesday

The inch-and-a-half of rain that fell in east Biloxi in the past 24 hours had contractors manning water pumps overnight and smoothing out potholes in dirt roads at daybreak this morning, and Tuesday they’re looking to be laying asphalt on a half-dozen neighborhood streets north of Division Street. While some Oscar Renda Contracting crews were […]

Saltgrass Steakhouse project moving forward

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich is hoping to speed up the city’s regulatory process involving the permitting of a new upscale steakhouse on Point Cadet since the development has already been months in the making. The Saltgrass Steakhouse, a “Texas to the Bone” brand owned by Golden Nugget parent firm Landry’s, had its initial appearance before […]

Mayor proposes technology upgrades for city

City employees and anyone who has encountered disruptions or slow service with the city’s email, take notice: Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich is recommending new hardware to upgrade the city’s email and wireless systems. The $856,000 in technology improvements, funded from across city departments, are one of the more than a dozen measures on the agenda […]

Santa is coming to West End Hose Co. No. 3

Forget the sleigh and North Pole. Santa actually rides a big red fire truck and can be found in an old Biloxi firehouse. With the help of the Biloxi Fire Department and volunteers from the West End Hose Co. No. 3 Fire Museum, Santa Claus will make a visit to the museum Sunday afternoon between […]

East Biloxi roads: Answering the tough questions

Walt A. Rode (say “road-ee”), the civil engineer whom Mayor Andrew “FoFo”  Gilich hired six and a half months ago to oversee the city’s massive infrastructure work, answers the tough questions on this week’s City Desk Podcast. Among them: Why is every street in east Biloxi torn up at the same time? What’s the key […]

Developers seek new hearing dates for proposals

Two cases scheduled for this afternoon’s Planning Commission meeting are scheduled to be removed from the agenda at the request of the developers and will be considered at a future meeting. Belle La Vie/Pitcher Point is a request to change the zoning for 626 acres in the northern part of the city from Agricultural to […]

East Biloxi streets: Drying out and moving forward

East Biloxi infrastructure workers, deluged by three inches of rain in a 24-hour period last week, manned extra water pumps until 10 o’clock Tuesday night and heavy equipment was grading Division and adjoining streets at daybreak this morning, dealing with what ended up being nearly an inch of rain, most falling late afternoon Tuesday. Meantime, […]

Rainfall expected to saturate city streets

Workers with Oscar Renda Contractors, the firm handling the east Biloxi infrastructure work, are turning their attention from installing curbs on neighborhood streets this afternoon to preparing for rainfall headed to the area. The company has ordered more pumps to help with water that may pond from the rainfall expected to make its way to […]

The week that was: Construction, police and fire

The Community Development Department issued 62 permits with a total valuation of nearly $235,000 last week.  Meantime, the Biloxi Police Department reported 2,124 calls for service, generating 118 arrests, and the Biloxi Fire Department reported an increase with 152 calls for service, including 100 for medical and five for structure and vehicle fires.  See the complete weekly report […]

Choir to offer a real ‘taste’ of holiday tunes

The multi-award-winning Biloxi High Sound Surge Show Choir’s annual dessert theater will be presented Thursday beginning at 7 p.m. at the Biloxi Civic Center. Besides hearing a lineup of Disney- and holiday-inspired numbers from the choir, which earlier this year won its seventh straight first place award in regional competition, audience members also will be […]

Marathon, Smith Family in town this weekend

The inaugural Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon, spanning from Henderson Point to MGM Park, takes place Saturday, after a whirlwind of activities this evening, and, meantime over on Lee Street, you’ll find “A Smith Family Christmas,” helping usher in the holiday at Biloxi Little Theater. The two events highlight this weekend’s entertainment lineup. Events connected to […]

Youngsters can learn with Santa on Saturday

Biloxi Excel by 5 will host its annual holiday event, “Come Learn with Santa,” Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon at Lopez School 140 St. John Ave. and the Santa Claus will be on site to take pictures, read and sing with children up to age 5.  Holiday craft making will also be part of […]

Streets, waterfront guidelines, other issues on agenda tonight

The Biloxi City Council this evening is expected to consider a new set of standards and guidelines that could transform the city’s waterfront, with guidance for future public and private development. However, at the outset of the 6 p.m. meeting, during the mayor’s report, councilmembers will hear a report from Walt A. Rode, the city’s […]

Crews work to remove water from east Biloxi streets

The city has directed its Oscar Renda Contracting, its infrastructure contractor, to increase the number of pumps to move water from east Biloxi roadways, many of which are unpaved and inundated by the three inches of rainfall that has fallen in Biloxi since 6 p.m. Sunday.  And the forecast calls for more rain this evening.  […]

The week that was: Construction, police and fire

The Community Development Department issued 44 permits with a total valuation of almost $800,000 last week.  Meantime, the Biloxi Police Department reported 2,487 calls for service, generating 146 arrests, and the Biloxi Fire Department reported 130 calls for service, including 81 for medical and seven structure and vehicle fires.  See the complete weekly report   News and notes: […]

City seeks full accounting of MGM Park figures

The City of Biloxi is asking a Harrison County Chancery Court for help in getting a clear accounting of revenue from operations at MGM Park, the two-year-old downtown stadium and entertainment venue. Biloxi filed suit this morning asking a court to compel Biloxi Baseball, owners of the Biloxi Shuckers, and Overtime Sports, managers of the […]

Christmas on the Water weekend has arrived

Christmas shoppers looking for local arts and crafts fare, east Biloxi should be your destination this weekend, with a host of open houses and fairs on tap. The festivities actually begin later this afternoon  with the Christmas on the Water Children’s Parade and the Lighting of the Town Green, but, come Saturday, it’s all about […]

Council may move forward on three fronts

Three big forward-looking issues top the City Council meeting agenda for Tuesday: redistricting for the 2017 municipal elections, waterfront design standards, and borrowing $7 million to fund myriad city improvement projects. The good news for Biloxi voters: Your ward lines are not going to change under a proposal on the agenda. In a hearing last […]

Natatorium closes Friday for Santa’s swimmers

The City of Biloxi Aquatics Division will close the Biloxi Natatorium to public swimming at the end of this week and through the weekend to celebrate Christmas in a swimmer’s way, competing in a swim meet. With 550 swimmers from four states expected to take part in the annual Santa’s BEST swim meet, the staff […]

Lighthouse turns on its Christmas best Thursday

Biloxi’s annual Christmas on the Water boat parade, which dates back more than three decades, is the signature event of the city’s holiday lineup, but the Lighting of the Biloxi Lighthouse is steadily becoming a new tradition. The lighthouse event, which kicks off a weekend of city-coordinated festivities, takes place Thursday night from 5:30 to […]

Fire Department marks firsts with new safety post

The Biloxi Fire Department has created a new battalion chief’s position that will focus on firefighter safety, and the new post is a first of another sort for the 127-year-old department: a female in a chief’s position. But Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, who approved Fire Chief Joe Boney’s promotion of firefighter Michelle Crowley, says it’s […]

New flashing signs give warning to speeding motorists

Speeding motorists on U.S. 90 are getting a friendly reminder from the city these days, showing them their speed as a subtle reminder to slow down. The Biloxi Police Department, at the suggestion of Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, began attaching small electronic devices to existing speed limit signs to display excessive speeds in flashing numbers. […]

Police to use drug money to buy new patrol cars

Drug dealers will be paying for half of the 16 cruisers the Biloxi Police Department plans to order today. Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and Police Chief John Miller this afternoon will be asking the City Council for approval to spend nearly $440,000 to buy 14 Ford SUVs and two other vehicles to be used in […]

Firefighters seek items for DHS gift drive

The Biloxi Fire Department is teaming up with the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services in collecting gifts for children in Harrison County. As part of the DHS Christmas Gift Drive, firefighters are asking residents to drop off wrapped gifts at any of the nine firehouses in Biloxi between now and Dec. 15. Requested items are […]

Santa Claus is coming to town, and we’ve got a list

Christmas is still nearly a month away, but Santa makes his first appearance in Biloxi this week.  In fact, over the next month, you’ll see Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick nearly everywhere, on land and on sea, in parades and in schools, and even in the Biloxi Lighthouse. In fact, we’ve got a list of his […]

The week that was: Construction, police and fire

The Community Development Department issued 24 permits with a total valuation of nearly $350,000 last week.  Meantime, the Biloxi Police Department reported 2,224 calls for service, making 108 arrests.  The Biloxi Fire Department reported 117 calls for service, including 72 for medical and four for structure and vehicle fires.  See the complete weekly report

It’s the holidays! Bring on the Peppermint Pops

Award-winning soprano Marcia Porter, who made her solo recital debut in 2005 at Carnegie Hall, will be featured this weekend in the Gulf Coast Symphony’s Holiday Peppermint Pops. The performance takes place Friday beginning at 7 p.m. at the Biloxi Saenger Theater,  170 Reynoir St., and will include the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Youth […]

Council to hold more hearings Tuesday

A number of familiar issues – waterfront design standards, new ward lines and the new Keesler gate – will be on the agenda when the City Council meets Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. The agenda includes more than three dozen measures in all, including public hearings to discuss the proposed new standards and guidelines for construction […]

Glass meets art Sunday at Biloxi Visitors Center

Aquatic and nature-inspired hand-painted glass will be the centerpiece of an opening reception Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Biloxi Visitors Center. Biloxi native and artist Deborah Jordan Sackett will display her one-of-a-kind, enchantment-inspired pieces that include functional glassware, serving trays and platters, as well as a collection of holiday items such as […]

City makes most of $14 million in streets, drainage work

The Biloxi City Council approved $725,000 in contracts for three streets and drainage improvement projects in Woolmarket the other day, and the trio of projects represented the winding down of a $14 million streets and drainage initiative begun two years ago. Although $14 million was borrowed in 2014 and nearly $10 million was spent or […]

Be safe! The holidays usually bring a rise in house fires

The holiday season brings more cooking, holiday decorations, candles, and heating. And it also brings more fires, so Biloxi firefighters are reminding residents to use caution during the holidays. “Many fires can be prevented,” Biloxi Fire Chief Joe Boney said.  “Overall, last year we had 29 structure fires with 11 being kitchen fires.  That means […]

The week that was: Construction, police and fire

The Community Development Department issued 64 permits with a total valuation of almost $100,000 last week.  Meantime, the Biloxi Police Department reported 2210 calls for service, making 145 arrests.  The Biloxi Fire Department reported 127 calls for service, including 89 for medical and 6 for structure and vehicle fires.  See the complete weekly report

Thanksgiving feast for special needs this weekend

The city’s Parks & Recreation Department will host its annual Special Needs and Family Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday at the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center, 2520 Pass Road. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., all ages with physical and mental disabilities and their families are invited to enjoy an meal filled with all the […]

Your guide to Christmas in Biloxi

Thursday, Dec. 1: 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 Clause will be on site with cookies and hot chocolate!  For more information, call the Biloxi Visitors Center at 228-374-3105.   […]

Public to get look at proposed ward lines

Biloxi’s seven ward lines will be redrawn to incorporate the annexations of 2013 and 2014, meaning some residents may find themselves in new wards and voting at a different polling place when municipal elections take place in May 2017. A public hearing to consider three proposed maps will be held Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., at […]

Back Bay motorists asked to respect speed limits

Now that all of Back Bay Boulevard has been paved, offering an alternate route between I-110 and Point Cadet, construction workers and police are hearing a complaint that usually follows any newly minted street: Motorists are speeding. Contractor Oscar Renda, which completed paving on the four-lane boulevard Monday, still has as many as two dozen […]

Small craft harbor boat launch closes this evening

Workers at the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor will be closing the boat launch and parking areas near the boat launch this evening so contractors can begin removing aging pavement on Wednesday morning. Access to the Biloxi Harbor Bait and Fuel Dock will be maintained, and parking areas at McElroy’s Seafood Harbor Restaurant also will remain […]

Six hours in the White House and a chance encounter

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and his wife, Serena, heard from the First Lady and key members of the Obama Administration about the challenges of veterans homelessness during a six-hour gathering at the White House Monday, and it was informative, the mayor says, once you got past the awe-inspiring trappings of the White House. The Giliches, […]

Multiple paving jobs underway; harbor launch closes Wednesday

Asphalt is being poured in all areas of the city today, with the final segment of paving on Back Bay Boulevard taking place right now, the final overlay at the Cedar-Popp’s intersection beginning at 8 tonight, and paving planned for the boat ramp area of the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor beginning Wednesday. The Back Bay […]

The week that was: Construction and police

The Community Development Department issued 34 permits with a total valuation of a little over $11 million last week. Building permits included the conversion of the former Santa Maria Del Mar apartment structure into the Watermark Hotel as well as for a new sales and service building for Camping World RV Center, located at the […]

First Lady to recognize Gilich for veterans homelessness efforts

First Lady Michelle Obama will recognize Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and a handful of other U.S. mayors in a White House ceremony Monday for their efforts to help end homelessness among veterans in their respective communities.  The First Lady invited Gilich and his wife, Serena, to the White House for the ceremony, which follows up on […]

Two Cedar Lake Road projects begin Monday

Cedar Lake Road will be a beehive of activity beginning Monday, with the start of a major sewer installation project beginning by mid-day south of the Cedar Lake bridge and nighttime paving scheduled for the intersection at Popp’s Ferry Road. Contractor Jay Bearden said he expects to close the section of roadway just south of […]

Mayor proposes two new fire stations, Woolmarket improvements

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich will recommend on Tuesday the City Council take two huge steps toward following through on pledges the city made during its annexation cases. The mayor proposes that the city, through an agreement with South Mississippi Planning and Development District, construct two new fire stations to serve north Biloxi and the Woolmarket […]

Asphalt going down at Back Bay Boulevard, Cedar-Popp’s

Workers are aiming to wrap up the last phase of base asphalt Friday on Back Bay Boulevard between Boomtown Casino and Lee Street, meaning the four-lane boulevard will be completely paved from IP Casino Resort all the way to Oak Street on Point Cadet. The work is just part of the tons of asphalt being […]

Weekend preview: Walk, run and shop

Mayor’s Cup, Alzheimer’s walk and Christmas City are all happening this weekend in Biloxi. The 33rd annual Mayor’s Cup 5K Run takes place Saturday in downtown with a one mile at 9 a.m. and 5K at 9:30 a.m. Both races begin and end in front of the Biloxi City Hall, 140 Lameuse Street.  Race fee […]

Mayor announces building permit for Santa Maria site

The city moments ago issued a building permit valued at $8 million to allow developers of the White House Hotel to transform the Katrina-ravaged Santa Maria retirement center into an upscale, all-suites hotel. The Barrington Group, the local firm that restored the upscale White House Hotel in 2014 and unveiled the family-oriented Margaritaville this summer, […]

New Seafood Museum exhibit to focus on the Gulf Coast

The beauty of the Mississippi Gulf Coast will be the focus of a new exhibit being unveiled during an opening reception at the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum on Tuesday, Nov. 22. From 6 to 8 p.m., visitors to the museum will be able to tour the Bruce Seabolt exhibit, speak with the artist and […]

Back Bay Boulevard paving nearing completion

Oscar Renda, the firm overseeing the 55 miles of infrastructure work in east Biloxi, reports that in the next week asphalt will cover all of Back Bay Boulevard, as well as Crawford Street and Seal Avenue north of Division. The updates, along with progress reports on Lee Street, Porter Avenue and other thoroughfares, are among […]

Cedar Lake north of I-10 to close for five weeks

The area of Cedar Lake Road south of the Cedar Lake Bridge will be closed to traffic for five weeks beginning Monday while city contractors install sewer manholes, sewer mains and other services along the stretch of roadway. The Cedar Lake construction zone is less than a half-mile long but will require a detour that […]

Forrest Avenue work to bypass Keesler gate

Workers installing a new water main on Forrest Avenue as part of the east Biloxi infrastructure project will work Tuesday evening at the Meadows Drive entrance to Keesler to avoid disrupting base traffic. Walt Rode, who is overseeing the infrastructure work for city, said the work will coincide with the nightly closure of the Meadows […]

The week that was: Construction, fire and police

The Community Development Department issued 72 permits with a total valuation of nearly $3 million last week. Permits were issued for the site work of Campers World RV Center and three single family homes. Meantime, the Fire Department responded to 106 calls, including 66 medical emergencies and 7 fires, one of which was a […]

Sold-out crowd to pay homage to fire museum supporter

A sold-out crowd will be on hand Saturday night when members of West End Hose Co. No. 3 Fire Museum present their annual steak fundraiser and honor former Biloxi Mayor Daniel D. “Danny” Guice. Guice, the former Biloxi mayor, state representative and judge has been a faithful supporter of the museum since it opened and has attended […]

Margaritaville talks continue; re-zoning vote postponed again

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich this afternoon asked the Biloxi Planning Commission to once again postpone its vote on whether to re-zone waterfront land near the current Margaritaville resort, a change that could open the door to a $140 million expansion of the family oriented resort. “We’re asking you to postpone this vote until your next […]

Council to hear Mayor’s new waterfront design standards, guidelines

Biloxi has 243 miles of waterfront, twice as much as all other Mississippi Gulf Coast cities combined, and Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich believes the city needs to protect and take advantage of that asset, with design standards and guidelines that promote Biloxi’s heritage and future. Gilich has asked the Biloxi City Council to approve new […]

New Alex North calendar to be unveiled Sunday

The Biloxi Visitors Center will host the unveiling of well-known Coast photographer Alex North’s 2017 Heaven’s Gateway Calendar on Sunday. The event, which takes place from 2 to 4 p.m., will be in the Visitors Center lobby, where North will sign autographs. A native of the Gulf Coast, and an avid outdoorsman, gardener and photographer, […]

Seafood museum to usher in new Hall of Fame class

Individuals who have helped shape the seafood industry on the Mississippi Gulf Coast will be honored this weekend with induction into the Heritage Hall of Fame. The ceremony, hosted by the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Museum, 115 First St., and will include the induction of 44 […]

Disaster responders seek your input

The City of Biloxi, as part of a MEMA-directed effort, is seeking public input to help make south Mississippi become less vulnerable to natural hazards, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, as well as man-made hazards, including hazardous material incidents. The input will be used to help prepare a multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which will […]

Children’s Health and Safety Fair set for Saturday

The Fall Into Health and Safety Children’s Health Fair, focusing on ages up to 5, takes place Saturday at the Family Resource Center, Lopez Elementary School, 140 St. John Avenue. From 9 a.m. to noon, children and their parents will be able to enjoy free health screenings for vision, hearing, dental, physical growth and speech […]

The week that was: Construction, fire and police

The Community Development Department issued 65 permits with a total valuation of over $1 million last week. Also, approved were site plans for a proposed Dunkin’ Doughnuts at the northwest corner of Cedar Lake and Popp’s Ferry, Subway in Woolmarket and Waffle House on Beach Boulevard.  Meantime, the calls for service decreases slightly for the […]

Safety tips for during and after Halloween

Halloween is Monday 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: When trick-or-treating: — A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. — Use a flashlight […]

Strengthening the mind of law enforcers

Today’s police officer is equipped with body armor, sidearms, tasers, body cameras and other physical protection, but a former Army officer and author told a gathering of local law enforcers in Biloxi today that it’s just important to have mental protection, too. More than 350 city, county and federal law enforcers from 50 agencies gathered […]

Get a bird’s eye view of Division, Back Bay and Popp’s Ferry

A new aerial video on the city’s YouTube page shows the status of work on two main thoroughfares in the east Biloxi infrastructure work, Division Street and Back Bay Boulevard, and the nearly complete widening work on Popp’s Ferry Road. In fact, the video traces the entire length of Division Street, from Oak Street to […]

City Hall eyes moving south on infrastructure work

Since he became mayor 18 months ago, Andrew “FoFo” Gilich has said more than once that when infrastructure work moves south of the CSX railway in east Biloxi, it will not be nearly as disruptive as the work has been for residents, businesses and motorists north of the CSX railway. In fact, Gilich, on occasion, […]

Address painting on curb is not city-sanctioned

City Code Enforcement officers are looking for workers who have been placing notices on mailboxes, primarily in west Biloxi, offering to paint street addresses on pavement to make house numbers more visible to first responders. “Caleb S.” is offering to provide the service for $25, but the city has no record of a permit for […]

Sign up now to participate in Christmas on the Water

The Christmas season is just around the corner, so now is the time to register to participate in the upcoming festivities. Organizers of Biloxi’s signature holiday event, Christmas on the Water, are taking applications for participants in the boat and children’s parade as well as the Christmas in the City festival. Boat owners are asked to […]

City to play role in Saints Hall of Fame induction

When the late Will Smith is inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame on Friday, the City of Biloxi will play a role in the ceremony. F. Cliff Kirkland, the city’s Chief of Civic Innovation and Development, will represent Biloxi as a presenting sponsor at the New Orleans Saint Hall of Fame Induction […]

CSX closes Iris Street crossing for repairs

CSX contractors this morning have closed the Iris Street rail crossing in west Biloxi to make repairs. The crossing will be closed overnight and through Wednesday, and work may stretch into Thursday, contractors say. Street closed signs and detours have been marked. See the status of roadwork citywide

Encore! Meet the mayors of old again today

If you were not one of 800 visitors to meet some of the spirits of the Old Biloxi cemetery on Sunday, don’t fret.  There’s still another presentation yet. Today from 5 to 7 p.m. the cemetery will again come alive with history, music and characters for the encore presentation of the 10th annual Old Biloxi […]

The week that was: Construction, fire and police

The Community Development Department issued 52 permits with a total valuation of over $1,250,000 last week. Also approved were site plans for the proposed 100 unit Hilton Garden Inn on Beach Boulevard and a zoning change request for property north of Beach Boulevard, which is part of the proposed $140 million Margaritaville family entertainment expansion. […]

Halloween at Hiller: Know the traffic plan

Halloween at Hiller takes place tonight from 6 to 8, and there are a few things you need to know. The biggest is that you must enter the park from the Atkinson Road entrance, off Popp’s Ferry or Jim Money Road.  The Hiller Drive gate will be used only as an exit. Police will be […]

Memorials bring back memories for Biloxi fire chief

When Fire Chief Joe Boney and current and retired Biloxi firefighters gather at the gravesites of Kurt Jacquet Sr. and Carl Ohr Thursday morning, Boney will be thinking back to that day 30 years ago when he and Jacquet swapped firefighting shifts. Jacquet and Ohr died in the early morning hours on Oct 20, 1986 […]

City slashes berthing fee for charter boats

The City of Biloxi today cut its charter boat berthing fee in half, and Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said he expects the new rate to create more commercial opportunities at the public harbors and marinas, given the thousands of potential customers in nearby hotels. The Biloxi City Council, during its meeting this afternoon, voted […]

Fire Department to honor fallen firefighters

The Biloxi Fire Department will conduct two graveside memorial services Thursday to mark the 30th anniversary of  the deaths of Edwin Kurt Jacquet Sr. and Carl Ohr, two Biloxi firefighters who died in the line of duty. The first service will be at 9 a.m. at the Old Biloxi Cemetery at Jacquet’s gravesite, and those […]

Cemetery tours highlight Biloxi mayors

The award-winning Old Biloxi Cemetery Tours return Sunday, spotlighting prominent historic leaders of Biloxi. “The Mayors of Biloxi” will be the theme of the tenth annual walking tour, which takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday and 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Old Biloxi Cemetery on U.S. 90, midway between […]

Halloween at Hiller to have easier access, parking

Last year’s Halloween at Hiller was so popular with families that organizers are taking steps to make access to the park easier. To help police keep traffic flowing, there’s going to be one entrance, off Atkinson Road, and one exit, at Hiller Drive. If you’re attending Halloween at Hiller on Friday between 6 and 8 […]

Get a sneak peek of this year’s cemetery tour

Want to know more about the city’s mayors or even see a character re-enactment or two? Well, the Local History and Genealogy Department of the Biloxi Public Library will provide all that and more when it hosts the Old Cemetery Tours Sneak Peek on Thursday. As a preview to the 10th annual Cemetery Tours, the […]

The week that was: Construction, fire and police

The Community Development Department issued 49 permits with a total valuation of nearly $600,000 last week. Also, last week, a permanent certificate of occupancy issued for the Hyatt Place Hotel on Beach Boulevard. Meantime, the Biloxi Fire Department responded to 129 calls, including 89 medical emergencies and six fires, while the Biloxi Police Department reported […]

Planning Commission to consider Point Cadet re-zoning request

The City of Biloxi is moving forward this week with the process that could see more than 20 acres of land on Point Cadet re-zoned to make way for Margaritaville Phase II, a $140 million proposal that was announced during a City Council meeting a week ago. The requested zoning change would involve 20 parcels […]

Beauvoir’s Fall muster heralds the season

There’s a battle for your attention this weekend, with festivals full of costumes, games and jack o’lanterns galore, and you’ll also find an actual battle being fought on the grounds of Beauvoir this weekend, with the Jefferson Davis shrine’s annual Fall Muster. Visitors will be able to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the […]

City’s Brownfields Program breaks new ground

Motorists passing Pass Road and Veterans Avenue will soon see a project underway to remove age-old underground gas tanks at the site of a former gas station at that intersection. The work is part of the city’s federally-funded Brownfields Program, which seeks to rid properties of potential environmental hazards and render the sites suitable for […]

Halloween comes Friday in Woolmarket

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department presents the annual Halloween in Woolmarket on Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Woolmarket School grounds, 12513 John Lee Road. Children ages 11 and younger are invited to don Halloween attire and enjoy snacks and games. “This is more of a fun carnival-type event,” Parks and Recreation […]

Seafood Museum hosts ‘Halloween Night at the Museum’

The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum will host “Halloween Night at the Museum” on  Saturday, Oct. 29 from 7 to 11 p.m. The affair will feature music by blues band Ruffwater, a smorgasbord of “horror’derves,” witches brew with an open bar, giveaways and a costume contest. First-place winner of the costume contest will receive $100, […]

The lineup of city Halloween events

Friday, Oct. 14: The annual Halloween in Woolmarket will take place at the Woolmarket School grounds, 12513 John Lee Road.  The event is open to all children ages 11 and younger from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Admission is free and games and activities begin at 6 p.m.  Food will be available and a costume contest […]

Surveying work to begin on Popp’s Ferry extension

It’s going to be a few years before drivers are able to take Popp’s Ferry Road all the way down to U.S. 90, but the city continues to take steps to make the new roadway happen. Now that a route west of the Coliseum parking garage and straddling Oakmont Place have been chosen, the city […]

I-110 highrise to close late Tuesday night

The I-110 highrise will close to traffic Tuesday night beginning at 11 so that MDOT crews can conduct roadway repairs. “Work on the drawbridge is expected to take only a few hours to complete,” Transportation Commissioner Tom King said.  “No traffic will be allowed on the bridge to maintain the safety of workers and motorists.” Barricades […]

Cruisin’ week: Smooth and slow-moving

“I think things went very smooth, considering that the volume of vehicles was probably more than we had ever seen,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says of last week’s Cruisin’ the Coast, an eight-day Coastwide rolling block party that registered nearly 8,000 vehicles from across the country. “We were able to make some adjustments, such as […]

House fire tops off busy week for fire department

A house fire that took three hours to extinguish at an elevated home off Back Bay capped off a week for the Biloxi Fire Department that included a 41 percent increase in emergency medical calls and a 12 percent increase in fire calls. The house fire aside, “you’re going to see more emergency medical calls […]

Churchill Avenue to close for repairs

Churchill Avenue will be closed at Bay Vista Drive in west Biloxi this week to allow city contractors to replace a manhole and make sewer repairs. Work on the recently overlayed road will begin Tuesday and is expected to be completed Friday. Contractors will have to repair a sewer line 12 feet below the roadway […]

Lighthouse Arts & Crafts Fair headlines weekend

Creations from 40 artists and craftsmen will fill the lawn of the Biloxi Visitors Center on Saturday for the 4th Annual Biloxi Lighthouse Arts and Crafts Fair. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors will be able to shop for items such as jewelry, arts, crafts, T-shirts and more. “With so many visitors in town […]

Meet Mike Leonard, Biloxi’s new CAO

His military career and private sector work have taken him around the world, but Mike Leonard has always considered himself “a proud son of Biloxi.” Now the native is back home fulltime, serving as the city’s chief administrative officer. In this week’s City Desk podcast, Mike Leonard talks of growing up in Biloxi, his days […]

MGM Park hosts Elvis, Cruisers mid-day Friday

Cruisin’ the Coast rolls into MGM Park Friday with “Salute to Our Veterans,” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free affair will feature registered Cruisin’ vehicles parked along the warning track of the American Star Field and performances by Gary “Elvis” Wesley. Just north of the park, at the Bond-Grant House, musicians Graham and […]

Police, school call for truce in junior-senior pranks

OK, students consider this your warning: The annual Homecoming Week junior-senior wars, which in recent years have escalated from malicious mischief to property destruction, will not be tolerated this year. School leaders and police say the annual hijinks would traditionally begin this weekend, in advance of Homecoming Week at Biloxi High School, but after a […]

Barrington announces two huge projects

The Barrington Group, the folks who restored the upscale White House Hotel in 2014 and unveiled the family-oriented Margaritaville this summer, were at City Hall tonight with the next big thing in Biloxi, but it actually turned into two next big things in Biloxi. Attorney Michael Cavanaugh appeared during a City Council meeting this evening […]

New municipal budget now in place

Welcome to 2017, Fiscal Year 2017, that is. City departments today began the workweek operating under a new municipal budget, a $59.9 million spending plan that projects the city will end the fiscal year with a $4.06 million financial cushion. The city’s fiscal year runs from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30 each year. The city’s […]

The week that was: Construction, fire and police

The Community Development Department issued $3.26 million in permits last week, including permits for a new Citizens Bank on Popp’s Ferry Road, a warehouse for Southern Supply Co. on Howard Avenue, and host of new businesses coming to Edgewater Village Shopping Center: Tuesday Morning, Hibbett Sports, and a T-Mobile Sales Center. Meantime, the Biloxi Fire […]

Cruisers have downtown pit stops Wednesday and Friday

Cruisin’ the Coast, the huge rolling car show that kicked off Sunday and runs through this Sunday, takes over downtown Biloxi Wednesday and has a salute to veterans on Friday at MGM Park. “We actually began seeing cars roll in earlier this year,” Biloxi Police Chief John Miller said this morning. “The volume of cars […]

Police, fire showcase is Saturday at Point Cadet

The annual Biloxi Community Festival Against Crime will make its debut at a new location on Saturday, at Point Cadet Plaza, and Biloxi Police Chief John Miller expects it to be a resounding success. “We’ve been on the Town Green for years,” Miller said, “but being down at Point Cadet Plaza this year means it’s […]

Gilich welcomes new Point Cadet agreement

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich is hailing Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann for a new agreement that in the past several weeks has seen the city receive more than half of the rent due from a Point Cadet casino lease with a plan for monthly payments to begin Oct. 1 with the new fiscal year. The […]

Podcast: A double feature of huge issues

Mayors Andrew “FoFo” Gilich of Biloxi and Billy Hewes of Gulfport have been working with their colleagues and other elected leaders from across the Coast to build consensus for a plan that would see real, measurable economic benefits from the $750 million in BP economic damages money. And, remember, you heard it here: June 2018 […]

Health department gives city water department perfect score

Billy Ray Allen, a veteran Public Works employee who became the department director 10 months ago, received an important report card this month: a perfect score from the Mississippi State Department of Health regarding oversight of the city’s water department. The state health department, in a new report, gives the city a perfect 5.0 score […]

City seeks youngsters for Start Smart program

The Parks & Recreation Department has 20 openings for a free program designed to help prepare youngsters to participate in soccer. Registration for the Start Smart Soccer Program begins Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will continue weekdays at the Recreation office, 377 Hiller Drive, until the participant limit is reached. The program […]

Community Festival Against Crime is Saturday

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, when the Biloxi Police Department hosts its annual Biloxi Community Festival Against Crime. The free festival will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Point Cadet Plaza. “Our goal is to […]

You can cruise back in time, to the Isle of Caprice

The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, which several weeks ago unveiled its exhibit about the storied Isle of Caprice, will celebrate the 90th anniversary of the island resort with a history cruise. The Captain Pete passenger ferry will set sail from the Point Cadet Marina at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9 and cruise the […]

Biloxi First to roast Jaye Gilich Brice

Biloxi civic leader and former school board member Jaye Brice, sister of Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, will be the roastee for the 14th annual Biloxi First Roast, which will take place Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m. at the IP Casino Resort Spa. The event is the major annual fundraiser for Biloxi First, a non-profit […]

Firefighters promote fire safety

Biloxi firefighters are preparing for their annual October campaign, “Turn your Attention to Fire Prevention” where they will be canvasing neighborhoods in an effort to make sure Biloxi homes have working smoke detectors. “Every year we partner up with the American Red Cross to install free smoke detectors”, Deputy Chief Vincent Payne said.  “We will […]

Permanent paving in the works for Back Bay, Division

Oscar Renda Contracting, the firm that’s rebuilding infrastructure on 55 miles of streets in east Biloxi, reports that permanent asphalt will be on Back Bay Boulevard from Oak to Lee in the next week and you can expect to see asphalt going down on Division Street beginning in the middle of October. The milestones on […]

The inside story on the new city budget

Kenneth McKeown, who as director of Administration is the go-to numbers guy for the City of Biloxi, discusses the just-approved municipal budget in this week’s City Desk podcast. The good news: City property taxes will not be increasing and no city services will be reduced. The bad news: Expenditures for the next fiscal year are […]

Weekend preview: Rummage sale, live entertainment

Bargain hunters will have a change to shop for a host of items, including furniture, small appliances, clothing and kitchen items Saturday at the City of Biloxi annual rummage sale, which benefits the city’s Heart Walk Team. The event, which features items donated by city employees, begins at 8 a.m. at the Donal M. Snyder […]

Cruisin’, Lighthouse fair highlight October lineup

October is shaping up to be a gangbusters month, with the annual Cruisin’ the Coast Downtown Biloxi Block Party, the Fourth Annual Lighthouse Arts and Crafts Fair and a host of other special events. Cruisin’ the Coast will enjoy two days in downtown Biloxi: the traditional block party that consumes the entire downtown area on […]

Semper Fi! Biloxi native, Marine OK’d as new CAO

Mike Leonard, the Biloxi native and Marine whom George Lawrence says “has more degrees than a thermometer,” has been approved as Biloxi’s next chief administrative officer. The Biloxi City Council voted 6-1 this afternoon to approve the nomination by Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich. Councilmember Robert L. Deming III casting the lone dissenting vote. Councilmembers also […]

Gilich to nominate retired Marine commander as CAO

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich has nominated Mike Leonard, a “proud son of Biloxi and decorated Marine veteran with a wealth of management experience, for Chief Administrative officer. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the members of the Biloxi City Council at their meeting on Tuesday. “I’m confident that the majority of the City Council […]

Innovation topped breakfast discussion

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich emphasized his innovation vision for Biloxi during his “Breakfast with the Mayor” presentation this morning. Gilich, who addressed a Biloxi Chamber audience of about 150 at the Innovation Center, spoke on technological opportunities in Biloxi. “We recently held a technology summit in Biloxi,” Gilich said.  “Where we looked at opportunities to bring leading […]

What you need to know about construction debris disposal

When residents and business owners hire contractors to make repairs or alterations to their property, the disposal of that debris is the responsibility of the contractors. Under the terms of the trash pickup contract, construction debris or construction vegetation such as trees and limbs will not be picked up at tax payers’ expense. The waste must be […]

Biloxi, Golden Nugget to host P&R conference

More than two hundred parks and recreation professionals from across the state will be in town next week for the 2016 Mississippi Recreation and Parks Association Conference. The City of Biloxi Parks and Recreation Department will host the three day conference taking place at the Golden Nugget beginning Monday. “The theme for this year’s conference […]

Fire prevention education to ignite

National Fire Prevention Month is just around the corner and Biloxi firefighters are preparing to douse the public with fire safety tips. Thanks to a recent contribution, the department will be able to provide even more fire prevention education. On Monday, Jeff Chambers, a representative of FM Global, presented a $2,500 grant to the department. […]

Biloxi Seafood Festival headlines weekend activities

As many as 25,000 seafood and music lovers will gather at Point Cadet Plaza this weekend for the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce’s 35th Annual Biloxi Seafood Festival. This year’s festival, which opens Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m., will again feature myriad seafood dishes, live entertainment, and nearly a hundred arts and crafts vendors. Country, […]

New fiber project may advance Gulf Coast Broadband Initiative

A year-long effort of the Gulf Coast Broadband Initiative to establish timely, redundant, universal and affordable ultra-high speed Internet connectivity has stimulated a large scale infrastructure investment that could eventually provide between one-third to one-half of the public fiber network. At a news conference this morning in Biloxi City Hall, InLine, an Internet Service Provider, […]

Here’s a chance to register your pooch for training

Those interested in attending the Pet-Agree Canine Training Classes at Hiller Park now have additional time to register.  The deadline, originally set for Friday, has been extended to next Friday. “Extending the registration through Sept. 16 gives pet parents more time to sign their puppies and dogs up and allows us to move the class […]

City, Police Department honors retiring K-9s

Two retiring Biloxi Police K-9s, Diesel and Samson,  were honored this week for their service to the community, a career that some could argue spanned a collective 133 years, in the oft-quoted dog years calculation. Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, Police Chief John Miller, Sgts. Jason Gruich and Eugene Palmer and family members and friends of […]

Voice of Shuckers to speak at ‘Baseball’ luncheon

Chris Harris, the voice of the Biloxi Shuckers, will update the team’s standing during this week’s “Our Love Affair With Baseball” exhibition, and Harris will arrive at the Ohr-O’Keefe Friday bearing gifts. He’ll be presenting a check to the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, proceeds from the August  auction of “Mad Potter” jerseys at a Biloxi […]

Tunnel-to-Towers race begins and ends at Margaritaville

Margaritaville Resort in Biloxi is going to be the starting and finishing point for the second annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk, an event that helps provide funding for the organization of New York firefighters who have delivered Christmas gifts to the Mississippi Gulf Coast annually since Hurricane Katrina. The run, in its […]

Fireman’s Day parade is Sept. 17

The annual Biloxi Fireman’s Day Parade rolls through downtown Biloxi on Saturday, Sept. 17. The parade, which will feature firefighting vehicles from responding fire departments Coastwide, will begin at 10 a.m. at the foot of Lameuse Street. The parade will proceed westward on MLK Boulevard to Howard Avenue and end at the West End Hose […]

Biloxi-themed artwork unveiled at the Biloxi Visitors Center

Coast writer, editor and artist Karen Bryant unveiled a new collection of “word map” T-shirts, bags and aprons today at the Biloxi Visitors Center. And each piece makes prominent use of the names “Biloxi,” “Harrison County” or “Mississippi,” and boundaries of those areas. Bryant’s mix of design and words, especially the name “Biloxi,” is a follow-up […]

Weekend preview: Paul Jr., bikes, arts, and soul

Bikers and fans of everything on two or three wheels have a new way to celebrate this Labor Day weekend, and meet the younger star of cable TV’s “American Chopper.” The inaugural Bike the Beach, billed as the largest bike event ever held on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, is a four-day, family event that benefits […]

Gilich proposes new roles for Abide, Blessey

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich is proposing longtime Biloxi attorney Peter Abide and his firm, Currie Johnson, be named the new city attorney. The appointment would allow Gerald Blessey and his firm to step away from the day-to-day running of the Legal Department and serve as an outside counsel focusing on economic development issues and specific […]

Ocean Springs, Biloxi to host Tunnel to Towers run, walk

The second annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk will take place on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 6 p.m., beginning at Fort Maurepas on Front Beach in Ocean Springs and ending at Margaritaville in Biloxi. The announcement was made by the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, established by Siller’s family in honor of the […]

Gilich to summit: ‘High-tech will bring in more high-tech’

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich unveiled his newest economic development initiative Wednesday at the first-ever Biloxi Technology Summit before an appreciative audience of Coast industry leaders. “We’re working to bring new, cutting-edge, high-tech industry to Biloxi, and when we do, it will attract more high-tech industry,” Gilich said after the five-hour event at the Biloxi Civic […]

Biloxi relief group making an impact in flood areas

The mayor and City Council of Independence, La. will be serving steak dinners tonight to a group of off-duty and retired Biloxi firefighters who have cooked and served meals and gutted nearly a dozen homes in and around the small flood-stricken town. The Biloxi contingent, which arrived in Independence on Aug. 25, spent their first […]

Sign up and get your kicks at Hiller Park

The City of Biloxi is now registering teams for its Annual Hiller Park Revitalization Kickball Tournament. The tournament will take place on Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Barbara Ferrill Softball Fields, 1940 Edgers Rd. with two games played by each team.  Teams are to be made up of 9 to 13 players ages 14 and older […]

TD9 will push tides above normal today, Thursday

Tropical Depression 9 is looking better organized and now moving slowly north at 2 mph, and is expected to push tides higher than normal today and Thursday. “This may be the long awaited turn toward the north and eventually northeast today,” Harrison County Emergency Manager Rupert Lacy said this morning. “Once it completes its turn, […]

Biloxi to host inaugural Technology Summit

Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich will up the ante on his innovation push Wednesday when the city hosts its first Technology Summit at the Biloxi Civic Center. The summit is being held to focus on two development opportunities created over the past six months. “We have an opportunity to bring leading edge technology to Biloxi […]

TD 9: Still disorganized, still expected to turn

Tropical Depression 9 is still somewhat disorganized and moving slowly west-northwest through the eastern Gulf of Mexico, acco rding to Harrison County Emergency Manager Rupert Lacy. The forecast track for the next couple of days, Lacy said this morning, is a continued slow track to the west and then slow turn to the north-northwest later […]

Visitors Center unveils 2016 Christmas Ornament

The Biloxi Visitors Center has unveiled its 2016 Christmas Ornament featuring the Biloxi Lighthouse and Visitors Center. This year’s ornament, third in a series, highlights Biloxi’s oldest landmark and one of the city’s most symbolic buildings representing Biloxi’s resolve after Hurricane Katrina. It went on sale in the Biloxi Visitors Center Monday, the 11th anniversary of […]

TD 9 expected to turn to Northeast mid-week

National Weather Service forecasters, in an overview released this morning, say Tropical Depression 9 is expected to move northwesterly in the Gulf of Mexico and be in the mid-Gulf in the next two days before curving to the Northeast later in the week. However, the same report says the track and intensity “still has a […]

City crews focusing on sand, edging on U.S. 90

The city on Tuesday morning will have multiple crews working on U.S. 90 to remove sand and trim medians on east and central beach in Biloxi, working their way to DeBuys Road later this week. A Parks & Recreation crew of 14 laborers will be focusing on the northern median from Oak Street working westward, […]

Huge throng turns out for Sports Hall of Fame ceremony

A record crowd of about 450 turned out Sunday evening to help celebrate the latest entries into the Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame, a collection of 17 stars representing an array of sports. Five former Biloxi Dodgers, three local club boxers and a nationally renowned boxing referee were among those honored during a two-and-half hour […]

ACLU to honor mayor for court reforms

The American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi has selected Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich as a 2016 Criminal Justice Reform honoree. The ACLU is recognizing the first-year mayor for the city’s “involvement and commitment to destroying the practice of modern-day debtors’ prisons” as well as making “systematic upgrades concerning the jailing of people unable to pay […]

Weekend preview: Hall of fame, baseball and a gun show

The City of Biloxi honors the exceptional athletic contributions of a new group of individuals this weekend during the annual Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony. On Sunday, beginning at 5 p.m., the Class of 2016 will be honored at the Biloxi Civic Center, 578 Howard Ave., during a reception that is free and […]

Fire damages Ohr; Murphy luncheon moved to Saenger

Former Atlanta Braves baseball player Dale Murphy, arguably the biggest speaker in the Ohr-O’Keefe’s weekly Friday luncheon series, is going to get a big room – the Saenger Theater – after a fire has caused smoke damage at the museum’s Mississippi Sound Welcome Center, site of the weekly luncheons. Murphy’s sold-out luncheon, with a crowd […]

City begins process for dredging permits

The City of Biloxi is seeking permits to dredge seven sites along the peninsula, including two public boat docks and the Hiller Park boat launch and bayou. The $355,000 project, which would be paid for with Tidelands funds, proposes deepening the water at seven locations: a canal near the Sherman L. Canaan Back Bay Fishing […]

Keesler Joint Land Use Study meeting is Thursday

Interested residents and businessowners have a chance to learn more about land use plans and how to minimize the impact on Keesler’s current and future missions during a public workshop Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Municipal Building in downtown Biloxi. The meeting is part of the Keesler […]

The obituary of Jerry O’Keefe

Here is the obituary of War War II hero, former mayor, legislator, and community leader Jeremiah J. “Jerry” O’Keefe, as released by Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes: Jeremiah Joseph O’Keefe, III July 12, 1923 – August 23, 2016 Jeremiah Joseph “Jerry” O’Keefe, III, 93, of Biloxi died August 23, 2016. Mr. O’Keefe was born in Ocean Springs […]

Blessey: ‘It’s time for me to slow down a bit’

Biloxi City Attorney Gerald Blessey, who reconstituted the city’s Legal Department and helped generate millions of dollars in grants and funds recovered for the city over the past year, plans to step down in September, at the end of the current fiscal year. Blessey, a former Biloxi mayor and state legislator, notified Mayor Andrew “FoFo” […]

Gilich: Biloxi lost a great one, America lost a hero

“We’ve lost a great Biloxian, someone who did so much for this community in so many ways, and the country has lost an American hero,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says of the passing of former Mayor Jeremiah J. “Jerry” O’Keefe. O’Keefe, the country’s youngest World War II flying ace, former state legislator, two-term Biloxi mayor, […]

New walkway, ramp taking shape at Hiller Park

A new $405,000 walkway and overlook at the western entrance to Hiller Park is headed toward an October completion. The 10-foot-wide, 1,700-foot walkway, which runs alongside a bayou at the western end of the park, is the last phase of a sidewalk project that connects Popp’s Ferry Road to Hiller Park. The project includes a […]

City, Cable One to mark Katrina anniversary

The City of Biloxi and Cable One will air a day of special storm-related programming on Monday to commemorate the 11th anniversary of Katrina and to help educate residents about the dangers of storms and flooding. “These programs are designed to tell the story of Biloxi, how we’ve weathered the storms and moved forward,” said Mayor […]

Shrimp Bowl, dances, music headline weekend events

It’s back-to-school time, which brings football, dances and plenty of evening activities. The Shrimp Bowl kicks off the 2016 Biloxi High School football season tonight with a doubleheader at the Biloxi campus. Play begins at 5 when the Long Beach Bearcats take on the Gulfport Admirals. The Biloxi Indians face the St. Stanislaus Rockachaws at […]

A glimpse into Biloxi’s future

The arrival Wednesday of the 130 foot yacht Days Like This at Point Cadet Marina is providing a glimpse of what the Biloxi waterfront could look like if the city’s waterfront master plan – expanded marinas, restaurants, boardwalks, etc. – continues to move forward. The Days Like This, based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is the […]

MDOT to temporarily close lanes on I-110 next week

MDOT has announced that workers will temporary close lanes on I-110 beginning next week at nighttime to allow for inspection of the span of the high-rise bridge. Sections of the northbound and southbound lanes at the I-110 draw bridge will be closed Monday, Aug. 22 through Thursday, Aug. 25 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.  Work […]

City recognizes second quarter longevity recipients

The City of Biloxi recognized a host of employees for longevity during the August 17 city council meeting. Those recognized were: 25 years of service: Keith Capehart, Fire Department 20 years of service: John Hargrove, Public Works; and Aldon Helmert, Elizabeth Manna, Michael Mason, and Bryan Vincent, Police Department 15 years of service: Robert Jolly, Vickie Lee-Fletcher, and Jay Morgan, […]

Shrimp Bowl queen visits City Hall

Talk of the municipal budget dominated the City Council meetings yesterday, but amidst the long discussions, Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich welcomed new royalty to Biloxi City Hall. Gilich introduced 2016 Shrimp Bowl Queen Savannah Goolsby Belcher, who dropped by City Hall to promote plans for this week’s high school football classic at Biloxi High School. […]

Storm & Flood newsletter also talks about trash pickup

The city’s annual Storm & Flood Preparedness newsletter should be arriving in homes and businesses throughout Biloxi today and Wednesday, and this year’s edition has information about garbage, recycling and trash pickup. The 12-page compendium includes a storm tracking map; information on evacuation routes and shelters; tips on how to create a storm plan for […]

Budget discussions to begin Tuesday

Members of the Biloxi City Council will get their first look at parts of Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2017 during a special meeting Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at City Hall. The mayor and councilmembers are expected to hammer out a spending plan for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 […]

Fire Museum seeks online donations for Louisiana relief trip

Fire Chief Joe Boney says that the all-volunteer West End Hose Co. No. 3, more popularly known as the Biloxi fire museum, has activated its online GoFundMe account and is seeking donations for a relief trip in the works to help flood victims in Louisiana. Boney says money is needed to help feed the five […]

Weekend preview: Football, softball and MMA

Reports of the Great Flood notwithstanding, looking for something fun to do this weekend? Football, softball, and mixed martial arts highlight a list of activities happening in Biloxi. The Biloxi Indians prepare for their 2016 football season by hosting a jamboree this evening at the Biloxi High stadium beginning at 6.  The jamboree between Biloxi […]

So far, it’s been confined to a nuisance storm

For all the reports of torrential downpours and widespread flooding, Biloxi Police Chief John Miller says roadways in Biloxi have remained passable and without many traffic incidents. So far. Flood advisories remain in effect for Biloxi and the surrounding area, with the National Weather Service continuing to forecast numerous showers and thunderstorms that could produce […]

Flood watch upgraded to flood warning

Biloxi and all of Harrison County are now under a flood warning until 4:15 this afternoon, meaning flooding is imminent or occurring in the area and property owners should take appropriate action. Earlier, the National Weather Service had issued the warning for the southwestern areas of the county. A warning means conditions favorable for flooding […]

Biloxi Dodgers, boxers headline 2016 Hall of Fame class

Five former Biloxi Dodgers, three local club boxers and a nationally renowned boxing referee are among a list of 17 inductees into the Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame this year. The newest class will be honored Sunday, Aug. 28 in a 5:30 p.m. ceremony at the Biloxi Civic Center. The program, which will feature the inductions […]

Gilich, others host Air Force inspection group

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich underscored Biloxi’s strong support for, and commitment to Keesler AFB’s mission Tuesday night when he hosted a dinner at Mary Mahoney’s for visiting U.S. Air Force dignitaries. Gilich, Chief of Civic Innovation & Development Cliff Kirkland and City Attorney Gerald Blessey used the occasion to lobby a site review team that […]

Weather Service issues flash flood watch

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch through Saturday morning because of heavy rainfall expected for Biloxi and surrounding areas. The greatest chance of increased rainfall and flooding begins Friday in the Biloxi area. Local emergency managers report that weather models show as much as 3 to 8 inches of rainfall may […]

Seafood Museum to explore Isle of Caprice

Longtime Biloxian Susan Hunt, whose family owned and operated the fabled Isle of Caprice casino resort, will be one of the featured speakers Thursday when the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum unveils an exhibit focusing on the island that was 12 miles off the Coast of Biloxi. The free reception will be from 5 to […]

It’s official: Gilich to nominate Tisdale as CAO

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich is ready to move forward with his announced plans to nominate City Councilman Paul A. Tisdale as the city’s new chief administrative officer, now that the state Attorney General and Ethics Commission both have signed off on the idea, and Tisdale has agreed to work with no compensation. Gilich made the […]

Relive a golden era, go fishing and more this weekend

A sold-out tribute to a community leader and impresario, a fishing tournament, and seasonal sports registrations are among the list of events happening this weekend. Tonight at the Slavonian Lodge on Maple Street, the community will gather to celebrate one of Biloxi’s favorite sons, F. “Yankie” Barhanovich. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the program for […]

Football, cheerleading, swimming and more, oh my!

Looking for youth activities outside of school, well look no further! The Parks and Recreation Department this weekend will soon be conducting registration for football, cheerleading and  later on you’ll see registration for swimming as well as tryouts for the swim team. On Saturday, Aug. 6 and Saturday, Aug. 13, registration for youth football and […]

Are you’re getting timely Biloxi updates on Facebook?

The city now has a Facebook audience of 25,000, and, as a result more and more timely news updates are posted on the city Facebook page to augment news on the city website. Just this week, Facebook followers were updated on a late-night ammonia leak in downtown Biloxi, and traffic updates are frequently posted. A […]

Visitors Center offers a taste of moonshine Thursday

The Mississippi Gulf Coast has a colorful past with some of that history hidden in the woods with early settlers and their moonshine stills.  Local author, historian, and storyteller Al Saucier provides glimpses of that history in “Kiln Moonshine,” the eighth edition of his successful book which tells the story of the wilderness families of […]

Major projects dominate City Council agenda

Four major projects, some that have been in the works for years, are expected to take another step forward when the City Council meets Tuesday night. The four projects – a new main entrance for Keesler, a beachside boardwalk in west Biloxi, a second pedestrian walkway over U.S. 90 and repairs to the Saenger Theater […]

The Vieux Marche goes green for Shrek on Saturday

On Saturday, the Vieux Marche will become a street fair full of activities throughout the day before being transformed into a nighttime cast party for “Shrek the Musical,” which is playing this weekend at the Saenger. Beginning at noon, more than a dozen arts and crafts and food vendors, numerous children’s activities and entertainment will […]

Summer camp season ends

The Parks and Recreation department wraps up its 2016 summer camp season today. A total of 510 campers, ages 5 to 14, have spent nine weeks enjoying the summer, participating in arts and crafts, field trips and other hands on activities that have challenged their minds. “Through this program, we provide wholesome leisure time programs,” […]

Music, history take center stage at Slavonian Lodge

He was the man who brought Elvis to Biloxi just before he rocketed to stardom, and, just as importantly, he brought James Brown to Biloxi Municipal Stadium where a diverse audience gathered in an otherwise turbulent Civil Rights era. And, now, on the 50th anniversary of Soul Brother No. 1’s appearance in Biloxi, the City […]

Farmers Market introduces loyalty card

Laura Gnuschke is the July winner of the Farmers Market Card drawing! By shopping at the Charles R. Hegwood Biloxi Farmers Market and completing a loyalty card, the Farmers Market regular was able to enter the monthly drawing and become the winner of a prize basket. All shoppers at the Farmers Market also now have the chance to win a monthly […]

City seeks to resolve casino rent issue

The city has filed a motion in Harrison County Chancery Court in an effort to recoup Point Cadet casino rent money that the state had inadvertently moved into its general fund. The city is hoping to recoup $1.18 million on top of the $1.3 million that was recovered from the state a few weeks ago. The […]

City to re-bid next phase of infrastructure work

The city must re-bid the multi-million-dollar project to rebuild and repair infrastructure work south of CSX railway because a Harrison County judge has found there was not substantial evidence to accept the bid and award a contract to Hemphill Construction. The city in January had rejected an apparent low bid from Oscar Renda of $82.9 […]

Vieux Marche Street Fair is this weekend

There’s a new downtown street fair this weekend in the Vieux Marche that will combine daytime arts and crafts, live music and food booths with a nighttime cast party for “Shrek the Musical.” The Vieux Marche Street Fair takes place Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. with daytime activities, and a cast party for “Shrek […]

New Back Bay Boulevard expected to be in place in 60 days

Oscar Renda Contracting began paving on Back Bay Boulevard last week, and the company hopes to have the entire roadway rebuilt and repaved within 45 to 60 days. The four-lane boulevard, which travels along Back Bay and connects Oak Street to I-110, would serve as a detour route around the infrastructure work.  The work now impacts about 55 miles […]

See the dinosaurs Saturday on the Town Green

The City of Biloxi and Friends of Hiller Park have teamed up with Navy Federal Credit Union to host an outdoor family movie night on the Town Green on Saturday. Beginning at 6 p.m. families will be able to fill the green space with lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy activities such as inflatables and […]

Biloxi hosts inaugural STEM Summit

Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, continuing the innovation and development initiatives that have underscored his first year in office, today hosted a STEM Summit at City Hall to stimulate a greater dialogue about the necessity of promoting science and technology education in the modern classroom. “Encouraging our children to embrace science, technology, engineering and math […]

Keesler gate funding draws approval of breakfast crowd

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich this morning sounded familiar themes on his vision of Biloxi – “friendly, safe and beautiful” – and drew a round of applause when he mentioned the $5 million in state funding that has been committed toward a new main entrance for Keesler Air Force Base. Gilich spoke to a Biloxi Chamber […]

Council OKs new AHRC members

The City Council approved three new members of the city’s Architectural and Historical Review Commission today and also set up the advisory body to consider one of its biggest cases, the proposed La Quinta Inn and Suites, off Seal Avenue. Councilmembers OK’d Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich’s nomination of Wallace Barnes, Mary Wallace Boles and Anthony […]

Immunization fair set for school-age children

Biloxi Excel by 5 is looking to help parents who may have to take their children to Gulfport or Pascagoula to get state-required immunization shots since the health department office in Biloxi has closed. Beginning Saturday, the Biloxi Excel by 5, along with a host of sponsors, will launch the Biloxi Excel by 5 Immunization […]

Gilich seeks OK for $5 million for Keesler gate project

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich on Tuesday will ask the City Council to approve a memorandum of understanding with State Treasurer Lynn Fitch that is expected to lead to the city receiving $5 million in funding toward a project for a new main entrance at Keesler Air Force Base. The Keesler issue is one of two-dozen […]

Salvation Army seeks city property to build gym

A request by the Salvation Army to acquire the former Lee Street ballpark site to construct a new gymnasium will be part of the discussion this week when the City Council holds a special meeting to consider an affordable housing initiative in east Biloxi. The Lee Street site, immediately south of the Army-owned Yankie Stadium, […]

Police recognize life-saving feats

The Biloxi Police Department today honored a police officer and firefighter who saved lives in two separate incidents over the past several weeks. The awards, to Police Inv. Nick Sonnier and Firefighter Charlie Hebert, were made during the department’s quarterly awards ceremony at the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center. Police Chief John Miller also administered the […]

Weekend preview: Shuckers, circus sensation and more

A five-game homestand between the Biloxi Shuckers and Birmingham Barons continues this evening and nightly through Monday at MGM Park, kicking off a weekend of diverse entertainment. Meantime, Weird Al Yankovic performs at the Hard Rock, IP hosts Dick Fox’s Golden Boys and Anthony Cools, and the theatrical circus opus “BraVeau” continues at the Beau […]

Oscar Renda: You’ll see pavement next week

Good news from Oscar Renda Contracting, the company overseeing the massive and disruptive infrastructure work in east Biloxi: Motorists and residents should be seeing permanent asphalt going down on Back Bay Boulevard near Oak, and on Crawford Street, and next month on Seal Avenue. Project manager Joel Murrah made the announcements on these areas and […]

Trio of popular city facilities marks fifth anniversary

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the dedication of three of the city’s high profile post-Katrina projects – the Biloxi Visitors Center, the Biloxi Civic Center and the Biloxi Public Library. Together, the three represent an investment of about $35 million in federal funds in the city’s rebuilding effort and have become shining examples of […]

Biloxi makes Mississippi Magazine’s ‘Best of’ List

Less than a month after USA Today told a national audience about the growing allure of Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, now comes Mississippi Magazine touting Biloxi as one of the top places to enjoy a weekend trip. Biloxi was bestowed an M-List award certificate this week for “Best Weekend Trip” as voted by the […]

Police: Pokemon players should practice prudence

The Pokemon Go craze, which has attracted a steady stream of mobile game players to the Biloxi Lighthouse, hit a zenith last night when dozens of players gathered at 2 a.m. on the lawn of the Biloxi Visitors Center. The lighthouse, the city’s signature landmark, has become a local focal point of the location-based reality […]

New splash pad to open in Sunkist area

Residents and visitors in West Biloxi will soon have a new way to stay cool and enjoy the outdoors. On Friday, city and county leaders will celebrate the opening of a new splash pad at the Popps Ferry Recreational Area. Festivities will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a ribbon and continue until 1 p.m. “I […]

U-Haul seeks to convert vacant Walmart on Pass Road

U-Haul has approached the city with an idea to convert the former Walmart on Pass Road into a retail outlet and interior storage facility for boats, RVs and individual storage units. The proposal had its first airing last week before the city’s Development Review Committee, a multi-departmental city body that looks at various issues of new construction. […]

Gilich pleased with Ethics opinion on CAO nominee

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says he was encouraged by an Ethics Commission ruling that says current City Councilman Paul Tisdale could serve as the city’s new chief administrative officer, if he worked without compensation. “We’ve known from Day 1 that salary might be an issue,” Gilich said, “but our primary question to the Ethics Commission […]

Police, Keesler security gather for prayer service

About three dozen members of the Biloxi Police Department and representatives of the military police at Keesler gathered today on the steps of the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center to answer the call for prayer from Dallas Police Chief David Brown. Pastor Lindsey Robinson of St. Paul United Methodist Church offered a prayer and called for […]

Saints Alive! They’re here for the weekend

The big Saints weekend has arrived. As many as a thousand youngsters ages 6 to 15 will have a chance to take part in the Saints Kids Experience Saturday at MGM Park and then on Saturday night the park hosts the inaugural Saints Hall of Fame Road Show, a collection of Saints memorabilia. Events kicked off […]

Council to discuss housing proposal for east Biloxi

The Biloxi City Council has called a workshop for July 19 to discuss a proposal by a nationally award-winning housing developer to construct 125 affordable single-family homes in east Biloxi on four sites of vacant land in a deal that could net the city more than half a million dollars. The public session will be […]

Saints jerseys, tickets up for grabs this weekend

Saints jerseys and helmets signed by head coach Sean Payton and Drew Brees, and two club level tickets and two sideline passes for the Aug. 26 preseason game against Pittsburgh in the Mercedes Benz Superdome are among the items being offered in a silent auction Saturday night during the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame […]

It’s your chance to meet Saints Hall of Famers

Saints fans young and old have a chance to meet a who’s who of Saints lore this weekend:  Rickey Jackson, Morten Andersen, Bobby Hebert, Deuce McAllister, Dalton Hilliard, Vaughan Johnson, Jim Dombrowski, Tyrone Hughes, Joe Johnson, Michael Lewis, Derland Moore and Jim Wilks. It’s the inaugural Saints Hall of Fame Weekend, with a golf tournament Friday […]

City, county save nearly $3 million in debt restructuring

Biloxi saved nearly $3 million for city and county coffers Tuesday with the refinancing of $28 million in debt that had been incurred years ago to widen and improve Caillavet Street, Back Bay Boulevard and Popp’s Ferry Road. The City Council unanimously approved Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich’s proposal to move the bonds from variable rates […]

Fireworks-free zone a smash on east beach

Those who watched the Biloxi fireworks show in the fireworks-free zone may have been taking part in something that looks to be the beginning of a new tradition. “I was very happy with the way the fireworks-free zone went,” said Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, adding with a smile, “and my wife was happy with it […]

City’s Fourth will be a weekend of firsts

The “No Fireworks” signs will be going up on east beach in Biloxi today, signaling what could be a new tradition for the city’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show. The fireworks-free zone on the mile-long stretch of the beach from the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor to Oak Street is part of a weekend that […]

Enjoy the Spirit of Summer in downtown

The Biloxi Main Street monthly series “First Friday” will celebrate summer with a themed event in the downtown arts district on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. near Peresich Park, just south of Merit Health. The “Spirit of Summer Block Party” will begin with a ribbon cutting for the area’s newest business, Almost Circle Gallery, […]

Jackson, Andersen bringing teammates to Biloxi

Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Rickey Jackson and future NFL Hall of Famer Morten Andersen head a list of former and current New Orleans Saints stars who will be in Biloxi July 8-9 for the inaugural Saints Hall of Fame Weekend. Jackson and Andersen are two of only four players (Archie Manning and Willie […]

City releases latest audit, financial info

The new Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the City of Biloxi, a report that provides detailed financial information about city operations, is now available online at biloxi.ms.us. The 149-page document uses graphics, bar charts and balance sheets to provide an accurate and complete financial position of the city, as of Sept. 30, 2015, the end […]

Seafood Museum reception to showcase images of Lewis Hine

Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum will host a public reception tonight from 5 to 7 to showcase more than two dozen restored images of world renowned photographer Lewis Hine. Lewis Hine, one of the most prolific photographers of the early 1900s, traveled the country for decades documenting child labor in factories, mills, mines, and processing […]

Biloxi unveils fireworks-free zone this Fourth

Longtime Coast tourism leader Linda Hornsby has had the idea rolling around in her head for several years now, and this Fourth of July it will become a reality on east beach in Biloxi. It’s a fireworks-free zone, where fireworks will be prohibited among the public and all eyes will be focused on the $100,000 […]

Saints golf event has few spots remaining

Only a handful of playing spots remain for anyone wanting to play in the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame Golf Scramble at Fallen Oak on Friday, July 8. The golf tournament is the kickoff event of Saints Hall of Fame Weekend in Biloxi. Other events are a Saints Kids Experience at MGM Park Saturday […]

City releases annual water quality report

Biloxi residents have known for years that they have some of the lowest water, sewer and garbage rates of any community in the state, and a new report confirms that the city’s drinking water meets or exceeds federal and state requirements. The city’s Annual Report on the Quality of Drinking Water, a scorecard mandated by […]

Biloxi to see three fireworks shows this year

For the Fourth of July this year, Biloxi will have more fireworks in the sky and less on the ground. That’s because the city will see three fireworks shows – one on Sunday, and two on Monday, the Fourth of July itself. This year, you’ll see fireworks shows on Back Bay, courtesy of the IP Casino Resort […]

Popp’s Ferry Road to see lane shifts

Motorists traveling the Popp’s Ferry Road area where widening is underway will see lane shifts beginning Monday morning, signaling a major milestone in progress. No detours are planned, but traffic cones and barrels will mark shifts of travel lanes, which will take place from Cedar Lake Road to Lamey Street. The Popp’s Ferry work has […]

Nichols accepts schools post; Gilich to nominate Tisdale as CAO

Biloxi Chief Administrative Officer David Nichols has accepted an administrative post with Biloxi Public Schools, and, as a result, Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich plans to nominate City Councilman Paul A. Tisdale to be the city’s new chief administrative officer. Before being elected to represent west Biloxi in 2013, Tisdale led Biloxi Public Schools with a […]

Seniors dance to show patriotic spirit

The Parks and Recreation Department will host a “Salute to the Military” Seniors Patriotic Dance on Friday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Donal Snyder Community Center, 2520 Pass Rd. Adults ages 55 and older are invited to dress in patriotic attire, put on a pair of dancing shoes and enjoy an afternoon of music, […]

Scrapin’ will dominate U.S. 90 this weekend

Electronic billboards and barricades have been positioned at high profile locations and intersections on U.S. 90 signaling the approach of the annual “Scrapin’ the Coast” and heavy traffic. “Scrapin’,” a car show that bills itself as “the wildest show on the Coast,” returns to Biloxi Friday through Sunday, and Biloxi leaders are asking participants to […]

New Lorraine Road bridge opens to traffic Friday

The new Lorraine Road bridge, 10 times longer than the old bridge and twice as wide, opens Friday, months ahead of schedule, and Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says it’s the bridge to the future. The $7.5 million bridge, which crosses the Biloxi River and connects Biloxi and Gulfport, was funded by the Mississippi Department of […]

City recognizes employees for longevity

The City of Biloxi recognized a host of employees for longevity during the June 21 city council meeting. Those recognized were: 40 years of service: Glenda Carmel, Police Department 35 years of service: Mary Cruthirds, Parks and Recreation Department; and Jasna Yenewine, Public Works Department 25 years of service: Woody Alexander and John McDonnell, Public […]

Council, mayor to discuss La Quinta today

The issue of the La Quinta Inn and Suites, the hotel planned for front beach between Hopkins Boulevard and Seal Avenue, will be discussed this afternoon in a special meeting immediately after the 1:30 City Council meeting. No votes are expected to be taken during the session, which is at City Hall and open to […]

Sun shines on Margaritaville Thursday

The family-oriented destination resort Margaritaville opens on Point Cadet on Thursday and Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says it will help capture a new audience for Biloxi. “In the two days I’ve been off since I was mayor I visited a family-oriented spot like this, and I have to say this one is very competitive,” said […]

New subsurface going in on Back Bay Boulevard

The reconstruction of Back Bay Boulevard has begun. The four-lane, mile-long boulevard that connects Oak Street with I-110 has been a dusty, unkempt four-lane trail since August of last year when Oscar Renda Contracting says design flaws halted work on the roadway. Today, however, with new sewer and drainage pipes in place, workers have begun […]

Weekend preview: Summertime dance, Juneteenth and more

Weekend events will kick off tonight with an “Aloha to Summertime” dance at the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center.  The Parks and Recreation Department will present a free special needs party and dance this evening from 6 to 9 at the Community Center, 2520 Pass Road. Physically and mentally challenged children and adults and […]

East Biloxi infrastructure work nears halfway point

The east Biloxi infrastructure work, which involves replacing 650,000 feet of water mains, sewer and storm drain lines under 55 miles of streets, is approaching the halfway point. A report issued by the city’s Engineering Department last week showed that as of April 25 contractor Oscar Renda had completed 40 percent of the overall work, […]

Hiller Park playground receives a makeover

Visitors to Hiller Park will soon have a new, larger playgrounds to enjoy. Wednesday morning, members of the Ruiz Contracting Solutions group began dismantling the almost 30 year old playground equipment in preparation for a new accessible play system. “I am beyond elated,” Parks and Recreation Director Cheryl Bell said. “We have received the playground equipment […]

Saints Hall of Fame Scramble Golf Tournament spots available

Some playing spots are still available for the July 8 Saints Hall of Fame scramble golf tournament at Fallen Oak. The cost is $1,000 per four-man team. Each team will also be assigned a Saints Hall of Famer or current Saints player in order to field a five-member team for the 18-hole competition. Food and […]

Saints Experience tickets now on sale

Tickets for the Kids Saints Experience and Saints Hall of Fame Road Show at MGM Park on Saturday, July 9 are now on sale at the MGM Park box office and all Ticketmaster locations. Tickets for the Kids Saints Experience are limited to 500 participants for each of the two 75-minute training camp sessions, which […]

Fire Academy celebrates graduates, sponsors

A total of 73 youngsters ages 7 to 12 graduated on Friday from the 2016 Fire Academy for Kids, a weeklong program where children learn about household safety and firefighting. The free program, conducted at the Lopez Quave Public Safety Center and at the the nearby West End Hose Company No. 3 Fire Museum, would not have […]

Gilich moves forward with Round 2 of Tidelands requests

The city’s initiative to create a string of public waterfront amenities is expected to begin taking shape this summer with a West Biloxi Festival Boardwalk, and Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich on Tuesday will be asking the City Council to reapply to the Mississippi Legislature for nearly $15 million in Tidelands funds. Under the city’s ambitious […]

Hundreds turn out to honor Rodney McGilvary

Former and current mayors and city councilmembers, past and present police chiefs from Biloxi and surrounding areas, and representatives of the FBI, Keesler Air Force Base and the Gulf Coast hospitality industry joined family and friends Friday night to mark the end of Rodney McGilvary’s milestone career with the Biloxi Police Department. Mayor Andrew “FoFo” […]

Billfish, Summer Fair on tap this weekend

A couple of longstanding attractions fill this weekend’s entertainment lineup: the 20th annual Billfish Classic at Point Cadet Marina and the 30th Annual Summer Fair at the Coast Coliseum. You’ll also find a new show at the Beau Rivage and a host of performances and other diversions on stages and venues throughout the city. See […]

Point Cadet Plaza becoming the hot spot for visiting groups

Hundreds of people in town for conventions this week discovered something that locals already knew: Point Cadet Plaza is the place to be for an outdoor event. With its large shade-filled pavilion, breezes wafting across the Biloxi Bay, a nearby splash pad and playground for children, and convenient restrooms, it has everything. And don’t forget […]

We’ve got photos – albums of ’em

A week’s worth of photos galleries from the city’s Facebook page: Oak Street affairs:  A host of city and civic leaders turned out at The Biloxi Lugger restaurant and Le Bakery this week for two ribbon cuttings to mark the paving of Oak Street. Even former Mayor A.J. Holloway was there. To see photos, click […]

Biloxi, IP to host Southeastern fire chiefs

Hundreds of fire chiefs from across the South will be in town next week for the three-day Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs Conference. The 88th annual conference will take place at the IP Casino Resort and Spa Tuesday, with nearly 200 fire chiefs and directors from across 10 Southern states attending. “This conference is usually hosted […]

Ribbon cuttings celebrate Oak Street pavement

“Clear skies and paved roads, can it get any better than that?” asks the Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce in its invitation for a dual ribbon-cutting ceremonies on Oak Street this morning. “This is an event worth celebrating.” The chamber will conduct two ceremonial ribbon cuttings this morning, at 11 a.m. at The Biloxi Lugger […]

City to honor longest-serving police officer

After protecting and serving the citizens of Biloxi for nearly 40 years, Biloxi Police Assistant Chief Rodney McGilvary will have the tables turned on him Friday. Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, Police Chief John Miller, countless law enforcement officers as well as numerous city employees and citizens are expected to gather at the Biloxi Civic Center, […]

Street sweeping now underway on Biloxi streets

The city’s new street-sweeping program, which proposes to pick up dirt and debris from 15 major thoroughfares each month, began earlier this week, and the firm cleaning the streets agrees with Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich: It’s going to be a big job at the outset. Sweep Masters, a firm that specializes in cleaning parking lots […]

Biloxi, MGM Park to host Saints Hall of Fame, players

With the opening of 2016 NFL training camps looming, the New Orleans Saints and Saints Hall of Fame will make a special visit to Biloxi July 8-9 for a weekend of activities on the eve of the team’s summer camp. The highlight of the weekend will be two special events at MGM Park on Saturday, […]

Tribe announces plans for Foxwoods at Biloxi Pointe

(From the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation) The Mashantucket (Conn.) Pequot Tribal Nation announces its plans for the development and operation of a Foxwoods-branded, casino resort, to be located at Biloxi Pointe in historic Biloxi, Miss. Through a new strategic partnership, the Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Enterprise will partner with Biloxi Boardwalk Ventures, LLC, Chris Ferrara, sponsor; […]

Summer camp, academies begin in Biloxi

Hundreds of youngster will be enjoying their summer break with the City of Biloxi in a trio of summer camps offered by the city. Nearly 500 children ranging in age from 5 to 14 turned out Monday for the city’s Summer Playground and Enrichment Program – aka “summer camp.” The two-month summer program takes place […]

Court seeks to resolve outstanding cases

Biloxi’s Municipal Court, as part of its settlement agreement with the ACLU, is resetting municipal court cases where defendants owe fines or fees dating back to March 2014. The court is now sending notices to as many as 500 defendants letting them know that any existing arrest warrants against them for non-payment or failure to […]

Shrimp Festival, Blessing headline this weekend

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

MDOT to temporarily close I-110 exits next week

MDOT has announced that workers will close the I-110 off ramps at Bayview and Division Street for one night next week to allow the installation of new overhead signage. The southbound exit at Bayview Avenue will be closed Wednesday from 7 p.m. to Thursday 6 a.m. At Division Street, the southbound exit will be closed […]

Tree committee to hold initial session

Biloxi’s tree committee, a new city board that will advise the city on striking a balance between protecting trees and economic development, has scheduled its first session. Committee members will have a training session Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the city’s Community Development Department to review the city’s tree ordinance and discuss procedures. The meeting […]

Preservation program to usher in Blessing weekend

The 2016 Preservation in May program will have a bonus presentation this evening to help launch this weekend’s 87th annual Biloxi Shrimp Festival and Blessing of the Fleet. The bonus event, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Sinking of the Emma Harvey, will begin at 5 p.m. at the St. Michael Parish Life Center, adjacent to […]

Museum offers schooner rides for Blessing

The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum is offering individuals a chance to ride aboard the Biloxi schooner “Glenn L. Swetman” for the Blessing of the Fleet on Sunday. Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased by calling the museum before Saturday or at the pier on Sunday.  However, tickets will be sold on […]

City receives $9 million for infrastructure work

U.S. Sens. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today announced that the City of Biloxi is receiving a $9 million federal grant to reimburse the city for utility easements that are being purchased across front beach property to make way for new water and sewer lines and improved drainage. The city has already bought […]

Shuckers, family fun usher in Memorial Day weekend

The summer season kicks off this weekend with the Shuckers back in town for a three-game series, a two-day firefighter-headlined fun day on the Town Green, a family fun day at Hiller Park, and such headliners as Charley Pride and Peter Frampton in town. And don’t forget, you’ll see a host of motorcycles and motorcycle […]

Biloxi firefighters test a new firefighting tool

Biloxi firefighters are testing a new tool that may help fight fires more efficiently. F-500 Encapsulator Agent, a liquid that is blended with water running through a fire hose, cools the fire and surrounding structures six to 10 times quicker than with plain water, which offers multiple benefits. “It has the ability, if applied in […]

Bellande cited as Preservationist of Year

Longtime historian Ray Bellande, who has created an online resource about local history that is invaluable to researchers around the world, has been named the city’s Preservationist of the Year. Bellande’s recognition was one of a dozen awards presented this evening as part of the city’s monthlong Preservation in May series. The presentations were made […]

Family fun events at Hiller and Town Green this weekend

There will be plenty of outdoor activities for families visiting Biloxi this weekend with a family fun day at Hiller Park and a summer festival at Biloxi Town Green. At Hiller Park, the Parks and Recreation Department, along with the Friends of Hiller Park, will host Splash into Summer on Saturday from 10 a.m. to […]

Crews back on U.S. 90 sand detail

City and county crews were on U.S. 90 in west Biloxi today, clearing sand from turning bays, parking bays and medians as part of an effort to remove as much sand as possible before the busy Memorial Day weekend. It marks the third time this year that Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich has directed city crews […]

Really! Oak Street all paved north of CSX

“I am so thankful that I had loyal customers who have been making their way through all this since August,” says Sue Nguyen-Torjusen of Le Bakery, as she watched paving crews apply the long-anticipated permanent paving outside her bakery on Oak Street this morning. “And now, the great news is that we have pavement, finally, […]

Have your cake and eat it, too, in downtown Biloxi

Cake, cupcakes and other treats will join fresh produce, jams and jellies at the Biloxi Farmers Market Thursday, when Biloxi Main Street hosts the season’s first installment of the Downtown Farmers Market Festival. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Howard Avenue at the I-110 overpass. Cake-themed activities, such as a cake […]

Annette Barhonovich: A researcher’s dream

If there was ever a question about where someone was buried in the generations-old Biloxi City Cemetery, the best place for researchers, family members and funeral home directors to turn for answers was Annette Barhonovich. From her desk in the lobby of City Hall, Ms. Annette for the past 16 years has managed records on […]

Wooden boat show floats ashore Saturday

As many as 50 wooden boats, ranging in size from 6 to 76 feet and dating back as early as 1928, will be on display this weekend for the annual Billy Creel Memorial Gulf Coast Wooden Boat Show at the Seafood Industry Museum Pier in east Biloxi. The two-day event is a celebration of historic, […]

Biloxi firefighters turn to pot(s) to relieve stress

Biloxi firefighters are learning about the stress-relieving aspects of pottery this week from a Georgia potter who’s familiar with disaster and the stress-relieving aspects of creating pottery. Fulltime potter Amy Stickland, an artist from Dahlonega , Ga., and aunt of Fire Capt. Jim Davis. saw firsthand the stressful days after Hurricane Katrina and has returned this […]

Longtime housing advocate, community leader Robinson dead

Longtime housing advocate and community leader Delmar P. Robinson, whose efforts led him to be named the city’s outstanding citizen in 2008, has died. He was 78. Robinson served as chairman of the Biloxi Housing Authority after being appointed by Mayor A.J. Holloway in 1997. During his 19 years with the agency, he oversaw the transformation […]

Gilich: We want to be a data-driven city

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, who was sworn in one year ago today before family and friends at the Biloxi Visitors Center (days ahead of his formal inauguration on May 20), spoke about the importance of being a data-driven city during his “Breakfast with the Mayor” presentation this morning. “If you can measure it, you can […]

2016 Legislative session: It’s a start, Gilich says

Biloxi had some successes and disappointments in city-driven initiatives in the 2016 Mississippi Legislative session, according to a report given to the Biloxi City Council this afternoon. “This was a great start,” said Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, who championed a number of issues, including an unprecedented request of $14 million to fund a number of waterfront […]

City, county to save $2.3 million in interest payments

The city and county stand to save a total of $2.3 million in interest payments over the next decade if the Biloxi City Council approves a measure being proposed by Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich. The proposed bond-refinancing is one of a dozen issues on the City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at […]

Expect delays on Popp’s Ferry bridge this week

Popp’s Ferry Bridge will have intermittent openings and closings on today through Wednesday mornings while crews inspect the drawbridge spans. Openings and closings of the drawbridge can be expected each morning between 9 and 11 a.m. Each opening and closing will be for 15-minutes, nearly the amount of time usually allotted to allow marine traffic. The […]

Baseball gets in full swing Saturday

“Our Love Affair with Baseball,” the Ohr-O’Keefe’s new multi-media exhibition chronicling the history of baseball on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, wraps up its first week Saturday with a day of children’s events and a 1 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony. The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., showcasing a campus-wide exhibit that features […]

Sewer work to begin in Holly-Bluff/Cedar Lake area

The City of Biloxi will hold a public meeting on Wednesday to let residents know about the pending installation of sewer service in the Holly Bluff and Cedar Lake areas. The meeting will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the North Bay Elementary School Gymatorium, 1825 Popp’s Ferry Road. Employees from the City Engineering […]

More temporary paving planned for next week

A new round of temporary paving for streets of east Biloxi is scheduled to begin Monday and be completed several days later. Warren Paving is expected to apply asphalt to Porter Avenue and Bohn Street, south of Division Street; Division Street, from Porter to Forest Avenue; and Main, Lameuse and Reynoir streets, from Division to […]

Oscar Renda: Where we are and how we’re moving forward

Nearly two years into a huge job that contractor Oscar Renda says was beset with multiple engineering issues, progress is being made on installing a main sewer line on Division Street, which will lead to similar, smaller lines being installed on connecting streets. The company, which is constructing a federally funded $119 million project that […]

Biloxi to honor Fallen Officers with run, program

The Biloxi Police Department’s annual Fallen Officers Memorial, part of National Police Week, is typically a somber mid-week event, but this year the department ushers in its weeklong observance on Saturday with a family fun day on the Town Green and a 5K run that will feature as many as 800 participants. The activities will […]

Preservation series focuses on beach wade-ins

This week’s Preservation in May installment pays tribute to the men, women and children who stood up for Civil Rights in Biloxi in the late 1950s and ’60s and fought to desegregate the beach. “The Roll Call: Biloxi Wade-in Memorial & Tribute Ceremony” begins at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Dr. Frank Gruich Sr. Community Center, […]

Going, going, gone! All items sold at city auction

The city auction on Saturday produced more than $100,000 for city coffers, and several of the 169 bidders walked away with huge deals. With more than 500 items to bid on and 211 attendees, the city impound yard off Popp’s Ferry Road was a busy place to be. From 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., surplus […]

Registration now open for Fire Academy for Kids

The Biloxi Fire Department is now taking applications for its hugely popular Fire Academy for Kids. The program is a free, five-day participatory camp for children ages 7 to 12 and is conducted at Fire Station No. 1, in the Lopez Quave Public Safety Center, 170 Porter Ave., and at the nearby West End Hose Company No. […]

Batter up! Baseball exhibit opens next week at Ohr-O’Keefe

South Mississippi’s long and enduring love affair with baseball is the subject of a new six-month multi-media exhibit and luncheon series opening May 10 at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi. The exhibition, titled “Our Love Affair with Baseball,” will shine a spotlight on locals who have been involved with major league baseball, trace […]

Oak Street paving set to begin Friday

Great news for businesses and residents on Oak Street: Workers with Oscar Renda Contracting are hoping to have all of Oak Street north of the CSX Railway paved in the next several days. Contractors are preparing the surface for paving today and Thursday, and plan to begin applying asphalt on Friday. The work is expected […]

Preservation series launches on Thursday

Preservation in May, the community’s annual month-long salute to Biloxi’s colorful past, kicks off Thursday with a lesson for those interested in preserving their own stories. “Voices: An Introduction to Oral History,” which takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Biloxi Public Library on Howard Avenue will be introduce participants to the concept […]

Coming Saturday: A bargain hunter’s paradise

Longtime auctioneer Nick Clark says bargain hunters will find great deals this weekend when the city auctions more than 500 surplus or seized vehicles, jewelry, tools, heavy equipment, TVs, computers and other material, and it’s going to be a great deal, even for spectators. The city will be auctioning the property, including dozens of bicycles, […]

‘Precious Cargo’ has Saenger premiere Sunday

“Precious Cargo,” the south Mississippi-filmed movie starring Bruce Willis, Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Claire Forlani, has its Coast premiere Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Saenger Theater in downtown Biloxi. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. for this free event, and Island View Casino Resort will be providing refreshments.  Tickets are not required for admission. It’s […]

Canaan recognized as outstanding volunteer

Arlene Canaan, a retired Biloxi businesswoman and former City Councilmember who has made beautification a hallmark of public service, has been named the city’s Distinguished Volunteer of the Year. The announcement was made during the city’s annual Volunteer Recognition Awards Thursday at the Biloxi Civic Center. Canaan, who serves on the city’s Architectural and Historical […]

Prepare for river flooding, Gilich warns

Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says residents in low-lying areas, especially those near the Biloxi and Wolf rivers, should make plans for rising river levels, and those throughout Biloxi should remember that more rain may be expected later in the day. Areas of Biloxi sustained as much as 10 inches of rainfall this morning in […]

Biloxi seeks Preservation Awards nominations

The City of Biloxi has a rich and diverse cultural and architectural history, and in  celebration of that history, Biloxi biannually presents Historic Preservation Awards to individuals, businesses, and organizations that are protecting and restoring our architectural history as well as those working to preserve or promote local cultural history and traditions. The city is […]

Volunteers take center stage Thursday

The City of Biloxi will recognize more than a hundred volunteers during the 33rd Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony on Thursday at the Biloxi Civic Center. The free ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. and is designed to recognize volunteers as individuals and groups for their service in such areas as health, community, arts and history, education, […]

Gilich to introduce downtown bicycle officers

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich on Tuesday will introduce to the Biloxi City Council the newest beat cops in the city: two bicycle-riding, shorts-clad officers who work the downtown area of the city. The new pedal-powered officers, who actually began patrolling the downtown area on Friday, are to give an increased police presence to the growing […]

It’s a dog day morning Saturday at Hiller Park

Dozens of pure-bred, AKC-registered canines prance in front of a full arena and national TV audience in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show each year, but a dog show on Saturday morning in Hiller Park will showcase the regular guy’s answer to man’s best friend. Fido, Spot and Rebel, get ready for your close up. […]

Ohr seeks volunteers for huge baseball exhibit

The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art is seeking volunteers for its upcoming multi-media baseball exhibit. “Our Love Affair with Baseball,” which spotlights Biloxi’s and the Gulf Coast’s long and colorful relationship with amateur and Major League baseball, opens May 10 and through Nov. 4. The exhibit will be open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to […]

Tuesday will be a ‘red-letter day’ for BFD

Tuesday morning at 6:45, the Biloxi Fire Department reaches a huge milestone: The department, already one of the top-rated in the state, will have the ability to meet the national standards of having 15 firefighters on the scene of any active fire call. The department is able to achieve the new standard thanks to a […]

City has million-dollar week with new hotel proposal

The City of Biloxi added a million dollars to its bank account Thursday afternoon and ushered in a new era of business development with the sale of a waterfront site that will see the development of a new 100-room hotel and the creation of 45 jobs. Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and hotel operators Shivam of […]

Fireworks-free east beach? What do you think?

The Fourth of July fireworks, of course, are still a few months away, but the City of Biloxi is already working on how to make this show more enjoyable in Biloxi. The city is proposing to make the mile-long stretch of the beach between Oak Street and the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor a fireworks-free zone. “For […]

Spring break saw 35,000 visitors, plenty of traffic

“I thought it was a great weekend, considering that we had 35,000 people in town,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says of this weekend’s spring break event, which, understandably choked traffic on major arteries in west Biloxi from Friday night into Sunday afternoon. “This is what we’re all about, hospitality and people having a good time,” […]

Take it from Sal & Mookie: ‘It’s going to be a great weekend’

OK, you’ve heard the talk of slow-moving, wall-to-wall traffic this weekend, especially on U.S. 90, but there’s another way of looking at it, says Bruce Lacey. “I’ve heard the talk about traffic, especially in the media,” says Lacey, managing partner of the downtown eatery Sal & Mookie’s, “but the fact is, it’s going to be […]

Summer Playgroung register

The City of Biloxi will begin filling openings for the annual Summer Playground and Enrichment Program with registration for Woolmarket area residents and Woolmarket school sites. Registration will be from 9 a.m. to noon at Woolmarket Elementary School Gym, 12513 John Lee Road. The program is for children ages of 5 to 14. “This program […]

Biloxi braces for a huge weekend

The Coast hotel industry has a record number of reservations for this weekend, with sunny skies, a spring break weekend and a Shuckers homestand driving interest, and city leaders are ready to help keep traffic moving on U.S. 90. “It’s unprecedented, the level of activity I’m seeing,” says Mississippi Lodging Association Director Linda Hornsby, a 30-year […]

Mayor to the world: ‘We do not discriminate. Period.’

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich went on the record today: Biloxi does not discriminate and is open for business and tourism and residential development to all, regardless of religion or identity. “We do not discriminate, period,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said today, as he passed along to the Biloxi City Council a measure he expects the […]

A new harvest now available at Biloxi Farmers Market

The Charles R. Hegwood Biloxi Farmers Market launched a new season today with dozens of vendors offering a host of farm-fresh produce, homemade jams and jellies, baked goods, plants and, new this year, arts and crafts. Biloxi Civic Innovation and Development Officer F. Cliff Kirkland and Parks and Recreation Director Cheryl Bell welcomed the vendors […]

It’s Margaritaville, brought to you by the White House folks

Everybody’s excited about the return of Jimmy Buffett and the Margaritaville brand to Biloxi, Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says, but he also tipped his hat to the people who are making it happen. Leaders with Barrington Development Group on Sunday announced that the refurbished Casino Magic on Point Cadet will be a new Margaritaville Resort, […]

Library hosts child descendant research program Saturday

The Local History and Genealogy Department will host “When the Stork Drops In” on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Biloxi Public Library, 580 Howard Ave.  The program will highlight the department’s existing resources to assist individuals tracing child descendants. The free program will offer remedies to stumbling blocks that may be encountered in genealogical […]

Shuckers-Brewers on tap Saturday

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says the rain will clear out Saturday morning, which means a huge amount of baseball fans in downtown Biloxi for the exhibition baseball game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Biloxi Shuckers, and Biloxi Police believe parking and access to the stadium will not be an issue. “This is what it’s […]

Game Day Experience is just around the corner

The Milwaukee Brewers will face the Biloxi Shuckers — The Crew vs. The Future Crew — in an exhibition game at MGM Park on Saturday afternoon, and Main Street Biloxi is already looking to the opening of the Shuckers minor league baseball season next week. On Saturday, MGM Park gates will open at 11 a.m., […]

Gulf Coast Marathon gets Forbes’s attention

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon, a Dec. 11 event whose route runs from Pass Christian to Biloxi, was announced only a couple of weeks ago, and it’s already making headlines. The race, writes correspondent Larry Olmsted on Forbes online, combines two great ingredients: a flat, beachfront route that’s great for marathoners, especially first-time marathoners, and […]

City Desk podcast: Gilich speaks on the issues

“We’re not going to slow down,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich declares in this week’s City Desk podcast. “I’ve got a fuse that’s lit, so we’re going to make sure we cover as much ground as we can.” Among the topics discussed in the 14-minute program, which was recorded this morning: The challenges of paving in […]

Lee, Hopkins latest to see paving in east Biloxi

The paving juggernaut in east Biloxi continues, with Warren Paving Co. crews applying asphalt to Lee Street today and planning to move to Hopkins Boulevard Thursday morning. Since Friday, crews have applied temporary paving to sections of Main, Division, Lameuse and Lee streets to make traveling smoother on major thoroughfares in the 55 miles of […]

Paving well underway on Division, Lameuse

Paving on major thoroughfares in east Biloxi continues to make progress. Warren Paving Co. had two lanes of asphalt on Division Street from Lee to Caillavet by midday today, and paving on Lameuse Street south of Division was expected to be complete by the end of the day. The temporary paving is a continuation of […]

Easter egg drop, Hiller events moved to Sunday

The raindrops have won over the egg drop. The inaugural Easter Egg drop at MGM Park, planned for Saturday, has been moved to Sunday afternoon to avoid the forecasted inclement weather on Saturday. A Harrison County Sheriff’s Office helicopter will drop more than 12,000 prize-filled eggs onto the field at MGM Park on Sunday. The […]

Popp’s Ferry extension meeting is next week

The City of Biloxi takes another step in the process to see a new road connecting Popp’s Ferry and U.S. 90 next week when a hearing will be held to gather public reaction to two proposed routes for the new roadway. The public will have a chance to review and comment on the two proposed […]

Main, Division paving running ahead of schedule

It’s been months in the making, and longtime Main Street business owners were so excited to see asphalt going down on their street this morning that they couldn’t wait to have a ribbon-cutting ceremony. And Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and Ward 2 Councilmember Felix O. Gines complied. Inez Thomas of Inez’s Cafe and Tyrone Burton […]

Gilich outlines paving plans for east Biloxi

Warren Paving Co. began grading Main Street today and expects to have paving underway on the roadway Friday or Monday, weather permitting. Announcement of the east Biloxi work was part of Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich’s presentation to the Biloxi Chamber’s Breakfast with the Mayor session this morning at IP Casino Resort Spa. The temporary paving […]

Biloxi, ACLU settle lawsuit over jailing of indigent people

The American Civil Liberties Union and the city of Biloxi have settled a federal lawsuit that alleged the jailing of people unable to pay court-ordered fines and fees in traffic and other misdemeanor cases. As part of the settlement, Biloxi has initiated policies that both parties agree are a model for courts in Mississippi and […]

Gilich to update issues Wednesday morning

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich will discuss the pending temporary paving on roadways in east Biloxi and a host of the projects during the Biloxi Chamber’s “Breakfast with the Mayor” session on Wednesday at 8 a.m. at the IP Casino Resort Spa. The free program, which will be in the IP ballroom, is designed to give […]

Council to discuss slip fees in first of two meetings

The fees for slips at the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor and Point Cadet Marina, and how those fees are determined, will be discussed during a special meeting of the Biloxi City Council on Tuesday morning at 10:30 at City Hall. The morning meeting will preface an afternoon meeting where councilmembers face an agenda of nearly […]

Grillin’ postponed; Hibernia to roll as scheduled

Organizers of the annual Grillin’ on the Green, the barbecue and crafts fair planned for this weekend on the Town Green, have decided to postpone the event until April 16 because of the threat of inclement weather, but the Hibernia Marching Society says it’s still a green light for the St. Pat’s parade on Saturday. […]

Biloxi Cub Scouts have a Treasure of a movie

When Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich met with the members of Cub Scout Pack 213 Wednesday, he was also meeting with the stars of new short film “The Boonies:  Hidden Treasure of Biloxi.” That’s right. The kids from Pack 213 are the ensemble cast of the slickly produced short that gives hi-def screen time to such […]

A new Biloxi tradition: An Easter Egg drop

For years, Biloxi has become known for hosting a number of Easter Egg hunts and related events in the days and weeks leading up to Easter Sunday, but a new tradition will be launched this year: eggs falling from the sky. Yep, you read that right.  A helicopter will drop more than 12,000 treat-filled eggs […]

City seeks volunteer nominees

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and the Biloxi City Council are inviting residents to help recognize outstanding volunteers at the 33rd Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony. The ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 28 at the Biloxi Civic Center, 578 Howard Ave.  Invitations will be sent to all nominators and nominees. Awards will be […]

Get hoppy, a mad potter and more this weekend

Main Street ushers in the weekend and a new month this evening with its “Finally First Friday” gathering throughout downtown, you’ll find MGM Park’s inaugural high school baseball game this evening, and on Saturday the Rube Goldberg-like potter Steve Barney is back for daylong outdoor shows. Main Street’s Finally First Friday kicks off at 5:30 […]

MGM’s high school baseball debut pushed back a day

The inaugural high school baseball game in MGM Park is going to have to wait a day. The matchup between the Biloxi Indians and D’Iberville Warriors, billed as the Battle of Back Bay Tomahawk Cup, has been pushed back from this evening to Friday at 7 p.m. Tickets sold for this evening will be honored […]

Gilich lauds governor for Keesler gate funding request

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich today praised Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant for urging the state Legislature to commit $15 million of BP Economic Damages payments to the Keesler Air Force Base Division Street gate project. “Three days after I took office, Gov. Bryant was kind enough to meet with me to discuss issues important to the […]

Gilich views diverting BP funds as ‘unfair to Gulf Coast’

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, who has rallied local leaders on the issue of securing at least 80 percent of the state’s BP money for the Gulf Coast, said he was disappointed with today’s measure passed by the state House that would see $50 million of BP money diverted for roads and bridges projects statewide. “This […]

Three nights of baseball kicks off this evening at MGM

Shuckers baseball is still a month away, but you’ll have a chance this week to whet your appetite with three days of baseball at MGM Park. This evening at 7:05, the downtown Biloxi ballpark hosts teams Jackson State vs. Southern. Then on Wednesday at 7:05, it’s Southern Miss vs. South Alabama, and on Thursday at 7 […]

City seeks comment on Popp’s Ferry extension routes

The City of Biloxi takes another step in the process to see a new road connecting Popp’s Ferry and U.S. 90 this month when a hearing will be held to gather public reaction to two proposed routes for the new roadway. The public will have a chance to review and comment on the two proposed […]

Police Department hosts accreditation team

A team of assessors from the Mississippi Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission will be in Biloxi Thursday and Friday conducting an on-site assessment to ensure that the Biloxi Police Department is complying with professional standards. The assessors, who checks the department’s compliance with 140 measured standards, will review agency policies and practices, interview personnel, and examine […]

Council to get first look at boat slip fees

The rates for those who rent slips for boats moored at the city’s public harbors and marinas will not be changing under an updated fee structure, but the manner in which those fees have been calculated will be revised in a measure that goes before the City Council on Tuesday. The council gets its first look at the […]

Work to cause closure of Division at Caillavet

Division Street at the Caillavet Street intersection will be closed to east and westbound traffic beginning Tuesday morning at 7 so city contractors can make emergency sewer repairs at the site. Lane Construction expects to keep Caillavet Street open to traffic during the work, but motorists traveling Division Street will detour at either Bohn or […]

Mayor, council to discuss infrastructure oversight today

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich has called a special meeting of the Biloxi City Council for 4 p.m. today to discuss granting a two-month extension for the firm overseeing the city’s massive infrastructure work. Under the proposal, HNTB would continue overseeing the $355 million in infrastructure work until April 29. HNTB has agreed to continue the […]

Black history program to honor Moffett, public safety workers

Tommy Moffett says when he was named the city’s first black police chief in 1986, he viewed the promotion as more about doing a good job, and he brushed aside  the distinction of breaking a color barrier. “It was irrelevant to me at the time,” says Moffett, who held the rank of chief in the […]