More than 1,900 marchers are scheduled to be a part of the Gulf Coast Veterans Day parade on Saturday in downtown Biloxi, and you’ll also be able to see a host of arts and crafts vendors and military displays in a “Red, White and Blue on the Green” gathering on the Town Green. The parade […]
Your City at Work
Review continues for Hyatt, medical office
11/07/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, we are continuing to review the building construction plans for the proposed Hyatt Place Hotel, to be located on Beach Boulevard. We are also completing the building plans review for Dr. Michael Diaz’ Office and Surgical Center, to be constructed on Tommy Munro Boulevard. Earlier this […]
Visitors Center to host Mad Marlin exhibition
11/07/2014
Sculptor Marlin Miller, who created the majority of the sculptures on the Katrina Sculpture Trail on U.S. 90, will have his works showcased in a Biloxi Visitors Center “pop-up gallery” that will open Thursday, Nov. 13 with a public ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception beginning at 7 p.m. Miller, owner of Mad Marlins Studio in Fort […]
Tree ordinance to get more attention
11/05/2014
Dozens of residents from Biloxi and the surrounding area showed up and spoke during a special City Council meeting on Tuesday to discuss the city’s tree-protection ordinance. Most residents spoke in favor of a return to a tree committee to have a say in the process, while others pointed to a need to not add […]
Huge Veterans parade to roll Saturday
11/05/2014
The Gulf Coast Veterans Day Parade, boasting a lineup of 1,900 marchers, rolls on Saturday, beginning at 11 a.m. from the IP Casino Resort Spa on Back Bay to the Town Green, where a free Red, White and Blue on the Green Festival is planned. Although the parade itself begins at 11 o’clock, you can […]
Trees, second short-term rental on agenda today
11/04/2014
The city’s tree-protection ordinance will be discussed during a special City Council meeting this afternoon at 4:45, and the city will get its second short-term rental operation if the City Council says OK during its 6 p.m. meeting. The council called the special meeting to discuss the city’s tree-protection ordinance after more than a hundred […]
Weekend preview: A tricky evening, music and more
10/31/2014
It’s a festive weekend with thousands of trick-or-treaters expected on neighborhood streets this evening, and tens of thousands of visitors perusing the streets of downtown Ocean Springs for the huge Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival Saturday and Sunday. Biloxi Police remind motorists and pedestrians to be extra careful this evening, as thousands of Halloween […]
Visitors Center to host hurricane lecture, book signings
10/31/2014
The Biloxi Visitors Center will host a trio of public events in November: two book signings,and the last in this year’s series of hurricane lectures. Here’s the schedule with background on each event: Hurricane Hunter Lecture, Nov. 7, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Come hear what it’s like to fly into the most deadly weather […]
Remember these tips for trick-or-treating
10/28/2014
Halloween is Friday 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. Recommended time for trick-or-treating: Friday late in the day, but before darkness sets in. The city offers these tips: When trick-or-treating: — A parent or […]
Edgewater Mall to offer indoor trick-or-treating
10/27/2014
Edgewater Mall will once again this year provide trick-or-treating in an indoor, climate-controlled environment. Mall stores will be handing out candy from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m., and those who drop by the mall’s Guest Services booth will get additional treats from mall customer service representatives. The mall also will provide kids with free trick-or-treat bag at the […]
New apparatus committee has its say in city’s new fire truck
10/27/2014
The Biloxi Fire Department is looking to buy a new ladder truck during Tuesday’s City Council meeting, and the purchase is the first recommendation from a new apparatus committee empaneled by Fire Chief Joe Boney. The purchase of the new truck – more than $900,000, paid for with Community Development Block Grant funds – is […]
Halloween on the Green is this afternoon
10/25/2014
If you missed Halloween at Hiller Park, don’t fret; there’s more trick or treating fun later this afternoon on the Town Green. Halloween on the Green, capped by a drive-in movie, begins at 4 p.m., with a costume contest, trick-or-treating and family fun. Then, at dusk, you can see the movie “Frankenweenie.” The affair is […]
All treats, no tricks this weekend
10/24/2014
Two seasonal events are coming up this weekend: Halloween at Hiller Park, and the award-winning cemetery tours at the old Biloxi City Cemetery. Halloween at Hiller, which runs from 5:30 to 7:30 this evening, will feature a costume contest, hayrides and fire truck rides, trick or treating with local businesses, chidlren’s games and attractions, and […]
Santa Maria sold to hotel development group
10/24/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, the big news was the announcement that the old Santa Maria Del Mar senior housing structure on Beach Boulevard is being sold to the Barrington Group. The Barrington Group is the same developer who restored the White House Hotel. Possible uses proposed for the property include an […]
Cemetery tours highlight colorful cast of characters
10/23/2014
Another collection of some of most Biloxi’s colorful characters of yesteryear will headline this year’s Old Biloxi Cemetery Tour, a free public program that takes place Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m., with an encore Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. Included in this year’s lineup will be colorful Mardi Gras impresario Walter “Skeet” Hunt, […]
Visitors Center hosts ‘Moonshine Adventure’ today
10/23/2014
You’ll have a chance to hear storytelling and name dropping later today at the Biloxi Visitors Center when author Al Saucier talks about his book, “Moonshine Adventure,” a tome that chronicles Southern Culture and the introduction of moonshine to a worldwide audience. Saucier, whose ancestors were among the first European settlers in the area known […]
Ohr to launch campaign to restore oaks at museum
10/21/2014
When world-renowned architect Frank Gehry first looked at the site for the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art on east beach, he envisioned shiny buildings nestled neatly among the grove of majestic oak trees. So construction began, and the idea of a museum “dancing with the trees” began to take shape. Unfortunately, not long after construction began, […]
This weekend: Battles, a Beatle and BLT
10/17/2014
Diversity is the word for this weekend’s entertainment lineup. Beauvoir: The Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library hosts its 2014 fall muster this weekend, where you can see plenty of re-enactors and encampments and an occasional skirmish, while next door the Coast Coliseum has Inktoberfest, a huge gathering of tattoo artists, and a horror film […]
More big numbers in development
10/17/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, after only 9.5 months in 2014, our construction valuation total has surpassed our total for the entire 2013 calendar year. For 2013 our construction valuation was $104,037,322. With the building permits issued this week, our total valuation for 2014 is $105,469,200, with a number of proposed […]
Library program turns back pages of time
10/15/2014
History buffs can get a preview of next weekend’s cemetery tours and discover the importance of journals in a free program Thursday afternoon at the Biloxi Public Library. The Local History and Genealogy Department at the Biloxi Public Library on Howard Avenue will offer the program Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Two re-enactors – Bill Raymond […]
Cruisin’ into the final weekend
10/10/2014
Cruisin’ the Coast, the non-stop celebration of vehicles that navigates an RV-lined U.S. 90, enters its final weekend with a record-setting number of registered automobiles and onlookers. You’ll find a host of daily entertainment on the outdoor stages at Edgewater Mall and at sites along the Coast, along with concerts at casino venues. More than […]
Reef Restaurant opens; Sal & Mookie’s gets permit
10/10/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, activities included the opening of the Reef Restaurant on Beach Boulevard. The restaurant opened on Saturday, just in time for Cruisin’ the Coast. Although the building is complete and operational, be on the lookout for the addition of two more improvements. A new playground will be […]
Photos from the downtown block party
10/08/2014
To see more than a hundred photos of cars and people at this morning’s Downtown Biloxi Block Party for Cruisin’ the Coast, courtesy of the city’s Facebook page, click here.
Cruisin’ crowds bigger than ever, says police chief
10/07/2014
“It seems that there are more people here earlier than ever before,” Biloxi Police Chief John Miller says of this year’s Cruisin’ the Coast and the number of RVs and onlookers gathering each day along U.S. 90. Miller and his officers with the Biloxi Police Department say Cruisin’, with expectations of as many as 7,300 […]
Artists have a mission in downtown Biloxi
10/07/2014
Cruisers and visitors to the big Downtown Biloxi Block Party on Wednesday will have a chance to see nearly 50 pieces of artwork – some as large as 12-foot by 8-foot – in a public display on buildings from Reynoir to Lameuse Street, in the heart of the Vieux Marche. The project involves about two […]
Downtown rolls out another First Friday
10/03/2014
Finally First Friday, the monthly tip of the hat to downtown Biloxi, ushers in another turn of the calendar this evening with entertainment by the Brett Mitchell Band and Richard Shropshire. The 5 to 8 p.m. event, focused in the Rue Magnolia and Water Street area known as the Downtown Arts District, features discounts from […]
Medical-retail development OK’d on Jam Lane
10/03/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, the Biloxi Planning Commission voted to approve a new 2-lot medical and retail subdivision to be located on Jam Lane. The proposed development will include 13,000 square feet of retail space and 2000 square feet of medical. The Planning Commission also voted to approve […]
Nearly 450 swimmers expected for Demoruelle meet
10/02/2014
Nearly two dozen high schools and 440 swimmers from across the state will be competing in the 12th Annual Jeanie Demoruelle Invitational Swim Meet Saturday, at the Biloxi Natatorium. The swim meet will begin at 10:30 a.m. and last run until about 4 p.m. Spectator fee is $5. “We have a lot of really competitive […]
Cruisin’ gets rolling this weekend
10/02/2014
You’ve seen the signals over the past few weeks on U.S. 90: County crews cutting grass and trimming palm trees, the power company repairing street lights on the thoroughfare, MDOT paving sections of the roadway, and Biloxi Public Works crews positioning barricades at key intersections. It’s all setting the stage for Cruisin’ the Coast, the […]
City to conduct auction of surplus equipment
10/02/2014
The City of Biloxi will conduct an auction of surplus city equipment – boats, vehicles, trailers, tractors, school buses, zero-turn mowers, tools, computers and the like – on Saturday, Oct. 11 on the Biloxi Public Safety Communications site on Popp’s Ferry Road. The auction will be begin at 9 a.m., and potential bidders have a […]
Visitors Center announces book signings, craft show
09/30/2014
The Biloxi Visitors Center, 1050 Beach Blvd., will host a trio of public events in October: two books signings and the 2nd Annual Lighthouse Arts and Crafts Fair. Book signing, Oct. 2, 5:30â€7 p.m.: “Code: Team Zebra” is about a small Top Secret organization funded by Congress under a fictitious research titled Project 7. Only […]
Biloxi to get 30th annual Tree City designation
09/30/2014
Biloxi, which is Mississippi’s oldest Tree City, will receive its 30th annual designation as a member of Tree City USA during a ceremony in Jackson on Wednesday. City Arborist Eric Nolan, who also heads the city’s Development Review Committee, will be at the Children’s Museum in Jackson on Wednesday to accept the designation for the […]
Public safety festival is Saturday on Town Green
09/26/2014
Dozens of families are expected to gather on the Biloxi Town Green Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to show-and-tell time by the Biloxi Police and Fire departments. It’s the annual Community Festival Against Crime, where Biloxi public safety workers offer safety and fire-prevention tips to the public in an outdoor setting that involves […]
Sal & Mookie’s to get permit next week
09/26/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, we received the final site information for Sal & Mookie’s Restaurant. The actual building permit should be issued in the next few days. Construction crews at the Reef Restaurant are working diligently to finish and open before “Cruisin’ the Coast” begins this week. The new location […]
Biloxi Police: ‘We want your drugs’
09/25/2014
Residents of Biloxi with unused or unnecessary prescription drugs are being asked to bring the drugs to the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. so they may be disposed of properly. The department is again taking part in the Drug Enforcement Agency’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. The program aims […]
Initial layer of asphalt scheduled for Caillavet, Howard
09/25/2014
Good news for those who travel Caillavet Street: A base layer of asphalt is expected on the section of Caillavet south of Howard Avenue by the first part of October, and the lane of Howard Avenue just east of Caillavet should be paved by mid-October. The majority of the Caillavet and Howard work has involved […]
Police, fire plan community festival for Saturday
09/22/2014
Far too often the only encounters that residents have with Biloxi Police or Fire departments involve an auto accident, a fire or some other sort of emergency, but a free community festival this weekend is designed to give the public a chance to meet public safety workers in a fun atmosphere. The fifth annual Biloxi […]
Court affirms City Council’s decision in Waffle House case
09/19/2014
A court has ruled that the Biloxi City Council acted within its authority in rejecting a zoning change to allow a Waffle House to be built at Myrtle Street on Point Cadet, midway between the Palace and Golden Nugget casinos. Circuit Court Judge Michael H. Ward also dismissed the notion that Councilman George Lawrence, who […]
Stadium cam: Get the picture from MGM Park at Beau Rivage
09/19/2014
A stadium cam is now in place to give you a real-time photo and archive of images from the construction site at MGM Park at Beau Rivage, the downtown baseball stadium and entertainment venue. The interactive cameras – two of them, actually, that update images every 15 minutes – offer viewers the chance to select […]
Whet your Cruisin’ appetite at Ohr-O’Keefe
09/19/2014
The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, capitalizing on the interest in the upcoming Cruisin’ the Coast, will host a free reception this evening for a new exhibition titled “Cars in Art.” The reception, Â from 5 to 7 p.m., also will be the unveiling of the exhibit “Bruce Davenport Jr: I See You Looking,” a display of […]
Plans reviewed for hospital project, five new homes
09/19/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, the building plan reviews were completed for the $1.3 million dollar expansion and improvements to the Biloxi Regional Hospital’s Outpatient Facility. Plan reviews were also completed for 5 new single family houses to be constructed in the new Rock Creek Subdivision on Lorraine Road. […]
It’s here! Seafood Fest returns home this weekend
09/12/2014
Between 25,000 and 30,000 people are expected to visit the Biloxi Seafood Festival this weekend, marking the return of the popular two-day event to its pre-Katrina location on Point Cadet. The festival, which begins Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m., will feature myriad seafood dishes, live entertainment, and more than a hundred arts and crafts […]
Development report: Permits OK’d for St. Michael’s, other projects
09/12/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, our department issued building permits for the new Saint Michael’s Parish Life Center, renovations for the VIP area at the Beau Rivage’, exterior repairs to the Beauvoir Manor, construction of the new Lighthouse Park Pavilion, and the new City of Biloxi Public Works Maintenance Building and […]
Holloway seeks compromise on city budget
09/11/2014
Mayor A.J. Holloway, citing a need to shore up city finances, has vetoed two budget measures passed by the City Council on Tuesday. Holloway notified councilmembers this afternoon that he vetoed the proposed budget for FY 2015 because the $53 million budget provides only a $56,000 spending reserve, which, the mayor said last week, could […]
Fireman’s Day Parade set for Sept. 20
09/11/2014
The Biloxi Fireman’s Day Parade, a tradition that once was more popular than the city’s Mardi Gras parades, will roll through downtown Biloxi on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 20. Biloxi Fire Chief Joe Boney said fire departments from across south Mississippi are expected to be represented in the  10 a.m. parade, which begins on […]
Biloxi First to ‘honor’ Susan Hunt
09/11/2014
Susan Hunt has dedicated her life to the children of Biloxi, 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 a group of her friends are gathering to “honor” her lifetime of achievement. Hunt will be the […]
Art, music and belly dancing on tap for First Friday
09/05/2014
Main Street’s “Finally! First Friday,” the monthly downtown street fair, will include an art walk with belly dancing, free beignets and music from a DJ, all coming together this evening from 5 to 8 in downtown Biloxi. In addition, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held for Salt Cloth, a new business opening near the Le […]
Hotel planned at former west Biloxi hospital
09/05/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, the Biloxi Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a zoning change from NB Neighborhood Business, to CB Commercial Business for the former Gulf Regional Hospital on Debuys Road, to be converted to a 171 room hotel. The planning commission’s recommendation will now go before the […]
Ohr-O’Keefe named one of country’s best small-town museums
09/04/2014
You don’t have to travel to New York or Los Angeles or Chicago to see some of the country’s best museums or most cherished works of art, CNN says in a report released today. In fact, you can find one of the country’s best small-town museums right here in Biloxi, Mississippi. The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of […]
Fourteen added to Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame
08/31/2014
The Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame this evening added 14 new members, including a legendary sports promoter, a highly respected basketball coach, a well-traveled professional boxer and two brothers who starred on the football teams at Biloxi High School and the University of Southern Mississippi. A crowd of nearly 500 was on hand for the induction […]
‘We pause and remember’
08/29/2014
“Rarely has a day gone by when we have not thought of Katrina,” Mayor A.J. Holloway told the hundred or so people gathered at this morning’s Katrina memorial observance on the Town Green. “It might thinking about something that used to be, and isn’t any more. Or it might be giving directions to someone and […]
Development by the numbers
08/29/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, the news is about New Single Family Residential Homes. During this week, we have issued 3 building permits for new houses, and are reviewing plans for 4 more. Since the fiscal year began on October 1, 2013, we have issued 87 building permits for […]
Bishop, students to launch day of Katrina remembrance
08/28/2014
The ninth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina will be a day of remembrance in Biloxi, beginning Friday morning with the city’s annual Katrina memorial observance on the Town Green, and showings of the documentary “Katrina & Biloxi” on Cable One and at the Biloxi Visitors Center. Friday, Aug. 29, 2014, marks the ninth anniversary of the […]
City releases latest financial overview
08/27/2014
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 130-page full-color document uses graphics, bar charts and balance sheets to provide an accurate and complete financial position of the city, as of Sept. 30, 2013, the […]
Council to meet on budget Thursday
08/27/2014
The City Council will hold another of its series of budget meetings Thursday at 2 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public. The council is working to trim city expenditures to match the $53 million in available revenue for Fiscal Year 2015, which begins Oct. 1. The budget must be in […]
Council gets briefing on stadium progress
08/26/2014
A representative of W.G. Yates & Sons Construction Co. told members of the Biloxi City Council this afternoon that construction is on schedule for the downtown baseball stadium and adjoining parking garage, but council members hope the field is ready for play before the expected completion of the first week in August of next year. […]
City’s Katrina observance is Friday morning
08/26/2014
Bishop Roger Morin of the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi, Mayor A.J. Holloway, singer Monica Boudreaux of Biloxi and students from Biloxi High School and St. Patrick’s Catholic High School are scheduled to participate in the city’s annual Katrina memorial observance, which takes place  Friday at 8:30 a.m. on the Biloxi Town Green. The ceremony, expected […]
Report touts growth of wages on Gulf Coast
08/25/2014
Have you checked your paycheck lately? According to a report published today on MSN, the Biloxi metro area grew by nearly 11 percent comparing numbers from the fourth quarters of 2012 and 2013. In fact, according to the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate wages growth in the Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula metro area was […]
Hotel zoning gets initial OK
08/22/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, the Planning Commission voted 10-2 to approve an application to change the zoning for property located at 950 and 956 Beach Boulevard from RM-10, Low Density Multi-Family Residential to CB-Commercial Business. The purpose of the request is to allow a LaQuinta Inn and Suites Hotel to be […]
Visitors Center unveils collection of lighthouses
08/22/2014
The Biloxi Visitors Center this week added a new, permanent exhibition of Harbour Lights lighthouse replicas. The exhibit features 27 limited edition lighthouse replicas collected by James and Tonie Day during their travels around the United States after Mr. Day’s retirement from a 30-year Air Force career. Included in the collection donated by the Days […]
It’s a Shrimp Bowl kind of weekend
08/22/2014
The stage and bleachers are erected on the Town Green. The 2014 edition of the Shrimp Bowl Classic gets rolling this evening at 6 with a Spirit Night and Pep Rally on the Biloxi Town Green. This year’s doubleheader will feature Gulfport vs. Bay High on Saturday at 4 p.m. and Biloxi vs. Pearl River […]
Site work underway at Lighthouse Park
08/21/2014
Motorists passing the Biloxi Lighthouse can see the initial site work underway on what will become Lighthouse Park, a 5.25-acre site just west of Porter Avenue and a stone’s throw from the Biloxi Lighthouse. The new park – a $5.2 million endeavor, which includes cost of land acquisition — will feature a children’s playground area, […]
Experience paying off on infrastructure work
08/20/2014
Biloxi has completed about $20 million worth of the construction in its $355 million infrastructure work, and program manager Marvin G. Dalla Rosa says the lessons learned in that initial construction is paying off in the $153 million now under construction in areas along Back Bay and in east Biloxi. Dalla Rosa presented a detailed […]
City eyes short-term rental issue
08/20/2014
The city’s Community Development Department has identified 160 homes that are being used for short-term rentals without proper approvals and has begun code enforcement action against 20 of them, according to a report delivered Tuesday to the Biloxi City Council. To read the report, click here.
Brick planters being removed in Vieux Marche
08/19/2014
A volunteer group is working this week to remove brick planters from the Vieux Marche in an effort to spruce up the area and provide a clear line of sight through the heart of the downtown area. Seven of the nine planters, which range from three to four feet tall and six feet wide and […]
City Council to get the treatment Tuesday
08/18/2014
We’re in the heat of summer, but Biloxi City Council President Kenny Glavan says he and his fellow councilmembers will be cold and wet Tuesday afternoon after the Biloxi City Council meeting. That’s because Glavan has accepted a challenge for the City Council to take part in the “ice bucket challenge,” a social-media stunt that […]
See photos from today’s Saenger presentation
08/17/2014
A crowd of nearly 600 longtime residents and newcomers turned out this afternoon for “Camille: The 45th Anniversary Remembrance” at the Saenger Theater. See dozens of photos from the event
Free Excel by 5 health fair is Saturday at Snyder
08/15/2014
Biloxi Excel By 5 will hold its annual Ready Set GO Children’s Health Fair from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Donal Snyder Community Center, 2520 Pass Road, Biloxi. The event is designed for children from birth to 5 years of age and will offer free health screenings that are age appropriate. Screenings include […]
Camille presentation is Sunday afternoon
08/15/2014
“When’s the last time you heard of more than 140 tickets being sold in advance for a movie?” Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art Director Kevin O’Brien says of this Sunday afternoon’s “Camille: The 45th Anniversary Remembrance.” “We’re expecting to see a really good turnout at the Saenger Theater for something that will be memorable for longtime […]
Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame to add 14
08/15/2014
A legendary sports promoter, a highly respected basketball coach, a well-traveled professional boxer and two brothers who starred on the football teams at Biloxi High School and the University of Southern Mississippi head the 14 players elected to the 2014 class of the Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame. A crowd of more than 300 is […]
Kellogg grant to help expand Nichols pre-K
08/15/2014
More children will be attending pre-K classes at Nichols school in east Biloxi thanks to a half-million-dollar grant the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) has awarded to Biloxi Public Schools. The grant means that Biloxi Public Schools will be establishing its own four pre-K classrooms to complement the seven Head Start classes that Gulf Coast Community […]
Permit issued for Blind Tiger
08/15/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, the department issued the building permit for the new “Blind Tiger Restaurant”, which will be located on Beach Boulevard between Shaggy’s and the Blue Crab House Restaurants. The Blind Tiger currently has a very successful location in Bay Saint Louis and the owner expects even greater […]
Free Excel by 5 health fair is Saturday morning
08/15/2014
Biloxi Excel By 5 will hold its annual Ready Set GO Children’s Health Fair from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Donal Snyder Community Center, 2520 Pass Road, Biloxi. The event is designed for children from birth to 5 years of age and will offer free health screenings that are age appropriate. Screenings […]
Former Biloxi mayor to headline ‘Camille’ presentation
08/15/2014
Biloxi Mayor Danny Guice and his wife were in Destin, Fla. in August 1969 when forecasters announced that Hurricane Camille was expected to strike that popular coastal community, so the Guices returned home, only to find that the storm had also taken a turn, zeroing in on Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The next […]
Weekend preview: Family time at the Ohr
08/08/2014
Children ages 6 and up will be creating mermaid windchimes Saturday at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, one of the myriad pursuits on this weekend’s entertainment calendar. The Ohr-O’Keefe session takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Â These sturdy works of art will be suitable for hanging outdoors. Ages 6-14 will be led by […]
Short-term rental, fireworks at issue
08/08/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, the city council voted to approve an application for conditional use, for short term rental in the “Downtown Zoned District”, for a townhome located at 133 Reynoir Street. This will allow the owners to rent the townhome for periods of less than 30 days. In other […]
City recognizes preservation efforts
08/07/2014
Lolly Barnes was presented the inaugural Julia Guice Lifetime Achievement Award for her body of work preserving the history of Biloxi. Barnes, who as the city’s historic administrator oversaw the restoration of a number of city properties, today serves as the director of the Mississippi Heritage Trust, The presentation was one of the highlights of […]
Lawrence at home, ready to get back on pace
08/05/2014
The local group The Checkmates are playing at the French Club this weekend, but George Lawrence says he doesn’t think he’ll be able to make it – just yet. The five-term east Biloxi councilman was resting at home with family this afternoon, a day after he had a pacemaker implanted to regulate his heart rhythm. […]
Biloxi schools registration deadline is Tuesday at 3 p.m.
08/04/2014
OK, moms and dads, if for whatever reason you haven’t yet registered your child to attend Biloxi Public Schools, you have until Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 3 p.m. to register and still have your child be able to attend the first day of school, on Thursday, Aug. 7. Those registering after Tuesday at 3 p.m. […]
Councilman Lawrence on the mend
08/04/2014
Councilmember George Lawrence, the representative for east Biloxi, was resting comfortably this afternoon after undergoing surgery this morning to have a pacemaker implanted. Lawrence, the fifth-term councilmember who is a fixture at city functions and festivals, collapsed Saturday night while dancing at a party at the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum. He was transported to […]
August gets off to a rousing start
08/01/2014
August, with its anomaly of five full weekends, launches with a stirring start this evening, with a Who Dat party in downtown Biloxi, VIPs at the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum where the general public gets to join Saturday morning, the first full weekend for the new White House Hotel, and a host of entertainment […]
White House, seafood museum open; Arbor Landing permitted
08/01/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, we saw the grand opening of the White House Hotel after a year of painstaking restoration. Also this week is the opening of the New Maritime and Seafood Museum. Both are beautiful additions to our tourism inventory of attractions. Building permits were issued this week for […]
Who Dats to gather in Downtown Biloxi
08/01/2014
Biloxi Main Street’s “Finally First Friday” this evening will be a Who Dat Tailgate Party, with plenty of black and gold, live entertainment, and an appearance by former Saints running back Buford Jordan. The free event, which runs from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown Biloxi, also will feature the Brett Mitchell Band, Dome Dogs […]
Council to begin budget process next week
08/01/2014
City Council members will kick off the Fiscal Year 2015 budget process with their first budget meeting on Tuesday at 4 p.m. at City Hall. This year, says David Nichols, the magic number is $53 million. “Right now,” Nichols says, “that’s the amount of money we project we’ll have to operate the city on a […]
Storm prep guide being delivered across Biloxi
07/31/2014
Residents and business owners throughout Biloxi are now receiving the city’s annual Storm & Flood Preparedness guide in their mailboxes, just as the peak of hurricane season arrives. The 12-page compendium includes a storm tracking map; information on evacuation routes and shelters; tips on how to create a storm plan for your family; frequently called […]
Seafood museum to open new digs Saturday
07/29/2014
The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, which has been closed since Hurricane Katrina destroyed its original structure, will re-open this weekend at Point Cadet, the gateway to Biloxi. Factory whistles will blow at 9 a.m. Saturday to signal the re-opening of the museum, just as back in the day when the factories would call their […]
Development report: Shopping center, Arbor Landing
07/29/2014
This column was unavailable last week. By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development comes an announcement about a 70.4 acre shopping center proposed for the southeast corner of Shriners Boulevard and Woolmarket Road. Although we have not received site plans for the development, a Wetlands Impact Application has been filed with […]
Party at the Point — with a splash
07/25/2014
Point Cadet has the first of two big weekends Saturday, with the official dedication of Point Cadet Plaza, with a 4-to-7 p.m. gathering that will feature free hot dogs, chips and soft drinks, while a DJ spins music and children play on playground equipment and frollick on the park’s splash pad. Then next weekend, it’s […]
WYES to focus on Biloxi and Broadwater Beach
07/22/2014
WYES, the New Orleans PBS affiliate known for its specials highlighting New Orleans culture, raises the curtain on a new special Wednesday that explores the popularity of Biloxi and what was once the Coast’s flagship hotel, the Broadwater Beach Hotel. “It’s iconic, it was Biloxi,” says local historian and author Jane Shambra, who supplied many […]
Point Cadet Plaza to open with a splash
07/21/2014
The city will christen its newest park, Point Cadet Plaza, with a family-oriented party Saturday from  4 to 7 p.m. The free event will feature family fun and games, according to Parks and Recreation Director Sherry Bell. “This is a show place. When people are coming across the Biloxi Bay Bridge, this is one of […]
Margaritaville announces forthcoming closure
07/21/2014
Margaritaville Casino & Restaurant has announced that it will be closing on or before Sept 19, but will pay its employees until that time. The casino attributed the closing to its inability to resolve a dispute with its landlords necessary to secure financing for a new hotel and other amenities. Margaritaville made the announcement to […]
Weekend preview: Community theater and more
07/18/2014
It’s a big weekend for community theater, with three productions on tap:  “Monty Python’s Spamalot” opens this evening at the Saenger Theater in downtown Biloxi, and you’ll find “Play On” at Biloxi Little Theater and “How to Success in Business Without Really Trying” at Center Stage. Meantime, look for Mickey Gilley at IP, “Saltoriya” at […]
City ready to move forward with baseball stadium
07/18/2014
The city has brought the price of MGM Park at Beau Rivage close enough in range to the available funding and is ready to move forward with the next phase of construction. On Tuesday, the Biloxi City Council will consider a construction contract with W.G. Yates & Sons Construction Co. to construct the downtown baseball stadium […]
Development report: Casinos, fireworks stands and more
07/18/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, the city council heard the appeal arguments for the closing of the northern end of Fayard and Anglada Streets. IP Casino Resort had filed an application for the vacation of these streets in order to construct a permanent parking lot. The city council voted to […]
Saenger to host a look back at Camille
07/18/2014
Longtime south Mississippi residents will have a chance to rekindle memories of the original monster storm when the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art and City of Biloxi will present “Camille: The 45th Anniversary Remembrance,” on Sunday, Aug. 17, at the Saenger Theater. The presentation, which begins at 2 p.m., will feature a ’70s documentary about the […]
Community meeting planned for east Biloxi residents
07/14/2014
The largest municipal public works improvement project in the history of the city is coming to east Biloxi, and residents will have a chance to hear all about it in a community meeting on Thursday, July 24 at 6 p.m. at the Dr. Frank G. Gruich Sr. Community Center. The three-year, $116 million “North Contract” […]
Main Street to host ‘The Pirates’ on Town Green
07/11/2014
“The Pirates” will be taking over the Town Green Saturday when Main Street presents another in its series of outdoor “drive-in movies.” The 2012 animated movie – which features the voices of Hugh Grant, Salma Hayek and Jeremy Piven – tells the story of Pirate Captain, who sets out on a mission to defeat his […]
Development report: Level, Kress Live now open
07/11/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, we saw the very successful opening of both the “Level Lounge” and “Kress Live” in the Vieux Marche’. The downtown parking lots were filled to capacity and the Police Department reported that everything went very smooth. In other news this week, the Development Review […]
City opens bids on MGM Park Wednesday
07/08/2014
The city on Wednesday afternoon will open bids from contractors vying to move forward with the construction of MGM Park at Beau Rivage. The bids will be open at 4 p.m. at City Hall. The city had advertised weeks ago for a general contractor for the downtown stadium and entertainment venue, which had an initial […]
Ohr to open iconic pod on Saturday afternoon
07/08/2014
Everybody has their opinion of them, those stainless steel pods down at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art in east Biloxi, and on Saturday afternoon you’ll have a chance to go inside one. The Ohr-O’Keefe will mark the anniversary of the birth of eccentric potter George E. Ohr, with the opening of one of the four […]
Biloxi fireworks show is a musical endeavor
07/03/2014
Biloxi’s annual fireworks show has gained a reputation over the years as being one of the biggest in the Southeast, organizers say, but one thing people may not know is that the annual production is also a musical affair. Admirers of fireworks displays and patriotic music can get both on Friday night, beginning at 9, […]
Biloxi seeking nominations for Preservation Awards
06/30/2014
The City of Biloxi has a rich and diverse cultural and architectural history. In celebration of that history, Biloxi biannually honors individuals, businesses, and organizations that are protecting and restoring our architectural history as well as those working to preserve and promote our local cultural history and traditions. To submit a nomination for the 2014 […]
Weekend preview: Seniors, swimming and ‘Frozen’
06/27/2014
The weekend kicks off with a nod to senior citizens with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the East Biloxi Senior Center, the newest feature at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art. Today from 4 to 6 p.m., seniors and interested individuals will gather for a reception to learn more about the city which is housed on the […]
Development update: Restaurants, apartments, RVs, Wal-mart
06/27/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, the building department issued a building permit for the new “Reef Restaurant” to be located on Beach Boulevard between the Waffle House and the South Beach Condotel. A building permit was also issued for the new “Women’s and Children’s Facility” for the Gulf Coast Rescue Mission […]
South Caillavet work looks to be another month
06/27/2014
Paving should be complete this afternoon or Saturday morning on the intersection of Howard Avenue and Caillavet Street, but work on the section of Caillavet Street south of Jackson Street will not be completed for at least another month. While the majority of the work involves infrastructure upgrades for MGM Park at Beau Rivage, a […]
Huge swim meet begins Friday at Natatorium
06/26/2014
Forget about world cup soccer!  Competitive swimming gets under way Friday morning at 8 at the Biloxi Natatorium for one of the largest events ever held at the the city’s indoor Olympic-sized swimming pool. The 6th Annual Splashin’ the Coast swim meet, which has been a popular travel meet for teams from throughout the Southeast, […]
Keesler plays ‘Taps’ nightly at 9
06/26/2014
Keesler has begun playing “Taps” base-wide each night at 9. “Taps” in its present form was first played during the Civil War era to signify “lights out” at the end of the day. Early during the Civil War, began the custom of playing “Taps” during military funeral proceedings. Today, it is played to conclude military […]
Hiller Park gets ‘Frozen’ Friday night
06/25/2014
The Disney animated movie “Frozen” will be shown for free in Hiller Park Friday night, the highlight of a family affair that will include games, contests and a “Frozen” character costume contest. The games and contests begin at 5:30 p.m. and the movie begins at dusk. It’s all part of the Councilmember Dixie Newman’s continuing […]
Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art to host seniors activities
06/25/2014
The City of Biloxi and Harrison County are opening a senior citizens center to serve residents of east Biloxi, and residents will have a chance to see it during a reception Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. on the campus of the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art. The seniors center, which will be housed in the […]
Natatorium to restore Saturday hours
06/25/2014
The Biloxi Natatorium, the city’s indoor Olympic-size swimming pool, is re-introducing Saturday hours beginning July 5, when the pool will be open each Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. The pool had reduced its schedule to eliminate Saturday openings because of a shortage of lifeguards. “We just weren’t able to do it,” said Jamie Lee […]
Biloxi to host fire chiefs from 10 states
06/24/2014
Biloxi Fire Chief Joe Boney and Linda Stewart of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau traveled to Knoxville, Tenn., last week and brought back a present for Biloxi and the state of Mississippi: a first-ever regional convention of fire chiefs. Boney and Stewart announced today that the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs conference […]
Municipal leaders now in town for MML conference
06/23/2014
Between 2,500 and 3,000 leaders from cities and towns from across the state, along with state officials, vendors and their families, are in Biloxi this week for the annual summer meeting of the Mississippi Municipal League. Delegates and guests began arriving Sunday and the conference, being held at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, […]
Procedure set up for funding requests
06/23/2014
Biloxi city leaders will be crafting a new municipal budget in August, and even though city funding may not be available for social-service agencies and other organizations, Council President Paul Tisdale still wants to be aware of funding requests and the numbers of individuals served by various groups. Tisdale has crafted a “Request for Funding […]
Get your motor runnin’ – the big weekend has arrived
06/20/2014
Biloxi stands to see one of its busiest weekends of the year this weekend, with tens of thousands in town for a huge, free outdoor Darius Rucker concert at Harrah’s Gulf Coast on Point Cadet in east Biloxi and the annual Scrapin’ the Coast auto show headquartered at the Coast Coliseum in west Biloxi. As […]
Natatorium to host huge swim meet
06/20/2014
The Biloxi Natatorium, the city’s indoor Olympic-sized swimming pool, will host one of its largest events ever next weekend. The 6th Annual Splashin’ the Coast swim meet, which has been a popular travel meet for teams from throughout the Southeast, will feature two teams from teams from Texas, seven teams form Louisiana, seven teams from […]
Development report: Treasure Bay parking and more
06/20/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, the Biloxi Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve an application to update the Master Plan for Treasure Bay Casino. Treasure Bay has acquired the former Le Chateau Condominium property and will construct a new landscaped parking lot, which will add an additional 295 parking […]
Procedure established for funding requests
06/19/2014
Biloxi city leaders will be crafting a new municipal budget in August, and even though city funding may not be available for social-service agencies and other organizations, Council President Paul Tisdale still wants to be aware of funding requests and the numbers of individuals served by various groups. Tisdale has crafted a “Request for Funding […]
Traffic will be heavy and re-routed at times this weekend
06/17/2014
Biloxi has its share of road work underway at the moment, with nightly closures of the I-110 highrise and infrastructure work taking place on nearly three dozen thoroughfares, but this weekend is going to be particularly challenging with as many as 20,000 auto enthusiasts in town for the Scrapin’ the Coast car show in west […]
Development report: Fireworks sales, tax abatements
06/16/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director Last week in economic development, the city council voted to approve a text amendment to allow Seasonal Fireworks Sales as a conditional use in Regional Business (RB) Zoned Districts.  Also, the council voted to approve a 5 year, 100% tax abatement for the White House Hotel. Only the taxes for the […]
Billfish tournament, summer fair now underway
06/06/2014
Hundreds of fisherman and their armada of million-dollar boats are at Point Cadet Marina this weekend for the annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Tournament. Rockin’ Dopsie entertains this evening at the weight scales on the waterfront adjacent to the Golden Nugget Casino, where, reports are, a 700-pound blue marlin is expected to be arriving this […]
Development report: Planning Commission OKs street closings
06/06/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, the Biloxi Planning Commission voted 8-6 to approved the application for the revised proposal of the IP Casino to vacate the northern end of Fayard and Anglada Streets at Bay View. The revised proposal removed the northern end of Reynoir Street from the application which will […]
Reminder: I-110 closes tonight at 9:30
06/02/2014
Tonight is the first night of MDOT’s closing of the I-110 highrise. The bridge — and the stretch of I-110 south of the bridge — will be closed to all traffic tonight and Tuesday from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. and again on June 15-19 as contractors move into the final stages of an $8.5 million […]
May 30: Development report: Million-dollar week of housing permits
05/30/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development our department issued building permits for single family homes which again exceeded one million dollars in total construction valuation. New single family residential housing starts continue to be very strong in the city. We are currently reviewing house plans for next week which should […]
Among the revelry, a Blessed weekend
05/30/2014
Biloxi will host another of its time-honored traditions this weekend with the annual Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival, a custom that traces its roots back to the city’s European settlers. “This is our 85th year, and that’s quite a lot of history of Biloxi seafood, heritage and culture,” declared Laurie Rosetti, who helps coordinate […]
Preservation series salutes Keesler this evening
05/29/2014
The month-long Preservation in May series wraps up this evening with a program that will shine a light on the history of Keesler Air Force Base, “Keesler: As Biloxi as Boiled Shrimp and Barq’s.” During the affair, which runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. inside the Biloxi Visitors Center, Staff Sgt. Amanda Sackett of the […]
Town Green to host ‘Jump into Summer Fun’
05/23/2014
West End Hose Co. No. 3, the Biloxi Fire Museum, will usher in summer with two days of family fun this weekend on the Town Green. “Jump into Summer Fun,” 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, will feature water slides, face painting, pony rides, hamster balls, and all of the trimmings you would […]
A weekend of tributes for the fallen
05/23/2014
Hundreds of people – young and old, and from all walks of life – will gather for a mission Saturday morning before 8 at the Biloxi National Cemetery, the serene garden of stone on the sprawling grounds of the VA Medical Center in west Biloxi. American flags will be placed on each of the 18,000 […]
May 23: Development report: New subdivision, land-use updates
05/23/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, the city council voted to approve a new 110 lot single family residential subdivision development to be located on Mason Road in north Biloxi. The proposed market rate homes will be approximately 1700 square feet and will sell for around $175 thousand. The council […]
MDOT to shutdown I-110 nights of June 2-3, June 15-19
05/23/2014
MDOT has announced that the I-110 highrise will be closed to all traffic on Monday and Tuesday (June 2-3) from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. and again on June 15-19 as contractors move into the final stages of an $8.5 million upgrade of the bridge’s mechanical and electrical systems. MDOT says that although the contract […]
Preservation series eyes myths, legends and lies
05/22/2014
Storyteller and author Diane Williams will share and debunk some of the Magnolia State’s myths, legends and bald-faced lies during this week’s edition of “Preservation in May.” It takes place this afternoon from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Biloxi Visitors Center. The session is free and open to the public. Refreshments also will be served. […]
Financial condition of the City of Biloxi
05/20/2014
To read a detailed report about the financial condition of the City of Biloxi, click here.
Council has full agenda, plenty of issues on Tuesday
05/16/2014
The Biloxi City Council faces an agenda of nearly four dozen measures when it meets Tuesday afternoon, including a report on the city’s financial condition and several measures involving residential and commercial zoning. The council’s meeting begins at 1:30 Tuesday afternoon at City Hall and is open to the public. The meeting will begin with […]
This weekend’s made for outdoor activities
05/16/2014
The weather’s perfect for two outstanding outdoor events headed your way this weekend on the eastern and western ends of town. There’s the Our Lady of Fatima International Spring Festival, the event you see advertised in the yards of homes and businesses throughout town, and the Billy Creel Memorial Wooden Boat Show, which takes place […]
Air Force seeks proposals for Harrison Court site
05/16/2014
The Air Force is hosting an Industry Forum at the Biloxi Visitors Center on Wednesday for potential partners to develop all or a portion of a 43-acre site on Back Bay known as Harrison Court. The site is on the southeast quadrant of Benachi and Bayview avenues, and the Air Force is looking for potential partners for […]
May 16: Development report: Rock Creek permits, casino news
05/16/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, the Community Development Department issued building permits to Horton Homes for 7 new single family houses in the new Rock Creek Subdivision, which is located north of Woolmarket Road just east of Lorraine. These 7 homes will be the first to be built in […]
School museum opens today on Preservation tour
05/15/2014
Visitors to Biloxi’s Preservation in May series will see the opening of the state’s first school district museum this afternoon, and will have a chance to meet First Lady Deborah Bryant. The free program, which takes place from 1 to 3 this afternoon at the Dukate Building on Father Ryan Avenue, will showcase a collection […]
Biloxi Police, Redeemer to host memorial services
05/13/2014
Members of the Biloxi Police Department will conduct their Fallen Officer Memorial Service on Wednesday at 10 a.m. on the front steps of the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center, and the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer will pay respects to fallen officers from along the Coast in a ceremony Sunday afternoon. Both ceremonies are open to […]
Council shifts gears on stadium construction
05/09/2014
The City Council in a special meeting this morning decided to abandon the project manager route and hire a general contractor to oversee all facets of construction of MGM Park at Beau Rivage, the downtown baseball stadium and entertainment venue. The move will allow the city to solicit bids from one overall contractor instead of […]
Three-day Hiller Park festival begins this evening
05/09/2014
More than a dozen carnival rides, a mother-daughter look-alike contest, and plenty of family activities will be on tap this weekend at Hiller Park, the spacious city park nestled off the bay in west Biloxi. It’s all part of the Hiller Park Carnival, a three-day affair that kicks off this evening in a drive to […]
May 9: Development report: Council approves road project
05/09/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director In economic development this week, the city council voted unanimously to approve the commitment of the match for the MDA Grant to extend Bay View Boulevard from Oak Street to 5th Street along Pine. This approval will allow us to submit the application to MDA to move the project forward. Two major commercial […]
Huge east Biloxi measures on agenda Tuesday
05/05/2014
The Biloxi City Council is expected to approve the largest municipal public works project in the city’s history on Tuesday, a three-year, federally funded  $116.5 million infrastructure project that will see water, sewer and storm drain lines repaired or replaced in a large section of east Biloxi. The so-called ”north contract,” which covers the area […]
May 2: Development report: April was a promising month
05/02/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director April 2014 turned out to be another promising month for permitting and economic development in Biloxi. For the month, we issued 265 building permits for a total construction valuation of $7.5 million. We are continuing to review the building plans for phase one of the baseball stadium. Building plans for […]
Weekend preview: Wishing for Golden opportunities
05/02/2014
Golden Nugget, the newest drawing card in Biloxi, ushers in a new era of gaming this weekend with its expanded gaming area and a poolside show by Cowboy Mouth. In town this weekend you’ll also find a Make-a-Wish 5K run in downtown Biloxi — runners will be wearing super hero costumes — and casino resort […]
Section of Howard to close for stadium work
05/02/2014
A one-block section of Howard Avenue – between Caillavet and Bohn streets – will be closed Monday through Friday next week for utility installation related to construction at MGM Park at Beau Rivage. The work will begin Monday at 7 a.m., contractors say, and the road will be closed until Friday at 5 p.m. However, […]
Finally Friday! kicks off at 5 o’clock
05/02/2014
Musician Brennan Roybal will be entertaining for today’s Finally Friday celebration in downtown Biloxi, from 5 to 8 p.m., near Peresich Park, just south of Biloxi Regional Medical Center. “We’re hoping people will come out and see the great specials at downtown businesses, which will be  open late for this event,” says Kay Miller, director […]
Biloxi firefighters respond to tornado-stricken area
04/29/2014
Biloxi Fire Chief Joe Boney reports that six Biloxi firefighters were deployed to Louisville, Miss., this morning at 1 as part of Task Force 3, a team of south Mississippi emergency responders under the direction of MEMA. The team is performing search-and-rescue missions in the tornado-stricken town of about 6,600 residents southwest of Starkville. “The […]
You’ll see a number of firsts at this year’s Preservation in May
04/28/2014
This year’s Preservation in May series will feature a number of firsts: A visit to Cedar Lake island, a visit from First Lady Deborah Bryant, and the opening of the state’s first school museum. The five-week program, which takes place each Thursday in May, kicks off Thursday with a visit to Cedar Lake Island, which […]
The fun’s by land and by sea this weekend
04/25/2014
Talk about a jam-packed weekend: There’s the Coliseum Crawfish Music Festival up the beach, high-speed boat races up and down the beach, there’s an outdoor movie on the Town Green, the Biloxi 5K and 1-Mile Trek downtown, and the Great American Cleanup taking place throughout the city. Also in town this weekend are comedian Bill […]
April 25: Development report: Yet another active week
04/25/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week has proven to be another active period in the Community Development Department. On Wednesday we received the first package of building plans and specifications for the new minor league baseball stadium. Once the plans are approved by our plans examiner, and the Biloxi Fire Department, a building permit will […]
Fire Academy for Kids opens registration
04/25/2014
The Biloxi Fire Department is now taking applications from youngsters for its hugely popular Fire Academy for Kids. The program is a free, five-day participatory program for children agbes 7 to 12 and is conducted at the at Fire Station No. 1, at 170 Porter Ave., and at the West End Hose Company #3 Fire Museum, at […]
Lovelace named volunteer of year
04/24/2014
Shirley Lovelace, a retired special needs teacher who has been a Special Olympics for more than 20 years, has been named the City of Biloxi’s Distinguished Volunteer of the Year. Lovelace, who was described as a “behind-the-scenes worker” who has volunteers for hundreds of hours, topped a list of dozens of individuals, civic groups […]
Southern end of I-110 to close Sunday morning
04/23/2014
The section of Interstate 110 south of Division Street in Biloxi will be closed to all traffic Sunday morning from 7 to 10 while Mississippi Power relocates a power pole because of construction at MGM Park at Beau Rivage. Since the southern end of Caillavet Street is also closed to traffic, motorists will be diverted […]
Citywide cleanup is Saturday morning
04/22/2014
Calling all volunteers. The City of Biloxi has selected Saturday, April 26 as Great American Cleanup Day, a chance for volunteers to help make Biloxi clean and green. Individuals, businesses, organizations, church and civic groups are asked to select a specific area and make plans to clean that area Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon. […]
Weekend preview: Crawfish and spring breakers
04/17/2014
Ready for the weekend? The Coliseum Crawfish Music Festival kicks off this evening and there maybe another contingent of spring breakers cruising the beachfront this weekend. You’ll find a host of carnival rides, music headliners, and, of course, mounds of crawfish beginning this evening and through Sunday and again next weekend for the Coliseum’s annual […]
Southern end of Caillavet to close for 30 days
04/14/2014
Contractors with Yates Construction Co. have announced that the southern end of Caillavet Street, from Howard Avenue to U.S. 90, will be closed for 30 days beginning Thursday, but the city has mandated that businesses in that two-block stretch be accessible. The closure is to allow the installation of water, sewer and drainage lines to […]
Biloxi, Gulfport come to terms on annexation case
04/14/2014
The cities of Biloxi and Gulfport have reached an agreement that will end several years of annexation litigation and will see Biloxi annexing the easternmost part of property that was in dispute. Under the agreement, property owned by Pitcher Point Investments will become part of Biloxi, and Gulfport will end its appeal of its 2011 […]
Easter eggs, summer playground sign ups and more
04/11/2014
Biloxi’s Parks and Recreation is in full gear this time of year, and Saturday is a good indication of just how busy things are: There’s an Easter egg hunt again this weekend, registration kicks off in Woolmarket for the summer camp program, and baseball and softball are continuing at the A.J. Holloway Sports Complex. You […]
Summer playground registration begins this weekend
04/11/2014
The City of Biloxi will begin filling openings for the annual Summer Playground and Enrichment Program. Registration for Woolmarket area residents will be Saturday, April 12, 2014 from 9 a.m. to noon at Woolmarket Elementary School Gym, 12513 John Lee Road, and for Biloxi residents on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at […]
April 11: Development report: Walmart market, Steak & Shake
04/11/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development our department issued the building permit for the New Walmart Neighborhood Market, a $4.2 million dollar project to be located on Pass Road just west of Our Lady of Fatima Church. This retail grocery store will be over 41,000 square feet and will have […]
‘Black Beach Weekend,’ heavy traffic in offing this weekend
04/10/2014
Motorists traveling U.S. 90 in Biloxi can see barricades pre-positioned near U.S. 90 intersections, a signal that spring break and a flurry of traffic could be in the offing this weekend. According to the website Biloxi Black Beach Weekend, the Mississippi Coast Coliseum will be hosting a Friday evening concert featuring Mario, Pastor Troy and […]
Time running out for volunteer nominations
04/07/2014
Those interested in nominating an individual, organization or business for the upcoming Volunteer Recognition Ceremony have until Thursday to turn in forms. All nominees and winners will be recognized on Tuesday, April 22,  when the city holds the 31st Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony at the Biloxi Civic Center. If you are interested in nominating an individual, […]
It’s big, just not that big
04/05/2014
The Bmail published Friday afternoon touting the city’s upcoming work in east Biloxi incorrectly reported the expected price of the work. The expected price of work is $120 million, not $180 million. The actual figure will be known Wednesday, April 9, when the city will open bids submitted from interested contractors. Marvin G. Dalla Rosa, the man […]
Infrastructure program to hit milestone next week
04/04/2014
Biloxi’s massive infrastructure undertaking – the $355 million federally-funded initiative to replace underground utilities in the areas hardest hit by Katrina – will reach a milestone next week when bids are opened for what is expected to be the largest phase of the project: the area of east Biloxi north of the CSX railway. HNTB, […]
City Easter egg hunts kick off Saturday
04/04/2014
Dozens of families are expected to gather at Hiller Park on Saturday for the citywide Easter Egg Hunt, the first of three weekends of city-sponsored egg hunts. A second is planned in Woolmarket next weekend, and a third is planned on the Town Green for special needs residents. The Hiller and Woolmarket events are open […]
April 4: Development report: Baseball and another Waffle House
04/04/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, the demolition and site work have begun for the new baseball stadium. The contractor has made a tremendous amount of progress removing trees, demolishing structures and removing paving materials. Also, construction began this week in west Biloxi  for the new Waffle House Restaurant to be […]
Weekend preview: Molly Ringwalds and more
03/28/2014
The Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra says today’s thundershowers will not derail tonight’s Molly Ringwalds show and white linen affair at Point Cadet pavilion. The fund-raiser, which gives concertgoers a sneak peek at the new pavilion and park, begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 at the door. Naomi’s Catering will provide food and refreshments for […]
March 28: Development report: ‘a very active week’
03/28/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This has been a very active week in the Community Development Department. Building Permits have been issued for the renovations to the “Kress Building” ($750,000), the Green Space at the “Grand Casino” ($950,000) and the demolition and site work for the new Minor League Baseball Stadium ($600,000). Building plans […]
Reminder: Infrastructure meeting tonight at North Bay
03/25/2014
Residents in the Cedar Lake subdivision and areas off Brasher Road are reminded about a meeting this evening to hear about massive infrastructure work coming to their neighborhoods. The public meeting is at 6 this evening at North Bay Elementary school. The $11.5 million infrastructure phase – one of the largest so far in the city’s on-going […]
Point Cadet pavilion to host first event Friday
03/24/2014
There’s still some landscaping and a few odds and ends to be taken care of, but all indications are that the waterfront park at Point Cadet is going be a popular place for special events. The open-air pavilion at the site at the easternmost tip of the Biloxi peninsula hosts its first event this Friday when […]
Council to consider downtown property swap
03/21/2014
The Magnolia Hotel, one of the oldest buildings in downtown Biloxi and home to the Mardi Gras Museum, could be getting more green space and the former Bombay Bicycle Club site would be more attractive for development if a proposed land swap is approved by the City Council on Tuesday. The measure is one of […]
March 21: Development report: Exciting announcements
03/21/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director There are a number of exciting announcements to make this week. The most important was the announcement of the agreement between Biloxi Boardwalk and Warner Gaming and Entertainment. Warner is an extremely well respected name in the gaming industry. This agreement will bring to fruition the renovation of the […]
Keesler reports $1.1 billion impact in FY ’13
03/20/2014
Keesler’s total economic impact for Fiscal Year 2013 has been calculated at more than $1.1 billion. The figure was finalized as base officials completed the annual process of data assimilation and validation. “Those economic impact numbers are a reflection of the incredible dedication, talent and experience of each member of Team Keesler. We’re proud that […]
Indian Nation to take over Biloxi on Friday
03/19/2014
Public schools in Biloxi are more than schools, they comprise an Indian Nation, according to students in the district, and this Friday and every Friday throughout April students, staff, businesses and the public are invited to show their Indian pride. The occasions will help make note of Biloxi Public Schools being named an A-rated school […]
Biloxi among Top 5 fun, affordable spring break destinations
03/19/2014
A new compendium of “off-the-beaten path” and inexpensive spring break destinations includes Biloxi in its Top 5 destinations, along with such locales at the Caribbean, Vermont and Montreal. The new list from the website Cheapism.com – a site dedicated to finding the best cheap products and telling you where they are – says Biloxi is […]
Cedar Lake, Brasher Road areas to see infrastructure work
03/18/2014
Biloxi’s massive infrastructure project is coming to Cedar Lake subdivision and areas off Brasher Road next month, and residents will have a chance to hear more about the work in a community meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 25 North Bay Elementary School. The $11.5 million project – one of the largest so far in […]
See photos from St. Paddy’s parade, Grillin’ on Green
03/16/2014
Thousands of people, including Gov. Phil Bryant, turned out for the Hibernia Marching Society St. Patrick’s Day parade and Main Street’s Grillin’ on the Green. To see dozens of photos from the afternoon, as posted on the city’s Facebook page, click here.
Stadium project to see movement next week
03/14/2014
The first hints of construction on the proposed MGM Park at Beau Rivage, the downtown baseball and entertainment venue, will be taking place next week, as the clock winds down to the 2015 baseball season. City Councilmembers will be asked to approve contracts for the initial site work at the proposed MGM Park at Beau […]
March 14: Development report: White House Hotel update
03/14/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week in economic development, the contractor for the White House Hotel completed the exterior painting for the newly enclosed western portion of the structure. It is well worth a trip to the site to see the progress being made, and to see how everything is beginning to come together. The columns for the western […]
Grillin’, paradin’ and runnin’ of the Green in downtown Biloxi
03/14/2014
The eight annual Grillin’ on the Green takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Biloxi Town Green, and midway through the outdoor extravaganza, at 2 p.m., the Hibernia Marching Society’s annual St. Patrick’s Parade will pass by, making its way through downtown Biloxi. The parade begins at the Biloxi Yacht Club on […]
City seeks nominees for Sports Hall of Fame
03/13/2014
The City of Biloxi is now seeking nominations for the 2014 class of the Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame, which will be inducted in August. The Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame was created to identify and honor individuals who have significantly contributed to the betterment of athletics in the City of Biloxi, either through exemplary performance […]
Holloway: It’s time to turn the page
03/10/2014
Mayor A.J. Holloway outlined a host of major initiatives, including the downtown baseball stadium and how 2014 would be the year of Point Cadet during his State of the City presentation today, but the most important message of this year’s address concerned a milestone the city and the Mississippi Gulf Coast would be marking next […]
State of the City presentation is Monday
03/09/2014
Mayor A.J. Holloway will present his annual State of the City report on Monday during a Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce-sponsored luncheon at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino. Doors for the affair open at 11 a.m., and the program begins at 11:30 a.m. Besides Holloway’s multi-media presentation, the luncheon will include pre-program entertainment by […]
Visitors Center reception to honor two new local exhibits
03/09/2014
The public is invited to an opening reception for two new exhibits at the Biloxi Visitors Center located at 1050 Beach Blvd. Thursday, March 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. In the lobby is an exhibit of works by well-known coast photographer Alex North. A native of the Gulf Coast, he is an avid outdoorsman, gardener and […]
City unveils new web presence
03/07/2014
The City of Biloxi today unveiled an upgrade of its award-winning web site and Bmail service. The new site, which keeps the address biloxi.ms.us, was designed by The Ad Group and was built by AGJ Systems, two local firms, and it is being hosted by the national firm godaddy.com. “Visitors to the site will find […]
Weekend preview: CoastCon, monster trucks and more
03/07/2014
The Coast Coliseum and Convention Center hosts four big events this weekend: the annual CoastCon sci-fi gathering, a garden and patio show, a monster truck and tractor show, and a gun and knife show. You’ll also find “Chicago: The Musical” at the Beau Rivage, Eddie Money at the Golden Nugget, and 38 Special at the […]
March 7: Development report: Homes, parish life center
03/07/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director In a week abbreviated by Mardi Gras, we received building plans for six new houses, and for the New Parrish Life Center for St. Michael’s Church at 177 First Street. On Thursday, the Biloxi Planning Commission reviewed and approved an application from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum Commission to vacate […]
Litter cleanup tells the story of Mardi Gras
03/07/2014
Debris from Tuesday’s weather-hampered Fat Tuesday celebration, much like the Mardi Gras crowd itself, was about half of what it normally is each year, says Mike McDonnell, a supervisor in the city’s Public Works Department, and his crews were able to have most of it up by 11 this morning. A Public Works crew of […]
See dozens of parade photos
03/05/2014
Biloxi Police Chief John Miller says a crowd of about 35,000 turned out for the Fat Tuesday celebration in Biloxi, less than half the throng that would attend in more inviting weather. To see Gulf Coast Carnival Association parade photos posted Tuesday evening on the city’s Facebook page, click here. To see Neptune parade photos, […]
Litter cleanup tells the story of Mardi Gras
03/05/2014
Debris from Tuesday’s weather-hampered Fat Tuesday celebration, much like the Mardi Gras crowd itself, was about half of what it normally is each year, says Mike McDonnell, a supervisor in the city’s Public Works Department, and his crews were able to have most of it up by 11 this morning. A Public Works crew of […]
Parade primer: Weather, route and safety, plus photos
03/04/2014
The Gulf Coast Carnival Association parade, boasting a lineup of more than a hundred units, will begin rolling through the streets of downtown Biloxi at 1 this afternoon. The Krewe of Neptune, with 24 floats, rolls immediately afterward, around 3 p.m. The weather: The National Weather Service is forecasting a 70 percent chance of rain, […]
Mardi Gras safety tips: Before, during and after the parade
03/03/2014
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 […]
Weekend preview: The march to Mardi Gras
02/28/2014
Six Mardi Gras parades roll this weekend as the prelude to the big celebrations on Fat Tuesday. Don’t forget that on Monday, which is also known as Lundi Gras, there’s the Children’s Mardi Gras Walking Parade through downtown Biloxi. To read more about that 11 a.m. parade and see a link to a free registration […]
Economic development: permits, parking and approvals
02/28/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director This week the Community Development Department issued 49 building permits including one for the construction of a new parking lot for the Hard Rock Casino/Hotel. The parking lot is to be located on the former Windjammer Condominium property. Also this week, we received the building plans for the Beau […]
Council to get status report on infrastructure work
02/23/2014
Mayor A.J. Holloway has called a special meeting for Tuesday at 11 a.m. so City Council members can be briefed on progress with the city’s infrastructure program, and Tuesday afternoon they will be asked to renew the infrastructure management contract with the firm HNTB. And on the agenda for Tuesday afternoon City Council meeting: a […]
Feb. 21: Economic development: Downtown interest
02/21/2014
By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director As the Baseball Stadium project moves forward, there continues to be increased interest in development for the downtown area. The Baseball Stadium Design is scheduled to go before Biloxi’s Architectural-Historical Review Commission on Thursday, February 27, at 8:30 a.m. The meeting will be held in the Community Development Building […]
Weekend includes parades, boat show and symphony performance
02/21/2014
Eight Mardi Gras parades roll this weekend – seven on Saturday and one on Sunday – all along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and you’ll find a boat show at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. Also this weekend, the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra presents “Strings on Fire” at the Saenger Theater, Tony Bennett performs at the Beau […]
School board announces make-up days
02/19/2014
The Biloxi school board made it official at its meeting Tuesday night: Students in Biloxi Public Schools will have three make-up days because of the ice storm. New days for class are Friday, April 11; Tuesday, May 27; and Wednesday, May 28.
Winners recognized in shoebox float contest
02/19/2014
Mayor A.J. Holloway and Biloxi Public Schools Superintendent Arthur McMillan on Tuesday recognized the Mardi Gras float builders of tomorrow, the winners of the 16th annual Shoebox Float Contest. In the program, students from schools in Biloxi use shoe boxes to construct model Mardi Gras floats. The contest, which is designed to help perpetuate the […]
Yikes! Fire department sets house ablaze
02/19/2014
As Biloxi Fire Chief Joe Boney spoke to the Lions Club about professionalism at lunchtime today, a group of his firefighters were setting fire to a house. Relax, it was all planned. After three weeks of training and preparation, the fire department set fire to a vacant house at 335 Main St. as a firefighting […]
Feb. 14: Economic development update
02/14/2014
By Jerry Creel Community Development Director This week the Community Development Department issued a Certificate of Occupancy for the 24-Hour Animal Hospital, a $2.3 million dollar construction project located at 8144 East Oaklawn, just south of I-10. The New Blue Crab Restaurant and The New Firehouse Subs Restaurants are now open for business. $1.6 million […]
State of the City at the halfway point
02/14/2014
More than half of the 700 seats have been sold for the annual State of the City luncheon, which takes place March 10 at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. Typically, a capacity audience is onhand for Mayor A.J. Holloway’s multi-media progress report on the myriad projects and initiatives underway in the city. Said Biloxi […]
Children’s parade seeks more entries
02/14/2014
The City of Biloxi, the Mardi Gras Museum, and Gulf Coast Carnival Association invite children ages 12 and younger to participate in the annual children’s Mardi Gras walking parade on Lundi Gras, Monday, March 3. “This is a non-motorized parade,” said Kay Carter, the city’s downtown services manager. “Bikes, skates, skateboards, scooters and wagons are […]
Weekend entertainment: Ohr hosts ‘Adopt a Bowl’ Saturday
02/14/2014
The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art is teaming with the Humane Society on Saturday for a program that involves local cuisine, music, children’s activities, and adoptable pets. It’s “Adopt a Bowl,” a program where local artists have created unique ceramic bowls that will be filled with food from a participating local restaurant. There’s no admission fee […]
Mayor speaks on baseball, bait shop and infrastructure
02/12/2014
The new baseball stadium planned for downtown Biloxi is going to be about more than baseball, Mayor A.J. Holloway told a Biloxi Chamber audience this morning as he discussed the potential impact of the venture and updated a couple other city projects. “People talk about baseball, but that’s only part of the story. We need […]
Council to decide fate of proposed MGM Park this morning
02/11/2014
The Biloxi City Council, in a special meeting this morning at 10:30, is expected to decide six measures involving the proposed MGM Park at Beau Rivage, including a resolution to borrow $21 million to construct the proposed downtown stadium and entertainment venue. A vote planned for last week was postponed because Councilmember Felix Gines was […]
Baseball group now working on moving team
02/11/2014
By Cliff Kirkland With City Council approval of a $36 million stadium project formalized Tuesday, Biloxi Baseball, LLC will immediately begin the year-long process of moving the Hunstville (Ala.) Stars of the Double-A Southern League here in time for the 2015 season. The Stars are owned by Biloxi Baseball, which is headed by majority owner […]
Feb. 7: Economic development continues to flourish
02/07/2014
By Jerry Creel Community Development Director This week, economic development in the City of Biloxi continued to flourish with the opening of the New Hard Rock Casino Hotel Tower. The Community Development Department also issued Certificates of Occupancy for the new Blue Crab Restaurant on Beach Boulevard, and the Firehouse Subs Restaurant at Pass Road […]
Community theater, music and more on tap this weekend
02/07/2014
You’ll find a host of headliners in town this weekend — Crystal Gayle, Heart, Loverboy, Merle Haggard, and a Garth Brooks tribute show – plus there’s Mississippi Surge hockey, public ice skating and the Top of the Hops Beer festival at the Coast Coliseum. Meantime, two productions are on the boards at Biloxi community theaters: […]
Asphalt work planned at Lameuse and Jackson streets
02/06/2014
Downtown workers and motorists: Be careful where you park and travel Monday and Tuesday. The city’s Public Works Department on Monday morning at 8 plans to begin removing the top layer of asphalt on Jackson Street east and west of Lameuse Street before proceeding to Lameuse Street itself Monday afternoon and Tuesday. The work, weather […]
Washington gets inaugural Public Works honor
02/06/2014
Willie Washington has been named the inaugural Public Works Employee of the Month in a program where fellow employees vote for the employee that best represents the City of Biloxi’s Public Works Department. Willie has been employed with the city’s Public Works Department since June 1996. He is a valued member of the Janitorial Crew. […]
Jan. 31: Economic development continues to improve
02/02/2014
(Henceforth, this report will be included each week in a Friday afternoon Bmail). By Jerry Creel Community Development Director Economic development continues to improve in Biloxi. During January 2014, we issued building permits for 6 new single family houses. Commercial building permits were issued for an addition and site improvements for Jeff Davis Elementary School, […]
Council to consider stadium issues Tuesday evening
01/31/2014
The Biloxi City Council on Tuesday night is expected to decide five measures involving the proposed MGM Park at Beau Rivage, including a resolution to borrow $21 million to construct the proposed downtown stadium and entertainment venue. The stadium issue, which has been intermittently discussed and negotiated for months, will headline the agenda for the […]
BLT offers Boys Next Door; music reigns elsewhere
01/31/2014
Biloxi Little Theater raises the curtain on its production of “Boys Next Door” at its Lee Street playhouse this Super Bowl weekend, and you’ll find Vince Gill in concert at the Beau Rivage, Aaron Lewis at the Hard Rock, John Hodges at the IP, and Little Queen, the Heart Tribute band, on stage at Margaritaville. […]
Popp’s Ferry Bridge now open to traffic
01/30/2014
The Popp’s Ferry Bridge re-opened to traffic at noon, after ice was cleared by city and county crews. Photos: See photos of the bridge-clearing work by clickng here.
All bridges in Biloxi now open
01/30/2014
The Lorraine Road bridge is now open, meaning all bridges in Biloxi are now open. The Biloxi Bay Bridge, which connects Biloxi and Ocean Springs, was opened shortly after noon, and the Popp’s Ferry Bridge in west Biloxi was re-opened at noon. Weather forecast: To see the current conditions and weather advisories for Biloxi, from […]
Councilmembers receive reports on Seafood Museum, waterfront part
01/30/2014
Architects and project managers for two high-profile Point Cadet projects, the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum and Biloxi Waterfront Park, presented status reports to the City Council this afternoon. To see the museum report, click here. To see the waterfront part report, click here.
Biloxi municipal offices to re-open Thursday
01/29/2014
All Biloxi departments and municipal offices will open at their usual time Thursday morning. Employees are expected to be at work at their appointed time, or as soon as safely possible.
Police close 67-15 interchange; other news and notes
01/29/2014
Biloxi Police have closed the Mississippi 67 and Mississippi 15 interchange because of hazardous conditions. Public Works Director Dan Gaillet reports that Popp’s Ferry bridge will continue to be closed. Said Chief Administrative Officer David Nichols: “The bridge’s surface is a sheet of ice.” The Biloxi Bay Bridge remains closed, and I-110 south of Division […]
Council to meet twice Thursday afternoon
01/29/2014
The Biloxi City Council meeting scheduled for Thursday at 10:30 a.m. to discuss social service spending will instead be held in the afternoon, after the council’s 1:30 p.m. meeting. “Technically, the morning meeting is canceled,” said Chief Administrative Officer David Nichols. “But we’ve scheduled a meeting for immediately after the 1:30 afternoon meeting to discuss […]
Police hope bridges can re-open mid-morning Thursday
01/29/2014
The Popp’s Ferry Bridge, the Biloxi Bay Bridge, the Lorraine Road bridge and the section of I-110 south of Division Street will remain closed through the evening and as late as mid-morning Thursday, Biloxi Police Chief John Miller said this evening. “The icy conditions make these bridges impossible to cross safely,” Miller said. “We’re hoping […]
Popp’s Ferry bridge repaired, but will remained closed to traffic
01/28/2014
City engineers have repaired the Popp’s Ferry bridge, but because of icy conditions, it will remained closed to vehicular AND marine traffic until at least 6 a.m. Wednesday. Barricades are now being installed at the north and south ends of the bridge, and marine interests are being notified of its closure.
Non-essential employees will not report Wednesday
01/28/2014
Chief Administrative Officer David Nichols has announced that non-essential city employees will not report to work Wednesday, and non-emergency city departments and offices will remain closed Wednesday.
Biloxi Bay, Lorraine Road bridges closed to traffic
01/28/2014
The Biloxi Bay Bridge, the bridge that connects Biloxi and Ocean Springs, is now closed because of hazardous conditions. The Lorraine Road bridge has also been closed. Police also report that I-110 is closed south of Division Street. The Popp’s Ferry Bridge will remain closed to vehicular and marine traffic until at least 6 a.m. […]
Police request residents to stay off roads
01/28/2014
Most streets in Biloxi are now iced over, police report, and they are requesting that residents refrain from travel. “In fact,” says Police Chief John Miller, “road workers will not be working after dark, so conditions are only going to get worse. We’re asking people who must travel — and only those who must travel […]
Crews treat roads; police visiting homeless; residents asked to remain off roads
01/28/2014
Biloxi Public Works crews this morning applied a mix of sand and salt to a half-dozen locations susceptible to icing, police officers are shelter rides to the homeless, and city leaders are recommending that motorists continue to limit travel as the city braced for colder weather. The Public Works staff had originally planned to begin […]
Weather Service issues Winter Storm Warning
01/27/2014
The National Weather Service in New Orleans has upgraded its Winter Storm Watch to a Winter Storm Warning for ice and snow accumulations. The warning, which means significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice are expected or occurring, is in effect from 6 a.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday. The warning also means travel will […]
City preparing for ice, snow; schools closed Tuesday, Wednesday
01/27/2014
Biloxi Public Works crews are expected to begin laying a coat of sand on city bridges and roadways, MDOT plans to lay ice-melting salt on state bridges and overpasses, Biloxi police are beefing up traffic patrols, and the Biloxi Fire Department is positioning more equipment north of the bay to avoid having to cross bridges […]
Boil water notice issued for parts of west Biloxi
01/27/2014
Residents on parts of six west Biloxi streets have been notified of a boil-water notice after two water main breaks. Impacted areas are Volterra Circle, Acadian Court, Linda Drive, Greenwood, Sherwood, Atkins, and George Walter Drive. Residents on Atkinson Road have also been notified after a water main break there. The city, following Mississippi Department […]
Biloxi to close non-emergency offices, facilities Tuesday
01/27/2014
Non-essential city employees will not report to work Tuesday and all non-emergency city offices will be closed as a result of the expected severe winter weather, and the City Council meetings scheduled for Tuesday will be re-scheduled for later in the week. The decisions were made in a just-concluded City Hall meeting of key city […]
18 crossings to be impacted by work next week
01/24/2014
Railway officials today reported to the city the following two-day rail crossing closures as part of railway upgrades: Monday: Eisenhower Tuesday: McDonald and Iberville Wednesday: White, Benachi, Querens, Gill Thursday: Hopkins, Bohn, Reynoir, Magnolia, Lameuse, Main, Nixon, Lee, Holley, Dorris, Oak Each crossing will be closed for two days and reopened on the third day.
Creedence, Pink Floyd tributes highlight weekend
01/24/2014
This weekend’s entertainment offerings include Creedence Clearwater Revisited and Pink Floyd Laser shows at the Hard Rock, Plain White T’s at IP, Gallagher at the Golden Nugget and the local group Rhythm and Rain at Margaritaville. To read details on these shows and other entertaining events, as detailed online by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional […]
Council briefed on status of proposed baseball stadium
01/21/2014
The architect and project manager who have been working on the proposed downtown baseball stadium updated City Councilmembers on the status of the project this morning, and one thing was clear: Getting construction underway is important in order to meet the beginning of the 2015 baseball season. “Let’s get out of the dugout,” Councilmember Kenny […]
Children’s parade seeks registrants
01/17/2014
The City of Biloxi, the Mardi Gras Museum, and Gulf Coast Carnival Association invite children ages 12 and younger to participate in the annual children’s Mardi Gras walking parade on Lundi Gras, Monday, March 3. “This is a non-motorized parade,” said Kay Carter, the city’s downtown services manager. “Bikes, skates, skateboards, scooters and wagons are […]
State of the City seats now available from Biloxi Bay chamber
01/17/2014
The Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce is now selling seats for the annual State of the City luncheon, which takes place Monday, March 10 at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. During the annual affair, which typically is presented to a capacity audience, Mayor A.J. Holloway presents information on a variety of city projects and […]
Weekend preview: Coliseum to host rodeo, Running of the Bulls this weekend
01/17/2014
The Mississippi Coast Coliseum will borrow a tradition from Spain this weekend when the Biloxi arena hosts its own version of Running with the Bulls, an attraction being produced in conjunction with the annual Professional Cowboys Association rodeo finals. The Coliseum’s extravaganza, where amateurs run with the bulls and professional cowpokes will be competing for […]
Biloxi Fire Department names deputy chief of operations
01/16/2014
Jeff Merrill, who this year marks his 20th year with the Biloxi Fire Department, has been named the department’s deputy chief of operations and combat. Biloxi Fire Chief Joe Boney made the announcement, filling the final position in the command staff of the 148-member department. As deputy chief for operations and combat, Merrill, 48, will […]
Baseball plans expected to move forward next week
01/16/2014
Architects and engineers will brief members of the Biloxi City Council about details of the proposed downtown baseball stadium in a special meeting Tuesday at 10 a.m. at City Hall, and on Thursday at 2 p.m. a ground-breaking ceremony is planned at the stadium site, at the foot of Caillavet Street. The Tuesday morning meeting […]
Main Street seeks entries for Grillin’ on the Green
01/16/2014
Biloxi Main Street is now seeking entries for the eighth annual Grillin’ On The Green, a daylong festival that takes place Saturday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Biloxi’s Town Green. The event takes place on the same day at the Hibernia Society’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which passes by the […]
Southern League announces Biloxi baseball team
01/13/2014
The relocation of the Huntsville Stars to Biloxi took a significant step forward on Friday as the Southern League announced it has approved the sale of the franchise. To become final, the transaction also must be approved by Major League and Minor League Baseball. To read the entire story, from the Southern League baseball site, […]
Meet the director of the city’s Public Works Department
01/11/2014
This week’s City Desk webcast introduces Dan Gaillet (say “guy-a”), who, as the new Public Works director, has a wealth of experience and a host of ideas to bring to the department that he says is vital to the quality of life in Biloxi. To hear this week’s nine-minute program, which also features Chief Administrative […]
Weekend preview: A diverse lineup of music and more
01/10/2014
Among the headliners in town this weekend are Daughtry, Ron White, Burt Bacharach, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, and Simply Diamond, a Neil Diamond tribute band. To read details on these shows and other entertaining events, as detailed online by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, click here. Meet Dan Gaillet, […]
Cold weather causes water issues at east Biloxi resorts
01/07/2014
Freezing temperatures caused a sensor at a city water well to malfunction this morning, which led to little or no water pressure at several high-rise hotels in east Biloxi this morning. The drop in pressure was first reported at 6:30 a.m., and Public Works crews had all water pressure restored within a couple of hours. […]
Natatorium re-opens after holiday polishing
01/06/2014
The Biloxi Natatorium opened its doors this morning after a three-week holiday sprucing up, but attendance at the city’s indoor Olympic-size swimming pool facility was off this morning. “We haven’t had a whole lot of people today, and we didn’t anticipate having a lot considering the cold weather,” said Parks and Recreation Superintendent Jamie Lee, […]
Re-interment ceremony, statue re-dedication are this morning
12/20/2013
Two events that pay homage to Biloxi’s long history will take place this morning on the grounds of the Biloxi Visitors Center. At 10 a.m., a re-interment ceremony will be conducted for remains uncovered during archeological digs at the 17th-century French Colonial cemetery on the Moran site, just west of the Visitors Center. After that […]
Christmas continues at Visitors Center, Beauvoir
12/20/2013
The Biloxi Visitors is hosting an open house featuring local arts and crafts Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with wares inside and outside the beachfront center, Christmas movies playing in the center’s theater, and free Biloxi tour train rides. “This is a great opportunity for folks to come see our local talent and […]
Toddlers can meet Santa at Excel by 5 affair Saturday
12/13/2013
The Biloxi Excel by 5 Coalition will host its annual holiday event, “Come Learn with Santa,” Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon at Lopez School, which is at 140 St. John Ave. Children up to age 5 can participate in a variety of Christmas-related activities, including photos with Santa, decorating Christmas ornaments, and other age-appropriate […]
Natatorium to close for cleaning, painting
12/11/2013
The Biloxi Natatorium will soon be closing for some much needed upkeep. Beginning Saturday, Dec. 14 the facility will close to the public and reopen on Monday, Jan. 6. The three-week closing will allow the staff to spruce up things at the facility. “We need to pressure wash the decks, paint new depth markings around […]
Weekend of Christmas events kick off this evening
12/06/2013
The city will again be ushering in the holiday season with a weekend of signature events: the Children’s Christmas Walking Parade and lighting of the Town Green this evening, Christmas in the City arts and crafts show Saturday, and the Christmas on the Water boat parade Saturday evening. This afternoon, you’ll be able to get […]
Columbus’s ships to make stop in Biloxi
12/05/2013
On Dec. 11, the “Pinta” and the “Nina,” replicas of Columbus’s ships, will arrive in Biloxi. The ships will be docked at Seafood Industry Museum schooner pier, 367 Beach Blvd. The ships will be open to the public Thursday, Dec. 12 through Jan. 1. The “Nina” was built by hand and without the use of […]
Visitors Center to host local authors, book signing
11/28/2013
Many — if not all — of the authors of a new book, “The Mississippi Gulf Coast and Neighboring Sites,” will be at the Biloxi Visitors Center Sunday, Dec. 1 from 2 to 4 p.m. for a book-signing. The new opus, which sells for $10, features 25 essays about favorite tourist spots on the Mississippi […]
Police Chief: Be patient, be safety-minded
11/28/2013
Biloxi roadways will be busy with holiday traffic and Black Friday shoppers, and Biloxi Police Chief John Miller asks motorists to remember to drive defensively. “We’re expecting to see a high volume of traffic in the areas near Edgewater Mall, and we’re planning accordingly,” Miller said. “The best thing folks can do is remember to […]
Hard freeze warning issued for this evening
11/27/2013
The National Weather Service has issued a hard-freeze warning from 7 o’clock tonight until 9 a.m. Thursday. Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing – as low as 26 degrees — between 7 and 10 this evening, and remain below freezing until 9 a.m. Thanksgiving morning. “We’re asking people to remember the three Ps,” said […]
Christmas at Beauvoir heading into most-popular time
11/26/2013
It’s only in its second year, but Christmas at Beauvoir is already coming into its own, attracting twice the number of people as last year at this time, and with big-name entertainers expected to bring even more holiday excitement to the majestic wonderland in west Biloxi. This Friday will see versatile Broadway actor and music […]
Your guide to city-sponsored Christmas events
11/22/2013
Here is a compilation of city-sponsored Christmas events, updated Dec. 6, 2013. Now through Jan. 5: Christmas at Beauvoir Each Thursday through Sunday, the 52-acre beachfront national landmark turns into a holiday wonderland, with 150 lighted live oak trees, a holiday-festooned Presidential Library and mansion, outdoor stages with choirs and performing playing Christmas music, tabletop […]
Your weekend preview: Music is king
11/22/2013
Country and classic music are the big story this weekend, with Dwight Yoakam entertaining at the IP, the Roots and Boots tour with Sammy Kershaw, Joe Diffie and Aaron Tippin at the Golden Nugget, and the Grass Roots & The Buckinghams at Hard Rock. Elsewhere this weekend, you’ll find a comedy show and slugfest at […]
Lorraine Road bridge re-opened to traffic
11/21/2013
The Lorraine Road bridge, which had been closed more than four months ago because of safety concerns, was re-opened to traffic this morning after work by Biloxi and Gulfport Public Works personnel. Biloxi City Engineer Damon Torricelli said workers addressed deficiencies that had been outlined in an engineering report received by the respective cities. New […]
New author to tell Riches to Rags story at Visitors Center
11/21/2013
The public is invited to meet new author, Wynona Rogers at the Biloxi Visitors Center located at 1050 Beach Blvd. this evening from 5:30 to 7:30. This Gulf Shores, Ala. resident has released her first novel, “Riches to Rags: One Woman’s Story of Betrayal and Redemption.” “Riches to Rags” is a “true life small town […]
Firefighters seek toys for needy children
11/20/2013
The Biloxi Fire Department is asking residents to provide unwrapped toys for needy children for this Christmas. The fire department, along with a group of New York firefighters, the Nativity Men’s Club, and the Biloxi-Ocean Springs Junior Auxiliary, are asking residents to drop off unwrapped toys at any of the nine firehouses in Biloxi between […]
Walkers and runners to descend on downtown Biloxi
11/15/2013
Walk or run to downtown Biloxi this weekend, and you won’t be alone. The 30th annual Mayor’s Cup Run takes place throughout downtown Saturday and you’ll see the Alzheimer’s walk taking place on the Town Green. Both events are Saturday morning. Additionally, a safety fair with plenty of first responders and other demonstrations will be […]
Face it: Photos from Breakfast with the Mayor
11/13/2013
Dozens of photos from the Biloxi Chamber’s Breakfast with the Mayor presentation are now on the city’s Facebook page. To see the photos and to like the page, click here.
Holloway to nominate new Public Works director
11/12/2013
Mayor A.J. Holloway will be asking the Biloxi City Council to hire the former director of the Jackson Public Works Department as Biloxi’s new streets-and-drainage chief when the council meets this afternoon at 1:30. The meeting, which is open to the public and will be held at City Hall, has an agenda of 13 items. […]
Photos from opening of Christmas at Beauvoir
11/08/2013
To see photos from this week’s cemetery tour — and for a preview of what you can expect to see during an encore Tuesday from 4 to 7, click here.
Police preparing for ‘Feed the Needy’ program
11/07/2013
The Biloxi Police Department is joining with area law enforcement agencies again this year for “Feed the Needy,” a program to deliver hot Thanksgiving Day meals to the homes of the less fortunate. Meals – which can be picked up or delivered – must be requested by Friday, Nov. 22. Those interested should contact their […]
History-making veterans parade rolls Saturday
11/07/2013
As many as a thousand active duty and retired members of the military will be involved in the Gulf Coast Veterans parade in downtown Biloxi on Saturday, and one of them – retired Air Force Col. Phyllis A. Luttman – will be making history. This year’s 13th annual veterans parade marks the first year to […]
Bring an unwrapped toy or gift to the Biloxi-Gulfport game
11/05/2013
Biloxi Public Schools invite fans attending the November 8th Biloxi-Gulfport football game to bring at least one unwrapped gift to donate to the Gulf Coast Women’s Center for Nonviolence. Receptacles will be placed just inside the gates at the Biloxi Stadium. Officials at Biloxi Schools ask that fans provide gifts that would be appropriate for […]
Police to roll out online crime-mapping information
11/05/2013
Residents of Biloxi will be more aware of activities in their neighborhood and throughout the city thanks to a new online crime-mapping program being unveiled today by the Biloxi Police Department. The website, which is online now, will pinpoint crimes reported throughout the city, and will allow residents or business owners to be notified about […]
‘Finally First Friday’ is this evening
11/01/2013
Biloxi Main Street hosts “Finally First Friday” this evening from 5 to 8 p.m., with live entertainment throughout Downtown Biloxi, featuring Ian Taylor. Gallery 782 is hosting an artist show from Linda and Vern Nix, “The Magic of Sand & Mud,” with entertainment by Richard Shropshire. Those attending Finally First Friday will also have a […]
Council to vote on zoning for new areas of city
11/01/2013
Land-use and zoning measures — involving annexation, and bed and breakfasts — are expected to be decided during the City Council meeting Tuesday evening. The agenda includes a measure to amend Biloxi’s land-use and zoning map to add the 2.6-square miles won in the annexation victory over D’Iberville. The Biloxi Planning Commission has worked to […]
Biloxi Family Festival Against Crime is Saturday
11/01/2013
You’ll have a chance to get a close-up look at emergency response equipment, meet police officers and firefighters, and enjoy free food and games on Saturday when the Biloxi Police Department hosts its annual Family Festival Against Crime on the Town Green. The free festivities will run from noon until 3 p.m. The celebration includes […]
Bigger Christmas at Beauvoir opens next week
11/01/2013
Christmas at Beauvoir, the 41-day extravaganza, ushers in the holiday season with a gala on Nov. 7, when Mississippi’s First Lady, Deborah Bryant, will flip a switch to turn on the lights adorning 150 live oak trees on the grounds of the historic Jefferson Davis landmark in west Biloxi. The 2013 Christmas at Beauvoir, the […]
Visitors Center to host film screening, performance
10/31/2013
Internationally acclaimed percussionist Arthur Lipner will show his music documentary, “Talking Sticks,” Friday at 6 at the Biloxi Visitors Center. After the one-hour showing will be a Q&A with Lipner. The program will conclude with Lipner playing a few pieces on solo vibraphone, and clapping/singing with the audience. Tickets are $7 each, but seating is […]
Twelve Palms memorial to be re-dedicated on Veterans Day
10/30/2013
The Biloxi Bay Chamber, which has a history of restoring historic community landmarks in Biloxi, will take another step into history on Veterans Day with the re-dedication of “Twelve Palms Memorial,” a tribute to Biloxi’s World War I casualties. The ceremony will be in Biloxi Businessmen’s Park, at Forrest Avenue and Bayview Drive, on Back […]
Cemetery tour photos
10/25/2013
To see photos from this week’s cemetery tour — and for a preview of what you can expect to see during an encore Tuesday from 4 to 7, click here.
‘Halloween at Hiller’ is this evening
10/25/2013
“Halloween at Hiller” takes place this evening from 5:30 to 7:30 with family games and contests, hay rides and fire truck rides, face painting and soft drinks, hot dogs and candy. The event is being coordinated by Councilmember Dixie Newman in the huge west Biloxi city park, which is north of Pass Road at Hiller […]
Cemetery tours: Double the history this year
10/18/2013
Fans of annual Old Biloxi Cemetery Tour are in for something old and something new this year. First, you’ll be seeing a lineup of 10 re-enactors representing a greatest hits compilation of sorts, with some of the most notable re-enactments from the past several years, and this year’s tour will be offered for two days, […]
Horrors! Biloxi Visitors Center to be Haunted
10/17/2013
The Biloxi Visitors Center, with Halloween just around the corner, is hosting a book signing and evening with Barbara Sillery, author of “The Haunting of Mississippi,” this evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. “The Haunting of Mississippi” is a ghostly guide that takes readers on a tour of more than 20 historical sites the supernatural […]
Travel writers begin gathering this week on Mississippi Gulf Coast
10/16/2013
The first wave of 300 travel writers from across the country begins arriving on the Mississippi Gulf Coast today, and local tourism leaders are asking residents and businesses to put their best foot forward for the group’s weeklong visit. The Board of Directors of the Society of American Travel Writers arrives today, signaling the kick […]
Some are receiving late water bills in Biloxi
10/14/2013
A third of Biloxi’s water bills are going out late this month, but the bills will also have a later due date to make up for the late bill. The city bills its 13,417 customers in three cycles, and a snag in a computer system caused Cycle 1 — nearly 3,700 bills — to go […]
Development committee to review baseball stadium
10/14/2013
The city’s Development Review Committee will get its first look at the proposed downtown baseball stadium and how it will be situated on the Caillavet street site during a meeting Wednesday morning at 9. The DRC meetings, which are held at the Community Development Department, are a one-stop forum for developers to meet with key […]
Special Needs Halloween Costume Ball is tonight
10/11/2013
The Parks and Recreation Department will hold its annual Special Needs Halloween Costume Ball tonight from 6 to 9 at the Donal Snyder Community Center, 2520 Pass Road. This free event is open to youths and adults with mental and physical disabilities. A costume contest will be held with 1st, 2nd, 3rd place awards. Food […]
Excel by 5’s annual safety fair this weekend
10/11/2013
Excel by 5 will hold its annual Safety Fair Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Biloxi Town Green, 710 Beach Blvd. This free event is open to children from ages birth to five. Participants will be able to meet Spot the Dog and McGruff the Crime dog as well as take part in […]
Police Chief: Relax. Cruise through the weekend, enjoy the view
10/11/2013
“It’s been just wonderful,” Biloxi Police Chief John Miller says of Cruisin’ the Coast, which is rolling into its final weekend. Organizers of the 17th annual affair, which began last weekend in the wake of no-show Tropical Storm Karen, report that more than 6,200 vehicles from 40 states and Canada are taking part in this […]
See dozens of Cruisin’ block party photos
10/09/2013
More than a thousand Cruisin’ the Coast cars, hundreds of car enthusiasts, Elvis and even Marilyn turned out for today’s Downtown Biloxi Block Party. To see dozens of photos from the affair, which began before daylight and wraps up shortly, click here.
Visitors Center to host inaugural Lighthouse Arts and Crafts Fair
10/09/2013
The creations of more than 30 local artists and craftsmen with everything from jewelry to one of a kind wood sculptures will be on display on Saturday for the inaugural Lighthouse Arts and Crafts Fair. The event, which will he held on the lawn of the Biloxi Visitors Center, will be from 9 a.m. to […]
Horrors! Biloxi Visitors Center to be Haunted
10/09/2013
The Biloxi Visitors Center, with Halloween just around the corner, is hosting a book signing and evening with Barbara Sillery, author of “The Haunting of Mississippi,” on Thursday, Oct. 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. “The Haunting of Mississippi” is a ghostly guide that takes readers on a tour of more than 20 historical sites […]
Cruisin’ party now underway in downtown Biloxi
10/09/2013
He was in downtown Biloxi in the 1950s, signing autographs at a shoe store, and Elvis returns today for the Cruisin’ the Coast Downtown Biloxi Block Party. More than thousand cars are now on display throughout the streets of downtown Biloxi now through 2 p.m. for the annual celebration. At 11:30 a.m., Brandon Bennett, “the […]
On deck: A team and approval by Minor League Baseball
10/08/2013
David Nichols, Biloxi’s chief administrative officer, will be in the state capital with city financial advisers Wednesday morning, following through on the city’s initiative to borrow $21 million to construct a downtown baseball stadium that will host minor league baseball games and other events. The move comes after the City Council’s 5-2 vote this afternoon […]
Meeting called to consider stadium, baseball proposals
10/05/2013
The Biloxi City Council will meet Tuesday morning to consider proposals to lease land from the Beau Rivage for construction of a baseball stadium, lease the stadium to a baseball team, and borrow $21 million to construct the stadium and a parking garage, which then be leased back to the Beau Rivage. The public meeting […]
As Karen churns in Gulf, residents asked to prepare
10/04/2013
The Biloxi City Council will have a special meeting this morning at 9:30, when councilmembers are expected to declare a state of emergency after being briefed about the city’s preparations for Tropical Storm Karen. The National Hurricane Center late Thursday evening said that Karen – about 475 miles miles south of Biloxi, with sustained winds […]
Karen: What you’ll see and when you’ll see it
10/04/2013
Biloxi will see winds begin picking up Saturday morning and conditions will deteriorate throughout the afternoon, with the brunt of Tropical Storm Karen being felt Sunday morning about 7, when the storm is expected to be south of Pascagoula. Winds – which have gusts of up to 20 mph this afternoon – will be sustained […]
Library to present ‘Dearly Departed: The Mourning After’
09/27/2013
By Jane Shambra The Local History and Genealogy Department is hosting a special genealogy program on Thursday, October 3, 2013 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Biloxi Public Library, 580 Howard Ave. In anticipation of Biloxi’s 2013 upcoming October cemetery tours, the Biloxi Public Library will present a special programming event. The staff has […]
Weekend preview: Football, Chefs of Coast, Town Green fun and more
09/27/2013
High school football, a family-style fundraiser on the Town Green, and Chefs of the Coast at the Civic Center highlight the weekend entertainment lineup. It’s Biloxi vs. D’Iberville and City of Biloxi night on the Biloxi High School campus this evening, with ID-card-carrying city employees getting two-for-one seats to the 7 p.m. game. Then on […]
Police seek sponsors for annual festival against crime
09/25/2013
Community-minded businesses and volunteers have a chance to be a part of Biloxi’s Community Festival Against Crime, which takes place Nov. 2, from noon until 3 on the Biloxi Town Green. “We’re looking for businesses and individuals who want to sponsor, volunteer or donate their time or services to this event,” said Biloxi Police John […]
Council asked to allow boats, campers and RVs in front yards
09/22/2013
The Biloxi Planning Commission is recommending that the City Council amend the city’s Land Development Ordinance to allow residents to store RVs, campers and boats in their front yards. The issue – along with a relaxation of the number of parking spaces required at motels – will have its initial reading before the City Council […]
Firemen’s Day parade moved to Oct. 5
09/21/2013
The Firemen’s Day parade planned for today has been re-scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 5 because of inclement weather.
Fireman’s Day parade rolls Saturday in downtown
09/20/2013
Dozens of fire trucks from dozens of fire departments and agencies from Louisiana to Alabama will be rolling through downtown Biloxi Saturday morning at 10 for the annual Fireman’s Day Parade. The parade is a throwback to a tradition of the 1800s, to an annual Biloxi Fireman’s Day parade that was once as popular at […]
Schools, city boast of growth in classroom and community
09/18/2013
Growth in the classroom and in the community was the subject of this morning’s “Breakfast with the Mayor” session, where Biloxi Public Schools Superintendent Arthur McMillan spoke about the school district’s impressive showing in state testing and Community Development Director Jerry Creel reviewed his latest list of economic development projects. “I am so proud of […]
Mayor’s breakfast: ‘The ABCs of Economic Development’
09/16/2013
Those attending the Biloxi Chamber’s “Breakfast with the Mayor” Wednesday will have a chance to hear about “The ABCs of Economic Development,” including details about the Biloxi Public Schools impressive ranking by Mississippi Department of Education and an update on development in Biloxi. The session, which will be held Wednesday morning at 8 at the […]
Biloxi named A-rated district, No. 3 in state
09/13/2013
The new state testing numbers are in and Biloxi is an A-rated school district and the No. 3-ranked in the state. “This is outstanding news for our teachers, our principals, our parents, and, of course, our students,” Biloxi Superintendent Arthur McMillan said of the state’s accountability results, which were released this morning. “These impressive scores […]
Seafood festival leads weekend fun
09/13/2013
One of the city’s signature events, the Biloxi Seafood Festival, ushers in its 32nd edition Saturday, and after three decades the chamber is still finding ways to add new attractions to the popular attraction. For years, two days of lively music and fresh seafood dishes, along with the Sun Herald Gumbo Championship have attracted huge […]
Tickets on sale for Biloxi First roast of Jeff O’Keefe
09/10/2013
Tickets are on sale for the 11th annual Biloxi First Roast, which will feature Jeffrey O’Keefe, on Oct. 3 at IP Casino Resort. O’Keefe is a graduate of University of Southern Mississippi and is president of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner and the program begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are […]
Special council meetings set for Thursday
09/10/2013
Mayor A.J. Holloway has called two special meetings of the Biloxi City Council for Thursday morning. A Bmail on Friday listed an incorrect day for the meetings. During a 9:30 session Thursday, the council is expected to approve the municipal budget for FY 2014, and at a 10 a.m. meeting councilmembers will discuss the proposed […]
Beauvoir to offer free look at Varina’s Garden Thursday morning
09/10/2013
Several years of exhaustive research and half a year of construction will blossom — literally – on Thursday when Beauvoir: The Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library unveils Varina’s Garden, a recreation of the garden cared for by Varina Howell Davis, Mrs. Jefferson Davis. As part of the introduction, Beauvoir will offer a free tour […]
Downtown event kicks off weekend of entertainment
09/06/2013
Main Street’s Finally First Friday for September bows today, with a back-to-school salute to teachers, with hand-dipped apples and other giveaways. The downtown Biloxi event, which takes place this evening from 5 to 8, will feature The Blue Start Orchestra in Margaret Tremmel Peresich Park, while Gallery 782 hosts an exhibition by artist LeLinda Bourge […]
Teacher, teacher: First Friday to focus on you
09/03/2013
Main Street’s Finally First Friday for September will have a back-to-school flavor, with hand-dipped apples for teachers attending the Downtown Biloxi affair. The event, which takes place Friday from 5 to 8 p.m., will feature The Blue Start Orchestra in Margaret Tremmel Peresich Park, while Gallery 782 hosts an exhibition by artist LeLinda Bourge and […]
RV park issue to top nighttime council meeting
08/30/2013
Members of the Biloxi City Council will decide whether to allow an RV park to be constructed on 14.5 acres off Wells Drive when they meet on Tuesday evening at 6 at City Hall. The meeting marks a return to the council’s pre-Katrina routine of having the first-of-the-month meeting at night. Besides the RV park […]
Get Hooked Up with the Back Bay Music Fest
08/30/2013
It’s Labor Day weekend, and the Hook-Up Bar and Restaurant has three days of music and fun in the sun for its inaugural Back Bay Music Festival. The music lineup – Isis this evening, Rosco Bandana on Saturday and the Molly Ringwalds Sunday – is only part of the allure. There’s a free children’s fishing […]
Biloxi: Catering to the value-conscious traveler
08/30/2013
Tripeese, an interactive travel website that caters to group travelers seeking discount rates, this week announced its five end-of-summer, must-see destinations: Hilton Head, S.C.; The Ozarks, Ark.; Molokai, Hawaii; Glacier Bay, Alaska; and, drum roll, please, Biloxi, Miss. Tripeese says that Biloxi may seem off-the-beaten path (as opposed to Hawaii or Alaska), but travelers will […]
See photos from this morning’s memorial ceremony
08/29/2013
Nearly three-dozen photos from this morning’s Katrina memorial ceremony are now online. To see the photos, which are on the city’s Facebook page (you have to Like Biloxi), click here.
Meeting planned for baseball stadium, related development
08/28/2013
The Biloxi Planning Commission will conduct a special called meeting on Thursday at 2 p.m. to discuss the urban renewal plan for the proposed downtown baseball stadium and related commercial development. The meeting will be held in the auditorium of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Municipal Building, which is at 676 Dr. Martin Luther […]
City to mark eighth anniversary of Katrina with ceremony
08/28/2013
The Most Rev. Roger Morin, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi, will join Mayor A.J. Holloway and students from Biloxi High School and St. Patrick for the city’s annual Katrina memorial observance on Thursday at the Katrina memorial on the Biloxi Town Green. The ceremony, which will also feature Pastor Lindsey Robinson of St. […]
Progress made Monday night; bridge work resumes this evening at 8
08/27/2013
Workers making repairs to the fender system at the Popp’s Ferry bridge accomplished their night’s work ahead of schedule Monday night, and were actually able to re-open the bridge at 3 this morning, a couple hours ahead of schedule. This evening, the bridge will close again from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. to allow the […]
Application for social-service funding
08/27/2013
There are two forms — an application and a spreadsheet — that social service agencies must be complete in order to apply for funding from the City of Biloxi. Those interested should print the forms, complete them and turn them in to the City Council or mayor’s office, City Hall, 140 Lameuse St. no later […]
Sports Hall of Fame photos and more
08/26/2013
Class of 2013: To see photos from the induction ceremony for the Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2013, click here. Visit the hall: To read biographies of the Class of 2013, and to read about past inductees, click here. Ready, Set, GO: To see photos from the Excel by 5 Health Fair, conducted […]
Reminder: Popp’s Ferry bridge closes at 8 tonight
08/26/2013
The Popp’s Ferry Bridge will be closed to vehicular and marine traffic this evening, beginning at 8, and again Tuesday and Wednesday nights to allow workers to continue repairs to the bridge’s fender system. The bridge will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. each of the days. Workers must raise the bridge’s draw […]
What you need to know about Biloxi test scores
08/23/2013
OK, so maybe you’ve seen the myriad numbers released this week by the Mississippi Department of Education, and you may have been left scratching your head about what they all mean. The voluminous compilation was actually a collection of raw data that showed test scores from individual schools and school districts. Those numbers will be […]
Council hears of East Biloxi road, and debates on RV park and dumpster
08/21/2013
The report on the proposed stadium in downtown Biloxi was merely one of several issues the City Council heard during its three-hour meeting Tuesday afternoon. In other business: Road work: The City Council voted to apply for a $5 million grant from the Mississippi Development Authority to extent Back Bay Boulevard to Fifth Street. The […]
Consultant touts benefits of downtown stadium
08/21/2013
The proposed downtown stadium would attract nearly a half-million people to the downtown area, would be one of the best sites in the four-state Southern League, and, more importantly, would help turnaround Biloxi’s sagging economy. That’s the word from development authority Charles Johnson, who also said the city’s $21 million investment for construction of the […]
Popp’s Ferry bridge to close three nights next week
08/21/2013
The Popp’s Ferry Bridge will be closed to vehicular and marine traffic Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights to allow workers to continue repairs to the bridge’s fender system. The bridge will be closed from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. each of the days. The city has installed electronic message boards along Popp’s Ferry Road to […]
See a copy of baseball stadium analysis
08/20/2013
To see a copy of the baseball study presented to the City Council this afternoon, click here.
Excel by 5 health fair just around the corner
08/16/2013
Biloxi Excel By 5 will hold its annual Ready Set GO Children’s Health Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Biloxi Resource Center, Lopez School, 140 St. John Ave. This event is designed for children up to 5 years old. Visitors will get free age-appropriate health screenings. The screenings will […]
‘Camille,’ ‘Katrina’ meet Saturday at Visitors Center
08/16/2013
Two of the worst storms to ever strike Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast – indeed, to ever strike the United States – will be the subject of documentaries to be re-shown Saturday at the Biloxi Visitors Center. The presentations, in the Visitors Center’s second-flood theater, will be free and open to the public. “A […]
Football fans, get your sneak peek this evening
08/16/2013
Biloxi high school football fans will get a chance to preview the 2013 Indians this evening at 7 when the squad hosts Gautier in a football jamboree. The display will feature two quarters of play for varsity players, and two quarters for junior-varsity players. “We’ll put kids in game situations and see where they are […]
Redeemer to host Camille memorial service
08/15/2013
The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer will host its annual Camille Memorial Service on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 3 p.m. at the Camille memorial. The memorial is at 610 Water Street, off U.S. 90 at Bellman Street. Camille site: To see information on Camille, from a mini-website the city created pre-Katrina, click here.
Meet the teams, see the movie Sunday
08/15/2013
The Biloxi football program will host a Meet the Teams night on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 5 p.m. at the Biloxi Junior High School auditorium, and those attending will be able to see the premiere of the movie “Mississippi Gridiron Gold: Small Towns, Big Teams.” The evening will have an admission fee of $8, with […]
Sports Hall of Fame to add seven members
08/15/2013
A native son who has five World Series rings, a former New Orleans Saints center, and the father of two previous inductees top the list of seven new members who will be added to the Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame August 25th at the annual banquet. This year’s Induction Ceremony will be held 5 p.m. […]
Back-to-school pool party, special needs dance coming up
08/15/2013
The City of Biloxi’s Parks and Recreation Department will host two upcoming back to school events: a Back to School Hoorah Pool Party and a Special Needs Back-To-School Hoorah Dance for children and adults. The pool party will be on Friday, Sept. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Biloxi Natatorium, which is at […]
Council may get report on impact of stadium Tuesday
08/15/2013
When the Biloxi City Council voted last week to seek an economic analysis on the potential impact of a downtown stadium, Councilmember Paul Tisdale said he hoped the study would be “sooner rather than later.” Tisdale and his fellow councilmembers are getting their wish. Johnson Consulting, a firm that has worked in Biloxi and advised […]
Your help is needed for two relief efforts Saturday
08/09/2013
Relief effort No. 1: Councilman Kenny Glavan reports that the Knights of Columbus are assisting with building a handicap ramp for a woman who lost her leg three weeks ago. Among the materials being sought are nine 8-foot 4x4s, 20 2x8s, 30 2x4x8s, and five sheets of three-quarter-inch 4×8 treated plywood. Those who can assist […]
Cemetery tour to expand this year
08/09/2013
The city and Main Street are expanding the award-winning Old Biloxi Cemetery Tour this year, and importing a director from Biloxi Little Theater to help organize everything. “This year, we’re going to have several dozen travel writers from the Society of American Travel Writers witnessing our tour, so we wanted to make it quite a […]
Weekend preview: Funambula and a host of performances
08/09/2013
Highlighting the entertainment calendar this weekend are the continuing run of Funambula at the Beau Rivage, shows by America and Kathy Griffin at the Hard Rock, and Montgomery Gentry and Vicki Lawrence & Mama at the IP. To see details on these shows and others – courtesy of online listings from the Mississippi Gulf Coast […]
Visitors Center will mark second anniversary with daylong party
08/07/2013
The Biloxi Visitors Center marks its second anniversary Thursday with door prizes throughout the day, and free hot dogs, hamburgers and soft drinks at lunchtime. The party will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Members of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions Association will have exhibits showing […]
Photos from today’s council meeting
08/06/2013
To see dozens of images from the City Council meeting on Tuesday, click here.
Council seeks detailed projections on baseball proposal
08/06/2013
The Biloxi City Council this afternoon, after nearly two hours in executive session, voted unanimously to commission an economic analysis of the impact of a downtown Biloxi baseball stadium. The study, capped at a cost of $25,000, would determine the benefit of the stadium at the Beau Rivage site, as well as the likelihood of […]
Parents, motorists: Let’s keep it safe
08/05/2013
The new school year begins Tuesday morning at Biloxi Public Schools, and motorists are reminded to be wary of school crossing zones, which have reduced speed limits. About 5,000 students are expected to be attending classes at Biloxi’s four elementary schools, Biloxi Junior High School, and Biloxi High School. Sam Bailey, transportation director for Biloxi […]
Parking at City Hall to be relocated temporarily
07/30/2013
Visitors to City Hall will have to park in the public lot behind the building beginning Wednesday morning, as contractors demolishing the adjoining annex will have heavy equipment and debris on site for the next several weeks. Contractors are working on the interior of the annex this week, and are expected to begin working on […]
Lorraine Road bridge at Biloxi River to close this afternoon
07/29/2013
The Lorraine Road bridge over the Biloxi River is being closed today at 2 p.m. and will be closed until an in-depth safety analysis has been done on the bridge’s substructure, including underwater. There is no immediate word on when the bridge would re-open. City engineers in Gulfport and Biloxi made the decision to close […]
Kayak race, ‘Forever Plaid,’ concerts top weekend
07/26/2013
A parade of pink paddlers will be on the water between Ocean Springs and Biloxi Saturday morning when the second annual Pink Paddle Race travels from the Ocean Springs Yacht Club to the Biloxi Yacht Club. The one-mile kayak race, which draws attention to the Pink Hearts fund, is one of several events taking place […]
Holloway, Hewes travel to D.C. to advocate flood insurance reform
07/26/2013
Mayors A.J. Holloway of Biloxi and Billy Hewes of Gulfport returned home this morning after traveling to Washington, D.C. this to advocate flood insurance reform. Holloway and Hewes met with legislators from across the country, as well as federal officials, to help develop an alternative to the Biggert-Waters Act, which would see dramatic increases in […]
Photos from Tuesday’s council meeting
07/25/2013
To see dozens of images from the City Council meeting on Tuesday, click here.
Latest development list
07/25/2013
To see the latest list of development — recently completed, underway or under review — from the Community Development Department,click here.
Infrastructure work tops breakfast with mayor
07/24/2013
Biloxi’s infrastructure project, Restore Biloxi, has seen more than $32 million in work completed, and another $20 to $25 million will be “on the street” within the next six to eight weeks, according to a report this morning. And Marvin G. Dalla Rosa, project manager for the firm HNTB, says the biggest part of the […]
Infrastracture work: Q&A
07/24/2013
Here are some of the issues that frequently arise in Restore Biloxi projects, which are governed by FEMA regulations: Before-and-after videos: Before beginning any work in a project area, and before final closeout of the project, the contractor must submit for approval a video of all assets to be impacted by the construction. Water interruptions: […]
Movie, theater and more this weekend. Giddy up!
07/19/2013
Heading up the weekend entertainment lineup, Main Street has a drive-in movie on the Town Green this evening, and community theaters in west and east Biloxi have new productions. You’ll find Cliff Thompson in the revival of “Forever Plaid” at Center Stage and “The Reunion” at Biloxi Little Theater. There’s also a rodeo at the […]
Council to review city’s latest clean audit
07/18/2013
Members of the Biloxi City Council will get a briefing on the latest audit of city finances Tuesday morning, and Chief Administrative Officer David Nichols says it will be a mixed bag of numbers. “The important thing is that there were no irregularities, or what the auditors call exceptions or findings,” Nichols said of the […]
MML delegates gathering in Biloxi this week
07/15/2013
Municipal leaders from across the state are in Biloxi this week for the annual summertime Mississippi Municipal League conference, the largest of south Mississippi’s annual conventions. About 3,000 municipal leaders and employees, state agency representatives, legislators and exhibitors are attending three days of meetings at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center. Some delegates actually […]
Police awards photos and video tribute
07/12/2013
For those who missed the photos earlier from today’s police awards ceremony, you can see the collection of more than 100 images by clicking here. Apologies for the broken link on the city web site earlier. Bonus video: Of course, WLOX and Subway have for some time recognized the heroism in the Biloxi Police Department. […]
Schools chief: It’s going to be a great year
07/12/2013
Arthur McMillan, superintendent of Biloxi Public Schools, discusses the successes and challenges in Biloxi, and previews the upcoming school year in this week’s edition of the City Desk webcast. The 17-minute public affairs program also features Biloxi Public Schools Business Manager Shane Switzer, who is responsible for tracking school expenditures and revenue. Listen now:To listen […]
Biloxi police officers cited for distinguished service
07/12/2013
Thirteen Biloxi police officers were presented Distinguished Service Medals this morning for exceptional service in the line of duty. The awards, presented by Mayor A.J. Holloway and Police Chief John Miller, recognized officers for heroic acts in Hurricane Isaac last year — rescuing homeowners from a flooding neighborhood in Woolmarket and rescuing distressed boaters — […]
New chief Boney taps Dronet as assistant chief
07/11/2013
New Biloxi Fire Chief Joe Boney, in one of his first official acts, has named a longtime deputy chief, Mark Dronet, as the No. 2 man in the Biloxi Fire Department. “Mark knows things that I don’t know,” said Boney, a 29-year veteran of the department who was unanimously confirmed by the City Council on […]
Fireworks, First Friday kick off big holiday weekend
07/03/2013
The Fourth of July fireworks on Thursday night at 9 will bring sparkle to the holiday weekend, and the next night, Biloxi Main Street’s monthly “Finally, First Friday” will keep music in the air throughout the downtown area. “First Friday” will be this Friday in the Rue Magnolia and Water Street area. Attractions will include […]
Photos from today’s council meeting
07/02/2013
To see dozens of images from today’s City Council meeting, the first of the new term, click here.
The inauguration: photos and text
07/01/2013
Mayor A.J. Holloway and the seven members of the Biloxi City Council took their oaths of office during a ceremony at the Biloxi Civic Center this afternoon, with the six-term mayor turning to his first inaugural address 20 years ago for inspiration. The ceremony included the swearing in of five new councilmembers — Dixie Newman, […]
Bam! Huge Biloxi fireworks show to be a record-setter
06/29/2013
Biloxi will have one of the largest fireworks shows on the Gulf of Mexico this Fourth of July, presented from what organizers call dueling barges that will be anchored at Deer Island, just off the Biloxi peninsula. “This year’s Fourth of July fireworks will be the largest in the gulf south, from Galveston, Texas to […]
Comedy, music and art highlight weekend
06/28/2013
The weekend lineup of entertainment includes performances by Joan Rivers, Cyndi Lauper and Ronnie Dunn, the Funambula show at the Beau, a coin show at the Civic Center, and a sneak preview of three new exhibitions, including work of Frank Janca, at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art. To see the details on these events and […]
Councilmembers bring curtain down on four-year term
06/25/2013
Five of Biloxi’s seven City Council members attended their last scheduled meeting of the current four-year term this afternoon, closing their tenure by thanking city staff and residents for their terms in office. Among those giving farewell remarks were Councilmembers Bill Stallworth of Ward 2, Lucy Denton of Ward 3, Clark Griffith of Ward 4, […]
Chamber, school board endorse stadium initiative
06/20/2013
The Biloxi School Board has joined a growing number of organizations who have voted to endorse the construction of a baseball stadium in downtown Biloxi. The school board resolution, in a resolution passed this week, pointed out the $15 million pledged by Gov. Phil Bryant and the availability of a Double A minor league baseball […]
City updates major road projects, waterfront improvements
06/20/2013
A quick update on a trio of city projects, from Chief Administrative Officer David Nichols: New Popp’s Ferry Bridge and approaches: This project, which would involve the 2.6-mile area from Pass Road to Riverview Drive, is being planned by the city and will use federal, state and local funds. Survey work and soil borings are […]
Webcasting: Meet three of the new councilmembers
06/20/2013
This week’s “City Desk” webcast, recorded this morning at City Hall, includes its customary update of ongoing city projects and initiatives, but you’ll also have a chance to meet three of the five new City Councilmembers – Dixie Newman, Robert L. Deming III, and Dr. Paul Tisdale. After a brief recap of the day’s issues […]
Baseball proposal takes another step forward
06/19/2013
The city’s bond counsel and financial analyst are expected to appear before the City Council by late July with proposed interest rates and terms for borrowing $21 million toward construction of a downtown baseball stadium. The current City Council set the wheels in motion when it voted 4-2 Tuesday to authorize the firms of Page, […]
Work to return D’Iberville statue underway at Visitors Center
06/19/2013
A project to return the statue of the explorer Pierre LeMoyne Sieur D’Iberville to near its pre-Katrina beachfront site is now underway at the Biloxi Visitors Center. Workers with George P. Hopkins Construction Co. this week are preparing the forms that will support the new concrete base for the statue, which will stand just west […]
Juneteenth among weekend’s entertainment offerings
06/14/2013
It’s another diverse weekend, with the city’s Juneteenth celebration, mixed-martial arts fighting at the IP, performances by comedian Drew Carey (IP) and rockers Tesla (Hard Rock) all on tap this weekend. Juneteenth, a celebration that originated in Galveston in 1865 to commemorate the end of slavery, will be marked Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. […]
City to host meeting for Channel Mark, Cove Drive areas
06/13/2013
City representatives will be meeting next week with residents of the neighborhoods around Channel Mark and Cove Drive to tell them about major infrastructure work coming to their area. The meeting, part of the outreach effort for the city’s $355 million Restore Biloxi Infrastructure Repair Program, will be held Wednesday, June 19 in the Fine […]
Biloxi Excel By Five offers ‘Trip to Wonderland’
06/13/2013
Biloxi Excel By Five is inviting children birth to 5 years of age to “Trip to Wonderland” on Saturday, June 29th from 10 a.m. to noon at Lopez School, 140 St. John Ave., Biloxi. Children can participate in fun hands on activities and visit with Alice in Wonderland characters. From 10 to 11:15 a.m. children […]
Beach Fest to bow Thursday evening at Lighthouse Pier
06/12/2013
The Biloxi High Indians offense and defense will hold an intramural scrimmage of sorts on Thursday – on the water. A kayak race between representatives of the two squads, billed as the Mayor’s Kayak Challenge, will be one of the attractions for the inaugural Beach Fest, which will be a collection of arts and crafts […]
More work planned Saturday morning on Popp’s Ferry bridge
06/07/2013
Welders will be making repairs to another area of the Popp’s Ferry bridge span Saturday morning beginning at 6 a.m., and next week the Biloxi City Council will be asked to approve $280,000 in repairs to the fender system, which was sideswiped by a barge weeks ago. The repair work on Saturday morning will see […]
Holloway sails to sixth term; council to see five new faces
06/04/2013
Mayor A.J. Holloway coasted to an unprecedented sixth term for a Biloxi mayor this evening, capturing 74 percent of the vote, and the Biloxi City Council will have five new members when new terms begin in July. Republican Dixie Newman defeated Lucy Denton by a 60-40 margin, capturing 512 votes to 336 votes in a […]
Governor commits $15 million to proposed stadium in Biloxi
05/30/2013
(From Governor Phil Bryant’s office) The state is providing the City of Biloxi a $15 million grant to construct a minor league baseball stadium downtown, Gov. Phil Bryant announced this afternoon. The financial assistance for the project comes from funds BP granted to the state in 2010 during the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. “The oil […]
Beauvoir to revisit history with new presidential library
05/24/2013
Beauvoir is ready to open the doors to its $11.5 million presidential library and you’re invited. The last home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis in Biloxi, MS, will celebrate the opening of the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library with a three-day celebration June 1 through 3. Events will include a Black Tie Gala, The Davis Family […]
Council meeting photos
05/17/2013
Photos: To see photos from the City Council meeting Tuesday, click here.
Boudreaux request withdrawn in Ward 6
05/17/2013
Paul H. Boudreaux, a Ward 6 candidate who had requested a review of the ballot box after the May 7 primary, actually had withdrawn that request. A Bmail transmitted this afternoon failed to note that Boudreaux had withdrawn his request. The Ward 6 race on Tuesday will see incumbent Edward “Ed” Gemmill facing challenger Kenny […]
City releases annual water quality report
05/17/2013
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 […]
Learn the basics of biking Saturday at Walmart
05/17/2013
The City of Biloxi will help children and adults learn the ins and outs of bicycle safety, bike riding and bike repairs during a session Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at the Walmart Supercenter in west Biloxi. The free event is in celebration of bicycle month and will include […]
Holloway speaks to baseball, street work and more
05/15/2013
Mayor A.J. Holloway talked baseball, road work and trees this morning during the Biloxi Chamber’s Breakfast with the the Mayor session. Holloway noted that Tuesday’s vote by the City Council expressing intent to borrow $21 million for construction of a baseball stadium is one of many steps in the process. Said the mayor: “There are […]
Downtown merchants plan Ward 2 forum
05/15/2013
A Ward 2 political forum is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22 at 5:30 p.m., in Margaret Tremmel Peresich Park, just south of Jackson Street across from Biloxi Regional Medical Center, in downtown Biloxi. The forum will be hosted by the downtown merchants and will have a format that allows opening remarks from the candidates, followed […]
Beauvoir to host session on care of trees
05/15/2013
Beauvoir will host a free hands-on seminar on May 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m . where participants can learn how to conserve trees, protect trees during construction, identify hazard trees, and generally maintain trees through pruning, root conservation, storm preparedness and correctly planting the right tree in the right place. “This session is […]
Biloxi High School chosen for prestigious math and science program
05/13/2013
Biloxi High School this afternoon became the first school in Mississippi to become a member of a prestigious program – one of only 52 high schools in the country — that offers more college-level math, science and English courses will be taught to Biloxi students. The National Math and Science Initiative, a non-profit organization launched […]
All registered voters may vote in Ward 3, 4 and 6 runoffs
05/10/2013
All registered voters in Wards 3, 4 and 6 will be able to vote in the May 21 runoffs in those respective wards, regardless of whether they voted Tuesday. The Mississippi Secretary of State’s office had initially advised the city that only voters who voted Tuesday could vote on May 21. But after the position […]
Fire museum to hold fish fry Friday
05/09/2013
West End Hose Co. No. 3, the all-volunteer fire museum, will hold a fish fry Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Howard Avenue museum. The $7 plates will include fish, potato salad, baked beans and bread. Drinks and desserts also will be available. Advance orders will be taken Friday morning from 8 […]
Last call for vendors for Fais Do-Do
05/09/2013
Organizers of the upcoming 84th annual Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival are making a last call for crafts vendors for the Fais-Do-Do. The fais-do-do, a French term loosely translated as street dance, will be held Saturday, June 1, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., on the Biloxi Town Green. Deadline for vendor applications […]
Runoffs set for May 21; Boudreaux seeks review
05/09/2013
Voters in Wards 3, 4 and 6 will be asked to return to the polls on Tuesday, May 21 to help decide party nominees in those wards because no candidate received more than 50 percent of the votes in those races. And, meantime, Paul H. Boudreaux Jr., a candidate for the Ward 6 city council […]
Barges destroy part of fender system at Popp’s Ferry bridge
05/09/2013
A tug boat pushing four barges carrying crushed rock and gravel collided with the wooden fender system that protects the Popp’s Ferry bridge after noon today, heavily damaging and detaching a section of the wooden system. The bridge itself remained operational and open to vehicular and marine traffic after the incident. “The fender system did […]
Primary results for Biloxi races
05/07/2013
Here are the unofficial results of the 2013 municipal primaries in Biloxi: Mayor — Republicans David L. Bull — 1,316 (32.59 percent) A.J. Holloway — 2,722 (67.41 percent) (Nominee will face Democrat Jess Kennedy in general election in June.) Ward 1 — Democrats George W. Lawrence 376 (89.31 percent) Angel Truong 45 (10.69 percent) (Nominee […]
Biloxi polling takes place from 7 to 7 Tuesday
05/06/2013
Ten polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for voters to cast ballots in the party primaries Tuesday in Biloxi, with an overwhelming majority of Republican ballots expected to be cast because Republicans have a citywide mayor’s race and four contested council races, while Democratic balloting will be conducted only in […]
Downtown hosts Finally First Friday, movie
05/03/2013
Main Street offers a doubleheader this evening in downtown Biloxi: There’s Finally First Friday in the Rue Magnolia arts district from 5 to 8, and the drive-in movie “The Lorax” beginning at 6 on the Magnolia Hotel lawn. During Finally Friday, the New Orleans group A Band Called Summer performs at Margaret Tremmel Peresich Park, […]
National Day of Prayer moved inside City Hall
05/02/2013
The City of Biloxi will observe the 62nd annual Day of Prayer with a ceremony in the City Council chambers today at noon. The hour-long ceremony, organized each year by Carleen E. Hall, has been moved from the front steps of City Hall to indoors because of the threat of inclement weather. The event is […]
‘Thursdays in May’ touts diversity this year
05/01/2013
“We have outstanding diversity in the types of programs we’re offering this year,” Biloxi Historical Administrator Bill Raymond says of this year’s Thursdays in May program, the city’s month-long observance of National Preservation Month. The series kicks off May 9, with a program at the Schooner Pier focusing on Biloxi’s seafood heritage. Three more educational […]
Point Cadet pier makes waves at ribbon-cutting
04/30/2013
The three dozen or so people who turned out for today’s lunchtime ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Point Cadet fishing pier witnessed news being made: — Rick Ferguson of Pickering, the engineering firm that designed the 4,700-foot long concrete pier, said the structure is the longest as-built drive-on fishing pier in the country. Others may be […]
City to cut ribbon on Point Cadet fishing bridge Tuesday
04/29/2013
The city will cut a ribbon to formally open the Point Cadet fishing bridge to the public on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. Mayor A.J. Holloway, members of City Council and others who have played a key role in the $9 million project will gather for a brief ceremony at the foot of the bridge, which […]
FYI: Restore Biloxi projects and how they work
04/26/2013
Here are some of the issues that frequently arise in Restore Biloxi projects, which are governed by FEMA regulations: Before-and-after videos: Before beginning any work in a project area, and before final closeout of the project, the contractor must submit for approval a video of all assets to be impacted by the construction. Water interruptions: […]
Point Cadet fishing bridge opening soon
04/26/2013
The Point Cadet fishing bridge, actually a 4,700-foot long concrete pier next to the Palace Casino Resort, should be officially opening sometime next week, Mayor A.J. Holloway said this week. “I know we’ve been getting two or three calls a day about this, so people are ready for it,” Holloway said, “but the contractor is […]
Smokin’ the Sound highlights weekend fare
04/26/2013
Hundreds of spectators will be watching dozens of lightning-fast boats racing along the Biloxi waterfront this weekend for the 2013 edition of Smokin’ the Sound. Smokin’ will be the highlight of the weekend, but you’ll also find the crawfish festival at the Coast Coliseum, Penn & Teller at the Beau Rivage, the Oak Ridge Boys […]
Firefighters assist with clean-up campaign
04/25/2013
Members of the Biloxi Fire Department walked city streets, neighborhoods and high-profile areas picking up litter last week as part of the Great American Cleanup, which Biloxi observed the week of April 15-20. To see dozens of photos supplied by Acting Fire Chief Mark Dronet, click here.
Got old drugs? You can get rid of them Saturday
04/25/2013
Biloxi Police are asking residents to drop off unused or old prescription medications on Saturday as part of the DEA’s Drug Take Back Day. The annual nationwide program is designed to prevent old medications from being used illegally or improperly. Those interested can drop off medicines at the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center, 170 Porter Ave., […]
Foster honored as volunteer of the year
04/25/2013
Jim Foster, whose continuing volunteer efforts have led to the creation of so-called blueways and greenways in Biloxi and along the Gulf Coast, has been named the city’s Distinguished Volunteer of the Year. Foster led a field of dozens of individuals and groups who were recognized by the city on Tuesday during the 30th annual […]
City seeks nominees for Sports Hall of Fame
04/24/2013
The City of Biloxi is now seeking nominations for the 2013 class of the Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame, which will hold induction ceremonies during an August weekend that will include a Shrimp Bowl football doubleheader. The 2013 inductees follow-up on last year’s tremendously successful induction ceremony, where more than 300 people turned out to […]
WLOX, Subway honor Biloxi Police Department
04/11/2013
WLOX and Subway have produced a 30-second spot honoring the Biloxi Police Department. To see it, click here.
New residents to see lower fire insurance rates
04/10/2013
Biloxi’s recent annexation victory means that the 80 or so homeowners in the new sections of the city could qualify for lower-insurance ratings and more recreational opportunities because the city has a better fire rating and less expensive recreation leagues than in D’Iberville or Harrison County. Key city department leaders met with Mayor A.J. Holloway […]
Democrats certify three unopposed candidates in Biloxi
04/08/2013
The upcoming party primaries in Biloxi got smaller last week when the Democratic Executive Committee announced that there was no need for ballots to be cast in three Democratic races where nominees were unopposed. The Republican primary, however, will have citywide balloting because of the mayor’s race between incumbent A.J. Holloway and contender David Bull. […]
Voter guide, new cards on the way to residents
04/05/2013
Residents and businesses throughout the city will be receiving Voter Information 2013 this time next week. It’s a four-page newsletter to provide residents a look at the ward lines and polling places for the 2013 elections, a preview of the new voter cards on the way, and a list of key election dates and deadlines. […]
City Council meeting photos
04/05/2013
To see photos from the April 2, 2013 meeting of the City Council meeting, click here.
Reminder: Saturday is last chance to register for primaries
04/05/2013
Biloxi City Hall will be open for voter registration Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, the last chance to register for the upcoming party primaries. Persons who have never voted in Biloxi municipal elections or have moved since the last election will need to register in order to vote in the May 7 primaries. Webcast: […]
Keesler named best base in the Air Force
04/05/2013
From the Air Force News Service Air Force leaders announced the winners of the 2013 Air Force Installation Excellence awards and Special Recognition program March 27. Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., is the recipient of this year’s award, with McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., receiving runner-up. “It is our distinct privilege to recognize the outstanding […]
Griffith: Keesler’s win is great for Keesler AND the community
04/05/2013
Today’s announcement that Keesler has been named the best base in the Air Force was a point of pride on many levels for Councilman Clark Griffith, an Air Force combat pilot whose 35-year career included commanding Keesler Air Force Base and the Second Air Force from 1992 to 1995. “Obviously, if you’re picked by the […]
Weekend preview, more on Keesler, voter guide 2013
04/05/2013
Main Street’s “Finally First Friday” is now underway through 8 p.m. at Margaret Tremmel Peresich Park in downtown Biloxi. The DD Thunder Band and The White Horse Band are entertaining, and visitors to the free event will have a chance to win a $100 gift card to downtown businesses. Entry cards are available at participating […]
Visitors Center to expand hours, show Katrina documentary
04/04/2013
The Biloxi Visitors Center, already touted by an online travel service as the top-rated visitor attraction in Biloxi, is expanding its hours to accommodate demand. The center, which is located immediately north of the Biloxi Lighthouse on U.S. 90, will begin opening from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, beginning Sunday. The center also will […]
Popp’s Ferry fields to close for overhaul
04/03/2013
The four sports fields at the Popp’s Ferry Recreation Complex, the site across from the Margaret Sherry library, are closed until at least May 15 while grass is being replanted, but the adjoining dog park will remain open. Biloxi Parks & Recreation Director Sherry Bell reports that Harrison County workers will be top dressing the […]
City seeks nominees for Sports Hall of Fame
04/03/2013
The City of Biloxi is now seeking nominations for the 2013 class of the Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame, which will hold induction ceremonies during an August weekend that will include a Shrimp Bowl football doubleheader. The 2013 inductees follow-up on last year’s tremendously successful induction ceremony, where more than 300 people turned out to […]
Deadline nearing to register to vote
04/02/2013
Persons who have never voted in Biloxi municipal elections or have moved since the last election will need to register by Saturday at noon in order to vote in the May 7 party primaries in Biloxi. Voter registration is available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Harrison County Circuit Clerk’s office in […]
Beauvoir to unveil Varina’s Garden this summer
03/29/2013
Several years of exhaustive research will blossom — literally — in less than 90 days when Beauvoir: The Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library unveils Varina’s Garden, a recreation of the garden cared for by Varina Howell Davis, Mrs. Jefferson Davis. The restored garden, which will cover 8 1/2 acres behind the Davis home and […]
Fishing bridge announcement pleases chamber crowd
03/27/2013
Mayor A.J. Holloway spoke for less than five minutes this morning during the latest installment of the Biloxi Chamber’s Breakfast with the Mayor, but it was obvious which of his comments most pleased the audience at the IP Casino Resort Spa. Holloway’s quick recap of ongoing and upcoming city programs and events was interrupted by […]
Photos from today’s City Council meeting
03/26/2013
To see images from today’s City Council meeting, click here.
Bunnyland, Easter Egg hunts on Town Green
03/22/2013
Youngsters 5 and under are being invited to Biloxi Excel By Five’s Hop the Trail to Bunny Land on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at Biloxi Town Green, and then on Saturday afternoon at 2, it’s the city’s Easter Egg hunt, which is open to children up to aget 11. In the event of […]
Supreme Court upholds Biloxi annexation victory
03/21/2013
The state Supreme Court today affirmed a 2010 Chancery Court ruling that awarded Biloxi 2.5-square miles of land straddling Highway 67 in an expansion issue originally initiated by D’Iberville. In a 54-page finding released today, justices found that Chancellor Thomas L. Zebert, in his May 21, 2010 ruling, “did not manifestly err in his determination, […]
Dronet named acting chief of Biloxi Fire Department
03/20/2013
Mark Dronet, who in January marked 25 years with the Biloxi Fire Department, was unanimously approved as acting director of the fire department during the City Council meeting Tuesday. As acting director, the 49-year-old Dronet will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the 140-member department while the city continues its search for a successor […]
Excel By Five to host Hop the Trail to Bunny Land
03/20/2013
Youngsters 5 and under are being invited to Biloxi Excel By Five’s Hop the Trail to Bunny Land on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at Biloxi Town Green. In this free event, children can celebrate the arrival of spring by participating in fun hands-on activities such as eggs in the basket, tissue paper eggs, […]
Come Saturday, everyone’s Irish — and well-fed
03/15/2013
“This is one of those times when I wish I could just expand the Town Green,” Main Street Director Kay Miller says of this weekend’s Grillin’ on the Green extravaganza, which will be overflowing with music and food and have a Hibernia Marching Society St. Patrick’s parade rolling by. The free event takes place on […]
City receives federal OK for new ward lines
03/14/2013
The U.S. Department of Justice has notified the city that it received no objections to the city’s re-districting plan, which means the city will be using the new ward lines for the May 7 party primaries. As a result of the Justice Department decision to OK the new ward lines, six of the 14 non-incumbent […]
Reminder: Popp’s Ferry bridge reduced to one lane this evening
03/13/2013
Traffic will be reduced to one lane at the span of the Popp’s Ferry bridge this evening beginning at 7:30 while repairs are made the span’s steel grate. The repairs could take as long as three hours. Biloxi Police will be on hand to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently, but motorists are advised to […]
City seeks nominations for volunteer awards
03/13/2013
The City of Biloxi is seeking nominations for its upcoming 30th annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, which takes place Tuesday, April 23 at the Biloxi Civic Center. The city will recognize individuals who volunteer in the areas of health, community, arts and history, education, military, non-profits, youth, and sports. Also recognized will be businesses, adult and […]
Popp’s Ferry bridge repairs set for Wednesday evening
03/11/2013
Those temporary repairs made to the steel grating of the Popp’s Ferry bridge a few weeks ago will be made permanent on Wednesday evening. Traffic on the bridge will be reduced to one-lane at the span on Wednesday evening beginning at 7:30, according to City Engineer Damon Torricelli. Workers will be removing the temporary square-foot […]
More than two dozen seek municipal office in Biloxi
03/11/2013
A total of 27 people have filed qualifying papers to be candidates in the upcoming Biloxi municipal elections, and plans for the races are moving forward using the pre-Katrina ward lines. Friday at 5 p.m. was the qualifying deadline for potential candidates. The slate of candidates features 18 Republicans, seven Democrats and two independents. Ward […]
Hazard mitigation meeting is Thursday
02/26/2013
The public is invited to a meeting on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. to hear about the city’s plan to help minimize the damage from natural hazards and disasters. The meeting, which will also include a discussion of regional climate change trends, will be at the Donal M. Snyder Community Center on Pass Road. Meantime, the […]
Holloway delivers State of the City report
02/25/2013
Biloxi is well-known for its casino resort industry, but Mayor A.J. Holloway used his State of the City address today to remind people that there’s a whole lot more to the city. The mayor, speaking to a sold-out crowd at his 20th State of the City address, said Biloxi welcomed 234 new businesses last year […]
The new businesses of 2012
02/25/2013
During his State of the City presentation, Mayor A.J. Holloway said that 234 new businesses opened in Biloxi in 2012. Here is a list of the businesses, based on licenses issued by the Community Development Department. (To see a printer-friendly version of the list, click here.) Professional office: Stephen Mcauliffe, Care Plus Home Medical, Jacoma […]
State of the City luncheon is Monday; other news and notes
02/22/2013
Mayor A.J. Holloway will be making his 20th annual State of the City presentation on Monday before another sold-out Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce luncheon. A total of 700 people have purchased seats to the Beau Rivage luncheon, where Holloway will give a 30-minute presentation that uses more than 500 photographs, maps and video to […]
Natatorium to close for repairs
02/19/2013
The Biloxi Natatorium will be closed Thursday and will re-open next Thursday, Feb. 28 after workers have repaired the pool’s expansion joints and wall tiles. While the Natatorium is closed, the pool at the Donal M. Snyder Community Center on Pass Road will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The expansion joints at […]
History Week kicks off Sunday at Visitors Center
02/15/2013
The Mississippi Coast Historical & Genealogical Society will sponsor the 23rd annual Mississippi Coast History Week Sunday through Wednesday at the Biloxi Visitors Center, immediately north of the Biloxi Lighthouse. The free event is co-sponsored by the City of Biloxi and the Biloxi Public Library. Exhibits will open Sunday from noon until 5 p.m., highlighted […]
C Spire adds coverage for downtown Biloxi
02/12/2013
C Spire, the city’s cellular phone service vendor, has positioned two COWs — Cells on Wheels — in the downtown area to enhance cell phone service during Mardi Gras. The COWs, which are temporary towers erected on east and west Howard Avenue, are designed to support sudden increases in cell traffic. Tens of thousands of […]
Enthusiastic crowd steps out for Biloxi Mardi Gras
02/12/2013
About 45,000 spirited parade-goers turned out for Biloxi’s Mardi Gras parades this afternoon, far shy of the usual throng of 75,000 to 80,000, and those who braved the intermittent showers and overcast skies were being hailed by carnival organizers and Mayor A.J. Holloway. “These people here today were the Mardi Gras diehards,” said Lieutenant of […]
Children’s parade moved indoors, to Gruich Center
02/11/2013
Children will be parading in the annual Mardi Gras walking parade as usual this morning, but they’ll be doing it indoors – at the Dr. Frank G. Gruich Community Center on Howard Avenue. Organizers of the 11 a.m. parade have decided to move the it indoors to avoid inclement weather. Typically, dozens of costumed children […]
Photos from Children’s Mardi Gras Walking Parade
02/11/2013
“Who would have thought they would all show up?” city staffer Laurie Rosetti says of today’s Children’s Mardi Gras Walking Parade, which was moved to indoors because of the threat of rain. “We had about 300 registered to participate in the parade, and we ended up with 400 participants,” Rosetti said. “With the weather the […]
Mardi Gras in Biloxi: A shower of beads
02/11/2013
There may be a few raindrops on Fat Tuesday, “but it’s going to be raining beads, too,” says Bobby Watts, captain of carnival for Gulf Coast Carnival, who said the huge Fat Tuesday parade in downtown Biloxi is scheduled to roll at 1 p.m. “We’re probably going to have a few showers, but we’ve talked […]
Mardi Gras lineup, weekend preview and more
02/08/2013
Six Mardi Gras parades will roll this weekend in neighboring cities, a preface to the daylong Fat Tuesday extravaganza in downtown Biloxi next week. Tonight, you’ll find a parade in Ocean Springs, then three more on Saturday (Jackson County, Gulfport and Diamondhead), and two on Sunday (Pass Christian and North Bay). You’ll also have a […]
Award-winning float designers recognized
02/06/2013
The city and leaders of Gulf Coast Carnival on Tuesday recognized two dozen Biloxi students as award-winning Mardi Gras float designers. Mayor A.J. Holloway and Biloxi Public Schools Superintendent Arthur McMillan presented Mardi Gras doubloons and cash prizes to the students, who were winners in the 15th annual Mardi Gras Shoe Box Float Contest. The […]
City Council meeting photos
02/05/2013
To see dozens of photos from this afternoon’s City Council meeting, which included recognition of the Mardi Gras shoe box float winners, click here.
Children will parade Monday through downtown
02/05/2013
The annual Children’s Mardi Gras Walking Parade will roll through downtown Biloxi on Monday at 11 a.m., with dozens of costumed children on decorated bikes, trikes, wagons and skate boards. This year’s theme: “The Best of Times.” The parade will form between 10 and 10:30 in the parking lot on MLK Boulevard, immediately north of […]
Elections 2013: An early primer
01/25/2013
p>The exact locations of the ward lines may still be in a flux, but everything you need to know about the upcoming city elections – at least, at this point – is now on the city website on the Voter Info page. Just click on the Elections 2013 icon on the front page of the […]
See free Sunday evening show by Tops in Blue
01/25/2013
Tops in Blue, an all-active duty U.S. Air Force special unit made up of talented amateur performers, is putting on a free show Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Tops in Blue is one of the oldest and most widely traveled entertainment groups of its kind. The […]
Mayor, council set record straight on annexation
01/23/2013
Biloxi Mayor A.J. Holloway and all seven members of the Biloxi City Council signed a letter published in the Sun Herald today to explain the city’s position on its annexation case with Gulfport. “There has been a growing level of public posturing on this annexation issue in recent weeks,” the Biloxi letter states, alluding to […]
City Council meeting photos
01/22/2013
To see dozens of photos from this afternoon’s City Council meeting, click here.
Wall expected to fill council seat this afternoon
01/22/2013
Biloxi Municipal Court Judge Eugene Henry is expected to administer the oath of office to Arlene Wall, widow of Ward 5 Councilman Tom Wall, during a meeting of the City Council this afternoon. A brief public reception will be held during the 1:30 meeting, which is also expected to see the oath of office administered […]
Young artists plan inaugural art exhibit
01/16/2013
Saddle up! The Gulf Coast School of Art is going to take you through a historical journey with “Come Together: The Colours of Civil War,” an exhibit on Jan. 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Biloxi Visitors Center. The exhibit will feature a collective and conceptual twist to the nation’s first modern war […]
Holloway to nominate Arlene Wall for west Biloxi council seat
01/15/2013
Mayor A.J. Holloway confirmed this afternoon that he intends to nominate Arlene Wall to serve the five and a half months remaining on the City Council term of her late husband, Tom. Holloway had approached Arlene Wall last week, days after the five-term councilmember from west Biloxi died. “She initially said that she wanted to […]
New ward lines may not be approved in time for 2013 elections
01/10/2013
Biloxi, not unlike many other cities in Mississippi, may end up having to conduct elections using existing ward lines if the U.S. Department of Justice does not approve new ward lines by March 22. Individuals interested in seeking seats on the Biloxi City Council in the upcoming municipal elections are having to file under the […]
Wall services are Thursday, Friday
01/08/2013
Services have been announced for Tom Wall, the Biloxi City Councilman and businessman who died Monday. A visitation will be conducted Thursday from 5 to 7:30 and Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at the downtown chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home. A funeral service will be Friday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the funeral […]
Ceremonies see switch from Christmas to Mardi Gras
01/07/2013
A throng of nearly 300 turned out Sunday evening to see the seasons change – from Christmas at Beauvoir to Mardi Gras – in ceremonies at the Jefferson Davis home in west Biloxi and the Magnolia Hotel in downtown Biloxi. To see more than 150 photos from both sites, click here.
Wall remembered for straight-forward approach and sense of humor
01/07/2013
“I’ll always appreciate the fact that Tom was a straight shooter,” Mayor A.J. Holloway said of Biloxi Councilmember Tom Wall, who died this morning after battling cancer. “If he told you something, you could take it to the bank.” The popular West Biloxi councilman, who would have turned 74 on Tuesday, had announced several weeks […]
Main Street ushers in 2013 with ‘Finally Friday’
01/04/2013
Biloxi Main Street is hosting its first-of-the-month Finally Friday this evening from 4 to 8, with music by Rhythm and Rain and other entertainment along the Rue Magnolia. Downtown businesses are offering extended hours, reduced prices and those who drop by will have a chance to win $500 in gift cards. Entries are available at […]
Popp’s Ferry bridge re-opened to traffic
01/04/2013
City emergency workers re-opened the Popp’s Ferry bridge to traffic shortly after 10 this morning, after an early morning traffic accident downed a utility pole and utility lines at the bridge’s south approach. A southbound vehicle struck the utility pole just north of the Anatole Bay entrance, leaving the pole and a host of utility […]
Milestones continue year after year in Biloxi
01/02/2013
Here is a New Year’s message that appeared in a year-end issue of the Biloxi-D’Iberville Press. By Mayor A.J. Holloway We’ve had a saying in Biloxi for a few years: “We see a milestone, large or small, each and every day.” Frankly, we’ve reached huge milestones in 2012, and several will continue to unfold in […]
City Council passes annexation measure
01/02/2013
The City Council voted today to partially honor Gulfport’s request that Biloxi back away from its proposed annexation of area north of city — if Gulfport and Harrison County leaders agreed to a couple conditions. The measure passed by councilmembers, which provided a recap of annexation issues to date, called Gulfport’s offer “disingenuous,” and promised […]
City honors Beauvoir organizer as finale approaches
01/02/2013
More than 13,000 people, more than half of them from out-of-town, have attended the inaugural Christmas at Beauvoir since it opened in November, and the new holiday tradition will wrap up Sunday evening by helping to usher in the next celebration on the community calendar, Mardi Gras. Mayor A.J. Holloway commended organizer Andi Rushton Oustalet […]
Police Department announces promotions, awards
12/21/2012
Jim Adamo and Mike Wills, two lieutenants in the Biloxi Police Department, were promoted to captains this morning in an awards ceremony at the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center. Adamo works in the administrative division, and Wills heads the special crimes division. Adamo and Wills were top two scorers in a 200-question promotions examination administered by […]
Christmas caroling planned downtown and at Beauvoir
12/21/2012
Two Christmas sing-alongs are planned for this holiday weekend. The first is tonight, as part of Main Street’s weekend-long downtown celebration, and the second is on Sunday, providing a musical sendoff for Father Klaus’s last weekend at Beauvoir. The downtown affair takes place this evening from 5 to 7 at Margaret Tremmel Peresich Park, at […]
Seashore to host candlelight vigil at Beauvoir
12/15/2012
The Seashore District of the United Methodist Church will conduct a candlelight vigil for Sandy Hook children Sunday at 5 p.m. on the eastern portion of the grounds of Beauvoir: The Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library. Those taking part in the 30-minute vigil are expected to begin gathering on the east side of the […]
Raising Cane’s breaks ground at Edgewater Mall
12/14/2012
Raising Cane’s, the popular restaurant that specializes in chicken fingers, is already touting its still-under-construction Edgewater Mall location on its web site, even though it’s still a few months from opening. The Baton Rouge-based franchise, with more than 140 restaurants in 17 states, broke ground last week at the former O’Charley’s site and is aiming […]
Big Band, Christmas music headline Beauvoir weekend
12/14/2012
TV’s Karen Abernathy joins Monica Boudreaux, David Delk and the Coast Big Band to headline a concert this evening at “Christmas at Beauvoir.” The show begins at 6:30, and is part of the holiday attractions at Beauvoir – the tour of the Christmas-festooned home, visits with Father Claus, tens of thousands of lights adorning dozens […]
Now serving: Fire museum luncheon now underway
12/14/2012
The all-volunteer Biloxi Fire Museum and volunteers from the fire department are now hosting a barbecue luncheon to raise funds to purchase gift cards for storm victims in the Breezy Point, Rockaway, and Staten Island areas. The luncheon, which began this morning and runs through 2 p.m. at the fire museum, features a menu of […]
Canaan sign to be unveiled Thursday
12/12/2012
The city of Biloxi will unveil the commemorative sign at the entrance to the Sherman V. Canaan Back Bay Fishing Dock during a brief ceremony Thursday afternoon at 4:30. The public is invited to the ceremony, which will feature Canaan’s wife, Arlene, and other family members. Refreshments will be served afterward. The dock, which is […]
12-12-12 rings a bell at Visitors Center
12/12/2012
The Biloxi Visitors Center has hosted four weddings today, with two conducted back-to-back at opposing fireplaces, as couples took advantage of the chance to have a memorable wedding date of 12-12-12. “We had couples at both ends of the room, with the ceremonies taking place within minutes of each other,” says Visitors Center hostess Yvette […]
Finally Friday kicks off weekend
12/07/2012
Main Street’s Christmas edition of “Finally Friday!” is now underway in the Rue Magnolia until 8 this evening. The monthly first-Friday-of-the-month affair, which has a Christmas flavor this evening, is taking right place now in Margaret Tremmell Peresich Park, at the corner of corner of Jackson Street and Rue Magnolia. Those stopping by the outdoor […]
Mayor taps Nichols for role of chief administrative officer
12/06/2012
Mayor A.J. Holloway for the past several weeks has been looking for a director of administration to replace the retiring David Staehling, but instead the mayor has found a familiar face who will play a larger role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city. David Nichols, who served as Holloway’s chief administrative officer for […]
Photos, comments from retirement party
12/05/2012
A crowd of about 300 people attended the retirement party honoring Municipal Clerk Brenda Johnson and Director of Administration David Staehling Tuesday evening at the Biloxi Visitors Center. To read comments made by Mayor A.J. Holloway and Staehling, click here. To see dozens of photos from the gathering, click here. To see photos from the […]
City plans special Christmas, New Year’s Eve parties
12/05/2012
The City of Biloxi has two holiday events planned for special needs residents of all ages – a Christmas party on Dec. 21 and a New Year’s Eve celebration. Snacks and door prizes will be available at both events, which will be held at the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center. Admission to the Christmas […]
Excel by 5 and Santa to host annual holiday affair
12/05/2012
The Biloxi Excel By 5 Community Coalition will host its annual holiday event, “Come Learn with Santa,” on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon at Lopez School, 140 St. John Ave. Children age 5 and younger will have a chance to make handprint keepsakes, decorate Christmas ornaments, and take pictures with Santa. A […]
Biloxians to see lower flood-insurance rates
12/04/2012
Residents of flood zones in Biloxi will qualify for another 5 percent discount in the rate they pay for flood insurance, bringing the total discount to 25 percent, thanks to the city’s efforts in regulating construction in flood zones and educating the public on how to minimize damage from flooding. The lower flood-insurance rates, which […]
Biloxi children to receive calls from Santa
12/04/2012
Pre-schoolers, kindergarteners and those up to the second grade can receive a call from Santa Claus and his Elves again this year through the city’s “North Pole Calling” program. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department is working with the Biloxi High School Key Club and the Biloxi JROTC to make the calls on the evenings […]
In Biloxi, Santa wears a badge
12/04/2012
The Biloxi Police Department is once again partnering with local businesses and organizations to help the needy in in “Santa Wears a Badge” program. In the program, less-fortunate children in Biloxi are provided toys at Christmas. Families receiving toys must live within the Biloxi city limits, must not be registered with any other agency, and […]
Thacker named municipal clerk for Biloxi
12/03/2012
Stacy L. Thacker, the city’s deputy municipal clerk for eight years, has been named by Mayor A.J. Holloway to replace Brenda H. Johnston as the city’s municipal clerk. Thacker, who joined the City Hall staff in 1989, graduated from D’Iberville High School in 1986 and earned her associate degree from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College […]
Photos from Christmas on the Water parades
12/03/2012
To see photos from this weekend’s Children’s Walking Christmas Parade and the parade of boats, click here. News and notes Road work: City contractors are expected to wrap up paving work this evening on Pass Road at Big Lake Road and Eisenhower Drive. The nighttime work — which avoids the heavier, daytime traffic volumes — […]
Biloxi ushers in holiday season this weekend
11/27/2012
The annual parade of lighted boats off the Biloxi peninsula remains the centerpiece of the city’s Christmas on the Water parade, but this year’s Christmas in the City will have a few special treats, including a Christmas scavenger hunt, an Art Can Change Everything festival and a Christmas show in the Saenger. It’s all part […]
Christmas at Beauvoir in midst of banner weekend
11/24/2012
Christmas at Beauvoir welcomed more than 400 visitors last night, its best night since opening earlier this month, and organizer Andi Oustalet expects huge crowds tonight and Sunday thanks to the entertainment and holiday environment at the national landmark in west Biloxi. “It was huge last night,” Oustalet said. “It was easily over 400 people, […]
Rosco Bandana, other shows highlight weekend at Beauvoir
11/21/2012
Beauvoir, the site of the season-long Christmas at Beauvoir celebration, will be closed Thanksgiving Day, but a host of entertainment is planned for the weekend, including a Sunday evening performance by the group Rosco Bandana. The events at the national landmark in west Biloxi are one of the myriad offerings this holiday weekend. Other attractions […]
Indians Marching Band to parade in Philadelphia
11/21/2012
The Biloxi High School Indian Marching Band and Color Guard will be representing Biloxi and Mississippi Thursday when the 6abc Dunkin Doughnuts Thanksgiving Day Parade rolls in Philadelphia, Pa. The band, which left Biloxi Tuesday for the 21-hour bus ride, will be marching in what is billed as the country’s oldest Thanksgiving parade, dating back […]
Joe Boney: From the front lines of the Sandy recovery
11/20/2012
Joe Boney, the Biloxi Fire Department battalion chief who is volunteering time in the Sandy recovery zone, discussed what he and his colleagues are seeing during an interview on WLOX this afternoon. To see the interview, courtesy of WLOX Digital Content Director Renee Johnson, click here.
Council approves contracts for museum, waterfront park
11/20/2012
The City Council this afternoon approved two construction contracts totaling nearly $12 million to move forward with the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, and Biloxi Waterfront Park. It was, Director of Administration David Staehling said, “an act of conciliation today during the City Council meeting, when we looked at the funding, we looked at the […]
Christmas at Beauvoir headlines weekend fare
11/16/2012
Christmas at Beauvoir, the season-long celebration at the Jefferson Davis home in west Biloxi continues this weekend. Visitors will find carolers, crafts, Father Claus, lighted paths, tours of the Davis house with period decorations, and, of course, 100 lighted oak trees throughout the property. In addition, a magical train takes children through the historic 52-acre […]
Natatorium to close for maintenance
11/15/2012
The Biloxi Natatorium, the city’s indoor swmimming pool, will close Friday, Nov. 30 and remain closed through Monday, Jan. 7 while workers perform general maintenance at the facility. Repairs will include repainting of the lobby, dressing rooms, showers and restrooms. While the Natatorium is closed, hours for the indoor pool at the Donal M. Snyder […]
Biloxi firefighters to leave for Sandy-stricken areas
11/15/2012
Four volunteering Biloxi firefighters are planning to leave for Staten Island Friday to transport a load of cleaning supplies and spend 12 days cleaning and demolishing homes in the storm-stricken area, as other Biloxi firefighters are continuing local relief efforts. The traveling firefighters, who are using personal leave time and a van rented by the […]
Holloway outlines commercial, public construction projects
11/14/2012
Mayor A.J. Holloway outlined more than $100 million in public and private construction this morning for a standing room-only audience at a Biloxi Chamber of Commerce gathering. Holloway listed more than $80 million in projects either under construction or permitted throughout the city, while the engineer overseeing the city’s massive infrastructure project described the $20 […]
Photos from Festival of Trees at Beauvoir
11/09/2012
To see dozens of images from the Festival of Trees Thursday evening at Beauvoir, click here.
Your weekend preview, other news and notes
11/09/2012
A host of holiday related and otherwise special events are continuing this weekend, including Christmas at Beauvoir, the kickoff of two Saturdays of book signings at the Biloxi Visitors Center, and a Latin festival on the Biloxi Town Green. Of course, the Sun & Sand Film Festival continues at venues along the Gulf Coast, including […]
Council to receive information on seafood museum, waterfront park
11/08/2012
Mayor A.J. Holloway has called a special meeting of the Biloxi City Council for 10 o’clock Friday morning to discuss funding sources and projected costs of construction for the proposed Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, and the proposed waterfront park, two Point Cadet projects. The meeting will be at City Hall and is open to […]
‘Everything falling into place’ for tonight at Beauvoir
11/08/2012
About two dozen volunteers and Beauvoir staffers are making last-hour preparations today to have everything in place and ready for tonight’s Festival of Trees at the Jefferson Davis Home and grounds on west beach Biloxi. Tonight’s gala – which formally launches Christmas at Beauvoir – will begin at 6 p.m. and will feature carolling by […]
Beauvoir to host free beach bonfire during Festival of Trees
11/08/2012
Andi Oustalet expects 400 to 500 people to attend the Festival of Trees gala, tonight, based on advance ticket sales, emails, and “the enthusiasm being shown by the general public.” Tickets will be on sale through the evening, but, meantime, fans of Christmas lights can enjoy the lighting of the trees tonight without having to […]
Harrison County cities join for Sandy relief effort
11/07/2012
The cities of Harrison County are organizing a drive to collect supplies to help storm victims in a hard-hit section of New Jersey that has seen 3 inches of snow fall since being devastated by Sandy last week. Residents are being asked to bring supplies to their local fire station in any municipality in Harrison […]
Visitors Center to host book signings
11/06/2012
The Biloxi Visitors Center will host two book signings over the next two Saturdays, featuring a host of local authors. The first, planned for this weekend, will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature Alan and Joan Santa Cruz, “Biloxi Postcard History”; Jane Shambra, “Biloxi Postcard History” and “Images of America – […]
Drive to feed needy at Thanksgiving now underway
11/06/2012
Law enforcement’s drive to provide Thanksgiving Day meals to the less fortunate of Harrison County is now underway. Meals may be requested by calling one of these agencies: — Biloxi Police Department (Ms. Ross), 385-3033 — D’Iberville Police, 396-4252 — Gulfport Fire Department, 868-5950 — Gulfport Police, 868-5703 — Harrison County, 896-0606 — Pass Christian […]
Blood drive for city employee planned for Saturday
11/06/2012
Family and friends of Scott Richardson, a 20-year employee of the City of Biloxi who is facing a liver transplant, will be hosting a blood drive on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Cedar Lake United Methodist Church, at 12332 Cedar Lake Road, […]
Sullivan steps down as Biloxi Public Works director
11/05/2012
Richard Sullivan, whose department helped restore city utilities and clear streets in the tumultuous days after Hurricane Katrina, notified Mayor A.J. Holloway this morning that he planned to leave his position as Public Works director to pursue other opportunities. His tenure with the city officially ends Dec. 21. Sullivan, 60, had been named Public Works […]
It’s Finally Friday! Kick off the weekend at Peresich Park
11/02/2012
Main Street’s monthly downtown soiree — Finally Friday! — takes place this afternoon from 4 to 8 at the Margaret Tremmel Peresich Park. Among the attractions at the free event will be music by Casual Karate, a drawing for a $100 gift certificate to a downtown business, and sales of the 2012 Christmas ornament (depicting […]
Photos from Biloxi First roast of Butch Oustalet
10/31/2012
To see dozens of photos from the Biloxi First roast of Butch Oustalet Tuesday evening at the IP Casino Resort Spa, click here.
Salvation Army to host Mullet Bowl, Halloween events this weekend
10/26/2012
The Salvation Army Yankie Stadium will be alive with football activity with a lineup of two events on Saturday. Yankie Stadium will be the host of the Sectional NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Trials for the Gulf Coast Region at 9 a.m., followed by the Annual Mullet Bowl. The PP&K event, which is free for […]
City to host anti-crime festival
10/26/2012
The city’s Police, Fire and Parks & Recreation departments will present the annual Biloxi Community Festival Against Crime on Saturday, Nov. 3 from noon to 4 on the Town Green. To print a flier about the free event, click here.
Cemetery tour to spotlight war veterans
10/26/2012
This year’s Old Biloxi Cemetery Tour, which takes place Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m., will be themed “Honoring our Heroes,” celebrating the lives of Biloxians who participated in conflicts from the War of 1812 through the Vietnam War. The free event is a self-guided, continuously performed affair, so attendees may arrive anytime between 4 […]
Word spreading about Christmas at Beauvoir
10/25/2012
Andi Oustalet, the organizer of the upcoming Christmas at Beauvoir celebration, likes to say that the event will become a signature event for the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with popularity rivaling Mardi Gras, Cruisin’ the Coast, or the Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival. And now comes an endorsement from tourism authority Linda Hornsby, the longtime […]
City seeks input on mitigation plan
10/24/2012
The City of Biloxi is seeking public input to help update its Hazard Mitigation Plan. The hazard mitigation plan identifies and assesses the risks from natural hazards faced by the community and how to best minimize or manage those risks. Having an updated hazard mitigation plan is necessary to qualify for federal mitigation funds. As […]
Council meeting photos
10/16/2012
To see photographs from the City Council meeting this afternoon, click here.