Category Archives: Your City At Work | Page 8

Your City at Work

Holloway vetoes room-tax proposal

Mayor A.J. Holloway, following up on his reservations about a proposed hotel room tax for Biloxi visitors, today vetoed the measure that councilmembers hoped to have before the state Legislature before a Friday deadline. “I have established a record of acting in deliberate fashion after considering all sides of an issue,” Holloway said in a […]

Holloway troubled by hastily passed room-tax proposal

Mayor A.J. Holloway says he has issues with a resolution passed by the City Council this afternoon seeking state approval to add as much as a $5 per room per night tax on hotel rooms in the city. The City Council passed the measure by a 6-0 vote — councilmember Lucy Denton was absent — […]

Lighting work to begin on city streets, sidewalks

City contractors are beginning work this week on 11 sections of roads and sidewalks, and expect to have the $922,000 federally-funded project completed in about 100 days. Contractor B&B Electrical and Utility Contractors is working on four areas initially, where more than 400 lights will be installed overall: — U.S. 90, from west of Iberville […]

Holloway: We are not broke, but corrective action must be taken

Mayor A.J. Holloway says he agrees with Councilmember Clark Griffith that the city doesn’t currently have money to give to the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, but the mayor says he wouldn’t say the city is broke, either. Griffith made the comments while reviewing the financial challenges facing the city during a public meeting this morning. […]

Photos from Hibernia St. Pat’s parade

To see more than five dozen images from the St. Patrick’s parade through downtown Biloxi this afternoon, click here.

Lameuse Street is the place to be this weekend

Lameuse Street, which travels through the heart of downtown Biloxi, will be a bevy of activity at its north and south ends this weekend. Kicking off the day at 9:30 a.m. at Gorenflo Elementary School, at the north end of Lameuse, will be the second annual speed stack championship, an event that features the Top […]

Biloxi set post-Katrina records in 2009

Biloxi saw nearly 4,000 lots cleared of code issues last year, more than the number cleared in 2007 and 2008 combined, and permits for new homes jumped to 271 last year, almost triple the number issued in each year since the storm, thanks to a new development in Woolmarket. “We’re just doing our jobs, to […]

Keesler: $1.1 billion impact in ’09

Keesler announced today that its total economic impact for FY ’09 was more than $1.10 billion, proving something that Biloxians have known for years: the base makes a huge impact on the community. “We’re proud that Keesler continues to have a significant positive impact on the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s economy,” said Brig. Gen. Ian Dickinson, […]

Census forms due in homes within a week

Residents across Biloxi are receiving letters from the U.S. Census, advising that 2010 Census forms will be arriving in the mail in about a week and that the forms should be filled out and promptly mailed back. The Census Bureau is taking extraordinary efforts to help make the decennial count the most accurate in the […]

Main Street to host fourth ‘Grilling on the Green’

Dozens of teams are expected to be participating for $3,000 in cash and prizes and the title of best barbecue on the Coast Saturday when Main Street Biloxi hosts its fourth annual Grillin’ on the Green. The Town Green will host a day of family entertainment — a children’s play area, face painting, and more […]

CoastCon, Loretta Lynn, Keith Sweat headline weekend

Sci-fi fans and gaming enthusiasts (not necessarily the casino kind) will be in town this weekend, celebrating the 33rd annual CoastCon, which is being staged at the Coast Coliseum. The weekend of adventure will feature several guest authors and animators. For details on CC33, including scheduling and admission info, click here. Elsewhere, the entertainment lineup […]

Lighthouse tours to resume next week; see video and photos

The Biloxi Lighthouse will open for public tours next week, with three morning tours offered six days a week. Biloxi’s signature landmark — which has undergone a 14-month $400,000 restoration — saw nearly a thousand people ascend its spiral staircase on Feb. 21, a day after it was re-dedicated and re-lit by the city, and […]

Weather Service issues wind advisory for this evening

The National Weather Service, warning of wind gusts as high as 40 mph, has issued a wind advisory for Biloxi and the surrounding area. The weather service said the advisory is in effect from 9 this evening until 10 Tuesday morning. Sustained winds of 25 to 30 mph are expected, with gusts of 35 to […]

Weekend and council previews; other news and notes

Among the things to see and do this weekend are the Gulf Coast Garden & Patio Show at the Coast Coliseum, Grand Funk Railroad at Beau Rivage, Frankie Valli at IP, Eric Burdon & The Animals at Hard Rock, and a one-man show, “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy,” also at […]

Biloxi Community Center hosts history, Gruich events

The Biloxi Community Center on Howard Avenue, which formally gets a new name today, is hosting two public events this week: a three-day celebration of the history of Biloxi and the Gulf Coast, and a ceremony this afternoon to unveil new signage at the facility, honoring the late Dr. Frank G. Gruich Sr. Both events […]

Free seminar to offer advice to grandparents serving as parents

The City of Biloxi will team with Biloxi Public Schools and the Mental Health Association of Mississippi this week to provide free assistance to caregivers 55 and older who are raising children. A “Meet and Greet” to explain existing resources for grandparents will be held Thursday, Feb. 25, at 11 a.m. at the Biloxi Family […]

Photos from Lighthouse re-dedication, tours

As many as 300 people turned out Friday for the re-dedication and re-lighting of the Biloxi Lighthouse, and in a testament to the popularity of the city’s signature landmark, hundreds more are expected to walk the spiral staircase inside the 65-foot-tall structure today. Bill Raymond, the city’s historical administrator, said a steady stream of visitors […]

Seven hours and a thousand tours later, Lighthouse closes

A planned four-hour session of public tours turned into a seven-hour juggernaut that saw nearly 1,000 people tour the newly restored Biloxi Lighthouse. City Historical Administrator Bill Raymond had vowed to continue tours until dark or until the steady stream of visitors had subsided, which turned out to be at 5 this afternoon. “It was […]

Two-day Biloxi Lighthouse celebration begins later today

The Most Rev. Roger T. Morin, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi, will join Mayor A.J. Holloway and state and federal emergency managers later this afternoon for a public ceremony to formally re-dedicate and re-light the Biloxi Lighthouse. And the public will get its first chance to see the inside of the restored […]

Mardi Gras clean-up nearly complete; Fat Tuesday photos

City workers today were expected to remove as much as 15 dumptruck loads of trash left by Fat Tuesday revelers. Nearly 60 workers from the city’s Public Works and Parks & Recreation departments began picking up broken beads, beer cans and other trash at 7 a.m. along the 2.7-mile downtown parade route. “We’re expecting it […]

Police activate Mardi Gras traffic plan

Biloxi Police have begun closing streets near the downtown parade route, and southbound traffic on I-110 will be forced to exit at Division Street beginning at noon, according to Sgt. Jackie Rhodes. Shortly after noon, police also will limit traffic on U.S. 90 to two-way traffic on the two southernmost lanes, from near Lee Street […]

Mardi Gras: Safety tips for before, during and after

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 […]

Children’s parade rolls Saturday; other news and notes

“We’re expecting sunny skies and temperatures of 50 degrees, so we asking parents and kids to bundle up and come out to the parade,” Sherry Bell says of Saturday’s annual Mardi Gras Children’s Walking Parade in downtown Biloxi. The procession – children 12 and under, and no motorized vehicles, just bicycles, skates, skateboards, scooters and […]

City to host Black History Month program

The City of Biloxi Parks and Recreation Department holds its annual Black History Month Program on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. The program will be at the Biloxi Community Center which is at 591 Howard Ave. The public is invited to view an evening of diverse festivities through the celebration of the history and […]

Snow may fall in Biloxi Friday morning

The National Weather Service says that as much as two inches of snow could fall on Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Friday morning. The weather service is also forecasting several inches of snow Thursday evening into Friday morning across southwest Mississippi. The conditions are being driven by an area of low pressure that will […]

City, carnival leaders recognize ‘float designers of tomorrow’

Biloxi Mayor A.J. Holloway joined with leaders of Gulf Coast Carnival, the Mardi Gras Museum, Biloxi Public Schools and the Biloxi Bay Chamber on Tuesday to recognize a group of elementary students that Holloway said will be the Mardi Gras organizers and leaders of the future: the 2010 Mardi Gras Shoe Box Float Contest Winners. […]

History week to bow Feb. 21-27

The Mississippi Coast Historical & Genealogical Society and the City of Biloxi will sponsor the 20th Annual Mississippi Coast History Week Feb. 21-27. The public is invited to view the exhibits at the Biloxi Community Center, 591 Howard Avenue on Monday February 22th, Tuesday 23rd, Wednesday 24th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. History Week […]

Town Green to host Arbor Day Festival and Run on Feb. 20

The Arbor Day Festival and 22nd Annual Arbor Day 5K and 1 mile health run/walk/roll will be held on Saturday, February 20 at the Biloxi Town Green, located across from the Hard Rock Casino. Festivities begin with the 5K run at 9 a.m. and the 1 mile health run/walk/roll and quarter-mile ability challenge at 9:45 […]

Holloway: Look for a great game Sunday

Mayor A.J. Holloway says he’ll have split allegiances when Super Bowl time rolls around Sunday. Holloway, a former collegiate star at Ole Miss, has strong ties to both the New Orleans Saints, having been a lifelong fan; and the Indianapolis Colts, quarterbacked by the son of fellow Ole Miss alum Archie Manning. “Archie would come […]

Re-lighting, tours of Biloxi Lighthouse planned for this month

The Biloxi Lighthouse will have a two-day re-dedication ceremony this month, including a re-lighting and four hours of free public tours of the city’s signature landmark. The two-day affair will see the formal return of a landmark that has become emblematic of Coastwide efforts to recover and rebuild from Hurricane Katrina. The six-month, $400,000 restoration […]

“Mississippi Roads” to feature segment on Marlin Miller

Marlin Miller, the Fort Walton Beach woodcarver whose sculptures of standing dead trees in Biloxi and nearby coastal cities have captured the attention of national audiences, will be featured in a segment on “Mississippi Roads,” Thursday at 7 p.m. on Mississippi Public Broadcasting. The eight-and-a-half-minute segment will focus on Miller’s work, which began in December […]

Drop box installed in Woolmarket for water, garbage payments

Residents of the Woolmarket and surrounding communities can now drop off their monthly water, sewer and garbage payments in a drive-up drop box that has been installed at the fire station on Woolmarket Road. The box, which is identified by signage, is on the northwest corner of the fire station, allowing drivers to drop off […]

State of the City address online, on TV

Cable One subscribers in Biloxi can view a replay of Mayor A.J. Holloway’s State of the City this evening at 8 and 10 on Cable 13 The cable service will air the 35-minute presentation without commercial interruption. Two replays also were carried by Cable One this morning. The mayor’s speech, which was presented to a […]

State of the City: The end of the beginning

Mayor A.J. Holloway outlined dozens of city projects and programs underway throughout the city in his annual State of the City address on Wednesday, and he admitted that Biloxi, like other communities through the country, faced a number of economic challenges. In fact, the mayor told the Biloxi Bay Chamber audience of 600 at the […]

State of the City 2010: The whole story

“I’m not here to sugarcoat things,” Mayor A.J. Holloway told a capacity crowd of 600 during his State of the City luncheon today. “Despite what some people might tell you, I am NOT a silver-tongued devil. “I’m here to tell you where we are, tell you how we got here, and tell you how we’re […]

Children’s Mardi Gras parade seeks entrants

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 Feb. 13. This non-motorized parade features bikes, skates, skateboards, scooters and wagons. Children are encouraged wear costumes and decorate their bikes or wagons using this […]

Paul Anka, Earl Thomas Conley, the Census on tap this weekend

Paul Anka performs this weekend at the IP Casino Resort Spa, Earl Thomas Conley is at the Hard Rock, and the U.S. Census road show in coming to the Town Green. The free census event – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — is a chance to learn more about the upcoming Portrait of […]

Dramatic video of RV fire and explosion

To see a dramatic three-minute video of this morning’s RV fire and explosion, as shot by bystander Dave Schantz, click here.

Firefighters extinguish RV blaze at Pass Road park

Two Biloxi firefighters were knocked to the ground and narrowly escaped serious injury this morning when an explosion occurred inside a recreational vehicle where they were fighting a fire. Fire Chief David Roberts called the episode “a reality check,” reminding firefighters just how dangerous their jobs can be. The incident occurred at Majestic Oaks RV […]

Mayor says decision far away on forgiveness of FEMA loans

Mayor A.J. Holloway said he welcomed Vice President Joe Biden’s comments today regarding the federal government’s position on forgiving emergency loans it made to local communities in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, but local leaders shouldn’t begin celebrating just yet. ”Congress gave FEMA the authority to forgive these loans back in 2007,” Holloway said, “but […]

MLK parade, Battle of Bands on tap for Monday

Sunny skies and a temperature of 61 are forecast for Monday’s MLK parade and Battle of the Bands in Biloxi, but even if it gets cold, don’t worry about it, says Vernon Mangum, one of the organizers of the city-sponsored celebration. “Be bold and come out in the cold,” says Mangum, first vice president of […]

Holloway: Be that helping hand

Mayor A.J. Holloway, responding to citizens inquiries about helping earthquake victims in Haiti, is recommending that residents make donations through the Red Cross. “We’ve had a few calls from people wanting to know if there are any plans to gather water, food or clothing,” Holloway said. “The best advice that we have is for folks […]

Registration underway for winter/spring swim lessons

The Biloxi Natatorium will continue registration for the city’s winter and fall swim lessons through 7 this evening for Biloxi residents and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for non-Biloxi residents. The Natatorium, which is at 1384 Father Ryan Ave., will offer classes beginning Monday, Jan. 24 with different sessions held throughout the winter/spring. […]

Mayor to deliver State of the City at Jan. 27 luncheon

Mayor A.J. Holloway will deliver the annual State of the City address during a Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. Tickets to the luncheon — $30 each or reserved tables of 10 for $300 — are now available from the Biloxi Bay Chamber of […]

Popp’s Ferry work to temporarily close one lane near D’Iberville

A lane of Popp’s Ferry Road will be closed for as much as two hours this morning as Biloxi Public Works crews repair a section of the roadway near Lamey Street, near the city limits with D’Iberville. The city will position flagmen to help direct traffic during the work, which will take place on the […]

Weather service warns of black-ice possibility

The National Weather Service, which says Biloxi and the surrounding area will remain under a hard-freeze warning and wind-chill advisory until Sunday, is advising local motorists to beware of the possibility of black ice forming over roads and bridges where water vapors or moisture could collect and freeze. The freezing temperatures could begin to impact […]

Slay House moving this morning

The so-called Slay House, an historic structure on the corner of Reynoir and Jackson streets south of Biloxi Regional Medical Center, is moving to a new location this morning, a two-block move that will actually require covering several city streets.. The house, which the Al Copeland Estate donated to the city, will move north on […]

Weather service issues hard-freeze warning

The National Weather Service has issued a hard freeze warning for this evening for Biloxi and the surrounding area, with wind-chill temperatures expected to fall as low as 13 degrees this evening, and a wind-chill as low as 12 degrees Tuesday morning. The hard freeze warning, which is in effect from midnight tonight to 8 […]

City Council meetings; Mayor’s musical message

The Biloxi City Council, which had originally planned to hold a special meeting on building codes this week before moving it to Jan. 12, now plans to hold the meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 5. The public meeting, which begins at 10 a.m. in the auditorium of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Municipal Building, is […]

Council building-code meeting moved to Jan. 12

The Biloxi City Council, which had originally planned to hold a special meeting on building codes this morning, instead will meet Tuesday, Jan. 12 in order for a state rating bureau leader to attend the meeting. To see the agenda and available resolutions for the council’s regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday and for Jan. 12 […]

Empty schoolbus involved in Popp’s Ferry accident

Traffic continues to be snarled on the Popp’s Ferry bridge as emergency workers are on the scene of a fatal accident in which a northbound vehicle apparently crossed into the southbound lane, colliding head on with a Biloxi Public Schools schoolbus that had dropped off its last load of students and was returning to the […]

Street lighting work to begin; other news and notes

Storm-damaged street lights on nearly a dozen major roadways should be replaced or repaired over the next 180 days as part of a million dollars worth of FEMA-funded work that will begin in January. The city has awarded B&B Electrical Contractors two separate contracts, one for $770,000 and one for $147,000, for lighting improvements on […]

Weather service re-issues flood warning

The National Weather Service, which is forecasting steady rainfall and numerous showers through the evening, has re-issued a flood warning for the Biloxi and Wolf rivers through late tonight. The NWS says that standing water and saturated ground mean that moderate rain will quickly pond in low-lying areas, and possibly leading to flash flooding. Forecasts […]

Crews to begin clearing, inspecting drainage, sewer lines

Residents and motorists in east Biloxi will see heavy trucks with large vacuum and video attachments clearing and examining underground drainage and sewer lines beginning in the next several days in a project that is expected to increase in size and scope over the next two to three months. Suncoast Infrastructure, a city contractor, is […]

Rating bureau upgrades Biloxi’s fire rating

The Mississippi State Rating Bureau has improved Biloxi’s fire rating from a 5 to a 4, and, as a result, Mayor A.J. Holloway is encouraging homeowners and business owners to check with their insurers for lower fire insurance rates. Fire insurance rates for commercial and residential structures could decrease anywhere from 5 to 8 percent, […]

Slay House to be moved to new site this week

The so-called Slay House, an historic structure on the corner of Reynoir and Jackson streets south of Biloxi Regional Medical Center, will be moved a couple of blocks east, to the Rue Magnolia this week. The house, which the Al Copeland Estate donated to the city, could be moved as early as today to a […]

Weekend preview: Christmas fare at community theaters, casinos and churches

Two community theater efforts top the weekend’s lineup: “It’s a Wonderful Life – The Musical!” a Bob Smith-directed show at Biloxi Little Theater; and “The Boogie Woogie Christmas Show,” a David Delk-directed production at Center Stage. Elsewhere, you’ll find the 22nd annual presentation of the Singing Christmas Tree at First Baptist Church on Popp’s Ferry; […]

Weekend of holiday events kicks off this evening

The annual Children’s Christmas Walking Parade rolls through downtown Biloxi this evening beginning at 6, kicking off a weekend of holiday events and ushering in the holiday season. You’ll also find the Christmas in the City crafts show on Saturday morning and afternoon, and the Christmas on the Water parade Saturday evening. The walking parade […]

Snow, yes SNOW, in weekend forecast

Biloxi and the surrounding area could see a wintry mix of sleet and snow on Friday, turning to light snowfall by evening, according to the National Weather Service, which has issued a winter weather advisory for the area. The advisory, which is in effect from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday, means that residents […]

Haise to present ‘pusharatta-sized’ moon rock to Gorenflo today

Representatives of Stennis Space Center, who are able to explain the complexities of aeronautics and space flight, were left scratching their heads the other day when a question came up about the size of a moon rock that Apollo 13 astronaut and Biloxi native Fred Haise is presenting today to Gorenflo Elementary School, his boyhood […]

Traffic signal restored at Eisenhower; see photos from moon-rock cermeony

City Public Works crews have made temporary repairs to restore traffic signals at Eisenhower and Beach Boulevard to their fully operational mode. The traffic signals at the west Biloxi intersection, just west of Edgewater Mall, had been set to the flashing mode after a vehicle damaged a control panel at the intersection. The signals were […]

Holloway updates progress on restoration efforts

Mayor A.J. Holloway this morning gave a Biloxi Chamber of Commerce audience a progress report on the city’s multi-million-dollar efforts to restore nearly a dozen historic properties, but first he recited two pledges of allegiance, one to the United States, and one that someone had emailed to his office Monday. “I want to share this […]

Weather Service issues flood warning for Tchoutacabouffa River

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Tchoutabouffa River from late tonight to late Wednesday night. The river is expected to crest at 11.0 feet on Wednesday. This will impact property along Lamey Bridge Road. Emergency Managers suggest that those living in low-lying areas along Lamey Bridge Road near the river […]

Christmas on the Water bows Friday with parade

The annual Children’s Christmas Walking Parade rolls through downtown Biloxi on Friday at 6, kicking off a weekend of holiday events and ushering in the holiday season. You’ll also find the Christmas in the City crafts show on Saturday morning and afternoon, and the Christmas on the Water parade Saturday evening. The walking parade will […]

City, Key Clubs team up for calls from Santa

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department presents its annual North Pole Calling where Santa Claus and his elves will call participating Coast children on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 15 and 16. North Pole Calling allows pre-school, kindergarten, and first and second grade children to speak directly to Santa Claus and his elves. Interested parents should […]

Steele headlines Peppermint Pops; other holiday news and notes

Recording artist Shayna Steele, who cut her performing teeth before Biloxi audiences, will be featured this evening in the Gulf Coast Symphony’s Holiday Peppermint Pops performance at the Saenger Theater in downtown Biloxi. The evening of seasonal music, a symphony tradition, will begin at 7 p.m. and also will feature the Gulf Coast Symphony Youth […]

Holloway issues Saints proclamation

Mayor A.J. Holloway, responding to a request from a citizen, has issued a proclmation making Monday “New Orleans Saints Day,” in honor of the 10-0 NFL team’s contest that night with the New England Patriots. The five-term Biloxi mayor, who played on the Ole Miss national championship team in 1960, couldn’t pass up the opportunity […]

Holloway to nominate Miller as director of Biloxi Police Department

Mayor A.J. Holloway next week will nominate 19-year police veteran John Miller, the head of the Biloxi Police Department’s Special Crimes and Criminal Investigations units, to serve as director of the police department. Holloway notified the Biloxi City Council of his choice today, including a resolution on the agenda for the council’s meeting on Tuesday, […]

Work on White House fountain to begin; status on other historic projects

Restoration of the White House fountain, a community landmark in the Beach Boulevard media at White Avenue, is scheduled to begin Dec. 15 and be completed in 105 days. The restoration work, which will be done by J.O. Collins Contracting of Biloxi, will include restoring the fountain to its pre-Katrina condition. According to a news […]

Derelict slabs being removed; other news and notes

Derelict foundations are being removed from a dozen properties in Biloxi, including a couple of high-profile locations on the waterfront, thanks to efforts of property owners and the city’s Code Enforcement Division. “The City Council had passed a moratorium that kept us from taking action on this,” said Community Development Director Jerry Creel, “but since […]

Holloway: Gaming leaders waiting for proof that economy has improved

Mayor A.J. Holloway says the message he was hearing this week from the huge G2E gaming convention in Las Vegas was consistent, regardless of which operator he met with: “Their business was down at least 10 percent, more in some cases, and the customers they did have were spending far less money.” The mayor, who […]

Christmas City ushers in holidays; other news and notes

Ron Meyers’s annual Christmas City gift show bows this weekend at the Coast Coliseum, signaling a trove of holiday happenings in coming weeks. Local authors Jamie Ellis and Jane Shambra, who penned the historical tome “Biloxi,” will have a book signing at the affair on Saturday at noon. (For more on “Biloxi,” click here.) Among […]

Ida’s winds, rain pass through without damage

“It was a very uneventful event,” Biloxi Police Chief Linda Atterberry says of the city’s encounter with Tropical Storm Ida, which has now been downgraded to a tropical depression. Earlier today, the storm moved across an area east of Mobile with top winds of 35 mph. However, the National Weather Service this morning has issued […]

National trade publication focuses on Biloxi planning efforts

Biloxi’s effort to update its comprehensive plan is the focus of a three-quarter page story and map in the November issue of “Planning,” the official magazine of the American Planning Association. The magazine, which boasts a nationwide circulation of more than 73,000 public and private planners, focuses its November issue on planning in small towns […]

Weakened Ida will still cause winds, rains in Biloxi

Ida has been downgraded to a tropical storm, but Mayor A.J. Holloway warns residents that winds will begin picking up around 3 this afternoon, growing to sustained winds of 40 mph from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. this evening. “The latest I’m hearing is that this storm should go ashore at Mobile Bay around 1 […]

News and notes from T.S. Ida

Here are the latest news and notes from Biloxi, as Tropical Storm Ida continues to churn in the Gulf: Weather discussion: To read the latest National Weather Service discussion about Tropical Storm Ida, click here. Shelters open: Two Red Cross storms shelters have opened for those feeling especially vulnerable to the weather. The shelters, which […]

Residents encouraged to monitor reports, prepare

Mayor A.J. Holloway is advising residents to continue to monitor weather reports and work their storm plans, as current forecasts predict that Hurricane Ida could make landfall with 85 mph winds and a storm surge of 5 to 8 feet on Tuesday morning. A hurricane watch – which means a hurricane or hurricane-related hazards could […]

Biloxi-Gulfport game to feature live TV, real fireworks and more

Fans at this evening’s Biloxi-Gulfport high school football game – whether watching from a stadium seat or on WLOX – will see a football game that has many of the pre-game trappings of an NFL contest. The game, which begins at 7:20 p.m. from Biloxi High School stadium, represents the finale of Cellular South’s season-long […]

Planning Commission to meet at MLK building

The Biloxi Planning Commission, which had originally planned to meet at the Biloxi Community Center this afternoon, will meet at its usual location, the auditorium of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Municipal Building, on MLK Boulevard, at its usual time, 2 p.m. To see the agenda for this afternoon’s meeting, click here.

Photos from Catfish Kids Day at Hiller Park

Despite intermittent rainfall and overcast skies, more than 50 young fishermen and their parents turned out Saturday for Catfish Kids Day at the Hiller Park pond. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks had stocked the pond with nearly a thousand freshwater catfish days before the event, and Sherry Bell of the Biloxi Parks […]

Holloway to seek extension of Atterberry appointment

Mayor A.J. Holloway next week will ask the City Council to allow Linda Atterberry to continue to serve as acting director of the Biloxi Police Department for another 90 days. The meeting, which begins at 1:30 Tuesday afternoon at the Biloxi Community Center, includes an agenda of more than a dozen resolutions, including measures to […]

Part of Beck Park to close temporarily Friday morning

A section of Beck Park in east Biloxi will be closed Friday morning as city Public Works crews fill a large hole in an area of the park. The section of the park west of the playground equipment is expected to be closed for about two hours beginning around 8 a.m. while crews use earth-moving […]

Christmas on the Water schedules kickoff meeting

Organizers of Biloxi’s Christmas on the Water parade will hold a kickoff meeting on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Biloxi Yacht Club. Boat owners and captains are invited to the meeting, where registration will be conducted and commemorative shirts will be available. Details: Rusty David, (228) 617-3112; or Mary Cruthirds, (228) 432-2563. […]

History comes to life in Biloxi cemetery

Hundreds of history buffs turned out Tuesday evening to see Biloxi drama students tell the story of Biloxi’s community leaders from generations past. The students, dressed in period garb, stood at gravesites and told first-person accounts of their respective characters, all of whom were community leaders of their day and have Biloxi streets named after […]

Cemetery tours to tell story of noteworthy Biloxians

Ever wondered about the Biloxi community leaders for whom many streets in “old Biloxi” are named? The third annual Old Biloxi Cemetery Tour will feature re-enactors who will “flesh out” the stories behind names such well-known Biloxi names as Benachi, Seal, Reynoir, Caillavet and Delauney. This year’s tours will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. […]

City water, garbage fees to increase in November

First, the bad news: Biloxi residents will see higher water and sewer bills and an increase in the monthly garbage fee beginning in November, and those in the Eagle Point and Woolmarket areas, who had been paying a minimal amount for garbage pickup through their annual property taxes, will begin paying the full fee for […]

Weekend preview, other news and notes

Ghosts and goblins will be roaming the Town Green this weekend for “Halloween on the Green,” a community event that will feature games and contests and the outdoor showing of the movie “The Addams Family.” This Saturday event is free and geared to children ages 12 and under. Space walks, carnival games, and trick or […]

Trio of Halloween events on the way

Here is a preview of the Parks & Recreation Department’s Halloween activities: Halloween on the Green is Saturday The City of Biloxi Parks and Recreation Department will hold its annual Halloween on the Green on Saturday, Oct. 24 beginning at 5 p.m. This event is free and open to children ages 12 and under. The […]

Catfish Kids Day planned for Hiller Park Pond

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department and the state’s Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will host Fishing for Catfish Kids Day on Saturday, Oct. 31 at the Hiller Park Pond. Children ages 15 and under are invited to bring their tackle, cooler and fishing string to the Hiller Park Pond, located in Hiller Park at […]

Quality, Seal Avenue take top awards in Main Street decorating contest

Quality Poultry & Seafood, located at the corner of Caillavet and Division streets, and the homes on Seal Avenue have been chosen as the winners in the Biloxi Main Street “Fall Around Downtown” decorating contest. Businesses and residents throughout the downtown were were encouraged to use scarecrows, skeletons, pumpkins and other items to decorate the […]

Council to meet Tuesday at Community Center

The Biloxi City Council will hold two meetings Tuesday at the Biloxi Community Center, its temporary location while repairs get underway at City Hall. In its first meeting at the community center on Howard Avenue, council members will discuss the choice of the city’s auditing firm. The meeting, which is open to the public, will […]

Council to move meetings

The City Council will move its next three meetings to the Biloxi Community Center because of the pending renovations at City Hall. The council will meet at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 20 and 27, and Nov. 3 at the community center, which is on Howard Avenue at Bellman Street. After the Nov. 3 meeting, council […]

Weekend entertainment: Cruisin’ and much more

Cruisin’ the Coast continues its run through the weekend in Biloxi and along the Gulf Coast. To see the schedule of events, click here. Meantime, you’ll find a diverse lot of entertainment at Biloxi casino resorts. This weekend, you’ll find shows by Wayne Newton and Alice Cooper at the Beau Rivage, Larry the Cable Guy […]

Update on White House fountain and restoration of other historic properties

The City of Biloxi has awarded a $113,000 contract to local contractor J.O. Collins to restore the White Avenue fountain, a storm-ravaged landmark in the median of Beach Boulevard at White Avenue. To see video of the fountain as it appeared before Hurricane Katrina, click here. An update from Historical Administrator Bill Raymond on the […]

Photos from downtown block party

To see nearly a hundred photos from today’s Downtown Biloxi Block Party, click here.

The wheel world spins into downtown Biloxi Wednesday

More than a thousand Cruisin’ the Coast vehicles are expected to be on display throughout downtown Biloxi Wednesday for the city’s annual Downtown Biloxi Block Party. The street party runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with continuous entertainment on stages on the Town Green and outside City Hall, and at after-parties planned poolside at […]

Traffic limited at Keesler’s Pass Road gate for upgrades

Motorists using Keesler’s Pass Road gate found partial outbound lane closures and detours as the base began a 10-week project to upgrade the gate. The closure, which Keesler announced last week, also includes Ploesti Drive from Pass Road north to the walk-through gate near Jeff Davis Elementary School. Traffic exiting Bay Ridge housing via Curtis […]

Cruisers rolling into town; other news and notes

Biloxi Police are reminding motorists to expect to see a growing number of Cruisin’ the Coast visitors over the next week, including hundreds of vehicles and thousands of visitors to downtown Biloxi Wednesday for an annual block party. To see the complete Cruisin’ schedule and find other Cruisin’ news, click here. To see a map […]

Lighthouse to see daylight again Thursday

The huge tarp covering the Biloxi Lighthouse is scheduled to come down Thursday, and scaffolding that workers used to paint the lighthouse over the past several weeks could come down in several days, in time for Cruisin’ the Coast events in Biloxi. Once the tarp is removed, a freshly painted Lighthouse, albeit surrounded by scaffolding, […]

Your chance to comment on the comprehensive plan

Residents will have a chance to see a draft of the city’s comprehensive plan and comment on the document in three meetings coming up next week. The meetings, which will all follow the same agenda, will be Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Joppa Shrine on Highway 67, north of the Woolmarket exit; […]

Grass crews working to ready U.S. 90 for Cruisin’ the Coast

Three grass-cutting crews are working on medians of U.S. 90 in Biloxi today and through Wednesday, and motorists are being asked to use extra caution when approaching work zones. Two city crews – one at Point Cadet working westward and one at Rodenburg Avenue working eastward – are assisting a county crew working eastward from […]

City employees to host rummage sale for Heart Walk team

Bargain hunters can find furniture, appliances, clothing and a host of other household items Saturday in the City of Biloxi employees second annual rummage sale, which benefits the city’s Heart Walk Team. The event, which features items donated by city employees, begins at 8 a.m. on Howard Avenue at the I-110 overpass, the location of […]

New left-turn signal added at Cedar-Popp’s intersection

The city’s Public Works Department this morning installed a new left-turn signal that allows westbound motorists approaching the Cedar-Popp’s intersection to now make a protected southbound turn onto Cedar Lake Road. The new signal is designed to help improve the flow of increased traffic on Popp’s Ferry Road caused by road construction on Brodie Road. […]

City to celebrate Play Day 2009

The City of Biloxi will join the Beau Rivage, Hope Agency, Kaboom and other local organizations to celebrate Play Day 2009 on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Doris C. Busch Park, 645 Esters Blvd. The afternoon will be filled with activities and friendly competitions. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided […]

Read the draft of the comprehensive plan

An online version of a draft of the city’s comprehensive plan has now been published. To visit the area that shows links to sections of the plan, click here.

Public hearings planned on Popp’s Ferry bridge, comprehensive plan

Two public hearings have been scheduled to give citizens a chance to learn more about plans for two significant city initiatives, the move to construct a new Popp’s Ferry bridge and the unveiling of the draft of the city’s comprehensive plan. A hearing to present plans and seek input on the Popp’s Ferry plan will […]

City Hall offices to re-locate by month’s end

Two trailers were positioned behind City Hall today, signaling the approach of long-awaited renovations to the 101-year-old, storm-damaged structure on Lameuse Street. The city hopes to award a contract in the next couple of weeks for a nine-month, $625,000 project that is designed to restore the building to its original splendor. In fact, city divisions […]

Seafood festival bows this weekend on Town Green

The Biloxi Seafood Festival, named one of the top events of the year by Southeastern Tourism Society, takes over the Town Green this weekend, offering two days of live music, arts and crafts, children’s activities, and, of course, fresh seafood dishes. Headliners Saturday include Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe, the Rochelle Harper Band, Rhythm […]

Donal Snyder Community Center’s hours to change

The city’s Donal Snyder Community Center, at 2520 Pass Road, will soon be changing its Saturday hours. Beginning Sept. 12, the Donal Snyder swimming pool will be closed on Saturdays. Patrons may still swim on Saturdays at the Biloxi Natatorium, another City of Biloxi facility, which is on Father Ryan Avenue next to the Biloxi […]

Holloway: No rush on nominee for police chief

Mayor A.J. Holloway has no plans to move forward anytime soon with a new nominee to direct the Biloxi Police Department, where Linda Atterberry continues to serve as acting director. The City Council rejected the mayor’s nomination of Atterberry on Tuesday. Holloway had made the nomination after receiving a recommendation from a committee of law […]

Council to meet three times Tuesday; other news and notes

Mayor A.J. Holloway has called a 9 a.m. meeting for Tuesday in which he is asking council members to consider his nomination of Linda Atterberry to serve as director of the Biloxi Police Department. The 9 a.m. meeting is one of three public gatherings planned for Tuesday morning at City Hall. Councilmembers are scheduled to […]

Holloway chooses Atterberry as police chief

Mayor A.J. Holloway announced today that he wants Linda Atterberry to serve as director of the Biloxi Police Department on a permanent basis. Atterberry is a 15-year veteran of the police department and has served as acting director since May. She had previously served as the city’s Emergency Management coordinator and is a former Long […]

Council delays considering police chief appointment

Members of the Biloxi City Council this evening rejected Mayor A.J. Holloway’s request to consider the naming of Linda Atterberry as director of the Biloxi Police Department, but Holloway said he stood by the appointment and hoped for a timely confirmation. Council members voted 6-1 against adding the item to the agenda. “This is just […]

‘Katrina & Biloxi’ replays at 8:30 and 10:30

The City of Biloxi brings down the curtain on its two days of milestones and memories with the airing of “Katrina & Biloxi” this evening. Cable One subscribers in Biloxi and along the Gulf Coast can see the award-winning 50-minute documentary at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. on Cable 13. The program, which features an introduction […]

Photos and video: Katrina observance and accident at I-110 and U.S. 90

To see photos from the Katrina memorial observance, which included the unveiling of the “last” sculpture by Marlin Miller this morning on the Biloxi Town Green, click here. To see video of the unveiling of the sculpture, click here. Photos and video: Tractor-trailer overturned and righted at I-110 and U.S. 90 To see photos from […]

Katrina: Milestones and memories; other news and notes

Nearly 200 residents, schoolchildren and state and federal authorities turned out this morning for the city’s trio of milestones — ground-breaking ceremonies for the Lighthouse Park and Visitors Center, and the downtown library and cultural center, and the ribbon-cutting for the new Howard Avenue. To see photos from the ground-breaking ceremonies, click here. To see […]

Program announced for Katrina memorial observance

Here is the program for the Katrina memorial observance scheduled for Saturday at 8 a.m. on the Biloxi Town Green: Welcome by Mayor A.J. Holloway; Singing of the National Anthem by Ronny Broussard; Opening prayer by the Most Rev. Roger Morin, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi; Prayer for the victims by the Rev. […]

Katrina events to begin Friday morning

Residents interested in participating in the city’s Katrina milestone events should be at the Biloxi Community Center Friday morning at 8:45 to board trolleys for the Biloxi Lighthouse. The city will break ground on its new visitors center during a brief ceremony at the site north of the Biloxi Lighthouse. Afterward, dignitaries and members of […]

Council, administration mull water, sewer rates

Members of the administration and City Council continued budget talks this morning and afternoon, and although no votes have been taken on the FY 2010 budget, councilmembers made clear one thing: They have no appetite for trimming employee pay or benefits. Increasing water and sewer rates to offset a projected $5 million deficit in the […]

Photos, video from fire at convention center

To see photos from the small fire in the roof at the as-yet-officially-unopened portion of the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, click here. To see video of Biloxi firefighters wrapping up operations at the fire, click here.

Council and weekend previews

The Biloxi City Council will discuss the municipal budget for FY 2010 during a meeting Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. before gathering for a regularly scheduled meeting at 1:30 p.m. During the morning session, councilmembers are expected to discuss water and sewer rates, capital projects and Port Division operations. The agenda for the afternoon meeting includes […]

List of city and community Katrina observances

Several city and community events are scheduled to mark the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which is on Saturday, Aug. 29. East Biloxi walk: On Friday, Aug. 28, the Catholic churches of east Biloxi will conduct the fourth annual Katrina walk. Transportation will be provided from St. Michael’s to Our Mother of Sorrows at 4 […]

City plans Katrina events for next week

The City of Biloxi is planning two days of events to mark the fourth anniversary of Katrina and milestones in the city’s rebuilding effort. On Friday, Aug. 28, the city will break ground on two of its largest municipal facilities, a visitors center north of the Biloxi Lighthouse and a new downtown library and civic […]

Work on port administrative offices to begin

One of the lingering high-profile reminders of Hurricane Katrina’s wrath will be disappearing over the next several months as work begins soon on the port division administrative offices at the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor. The City Council on Tuesday approved a $904,000 contract with the construction firm DNP to restore the three-story building, whose skeletal […]

Gaming revenue off for 13th straight month

Biloxi’s gross gaming revenue for July was 10 percent off July of last year, marking the 13th month that gaming revenue has been below the same month for the previous year. Biloxi’s eight casinos reported gross gaming revenue of $79.4 million for last month, higher than the $64.6 million from June, but $8.2 million off […]

Hurricane authority to update status of storms at Camille luncheon

Those attending today’s Camille luncheon at the Biloxi Community Center will hear a firsthand report on the status of Claudette, Bill and Ana from the nation’s leading authority on hurricanes. Bill Read, the director of the National Hurricane Center, will update residents on those disturbances and make a presentation about the state of hurricane forecasting […]

Read: Buy flood insurance, heed advice

Regardless of where they live, residents should buy flood insurance because it’s such a good deal, the nation’s foremost authority on hurricanes told a Biloxi audience today. Most homeowners face a greater threat from flooding than they do from a fire, yet many homeowners have fire insurance but not flood insurance, Read said. “I encourage […]

Previews of council meeting, weekend entertainment; other news and notes

The Biloxi City Council will hold two meetings Tuesday, a morning meeting to continue deliberations over the 2010 municipal budget and a regularly scheduled afternoon meeting. Both meetings will be at City Hall and are open to the public. At the morning meeting, which begins at 9:30 a.m., councilmembers are expected to discuss departmental budgets […]

Harrison libraries raising money with ‘Katrina & Biloxi’

Public libraries throughout Harrison County are now raising money through sales of the city’s award-winning “Katrina & Biloxi” documentary and companion photo album. The 11 libraries — in Biloxi, D’Iberville, Gulfport, Long Beach, Pass Christian and Saucier — are now selling the “Katrina & Biloxi” package for $20. Each library earns $5 off each sale. […]

Brodie Road to close Thursday to through traffic

Motorists who travel Brodie Road in north Biloxi should use an alternate route Thursday as the road will be closed for major upgrades for the next several months. Although the roadway is not open to through traffic, residents will have access to their Brodie Road homes. Initial phase of work will see Brodie Road widened […]

A month of memories and observances

Residents and business owners throughout Biloxi on Tuesday began receiving the city’s annual Storm & Flood Preparedness guide, kicking off a month of public outreach efforts to commemorate the anniversaries of two killer storms. It was on Aug. 17, 1969 when a Category 5 Hurricane Camille devastated Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and 36 […]

Scaffolding going up at Biloxi Lighthouse

Workers with J.O. Collins Contracting, working under cloudy skies and through light rainfall, began erecting scaffolding around the Biloxi Lighthouse this afternoon in preparation for lead abatement and re-painting of the city landmark. The exterior work should take four to six weeks, according to city Historical Administrator Bill Raymond. “Once that is complete, the brick […]

National Hurricane Center director to mark Camille anniversary

Bill Read, the director of the National Hurricane Center and a former on-board meteorologist for the Navy’s Hurricane Hunters, will speak about the impact of Hurricane Camille and advances in hurricane forecasting when he addresses a luncheon on Aug. 17 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Camille striking Biloxi and the Gulf Coast. The red […]

Renaissance Garden group to discuss fund-raising ideas

The Mississippi Renaissance Garden Foundation’s “Bring Back the Beauty Gardens” fund-raising committee will meet Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Donal Snyder Center on Pass Road. Creative fundraising events will be explored and set into motion. The group is currently raising funds for two Biloxi sites: the Hiller Park Garden and the Katrina Sculpture Garden […]

Finances to dominate meetings Tuesday

City finances will be the topic of discussion during two City Council meetings on Tuesday. At 1:30 p.m., councilmembers will again be presented the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for 2008, which provides a snapshot of city finances covering the period from Oct. 1, 2007 to Sept. 30, 2008. The report was originally presented to councilmembers […]

Little League champs want to see red

Parents of players on the state champion Biloxi Little League 12-year old Major League All-Star team are asking Biloxi residents and businesses to wear red on Friday, the day the team opens play at the Southwest Regional Tournament in Waco, Texas. The Biloxi team’s first game will be Friday at 5 p.m. against Texas West. […]

Photos from ‘Night Out’ community fair

Hundreds of Biloxi residents turned out this evening for the city’s annual Night Out Against Crime. The community fair, which was held on the grounds of Nativity BVM Elementary School, gave residents a chance to meet and speak with police officers and firefighters in an informal setting, and to see the tools that the men […]

Biloxi to host ‘Night Out’ this evening; other news and notes

Biloxi residents will have a chance to get an up-close and personal look at what Mayor A.J. Holloway likes to call “the best-paid, best-trained and best-equipped” police and fire departments around tonight when the city hosts “National Night Out Against Crime.” The event will be this evening from 6 to 8 on the grounds of […]

Holloway: â€Spending must be brought under control’

The City of Biloxi has spent more money than it has taken in four of the past five years, Mayor A.J. Holloway has warned City Councilmembers, and the city needs to bring spending under control, particularly as revenue from gaming and sales taxes continues to decline. Holloway and city financial advisers made those points to […]

Holloway: Spending must be brought under control

Mayor A.J. Holloway and the city’s financial advisers met with groups of City Councilmembers last week to issue warnings about the city’s finances. The message: The city cannot continue spending money at its current rate while revenue continues to decline. To read background on the city’s budget challenges, click here. Mayor to seek re-consideration of […]

Sculptor makes progress on Town Green sculpture

Marlin Miller was back in Biloxi this weekend, carving a blue crab and sea turtle into the trunk of the tree that he has transformed into a 24-foot marlin. To see a video interview with Miller, click here.

Hurricane Center chief to speak at Camille anniversary

Bill Reed, director of the National Hurricane Center, has accepted an invitation to speak to a Biloxi luncheon to mark the 40th anniversary of Hurricane Camille. The luncheon will be Monday, Aug. 17, 2009, at the Biloxi Community Center on Howard Avenue.

City to receive financial report

Mayor A.J. Holloway and members of the Biloxi City Council will receive a report on the city’s financial status when the City Council meets Tuesday afternoon. Presentation of the FY 2008 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report by the accounting firm Culumber, Fletcher, Harvey and Associates is one of more than a dozen issues on the agenda […]

Parents face registration deadline of Friday at 3 p.m.

Parents or guardians of students who plan to attend Biloxi Public Schools have until Friday at 3 p.m. to register their children and be able to attend the opening day of school. Registration takes place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the school the student will be attending. Students who register after Friday will […]

Repairs to begin at harbor administrative offices

Mayor A.J. Holloway said today that repairs at the storm-damaged administrative offices at the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor should begin in August and be completed six to eight months later. The project – expected to cost just under a million dollars and paid for with federal funds – will see restrooms and showers moved to […]

City arborist to be featured in Mobile rebuilding series

City arborist Eric Nolan is among the officials interviewed in a three-part series, “Gambling Against Mother Nature,” that premieres this evening at 6:30 p.m. on WKRG-TV, Newschannel 5 in Mobile. The show will explore how beaches and barrier islands protect the coast; how Orange Beach, Ala., has changed since Hurricane Ivan and how Mississippi is […]

Background on directors, responsibilities

Here is background information on the city’s department directors being recommended by Mayor A.J. Holloway for reappointment. The reappointments were tabled at last week’s council meeting, and council members are expected to vote on the issue this afternoon. Director of Administration: David Staehling, approved as Director of Administration in 2004, after serving 12 years as […]

Holloway vetoes parks spending measures

Mayor A.J. Holloway, citing budget considerations as his primary concern, has vetoed two measures involving two east Biloxi recreational facilities. In veto messages delivered to council members today, Holloway vetoed a measure that would have added an unspecified amount of fitness equipment at the Mercy Cross gym, and a measure that would have sought bids […]

Council meets twice Tuesday; other news and notes

The Biloxi City Council meets twice on Tuesday, with a morning meeting to discuss Mayor A.J. Holloway’s request for the re-appointment of department directors and an afternoon meeting to vote on the re-appointments and an agenda of a dozen other issues. Both meetings will be at City Hall and are open to the public. The […]

Crowds turn out for Lighthouse stamp ceremony

U.S. Postal Service staffers sold Gulf Coast Lighthouse stamps for those in line for more than four hours today after this morning’s first-day-of-issue ceremony at the Biloxi Lighthouse. “To have this kind of response is indicative of the popularity of the Biloxi Lighthouse,” said Biloxi Mayor A.J. Holloway, who joined others in addressing the 200 […]

Lighthouse ceremony to unveil new stamp series

Leaders of the U.S. Postal Service will be in Biloxi Thursday morning for a public ceremony that will launch a new series of postage stamps honoring the city’s signature landmark, the Biloxi Lighthouse, and four other Gulf Coast lighthouses that withstood hurricanes in 2005. The first-day-of-issue ceremony for “Gulf Coast Lighthouses” will begin at 11 […]

Holloway moving forward with hiring of new police chief

Mayor A.J. Holloway has appointed a committee of civic leaders and law enforcement veterans to recommend the top candidates from the more than three dozen applications received for the city’s new police chief. Holloway, who appointed similar committees in the two instances when he appointed police chiefs over the past 16 years, has set no […]

Marlin’s marlin: Color my world

Rene Miller, wife of sculptor Marlin Miller, this morning began adding color to the marlin sculpture on the Town Green. The Millers plan to continue working on the sculpture until at least 5 this afternoon and plan a follow-up trip in several weeks. To see photos of the progress made this morning, click here.

Marlin’s marlin: It’s a wrap, for now

Sculptor Marlin Miller and his wife, Rene, wrapped up work — for now — on the 24-foot marlin on the Biloxi Town Green. The Millers plan to return to Biloxi in several weeks to complete the sculpture. To see a video interview with the Millers, recorded this afternoon at 4, click here. To see photos […]

Marlin’s marlin: a video and photo update

Marlin Miller continued progress throughout the day on his Town Green sculpture. To see a video interview from this afternoon, as posted on YouTube, click here. To see photos from today, click here. To see links to previous photos and video, click here.

Biloxi gaming figures show sharp decline

The Biloxi casino resort industry reported gaming revenue of $91.5 million in June 2008, the largest June on record and one of the largest months in Biloxi history. With figures on the decline over the past several months, Mayor A.J. Holloway knew the numbers from June of this year weren’t going to be a pretty […]

Council faces appointments, zoning issues

Mayor A.J. Holloway will be asking the City Council to re-appoint the directors of several city departments during a meeting next week that also features six zoning issues, The meeting, which has an agenda of nearly two dozen issues, will take place Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 at City Hall and is open to the public. […]

Marlin’s marlin: video and photo updates

Here are videos and photos of Marlin Miller’s “final” sculpture in Biloxi, a marlin measuring nearly 24 feet on the Biloxi Town Green. The before images: To see photos of the Town Green tree — before and after it was “topped” — click here. Marlin on the marlin: To see a video from Wednesday in […]

City receives bids for downtown library, civic center

The City of Biloxi has received 13 bids from contractors from throughout the Southeast and as far away as Michigan for one of the largest single construction projects in the city, a new downtown library and civic center. The bids – which range from $16.5 million to $19.5 million – will be reviewed by city […]

Holloway lauds cyberspace decision

Mayor A.J. Holloway said he was pleased with today’s announcement that Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi would be home of the Air Force’s new Undergraduate Cyberspace Training unit. The unit, which would host about 615 students and about 60 permanent instructors beginning in 2010, would train airmen on methods to design, attack and defend […]

Miller begins ‘final’ sculpture on Town Green

Tree sculptor Marlin Miller this morning began his preliminary work to transform a standing dead oak tree on the Town Green into a marlin and other marine-related figures in what is expected to be his final carving as part of the city’s Katrina sculpture project. Miller, a Fort Walton Beach, Fla., wood carver who has […]

Busy Fourth of July weekend on tap

Biloxi kicks off what is typically the biggest month of the year today, with the launch of the Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo at Point Cadet. The rodeo, which is positioned at the foot of the Biloxi Bay Bridge, is expected to attract as many as 20,000 fans to Point Cadet with its continuous entertainment, […]

Holloway’s inaugural message: The journey begins anew

A.J. Holloway, the only person ever elected to five four-year terms as Biloxi’s mayor, told an inaugural audience this afternoon that he wants to see Biloxi re-claim its rightful place as a leader in tourism, historic preservation, and “a leader, period.” The mayor, who was first inaugurated in 1993, was sworn in along with a […]

Biloxi leaders to take oaths of office Wednesday

Biloxi’s elected leaders will begin a new four-year term Wednesday when the oaths of office will be administered to the mayor and City Council. The ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. at Biloxi Junior High School Auditorium, which will give residents a first-hand look at the 1,000-seat facility that underwent a half-million-dollar facelift in […]

Weekend preview: Joan Rivers, Wynona, 3 Doors Down and more

Topping the weekend entertainment lineup are Joan Rivers tonight at the Hard Rock, Wynona at the Beau Rivage, and 3 Doors Down at the CPR Fest at the Coast Coliseum. You can read details on these events and more – including “Beauty & The Beast” at Center Stage – in listings compiled by the Mississippi […]

City to begin restoration of Biloxi Lighthouse

Construction workers from the Biloxi firm J.O. Collins Contractor in the next week will begin a six-month restoration of the Biloxi Lighthouse, the city’s signature landmark that was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. The $400,000 project — primarily funded by FEMA — will involve returning the lighthouse to its original grandeur. Initial phases of the work […]

Holloway returns to City Hall; other news and notes

Mayor A.J. Holloway this afternoon will be attending his first City Council meeting since undergoing surgery earlier this month. Holloway, who underwent a follow-up colon operation June 4 at Biloxi Regional Medical Center, had spent six days recuperating at Biloxi Regional Medical Center before returning home on June 10. He returned to his City Hall […]

City prepares for Scrapin’ the Coast vehicles

“Scrapin’ the Coast,” a car show that bills itself as “the wildest show on the Coast,” returns to Biloxi for the seventh year this weekend, and Biloxi leaders are asking participants to be respectful of the new asphalt on Beach Boulevard and to obey traffic ordinances. The event is expected to attract about 2,800 to […]

Renaissance Garden enthusiasts to meet Monday

The Mississippi Renaissance Garden Foundation will hold the first Action Committees Planning Session to develop strategic plans for the development of a Renaissance Garden and Horticultural Center in Biloxi’s Hiller Park. The session will be Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Donal Snyder Community Center, 2520 Pass Road. Ward 4 Councilman-elect Clark Griffith […]

Biloxians in windpool may qualify for 20 percent discount

Biloxi homeowners who get their insurance through the state windpool may qualify for up to a 20 percent credit on their wind insurance premiums, thanks to policy changes and the city’s efforts in enforcing building codes. The Mississippi Windstorm Underwriters Association or windpool — which is the insurer of last resort for 43,000 Mississippi residents […]

Development in Biloxi keeping pace with 2008

Biloxi has issued more than $110 million in construction permits since the first of the year, on track with the quarter-billion dollars in permits in all of last year, which Community Development Director Jerry Creel calls a remarkable feat considering the state of the national economy. “What we’re seeing right now is a significant amount […]

Coliseum pier to kick off next wave of waterfront repair projects

Biloxi is expected to award a contract to rebuild the Coliseum pier on Tuesday, the first of a new string of construction contracts that will eventually see more than $30 million in repairs to four public piers, two fishing bridges, and completion of ongoing repairs at four public marinas and harbors. The Coliseum pier – […]

Title game underway at Biloxi High stadium

The championship match in the Women’s Military World Soccer Championship — South Korea vs. Brazil — began moments ago at Biloxi High School stadium. For a link to the live webcast on wlox.com, click here.

Council asked to address temporary housing issue

The city’s Community Development Department, wary of going through another hurricane season with residents in temporary trailers, is asking the City Council to help prompt residents to seek permanent housing. Council members will be asked on Tuesday to vote on an ordinance that would abolish the temporary permits issued for trailers and campers in the […]

Soccer play continues; other news and notes

Players in the Women’s World Military Soccer Championship have the day off today, but play will resume Thursday and conclude on Saturday with the semi-finals and finals at Biloxi High School Stadium. The tournament features teams from Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, The Netherlands, The Republic of South Korea and the United States. WLOX will transmit […]

Holloway released from Biloxi Regional

Mayor A.J. Holloway was released from Biloxi Regional Medical Center before noon today, six days after having routine follow-up surgery to a colon operation he underwent four months ago. Holloway is expected to return to his City Hall office within the next couple of weeks. The surgery last Thuraday was a follow-up to a Jan. […]

Re-opened West Biloxi Library to kick off children’s reading program

The West Biloxi Library, which has undergone a quarter-million-dollar facelift over the past four months, will hold its first pre-school summer reading program of the summer on Tuesday morning at 10. Visitors to the Pass Road library will find new carpeting, a freshly painted interior, and a remodeled and expanded children’s area, all topped by […]

Photos from the Race of the White Wings

To see more than 200 photos from aboard the Mike Sekul as it raced the Glenn L. Swetman in the Race of the White Wings this morning and afternoon, click here.

Shrimp Festival, Blessing on tap this weekend

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

City Council to meet Tuesday afternoon

The Biloxi City Council faces an agenda of more than two dozen issues when its meets next week, including a measure to remove hurricane-susceptible trailers and other temporary housing, adding retirees to the city’s generic-drug program, and funding for Fourth of July fireworks and Woolmarket girls softball league. In all, the agenda includes a dozen […]

Holloway has successful surgery

Mayor A.J. Holloway underwent successful surgery this morning and is expected to remain hospitalized as long as a week before returning home. Dr. Frank Martin said the operation — which was a follow up to a Jan. 31 operation to mend the mayor’s perforated colon — went well. The mayor’s hospital visitors, however, will be […]

Planning Commission won’t meet this afternoon

The Biloxi Planning Commission meeting originally scheduled for this afternoon has been canceled. The Planning Commission will next meet on June 11 at 2 p.m. ”It’s not that we don’t have cases,” Community Development Director Jerry Creel said, “but we had scheduled a presentation from Wallace, Roberts and Todd, our comprehensive plan team, and we […]

Holloway to undergo follow-up procedure

Mayor A.J. Holloway is scheduled to undergo a routine follow-up operation to mend his colon on Thursday at Biloxi Regional Medical Center. Holloway, who was elected to an unprecedented fifth four-year term on Tuesday, is expected to be out of his City Hall office for two to three weeks, but is expected to work from […]

Polling placecs now open in Biloxi

Polling places throughout Biloxi opened at 7 this morning and will remain open until 7 this evening for residents to cast ballots for mayor and City Council members. In the mayor’s race, incumbent Republican A.J. Holloway, who trounced third-time challenger Michael Janus in the party primary, will face Democratic challenger Jess Kennedy. Three council races […]

Holloway makes history with fifth term

A.J. Holloway this evening became the first mayor in the history of Biloxi to be elected to five consecutive four-year terms. Holloway captured 80 percent of the vote to defeat Democratic challenger Jesse Kennedy in Biloxi’s municipal general elections. The vote count: 3,032 for Holloway to 507 for Kennedy Holloway, ironically, earned his spot in […]

Popp’s Ferry bridge temporarily closed

The Popp’s Ferry bridge has been temporarily closed to motorists while Biloxi Police clear a two-vechile accident with injuries. Motorists are asked to use an alternate route and avoid the area.

Popp’s Ferry bridge re-opened to traffic

The Popp’s Ferry bridge, which was closed to traffic around 3 p.m. today while police cleared a traffic accident, was re-opened to traffic at 4 p.m. Weekend entertainment preview: The Oaks, Ron White and more Among the weekend entertainment offerings this weekend: The Oakridge Boys perform at the Hard Rock, comedian Ron White is at […]

City puts pre-storm debris contracts, plans in place

The City of Biloxi, as part of its annual storm preparations, on Tuesday approved four contracts to deal with any debris resulting from storms in the 2009 hurricane season, which begins June 1. The contracts, which would be funded by FEMA if activated, would cover the monitoring of debris operations, clearing of major thoroughfares in […]

City Council meets this afternoon

The Biloxi City Council this afternoon will be asked to approve the placement of three Mississippi cottages – two in east Biloxi and one on Back Bay – as well as approve the relocation of a billboard at U.S. 90 and Rodenberg Avenue, and a conditional use and variances to allow a West Biloxi group […]

Keesler, Biloxi to host international women’s soccer championships

The stadium at Biloxi High School will be the main site for teams from seven nations participating in the 2009 CISM International Military Women’s Soccer Championship, which takes place June 6 through June 13 and is hosted by Keesler Air Force Base. Among the teams scheduled to play are Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, The Netherlands, […]

Blowout, other events headline Memorial Day weekend

A growing number of motorcyclists will be on local streets over the next few days, as the All-Harley Memorial Day Blowout signals the beginning of the holiday weekend. The four-day event, in its 27th year on the grounds of the Canal Road drag strip in Gulfport, is one of the dozens of events taking place […]

City’s email service interrupted

The City of Biloxi has been unable to receive emails since about 8 a.m. today. Technicians are trying to resolve the problem.

Stallworth, Burton prevail in runoffs

William “Bill” Stallworth survived a runoff election to retain his Ward 2 seat on the Biloxi City Council, and Keith Burton outpolled incumbent Charles T. Harrison Jr. to capture the Republican nomination in Ward 3 in today’s primary runoffs in Biloxi. Stallowrth outpolled fellow Democrat Felix Gines 343 votes (51.89 percent) to 318 votes (48.11 […]

Keesler to close White Avenue gate for upgrades

Keesler Air Force Base officials have announced that the White Avenue gate, the base’s main entrance from U.S. 90, will close from Monday until about Aug. 10 to allow upgrades of security barriers at the gate. The Meadows Drive and Pass Road gates will be open, and the Judge Sekul Avenue gate will be open […]

Swine flu cases reported in Harrison County

The Mississippi State Health Department announced this afternoon that three cases of swine flu have been reported in Harrison County. The department said two adults and an infant have been diagnosed with the swine flu, and all have fully recovered. “This is not a surprise to us; we knew that H1N1 swine flu would eventually […]

Absentee ballots available for runoff elections

Residents in Wards 2 and 3 who will be unable to visit the polls on Tuesday to cast ballots in runoff elections in those wards can vote by absentee ballot at City Hall this afternoon until 5 or Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. In the Ward 2 Democratic primary runoff, candidates are Felix Gines […]

Dunagan retires today from Biloxi Police Department

Police Chief Bruce Dunagan retires today, after a 37-year career in which he worked his way up through the ranks and helped the Biloxi Police Department emerge as the leading law enforcement agency in South Mississippi. Mayor A.J. Holloway, who is expected to name an acting chief today as he launches a search for a […]

Police veteran Atterberry appointed acting chief of Biloxi Police

Mayor A.J. Holloway announced today that he is appointing Linda Atterberry, the city’s Emergency Management coordinator and a former Long Beach assistant chief of police, to serve as acting chief of the Biloxi Police Department. Holloway made the announcement this afternoon to a room of police officers at the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center. Atterberry will […]

Deja vote: Griffith wins again in Ward 4

Retired Air Force Gen. Clark Griffith remains the Republican victor in the Ward 4 City Council race after a hand count this morning of the ballots from the Ward 4A polling place showed no major differences from the election-night vote count. Representatives of the Republican Executive Committee, acting at the request of Ward 4 Councilman […]

Prayer observance to take place at noon

The city’s National Day of Prayer observance will take place today at noon on the front steps of City Hall. Theme for the observance, the country’s 58th annual ceremony, is “Prayer, America’s Hope.” Mayor A.J. Holloway will read a proclamation proclaiming today as “National Day of Prayer” and representatives of several denominations will gather for […]

Thursdays in May series to kick off this week

May is National Preservation Month, and In celebration of the numerous historic buildings that continue to stand as symbols of Biloxi’s culturally diverse development, the city is again joining with Biloxi Main Street, the Biloxi Bay Chamber and the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce to present the second annual program Thursdays in May. These history-based programs […]

Polling places open until 7 p.m.

Polling places citywide will be open until 7 this evening for residents to cast their ballots for the municipal party primaries in Biloxi. Ward 6 residents are reminded that the Ward 6 polling place is the Margaret Sherry Library. A number of Ward 6 residents attempted to vote this morning at the Gulf Coast Business […]

Blessing of the Fleet coming up in June

A number of special events have been announced surrounding the 80th annual Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival, which takes place Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7. The lineup: — Unveiling of Blessing of the Fleet Poster Wednesday May 13, 5 p.m., Bond-Grant House, Howard Avenue. — Past royalty reception, Friday, June 5, […]

The Biloxi primaries — by the numbers

Here are the results for the Democratic and Republican primaries held in Biloxi today. The numbers do not include affadavit ballots. Those who were unopposed, those who received more than 50 percent of the vote and any independent candidates will be on the ballot in the general election on June 2. Mayor Democrats: Jesse Herron […]

Restore Biloxi design work passes $50 million mark

The City of Biloxi has awarded nine engineering contracts for the design of more than $52 million of sewer, water and storm drainage repairs as part of the Restore Biloxi Program. “By the Council approving these engineering contracts, Biloxi residents will begin to see crews on the ground surveying and collecting information for engineers to […]

Voter deadlines approaching; other news and notes

Biloxi voters who will be unable to cast their ballots in the party primaries on Tuesday can vote this afternoon until 5 or Saturday between 8 a.m. and noon at Biloxi City Hall. Saturday at noon also is the deadline to register for the general election on June 2. For more information on the upcoming […]

Popp’s Ferry bridge now open to traffic

The Popp’s Ferry bridge is now open to traffic, a mere 36 days after a barge knocked out two 90-foot sections of the bridge. Mississippi Department of Transportation workers removed barricades from the ends of the bridge at 7:30 this morning.

The Popp’s Ferry secret weapon; other bridge news

Mayor A.J. Holloway revealed this morning that he and Transportation Commissioner Wayne Brown had a secret weapon that helped contractor Joe McGee re-open the Popp’s Ferry bridge Saturday morning. “We didn’t really say anything about it,” Holloway said, “but Mr. McGee’s daughter is scheduled to have a baby on Monday, and we knew that Grandpa […]

Bridge set to open sometime this weekend; other news and notes

Mayor A.J. Holloway and Southern District Transportation Commissioner Wayne Brown, after reviewing progress on the Popp’s Ferry bridge this morning, believe that the bridge should be re-opening to traffic sometime Saturday evening. “As pleased as we are with the progress, everyone is making sure that the bridge work continues to be done in a safe […]

Gollott-Swoope named volunteer of year

Tanya Gollott-Swoope, a lifelong Biloxian who serves as chair of the Biloxi Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival and is involved in many other organizations, has been named the city’s Distinguished Volunteer of the Year for 2009. Gollott-Swoope was among the dozens of volunteered by the city during the 26th annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony […]

Flood insurance reminders to be mailed citywide

The City of Biloxi next week is sending property owners an annual reminder about the benefits of having flood insurance and that the time to purchase flood insurance is now, more than a month before June 1, when hurricane season begins. Mayor A.J. Holloway acknowledged that some residents may question why the city is sending […]

Holloway: Good progress on bridge, Pass Road

Mayor A.J. Holloway says he continues to be pleased with progress on repairs to the Popp’s Ferry bridge, but is stopping short of saying when the bridge will re-open to traffic. “From the reports I’m getting, MDOT’s contractors are making good progress on a daily basis,” Holloway said. “Pile driving was completed Friday or Saturday, […]

Biloxi encourages participation in clean-up program, Earth Day

The City of Biloxi is encouraging businesses and residents to take part in the Great American Clean-up, which takes place April 20-25, which includes the observance of Earth Day on April 22. Individuals, businesses, and groups are asked to volunteer to clean selected areas or neighborhoods specifically on Saturday, April 25. Trash bags and gloves […]

Pass Road improvement project to begin Sunday night

City contractors on Sunday night are scheduled to begin re-surfacing Pass Road, beginning with the removal of existing asphalt near DeBuys Road, the western end of Biloxi, and working eastward. Contractors will work at nighttime to minimize the impact on traffic, and are expected to be completed in several weeks. The contractor, Warren Paving, earlier […]

Council to consider milestone projects; other news and notes

Mayor A.J. Holloway will ask the City Council next week to move forward with to milestone projects – the widening of Brodie Road in north Biloxi and the first of eight projects in the Restore Biloxi initiative. The requests are among the 20 measures on the agenda for the council’s meeting on Tuesday at 1:30 […]

Howard Avenue shows glimpse of improvements

The city’s project to completely rebuild a six-block section of Howard Avenue in east Biloxi are providing a glimpse of the features that the city is trying to introduce on its citywide $355 million Restore Biloxi project. Among the features in place or in the works on a temporarily opened block-long section of the roadway […]

Weekend weather delays aside, bridge workers making progress

Popp’s Ferry bridge construction workers, whose weekend schedule was postponed by inclement weather, had three concrete piles in place this afternoon and hoped to have another three in place by day’s end. In all, 12 piles will be driven to replace the eight that had supported the two 90-foot sections of the bridge that were […]

Katrina sculptures segment may finally make NBC

NBC News correspondent Mark Potter, whose Katrina sculptures segment has been bumped from the “Nightly News” nearly a half-dozen times since January, says the two-minute segment may finally reach a national television audience this afternoon. Potter, who filed several national stories from Biloxi in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, returned to the city three months […]

Popp’s Ferry bridge repairs to begin at midnight tonight

Representatives of Joe McGee Construction Co. are performing preliminary surveys and positioning equipment at the Popp’s Ferry bridge today, and will begin moving forward on repairs to the bridge tonight at the stroke of midnight, the minute the company’s notice to proceed begins. “This is further indication of how important this bridge is to our […]

State of the City report now online, headed for homes

The annual State of the City newsletter — a detailed report about projects, programs and initiatives being undertaken by the city and its partner agencies – is now online, and printed copies should be arriving in mailboxes throughout the city by this weekend. The 16-page report, a follow-up to Mayor A.J. Holloway’s annual State of […]

MDOT challenges contractor to re-open bridge by end of month

The Mississippi Department of Transportation has awarded a $2 million contract to a Lake, Miss., firm to rebuild the Popp’s Ferry Bridge. MDOT has given Joe McGee Construction Co. the OK to begin work on Saturday. April 28 is the targeted completion date — with MDOT awarding the contractor a $75,000-per-day bonus for early completion […]

Biloxi seeks nominations for outstanding volunteers

The deadline to nominate an individual, organization or business for the city’s annual volunteer awards is rapidly approaching. Those interested in submitting a nomination face a Friday, April 10 deadline. To see a nomination form, click here. The city this month will recognize individuals, organizations and businesses for contributing time and energy to worthwhile causes […]

Deadline to register for primaries is Saturday

The deadline for voters to register or update their registration for the May 5 primary is noon on Saturday, April 4. Voters may register or update their registration by visiting the Voter Registrar’s Office, which is at Biloxi City Hall, 140 Lameuse St. The office is typically open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to […]

Bridge expected to re-open in early May

The Popp’s Ferry bridge should be re-opening to motorists in early May, Mayor A.J. Holloway told a Biloxi Chamber audience this morning. “Today, I am pleased to report that our partners at MDOT are making excellent progress,” Holloway told audience members during the breakfast at the IP Casino Resort Spa. “Our city engineer met with […]

Heavy downpour floods streets, homes

A heavy overnight downpour and rainfall over the past 48 hours caused extensive street flooding and forced water into some homes this morning, causing Biloxi Police to evacuate about 30 residents. “The waters are receeding,” said Biloxi Emergency Manager Linda Atterberry. “We still have river cresting to be concerned about tonight about midnight, but other […]

Coast Guard agrees to limit opening of I-110 bridge

The U.S. Coast Guard has agreed to MDOT’s request to restrict the times the I-110 highrise will open for marine traffic. As part of the temporary schedule, which begins Friday, the bridge will not be opened to marine traffic between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m. each day. “We certainly appreciate […]

Planners gauge traffic increases on alternate routes

Interstate 10, U.S. 90, Lorraine Road and the Back Bay bridge are expected to see the largest increases in traffic as a result of the Popp’s Ferry bridge closure, according to traffic models prepared by Gulf Regional Planning Commission. Interstate 10 west of Cedar Lake Road will see a 20 percent jump in traffic, to […]

Sculptures make it to NBC – online only, for now

Katrina sculptures artist Marlin Miller’s debut on national television was bumped last night, after a golf tournament forced NBC to shorten its “Nightly News” broadcast. However, the program is still in line to appear on a nationwide broadcast, reports NBC correspondent Mark Potter. NBC, meantime, on Sunday posted online nearly three minutes of bonus footage […]

NBC plans to air Katrina sculptures story tonight

NBC News correspondent Mark Potter says the network plans to tell a national television audience about Biloxi’s Katrina sculptures on tonight’s “NBC Nightly News.” Potter, who filed several national stories from Biloxi in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, was in Biloxi in January to film sculptor Marlin Miller as he completed work on his 16th […]

Holloway to call for state of emergency Monday

Mayor A.J. Holloway plans to ask the City Council on Monday to declare that a state of emergency exists in Biloxi as a result of the barge collision closing the Popp’s Ferry bridge Friday. Holloway said the declaration underscores the urgency of making repairs to the bridge as quickly as possible. “I want to count […]

Holloway: Use the repair plan that worked before — but even quicker

Mayor A.J. Holloway said he wants to use the same procedure he used after Hurricane Katrina to repair the Popp’s Ferry bridge, a scenario where the city partnered with the Mississippi Department of Transportation and used federal funds to get the bridge up and running less than four months after the storm. “I’m hoping that […]

Holloway to meet with structural engineers, MDOT on bridge repairs

Mayor A.J. Holloway is meeting with structural engineers and representatives of the Mississippi Department of Transportation to determine what repairs can be made to the Popp’s Ferry bridge and how long those repairs might take. A 60-foot section south of the bridge’s draw collapsed after it was struck by a tugboat pushing eight gravel barges […]

St. Pat’s parade photos

To see more than a hundred photos from the Hibernia Marching Society’s St. Patrick’s parade this afternoon, as viewed from City Hall in downtown Biloxi, click here. Among the dozens of paradegoers at City Hall was U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, a guest of Mayor A.J. Holloway who viewed the procession from the City Hall balcony.

Two dozen contractors bid on Woolmarket water, sewer work

The faltering national economy has helped prompt two dozen contractors to submit bids on the City of Biloxi’s continuing water and sewer work on Highway 67 in the Woolmarket community. This week, the city accepted bids from 24 contractors interested in a city project to install water and sewer lines on Highway 67, from Interstate […]

Mayor seeks approval for Restore Biloxi engineers

Mayor A.J. Holloway on Tuesday will ask the Biloxi City Council to move forward with the approval of 17 engineering firms that will be working on the city’s massive Restore Biloxi project. The 17 “general service agreements” are among 43 measures scheduled to be discussed during the council meeting, which takes place Tuesday at 1:30 […]

City receives approval for Lighthouse restoration

The City of Biloxi today received verbal approval to move forward on restoring its signature landmark, the Biloxi Lighthouse. Bill Raymond, the city’s Histioric Administrator and planner, said construction on the project – which has a FEMA-estimated budget of $72,000 — could begin as soon as May and is expected to take 180 days once […]

Grillin’ on the Green planned for March 14

Biloxi Main Street District will sponsor the third annual Grillin’ On The Green Spring Fling on Saturday, March 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Biloxi’s Town Green. The event will feature 150 arts-and-crafts vendors from throughout the Southeast, a children’s play area, and music by Rhythm N Rain, Fort Bayou Slim and Metrics. […]

St. Pat parade to roll March 14

More than 50 units are expected to participate in the Hibernia Marching Society’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which rolls through downtown Biloxi on Saturday, March 14 at 2 p.m. “This will be the first time since Katrina that we have formed at the Biloxi Yacht Club,” said Hibernia member Don Cox. More than 50 units […]

2009 slate of Biloxi candidates; weekend preview; Irish Hill reminder

Here is a list of candidates who by the 5 p.m. deadline today filed their intent to qualify for the upcoming Biloxi municipal elections is 5 p.m. today. Mayor Democrats: Jesse Herron Kennedy Jr. Republicans: A.J. Holloway, Michael Janus, Connie Rockco Councilmember, Ward 1 Democrats: George W. Lawrence Republicans: August H. Parker, Jr. Councilmember, Ward […]

Holloway applauds passage of tourism legislation

Mayor A.J. Holloway is hailing the passage of a tourism incentive bill as excellent news for Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The bill, which passed the House last month and the Senate on Wednesday, adds casino resorts as eligible for a 30 percent sales tax rebate for investing at least $10 million for theme […]

Voter Guide on way to Biloxi residents

The 2009 edition of the Voter Guide for Biloxi residents should be arriving in mailboxes throughout the city in the next couple of days, advising residents of election dates, ward lines and polling places throughout the city. The upcoming city elections — May 5 party primary and June 2 general election — will mark the […]

Council receives briefing on Restore Biloxi project

HNTB, the firm the city hired to oversee the $355 million in pending infrastucture work in Biloxi, announced plans to move forward with approvals of contracts for several areas in north and west Biloxi. The firm, which briefed council members this morning on the status of the project, said 17 local engineering firms have been […]

Council overrides veto, approves nearly $1 million in Ward 2 projects

The City Council this afternoon unanimously approved more than $100,000 for a canvas overhang in a Division Street park that Mayor A.J. Holloway said already had four shade structures and minimal visitors, and councilmembers also identified nearly a million dollars worth of specific projects that would be funded in Ward 2. Last week, the mayor […]

City to seeks bids for Brodie Road project; other news and notes

The City of Biloxi on Thursday will begin advertising for contractors interested in a major project to improve Brodie Road in north Biloxi. Bids are due April 8 for a project to three-lane Brodie Road from Cedar Lake Road to Destiny Plantation, where the new Brodie Road will transition to two lanes to tie into […]

Holloway vetoes park measure, proposes funding water-sewer work

Mayor A.J. Holloway says spending more than $100,000 to provide a shade structure in a park that already has four shade structures is too much money, and, the mayor added, the money would be coming from a fund that the state Attorney General says should not exist. Holloway today vetoed a resolution that directed him […]

Paving work planned for major east-west arteries; other news and notes

City contractors have been installing Road Construction signs on Irish Hill Drive this week, signaling the March 9 start date of re-paving of the three-mile stretch of Irish Hill from Veterans to Porter Avenue. The work is Phase I of a three-phase project that will also see the re-surfacing of the south end of Popp’s […]

City sets infrastructure meeting, launches project web site

Mayor A.J. Holloway has called a City Council meeting for Tuesday to discuss the city’s pending multi-million-dollar infrastructure repair program, and the city today announced the launch of a website, www.RestoreBiloxi.com, and info line to help keep the public informed about the project. The City Council meeting will be Tuesday at 11 at City Hall, […]

Run, festival and tree giveaway planned for Arbor Day observance

The 21st annual Arbor Day Run and Health Walk takes place in downtown Biloxi on Saturday, along with a daylong Arbor Day festival on the Town Green, and a tree giveaway at Hiller Park. The Arbor Day 5K is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., with a course winding through the streets of downtown Biloxi. […]

Scenes from City Hall, Mardi Gras 2009

To see scenes from Mardi Gras 2009, as photographed from City Hall, click here. Images will be updated near the top of every hour.

Mardi Gras attracts as many as 85,000 to downtown Biloxi

Clear skies and inviting temperatures helped attract a huge Fat Tuesday throng to downtown Biloxi today for the annual Gulf Coast Carnival Association Mardi Gras parade. Biloxi Police estimate that as many as 85,000 spectators turned out for the parade, which began its 2.8-mile route at 1 p.m. The last of more than 120 units […]

Police to limit downtown traffic beginning at 11 a.m. Tuesday

Biloxi Police Chief Bruce Dunagan reports that police will begin their Mardi Gras traffic plan Tuesday morning, and traffic will be limited in the hours before the 1 p.m. parade. Southbound traffic on I-110 will be forced to exit at Division Street beginning at 11 a.m. Tuesday, and U.S. 90 will be reduced to two-way […]

Fat Tuesday parade to feature more than 120 units

More than 120 units will take part in the Gulf Coast Carnival Association parade Tuesday, representing one the largest parades in the 101-year history of Biloxi Mardi Gras. In fact, says Gulf Coast Carnival Lt. Kenny Holloway, “When the king’s float is crossing the finish line, we’ll be wrapping the entire route.” The 2.8-mile route […]

Holloway attends first function since surgery

Biloxi Mayor A.J. Holloway took part in the first public ceremony since undergoing surgery 20 days ago, presenting a proclamation at the dedication of the Walter “Skeet” Hunt Gulf Coast Carnival Association Den in east Biloxi. “I’m happy to see so many of you here this morning, and I’m REALLY happy to be here,” Holloway […]

Holloway encouraged by wind pool legislation

Mayor A.J. Holloway said he was encouraged by the state House passage of the wind pool legislation, and he has written Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant asking for his influence to help the measure pass the state Senate. The bill passsed in the House on Tuesday would commit an additional $20 million into the state wind […]

Gaming revenue dips in January

January’s gaming revenue figures in the Biloxi casino market were $2 million off the previous month and $10 million off January 2008. To see the gaming figures, click here.

2009 Mardi Gras Shoe Box Float Contest Winners

Here are winners of the 19th annual Mardi Gras Shoe Box Float Contest, where elementary school students in Biloxi design replicas of carnival floats. First-place winners: Courtney Brand, Beauvoir; Nikolai Konstantinov, Center for New Opportunity; Lilliana McArthur, Gorneflo; Reilley Suter-Thallemer, Jeff Davis; Margarita Olvera, Lopez; Jolie Kavanagh, Nativity; Jenny Nguyen, Nichols; Austin Belcher , North […]

Mardi Gras parade lineup

Parades will roll this weekend in Gautier, Bay St. Louis, Long Beach and through Pass Christian’s Timber Ridge subdivision. To see the complete lineup through Mardi Gras, click here.

Installation of sewer lines to begin on Oaklawn; other news and notes

The city on Monday will limit Eagle Point traffic on parts of Oaklawn Road and re-route large vehicles to Shorecrest and Lorraine roads as contractors begin work to install sewer lines on nearly a mile stretch of Oaklawn Road, one of the last areas of Eagle Point without sewer service. The 150-day project – expected […]

Holloway leaves hospital; other news and notes

Mayor A.J. Holloway is now at home, recuperating from surgery to repair a perforated colon caused by diverticulitis. Holloway was released from Biloxi Regional Medical Center on Wednesday, 11 days after undergoing surgery. He is expected to work from home for a week to 10 days before returning to his City Hall office. News and […]

Mass to be celebrated as part of History Week

Father Tony Arguelles will celebrate Mass at the Biloxi Community Center on Wednesday, marking the 310th anniversary of the date in 1699 when the French explorer Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d’Iberville came ashore to establish the Biloxi settlement. The 10 a.m. Mass, which is open to the public, is part of Mississippi Coast History Week, […]

Mayor to leave hospital in three or four days

Mayor A.J. Holloway should be in the hospital for three or four more days, as originally scheduled, and he continues to make excellent progress, according to his physician. Holloway, who underwent surgery Saturday night at Biloxi Regional Medical Center to repair a perforated colon caused by diverticulitis, was able to begin consuming liquids Thursday and […]

West Biloxi Library closed for roof repairs

The West Biloxi Library is closed throughout February while city contractors are installing a new roof on the Pass Road facility. The city had made temporary repairs to the roof after Hurricane Katrina, and the new replacement roof is being funded by a grant from the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund through the Libraries for the Future […]

Holloway remains on the mend

Mayor A.J. Holloway’s office has received e-mails, cards and flowers from a number of local residents and from those as far away as Portland, Maine and Tonawanda, New York. Holloway, who underwent surgery to repair a perforated colon on Saturday, continues to recuperate in Biloxi Regional Medical Center, where staff is limiting visitors to family. […]

Children’s walking parade planned for Feb. 21

Children ages 12 and younger are invited to participate in the annual children’s Mardi Gras walking parade, which takes place Saturday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. on downtown Biloxi. This non-motorized parade — bikes, skates, skateboards, scooters and wagons — is sponsored by the City of Biloxi, the Mardi Gras Museum, and Gulf Coast Carnival […]

Weather service warns of freezing temperatures this evening

An arctic cold front is expected to push throughout South Mississippi this evening, causing temperatures to drop below freezing tonight. While a light freeze is forecast for this evening, the National Weather Service has also issued a hard-freeze watch — meaning temperatures will drop below freezing for several hours — from Wednesday night through Thursday […]

NBC News pushes back Katrina sculptures segment

NBC News has pushed back the airing of a segment on Biloxi’s Katrina sculptures and sculptor Marlin Miller, according to correspondent Mark Potter. Potter, who was in Biloxi over the weekend to interview Miller and Mayor A.J. Holloway, said the segment had originally been scheduled to air tonight. “We’re still very high on the story, […]

Holloway has surgery, now resting in hospital

Mayor A.J. Holloway was resting comfortably in Biloxi Regional Medical Center Sunday after having surgery Saturday night to repair a perforated colon caused by diverticulitis, a condition not uncommon in those over 60. The mayor went to Biloxi Regional Saturday after suffering abdominal pains and discomfort. “He’s fine, awake and alert, and doing well,” said […]

Zoning issues dominate council agenda; other news and notes

The Biloxi City Council on Tuesday will consider five zoning issues – including an exemption for owner-occupied cottages – and appropriating nearly $50,000 for baseball and softball leagues. The council’s meeting, which is open to the public, will begin at 1:30 Tuesday afternoon at City Hall. Also, council members will discuss the city’s appropriate to […]

NBC News to profile Biloxi’s tree sculpture project

NBC Nightly News will tell a national television audience about Biloxi’s Katrina sculptures in an upcoming story. Correspondent Mark Potter, who filed several national stories from Biloxi in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, will be in town this weekend to film sculptor Marlin Miller as he completes work on what is scheduled to be the […]

Holloway on the state of the city: Let’s get on with it

Mayor A.J. Holloway said Biloxi has issued more than a quarter-billion dollars in residential and commercial building permits in the past year, and although the city has architects and engineers working on 58 city projects, he wants to see more progress. The four-term mayor, speaking to a sold-out State of the City luncheon today, praised […]

Seats all sold for State of the City; other news and notes

The Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce has announced that Monday’s State of the City luncheon is sold out. A total of 650 seats has been sold for the luncheon, which is sponsored by the chamber and will be held at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. Cable One, as a public service to residents, will […]

Miller making progress on latest sculpture

Marlin Miller, the award-winning Fort Walton Beach, Fla. wood sculptor who has turned Beach Boulevard medians in Biloxi into a canvas of sorts, says that the initial phase of his final carving in Biloxi went well over the weekend. “Some minor equipment issues, cold and a little rain,” Miller said, “but overall very successful.” Miller’s […]

City of Biloxi to host Mardi Gras Ball for pre-teens

The City’s Parks and Recreation Department will hold its annual Mardi Gras Ball & Dance on Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Biloxi Community Center, 591 Howard Ave. The event is open to all children ages 6 to 12 and their parents. A King, Queen, Grand Duke, and Duchess will be […]

Biloxi to host annual Sweethearts Ball

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department will hold its annual Sweethearts Ball and Dance on Friday, Feb. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Donal Snyder Sr. Community Center, 2520 Pass Road. The Sweethearts Ball and Dance is open to pre-teens ages 12 to 14 and their parents. A King, Queen, Grand Duke, and […]

Biloxi announces registration for youth baseball, girls softball

The City of Biloxi Parks and Recreation Department will hold registration for Biloxi Little League Baseball and Biloxi Girls Softball on two successive Saturdays, Feb. 7 and 14, from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration will be at the Donal Snyder Community Center, 2520 Pass Road. Little League Baseball is open to boys ages 5 to […]

City presents employee longevity awards

Mayor A.J. Holloway on Tuesday recognized several city employees for length of service. Those honored were: Five years: Jill Kovacs, Parks & Recreation Department. 10 Years: William Burgamy, Christopher Deback, Phillip Hancock, Michael Melasecca, Anthony Proctor, and Michael Wheeler, all of the Police Department. 15 years: Sonny Barker, Klint Krieger, Michael Manna, Jackie Rhodes, and […]

Cable One to air State of the City address

Cable One will air a replay of Mayor A.J. Holloway’s State of the City address on Tuesday at 8 and 10 a.m., and 8 and 10 p.m. The program will air for Biloxi subscribers on Cable 13. The cable company is airing the program as a public service to Biloxi residents. Holloway will deliver the […]

Miller to begin final Biloxi sculpture

Award-winning carver Marlin Miller, who has sculpted marine figures from more than a dozen trees in the medians of Beach Boulevard in Biloxi, will be in town this weekend, working on what is scheduled to be his final project in Biloxi. Miller will be sculpting three osprey over a whale’s tale from the standing dead […]

MLK parade rolls Monday; other news and notes

More than 90 entries, including nearly a dozen college and high school marching bands, will be featured in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade through downtown Biloxi on Monday. The parade, organized by the Biloxi branch of the NAACP and supported by the city of Biloxi, will begin at 11 a.m. Among the […]

Tips for protecting yourself and home from cold weather

Fire, police advise caution as hard-freeze warning issued

The Biloxi Fire Department is reminding residents to take steps to minimize the risk of house fires in the wake of today’s National Weather Service announcement of a hard freeze watch from late Thursday night through Friday morning. A hard freeze watch means that temperatures could remain below 26 degrees for four or more hours. […]

City posts record day for fitness passes

The fitness program at the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center in Biloxi kicked off the New Year with a record-breaking day, selling yearly and monthly fitness passes that amounted to more than 5,000 fitness sessions in one day. “I think it’s a matter of New Year’s resolutions and people becoming more health conscious,” said […]

Replant Biloxi to give away trees Friday and Saturday

Residents can get up to five trees – choosing from six different species up to five feet tall – during a giveaway on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hiller Park in Biloxi. Replant Biloxi, a program that gave away more than 800 trees last year, will give away 1,200 trees […]

Weekend preview, Cotton Bowl memories, other news and notes

The 14-0 Biloxi High School basketball team, the No. 1-ranked squad in the state, hosts Ocean Springs tonight at the Biloxi Sports Arena, kicking off a weekend that will also see the Indians host the No. 2 Meridian Wildcats on Saturday at the Coast Coliseum. Tonight’s game begins around 8 and is prefaced by a […]

State of the City address is Jan. 26

Mayor A.J. Holloway will deliver the annual State of the City address Monday, Jan. 26 at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. The event, where the mayor provides a status report on myriad city projects and initiatives, typically sells out several days in advance. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the Biloxi Bay Chamber-sponsored luncheon […]

Postal service to issue Lighthouse stamp

The recognition of the Biloxi Lighthouse continues to grow. The U.S. Postal Service has announced that the Biloxi icon will be one of five lighthouses featured in a series this summer about the lighthouses of hurricane alley. Last year, the Mississippi license plate that features the Biloxi Lighthouse was named the Best Plate of 2007 […]

Council to eye elevation map, pay raises

The City Council this afternoon, in its first meeting of the year, will consider the latest request by Mayor A.J. Holloway to enact new flood elevations and discuss a proposal by Councilmember Mike Fitzpatrick to raise councilmembers’ salaries by as much as 12 percent over the next four years. The meeting, which also includes measures […]

Council meets three times today

The City Council this morning will discuss whether to allow Mississippi cottages to become a permanent part of the landscape in parts of Biloxi, and then meet again this afternoon for councilmembers’ final scheduled meeting of 2008. Council members will hold a workshop this morning at 10 to discuss a Planning Commission recommendation to make […]

CTA announces holiday schedule; other news and notes

Coast Transit Authority has announced the following holiday schedule for public transporation in Biloxi and the surrounding area: Christmas Eve: Route 24 will not run, and all other routes will end service at 7 p.m. The CTA office will close at 3 p.m. — Christmas Day: No bus service, and CTA office closed — New […]

Holloway talks gaming with legislators

Mayor A.J. Holloway today told the state House Gaming Committee that casino revenue in Biloxi is about 5 percent down from this time last year and that sales tax revenue is about 18 percent off last year. Holloway made the remarks during a meeting of the Gaming Committee this morning at the Beau Rivage Resort […]

Biloxi to open Mercy Cross Recreation Center

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday at 9 a.m. for the grand opening of the new Mercy Cross Recreation Center. The center will provide residents in east Biloxi a safe and fun place to participate in recreational activities. Located at 390 Crusader Street, the Mercy Cross Recreation Center […]

Police seek toys for Santa Wears a Badge program

The Biloxi Police Department is asking for assistance in helping to make this a Merry Christmas for less-fortunate children. Police are asking new and unopened toys be placed in Santa Wears a Badge collection boxs at the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center, Biloxi High School, Biloxi Public Schools administration Building, or North Bay or Beauvoir elementary […]

Winter storm warning in effect until noon

Residents and motorists are advised to be aware of weather and driving conditions this morning, as a winter storm warning is in effect through noon, with a chance of mixed precipitation. A winter storm advisory warning means that a significant winter storm or hazardous winter weather is occurring, imminent, or likely, and is a threat […]

City employees to receive share of $760,000 longevity program

Biloxi’s long-serving municipal employees will share in nearly $430,000 in extra pay on Friday, part of the city’s $760,000 longevity pay program this year. About 490 employees will receive lump-sum payments, while another 103 received payments throughout the year, amounting to nearly $330,000 this year. The program, designed to foster employee retention, provides money for […]

Volunteers to help deliver Christmas meals

The Harrison County Volunteers to Feed the Needy have begun the 2008 drive to deliver hot Christmas Day meals to the less fortunate. The names of anyone in need of a meal on Christmas are currently being accepted. To request meals please call one of the following numbers: Biloxi Police Department — 435-6133 D’Iberville Police […]

Engineering firms respond to city’s infrastructure project

More than three dozen engineering teams – covering six Southeastern states – submitted qualifications to be considered for work on the city’s pending $355 million in infrastructure work. Joining a host of local engineers in submitting qualifications were teams from Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee and Georgia. The representatives are vying to a chance to design […]

Walking parade rolls this evening; other news and notes

The annual Children’s Christmas Walking Parade rolls through downtown Biloxi this evening at 6, kicking off a weekend of holiday events that includes the Christmas on the Water parade Saturday evening. The walking parade will begin at the Howard Avenue and the I-110 overpass, proceed through the Vieux Marche, and travel south of Lameuse Street, […]

City accepts bids on Eagle Point sewer work

The city has received a dozen bids from contractors for work to install sewer lines on nearly a mile stretch of Oaklawn Road, one of the last areas of Eagle Point without sewer service. The project also opens the door to extend sewer lines north of the interstate, where design work is now underway. The […]

Latest Q&A released for infrastructure RFQ

December 10 at 10 a.m. CST is the deadline for engineers and design teams to respond to the city’s Request for Qualifications for the $355 million in pending infrastructure work. Meantime, the city and project manager HNTB have continued to respond to interested engineers with questions about the project. To see the latest batch of […]

Lineup of Christmas events

Here is a list of Christmas events taking place in Biloxi. The list includes city-sponsored events and others published by the Sun Herald. Links for more information are provided where available. Dec. 5 — Children’s Christmas Parade at 6 p.m., followed by Lighting of the Town Green and visit with Santa. For details, click here. […]

Beauvoir plans week of nightly tours

Christmas at Beauvoir will be held on Monday, Dec. 8 through Saturday, December 13, from 5 to 8 each evening. In addition to tours of the home, which will be decorated in Victorian fashion, there will be an exhibit of a miniature Victorian Christmas Village, located in the Library Pavilion. Christmas decorations will light the […]

City to host Christmas at Town Green, other sites

The City of Biloxi Parks and Recreation Department will Celebrate Christmas at the Town Green on Friday, December 5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Similar celebrations will be conducted at Eagle Point on Tuesday, Dec. 9, and at Beck Park on Thursday, Dec. 11. To read more about these events and an upcoming Christmas dance […]

Comprehensive Plan team to unveil findings, seek input

Biloxi residents will have a chance to hear an update on the city’s Comprehensive Plan process and give their input on the findings and direction of the plan. The city and its design firm, Wallace Roberts & Todd, will host a trio of public hearings next week to discuss the findings, which are in a […]

Preview of trio of Christmas events

Children’s Christmas Parade is Dec. 5 The Christmas on the Water Committee will Sponsor a Children’s Christmas Parade on Friday, Dec. 5. The parade will begin at 6 p.m. on Howard Avenue at the I-110 overpass and end at the Biloxi Town Green, where the city will energize the Christmas lights on the Town Green. […]

Expanded design RFQ now online

The City of Biloxi and infrastructure project manager HNTB have compiled an expanded RFQ for the city’s pending infrastructure project to include answers to questions from a recent pre-submittal conference. Engineering and design firms have until Dec. 10 to turn in qualifications in order to be considered for various phases of the project. The engineering […]

Demolition of former downtown library continues

Demolition continues on the downtown building that once housed the Biloxi Public Library, across the street from City Hall. Workers have already removed the entire roof and northernmost walls of the 30,000-square-foot building and began removing the southernmost walls today. Two backhoes were used to rip through the building’s tin roof and pull down walls. […]

Dozens of engineers attend infrastructure meeting

More than 80 representatives of local and regional engineering and design firms attended a City Hall meeting this afternoon to hear more about the city’s process to hire design firms to work on the massive overhaul of the city’s storm-damaged infrastructure. The meeting included an overview by city representatives and HNTB, the city’s project manager, […]

Point Cadet Marina restoration to begin next week

A $7.3 million project to restore Point Cadet Marina is expected to begin next week. The 270-day project will include replacing electrical and water lines and piers that were decimated by Hurricane Katrina, and dredging the marina to depths of up to 9 feet. “Point Cadet Marina was about 20 percent damaged after the storm,” […]

Council to meet Tuesday afternoon

Biloxi City Council members face an agenda of nearly three dozen items when they meet on Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 at City Hall. Among the issues are monthly fees for slips at Point Cadet Marina and the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor, which will go into effect once electricity is restored at both facilities; approval of […]

City issues RFQ, seeks engineers for infrastructure work

The City of Biloxi on Nov. 4 began inviting engineering firms to respond to a “Request for Qualifications” for the design of projects involved in the city’s $355 million infrastructure work. “We’re getting calls from dozens of firms from throughout the state and region,” said City Engineer Damon Torricelli. “What we’re doing at this point […]

Annual Mayor’s Cup Run planned for Saturday

The City of Biloxi will sponsor the 25th Annual Mayor’s Cup 5K Run on Saturday, Nov. 15. The 5K will begin at 9 a.m. and the one mile will begin at 9:45 a.m. in front of City Hall on Lameuse Street. Registration for the race will begin at 8 a.m. in front of the City […]

City to host Thanksgiving Dance for children

The City of Biloxi Parks and Recreation Department will host a Thanksgiving Dance on Friday, Nov. 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Donal Snyder Community Center, 2520 Pass Road. The dance is open to children ages 6 to 12 years old and their parents. Admission is a canned good item which will […]

Construction permits on track for outstanding year

Biloxi has issued an average of nearly $4 million in construction permits a week over the past several years, and this week stands to be a milestone, according to figures issued by the city’s Community Development Department. . “This week alone we’ve issued $15 million in construction projects, which includes permits for apartment complexes on […]

Youth basketball league to hold registration

The City of Biloxi Parks and Recreation Department will hold registration for the Biloxi Youth Basketball on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Donal Snyder Community Center, 2520 Pass Road. Youth Basketball is open to boys and girls ages 6 to 15. All players must be age 6 by December […]

BusinessWeek cites Biloxi as best to raise children

BusinessWeek has named Biloxi as Mississippi’s best place for raising children. The magazine said its most important factors in analyzing communities across the country with a population of at least 50,000 was school performance, affordability, and safety. The criteria also considered cost of living, air quality, job growth, racial diversity, and local parks, ball fields, […]

Volunteers begin drive to provide Thanksgiving meals

The Harrison County Volunteers to Feed the Needy have begun their 2008 drive to deliver hot meals to the homes of those less fortunate on Thanksgiving Day. The names of anyone in need of a meal on Thanksgiving Day are currently being accepted. To request meals please call one of the following numbers: — Biloxi […]

Veterans parade to roll Saturday in Biloxi

A parade to commemorate Veterans Day will roll through downtown Biloxi on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. The parade, scheduled to have more than a hundred units, will begin at Caillavet Street and Bayview Avenue, proceed south on Caillavet, turn east on Esters Boulevard, south on Lameuse Street to U.S. 90, and travel a block […]

Council announces December meeting schedule

The Biloxi City Council has announced that it has three scheduled meetings for December. The meetings, which will be on Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 at City Hall, will be on Dec. 2, 16 and 30.

Popp’s Ferry Bridge presentation

To see the 13-page presentation made by engineers working on a replacement to the existing Popp’s Ferry Bridge, click here.

Council to hear Popp’s Ferry recommendation

Engineers who have been studying options to improve or replace the Popp’s Ferry bridge in west Biloxi will make a recommendation for the best option to the City Council during a special meeting on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at City Hall. Representatives of Brown & Mitchell, Neel-Schaffer and Pickering will present results of the environmental […]

Cemetery contractor, re-enactors to highlight tour

Students from Biloxi and St. Patrick Catholic high schools will again portray noted Biloxians buried in Biloxi City Cemetery during a cemetery tour this evening at 5:30. Also during the ceremony, Mayor A.J. Holloway will recognize contractor Kenneth R. Thompson, the contractor who oversaw the award-winning restoration of the oldest section of the beachfront cemetery. […]

Safety tips for trick or treaters

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. The city offers these tips: When trick-or-treating: — A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. — Use a […]

Demolition of former library set to begin

Temporary fencing has been installed around the former site of the downtown library in Biloxi, signaling that demolition of the storm-ravaged structure has begun. “The intent is that demolition of the interior will begin this week, but you probably won’t see exterior walls coming down for a few weeks,” said Edwin Daniel of Dale & […]

Library archives to officially open this afternoon

The Biloxi Public Library’s Local History & Genealogy Department will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house this afternoon at its new location, on the third flood of the downtown Biloxi Post Office. The ribbon-cutting will be at 4 p.m., and a public reception will be from 4 to 6 p.m. The post office is […]

Halloween events on Town Green, at Hiller Park

Main Street Biloxi will host a “drive-in” movie and Halloween events Saturday evening on the Biloxi Town Green, and a rain-delayed Halloween at Hiller Park is scheduled to take place on Tuesday. At the Town Green, a Halloween costume contest for children ages 12 and under will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, with […]

Weather permitting, Hiller Park Halloween on schedule

Halloween at Hiller Park, scheduled for 5:30 this afternoon, remains on schedule, according to the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. The free event, which will be at the Barbara Ferrill Softball Fields, is open to children ages 3 to 12. Those interested should call 435-6148 or 435-6294 for confirmation before 5 p.m. In the event […]

Cemetery restoration project wins award; other news and notes

The city’s project to restore the Biloxi City Cemetery will be recognized next month by the Mississippi Associated Builders and Contractors. City contractor Kenneth R. Thompson Jr. of Greenwood and Gautier will receive a first place merit award at the association banquet on Nov. 7 in Jackson. The merit awards honor contractors “whose work exemplifies […]

Biloxi to wrap debris-removal efforts on Saturday

The City of Biloxi has hauled away about 23,000 cubic yards of debris from Hurricane Gustav, and crews will be working through the end of the day Saturday picking up the remnants. “At the outset, we said that we thought there was about 25,000 cubic yards, so we think we’re right on track,” said Mayor […]

Gaming revenue drops 24 percent; other news and notes

Biloxi’s casino market had its slowest month in more than two years in September, with revenue nearly 24 percent off. In figures released by the mayor’s office today, the Biloxi casino market reported gross gaming revenue of $63.6 million for September, the lowest figure since May of 2006. The revenue was down 23.1 percent from […]

Holloway cites progress in chamber presentation

Mayor A.J. Holloway said the City Council’s approval of a firm to oversee the city’s massive $355 million in infrastructure work was the most recent milestone in the city’s ongoing rebuilding. Holloway, speaking to a Biloxi Chamber of Commerce audience at Biloxi Regional Medical Center, outlined the project — which includes repaving or rebuilding of […]

Cruisin’ full throttle into the weekend

Cruisin’ the Coast enters the home stretch this weekend, with stages of entertainment at several venues and cruisers traveling Beach Boulevard and city streets. The 10-day event, which has attracted thousands of auto owners and enthusiasts to the area, wraps on Sunday. Throughout the 10 days, cruisers have traveled the Coast, visiting various Cruisin’ entertainment […]

Photos from Cruisin’ block party

The Downtown Biloxi Block Party for Cruisin’ the Coast, which attracted hundreds of vehicles and thousands of spectators to the downtown area this morning, continues through 2 this afternoon. To see more than 100 photos taken during the initial hours of the party, click here.

Cruisers to focus on Biloxi Wednesday

Biloxi Police are reminding motorists to expects to see a larger number of Cruisin’ the Coast visitors Wednesday, as a downtown block party takes place throughout the morning. Hundreds of Cruisin’ the Coast automobiles will be on display throughout the streets of downtown Biloxi Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors to the free […]

Howard Avenue work underway; more on the way

Work is well underway on the reconstruction of Howard Avenue in east Biloxi, a pre-cursor to the $355 million in infrastructure work the city is planning over the next several years. The Howard Avenue project, which is being funded by $2.8 million in federal money, includes the installation of larger water, sewer and drainage pipes; […]

Ohr festival bows Saturday; other news and notes

The 15th Annual George Ohr Fall Festival of Arts — offering plenty of arts and crafts vendors, food and entertainment — takes place Saturday and Sunday on the Biloxi Town Green. The festival is open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $2 for adults, free […]

Council to consider overrides, funding this morning

Members of the Biloxi City Council will gather this morning at 9:30 to consider overriding Mayor A.J. Holloway’s vetoes of two employee pay measures. Council President Bill Stallworth is also re-introducing resolutions to provide $100,000 each to the Back Bay Mission and Moore Community House. The meeting, which will be held at City Hall, is […]

Council approves increases in pay, longevity

Members of the Biloxi City Council this morning voted 6-0 to override Mayor A.J. Holloway’s vetoes of the compensation and longevity increases for employees.

Holloway vetoes pay, longevity measures

Mayor A.J. Holloway, following through on promise made a week ago, has vetoed two ordinances that would increase pay for city employees, saying the third pay increase for employees in two years would lead to a reduction in the city work force or an increase in city property taxes. Holloway’s 19-page veto message, which was […]

Seniors dance planned for this afternoon

A free seniors dance, titled “Rock n’ Roll Bash,” will be this afternoon from 2 to 4 at the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center in west Biloxi. Attire from the ’50s is encouraged; music and food will be provided. The event is being sponsored by the city, Biloxi Regional Medical Center, Health Spring and […]

Work planned on I-110 highrise, rail crossings

MDOT has announced that it will be working on the outer southbound lanes of the I-110 highrise this evening from 9 until 2 a.m. Traffic will be reduced to one lane while the maintenance work is underway. CSX, meantime, has announced that its crews will be improving rail crossings at Beauvoir Road and Iris Drive […]

Council to discuss pay, major projects Tuesday

The Biloxi City Council will meet three times Tuesday, with morning meetings to discuss the city’s federal programs budget and upcoming $355 million infrastructure project, and an afternoon meeting where employee compensation issues will be discussed. Mayor A.J. Holloway called an 11 a.m. meeting to discuss the city’s Community Development Block Grant program and an […]

Council overrides budget veto; three plan to re-visit pay issue

Members of the City Council this morning voted 6-1 to override Mayor A.J. Holloway’s veto of the FY ’09 municipal budget, but at least three councilmembers said they planned to re-consider their position on employee compensation and longevity pay, two issues scheduled for a vote Tuesday. Councilman Tom Wall was the lone dissenter in the […]

City to honor tree sculptor Marlin Miller

Biloxi will pick up an honorary citizen Friday night when Biloxi Mayor A.J. Holloway honors Marlin Miller, the Fort Walton Beach, Fla. sculptor who has created more than a dozen sculptures from standing dead trees in the Biloxi medians of Beach Boulevard. Holloway will honor Miller on Friday night at the Biloxi High School football […]

Council calls special meeting for Friday

The Biloxi City Council has called a special meeting for Friday at 9 a.m. to consider an override of Mayor A.J. Holloway’s veto of the municipal budget for Fiscal Year 2009. The meeting, which is open to the public, will be held at City Hall. Holloway vetoed the budget on Tuesday, citing increases in employee […]

Holloway vetoes budget, cites employee spending plans

Mayor A.J. Holloway this afternoon vetoed the municipal budget passed by the City Council, citing “exorbitant” spending in employee compensation and longevity pay in the budget, which was to take effect Oct. 1. In his veto message to council members, Holloway noted that the city provided $4,600 across-the-board pay increases for employees last year and […]

City accelerates debris efforts

The City of Biloxi expects to have its first debris sweep of the city completed this week, and residents who have not already done so are encouraged to move Hurricane Gustav debris to the curb for teams to haul it away. Hurricane Gustav left more than 25,000 cubic yards of debris in its wake in […]

Police, Public Works announce street closures

Sections of major thoroughfares in Biloxi, including the Biloxi Bay Bridge, have been closed or will be closed because of street flooding caused by the Hurricane Ike storm surge. Biloxi Police report that the Biloxi Bay Bridge was closed after street flooding at its base, at Myrtle Street in Biloxi. The city had notified residents […]

Ike news and notes: Photos, etc.

Hurricane Ike is expected to make landfall near the upper Texas coast by late today or early Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. The impact in Biloxi: Street flooding: The storm surge currently covering waterfront streets and low-lying areas of the city is expected to recede slightly this afternoon. To see photos from this […]

Comprehensive Plan workshops scheduled

Biloxi residents are being invited to attend any of a series of upcoming workshops to give their input on the city’s update of its comprehensive plan. Workshops will be held Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Biloxi Community Center on Howard Avenue in east Biloxi; Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Joppa Shrine Center on […]

Latest on Ike, weekend entertainment preview

The latest word from Biloxi Emergency Management coordinator Linda Atterberry regarding the impact from Hurricane Ike: “On Saturday, residents should plan to see the same amount of water on roadways and in low-lying areas that they saw Thursday, which is about 2 feet below what they saw today. We expect to see winds of 20 […]

High water closes parts of U.S. 90. other streets

Hurricane Ike is 270 miles south-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River and moving west-northwest this morning, but high water driven by the Categoty 2 storm has closed sections of several major thoroughfares in Biloxi. At 7 a.m., water had risen halfway across the beach south of U.S. 90, and was approaching the seawall […]

More street flooding expected Friday; Ike surge photos

The street flooding from this morning has receded, but Biloxi’s Emergency Management coordinator says residents should expect to see a replay on Friday morning. A Hurricane Ike-induced storm surge came ashore this morning at high tide and pushed water onto several waterfront roadways and into low-lying areas. ”We are still anticipating higher-than-usual tides again tomorrow, […]

‘Wind Down Wednesday’ to make debut today

The Beau Rivage Resort & Casino and other sponsors this evening will introduce “Wind Down Wednesdays,” a Town Green event designed to provide “relaxing and fun experience after a long workday.” Beau Rivage plays host to a night of entertainment, food and refreshments from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the Biloxi Town Green. Refreshments for […]

Squirrel interrupts downtown power

Electricity to a number of downtown businesses was interrupted for 17 minutes Tuesday morning when a squirrel jumped on a electric transformer on Howard Avenue, where workers are re-positioning poles as part of the reconistruction of the roadway. Typically, says Gifford Ormes of Mississippi Power’s Biloxi office, lights may blink slightly when something like this […]

Moss Point football game moved to Saturday

The Biloxi football game with Moss Point has been moved from Friday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Biloxi High School stadium. Biloxi Athletic Director Henry “Spud” Wieniewitz said the game was pushed back because of the interruption caused by Hurricane Gustav. “We had to find all of our kids and have at least two […]

Biloxi to begin debris removal efforts

Biloxi residents are being encouraged to move storm debris to the curbside to be picked up by the city’s storm debris contractor. Mayor A.J. Holloway is notifying FEMA and MEMA that the city plans to have Crowder-Gulf, its storm debris contractor, begin removing debris from public rights of way next week. The contractor will not […]

Casino resorts re-opening in Biloxi

With the re-opening of U.S. 90 this morning, all casino resorts in Biloxi are expected to be re-opened by mid-afternoon, according to Rich Randall of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, who said commission agents and auditors have been at Biloxi casino resorts since 7 this morning going through re-opening procedures. Casinos must pass inspections by the […]

Biloxi casino resort industry, 6,000 hotel rooms back online

Biloxi’s eight casino resorts re-opened for business this afternoon, a couple days after Hurricane Gustav visited the area. “This brings 6,000 hotel rooms back online, and, just as importantly, puts 12,000 people back to work,” Mayor A.J. Holloway said. “Our economic industry, the gaming and hospitality industry, is open for business. We have some debris […]

City employees to report Tuesday

City of Biloxi employees are expected te be at work Tuesday at their regularly schedule time.

Distribution sites open for ice, water, MREs

The county Emergency Management Agency has opened four sites for distributing free ice, water and meals ready to eat. The four sites close at 7 this evening. The county does not plan to re-open the distribution points after today. The four sites are: In Biloxi, Yankie Stadium, corner of Lee and Division streets; In Pass […]

Gustav: More photos from the aftermath; tornado watch; other news and notes

To see photos from the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav, taken between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday, click here. To see previously posted photos, which were taken between 7 and 10 a.m. Monday, click here. Area under tornado watch until 4 p.m. Harrison County has been placed under a tornado watch until 4 p.m. A […]

Council extends waiver of fees for permits; other news and notes

The Biloxi City Council voted today to extend free permits to individuals either repairing or rebuilding their storm-damaged homes, saving residents anywhere from $25 to $250 or more for storm-related building permits. The waiver, which had expired Aug. 31, has been extended for a year, until Aug. 31, 2009, but does not include commercial permits. […]

Gustav photos from around Biloxi

To see photos shot this morning at locations around the city, click here.

Holloway: Worst hasn’t gotten here yet

“I don’t think the worse has gotten here yet,” Mayor A.J. Holloway said this morning at 10:15, as the city endured wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph and a 10 to 12 feet tidal surge in some areas of the peninsula. The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for Harrison County. The area […]

Water, wind subsiding; curfew remains in effect

Wind and water are subsiding in Biloxi, but Mayor A.J. Holloway says a curfew will remain in effect until city crews have had a chance to access damage and clear streets of downed tree limbs. The city saw sustained winds of 40 mph, with gusts up to 60 and 70 mph, plus a 12-foot storm […]

Feeder bands beginning to move into Biloxi

The first feeder bands of Hurricane Gustav began making their way over Biloxi and the Gulf Coast this evening, as the center of the Category 3 storm was about 200 miles south-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River and was moving northwest at 18 mph. Mayor A.J. Holloway, who earlier relayed forecasts of as […]

Mayor announces expected impact of Gustav

Biloxi could see as much as 12 to 20 inches of rain and a 12- to 16-foot tidal surge as a result of Hurricane Gustav, according to Mayor A.J. Holloway, and initial tropical force winds could begin as early as midnight tonight. The mayor also announced that a curfew will be in effect at 10 […]

Boat owners advised to move craft or be ready to move

Owners of vessels in Biloxi’s public harbors and marinas are being advised to either move their craft to safer areas or be ready to do so. Port Division Manager Frankie Duggan says he began cautioning boat owners on Friday afternoon to be prepared to move, and Port Division staffers have continued to do so today. […]

CTA urges residents to use pick up points; tracking info

Coast Transit is advising residents who need evacuation transportation and are able to get to a community pick up point to do so, instead of registering with CTA. Only those who cannot get to a community pickup point should register at 896-8080, CTA Director Kevin Coggin said. Although transportation will be available between 1 and […]

Hurricane watch issued from Texas to Alabama

The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane watch for the northern Gulf Coast, from east of Highland, Texas, to the Alabama-Florida border. A hurricane watch mean that hurricane conditions are possible in the area within 36 hours. The watch was issued at 4 p.m. What to do during a hurricane watch —Listen to a […]

Evacuation ordered for Zones A and B, effective Sunday at 3

A mandatory evacuation has been ordered for residents in Zones A and B, effective Sunday at 3 p.m. The eye of Gustav is currently about 570 miles southeast of the north-central coast of the Gulf of Mexico, according to a 7 p.m. advisory. The storm, a Category 4 with sustained winds of about 150 mph, […]

Storm shelters will open Sunday at 6 p.m.

North Bay Elementary School, off Popp’s Ferry Road in Biloxi, will serve as one of nine storm shelters opening to the public Sunday at 6 p.m. to provide residents refuge from Hurricane Gustav. The locations of the nine shelters: —Saucier Elementary School, 24052 First St., Saucier —West Wortham K-8 School, 20199 West Wortham, Saucier —North […]

Casino resorts, Keesler announce storm plans

The two mainstays of Biloxi’s economy, the casino resort industry and Keesler Air Force Base, have announced storm plans. The Mississippi Gaming Commission says casino resorts in Biloxi and south Mississippi will close to patrons at 7 a.m. Sunday, and Keesler has ordered all non-storm essential personnel to plan to evacuate Sunday. Biloxi is home […]

Register now with CTA for Sunday rides

Persons who need evacuation transportation should register now with Coast Transit Authority at (228) 896-8080 (ext. 0) or online in order to be picked up curbside Sunday between 1 and 6 p.m. Those registering will be required to provide their name and address, and whether they have any medical needs or pets. CTA will provide […]

Governor: Evacuate trailers, cottages, low-lying areas this weekend; other news and notes

Governor Haley Barbour announced this morning that Katrina victims still living in FEMA trailers, campers and cottages and residents in designated flood hazard zones along Mississippi’s coast should begin evacuating this weekend as Gustav approaches. Barbour says notices are going out to trailer residents on Saturday. The Mississippi Army National Guard will launch a door-to-door […]

Archbishop Rodi, others to take part in Biloxi Katrina observance

Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi of the Archdiocese of Mobile will be among those participating in a ceremony to mark the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on the Town Green on Friday at 8 a.m. Rodi will deliver the opening prayer in the 30-minute multi-denominational observance and will be joined by a half-dozen other clergy members […]

City departments continue to prepare

Biloxi Police officers have been advised to take care of any personal storm prep issues now in the event they are called into duty over the weekend, and all city departments are continuing to work their respective storm plans as Gustav continues to swirl near Jamaica. “We’ve addressed the initial phases of our storm plan, […]

Residents, businesses encouraged to prepare

For the second time in a week, Mayor A.J. Holloway is advising residents to review their personal storm plan and continue monitoring news reports concerning Gustav, a tropical storm that is expected to enter the Gulf of Mexico as a hurricane this weekend. Shortly before noon today, Holloway met with the city’s debris-removal contractors and […]

Council to meet twice Tuesday

The Biloxi City Council will meet twice on Tuesday, a 9 a.m. meeting where water rates and social-service spending are scheduled to be discussed, and a regularly scheduled 1:30 p.m. meeting, where the Seashore Oaks re-zoning issue is on the agenda. To see the complete agenda for both meetings, click here. News and notes Student […]

Thoughts on the third anniversary

Comments from Mayor A.J. Holloway on the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina: — We’ve issued in the neighborhood of 24,000 permits of one type or another since Hurricane Katrina, valued at more than a billion dollars, but of those 24.000 permits, only 420 have been for new homes. We lost 6,000 homes and businesses to […]

Tropical storm warning lifted; flood watch remains in effect

The tropical storm warning for Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast has been lifted, as Tropical Storm Fay is moving further inland in Florida; however, a flash flood watch remains in effect. Residents in Biloxi and the surrounding area, particularly those in low-lying areas, still face the threat from localized flooding, as Fay is expected […]

Flash flood watch, tropical storm warning now in effect

Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast are now under a flash flood watch and tropical storm warning, which means that sustained winds of at least 39 mph are expected within 24 hours and that flooding is expected to occur. Tropical storm Fay, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, was east-southeast of Pensacola, and moving […]

City staffers take pre-storm precautions; other news and notes

Biloxi Public Works crews were cleaning storm drains and catch basins this afternoon and securing construction sites as emergency management leaders announced that heavy rains and gusty winds from Tropical Storm Fay could begin impacting the area beginning early Sunday. “We’re doing the things that we’re asking all resident to do: prepare your property for […]

Biloxi to offer Start Smart program, swim lessons

The City of Biloxi Parks and Recreation Department has opened registration for the first 25 Start Smart Football Program participants. Registration is Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Recreation Office, 380 Hiller Drive. The program is open to children ages 3 to 5 and their parents or a responsible adult. […]

Budget-conscious Biloxi seeing impact of post-Katrina spending

Biloxi’s three primary revenue streams – taxes from gaming, sales and property – have rebounded or surpassed pre-Katrina levels, but Mayor A.J. Holloway says major spending since the storm is now being reflected in the city’s finances. Holloway and members of the Biloxi City Council for weeks have been working on drafting a city budget […]

Handful attends Camille observance; other news and notes

About two dozen residents gathered at the Hurricane Camille memorial in Biloxi today to mark the 39th anniversary of the Category 5 slamming into the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The 30-minute program – which featured a scripture reading, remarks by Mayor A.J. Holloway, a prayer and the reading of the names of Camille’s identified victims – […]

Council to resume budget talks, discuss re-zoning

Members of the Biloxi City Council will resume budget talks with Mayor A.J. Holloway during a 9 a.m. meeting on Tuesday, and council members will conduct their regularly scheduled meeting at 1:30 p.m. Both meetings will be at City Hall and are open to the public. Among the issues on the afternoon agenda: possible zoning […]

Church of Redeemer to host Camille memorial on Sunday

The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer will hold a Camille memorial observance on Sunday at noon at the newly restored Camille memorial on the church grounds on the beachfront in east Biloxi. Sunday is the 39th anniversary of the night in 1969 when Hurricane Camille struck Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, claiming 172 victims […]

City to host Back to School Luau for pre-teens

The City of Biloxi Parks and Recreation Department will host a Back to School Luau on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Biloxi Natatorium, 1384 Father Ryan Ave. The party is open for all children ages 6 to 12 and their parents, and offers a chance to cool down in the pool, dress […]

Council to meet twice Tuesday morning; other news and notes

The Biloxi City Council is scheduled to have two meetings Tuesday morning: an 8:45 gathering that includes discussion of two zoning issues, and a 9 o’clock budget workshop. Both meetings are at City Hall and are open to the public. The agenda for the 8:45 meeting includes a proposed re-zoning for hospitality business for Seashore […]

Council to continue budget discussions Tuesday

The Biloxi City Council will hold a special meeting on Tuesday at 9 a.m. to continue discussions about the Fiscal Year 2009 municipal budget. The new budget year will begin Oct. 1, and Mayor A.J. Holloway and council members should have a new budget in place by mid-September. Katrina observances in the works Here is […]

Fire Department adds four foam-system trucks to fleet

Firefighters in Biloxi have been training for several weeks on four new fire trucks that employ compressed air-foam systems designed to help improve firefighting. Three of the four $420,000 trucks replace fire trucks that were claimed by Hurricane Katrina. Although they appear to be typical fire trucks, the new vehicles employ a compressed air-foam system, […]

Budget, cottages and Bay Village on tap for council meetings Tuesday

The Biloxi City Council will have three meetings on Tuesday, including a rare nighttime meeting in which a re-zoning request to allow the proposed Bay Village subdivision will appear on the agenda. Council members will meet at 9 a.m. to discuss the city budget for Fiscal Year 2009, at 4 p.m. to discuss Katrina cottages, […]

Cable One, Town Green to host C-SPAN’s Campaign 2008 Bus

Biloxi residents will have a chance to step aboard C-SPAN’s Campaign 2008 Bus when its “Road to the White House” tour stops at the Biloxi Town Green on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 45-foot mobile production studio is on the campaign trail to promote and enhance C-SPAN’s comprehensive political coverage, traveling to […]

DĂ©jĂ  vu: Bay Village, Katrina cottages on council agenda

Two holdover issues – requests for a zoning change to allow the Bay Village mixed-use subdivision in west Biloxi, and a measure to allow Katrina cottages throughout the city – are among the nearly 30 measures on the agenda for the City Council’s meeting next week. Councilmembers will meet at City Hall on Tuesday afternoon […]

‘Surf’s Up’ on Town Green; other news and notes

As part of this month’s celebration of Recreation and Parks Month, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department is hosting an evening of fun and games at the Biloxi Town Green and an afternoon family pool party at the Biloxi Natatorium. Festivities on the Town Green will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday and will include […]

Holloway: The gaming commission has spoken

Mayor A.J. Holloway, who supported approval of the proposed South Beach Casino Resort in west Biloxi, said this afternoon that he was disappointed with the Mississippi Gaming Commission’s denial of the site, but that he respected the ruling. “I think this ruling helps define what is a legal and suitable gaming site,” said Holloway, who […]

City to host free Town Green, Natatorium events

The City of Biloxi and the National Recreation and Park Association have proclaimed July as Recreation and Parks Month. As part of this year’s celebration, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department is hosting an evening of fun and games at the Biloxi Town Green, 710 Beach Boulevard, and an evening family pool party at the […]

Bay Village seeks delay until July 29

Developers requesting a zoning change for the proposed Bay Village subdivision on Pass Road in west Biloxi have asked that their request be postponed until July 29. The delay represents the second postponement for the issue, which had originally been scheduled for a July 1 meeting before being moved to Tuesday’s 1:30 meeting. To see […]

City Council sets schedule for budget hearings, meetings

The Biloxi City Council, with FY â€09 scheduled to begin Oct. 1, has announced a schedule of upcoming budget hearings, including a nighttime meeting. Budget hearings will be held at 10 a.m. on July 29 and Aug. 12, and during a 6 p.m. council meeting on Aug. 5. For September, the council will meet Sept. […]

Council faces four meetings Tuesday

The Biloxi City Council will have four meetings Tuesday — three special meetings in the morning and a regularly scheduled meeting in the afternoon. At 10 a.m., councilmembers are scheduled to hear a briefing on the city’s upcoming $355 million infranstructure work, followed by a 10:30 a.m. session to discuss the city’s Comprehensive Annual Financial […]

Biloxi to host National Night Out on Aug. 5

The Biloxi Police Department and its community partners will join more than 11,000 communities across the country again this year to host “National Night Out Against Crime.” Biloxi will sponsor a free community fair on Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. on the grounds of Nativity BVM Elementary School. The event will feature […]

Planning Commission to hear east beach re-zoning comments

The Biloxi Planning Commission, acting on a directive from the Biloxi City Council, will hear public comments Thursday on the possible re-zoning of 81 acres of east beach property to allow casino gaming. The hearing, which will be conducted at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Municipal Building on MLK Boulevard, will begin at 2 […]

Rodeo, other events fill Fourth of July weekend

The Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo — with its array of fish displays, carnival rides and live entertainment — opens its four-day run at Point Cadet on Thursday. The event is one of several weekend activities that Mayor A.J. Holloway expects to help kick off a banner month. “This long weekend has plenty of things […]

Bay Village requests postponement until July 15 meeting

Developers requesting a zoning change for the proposed Bay Village subdivision on Pass Road in west Biloxi have asked that their request be postponed until the City Council meeting on July 15. The request had been scheduled to be heard at the council meeting this afternoon at 1:30. To see the agenda for this afternoon’s […]

Ludacris, Rain in town this weekend

Among the weekend’s entertainment offerings are a Ludacris concert tonight at the Coast Coliseum, and Rain, the Beatles Experience at the Beau Rivage. You can also get a preview of the Fourth of July events in listings compiled by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau. To see the listings, click here. A centennial […]

Bay Village re-zoning, other issues on agenda Tuesday

Six measures involving zoning issues are on the agenda for the City Council’s Tuesday meeting at City Hall. The meeting, which is open to the public, begins at 1:30 p.m. Two of the measures before the council involve the Planning Commission’s recommended denial of zoning changes to allow the Bay Village subdivision in west Biloxi. […]

KaBOOM! to construct playground at Busch Park

KaBOOM!, the national non-profit group that recently completed its 100th playground in the Katrina recovery zone, will join its partners and volunteers on Sautrday to construct a new playground at Doris Busch Park, a city park on Esters Boulevard in east Biloxi. Residents from throughout the city are being asked to join KaBOOM! Saturday from […]

City property insurance rate could drop 25 percent

Mayor A.J. Holloway and the city’s insurance broker had good news for the Biloxi City Council this afternoon: The city’s property insurance rate for next year is expected to be as much as 25 percent below existing rates. And Holloway is also recommending that the City Council take advantage of the lower rate to purchase […]

Weekend preview: Art, music and cars; other notes

Among the events taking place this weekend: The Biloxi Art Association stages an exhibition at Edgewater Mall, the Grass Roots perform tonight at Hard Rock, and you’ll see plenty of low-riding vehicles on the roadways for Scrapin’ the Coast. For a complete look at this weekend’s entertainment lineup, courtesy of listings from the Mississippi Gulf […]

Casino revenue jumps 11 percent in May

Biloxi’s nine casinos reported $79.5 million in gaming revenue in May, an increase of $8 million over April’s $71.1 million and a half-million dollars more than May 2007. Mayor A.J. Holloway said he was pleased to see revenue rebound from a 20-month low last month, but he noted that for the fiscal year, Biloxi’s casino […]

Malfuctioning draw shuts down I-110

Biloxi Police are diverting traffic from the I-110 highrise over Back Bay because of a malfunctioning draw. At 2:20 p.m. police were moving traffic off of the bridge, and have officers posted at each access point to detour traffic. The draw malfunctioned before 2 p.m., according to a police dispatcher. Alternate routes include the Popp’s […]

I-110 reopens after 45-minute interruption

Biloxi Police report that the I-110 bridge has re-opened to traffic. The bridge was shut down for about 45 minutes while engineers repaired the draw on the highrise.

City’s annual water quality report in mail, online

Annual testing of the city’s water systems shows that municipal water customers in Biloxi are receiving water that “meets or exceeds all federal and state requirements.” The annual report, mandated by the state Department of Health, is being mailed to the city’s 11,800 water customers this week and will be published Thursday in The Biloxi-D’Iberville […]

CTA to offer free rides on Thursday

Coast Transit Authority will offer free rides on all fixed routes on Thursday, June 19 as part of the second annual “Dump the Pump Day,” a nationwide public awareness initiative coordinated by the American Public Transportation Association. “It’s a celebration of fuel savings and environmental conservation,” said CTA director Kevin Coggin. “It is a celebration […]

Biloxians invited to participate in centennial celebration

The City of Biloxi on June 30 will observe the centennial of the building housing City Hall, a three-story marble structure that once served as a U.S. Post Office, Courthouse and Custom House. A 5:30 to 7 p.m. public reception is planned for the day, which marks the 100th anniversary of the building being declared […]

Council eyes repair payments, Moore donation

The Biloxi City Council on Tuesday afternoon will consider measures involving repair work to a host of city facilities and a donation of $100,000 to Moore Community House, a non-profit group that provides daycare in east Biloxi. The council’s agenda for its 1:30 meeting at City Hall contains 17 measures in all, and 13 code-enforcement […]

Visitors to be offered $50 gas vouchers

With prices at the pump soaring, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is doing its part to make summer travel a bit easier on the family budget. Families visiting the Mississippi Gulf Coast between June 15 and Sept. 1 will receive a $50 gas voucher with a minimum two-night stay at participating hotels. Those interested should call […]

Survey: 80 percent of Biloxians satisfied with city direction, progress

More than 80 percent of Biloxians think the city is on the right track, and just as many people say they are satisfied with ongoing progress of the city’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina. The results are from a poll of 500 Biloxi residents made by Market Research Insight, a company that has conducted more than […]

City to re-locate three-way stop on John Lee Road

A new three-way stop will be installed at the intersection of Old Woolmarket Road and John Lee Road on Wednesday. At the same time, city Public Works crews will remove a three-way stop that had been at the intersection of John Lee and Wash Fayard roads.

Slavic Lodge to seek zoning approval Tuesday

The Slavic Benevolent Association’s plans to construct a new lodge in the Third Street neighborhood on Point Cadet will be among the 18 issues on the agenda when the City Council meets Tuesday at City Hall. The 1:30 p.m. meeting also includes measures that would re-name the Biloxi Community Center in honor of longtime Biloxi […]

Four new trucks join Biloxi Fire Department fleet

The Biloxi Fire Department has accepted delivery of four new fire trucks to replace storm-destroyed vehicles. The new vehicles, a $1.8 million investment funded mostly with city funds, will employ a compressed air foam system that will use a mix of foam and water to fight fires. The process will enhance firefighting capabilities and dramatically […]

Library to offer hundreds of free books Saturday

Residents have their pick of hundreds of free books at the former downtown Biloxi Public Library on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. “These are donated books from folks across the country,” said librarian Charline Longino, who has hosted the giveaways for several weeks at the Lameuse Street location. “The library went through everything […]

New sweeper to soon patrol city streets

The city is expected to take delivery of a new street sweeper next week, and Mayor A.J. Holloway says the $174,000 vehicle will be in operation immediately after any necessary operator training. Before Hurricane Katrina, the city had contracted with a firm to handle street-sweeping duties, but that agreement ended with the storm because streets […]

New state laws to aid in dealing with problem properties

Two new state laws scheduled to take effect July 1 are going to help local governments rid neighborhoods of problem properties. The first deals with cases where cities and county governments have had to spend thousands of dollars to clear weeded or abandoned lots, and the second allows cities to seize properties with a documented […]

Blessing of the Fleet bows this weekend

The annual Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival takes place this weekend and the annual observance will include the return of the fais-do-do Saturday on the Biloxi Town Green. The fais-do-do, a French term loosely translated as street dance, fell off the Shrimp Fest lineup more than a decade ago, but organizers of the […]

Preservation celebration wraps up this evening

Thursdays in May, the month-long celebration of preservation wraps up this evening with an awards ceremony at Biloxi City Hall and the formal dedication of the Bond-Grant House on Howard Avenue. Both events are free and open to the public. The awards ceremony, which begins at 5:30 at City Hall, will recognize individuals, businesses and […]

New tennis center, courts to open at Biloxi Sports Complex

Biloxi’s investment in its $10 million sports complex off Cedar Lake Road will grow by $1.7 million this weekend, with the opening of a new tennis center at the 66-acre complex off Cedar Lake Road. The city will dedicate the new tennis center Saturday with a morning ribbon-cutting ceremony and free daylong tennis carnival sponsored […]

Biloxi casinos see drop in gaming revenue

The Biloxi casino market suffered its worst month in 20 months in April, with the city’s casinos posting gross gaming revenue of $71.1 million. The figure was 24 percent off the $93.7 million in gross gaming revenue from March, which was the largest March on record; and 16 percent down from the $84.6 million of […]

Weekend and council meeting previews; other news and notes

Among the events taking place in Biloxi this weekend are the annual wooden boat show, the inaugural Walk in the Park at Hiller Park, “The Sound of Music” at the Coast Coliseum, Special Olympics State Summer Games at Keesler, and “I Hate Hamlet” at Biloxi Little Theater. To see the complete lineup and details, thanks […]

Preservation series to spotlight Biloxi students; other news and notes

Thursdays in May, the month-long celebration of preservation, moves to Biloxi Junior High School this week, with eighth grade students sharing their research of the school neighborhood. In a months-long project underwritten by the History Channel and the University of Southern Mississippi-Gulf Coast, 430 eighth graders from Biloxi Junior High School studied the architecture in […]

Wooden boat show comes ashore Saturday

Wooden boats ranging in size from 14 to 76 feet and dating back as early as 1912 will be on display this weekend for the Annual Billy Creel Memorial Gulf Coast Wooden Boat Show at the Seafood Industry Museum Pier in east Biloxi. The two-day event is a celebration of historic, antique, classic and contemporary […]

Whale sightings expected this summer; other news and notes

The city’s Beach Boulevard tree-sculpture project will have its grand finale in the next couple of months when sculptor Marlin Miller creates a family of humpback whales from a dead oak tree in the center median south of the Biloxi cemetery. The final sculpture will cap a project that has seen the creation of 20 […]

Habitat cranking up; other news and notes

Habitat for Humanity staffers and volunteers are framing homes in the parking area south of the Biloxi Lighthouse as part of the Habitat for Humanity Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. The five-day event from May 11-16, 2008 will serve to construct and rehabilitate 60 houses and frame up to 48 more in the host […]

Program manager update: Meeting attracts dozens of firms

More than 75 individuals representing more than three dozen firms attended a City Hall meeting this week to hear more about the city’s plan to hire a firm to oversee a massive overhaul of the city’s storm-damaged infrastructure. The meeting included an overview by city representatives, as well as a question-and-answer session. “We were pleased […]

Flood insurance reminders going out this week

The City of Biloxi, as part of its continuing efforts to educate property owners about the dangers of storms and flooding, is reminding residents this week about the importance of having flood insurance. In fact, says Community Development Director Jerry Creel, “right now it’s more important than ever to get flood insurance because of the […]

Biloxi to seek firm to oversee massive infrastructure work

The City of Biloxi, after receiving notice of FEMA funding, is seeking to hire a project-management team to oversee the largest public works undertaking in the history of the city, a project to replace or repair all infrastructure in the Katrina storm-surge areas of the city. The city has published notices locally, as well as […]

Council to eye property, equipment issues; other news and notes

The Biloxi City Council will consider a request for a 60-unit addition to Keesler Villa Apartments off Popp’s Ferry Road in north Biloxi when it meets Tuesday afternoon at City Hall. Mayor A.J. Holloway will also ask councilmembers to approve a $196,000 yearlong contract with a firm to maintain landscaping along Back Bay Boulevard and […]

City to recognize volunteers; other news and notes

Hundreds of volunteers will be recognized by the city in the 25th annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, which takes place today at 5:30 at the Donal M. Snyder Community Center. The event is free and open to the public. Mayor A.J. Holloway will present awards to individuals, organizations and businesses for contributing time and energy to […]

Biloxi to host preservation “Thursdays in May”

In observance of National Historic Preservation Month in May, the Biloxi Bay Chamber, the Biloxi Main Street Program and the Mississippi Heritage Trust are partnering with the City of Biloxi to present “Thursdays in May” to share information about and celebrate efforts to Preserve Biloxi. Thursday, May 1, Preserve Biloxi: Work in Progress, 5:30 p.m., […]

RFQ for Biloxi Infrastructure Repair Program Manager Services

To see the 77-page PDF of the request for qualifications for the Biloxi Infrastructure Repair Program Manager services, click here. The size of the file is 7.5 MB.

Council eyes IP re-zoning, condo; other news and notes

The Biloxi City Council this afternoon will consider a re-zoning case that would see the IP Casino Resort Spa increase its footprint along Back Bay by 14.2 acres, to 24 acres. The issue is among more than three dozen measures on the agenda for the council’s 1:30 meeting at City Hall. The IP case involves […]

’08 State of City report now online; other news and notes

The annual State of the City newsletter — a detailed report about projects, programs and initiatives being undertaken by the city and its partner agencies – is now online and printed copies should be arriving in mailboxes throughout the city next week. The 16-page report, a follow-up to Mayor A.J. Holloway’s annual State of the […]

Council to consider move to make cottages permanent

The Biloxi City Council next week will consider a measure that will classify “Mississippi cottages” as modular construction, meaning that the once-temporary cottages could become a permanent part of neighborhoods. The resolution, introduced by Ward 2 Councilmember Bill Stallworth, is one of three dozen measures on the council’s 1:30 agenda Tuesday afternoon. The meeting will […]

‘Bee Movie’ moved to April 18; other news and notes

Biloxi Main Street has announced that its Town Green presentation of the animated “Bee Movie” planned for Friday has been postponed to next Friday, April 18, because of forecasted inclement weather this week. The free presentation, part of Main Street’s hugely successful “drive-in movie” series on the Town Green, begins at 6 p.m., with door […]

Renaissance group plans ‘A Walk in the Park’

All Mississippi Coast residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to take “A Walk in the Park” on May 17 to help raise awareness and funds for a botanical garden and horticultural center that will be created at Hiller Park in Biloxi. The Mississippi Renaissance Garden Foundation, which provides assistance to coastal residents and communities […]

City seeks volunteers for clean-up campaign; other news and notes

Businesses, civic groups and individuals are being asked to sign up this week for a weeklong citywide clean-up that takes place next week throughout the city. The event, being held in conjunction with the Great American Cleanup and Earth Day, will culminate next weekend with a brown bag lunch and cookout on the Town Green […]

Holloway ratifies RW Development re-zoning case

Biloxi Mayor A.J. Holloway this afternoon ratified the City Council’s vote for a zoning change that would allow a casino component of the proposed RW Development mixed-use project, known as Gold Coast, in west Biloxi. Developers would now ask the Mississippi Gaming Commission to declare the site a legal and suitable gaming location. Holloway said […]

NBC News to air Katrina sculptures segment

NBC News plans to air a segment about the Katrina scupltures in Biloxi tonight during its “Nightly News.” The program is scheduled to air nationwide and on WDSU-TV 6 in New Orleans at 5:30 p.m. NBC News correspondent Mark Potter, who filed several national stories from Biloxi in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, was in […]

Take your places! It’s Smokin’ the Sound time

Smoking the Sound, the powerboat races that run along front beach from east of the Isle of Capri to west of the Biloxi Lighthouse, will dominate the waterfront this weekend in Biloxi, with races taking place throughout the day Saturday and Sunday. Viewing is available along the waterfront, with premium viewing atop the parking garages […]

Challenger baseball league to kick off season; other news and notes

The City of Biloxi Parks and Recreation Department begins its Challenger League Baseball season with the first game tonight at 7 at the Biloxi Sports Complex, 765 Wells Drive. The Challenger League is open to boys and girls of all ages with mental and physical disabilities. Games are played one night a week and participation […]

Farmers Market to host season kickoff

The City of Biloxi Parks and Recreation Department will re-open the Biloxi Farmers Market on Tuesday, April 1 at 8:30 a.m. under the I-110 bridge overpass on Howard Avenue. The public is invited to stroll row after row of booths where vendors will sell farm-fresh produce, plants, homemade baked goods and more. Biloxi Farmers Market […]

Surprise! MDOT to open westbound lanes TODAY

The Mississippi Department of Transportation, which planned to open all westbound lanes of Beach Boulevard in east Biloxi on Monday, announced this morning that those lanes as well as all westbound lanes on the Biloxi Bay Bridge will open today. “The weather has been cooperating, so we’ve been able to get the work done even […]

Council faces casino zoning, harbor, other issues

The Biloxi City Council on Tuesday will be asked to re-zone 17 acres of land on the former “West Biloxi strip” to allow a casino component as part of a mixed-use development. The proposal by RW Development is one of more than a dozen measures on the agenda for the meeting, which begins at 1:30 […]

Take 2: NBC News to air Katrina sculptures segment

NBC News plans to include a segment on the Katrina sculptures during its “Nightly News” this evening, after the story was bumped from a shortened newscast last weekend when coverage of a golf tournament ran long. Correspondent Mark Potter notified the mayor’s office today that the segment is scheduled to air this evening, provided NBC’s […]

Police invite public to tour Edgewater office

Members of the Biloxi Police Department will hold a grand opening on Saturday, April 12 for a new satellite office at Edgewater Mall. The public is invited to attend the 10 a.m.-to-2 p.m. affair, which will be similar to the department’s annual Night Out Against Crime and will feature free hamburgers, hot dogs, soft drinks, […]

Main Street to host Brown Bag season-opener

The Biloxi Main Street Association will host its first Brown Bag Lunch of the season Friday in Margaret Tremmel Peresich Park in downtown Biloxi. Chuck Lofton and Chuck Flowers will provide free entertainment during the 11:30 a.m.-to-1 p.m. gathering. “This is the first Brown Bag of the spring season,” said Downtown Services Manager Kay Miller. […]

Council expected to vote on Bay Village proposal

The Biloxi City Council is scheduled to vote this afternoon on a measure that would allow a mixed-use development on 27.5 acres of land on Pass Road, immediately west of Keesler Federal Credit Union. The Bay Village proposal, which is on a site that was formerly part of Edgewater Bay Golf Course, would be constructed […]

Malfunctioning Popp’s Ferry bridge interrupts evening traffic

A malfuctioning locking device on the Popp’s Ferry Bridge kept motorists from crossing the bridge for an hour late Tuesday afternoon. The problem occurred after a bridgetender raised the draw at 6:01 p.m. to allow a tug pushing eight barges to pass. When the bridgetender lowered the spans at 6:27 p.m., the locking device, which […]

City to conduct smoke testing along Brasher Road

City contractors next week will begin pumping smoke into sewer lines along Brasher Road to check for breaks or defects in sewer lines. The testing will take place March 24-28 on Brasher Road, from Highland Drive to Wetzel Drive and south to the Back Bay, then north along Vee Street and Camp Four Jacks Road. […]

Council to eye heathcare program, land-use issues

Mayor A.J. Holloway, following up on a proposal that has been in the works for months, has called a special meeting of the City Council for Tuesday at 11 a.m. to learn about a proposal to provide free or low-cost health care for city employees and their families. Councilmembers will hear about the program at […]

Judge orders Bolton to erect approved fence

Harrison County Judge Robin Midcalf this morning found property owner Hayes Bolton to be in contempt of previous court orders and ordered him to erect a fence on his beachfront property. The fence is to comply with the guidelines of the city’s Architectural and Historical Review Commission, including brick columns every six to eight feet. […]

City to host Easter events Saturday, next weekend

The City of Biloxi Parks and Recreation Department will hold a Citywide Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 8 beginning at 10 a.m. on the grounds of the North Woolmarket School, 16237 Old Woolmarket Road. The Citywide Egg Hunt is for all children ages 5 to 12, and their parents. Admission is free and children will […]

2009 candidates

Here is a list of candidates who by the 5 p.m. deadline today filed their intent to qualify for the upcoming Biloxi municipal elections is 5 p.m. today. Mayor Democrats: Jesse Herron Kennedy Jr. Republicans: A.J. Holloway, Michael Janus, Connie Rockco Councilmember, Ward 1 Democrats: George W. Lawrence Republicans: August H. Parker, Jr. Councilmember, Ward […]

Dillard’s doing huge business at Biloxi store

More than 500 people were waiting in line this morning when Dillard’s, one of the mainstays of Edgewater Mall, held its formal re-opening, and the waiting line, says Edgewater Mall Manager Terry Powell, is indicative of the business that Dillard’s has done since opening its doors on Saturday morning. “Dillard’s had three soft openings besides […]

Harbor work closes boat ramp this week; other news and notes

The boat ramp at the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor will be closed this week to allow contractors to continue overall harbor improvements. Port Division Manager Frankie Duggan said the ramp is expected to be open in time to accommodate weekend boaters. Meantime, boaters should use the ramp at the north end of Lee Street, since […]

Medical program nets $1.36 million in savings for school employees

Employees of the Biloxi Public School District saved more than $1.3 million in medical expenses last year, thanks to a program the school launched in October 2006. Biloxi was the first school district in the state to initiate such a program, and, as a result of its success, similar programs have been launched by Harrison […]

City to host Pitch, Hit & Run Competition

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department will host a free Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run Competition for area youth on Saturday, March 1 at 10 a.m. The competition will be held at the Biloxi Sports Complex located at 765 Wells Drive. Pitch, Hit & Run is open to children ages 7 to […]

Mayor again proposes eminent domain for Porter Avenue site

Mayor A.J. Holloway on Tuesday will again ask members of the Biloxi City Council to authorize eminent domain proceedings to begin to help the city acquire property to be used for a Lighthouse Park. An earlier request for eminent domain died after a 3-3 vote by the council. Councilman Bill Stallworth was absent for that […]

City updates online collection of quality-of-life indicators

Biloxi’s population is down an estimated 12 percent since Hurricane Katrina, but the number of residents is expected to surge by 20 percent over pre-Katrina levels during the next couple of years. The population estimates, the first formal post-Katrina ackowledgement by the city, are among the dozens of facts and figures found in the newly […]

Council eyes land for Lighthouse Park; other news and notes

Mayor A.J. Holloway this afternoon will be asking the City Council to approve the $576,000 purchase of beachfront property for the city’s proposed Visitors Center and Lighthouse Park project. The purchase — $572,000 in all, or $30 a square foot – would involve the land where a BP Station once stood, which is a site […]

Planning Commission meeting moved to City Hall

The Biloxi Planning Commission, which usually meets in the auditorium of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Municipal Building, will meet at City Hall on Thursday to accommodate what is expected to be a larger-than-usual turnout. During the 2 p.m., planning commissioners are expected to hear details of a proposal for a mixed-use subdivision, Bay […]

City seeks nominations for outstanding volunteers

Hundreds of people and dozens of groups donate countless hours and weekends to support community endeavors throughout the year in Biloxi, and the city is preparing to honor these efforts in the 25th annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, which takes place Thursday, April 30 at the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center. The city is now […]

City to hold registration for baseball, girls softball

The Biloxi Parks and Recreation Department will hold registration for Biloxi Little League Baseball and Biloxi Girls Softball on Saturday, Feb. 9 and Saturday, Feb. 16 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Donal Snyder Community Center, 2520 Pass Road. The Biloxi Little League Baseball is open to boys ages 5 to 16 whose birthdate […]

Council to eye historic properties; weekend preview; other news and notes

The Biloxi City Council meets on Tuesday to discuss three holdover issues: a hearing to hear an appeal from beachfront property owner Hayes Bolton, the second reading of an ordinance to amend the city’s registry of historic properties, and a request to reduce a setback requirement for a proposed coffeehouse on Cedar Lake Road. The […]

The week of history in Biloxi; other news and notes

Reminder: Two history-related events are unfolding in Biloxi this week, as the city marks the 309th anniversary of the landing of the explorer D’Iberville in Biloxi. —The Mississippi Coast Historical & Genealogical Society is sponsoring the 18th annual Mississippi Coast History Week through Thursday at the Biloxi Community Center. —And on Wednesday, coincidentally the actual […]

Biloxi under tornado watch until 6 p.m.; other news and notes

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Biloxi and the surrounding area until 6 this evening. A watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. Besides Harrison County, the watch area includes portions of southeast Louisiana. The weather service said scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected to continue into the […]

Holloway outlines broad program of progress, promise

Mayor A.J. Holloway outlined dozens of recovery and improvement projects either underway or in the works during his State of the City address today, and he also said the city is moving forward on major projects that were being talked about before the storm, particularly east-west and north-south traffic corridors.. “It’s been 29 months and […]

“We’re making progress each and every day”

Mayor A.J. Holloway outlined dozens of recovery and improvement projects either underway or in the works during his State of the City address today, and he also said the city is moving forward on major projects that were being talked about before the storm, particularly east-west and north-south traffic corridors. “It’s been 29 months and […]

City Council preview; fresh aerial photos; weekend preview

Property issues dominate the agenda for next week’s Biloxi City Council meeting. Councilmembers, who gather at 1:30 Tuesday at City Hall, face an agenda of 32 measures, including approvals for final plats for neighborhood subdivisions, curb cut variances and an appeal of a decision regarding beachfront property. Hayes Bolton, whose front beach property has been […]

CTA to christen new buses; parade photos; other news and notes

Coast Transit Authority will christen nine new demand-response buses Friday at 10 a.m. during a ceremony at the downtown Biloxi Transit Center. Mayor A.J. Holloway will join CTA leaders and other elected officials to help christen the buses in the ceremony, which is open to the public. The Biloxi Transit Center is on Reynoir Street, […]

Police to limit traffic on I-110, U.S. 90

Biloxi police officers will begin implementing their Mardi Gras traffic plan this morning around 10:30, closing I-110 to southbound traffic at Division Street and reducing parts of U.S. 90 to two-lane traffic on its southernmost lanes. Each Mardi Gras, police limit travel on downtown streets as tens of thousands of paradegoers gather for the annual […]

Mardi Gras parade rolls Tuesday; other news and notes

Tens of thousands of paradegoers are expected to gather in downtown Biloxi on Fat Tuesday for the annual Gulf Coast Carnival Association parade. The 100-unit procession will begin at 1 p.m. and wind its way through the streets from Main Street on the east and Porter Avenue on the west. To see the parade route, […]

Weather Service issues tornado watch until 7 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 7 this evening for Biloxi and Harrison County. A tornado watch means that the National Weather Service believes conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. Earlier today, Biloxi Emergency Management coordinator Linda Atterberry reported that a low […]

Council to discuss apartment issue at special meeting; other news and notes

The Biloxi City Council, in a special meeting on Wednesday afternoon, will discuss the proposed addition of 88 units at the Arbor Place Apartments off Popp’s Ferry Road. The meeting will begin at 2:30 p.m. at Biloxi City Hall. Three other zoning measures also are on the agenda. The Arbor Place proposal requires a zoning […]

History week planned for Feb. 10-16 at Biloxi Community Center

The Mississippi Coast Historical & Genealogical Society will sponsor the 18th annual Mississippi Coast History Week Feb. 10-16. It will be co-sponsored by the City of Biloxi. February 13 will mark the 309th anniversary of the landing of the explorer D’Iberville in present-day Biloxi. To commemorate the occasion, the Most Rev. Thomas J. Rodi, Bishop […]

Holloway: Planner should be more respectful to Biloxi residents

Mayor A.J. Holloway says he takes exception to insensitive comments made by New Urbanist Andres Duany in a one-source story that appears in today’s Sun Herald. Duany, who spent two weeks in Biloxi during the governor’s post-Katrina charettes, is quoted as having said the community has “basically committed suicide” with big, bland and boxy buildings. […]

State of the City luncheon headed for sell out

Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce leaders report that only a couple hundred seats remain for Mayor A.J. Holloway’s Feb. 11 State of the City address. The chamber-sponsored luncheon will be held at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. “We’re expecting it to be another sold-out audience,” Chamber Director Tina Ross-Seamans said, “so we encouraging anyone […]

City makes case for Cyberspace Command at Keesler

Mayor A.J. Holloway announced today that the city is working to have Keesler be named as headquarters for a new war-fighting tool of the Air Force, Cyberspace Command. The new command, which will be tasked with protecting both military and civilian areas of the Internet, will involve a three-star general, a two-star general, several one-star […]

Police to open satellite office at mall; other news and notes

Members of the Biloxi Police Department will hold a grand opening on Saturday for a new satellite office at Edgewater Mall. The public is invited to attend the 10 a.m.-to-2 p.m. affair, which will be similar to the department’s annual Night Out Against Crime and will feature free hamburgers, hot dogs, soft drinks, activities for […]

Biloxi casino industry passes billion-dollar mark

Biloxi’s casino industry reported its largest ever annual gross gaming revenue in 2007, more than a billion dollars, according to figures compiled by the city today. The city’s eight casinos reported total gross gaming revenue of $1.007 billion for 2007, a year in which nine months saw revenue of more than $80 million, including an […]

MDA wraps up east Biloxi visit Saturday

The Mississippi Development Authority will end its three-day visit to east Biloxi on Saturday with a session from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the East Biloxi Coordination Relief and Redevelopment Agency. MDA staffers will accept applications and provide grant status updates for homeowners who experienced flood-surge damage as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The […]

Tornado watch issued for south Mississippi

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Biloxi and four south Mississippi counties through 7 o’clock this evening. A warning means that conditions are favorable for the creation of a tornado or strong winds. The warning, which also includes 13 parishes in south Louisiana, was issued as a strong upper level disturbance […]

Holloway, no Senator he, gives update to Rotary

Mayor A.J. Holloway gave members of the Biloxi Rotary Club an update on myriad city projects – and a scare of sorts during his luncheon speech today. “I intended to give you a progress report today,” Holloway said, “but I feel compelled to make an announcement. I’ve been mayor for a number of years now, […]

Holloway on tonight’s championship game; other news and notes

Mayor A.J. Holloway, no stranger to college football dynasties and national championships, said he expects LSU to use its talent and dome-field advantage to defeat Ohio State in the national championship game this evening at the Louisiana Superdome. “Now if you were to ask me who I wanted to win that might be a different […]

Development Authority to visit east Biloxi; other news and notes

The Mississippi Development Authority will have staff members in east Biloxi next week to accept applications and provide grant status updates for homeowners who experienced flood-surge damage as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The three-day visit, which was arranged after a request by Ward 1 Councilmember George Lawrence, will be at the East Biloxi Coordination […]

City Council meets this afternoon

The Biloxi City Council, in its first meeting of the New Year, will consider three zoning issues and measures involving a host of ongoing city projects. During a 1:30 meeting this afternoon at City Hall, council members will consider variances involving property issues on Water Street, Bayview Avenue and in Biloxi Commerce Park. Also on […]

2007, as monumental as it was, sets the stage for a great 2008

Here is Mayor A.J. Holloway’s year-end message, which appeared in the Dec. 27 issue of The Biloxi-D’Iberville Press. By Mayor A.J. Holloway As we bring down the curtain on another year of significant milestones and accomplishment, the progress we’ve made and the economic indicators promise an even greater year in 2008. Consider some of the […]

News and notes: Sculpting, causeway lighting, Bolton case

Here are notes and notes about a trio of municipal issues: More artwork: Marlin Miller, the Fort Walton Beach wood sculptor who’s volunteering his time and talent to create sculptures from dead tree trunks on Beach Boulevard in Biloxi, will be back in town this weekend to create more works of art. To see photos […]

Biloxi casinos, with a month to go, set new yearly record

The December numbers won’t be in until mid-January, but the Biloxi casino industry has already shattered all annual gaming records, grossing more than $929 million in the 11 months of 2007. The previous high for gross gaming revenue in a year was 2004, when Biloxi casinos reported a total gross gaming revenue of $911.4 million. […]