The “No Fireworks” signs will be going up on east beach in Biloxi today, signaling what could be a new tradition for the city’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show.
The fireworks-free zone on the mile-long stretch of the beach from the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor to Oak Street is part of a weekend that will actually see three fireworks shows: one on Back Bay Sunday, between the IP Casino Resort and Scarlet Pearl in D’Iberville; and two on Monday, one at 9 p.m., fired from a barge near Deer Island south of Lee Street and another show at MGM Park after the night’s Shuckers game.
“We’re going to have a number of firsts for the Fourth, and we think it’s going to be great,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich said. “The fireworks-free zone is going to enhance the enjoyment of the city fireworks show, and this is the first time that I can remember that we’re having three Fourth of July fireworks shows.”
Biloxi Police are reminding motorists to expect heavy and slow-moving traffic throughout the weekend, but especially in the times leading up to and after the fireworks shows.
“Please remember that we’ll have more pedestrians out there this weekend, especially on Highway 90,” said Biloxi Police Chief John Miller. “Give yourself plenty of time, drive defensively and be courteous. Park only in parking bays, be respectful of private property, and, by all means, if you bring something to the beach, please take it with you when you leave. We want everyone to have a great Fourth, and a safe Fourth.”
Elsewhere: Don’t forget Main Street Biloxi has its “Finally, First Friday!” soiree in downtown Biloxi this evening, highlighted by the Biloxi Bay Chamber ribbon-cutting for Almost Circle Gallery, just north of Mary Mahoney’s, at 5 p.m. Also, this weekend, you’ll find Toby Keith performing on the Great Lawn at Harrah’s, the Eli Young Band at IP, Hunter Hayes at Hard Rock, “BraVeau” at the Beau Rivage, and the Shuckers are in town.
See the weekend entertainment lineup
News and notes
Holiday schedule, No. 1: Waste Pro, the company that picks up garbage, trash and recycling countywide, has an adjusted schedule next week to accommodate the Fourth of July holiday. In Biloxi, it’s only a slight change: the typical Friday recycling and trash pickup will occur on Saturday.
Holiday schedule, No. 2: Non-emergency municipal offices in Biloxi will be closed Monday for the Independence Day holiday. Those offices will resume their normal hours on Tuesday.
City Council: City Attorney and Development Counsel Gerald Blessey will present a proposal for working-class housing in east Biloxi during the City Council meeting on Tuesday evening at 6. The council’s agenda includes more than two-dozen issues, but not the proposed nomination of Paul Tisdale as the city’s new CAO. Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, aware that the nomination will trigger several issues, including a specific deadlines for a special election in west Biloxi, is intent on moving forward with the nomination in a timely manner. To see the complete agenda for Tuesday, click here.
Traffic update: Reminder to motorists that Irish Hill Drive, beset with gas company utility work over the past several weeks, will be completely open to traffic until Tuesday, when detours resume. To see the Public Works Department weekday Traffic Update column, click here.
Podcast: If you missed the City Desk podcast recorded Thursday, it’s still online, with comments from Chief Administrative Officer David Nichols on his imminent departure, and Police Chief John Miller’s tips to enjoy the Fourth. Listen to the program by clicking here.
