Biloxi could see a new software training center open next year, offering one-year courses where graduates could be assured jobs paying at least $50,000 a year.
It’s part of Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich’s plan to see the new center, known as a “coding academy”, established in Biloxi where high school graduates would learn to write computer code for software programs. The academy, which would be the Coast’s site in a statewide network, would begin in 2019 and have a class of between 15 and 20 students.
Under the mayor’s plan, the center would be supported by the private sector and the state.
The mayor will give the City Council details on the proposal Tuesday afternoon during a meeting where councilmembers also will be briefed on an initiative to provide incentives to developers to create 20 downtown housing units. Also on the agenda is discussion of a downtown facade program, as well as moving forward on master planning for Biloxi’s waterfront at Point Cadet.
All of the measures – except for the Point Cadet proposal – received an initial OK by the City Council last week, but more details are expected during the meeting Tuesday afternoon.
The council also will meet Tuesday morning at 9:30 to discuss bed and breakfast operations in the city.
See the special meeting agendas
The week that was: A rise in fires for BFD
Last week the Biloxi Fire Department answered 160 calls for service, including 95 medical emergencies and 10 fire calls. The fire responses included a cooking fire, a vehicle fire, a camper fire, two debris fires, one equipment fire and four vegetation fires.
Meantime, the Biloxi Police Department answered 2,375 calls for service, the Engineering Department continued with a host of ongoing projects, and the Community Development Department issued 81 building permits with a construction valuation of more than $1.2 million.
See the complete report
News & Notes: First Friday, Football and Cheerleading Registration
First Friday: The August edition of First Friday, taking place along Rue Magnolia and Water Street Friday from 5 to 8 p.m., will include extended business hours, Mississippi Beach Cruisers’ Cruise-In, music by Megan Trochesset and more. To see the event flyer, click here.
Football and Cheer registration: The City of Biloxi Parks & Recreation Department will hold registration for its cheerleading and football leagues on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Donal M. Snyder Sr. Community Center. Registration will also take place on Saturday, Aug. 11. To see the registration flyer, click here.
