Police Chief John Miller is hoping the public will respect the city’s long-standing ordinance prohibiting the discharging of fireworks, particularly this year, because violators could be arrested and face fines as much as $240.
Biloxi officers respond to an increasing number of complaints about noisy fireworks each year in the days leading up to the Fourth of July, but the response will be different this year, the chief said.
“In the past, it’s been primarily a noise issue,” Miller said. “In many cases, the juveniles would be brought to their parents, and there might be a slap on the wrist. With the issues that we’re facing this year because of the dry conditions, it’s much more than a noise issue. Officers are going to be far less tolerant. In fact, we’re warning people that violations of the fireworks ordinance will be considered a serious offense. Tickets will be written and arrests could be made.”
Although Biloxi prohibits the use of fireworks in city limits, Harrison County, where fireworks are ordinarily allowed, has said that residents will be able to use fireworks only on the sand beach from 5 p.m. on July 1 through midnight on July 4.
Biloxi Fire Chief David Roberts said that at least one grass fire in east Biloxi has been attributed to fireworks.
Biloxi fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. on July 4
Biloxi’s Fourth of July fireworks display, a huge extravaganza funded by Biloxi businesses and the city, will take place July 4 at 9 p.m.
The show will be fired from Deer Island and best viewing will be along the beachfront from the Biloxi Lighthouse to Point Cadet.
News and notes
Scrapin’ the Coast: Those barricades positioned intermittently along U.S. 90 in west Biloxi are in preparation for this weekend’s Scrapin’ the Coast car and truck show. Police say motorists should expect heavy and slow-moving traffic, particularly between the host sites, the Coast Coliseum and Treasure Bay Casino Resort. For more about the event, click here.
Webcasting: Four Points GM and tourism insider Kenny Glavan guests on this week’s City Desk webcast. The program includes a roundup of city news, plus Glavan’s take on the pedestrian overpass planned at the I-110 loop, a national award for the Four Points, and the state of local tourism in general. To listen to the 19-minute program click here, and to see crosswalks from Biloxi’s past, click here.
