Oscar Renda Contracting, the firm that’s rebuilding infrastructure on 55 miles of streets in east Biloxi, reports that permanent asphalt will be on Back Bay Boulevard from Oak to Lee in the next week and you can expect to see asphalt going down on Division Street beginning in the middle of October.
The milestones on the two major east-west roadways were announced in a new progress report video filmed by the city on Friday and posted online today.
The company also reports that boring is scheduled to begin to install sewer lines on Division Street under I-110, which will allow workers to connect sewer lines the entire length of Division Street. The Division Street sewer line, which workers have been installing at east and west end of the roadway, must be installed before paving can begin on Division and connecting roadways.
See the two-minute status video
Firefighters promote fire safety
The Biloxi Fire Department is preparing for its annual October campaign, “Turn your Attention to Fire Prevention,” where teams of firefighters will be canvasing neighborhoods in an effort to make sure Biloxi homes have working smoke detectors.
“Every year we partner up with the American Red Cross to install free smoke detectors,” said Vincent Payne, the department’s deputy chief for Fire Prevention. “We will be installing smoke detectors on three Saturdays, Oct. 1, 15 and 29.”
In addition to installing smoke detectors, firefighters will be checking already-installed smoked detectors and offer free safety tips to homeowners.
“Last year we installed 144 smoke detectors,” Fire Chief Joe Boney said.  “But, this is not just about smoke detectors. It’s about safety. Mississippi ranks No. 2 in the nation for fire deaths, behind Washington, D.C.”
Throughout October, firefighters will also be participating in several community events, such as the Biloxi Community Festival Against Crime on Saturday at the Point Cadet Plaza, as well as conducting fire safety presentations in Biloxi schools.
Biloxi residents interested in having a home visit or a free smoke detector should call the Biloxi fire chief’s office at 228-435-6200.
See smoke detector safety tips
News and notes
The week that was: The city is moving forward with an initiative that is designed to create more healthcare-related businesses in the downtown area, near Merit Health. To read about this and to see other highlights from last week in the departments of Fire, Police and Community Development, click here.
Budget meeting: The Biloxi City Council meets Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at City Hall. To see the agendas for each meeting, click here.
Blessed are the animals: The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer will conduct its annual Blessing of Animals service at the church on Sunday at 2 p.m. The church is at 1904 Popp’s Ferry Road and will also be gladly accepting donations for the Humane Society of South Mississippi. Details: 228-594-2100.
Pumpkin patch: With Halloween just around the corner, Pass Road motorists know what means: The Church of the Redeemer’s annual Pumpkin Patch. The pumpkin patch is scheduled to begin this weekend, with weekend hours from noon to 7 p.m. and weekday hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.through the month of October.  Schools or daycare groups interested in scheduling field trips should call the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer at 228-594-2100.
